US3763586A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Display apparatus
Assignee: Rank Organization Ltd
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Filing: 1971-12-22
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Granted: 1973-10-09
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Expires: 1991-12-22
Abstract
Abstract A symbol display device comprises a pile of lamina each formed with grooves extending from one edge to another edge and light guides resting in the grooves. The laminae are so orientated in the pile that the light guides extend from one face of the pile of laminae to another face. The ends of the light guides at one face are disposed to define at least one symbol or portion of a symbol and the other ends are so grouped that the ends of each group are capable of receiving light from a single light source. Arrangements are made to enable two light guides lying in individual grooves in the same surface of one lamina to cross one another.
Inventors
- 👤 M Western
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 19:37
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F9/00; G09F9/30; G09F9/305; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/26; G02B6/28; G02B6/2804
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
A symbol display device comprising a pile of laminae in which each of a plurality of selected laminae is formed on at least one face with a groove which has a front end terminating at one edge of said selected lamina and a rear end terminating at another edge of said selected lamina, the laminae being so orientated that the front ends of all the grooves are at one face of the pile of laminae constituting the display face of the display device, and are so disposed relative to each other that they define discrete points on at least one symbol or portion of a symbol to be displayed, the lamina adjacent the face of each selected lamina having a groove therein cooperating with that groove to define a passage, a light guide being located in each passage, each light guide having a front end located at said front face of the pile of lamina and a rear end, all the rear ends of the light guides pertaining to the same symbol or portion of a symbol being grouped in proximity to one another so as to be capable of receiving light from a single common light source.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
198 words
A symbol display device comprising a pile of laminae in which each of a plurality of selected laminae is formed on at least one face with a groove which has a front end terminating at one edge of said selected lamina and a rear end terminating at another edge of said selected lamina, the laminae being so orientated that the front ends of all the grooves are at one face of the pile of laminae constituting the display face of the display device, and are so disposed relative to each other that they define discrete points on at least one symbol or portion of a symbol to be displayed, the lamina adjacent the face of each selected lamina having a groove therein cooperating with that groove to define a passage, a light guide being located in each passage, each light guide having a front end located at said front face of the pile of lamina and a rear end, all the rear ends of the light guides pertaining to the same symbol or portion of a symbol being grouped in proximity to one another so as to be capable of receiving light from a single common light source.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
76 words
A display device as claimed in claim 1 in which the front ends of the grooves are arranged in groups defining discrete points on respective symbols or portions of symbols, all the rear ends of the light guides in the grooves pertaining to the respective symbols or portions of symbols being correspondingly grouped in proximity to one another so as to be capable of receiving light from single light sources, each individual to a respective group.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 in which all the rear ends of the light guides of each group are disposed in a linear formation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A device as claimed in claim 3 incorporating a light source for each group of light guide rear ends constituted by a tubular lamp.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device as claimed in claim 4 incorporating a lamp block fitted with lamp holders for receiving tubular lamps, one for each group of light guide rear ends.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
150 words
A device as claimed in claim 1 in which two light guides contained in individual grooves in the same face of the same lamina cross one another at a crossing point, the groove containing the light guide which is to pass under the other light guide being formed to become gradually deeper as it approaches said crossing point from both sides and at said crossing point is at least twice its normal depth and the contiguous lamina is formed with ramps of gradually increasing height disposed to fit into said gradually deepening groove in the first-mentioned lamina so that the height of the passage formed between the bottom of said gradually deepening groove and said contiguous lamina remains constant throughout its length except at said crossing point where the ramp is interrupted to provide a continuity of the groove containing the light guide which is uppermost at said crossing point.
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) | 1976-10-08 | 1977-04-09 | 1977-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-08 | 1981-04-09 | 1981-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-08 | 1985-04-09 | 1985-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |