Information display devices

Claim 1

A display matrix, comprising (a) a generally planar support (1) containing a plurality of display elements; (b) a plurality of display members (S) rotatably connected with said support associated with said display elements, respectively, said display members being rotatable between first and second positions to alter the appearance of the display elements; (c) a plurality of permanent magnets (M) connected with said display members, respectively; (d) first ferromagnetic members (L) connected with said display members, respectively, in spaced relation from said permanent magnets; (e) actuating means connected with said support for rotating said display members between said first and second positions, said actuating means including (1) second ferromagnetic members (D) arranged adjacent said permanent magnets, respectively, at least when said display members are in said first positions; and (2) first coil means (R) connected with a group of said second ferromagnetic members to magnetize said group of second ferromagnetic members upon energization of said first coil means to urge rotation of a group of adjacent display members by interaction with the adjacent permanent magnets; and (f) current controlled holding means connected with said support for selectively retaining display members against rotation in response to said actuating means, said holding means including (1) third ferromagnetic members (H) connected with said support and arranged adjacent said first ferromagnetic members, respectively, at least when said display members are in said first position; and (2) second coil means (C) connected with a set of said third ferromagnetic members arranged so that selective predetermined energization of said second coil means prevents, by interaction between said set of third ferromagnetic members and adjacent first ferromagnetic members, rotation of selected display members of said group that are urged to rotate by energization of said first coil means.