The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 02, 2002
Filed:
Nov. 20, 2000
Timothy J. Nicholson, Shoreview, MN (US);
John P. Nicholson, Shoreview, MN (US);
Gordon M. Melby, Blaine, MN (US);
Steve J. McHenry, Inver Grove Heights, MN (US);
Paul C. Freeberg, South St. Paul, MN (US);
Addco, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a sign system for creating extremely lightweight, reconfigurable, and changeable signs suitable for outdoor use adjacent to roadways. The system provides adjustable message screen size, electronically changeable messages and alphanumeric adjustable character size of at least 6 inches in height. The system comprises a sign controller and a plurality of interchangeable modules each sealed to be weather resistant. Each module having a display side with a rectangular screen portion, the screen portion having transparent portions with pixel elements positioned behind said transparent portions and within said module. Each module has the pixels arranged in a first matrix pattern and sufficient in number to provide alphanumeric characters and portions of characters of adjustable size of at least 6 inches. Each module having a bit map memory and being individually addressable with respect to other modules. The modules are arrangeable in a rectangular matrix on a support structure without a sign screen enclosure and with the screen portions of the modules defining a sign screen. The screen size reconfigurable by adding or subtracting display modules. The modules in communication with the sign controller to receive bit map data for forming, in conjunction with a plurality of other sign modules comprising a sign screen, and desired message.