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US3869637A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Alpha-numeric display device utilizing light emitting diodes
Assignee: Sony Corp
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Filing: 1973-04-24
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Granted: 1975-03-04
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Expires: 1993-04-24
Abstract
Abstract An alpha-numeric character display device is formed on a transparent plate having a plurality of coplanar opaque layers covering the plate. The opaque layers have windows therethrough which are located so as to display an alpha-numeric character. A plurality of light emitting diodes are mounted on the opaque layer. Layers of light transmitting material extend from the diodes above the opaque layer up to and through the windows. Each diode has a PN junction lying parallel to the transparent plate. A novel method of forming this diode is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Setsuo Usui
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 19:27
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F9/00; G09F9/30; G09F9/33
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
An alpha-numeric character display device comprising, a planar transparent plAte, a first opaque planar layer attached to said transparent plate and formed with windows arranged to form a plurality of display units with each unit having a number of windows arranged to selectively indicate a number of desired numbers or characters, a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on said first opaque layer outside of said display units and mounted so as not to overlie said windows and at least one diode associated with each of said windows, a plurality of light transmitting planar layers formed over said first opaque layer and each covering one of said windows and extending to the diode associated with each of said windows such that light emitted by said diodes will pass parallel to said planar transparent plate, a second opaque layer covering said light transmitting planar layers such that light emitted from said diodes will be emitted from said windows, and electrical energizing means connected to said diodes to selectively energize them to produce a desired indication.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
174 words
An alpha-numeric character display device comprising, a planar transparent plAte, a first opaque planar layer attached to said transparent plate and formed with windows arranged to form a plurality of display units with each unit having a number of windows arranged to selectively indicate a number of desired numbers or characters, a plurality of light emitting diodes mounted on said first opaque layer outside of said display units and mounted so as not to overlie said windows and at least one diode associated with each of said windows, a plurality of light transmitting planar layers formed over said first opaque layer and each covering one of said windows and extending to the diode associated with each of said windows such that light emitted by said diodes will pass parallel to said planar transparent plate, a second opaque layer covering said light transmitting planar layers such that light emitted from said diodes will be emitted from said windows, and electrical energizing means connected to said diodes to selectively energize them to produce a desired indication.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
An alpha-numeric character display device according to claim 1, in which said windows are larger than their associated diodes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
An alpha-numeric character display device according to claim 1, in which the plane of each diode is triangular.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
An alpha-numeric character display device according to claim 1, in which said first opaque layer is formed of a conductive metal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
An alpha-numeric character display device according to claim 4, in which said opaque layers are is highly reflective.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
An alpha-numeric character display device according to claim 1, wherein said first opaque layer is made of metal and said light emitting diodes are electrically connected to said first opaque layer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
An alpha-numeric character display device according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of light emitting diodes are mounted between the respective display units.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
An alpha-numeric character display device according to claim 1, wherein portions of said second opaque layer opposing said windows behind said light transmitting layers are roughened.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3555335A
Cited
US3746853A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-03 | 1978-09-02 | 1979-03-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-03 | 1982-09-02 | 1983-03-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-03 | 1986-09-02 | 1987-03-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |