(12) United States Patent
`Gromatzky et al.
`
`USOO649344OB2
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,493,440 B2
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Dec. 10, 2002
`
`(54) THERMAL MANAGEMENT FOR ATHIN
`ENVIRONMENTALLY-SEALED LCD
`DISPLAY ENCLOSURE
`
`(75) Inventors: Jonathan A. Gromatzky, Kernersville,
`N. S. Joseph D. Long, Greensboro,
`
`(73) Assignee: Gilbarco Inc., Greensboro, NC (US)
`-
`0
`(*) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`5,717,564 A 2/1998 Lindale ...................... 361/600
`5,748.269 A 5/1998 Harris et al. .................. 349/58
`5,772,300 A
`6/1998 Kitai ........................... 353/57
`5,791,770 A
`8/1998 Hoyt et al. ................. 362/294
`57. A : 8. R. tal- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SA
`5961.289. A 10/1999 Lohmann. 416/189
`6,026,866 A 2/2000 Nanaji ......................... 141/59
`6,052,629 A 4/2000 Leatherman et al. ........ 700/241
`6,072,459 A
`6/2000 Asakawa et al. ........... 34.5/101
`6,104,451 A
`8/2000 Matsuoka et al.
`... 349/58
`6,111,630 A
`8/2000 Watanuki et al. ........... 349/161
`6,151,401. A 11/2000 Annaratone ................. 381/388
`6,176.421 B1
`1/2001 Royal, Jr. et al. ........... 231/381
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/840,338
`Flow Fan CFS Series'.
`“Brushless DC C
`SCSS
`OSS TOW a
`CCS
`(22) Filed:
`Apr. 23, 2001
`cited by examiner
`(65)
`Prior Publication Data
`Primary Examiner-James Dudek
`US 2002/0154255 A1 Oct. 24, 2002
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Withrow & Terranova
`PLLC
`(51) Int. Cl." .............................................. G02F1/1225
`57
`(52) U.S. Cl. ....................................................... 379/161
`(57)
`(58) Field of Search .......................................... 349,161
`The present invention relates to a thermal management
`(56)
`References Cited
`system for a thin depth LCD display enclosure. The LCD
`display enclosure may be used in environmentally sensitive
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`conditions and may be environmentally-Sealed to protect the
`components of the LCD display from environmental con
`3. A g E. R et al. ......... 10.g s
`ditions. The LCD display components may include a lens
`as Y-2
`arguss ...,
`4857.887. A 8/1989 Iten ............................. 341/34
`and a LCD module, and other heating producing
`2Y-
`3. A : S.E. MeAla- - - - - -
`It is components, Such as backlights and electronic circuitry. The
`4,984.445 A
`1/1991 Ohuchi et al... 72,360
`heat producing components and any external heat placed on
`5,170,195 A * 12/1992 Akiyama et al. ........... 349/162
`the enclosure causes the ambient air temperature inside the
`5,400,414 A 3/1995 Thiele ..............
`... 381/190
`enclosure to rise thereby possibly causing the LCD display
`D357,198 S
`4/1995 Gatley ......................... D10/94
`to not operate properly. The ambient air temperature inside
`5.488.385 A
`1/1996 Singhal et al. .
`... 345/3
`the enclosure is lowered by transferring heat in the ambient
`5,606,341 A * 2/1997 Aguilera ...................... 345/87
`air through the enclosure to a heat Sink that is attached on the
`SE 1 A 7/1997 R et al - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 40/
`outside rear portion of the enclosure, and to the atmosphere
`3. A : S. B aret al. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 E.
`using forced convection, natural convention, or both.
`5.691886 A 11/1997 Stacy.
`... 362/283
`5,694,141. A 12/1997
`
`sk -
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`
`
`39 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`TO ATMOSPHERE
`L
`
`HEAT
`
`20
`
`-16
`
`18-1
`
`f
`
`28E.
`
`R-DE
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1027.001
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 10, 2002
`
`Sheet 1 of 4
`
`US 6,493,440 B2
`
`TO ATMOSPHERE
`
`2O
`
`16
`
`2
`
`4
`
`10-N-
`
`
`
`32
`
`26
`
`14
`
`30
`
`18
`
`28B
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1027.002
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 10, 2002
`
`Sheet 2 of 4
`
`US 6,493,440 B2
`
`-9
`
`
`
`FIG. 2
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1027.003
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 10, 2002
`
`Sheet 3 of 4
`
`US 6,493,440 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`HET]TOH_LNOO
`HEAHES
`
`NIV/W
`
`TWOOT
`
`575
`
`XIHONA LEN
`HEAHES
`
`E_LOVNEH
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1027.004
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Dec. 10, 2002
`
`Sheet 4 of 4
`
`US 6,493,440 B2
`
`
`
`CO KO
`
`© N.
`
`
`
`FIG. 4
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1027.005
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`US 6,493,440 B2
`
`1
`THERMAL MANAGEMENT FOR A THIN
`ENVIRONMENTALLY-SEALED LCD
`DISPLAY ENCLOSURE
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention relates to a thermal management
`System for a LCD display in a thin depth, environmentally
`Sealed enclosure.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`LCD displays are commonly used today in devices that
`require information to be displayed in human-perceptible
`form. LCD displays are typically comprised of an enclosure,
`a LCD module, backlights and Supporting electronics. Since
`LCD displays use thin depth LCD modules to display
`information as opposed to larger in depth cathode ray tube
`(CRT) displays for similar sized screens, LCD displays are
`often used in devices that have packaging and/or space
`constraints. Unlike LCD displays, the tube in a CRT display
`increases Substantially in depth as the Screen size increases.
`Electronic devices, Such as fuel dispensers and automatic
`teller machines (ATM) for example, use displays to display
`information to users of these devices. Such information may
`be instructions on how to use the machine or a customer's
`account Status. Such information may also include other
`useful information and/or Services that generate additional
`revenue beyond the particular function of the device, Such as
`advertising or newSworthy information. Through increas
`ingly easier and cheaper access to the Internet, it has become
`even more desirable for electronic devices to use displayS
`that are larger in Screen size and employ higher resolution
`color graphics without Substantially increasing the depth of
`the display due to packaging limitations. Therefore, LCD
`displays are advantageous to use in displayS in electronic
`devices because of the thin nature of LCD modules.
`LCD displays used in outdoor devices typically use an
`environmentally-Sealed enclosure Since LCD displayS
`include internal components, Such as electronics, backlights
`and display modules, whose operations are Sensitive to
`outdoor conditions, Such as water and dust. However, the
`backlights and the electronic circuitry generate extreme heat
`during their operation thereby raising the ambient air tem
`perature inside the enclosure. The ambient temperature in
`the enclosure rises even more in outdoor devices due to
`Sunlight heat. If the ambient temperature in the enclosure is
`not managed, components of the LCD display 10 may fail.
`For example, the LCD module may start to white or black
`out if the ambient temperature inside the enclosure rises
`above a certain temperature.
`One method keeping the ambient air temperature lower
`inside the enclosure is to provide a larger enclosure So that
`it takes more heat generated by the internal components of
`the LCD display and external Sources, Such as the Sunlight,
`to raise the ambient air temperature inside the enclosure.
`However, increasing the size of the enclosure is counter to
`the goal of using a thin depth enclosure for a LCD display.
`Therefore, a need exists to provide a thin LCD display
`enclosure that is Sealed from the environment and is capable
`of efficiently dissipating heat generated by the internal
`components of the LCD display and external heat, Such as
`Sunlight.
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention relates to a thermal management
`System for a liquid crystal display (LCD) that is placed
`
`65
`
`2
`inside a thin depth enclosure and may be incorporated into
`an outdoor device. The thermal management System effi
`ciently transferS and dissipates heat in the ambient air of the
`LCD display enclosure generated by components of the
`LCD display and external heat, Such as Sunlight.
`In one embodiment of the present invention, the LCD
`display comprises an environmentally-Sealed, heat conduct
`ing enclosure with a backlight assembly having at least one
`backlight. The backlight assembly is connected to the inside
`rear portion of the enclosure. A heat Sink is attached on the
`outside rear portion of the enclosure. Heat generated by the
`backlightS is transferred using natural convection from the
`enclosure to the heat Sink, and the heat Sink dissipates Such
`heat to the atmosphere.
`In another embodiment of the present invention, the LCD
`display contains the backlight assembly as discussed in the
`preceding paragraph. The LCD display also contains a lens
`on the front portion of the enclosure and a LCD module
`between the lens and the backlight assembly. The LCD
`module is placed in between the top and bottom of the
`enclosure to provide air gaps inside and at the top and the
`bottom of the LCD module to form a circular airflow path
`around the LCD module. A fan is placed in the airflow path
`to forcibly move heated air inside the enclosure from the
`front of the LCD module to the rear portion of the enclosure
`for heat dissipation through the heat Sink and to the atmo
`Sphere.
`The LCD display may be placed in any type of electronic
`device, including but not limited to a kiosk, a fuel dispenser,
`a personal computer, an elevator display, and an automated
`teller machine (ATM). The LCD display may display infor
`mation and other instructions to a user of an electronic
`device incorporating the LCD display. If the LCD display
`has a touch Screen, the LCD display may also act as an input
`device.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a Schematic diagram of one embodiment of a
`thin depth LCD display enclosure having a thermal man
`agement System according to the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a Schematic diagram of a kiosk having a LCD
`display according to the present invention;
`FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the
`LCD display electronicS architecture, and
`FIG. 4 is a Schematic diagram of a fuel dispenser having
`a LCD display according to the present invention.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`The present invention relates to a thermal management
`System for a LCD display having a thin depth enclosure, and
`that may be placed in and outdoor environment and/or
`device. Athermal management System aids the LCD display
`10 in overcoming the effects of internal heat generated by
`components of the LCD display 10 and heat from Sunlight
`heat, if the LCD display 10 is placed in Sunlight. The thermal
`management System also allows a thinner depth enclosure to
`be used for the LCD display. Use of a thin depth LCD
`display may be useful for addressing Space and packaging
`issues for devices requiring a display.
`A LCD display 10 according to one embodiment of the
`present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The LCD display
`10 comprises an environmentally-Sealed enclosure 12 that
`has a front portion 14 and a rear portion 16. The
`environmentally-Sealed enclosure 12 protects the internal
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1027.006
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`3
`components of the LCD display 10 from external elements
`that may affect the proper operation, Such as water, dust, etc.
`The enclosure 12 is constructed out of a heat conducting
`material, Such as sheet metal, aluminum, or copper for
`example, So that heat generated by components of the LCD
`display 10 can be dissipated outside of the enclosure 12 to
`the atmosphere using convective heat transfer. In one
`embodiment, the depth of the enclosure 12 is approximately
`40 millimeters.
`The enclosure 12 includes a transparent lens 18 at the
`front portion 14 of the enclosure 12 for external viewing of
`the LCD display 10. The lens protects the internal compo
`nents of the LCD display 10 and also allows the LCD
`module 26 to be viewed from outside of the enclosure 12.
`The lens 18 may be constructed out of clear plastic, glass,
`Plexiglas, or other transparent material So long as the LCD
`module 26 can be viewed from outside the enclosure 12. The
`LCD module 26 may be an active or passive matrix display,
`may include color, and may pass or block light to provide
`information for external viewing.
`Abacklight assembly 20 is provided in the rear portion 16
`of the enclosure 12. The backlight assembly 20 holds one or
`more backlights 22. The backlights 22 project light towards
`the rear of the LCD module 26 so that the LCD module 26
`can be properly viewed through the lens 18. In this particular
`embodiment, the backlights 22 are flourescent light bulbs.
`When power is provided to the backlights 22, light is
`projected from the backlights 22 towards the LCD module
`26. The LCD module 26, depending on its design, either
`blocks the light or allows the light to pass through to display
`information for external viewing in human-perceptible form
`through the lens 18.
`The LCD display 10 also includes a thermal management
`System for convectively moving and dissipating heat gen
`erated by internal components of the LCD display 10, such
`as the backlights 22 and electronic circuitry (not shown) in
`the enclosure 12, as well as external heat on the enclosure
`12, Such as Sunlight. Heat generated by these Sources raises
`the ambient air temperature inside the enclosure 12 thereby
`possibly causing the LCD display 10 to not function prop
`erly. Although the backlights 22 are designed to operate at
`higher temperatures, the heat generated by the backlights
`may affect the performance of the LCD module 26. For
`example, if the LCD module 26 is a color module, the color
`will Start to fade as the ambient temperature inside the
`enclosure 12 increases beyond designed operating tempera
`tures of the LCD module 26.
`It may be desirable for a LCD display 10 in an outdoor
`device to be brighter than would otherwise be required in an
`indoor device due to light and glare created by Sunlight.
`Increasing the brightness of the backlightS 22 causes the
`backlights 22 to generate more heat and/or the power to the
`electronic circuitry to be greater. Because the enclosure 12
`is environmentally-Sealed, heat generated by the backlights
`22, the electronic circuitry, and external Sources needs to be
`dissipated outside of the enclosure 12 in order for the LCD
`module 26 to operate at a lower temperature. For example,
`Some LCD modules 12 may need to be kept at temperatures
`at or lower than 70 degrees Celsius to operate properly. One
`Solution is to reduce the power to the backlights 22 that in
`turn lowers the heat generated by the backlights 22, but this
`also reduces the brightness of the LCD display 10.
`The present invention may be used to avoid having to
`reduce the brightness of the backlights 22. Heat generated by
`the LCD display 10 may be convectively dissipated in two
`manners. The LCD display 10 dissipates heat inside the
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 6,493,440 B2
`
`4
`enclosure 12 using one or more heat SinkS 24 attached to the
`rear portion 16 of the enclosure 12. The heat sink 24 may
`contain one or more fins 25 to create greater Surface area on
`the heat sink 24 for dissipation of heat. This heat sink 24
`ensures that the internal Surface temperature of the enclosure
`12 is kept as close to the atmospheric temperature as
`possible to ensure that the heated air inside the enclosure 12
`is absorbed by the enclosure 12. FIG. 1 illustrates the heat
`dissipated by the heat Sink 24 to the atmosphere using
`arrows pointing upward on the outside of the rear portion 16
`of the enclosure 12.
`Heat generated by the backlights 22 is dissipated through
`the heat sink 24. The backlight assembly 20 is located
`against the Surface of the rear portion 16 of the enclosure 12.
`In one embodiment, the center of the backlights is approxi
`mately 3.25 millimeters from the rear portion 16 of the
`enclosure 12. In this manner, heat generated by the back
`lights 22 is convectively transferred to the atmosphere, using
`natural convection. The heat generated by the backlights 22
`is transferred to the rear portion 16 of the enclosure 12 and
`to the heat sink 24. The closer the heat sink 24 is to the
`backlights 22, the faster heat generated by the backlights 22
`can be transferred outside of the enclosure 12 thereby
`reducing the chance of Such heat to increase the ambient air
`inside the enclosure 12.
`Heat generated by the backlights 22 that is not immedi
`ately dissipated through the rear portion 16 of the enclosure
`12 and the heat Sink 24 causes the ambient air temperature
`inside the enclosure 12 to rise. Heat generated by electronic
`circuitry inside the enclosure 12 and any external heat on the
`enclosure 12, Such as Sunlight, also causes the ambient air
`temperature inside the enclosure 12 to rise. To dissipate the
`heat in the ambient air, thereby cooling the LCD module 26,
`an airflow path 30 is created around the LCD module 26 by
`placement of the LCD module 26 between the lens 18 and
`the backlight assembly 20. In one embodiment of the present
`invention, the back of the LCD module 26 is placed approxi
`mately 12.9 millimeters from the backlights 22 to properly
`diffuse and evenly backlight the LCD module 26. The front
`of the LCD module 26 is placed approximately 9.4 milli
`meters from the lens 18 so that any protrusion on the lens 18
`does not damage the LCD module 26. Spacing between the
`lens 18 and the LCD module 26 also allows air to be routed
`acroSS the LCD module 26 for thermal management, as
`discussed below. The LCD module 26 is also placed
`between the top and bottom of the enclosure 12 in the
`vertical plane so that air gaps 28A and 28B are formed on the
`top and bottom of the LCD module 26. In this manner, air
`is free to flow around the LCD module 26 in a circular
`fashion, as illustrated by the counter-clockwise airflow
`arrows moving around the LCD module 26 in FIG. 1.
`In order to dissipate heat in the ambient air in the
`enclosure 12, a fan 32 is placed in the airflow path 30. The
`fan 32 provides forced convection of the ambient air inside
`the enclosure 12 to the rear portion 16 of the enclosure 12
`for dissipation. In one embodiment, the fan 32 is placed at
`the top of the enclosure 12 above the LCD module 26.
`During operation, that fan 32 rotates counter-clockwise to
`create the counter-clockwise circular airflow path 30. The
`ambient air is routed to the rear of the LCD module 26 and
`to the rear portion 16 of the enclosure 12 for dissipation
`through the enclosure 12 to the heat sink 24 and to the
`atmosphere.
`The fan 32 may be any type of air movement device that
`can create the airflow path 30; however, one embodiment of
`present invention employs a laminar flow fan 32 manufac
`tured by Delta Corporation. An example of Such a laminar
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1027.007
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`US 6,493,440 B2
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`S
`flow fan 32 is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,289 entitled
`“Cooling axial flow fan with reduced noise levels caused by
`Swept laminar and/or asymmetrically Staggered blades,”
`incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A laminar
`flow fan 32 creates a sheet of air, rather than turbulent air,
`across the LCD module 26. The laminar airflow is more
`efficient than turbulent airflow for moving air and transfer
`ring heat from the front of the LCD module 26 to the rear
`portion 16 of the enclosure 12. A more efficient fan 32 allows
`Selection of a fan 32 that is Smaller in size Since it may
`require less rotations of the fan 32 to move an amount of air
`desired and/or move the same amount of air in a Smaller
`airflow path 30. Each of these factors contributes to a
`smaller fan 32 size that in turn contributes to a thinner depth
`enclosure 12. In one embodiment, the fan 32 operates at
`approximately 3400 revolutions per minutes (RPM).
`However, the present invention may use any type of fan 32,
`including those that generate turbulent air. The fan 32 speed
`may also be adjusted to move air in the desired manner and
`efficiency.
`FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a device that incor
`porates the LCD display 10 known as a “kiosk'34. A kiosk
`34 is any type of interactive electronic device that provides
`an input device, an output device, or both. KioskS 34 are
`typically used in retail environments to Sell products and/or
`Services to customers. Some common types of kiosk 34
`include Vending machines, fuel dispensers, automatic teller
`machines (ATM), and the like. FIG. 2 illustrates one
`example of a kiosk 34 that includes the LCD display 10
`illustrated in FIG. 1 as an output device for displaying
`information. Soft keys 36 are located on each side of the
`LCD display 10 as an input device for customer selections;
`however, an input device may also take others forms, Such
`as a keypad 38, touch screen keys on the LCD display 10
`(not shown), card entry device, magnetic or optically
`encoded cards for example, Voice recognition, etc. The LCD
`display 10 of the present invention is particularly Suited for
`kiosks 34 that are located in outdoor environments where the
`enclosure 12 of the LCD display 10 is environmentally
`sealed. However, the LCD display 10 may be placed in any
`type of kiosk 34 regardless of whether the kiosk 34 is placed
`in an outdoor environment.
`FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a communication
`architecture used for the LCD display 10. The LCD display
`10 comprises a display CPU board 40 that contains elec
`tronicS and Software. In this particular embodiment, the
`display CPU board 40 contains a single display micropro
`cessor 42 and display software 44. The display software 44
`contains both volatile memory 46, such as RAM and/or flash
`memory, and non-volatile memory 48, such as EPROM
`50
`and/or EEPROM. The display software 44 contains program
`instructions for the display microprocessor 42 and may also
`contain information to be displayed on the LCD module 26.
`The display microprocessor 42 may also manages informa
`tion received from external Sources and controls the opera
`tion of the LCD module 26.
`In this embodiment, information is communicated from
`one or more external devices to the display microprocessor
`42 to then be displayed on the LCD module 26. A main
`controller 50 is provided as the interface to the display
`microprocessor 42. The main controller 50 may be any type
`of control System, including a point-of-Sale System for
`example. The main controller 50 may be coupled to more
`than one display microprocessor 42 for managing multiple
`LCD modules 26. The main controller 50 may also be
`connected to a local Server 56, located in close proximity to
`the LCD display 10, that sends information to be displayed
`
`55
`
`40
`
`45
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6
`on the LCD module 26. A remote server 52, located remotely
`from the LCD display 10, may also be provided to send
`information to the LCD module 26. The remote server 52
`may send information over a network 54 directly to the
`display microprocessor 42, through the main controller 50,
`and/or through the local server 56 to be eventually displayed
`on the LCD module 26. The remote server 52, the local
`server 56, the main controller 50, and the display micropro
`ceSSor 42 may be coupled each other through either a wired
`or wireleSS connection or network 54 using any type of
`communication technology, including but not limited to the
`Internet, Serial or parallel bus communication, radio
`frequency communication, optical communication, etc.
`Examples of Internet information management that may
`be used with the present invention to Send information to a
`LCD display 10 and/or communicate information entered
`into a LCD display 10 having a touch screen or other
`electronic device incorporating an LCD display 10 are
`disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,052,629 and 6,176,421 entitled
`“Internet capable browser dispenser architecture” and “Fuel
`dispenser architecture having Server' respectively, both of
`which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
`FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary outdoor device that
`may incorporate the LCD display 10 of the present invention
`known as a “fuel dispenser' 60. A fuel dispenser 60 may also
`be considered a type of kiosk 34 depending on its configu
`ration and features. The illustrated fuel dispenser 60 contains
`a LCD display 10 for providing instructions and/or infor
`mation to a customer at the fuel dispenser 60. The fuel
`dispenser 60 is comprised of a housing 62 and at least one
`energy-dispensing outlet, Such as a hose 64 and nozzle 66
`combination, to deliver fuel to a vehicle (not shown). As
`illustrated in FIG. 2, the fuel dispenser 60 may have other
`input and/or output devices for interaction with a customer,
`Such as price-per-unit of fuel displayS 72, Soft-keys 36, a
`receipt printer 68, a radio-frequency identification (RFID)
`antenna 74, and a cash acceptor 70.
`Also note that the LCD display 10 may also be placed
`external to the fuel dispenser 60 and attached to the fuel
`dispenser 60 as disclosed in co-pending patent application
`entitled “Multiple browser interface,” filed on Apr. 23, 2001.
`Certain modifications and improvements will occur to
`those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing
`description. It should be understood that the present inven
`tion is not limited to any particular type of component in the
`LCD display 10 including, but not limited to the enclosure
`12, the lens 18, the backlight 22 and backlight assembly 20,
`the heat sink 24, the LCD module 26, and the fan 32.
`Additionally, the LCD display 10 may be used in any type
`of device having or using a display, including but not limited
`to a personal computer, a kiosk34, an elevator, an ATM, and
`a fuel dispenser 60. Also for the purposes of this application,
`couple, coupled, or coupling is defined as either a direct
`connection or a reactive coupling. Reactive coupling is
`defined as either capacitive or inductive coupling.
`One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there
`are different manners in which these elements can accom
`plish the present invention. The present invention is intended
`to cover what is claimed and any equivalents. The Specific
`embodiments used herein are to aid in the understanding of
`the present invention and should not be used to limit the
`Scope of the invention in a manner narrower than the claims
`and their equivalents.
`What is claimed is:
`1. ALCD display, comprising:
`an environmentally-Sealed enclosure having a front por
`tion and a rear portion;
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1027.008
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`7
`a lens placed on said front portion for viewing of the LCD
`display;
`a backlight assembly attached to Said rear portion and
`having at least one backlight;
`a heat Sink connected to the outside of Said rear portion to
`convectively transfer heat through Said enclosure to the
`atmosphere;
`a LCD module located in between said lens and said
`backlight assembly and in between the top and bottom
`of Said enclosure to form air gaps at the top and bottom
`of the inside of Said enclosure to form a circular airflow
`path for the ambient air inside Said enclosure; and
`a fan placed in Said airflow path to circulate the ambient
`air inside Said enclosure to Said rear portion to transfer
`heat in the ambient air through Said enclosure to Said
`heat Sink and to the atmosphere using forced convec
`tion.
`2. The LCD display of claim 1, wherein said heat sink
`transferS heat generated by Said at least one backlight
`through Said enclosure to Said heat Sink and to the atmo
`Sphere using natural convection.
`3. The LCD display of claim 1, wherein said fan is an
`axial fan.
`4. The LCD display of claim 1, wherein said fan produces
`a laminar airflow across said LCD module.
`5. The LCD display of claim 1, wherein said fan rotates
`at a speed of around about 3400 rpm.
`6. The LCD display of claim 1, wherein said fan is placed
`in Said airflow path at an end of Said enclosure.
`7. The LCD display of claim 1, wherein said fan is placed
`in Said airflow path in between the ends of Said enclosure.
`8. The LCD display of claim 1, wherein said enclosure is
`less than or equal to a depth of around about 40 millimeters.
`9. The LCD display of claim 1, wherein said LCD module
`is Spaced at a distance of around about 9.4 millimeters from
`Said lens.
`10. The LCD display of claim 1, wherein said enclosure
`is constructed out of materials comprised from the group
`consisting of sheet metal, aluminum, and copper.
`11. The LCD display of claim 1, wherein said backlight
`assembly is physically connected to Said rear portion of Said
`enclosure.
`12. The LCD display of claim 1, wherein said backlight
`assembly comprises a backlight reflector that is attached to
`Said rear portion to place Said at least one backlight bulb in
`close proximity to Said rear portion.
`13. The LCD display of claim 1, further comprising a
`control System that controls information displayed on Said
`LCD module.
`14. The LCD display of claim 13, wherein said control
`System is comprised of electronics having a microprocessor
`and Software.
`15. The LCD display of claim 1, wherein said LCD
`module is adapted to display an Internet browser.
`16. The LCD display of claim 1, wherein said enclosure
`is less than or equal to a depth of around about 40 millime
`terS.
`17. An energy dispenser that dispenses energy into a
`customer's vehicle, comprising:
`a housing;
`an energy-dispensing outlet,
`a control System in Said housing that controls the dispens
`ing of the energy through Said energy dispensing outlet;
`and
`a LCD display under control of said control system that
`displays information to the customer, Said LCD display
`comprising:
`
`1O
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 6,493,440 B2
`
`8
`an environmentally-Sealed enclosure having a front por
`tion and a rear portion;
`a lens placed on Said front portion for external viewing of
`the LCD display;
`a backlight assembly attached to Said rear portion and
`having at least one backlight;
`a heat Sink connected to the outside of Said rear portion to
`convectively transfer heat through Said enclosure to the
`atmosphere;
`a LCD module located in between said lens and said
`backlight assembly and in between the top and bottom
`of Said enclosure to form air gaps at the top and bottom
`of the inside of Said enclosure to form a circular airflow
`path for the ambient air inside Said enclosure; and
`a fan placed in Said airflow path to circulate the ambient
`air inside Said enclosure to Said rear portion to transfer
`heat in the ambient air through Said enclosure to Said
`heat Sink and to the atmosphere using forced convec
`tion.
`18. The energy dispenser of claim 1, wherein said heat
`Sink transferS heat generated by Said at least one backlight
`through Said enclosure to Said heat Sink and to the atmo
`Sphere using natural convection.
`19. The energy dispenser of claim 17, wherein said
`information is comprised from the group consisting of text
`and graphical information.
`20. The energy dispenser of claim 17, wherein said
`information is comprised from the group consisting of
`weather, Stock quotes, discounts, advertising, coupons, pur
`chasing information, and Special purchases.
`21. The LCD display of claim 17, wherein said fan is an
`axial fan.
`22. The LCD display of claim 17, wherein Said fan
`produces a laminar airflow acroSS Said LCD module.
`23. The LCD display of claim 17, wherein said fan rotates
`at a speed of around about 3400 rpm.
`24. The LCD display of claim 17, wherein said fan is
`placed in Said airflow path at an end of Said enclosure.
`25. The LCD display of claim 17, wherein said fan is
`placed in Said airflow path in between the ends of Said
`enclosure.
`26. The LCD display of claim 17, wherein said enclosure
`is less than or equal to a depth of around about 40 millime
`terS.
`27. The LCD display of claim 17, wherein said LCD
`module is spaced at a distance of around about 9.4 milli
`meters from Said lens.
`28. The LCD display of claim 17, wherein said enclosure
`is constructed out of materials comprised from the group
`consisting of sheet metal, aluminum, and copper.
`29. The LCD display of claim 17, wherein said backlight
`assembly is physically connected to Said rear portion of Said
`enclosure.
`30. The LCD display of claim 17, wherein said backlight
`assembly comprises a backlight reflector that is attached to
`Said rear portion to place Said at least one backlight bulb in
`close proximity to Said rear portion.
`31. The LCD display of claim 17, further comprising a
`control System that controls information displayed on Said
`LCD module.
`32. Th