US3673451A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Luminous gas alphanumeric display device
Assignee: Unisys Corp
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Filing: 1969-09-30
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Granted: 1972-06-27
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Expires: 1989-09-30
Abstract
Abstract An array of luminous gas portions of a common envelope is used to present an alphanumeric display. The common envelope has a plurality of openings arranged in a matrix-like configuration. Each opening has a central conductor, while a common conductor encircles all of the central conductors. The selective application of a predetermined potential between one of the central conductors and the common conductors causes the luminous gas in the envelope surrounding the selected conductor to glow. By simultaneously applying the potential to a selected plurality of central conductors and the common conductor a luminous display is provided.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond W Tackett
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 13:26
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J17/00; H01J17/38; H01J17/48; H01J17/49; H01J17/491
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
A luminous display device comprising a sealed envelope having planar sides with a mass of luminous ionizing gas passing entirely therethrough, a plurality of hollow electrically conductive cylinders completely penetrating said sealed envelope, a corresponding plurality of connecting conductors respectively connected to each cylinder on one of said planar sides, a common conductor positioned on the other planar side in a manner to encircle each of said cylinders, such that the area between each of the cylinders and the common conductor may be selectively illuminated by the simultaneous application of a predetermined voltage between particular selected cylinders and the common conductor to thereby display a plurality of alphanumeric characters.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
A luminous display device comprising a sealed envelope having planar sides with a mass of luminous ionizing gas passing entirely therethrough, a plurality of hollow electrically conductive cylinders completely penetrating said sealed envelope, a corresponding plurality of connecting conductors respectively connected to each cylinder on one of said planar sides, a common conductor positioned on the other planar side in a manner to encircle each of said cylinders, such that the area between each of the cylinders and the common conductor may be selectively illuminated by the simultaneous application of a predetermined voltage between particular selected cylinders and the common conductor to thereby display a plurality of alphanumeric characters.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The luminous display device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said hollow, electrically conductive cylinders are solid conductors arranged in a matrix-like configuration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
The luminous display device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said commonly connected conductor is a single conductive sheet of material positioned on the opposite planar side from said conductors connected to said cylinder, said conductive sheet having a circumferential opening around each of said hollow cylinders.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The luminous display device as set forth in claim 3 wherein said single conductive sheet of material is plated upon said opposite planar side.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-06-27 | 1975-12-27 | 1976-06-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-27 | 1979-12-27 | 1980-06-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-27 | 1983-12-27 | 1984-06-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |