MXPA00007631A - Scanned flip-disk sign improvements - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular display apparatus for displaying indicia at a front thereof has an inner frame (10) with horizontal support beams (12), the inner frame (10) supporting a plurality of grid modules (18), at least one grid module (18) being located above another. A plurality of pixels (20) rotationally mounted to the grid modules (18) each includes first and second display faces (60, 62) joined along respective adjacent edges (64). The pixels (20) have a center of gravity located on each pixel (20) so as to interact with an external force applied to the pixel (20) and provide a complete rotation, with a minimum of bounce, to display a desired display face (60, 62). A triggering mechanism having a plurality of solenoids (38) adapted for selective actuation to rotate selected ones of the pixels (20) for changing the pattern of the desired display indicia controlled by an electronic signal transmitted from an electronics system. The electronics system causes the solenoids (38) to fire in two steps, including a first step of applying full voltage to each solenoid (38) for a fixed period of time and a second step of applying a significantly lower"hold"voltage to the solenoid (38) for the remaining time the solenoid (38) is activated. A single cable drive system (25) drives the triggering mechanism in bidirectional motion.

Description

BACKGROUND IMPROVEMENTS OF REVERSIBLE SWEET DISC DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a display apparatus for receiving alphanumeric and / or graphic information. More particularly, the present invention relates to a matrix of columns and rows of display elements that can be changed from one display state to another, in order to alter the arrangement of the display elements, thereby changing the alphanumeric information and / or graphic displayed. The present invention provides improvements in changeable signs. One of the inventors of this application Fred. M. Black is the inventor of U.S. Patent No. 4,761,905 entitled "Scanned Electromechanical Display" and of U.S. Patent No. 4,912,442 entitled "Scanned Electromechanical Alphanumeric Display Apparatus". The co-inventors of this application, Fred. M. Black and G. Frank Dye are the co-inventors of U.S. Patent No. 5,412,819 entitled "Changeable Sign". The descriptions of these three patents are incorporated herein by reference. The? 905 and 42 patents provide a description of a certain part of the prior art in the field of the present invention. The patents cited describe sign elements that can display alphanumeric or graphic information, through the selective arrangement of individual pixels. Pixels are rotationally mounted elements that have multiple display faces, only one of which is visible to one observer at a time. The general pattern of the pixel display faces comprises the alphanumeric or graphic signs of the sign. These prior art patents describe arrangements of such pixels and actuator devices that pass behind the arrangements for selectively rotating the pixels, causing a new display face of the rotated pixel to be observable and, therefore, change the displayed signals of the pixel. sign. The present invention has these notions in common, although it provides improved design features to create a superior product. More specifically, the '442 patent discloses an exhibit apparatus having a plurality of display elements mounted in a rotating manner that are positioned within a grid array of rows and columns, each display element having first and second faces of 'display perpendicular to each other and joined along respective adjacent edges. Each display element also has first and second ramp surfaces rigidly connected along internal edges of and extending substantially away from a rear surface of the first and second faces. The display apparatus also includes a series of solenoids, which impact the ramp surfaces of the display elements, causing the display elements to rotate 90 degrees. The solenoids are mounted on a carriage that moves bidirectionally on a horizontal path behind the display apparatus. The car has wheels attached to the top and bottom, which moves it along the rails at the top and bottom of the display. The grid configuration of the display apparatus of the '442 patent is modular only in the horizontal direction and therefore the modules must be constructed at the full height of the sign. Likewise, the sign uses an individual car, which is also built to the full height of the sign. Therefore, the construction of the grid and the car is difficult, expensive and inflexible. A set of modules only allows to build signs of a single height. The individual carriage of the '442 patent display apparatus is driven by a dual cable drive system, which has independent drums and cables on top and bottom. The two sets of drums and cables must be precisely machined and coupled in order to prevent the car from sliding off the vertical when it traverses behind the pixel elements.

The electronic components that control the solenoids in the apparatus of the? 442 patent causes the solenoids to turn on and release each pixel. The voltage applied to each solenoid causes peak currents in excess of seventeen amps (at 13.5 V) and average currents greater than 10 amps. A commercially useful apparatus requires solenoids with lifetimes exceeding five million cycles, which is considerable, given the circumstances, so that the first fault can be a problem. The configuration and assembly of the pixels was a substantial improvement introduced by the patent 891. The display faces were designed to be cylindrically concave, with the concavity axis being parallel to the axis of rotation of the pixel. Also, the ramp surfaces were given as different configurations. These modifications allowed the pixels to be placed in closer proximity to each other. The pixels included a mass that was mounted to a cable that served as the axis of rotation and was suspended between two vertical supports. However, the pixel design was still complex and did not ensure reliable transitions from one display state to another. Therefore, there is a need for a scanning pixel sign that is more versatile, more rugged, less expensive and has a longer reliable commercial lifespan. The present invention satisfies the need in the art to provide a more versatile, stronger and more reliable changeable sign that is completely modular, both horizontally and vertically. It also saves costs by minimizing energy consumption through the use of improved electronic solenoid components. The improved electronic components also allow the solenoids and therefore the entire sign, to achieve a projected commercial life cycle of more than 10 years. The display elements of the present invention are also less expensive to produce as they require less material and rely on center of gravity configurations to achieve proper rotation. The present invention provides a modular display apparatus for displaying markings on the front thereof, including an internal frame having horizontal support beams, a horizontal beam having an upper surface and a lower surface. The internal framework supports a plurality of grid modules, at least one grid module which is located on another grid module. The dimensions of the grid modules are designed to allow the grid modules to be placed sufficiently close to one another, in the horizontal and vertical planes, so that they look like a large continuous grid. A plurality of pixels are rotatably mounted to each grid module and placed in an array of rows and columns. The pixels each have a predetermined center of gravity and a rotation axis. Each pixel includes first and second display faces joined along respective adjacent edges. Only one of the display faces will be displayed at any given time, the layout of the displayed display faces that provides the desired markings to the front of the display apparatus. Each pixel has an initial position so that its first display face is substantially vertical and its second display face is on the first display face, substantially horizontal and protruding towards the rear of the display apparatus. The mass and position of the center of gravity of the pixel helps in the rotation of the pixel from one display state to another. The pixel has a distribution by weight so that its center of gravity will interact with an external force applied to the pixels, to provide a uniform rotation, with a minimum of thrust. This weight distribution can be achieved by a fixed weight attached to each pixel, which distributes the center of gravity symmetrically around a point of the second display face, the point that is opposite the joined edges of the first and second display faces and on the back of the display apparatus when it is pixel it is in its initial position. A trigger mechanism is adapted for bidirectional movement behind the pixels along a plurality of horizontal support beams. A protrusion is formed on the upper surface of each horizontal support beam (except perhaps on the uppermost beam) and a protrusion is formed on the lower surface of each horizontal support beam (perhaps with the exception of the lowest beam), allowing to each of the upper and lower horizontal support beams to accept at least one carriage. The firing mechanism has an individual cable drive system and a plurality of carriages, each carriage carries a plurality of solenoids adapted for selective drive to rotate the selected pixels to change the pattern of the desired display marks. The solenoids are controlled by a system of electronic components that causes the solenoids to ignite in a two-stage activation method, including a first stage of applying total voltage to each solenoid for a fixed period and a second stage of application of a solenoid. "retention" voltage significantly less than the solenoid for the remainder of the time the solenoid is required to remain activated. Each grid module is a one-piece injection molded matrix, which typically includes several important design features. For example, each grid includes a plurality of C-shaped openings that extend through the assembly to rotatably mount the pixels on the axes in the grid. The pixels simply fit on the axes. Each grid may also include a plurality of molded mounting tabs for attaching the grid modules to a horizontal channel formed in each horizontal support beam. Additionally, each grid may include a plurality of molded detent tabs to restrict the rotation of the pixels. Finally, each grid may include a plurality of molded signals located on the grid module to indicate a reference position for the firing mechanism. A plurality of the mounting tabs are molded to the upper part of the rear part of the grid modules and a plurality of the mounting tabs are molded towards the lower part of the rear part of the grid modules. The upper mounting tabs and the lower mounting tabs are alternated with respect to each other to allow the tabs of the vertically stacked modules to fit interstitially within the same horizontal channel. Each grid module has a corner anchored to the horizontal channel, the anchored corner which is the same on the horizontally aligned grid module, so as to force any thermal expansion of the grid modules aligned horizontally so that it is presented in a uniform direction, minimizing in this way the misalignment due to thermal expansion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS This invention will be better understood from a reading of the Detailed Description of the Preferred Modality together with a review from the drawings, wherein similar articles are indicated by the same reference number: FIGURE IA is a rear elevation view of a display apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIGURE IB is a schematic view of the cable assembly of the mode shown in Figure IA. FIGURE 2 shows an enlarged partial sectional view of the assembled display apparatus of Figure IA, taken along lines 2-2 and looking in the direction of the arrows. FIGURE 3 is an enlarged rear perspective view of an individual grid module.

FIGURE 4 is a view of several grid modules, showing their stacking capacity, both horizontally and vertically, forming the display grid of the display apparatus. FIGURES 5A-5C show sequential side views of a first embodiment, second embodiment and third embodiment of the individual pixels, demonstrating the weight distribution of the pixels during the operation. FIGURES 6A-6C show sequential side views of a first embodiment, second embodiment and third embodiment of the individual pixels demonstrating the weight distribution of the pixels during the operation. FIGURES 7A-7C show sequential side views of a first embodiment, a second embodiment and third embodiment of the individual pixels, demonstrating the weight distribution of the pixels during the operation. FIGURE 8 shows a state diagram of output voltages from the electronic component system that was applied to the solenoids. With reference to FIGURE IA, the general distribution diagram of the preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention is shown. The display apparatus has an internal frame 10, which is an aluminum extrusion of square or rectangular section manufactured to the dimensions of the required design. The horizontal support beams 12 of extruded aluminum are attached to the frame. The beams 12 serve two purposes: to provide guides for carriages 14 by trapping the wheels of the carriage 16 and to capture the louvers 18, ensuring that the horizontal and vertical positioning of the louvers relative to the carriages 14 remains accurate and adequate. Each carriage 14 contains four wheels 16, two placed in the upper part of the carriage and two placed in the lower part of the carriage. As shown in Figure 2, the wheels 16 have an internal V-shaped groove 17 which travels on a complementary V-shaped protrusion 13 on the horizontal support beam 12 to ensure horizontal positioning and from the front to the part rear of the carriage 14. The protrusion 13 is recessed to prevent damage when handled. Therefore, three trolleys would require four horizontal support beams. The design is such that multiple trucks can be stacked vertically to produce a tall sign. The preferred embodiment of the display apparatus contains up to six cars stacked vertically. The limit depends on the weight and strength of the frame framework and the feasibility of handling large assembled signs. The horizontal support beams 12 are also designed to capture and vertically support the stacked grid modules 18, ensuring vertical positioning of one grid module in another. Only a vertical module stack is shown in Figure IA for simplicity. Each horizontal support beam 12 captures the vertically stacked grid modules 18 in the manner of a horizontal channel 15 (shown in Figure 2) on the face of the horizontal support beam 12 opposite the protuberances 13. Vertical positioning of the grids 18 is important since the unitary vision of the sign depends on the uniform separation of pixels 20. As can be seen from Figure IA, three vertically stacked grid modules 18 require four horizontal support beams 12 and three carriages 14. The carriages 14 are grouped together vertically to move at the same time. They are adapted for bidirectional movement, driven by a drive cable system utilizing a single motor and drum 24. The drum has a concave or modified V surface (not shown) to ensure proper coiled connection of the drive cable 25. Several connections Rolls of the drive cable ensure sufficient friction to overcome any slippage when driving the carriages 14. The drum operates in a manner similar to a winch. In the preferred embodiment of the cable system shown schematically in Figure IB, the driving cable 25 forms a continuous endless cycle that surrounds the upper part on one side and the lower part of the internal frame 10 (shown in Figure IA). From the drum 24, located at one end of the highest horizontal support beam 12, the drive cable 25 travels along a path on the drive cable pulley 26a, which is positioned at the opposite end of the cable. more top horizontal support beam 12. The drive rope pulley 26a provides a 90 ° directional change to feed the drive cable 25 down the side of the inner frame 10, where the drive rope pulleys 27a provide a change of direction 90 ° additional. The drive cable 25 is then moved along the entire length of the lowermost horizontal support beam 12, where it is wound around the cable impulse pulley 28 to effect a 180 ° change of direction. The drive cable 25 is returned along the internal frame 10 in a path parallel to that just described. As before, the drive rope pulleys 27b and 26b provide the 90 ° directional changes necessary to guide the drive cable 25 back to the drum 24, where the cycle is closed. The driving cable 25 is connected to the uppermost and lowermost carriages 14 by means of connecting brackets 22. The connecting brackets 22 are respectively connected to the portion of the driving cable 25 traveling in the same direction. The configuration of the drive cable 25 allows the portion of the drive cable 25 connected to the uppermost carriage 14 to move in. the same direction and at the same speed as the portion of the driving cable 25 connected in the lowermost carriage 14. Thus, the configuration of the driving cable 25 provides uniform horizontal movement for the vertically stacked carriages 14. The vertically stacked carriages 14 are also connected together using connection brackets 22 as shown in Figure IA. The brackets 22 allow a small amount of vertical movement between the stacked carts 14 to prevent bending of the carriages on the horizontal support beams 12, although it does not allow horizontal displacement between the carriages, resulting in constant horizontal alignment. The reduction of the driving cable 25 and the elimination of the driving cable pulleys 26, 27 can be achieved by routing a portion of the driving cable 25 diagonally through the inner frame to provide the change of direction. However, in such an embodiment, there is a potential that the diagonal drive cable 25 will obstruct the carriage as it sweeps through the sign. Therefore, the drive cable 25 is preferably routed away from the carriages 14 as shown in Figures IA and IB along the periphery of the inner frame 10. At this point, the vertically stacked carriages 14 are driven rearwardly and forward by means of the drum 24 and the drive cable 25. The carriages 14 require a control signal to control the pixels 20. In order to prevent the control signal cable 36 from becoming entangled or trapped in the numerous moving parts of the vehicle. For example, a novel pulley system was designed to work together with the drive cable 25. The signal cable 36 is connected to one of the carriages 14 at point B and to a portion of the drive cable 25 which travels in the same direction as the carriages 14 at point C. A constant tension is maintained on the signal cable 36 using a recovery cable 30 which operates together with a moving pulley 34. The recovery cable 30 is fixed at one end to a point or D, preferably on the internal frame 10. The other end of the retrieval cable 30 is routed around the pulleys 32 and 33 and finally connected to the drive cable 25 at a portion that moves in the opposite direction of the cable at point A. Configuring the recovery cable 30 in this manner allows the movable pulley 34 to move in the same direction as the carriages 14., but at half the speed, in order to compensate for the action of the pulley 'associated with the signal cable 36. The overall effect of this cable configuration provides a constant voltage for the recovery cable 30 and the signal cable 36 as the carriages 14 move in both directions.

As seen in Figure IA, each carriage supports a series of eight solenoids 38 equidistanced vertically, except for the top, and a series of eight fixed restoration pins 40 that are also equidistanced vertically, except for the top. The upper restoration pin and the solenoid are vertically juxtaposed to provide the clearances so that the desired spacing between the grid modules can be achieved. The synchronization difference caused by the juxtaposition of the solenoid and the restoration pin is compensated by electronic means. Each carriage also contains a drive board 41 which controls the eight solenoids 38 on the carriage 14. The restoration pins 40 can be attached to a moving platform, so that the restoration function can be controlled. A fixed restoration bar can be used if you want to restore or delay. The restoration pins can be repositioned by solenoids so that selective installation and reinstallation can be achieved, or a solenoid with an exhaust containing a fixation and a restoration pin that can be used to achieve selective fixation and restoration functions. Fixing and selective restoration is especially useful if the sign is to be changed by a logical search technique. Other ways of using out-of-phase solenoid piston leaks or pins could be used, although the described mode is the simplest. The solenoids 38 and the restoration pins 40 are offset horizontally, so that there are four solenoids with odd numbers in one column, four solenoids with even numbers in a second column, four pins-restoration with number non in a third column and four Restoration pins with even number in a fourth column. The use of separate columns provides a space of time for even and odd rows of pixels for fixation or restoration. This allows the pixels to be placed closer together, since the vertically adjacent pixels do not rotate at the same speed and therefore can use marginal species up and down the pixel volumes during rotation, without interfering with each other. The solenoids used in the preferred embodiment are tubular or open-frame solenoids and are mounted in holes in the front of the carriage. This technique makes the solenoids virtually self-aligning, eliminating the requirement of a fixation to properly align the frame-type solenoids. The carriage 14 located closer to the vertical midpoint of the sign is provided with an interrupting optical position sensor board 42. The optical sensors detect the presence, or absence, of a series of signs 43 molded therein. grid module 18. The information from the sensor board provides the placement and the column count for the logic circuit (not shown). An alternative is to use the positioning detectors for each car and activate them logically "OR" to minimize errors, although the preferred modes, use a board. The sensors use synchronous detection to avoid interference from any ambient light. The carriage of the vertical middle part also contains - a "HOME" position sensor that uses a "Hall Effect" device to determine the "HOME" position of the car. A second sensor can be used to provide information when the car is in the opposite position, although this is optimal. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the assembled display apparatus of Figure IA along line 2-2. Figure 2 shows the inner frame 10 and the horizontal support beams 12 having protuberances 13 and the horizontal channels 15. The horizontal channels 15 receive and capture the mounting tabs 44 of vertically stacked grid modules 18. The mounting tabs are anchored to the horizontal channel 15 with a pin 46. Also shown in the Figure are the solenoids 38 secured to the front of the carriage 14 and the pixels 20 mounted on the grid modules 18. Figure 3 shows an individual grid module 18. In the preferred mode, the grid module 18 is a one piece injection molded die approximately 12 inches high by 15 inches long. It holds 88 pixels in an arrangement of 8 in height by 11 in width. An axis extends along each row of the module 18. The pixels 20 are charged across the front of the grid and press fit onto the axes 50 to provide the rotary coupling. Preferably, the pixels have a C-shaped opening at their center to provide the snap-fit coupling. Once in place, a fastener can be used to more securely couple the pixels 20 on the shaft 50. The individual axis for the row configuration eliminates the need to place the shaft tabs directly on the pixels 20 and has corresponding slots on the module 8. The pixels can rotate 90 ° and are stopped in one of the stable positions by the catch tabs 56 molded into the grid. The grid also has molded signals 43 which provide information on when the solenoids 38 are turned on. The signals 38 interrupt the light between a light source and a receiver (not shown) on the carriage. The molding of the tabs to the grid module provides precise positioning in relation to each column, which eliminates the adjustments between the signals and the pixel position. The grid module 18 also has two mounting tabs 44 on the upper part of the rear part and two mounting tabs 44 on the lower part of the rear part of the grid module. The upper and rear mounting tabs 44 are alternated with respect to each other, and are attached to a horizontal channel 15 in the horizontal support beams 12 of the internal frame 10. As shown in Figure 4, the grid modules 18 They are designed to be stacked horizontally and vertically, forming the face of the signal display. The dimensions of the grid modules 18 and the mounting schemes are designed so that the modules can be placed sufficiently close together in the vertical and horizontal planes, so that they appear as a large continuous grid. Since a horizontal support beam 12 catches two vertically adjacent grid modules 18, the lower position of an upper module and an upper portion of a lower module, the mounting tabs -44 are alternated to fit interstitially within the same channel horizontal 15 on the horizontal support beam 12. Figures 5-7 illustrate side views of three alternative modes of pixels 20. The pixels 20 have a first display face 60 and a second display face 62, which are attached to the along adjacent respective edges 64. The pixels 20 also include inclined ramp surfaces 68, which, when stacked by solenoids 38 or restoration pins 40, cause the pixels to rotate about the axis 70. The pixels 20 are designed in a that the center of gravity of the pixels interacts with an external force applied by the solenoids to provide a uniform rotation Form the pixels with a minimum of thrust. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5A-5C, the pixel has a fixed weight 72 to locate the center of gravity CG, of the assembly to a point approximately 45 ° above the back of the axis of rotation 70. The weight 72 it is designed to distribute the center of gravity symmetrically around the 45 ° line when the pixel 20 is in the restoration position (Figure 5A). The CG moves directly on the axis of rotation 70 when the pixel 20 is in transition at an angle of 45 ° (Figure 5B). The CG then moves to a position 45 ° above the front of the axis of rotation 70 when the pixel 20 is in the fixed position (Figure 5C). The mass and position of the CG helps in the switching of the pixel 20 from the fixed or restoration position, to the restoration or fixed position, when the restoration pins 40 or the solenoids 38 impact their respective ramp surfaces 68. That is, the center of gravity of the pixels has two stable equilibria, the fixed and restoration positions, and the transitions between them are unstable, inducing the pixel to remain in one of the equilibrium positions once it is directed in that way. Figures 6A-6C show an alternate embodiment, where the CG is variable and is achieved by a weight that is placed to move diagonally across the vertical plane of the rotation axis 70 to move the CG. One approach is to use ball bearings 74 in a small tube 75 attached to the shaft 70 (Figure 6A). As the pixel 20 rotates past the 45 ° point (Figure 6B), the bearings 74 move from one end of the tube 75 to the other (Figure 6C). The sand, glass beads, lead particles, or any other flowable material can be used in the tube 75. Figures 7A-7C show another embodiment, where the CG variable is achieved by means of a suspended or rotating weight 76, which it is attached to the upper remote end of the pixel. 20. Since the weight 76 hangs completely, the CG is initially behind the axis of rotation 70 (Figure 7A). As the pixel 20 rotates beyond 45 ° (Fig. 7B), the CG changes forward of the axis of rotation 70 (Fig. 7C).

Figure 8 shows a state diagram of the output voltage signals applied to various solenoids 38 of a computer 45 (shown in Figure 1). The output voltages shown in Figure 8 are arbitrary and are only represented to illustrate the operation of the solenoids 38. The basic operation of a solenoid 38 is as follows: the solenoid turns on (indicated in the state diagram by the first peak in FIG. the voltage) ejecting the plunger 78 (as shown in Figure 2), which impacts the ramp surface 68 of the pixel 20, causing the pixel to rotate about the axis 70; the solenoid is then held in the on position (indicated in the state diagram by the intermediate drop in voltage) while there is a required change of state for the next horizontally adjacent pixel; the solenoid is then released (indicated in the state diagram by the drop to zero voltage), pulling the plunger back into the interior. The solenoids of the prior art are fired or released in each pixel column. If adjacent columns of pixels require fixing, the solenoid will release and turn on for each column. This method requires solenoids with lifetimes of more than 5,000,000 cycles. The total voltage is also applied to each solenoid, causing peak currents that exceed 17 amps, at 13.5 volts and average currents greater than 10 amps.

The solenoid used in the present invention improves with respect to that of the prior art by incorporating a two-stage ignition method. The improved two-stage ignition method will not change the state of the solenoid plunger 78 unless there is a required change of state for the next horizontally adjacent pixel 20. This significantly reduces the number of cycles a solenoid has to ignite, since Any continuous fixation-or restoration requires only one ignition cycle. The two-stage firing cycle consists of applying the total voltage F to the solenoid 20 for a fixed period, approximately 40 milliseconds in the preferred embodiment and a "RETENTION" voltage significantly less than H for the remaining time that the solenoid must be activated. . The current needed to turn on the solenoid 38 is two to three times greater than the current required to "HOLD" the solenoid. The voltage at each solenoid 38 is removed (reference voltage O) when the plunger 38 is required to return to its inactivated position. The solenoids 38 are preferably selected from higher voltages, such as 24-36 volts DC, as opposed to the 12 volts DC. Increasing the operating voltages reduces the current yields, which reduces the voltage drops due to the 'resistance of the signal cable 36. The reduction of the operating currents also allows the use of a smaller gauge wire, which reduces manufacturing costs However, operation at higher voltages requires a more demanding design to minimize safety risks. Therefore, the present invention provides an interchangeable signal that is completely modular, both in the horizontal and vertical directions. The pixels of this changeable signal undergo uniform rotation with a minimum of thrust. Such uniform rotation is effected by configuring the center of gravity of the pixels to interact with an external force applied to the pixels. The changeable signal operates on reduced energy levels - driving the carts, which brings the solenoids adapted for the rotation of the pixels, only with an individual cable drive system. Also, the signal reduces the power consumption by using a two-stage ignition and retention process where the solenoid driving voltage is reduced after ignition to retain the solenoid in position. The embodiments shown and described herein have been for the purpose of illustration of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be carried out in several ways different from those specifically shown. Such variations are considered to be within the scope of the claims. Likewise, various combinations and sub-combinations of the features of the invention can be used without going beyond the scope of the invention.

Claims (32)

1. CLAIMS 1. A modular display apparatus for displaying markings at the front thereof, characterized in that it comprises: an internal frame having horizontal support beams, the internal frame supports a plurality of grid modules, at least one of the grid modules it is located on another of the grid modules; a plurality of pixels rotatably mounted to the grid modules and placed in an array of rows and columns, each of the pixels includes at least two display faces, only one of which will be displayed at a given time to provide an arrangement desired of the display faces at the front of the display apparatus, where a weight is attached to each pixel, to locate a center of gravity at a point on the second display face opposite the adjacent edges of the first and second faces of display and on the back of the display apparatus, when the pixel is in its initial position; and a trigger mechanism adapted for bidirectional movement behind the pixels and for selective rotation of those selected pixels to change the desired arrangement of the display faces. .
2. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the grid module is a integrally molded injection mold integrally including: a plurality of mounting axes for the rotational assembly of the pixels; a plurality of molded mounting tabs for attaching the grid modules to a horizontal channel formed in the horizontal support beams; a plurality of molded stop tabs for restricting the rotation of the pixels; and a plurality of molded signals located on the grid module to indicate a position reference for the firing mechanism.
3. 3. The apparatus in accordance with the claim 2, characterized in that the grid module has a front and a rear part and an upper part and a lower part, and wherein a plurality of such mounting tabs are molded towards the upper part of the rear part and a plurality of the mounting tabs are molded towards the lower part of the rear part, the upper mounting tabs and the lower mounting tabs are alternated with each other to allow the upper part and the lower tabs of the vertically stacked modules to be adjusted interstitially in accordance with the same horizontal channel.
4. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the dimensions of the grid module are designed to allow the grid modules to be placed close enough, in the vertical and horizontal planes that appear as a continuous large grid.
5. 5. The apparatus in accordance with the claim 2, characterized in that each grid module has an outer edge with corners, each grid module has one of the corners anchored to the horizontal channel, the corner is the same on each grid module aligned horizontally, to force any thermal expansion of the modules of grid aligned horizontally so that they present in a uniform direction, minimizing in this way the misalignment due to thermal expansion.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the firing mechanism is further comprised of a plurality of vertically positioned carriages, and a cable driving system, each carriage carries a plurality of actuators.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the horizontal beam has an upper surface and a lower surface, and upper and lower protuberances formed on the upper surface and the lower surface, respectively, each of the upper and lower protuberances. configured to accept at least one carriage, the carriage carries a plurality of actuators.
8. 8. An exhibition apparatus to display marks in front of it, characterized in that it comprises: a frame having horizontal support beams, the frame supports a plurality of pixels mounted rotatably placed inside a matrix of rows and columns, each of the pixels include at least two display faces, only one of which will be displayed at a given time to provide a desired arrangement of the display faces at the front of the display apparatus; a trigger mechanism adapted for bidirectional movement behind the pixels along a plurality of protuberances formed in the horizontal support beams; and an individual cable drive system that includes a cable: I) a series of pulleys to provide directional movement to the cable; II) the cable routed around the frame by a series of pulleys so that the cable portions move in the same direction at the top and bottom of the frame, III) a motor; IV) a rotating drum to wind the cable.
9. 9. The apparatus in accordance with the claim 8, further characterized in that it comprises at least two carriages stacked vertically, each having an upper edge and a lower edge, each carriage carries a plurality of actuators adapted for the selective rotation of the pixels, there being a carriage for a predetermined number of rows horizontals of such pixels and vertically stacked carts that are connected by brackets to ensure uniform horizontal movement.
10. 10. The apparatus in accordance with the claim 9, characterized in that the brackets allow the vertical movement between the carriages to avoid the bending of the carriages on the horizontal support beams.
11. 11. The apparatus in accordance with the claim 9, characterized in that vertically stacked trolleys are connected to the cable drive system by additional brackets, one of the brackets attached to the upper edge of the vertically higher stacked carriage and one of the brackets attached to the lower edge of the vertically lower stacked carriage.
12. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the individual cable drive system comprises: an individual cable; an individual motor; a drum with a concave surface that rotates to wind the cable; and a series of pulleys to provide directional movement to the cable.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the individual cable is routed around the back of the frame by two sets of cable pulleys that provide a 90 degree feed direction and two sets of cable pulleys. which provides a 180 ° directional change, so that the cable portions move in the same direction at the top and bottom of the frame.
14. 14. A modular display apparatus for displaying markings on the front thereof, characterized in that it comprises: a frame, a plurality of pixels rotationally supported in the frame and placed in an array of rows and columns, each pixel includes at least two faces of display, only one of which will be displayed at a given time, to provide a desired arrangement of the display faces at the front of the display apparatus; a trigger mechanism adapted for bidirectional movement behind the pixels, the trigger mechanism has a plurality of solenoids adapted for selective drive to rotate the selected pixels to change the pattern of the desired display marks, the solenoids which are controlled by an electronic signal transmitted from a system of electronic components through a signal cable; and the system that electronic components cause the solenoids to ignite in two stages, including a first stage to apply total voltage to each solenoid for a fixed period of time and a second stage to apply significantly less "hold" voltage to the solenoid during the remaining time that solenoid is activated.
15. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that • the electronic component system causes the selected solenoids to turn on when it is desired to change the state of the selected pixels and the solenoids are kept in the on position as long as there is a required state change for the next horizontally adjacent pixel.
16. 16. The apparatus in accordance with the claim 14, characterized in that the solenoids are rated between 24 and 48 volts to reduce the current requirements of the solenoids, which reduces the voltage drops in the signal cable.
17. 17. A modular display apparatus, having a front and a back, for displaying markings in front thereof characterized in that it comprises: _ an internal frame supporting a plurality of pixels; the plurality of pixels supported on the internal frame that has a center of gravity and a rotation axis, each of the pixels includes first and second display faces joined along the respective adjacent edges, each pixel has an initial position so that the first display face is substantially vertical and the second display face is on the first Display face and substantially horizontal and protrudes towards the rear of the display apparatus, the center of gravity is located on the pixel to interact with an external force applied to the pixels to provide a full rotation to exhibit a desired display face, wherein a weight is attached to each pixel, to locate the center of gravity at a point on the second display face opposite the joined edges of the first and second display faces and on the back of the display apparatus when the pixel it is in its initial position.
18. 18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the weight is mounted to be able to move diagonally through a vertical plane of the axis of rotation, rotating the center of gravity as the pixels rotate.
19. The apparatus according to claim 18, characterized in that the movable weight comprises a pivoting weight attached to a point on the second display face opposite the joined edges of the first and second display faces on the back of the apparatus of display when the pixel is in its initial position.
20. 20. The apparatus in accordance with the claim 18, characterized in that the movable weight comprises a tube comprising dense flowable material.
21. 21. A modular display apparatus for displaying markings in front of the same, the marks are formed by a plurality of pixels adapted for rotation when they are impacted by a trigger mechanism, characterized in that it comprises: A) the plurality of pixels rotatably supported by a plurality of grid modules and placed within an array of rows and columns, each pixel includes at least two display faces, only one of which will be displayed at a given time to provide a desired arrangement of the display faces to the front of the display apparatus; B) the trigger mechanism adapted for bidirectional movement behind the pixels along a plurality of protuberances, one of the protuberances is formed on each of the upper and lower surfaces of a plurality of horizontal support beams of a frame internal, and for the selective rotation of the selected pixels to change the pattern of a desired display mark, the trigger mechanism that is comprised of a plurality of carriages, each carrying a plurality of actuators, and a cable drive system and C) an individual cable drive system including a cable: I) a series of pulleys to provide directional movement to the cable; II) the cable routed around the frame by the series of pulleys that includes at least two sets of cable pulleys that provide a 90 degree steering feed and at least one pair of cable pulleys that provide a cable of 180 degrees, so that the cable portions move in the same direction at the top and bottom of the frame; III) an engine; IV) a rotating drum to wind the cable.
22. 22. A modular display apparatus for displaying markings in front thereof, characterized in that it comprises: A) an internal frame having horizontal support beams, the internal frame supports a plurality of grid modules; B) a plurality of pixels rotatably mounted to the grid modules and placed in an array of rows and columns, each pixel includes at least two display faces, only one of which will be displayed at a given time to provide a desired arrangement of the display faces in front of the display apparatus; C) an individual cable drive system that includes a cable: I) a series of pulleys to provide directional movement toward such a cable; II) the cable routed through the frame by a series of pulleys that include at least two sets of cable pulleys that provide a feed in the 90 degree direction and at least one pair of cable pulleys that provide a change of 180 degree direction, so that the cable portions move in the same direction at the top and bottom of the frame; III) an engine; IV) a rotating drum to wind the cable; and D) at least two vertically stacked trolleys, each of the trolleys includes a plurality of actuators adapted for selective rotation of the pixels, there being a carriage for a predetermined number of horizontal rows of pixels, and the vertically stacked trolleys that are connected by brackets to provide uniform horizontal movement, the brackets permitting vertical movement between the carriages to avoid friction of the carriages, where the vertically stacked carriages are connected to the cable drive systems by means of additional brackets, one of the additional brackets is attached to the vertically higher stacked carriage and one of the additional brackets is attached to the lower vertically stacked carriage.
23. 23. A modular display apparatus for displaying markings on the front thereof, characterized in that it comprises: a frame, a plurality of pixels rotatably supported in the frame and placed in an array of rows and columns, each pixel includes at least two faces of display, only one of which will be displayed at a given time, to provide a desired arrangement of the display faces at the front of the display apparatus; a trigger mechanism adapted for bidirectional movement behind the pixels, the trigger mechanism has plurality of solenoids adapted for selective drive to rotate the selected pixels to change the pattern of the desired display marks, the electronic solenoid system through of a signal cable, the solenoids operate at a voltage high enough to reduce the current requirements of the solenoid drops in the signal cable; and a system that electronic components causes the selected solenoids to ignite in two stages, including a first stage to apply a total voltage to each solenoid for a fixed period of time and a second stage to apply a significantly lower voltage of "retention" to the solenoid during the remaining time it is activated, where the two-stage ignition method causes the solenoid to turn on when it is desired to change the state of a pixel and a solenoid remains in the on position as long as there is a required change of state for the horizontally adjacent pixel.
24. 24. A modular display apparatus, having a front and a back, for displaying markings in front thereof characterized in that it comprises: an internal frame having horizontal support beams, the internal frame -its a plurality of grid modules; a plurality of pixels each having a predetermined center of gravity and a rotation axis, the 5 pixels rotatably mounted to the grid modules and placed in an array of rows and columns, each pixel includes a first and second display faces attached to along respective adjacent edges, each pixel has an initial position so that the first display face •) 10 is substantially vertical and the second display face is on the first display face and substantially horizontal and protrudes towards the rear of the display apparatus, the pixels also have a weight distribution so that the center of gravity will interact with a 15 external force applied to the pixels in order to provide a uniform rotation with a minimum of effort, the weight distribution that is achieved by a fixed weight attached to the pixel, distributing the center of gravity symmetrically around a point on the second face of exhibition, the 20 point being opposite the joined edges of the first and second display faces and the back of the display apparatus when the pixel is in the initial position.
25. 25. A modular display apparatus for displaying markings on the front of the same, marks that are formed from 25 of a plurality of pixels adapted for rotation when impacted by a firing mechanism, characterized in that it comprises: A) an internal frame having support beams, each of the support beams has an upper surface and a lower surface, the internal frame supporting a plurality of grid modules with dimensions designed to allow the grid modules to be placed close enough, in the vertical and horizontal planes, so that they appear as a large continuous grid, at least one module grid which is located on another of the grid modules, and wherein the grid module is a one-piece injection molded matrix, having a front and a rear, an upper and a lower part, and an outer edge that corner, with the grid modules including: I) a plurality of mounting axes to rotationally mount the pixels; _ II) a plurality of tongues; molded mounting tabs for attaching the grid modules to the horizontal channels formed in the horizontal support beams, a plurality of mounting tabs that are molded toward the top of the rear part and a plurality of mounting tabs that are molded toward the bottom of the back, the upper mounting tabs and the lower mounting tabs being alternated with each other to allow the upper and lower tabs of the vertically stacked grid modules to be interstitially within the same horizontal channel, each grid module having a corner anchored to the horizontal channel, the corner is the same in each horizontally aligned grid module to force any thermal expansion of the grid modules aligned horizontally so that they present in a uniform direction, thus minimizing misalignment due to thermal expansion; III) a plurality of molded stop tabs for restricting the rotation of the pixels; and IV) a plurality of molded signals to indicate a position reference for the firing mechanism. B) the plurality of pixels each having a predetermined center of gravity and a rotation axis, the pixels rotatably mounted to the grid modules and placed within an array of rows and columns, the pixels each including first and second faces of display together along respective adjacent edges, only one of the display faces is displayed at a given time to provide a desired arrangement of such display faces on the front of the display apparatus, each pixel having a first position of In such a way that the first display face is substantially vertical and the second display face is on the first display face and substantially horizontal and protrudes towards the upper part of the display apparatus, the pixels also have a weight distribution, so that the center of gravity will interact with an external force applied to the pixels to provide rotation n uniform with minimal effort, the weight distribution achieved by a fixed weight attached to each pixel; and C) a trigger mechanism adapted for bi-directional movement behind the pixels along a plurality of protuberances, one of the protuberances being formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the horizontal support beams, the firing mechanism includes a cable drive system and a plurality of carriages, the carriage carries a plurality of solenoids adapted for the selective drive to rotate the selected pixels to change the pattern of the desired display marks, the solenoids are controlled by a system of electronic components that causes the solenoids to ignite in a two-stage ignition method, including a first stage to apply total voltage to each solenoid for a fixed period and a second stage to apply a significantly lower "hold" voltage to the solenoid during the remaining time that the solenoid is activated.
26. 26. A modular display apparatus for displaying markings on the front thereof, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of pixels rotatably mounted to the grid modules and placed in an array of rows and columns, each of the pixels includes at least two display faces, only one of which will be displayed at a given time to provide a desired arrangement of the display faces in front of the display apparatus. 10 exhibition; • 'a trigger mechanism adapted for bidirectional movement behind the pixels, the trigger mechanism has a plurality of solenoids adapted for selective operation to rotate the selected pixels 15 to change the pattern of a desired display mark, the solenoids are controlled by an electronic signal transmitted from a system of electronic components through a signal cable; and a system that electronic components that causes The solenoids turn on two stages, including a first stage to apply a total voltage to each solenoid for a fixed period of time and a second stage to apply a significantly lower "hold" voltage to the solenoid. during the remaining time when the 25 solenoid is activated.
27. 27. A modular display apparatus to display brands at. in front thereof, characterized in that it comprises: an internal frame having horizontal support beams, the internal frame supports a plurality of grid modules, at least one of the grid modules being located on another of the grid modules; a plurality of pixels rotatably mounted to the grid modules and placed in an array of rows and columns, each pixel includes at least two display faces, only one of which will be displayed at a given time, to provide a desired arrangement of the display faces in front of the display apparatus; a trigger mechanism adapted for bi-directional movement behind the pixels, the trigger mechanism has a plurality of solenoids adapted for selective drive to rotate the selected pixels to change the pattern of a desired display mark, the solenoids are controlled by a electronic signal transmitted by a system of electronic components through a signal cable; and an electronic system causes the solenoids to fire in two stages, including a first stage to apply a total voltage to each of the solenoids for a fixed period of time and a second stage to apply a significantly lower "hold" voltage to the solenoid during the remaining time that the solenoid is activated.
28. 28. A modular display apparatus, having a front and a rear portion, for displaying markings in front thereof characterized in that it comprises: an internal frame having horizontal support beams, the internal frame supports a plurality of grid modules, at least one of the grid modules being located on another of the grid modules; a plurality of pixels rotatably mounted to the grid modules positioned within an array of rows and columns, the pixels have a center of gravity and a rotation axis, each pixel includes first and second display faces joined along adjacent edges respective, each pixel has an initial position so that the first display face is substantially vertical and the second display face is above the first display face and protrudes towards the rear of the display, the center of gravity is located on the pixel to interact with an external force applied to the pixels to provide a full rotation to exhibit a desired display face; wherein a weight is attached at each pixel, to locate the center of gravity at a point on the second display face opposite the joined edges of the first and second display faces and at the rear of the display apparatus \ when the 'pixel is in its initial position; and a trigger mechanism adapted for bidirectional movement behind the pixels, and for selective rotation of the selected pixels to change the desired arrangement of the display faces.
29. 29. An exhibit apparatus for displaying marks on the back thereof, characterized in that it comprises: a frame having horizontal support beams, the frame supports a plurality of pixels mounted rotatably placed within an array of rows and columns, each of the pixels include at least two faces of display, only one of which will be displayed at a given time to provide a desired arrangement of the display faces at the front of the display apparatus; a trigger mechanism adapted for bidirectional movement behind the pixels, the trigger mechanism has plurality of solenoids adapted for selective drive to rotate the selected pixels to change the pattern of a desired display mark, the solenoids are controlled by a signal electronics transmitted from a system of electronic components through a signal cable; an electronic component system that causes the solenoids to start in two stages, including a first stage to apply total voltage to each solenoid for a fixed period of time and a second stage to apply a significantly lower "hold" voltage to the solenoid during the time remaining that the solenoid is activated; and • an individual cable drive system to drive the bidirectional movement trigger mechanism.
30. 30. A display apparatus, having a front and a rear portion for displaying markings in front thereof characterized in that it comprises: a frame having horizontal support beams, the frame supports a plurality of pixels mounted rotatably placed within a matrix of rows and columns, each of the pixels includes at least two display faces, only one of which will be displayed at a given time to provide a desired arrangement of the display faces at the front of the display apparatus; the plurality of pixels supported on an internal frame having a center of gravity and a rotation axis, each pixel includes first and second display faces joined along respective adjacent edges, each pixel has an initial position so that the first The display face is substantially vertical and the second display face is on the first display face and substantially horizontal and protrudes towards the rear of the display apparatus, the center of gravity is located on the pixel to interact with an external force applied to the the pixels to provide a full rotation to display a desired display face; a trigger mechanism adapted for bidirectional movement behind the pixels along a plurality of protuberances formed in the horizontal support beams; and an individual cable drive system that includes a cable: I) a series of pulleys to provide directional movement to the cable; II) the cable routed around the frame by a series of pulleys that includes at least two sets of cable pulleys that provide a feed in the 90 degree direction and at least one pair of cable pulleys that provide a change of direction 180 degrees, so that the cable portions move in the same direction at the top and bottom of the frame; III) an engine; IV a rotating drum to wind the cable.
31. 31. A modular display apparatus having a front and a rear portion for displaying markings on the front of the same characterized in that it comprises: a frame: a plurality of pixels rotationally supported on the frame and placed within a matrix of rows and columns, each pixel includes at least two display faces, only one of which will be displayed at a given time to provide a desired arrangement of the display faces at the front of the display apparatus; the plurality of pixels supported on an internal frame has a center of gravity and a rotation axis, each pixel includes first and second display faces joined along respective adjacent edges, each pixel has an initial position so that the first face of display is substantially vertical and the second display face is on the first display face and is substantially horizontal and protrudes towards the top of the display apparatus, the center of gravity being located on the pixel to interact with an external force applied to the the pixels to provide a full rotation to display a desired display face; a trigger mechanism adapted for bi-directional movement behind the pixels, the trigger mechanism has a plurality of solenoids adapted for selective drive to rotate the selected pixels to change the pattern of a desired display mark, the solenoids are controlled by a electronic signal transmitted from a system of electronic components through a signal cable; and a system that electronic components that causes the solenoids to fire in two stages, including a first stage to apply a total voltage to each solenoid for a fixed period and a second stage to apply a significantly lower "hold" voltage to the solenoid for the solenoid. remaining time when the solenoid is activated
32. 32. A modular display apparatus having a front and a rear part, for displaying marks on the front thereof characterized in that it comprises: an internal frame having horizontal support beams, the internal frame supports a plurality of grid modules, at least one of the grid modules being located on another of the grid modules; a plurality of pixels rotatably mounted to the grid modules and placed in an array of rows and columns; the pixels have a center of gravity and a rotation axis, each pixel includes rimera and second display faces joined along respective adjacent edges, each pixel has an initial position so that the first display face is substantially vertical and the The second display face is above the first display and is substantially horizontal and on exits towards the rear of the display apparatus, the center of gravity being located on the pixel to interact with an external force applied to the pixels to provide a full rotation to display a desired display face; a trigger mechanism adapted for bi-directional movement behind the pixels along a plurality of protuberances formed in the horizontal support beams, the trigger mechanism has a plurality of solenoids adapted for selective operation to rotate the selected pixels to change the pattern of a desired display mark, the solenoids are controlled by an electronic signal transmitted from a system of electronic components through a signal cable; an electronic component system that causes the solenoids to start in two stages, including a first stage to apply a total voltage to each solenoid for a fixed period and a second stage to apply a significantly lower "hold" voltage to the solenoid during the time remaining that the solenoid is activated; and an individual cable drive system to drive the firing mechanism in bidirectional motion. SUMMARY A modular display apparatus for displaying markings in front thereof having an internal frame (10) with horizontal support beams (12), the internal frame (10) supports a plurality of grid modules (18), in minus one grid module (18) that is located on another. A plurality of pixels (20) rotatably mounted to the grid modules (18), each includes first and second display faces (60, 62) joined along respective adjacent edges (64). The pixels (20) have a center of gravity located in each pixel (20) to interact with an external force applied to the pixel (20) and provide a full rotation, with a minimum of thrust, to exhibit a desired display face (60, 62). A trigger mechanism having a plurality of solenoids (38) adapted for selective drive to rotate the selected pixels (20), to change the pattern of the desired display mark that is controlled by an electronic signal transmitted from an electronic system . The electronic system causes the solenoids (38) to ignite in two stages, including a first stage to apply a total voltage to each solenoid (38) for a fixed period of time and a second step for applying to the solenoid (38) a significantly lower "hold" voltage during the remaining time that the solenoid (38) remains activated. An individual cable drive system (25) that drives the trigger mechanism in bidirectional motion.