US3717867A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Display device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-01-20
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Granted: 1973-02-20
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Expires: 1991-01-20
Abstract
Abstract A device utilizing a minimum number of switches which will convert a signal from one of a plurality of inputs to a visual display. Light emitting elements are connected in series to a current source such that all elements are normally energized until a figure is selected for display. Figures are displayed in response to a signal from one of the input conductors by means of switches arranged to shunt unwanted elements. This arrangement allows several contiguous elements to be shut off by a single switch.
Inventors
- 👤 W Rosenzweig
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 22:04
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09G; G09G3/00; G09G3/04; G09G3/06; G09G3/12; G09G3/14; H; H03; H03K; H03K21/00; H03K21/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
157 words
A device for displaying figures in response to a signal at one of a plurality of input conductors comprising: a plurality of display elements coupled in series to a current source, said elements being illuminated when energized by said current source and physically arranged so as to display a desired figure when a predetermined combination of said elements is de-energized; a plurality of input conductors for selecting a predetermined combination of said elements; and means for de-energizing predetermined combinations of said elements each comprising switching means coupled to one of said input conductors and coupled in parallel to said combination of elements, individual switching means being coupled in parallel to a plurality of elements of said combination which are contiguous in said series circuit, such that when a signal is applied to said input conductor the switching means will shunt the predetermined combination of elements to display the figure represented by the signal to said input conductor.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
157 words
A device for displaying figures in response to a signal at one of a plurality of input conductors comprising: a plurality of display elements coupled in series to a current source, said elements being illuminated when energized by said current source and physically arranged so as to display a desired figure when a predetermined combination of said elements is de-energized; a plurality of input conductors for selecting a predetermined combination of said elements; and means for de-energizing predetermined combinations of said elements each comprising switching means coupled to one of said input conductors and coupled in parallel to said combination of elements, individual switching means being coupled in parallel to a plurality of elements of said combination which are contiguous in said series circuit, such that when a signal is applied to said input conductor the switching means will shunt the predetermined combination of elements to display the figure represented by the signal to said input conductor.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
157 words
A device for displaying figures in response to a signal at one of a plurality of input conductors comprising: a plurality of display elements coupled in series to a current source, said elements being illuminated when energized by said current source and physically arranged so as to display a desired figure when a predetermined combination of said elements is de-energized; a plurality of input conductors for selecting a predetermined combination of said elements; and means for de-energizing predetermined combinations of said elements each comprising switching means coupled to one of said input conductors and coupled in parallel to said combination of elements, individual switching means being coupled in parallel to a plurality of elements of said combination which are contiguous in said series circuit, such that when a signal is applied to said input conductor the switching means will shunt the predetermined combination of elements to display the figure represented by the signal to said input conductor.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
157 words
A device for displaying figures in response to a signal at one of a plurality of input conductors comprising: a plurality of display elements coupled in series to a current source, said elements being illuminated when energized by said current source and physically arranged so as to display a desired figure when a predetermined combination of said elements is de-energized; a plurality of input conductors for selecting a predetermined combination of said elements; and means for de-energizing predetermined combinations of said elements each comprising switching means coupled to one of said input conductors and coupled in parallel to said combination of elements, individual switching means being coupled in parallel to a plurality of elements of said combination which are contiguous in said series circuit, such that when a signal is applied to said input conductor the switching means will shunt the predetermined combination of elements to display the figure represented by the signal to said input conductor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein the display elements each comprise a light emitting diode associated with a reflector.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein the switching means comprise transistors.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
161 words
A device for displaying numerals in response to a signal at one of a plurality of input conductors comprising: seven display elements coupled in series to a current source, said elements being illuminated when energized by said current source and physically arranged so as to display the number ''''8'''' when all elements are energized and other numerals when a predetermined combination of said elements is de-energized; nine input conductors for selecting a predetermined combination of said elements; and means for de-energizing predetermined combinations of said elements each comprising switching means coupled to one of said input conductors and coupled in parallel to said combination of elements, individual switching means being coupled in parallel to a plurality of elements of said combination which are contiguous in said series circuit, such that when a signal is applied to said input conductor the switching means will shunt the predetermined combination of elements to display the number represented by the signal to said input conductor.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
161 words
A device for displaying numerals in response to a signal at one of a plurality of input conductors comprising: seven display elements coupled in series to a current source, said elements being illuminated when energized by said current source and physically arranged so as to display the number ''''8'''' when all elements are energized and other numerals when a predetermined combination of said elements is de-energized; nine input conductors for selecting a predetermined combination of said elements; and means for de-energizing predetermined combinations of said elements each comprising switching means coupled to one of said input conductors and coupled in parallel to said combination of elements, individual switching means being coupled in parallel to a plurality of elements of said combination which are contiguous in said series circuit, such that when a signal is applied to said input conductor the switching means will shunt the predetermined combination of elements to display the number represented by the signal to said input conductor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device according to claim 4 wherein the display elements each comprise a light emitting diode associated with a reflector.
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) | 1976-02-20 | 1976-08-21 | 1977-02-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-20 | 1980-08-21 | 1981-02-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-20 | 1984-08-21 | 1985-02-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |