Patent ID: 6816137
Filing Date: 2004-11-09
Classification: G09G

Abstract:
A display device for visually displaying illuminated graphic and alphanumeric symbols on a screen, the display device comprising:a hollow tubular drive shaft defining an axis of rotation; a housing substantially encompassing a motor for driving the hollow drive shaft; a circuit board (PCB) supported at one end of the tubular shaft for rotation therewith; an array of light emitting diodes mounted to the circuit board for rotation therewith; a central processing unit on the circuit board for controlling an actuation sequence of the light emitting diodes; a contactless rotary transformer for supplying electrical power to the circuit board, central processing unit and light emitting diodes; and an optical receiver connected to the circuit board for directly receiving display control data for the central processing unit from a remote source through an optical transmitter; wherein the hollow tubular drive shaft defines a longitudinal passage extending and from a first end to a second, opposite, end of the drive shaft, providing a direct, unobstructed passageway between the optical receiver on the circuit board and the optical transmitter; and wherein the contactless rotary transformer comprises a stator having a permanent magnet surrounding a primary winding and a rotor, attached to the drive shaft, having a secondary winding wherein a voltage is induced in the secondary winding across a gap between the stator and rotor to supply electrical power to the circuit board, central processing unit and light emitting diodes the windings being nested and concentric with the axis.