Fred N Black

US Patent:

49124420, Mar 27, 1990

Filed:

Dec 17, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/134519

Inventors:

Fred M. Black - Greensboro NC

International Classification:

G08B 500

US Classification:

340764

Abstract:

A display apparatus comprises a plurality of rotationally mounted display elements arranged into a matrix of rows and columns, the axes of rotation of said display elements being perpendicular to each associated column and parallel to each associated row, respectively, said display elements each including first and second display faces perpendicular to one another and joined along respective adjacent edges, for providing a desired arrangement of said display faces at the front of said display apparatus; first and second ramp surfaces are rigidly connected along inside edges of and extending substantially perpendicularly away from a back surface of said first and second faces, respectively, opposite the edges joining said first and second display faces, respectively; and an actuator assembly is mounted for bidirectional movement along a path perpendicular to the planes of rotation of said display elements at the rear of said display apparatus, for stroking selected ones of said first and second ramp surfaces with sufficient force to cause the associated display elements to rotate 90. degree. for changing the pattern of associated first and second faces at the first of the display.

US Patent:

47619058, Aug 9, 1988

Filed:

Sep 30, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/913536

Inventors:

Fred M. Black - Greensboro NC

International Classification:

G09F 304

US Classification:

40447

Abstract:

A display panel includes a matrix of rows and columns of individually rotatable cube-like display elements each having four display faces, with opposing faces being identical in color or reflectivity, for example, and adjacent faces which are 90. degree. to one another each being of opposite color or reflectivity, for example. A trigger arm protruding from a center portion of an upper or a lower edge of each display face is selectively contacted by a trigger pin of a solenoid mounted upon and moved past the cube via a carriage mechanism for rotating the display element at least 45. degree. , whereafter the display element continues to rotate an additional 45. degree. in the same direction, and is assisted in completing the rotation by a magnetic detent mechanism, which detents the display element into its new position after completion of rotation, for displaying a new face of the display element at the front of the display matrix.