US3963326A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Data display panels
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-03-05
•
Granted: 1976-06-15
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Expires: 1994-03-05
Abstract
Abstract A module, for a data display panel, comprising a number of elements, each separately controllable to be selectively illuminated or extinguished so as to display any one of a plurality of symbols. The transmission of light to each of the elements of the module is controlled by an individual occulting or blanking member. Each element comprises an optical light transmission system having an input end with a source surface, the illumination of which is controlled by its individual blanking member and an output end with an image surface which reproduces the state of illumination of the source surface. The image surfaces are preferably contiguous with the source surfaces spaced apart. Each image surface may have a different area to its associated source surface and such surfaces may occupy arbitrary relative positions, i.e. not necessarily being directly opposed to one another.
Inventors
- 👤 Claude-Charles Buchert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 06:56
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F9/00; G09F9/30; G09F9/37; G09F9/377; G09F13/00; G09F13/34; G09F9/375
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
A module for a display panel, comprising: a. a plurality of distinct on-and-off optical systems, b. each system including an input end, light control means, an output end light transmitting means, c. said input end including a source surface facing inwardly of said module, d. said light control means optically associated with said source surface to control the illumination by a light source for selectively illuminating and obscuring said source surface, e. said output end being spaced from said input end and including an image surface facing outwardly of said module, f. said image surface being non-coextensive with said source surface, with the plurality of image surfaces being contiguous and having various shapes and sized areas to form a cohesive, substantially continuous display area, g. said light transmitting means extending between said source surface and said image surface for reverberating the illuminated or obscured state of said source surface to said image surface thereby bringing said image surface to a corresponding state of illumination or obscurity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
A module for a display panel, comprising: a. a plurality of distinct on-and-off optical systems, b. each system including an input end, light control means, an output end light transmitting means, c. said input end including a source surface facing inwardly of said module, d. said light control means optically associated with said source surface to control the illumination by a light source for selectively illuminating and obscuring said source surface, e. said output end being spaced from said input end and including an image surface facing outwardly of said module, f. said image surface being non-coextensive with said source surface, with the plurality of image surfaces being contiguous and having various shapes and sized areas to form a cohesive, substantially continuous display area, g. said light transmitting means extending between said source surface and said image surface for reverberating the illuminated or obscured state of said source surface to said image surface thereby bringing said image surface to a corresponding state of illumination or obscurity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
A module as claimed in claim 1, wherein said source surface and said image surface are in substantially eccentric relation with respect to one another whereby the optical axes of the respective surfaces are out of register with respect to each other.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the geometrical shapes of said source and image surfaces are at variance with one another.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sizes of said source and images surfaces differ substantially form one another.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
A module as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light transmitting means comprises a solid block of substantial optical material with said source surface and said image surface being disposed at opposite sides thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
59 words
A module as claimed in claim 5, wherein said light control means comprises an optical obturator positioned externally of said solid block of substantial optical material and movable adjacent said source surface, the consecutive source surfaces in said module are spaced apart from each other to provide operative room sufficient for accommodating for the corresponding movable obturator associated therewith.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
A module as claimed in claim 6, wherein said source surface are substantially smaller in size than said image surfaces, and
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
1 said solid block of substantial optical material is designed to act as an optical expander.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
1 said solid block of substantial optical material is designed to act as an optical expander.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
A module as claimed in claim 7, wherein each optical system includes an optical condenser positioned ahead of said optical expander in the path of light through said system.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
A module as claimed in claim 5, wherein said light transmitting means includes a reflective coating formed on the lateral side of said solid block intermediate said source surface and said image surface.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
A module as claimed in claim, wherein said light transmitting means comprises a wall bounding a space separating said source surface from said image surface, and a reflective coating lining said wall.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
A module as claimed in claim 1, wherein said source surfaces are composed of physically solid material.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
104 words
A module for a display panel, comprising: a. a plurality of distinct on-and-off optical systems for the transmission of light along a non-rectilinear optical path between an inwardly facing input end and an outwardly facing output end, b. said input and output ends being non-coextensive and eccentric with respect to each other, and c. controllable means respectively associated with each of said optical systems to control the illumination by a light source for selectively illuminating and obscuring said input end thereof, d. the plurality of output ends having various shapes and sized areas that are contiguous and form a cohesive, substantially continuous display area.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
104 words
A module for a display panel, comprising: a. a plurality of distinct on-and-off optical systems for the transmission of light along a non-rectilinear optical path between an inwardly facing input end and an outwardly facing output end, b. said input and output ends being non-coextensive and eccentric with respect to each other, and c. controllable means respectively associated with each of said optical systems to control the illumination by a light source for selectively illuminating and obscuring said input end thereof, d. the plurality of output ends having various shapes and sized areas that are contiguous and form a cohesive, substantially continuous display area.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-06-15 | 1979-12-15 | 1980-06-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-06-15 | 1983-12-15 | 1984-06-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-06-15 | 1987-12-15 | 1988-06-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |