Patent US5420828A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5420828A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Viewing screen assembly
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1993-08-27
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Granted: 1995-05-30
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Expires: 2013-08-27
Abstract
Abstract A viewing screen apparatus for helmets or face masks of the type having a viewing area covered by a face plate is disclosed. The apparatus includes an enclosure adapted to be mounted on a helmet or face mask adjacent the face plate, a solid-state flat panel display screen and associated circuitry contained within the sealed enclosure for displaying visual images on the screen responsive to electronic signals, and a signal receiver connected with the screen for enabling the screen to receive electronic signals from an electronic signal transmission source. In one embodiment the enclosure is selectively movable between a viewing position adjacent the face plate and a position out of the wearer's field of vision to allow an unobstructed field of vision through the face plate. In another embodiment the apparatus includes an imaging device adapted to be connected to the helmet or face mask for transmitting electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals to a remote location. The apparatus may be incorporated into various types of helmets and face masks such as underwater diver's helmets and masks, space suit helmets, fire fighters helmets and masks, etc., and allows the wearer to view drawings, text and other information transmitted from a remote source while carrying out tasks in an adverse environment and also allows two way visual communication between two or more persons wearing helmets or masks equipped with the viewing system.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael B. Geiger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 15:12
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B27/00; G02B27/01; G02B27/017; A; A42; A42B; A42B3/00; A42B3/04; A42B3/0406; A42B3/042; B; B63; B63C; B63C11/00; B63C11/02; B63C11/04; B63C11/06; H; H04; H04B; H04B10/00; H04B10/11; H04B13/00; H04B13/02; G02B27/0149; G02B2027/0154; G02B2027/0156
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 35
Claim 1
Independent Claim
194 words
A visual display screen apparatus for helmets or face masks of the type having a viewing area covered by a face plate comprising; a sealed enclosure adapted to be movably mounted on a helmet or face mask adjacent the face plate and having a transparent portion, a solid-state flat panel display screen and associated circuitry contained within said sealed enclosure capable of displaying sharp clear detailed visual images and text on said screen as they appear as seen by the naked eye responsive to electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals, and signal connection means connected with said solid-state flat panel display screen for connecting said screen to an electronic signal transmission source for enabling said screen to receive said electronic signals, said sealed enclosure being selectively movable between a viewing position adjacent the face plate in the wearer's field of vision such that said visual images and text are seen by the wearer through the face plate and said transparent portion of said enclosure and a position out of the wearer's field of vision to allow an unobstructed field of vision through the face plate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
194 words
A visual display screen apparatus for helmets or face masks of the type having a viewing area covered by a face plate comprising; a sealed enclosure adapted to be movably mounted on a helmet or face mask adjacent the face plate and having a transparent portion, a solid-state flat panel display screen and associated circuitry contained within said sealed enclosure capable of displaying sharp clear detailed visual images and text on said screen as they appear as seen by the naked eye responsive to electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals, and signal connection means connected with said solid-state flat panel display screen for connecting said screen to an electronic signal transmission source for enabling said screen to receive said electronic signals, said sealed enclosure being selectively movable between a viewing position adjacent the face plate in the wearer's field of vision such that said visual images and text are seen by the wearer through the face plate and said transparent portion of said enclosure and a position out of the wearer's field of vision to allow an unobstructed field of vision through the face plate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The visual display screen apparatus according to claim 1 in which said solid-state flat panel display screen is a liquid crystal display screen adapted to produce visual images from electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The visual display screen apparatus according to claim 1 including releasable fastener means for releasably fastening said sealed enclosure in a position out of the wearer's field of vision to allow an unobstructed field of vision through the face plate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The visual display screen apparatus according to claim 1 in which said sealed enclosure is removably mounted on the helmet or face mask and removable therefrom to be hand-held or placed in a convenient location for viewing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
The visual display screen apparatus according to claim 1 in which; said sealed enclosure is mounted on a movable member which is adapted to be movably connected the helmet or face mask adjacent the face plate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The visual display screen apparatus according to claim 1 in which; said associated circuitry includes adjustable backlighting means for automatically adjusting the brightness of said solid-state flat panel display screen to compensate for the lighting conditions of the ambient environment.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
The visual display screen apparatus according to claim 1 in which; said signal connection means comprises a signal receiver connected with said solid-state flat panel display screen for receiving electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals from a remote signal transmitter.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
177 words
A helmet or face mask having a visual display screen comprising; a helmet or face mask to be worn by a person which covers at least the eyes of the wearer and has a viewing area covered by a face plate, an enclosure mounted on said helmet or face mask adjacent the face plate and having a transparent portion, a solid-state flat panel display screen and associated circuitry contained within said enclosure capable of displaying sharp clear detailed visual images and text on said screen as they appear as seen by the naked eye responsive to electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals, signal connection means connected with said solid-state flat panel display screen for connecting said screen to an electronic signal transmission source for enabling said screen to receive said electronic signals, and said visual images and text being seen by the wearer through said face plate and said transparent portion of said enclosure while allowing the wearer a substantially unobstructed field of vision through said face plate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
177 words
A helmet or face mask having a visual display screen comprising; a helmet or face mask to be worn by a person which covers at least the eyes of the wearer and has a viewing area covered by a face plate, an enclosure mounted on said helmet or face mask adjacent the face plate and having a transparent portion, a solid-state flat panel display screen and associated circuitry contained within said enclosure capable of displaying sharp clear detailed visual images and text on said screen as they appear as seen by the naked eye responsive to electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals, signal connection means connected with said solid-state flat panel display screen for connecting said screen to an electronic signal transmission source for enabling said screen to receive said electronic signals, and said visual images and text being seen by the wearer through said face plate and said transparent portion of said enclosure while allowing the wearer a substantially unobstructed field of vision through said face plate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
78 words
The helmet or face mask according to claim 8 in which said enclosure is movably attached to said helmet or face mask and is selectively movable between a viewing position adjacent said face plate in the wearer's field of vision such that the images may be seen through the face plate and transparent portion of said enclosure and a position out of the wearer's field of vision to allow an unobstructed field of vision through the face plate.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
45 words
The helmet or face mask according to claim 8 in which said helmet or face mask has a movable member connected thereto adjacent the face plate, and said enclosure is mounted on said movable member adjacent the face plate of the helmet or face mask.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
44 words
The helmet or face mask according to claim 8 in which said solid-state flat panel display screen is a liquid crystal display screen adapted to produce visual images from electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
36 words
The helmet or face mask according to claim 8 in which said enclosure is removably mounted on said helmet or face mask and removable therefrom to be hand-held or placed in a convenient location for viewing.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
74 words
The helmet or face mask according to claim 8 including; imaging means connected to said helmet or face mask for transmitting electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals to a remote location, and signal receiver means connected with said solid-state flat panel display screen for receiving electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals from a remote signal transmitter.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
43 words
The helmet or face mask according to claim 8 in which said helmet or face mask is a diver's helmet or face mask for use underwater, and said enclosure is a waterproof enclosure for enclosing and waterproofing said solid-state flat panel display screen.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
74 words
The helmet or face mask according to claim 14 including; imaging means connected to said helmet or face mask for transmitting electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals to a remote location, and signal receiver means connected with said solid-state flat panel display screen for receiving electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals from a remote signal transmitter.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
41 words
The helmet or face mask according to claim 8 in which said face plate is a truncated spherical configuration having a transparent portion in the wearers field of vision, and said enclosure is located on the interior of said face plate.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
41 words
The helmet or face mask according to claim 8 in which said face plate is a truncated spherical configuration having a transparent portion in the wearers field of vision, and said enclosure is located on the exterior of said face plate.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
127 words
The helmet or face mask according to claim 8 in which said helmet or face mask comprises a helmet having an outer shell and an inner shell, said inner shell being a truncated spherical configuration having a transparent front portion and fitted at its open end with a neck ring suitable for sealing connection with a pressurized space suit, an outer visor pivotally connected to said helmet outer shell to pivot between a retracted raised position about the rear portion of said helmet between said inner and outer shells and a forward lowered position to cover the front transparent portion of said inner shell, and said enclosure is mounted adjacent said inner shell in a position to give a substantially unobstructed field of vision to the wearer.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
33 words
The helmet or face mask according to claim 18 in which said enclosure is mounted on said inner shell in a position to give a substantially unobstructed field of vision to the wearer.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
The helmet or face mask according to claim 18 in which said enclosure is mounted on said outer visor in a position to give a substantially unobstructed field of vision to the wearer.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
49 words
The helmet or face mask according to claim 18 in which said helmet has an intermediate member disposed between said inner shell and said outer visor, and said enclosure is mounted on said intermediate member in a position to give a substantially unobstructed field of vision to the wearer.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
194 words
A visual information system for installation on helmets or face masks of the type which covers at least the eyes of a wearer and has a viewing area covered by a face plate, the system comprising: a solid-state flat panel display screen and associated circuitry adapted to be connected to an electronic signal transmission source for receiving electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals and capable of displaying the signals as sharp clear detailed visual images and text on said screen as they appear as seen by the naked eye; signal connection means connected with said solid-state flat panel display screen for connecting said screen to an electronic signal transmission source for enabling said screen to receive said electronic signals; an enclosure for enclosing said solid-state flat panel display screen and having a transparent portion; and mounting means for mounting said enclosure to the helmet or face mask adjacent the wearer's field of vision; and said visual images and text being seen by the wearer through said transparent portion of said enclosure while allowing the wearer a substantially unobstructed field of vision through the face plate.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
194 words
A visual information system for installation on helmets or face masks of the type which covers at least the eyes of a wearer and has a viewing area covered by a face plate, the system comprising: a solid-state flat panel display screen and associated circuitry adapted to be connected to an electronic signal transmission source for receiving electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals and capable of displaying the signals as sharp clear detailed visual images and text on said screen as they appear as seen by the naked eye; signal connection means connected with said solid-state flat panel display screen for connecting said screen to an electronic signal transmission source for enabling said screen to receive said electronic signals; an enclosure for enclosing said solid-state flat panel display screen and having a transparent portion; and mounting means for mounting said enclosure to the helmet or face mask adjacent the wearer's field of vision; and said visual images and text being seen by the wearer through said transparent portion of said enclosure while allowing the wearer a substantially unobstructed field of vision through the face plate.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
190 words
A visual information system for installation on helmets or face masks comprising: a solid-state flat panel display screen and associated circuitry adapted to be connected to an electronic signal transmission source for receiving electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals and capable of displaying the signals as sharp clear detailed visual images and text on said screen as they appear as seen by the naked eye; signal connection means connected with said solid-state flat panel display screen for connecting said screen to an electronic signal transmission source for enabling said screen to receive said electronic signals; an enclosure for enclosing said solid-state flat panel display screen; mounting means for mounting said enclosure to a helmet or mask worn by a person adjacent the wearer's field of vision; and said enclosure being selectively movable between a viewing position adjacent the wearer's field of vision and a position out of the wearer's field of vision to allow an unobstructed field of vision; whereby the wearer may view sharp clear detailed visual images or text transmitted from a remote source while engaged in various activities.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
190 words
A visual information system for installation on helmets or face masks comprising: a solid-state flat panel display screen and associated circuitry adapted to be connected to an electronic signal transmission source for receiving electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals and capable of displaying the signals as sharp clear detailed visual images and text on said screen as they appear as seen by the naked eye; signal connection means connected with said solid-state flat panel display screen for connecting said screen to an electronic signal transmission source for enabling said screen to receive said electronic signals; an enclosure for enclosing said solid-state flat panel display screen; mounting means for mounting said enclosure to a helmet or mask worn by a person adjacent the wearer's field of vision; and said enclosure being selectively movable between a viewing position adjacent the wearer's field of vision and a position out of the wearer's field of vision to allow an unobstructed field of vision; whereby the wearer may view sharp clear detailed visual images or text transmitted from a remote source while engaged in various activities.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
37 words
The visual information system according to claim 23 wherein the helmet or face mask has a transparent face plate covering the wearer's field of vision, and said enclosure is located on the interior of the face plate.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
37 words
The visual information system according to claim 23 wherein the helmet or face mask has a transparent face plate covering the wearer's field of vision, and said enclosure is located on the exterior of the face plate.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
76 words
The visual information system according to claim 23 including; imaging means adapted to be connected to the helmet or face mask for transmitting electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals to a remote location, and signal receiver means connected with said solid-state flat panel display screen for receiving electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals from a remote signal transmitter.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
43 words
The visual information system according to claim 23 wherein said solid-state flat panel display screen is a solid-state liquid crystal display screen adapted to produce visual images from electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
38 words
The visual information system according to claim 23 wherein; said associated circuitry includes adjustable backlighting means for automatically adjusting the brightness of said solid-state flat panel display screen to compensate for the lighting conditions of the ambient environment.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
195 words
An underwater visual information system for installation on helmets or face masks comprising: a solid-state flat panel display screen and associated circuitry adapted to be connected to an electronic signal transmission source for receiving electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals and capable of displaying the signals as sharp clear detailed visual images and text on said screen as they appear as seen by the naked eye; signal connection means connected with said solid-state flat panel display screen for connecting said screen to an electronic signal transmission source for enabling said screen to receive said electronic signals; a waterproof enclosure for enclosing and waterproofing said solid-state flat panel display screen; and attachment means for movably attaching said enclosure to a diver's helmet or mask adjacent the face plate of the helmet or mask in the diver's field of vision; whereby a diver may view sharp clear detailed visual images and text transmitted from a remote source while submerged in a fluid medium, and said solid-state flat panel display screen is selectively movable from the diver's field of vision by the diver during the course of a dive.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
195 words
An underwater visual information system for installation on helmets or face masks comprising: a solid-state flat panel display screen and associated circuitry adapted to be connected to an electronic signal transmission source for receiving electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals and capable of displaying the signals as sharp clear detailed visual images and text on said screen as they appear as seen by the naked eye; signal connection means connected with said solid-state flat panel display screen for connecting said screen to an electronic signal transmission source for enabling said screen to receive said electronic signals; a waterproof enclosure for enclosing and waterproofing said solid-state flat panel display screen; and attachment means for movably attaching said enclosure to a diver's helmet or mask adjacent the face plate of the helmet or mask in the diver's field of vision; whereby a diver may view sharp clear detailed visual images and text transmitted from a remote source while submerged in a fluid medium, and said solid-state flat panel display screen is selectively movable from the diver's field of vision by the diver during the course of a dive.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
77 words
The underwater visual information system according to claim 29 including; imaging means adapted to be connected to said helmet or face mask for transmitting electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals to a remote location, and signal receiver means connected with said solid-state flat panel display screen for receiving electronic signals selected from the group consisting of analog, digital, television, and laser imaging signals from a remote signal transmitter.
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) | 1998-05-29 | 1998-11-28 | 1999-05-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-05-29 | 2002-11-28 | 2003-05-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-05-29 | 2006-11-28 | 2007-05-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |