United States Patent (19)
`Heady et al.
`
`54) HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEM AND METHOD
`FOR ELECTRONIC DISPLAYS
`75 Inventors: Gregory S. Heady; Steve J. Bendik,
`both of Phoenix, Ariz.
`
`(73) Assignee: Lacerta Enterprises, Inc., Phoenix,
`Ariz.
`
`21 Appl. No.: 09/183,165
`22 Filed:
`Oct. 30, 1998
`Related U.S. Application Data
`63 Continuation-in-part of application No. 08/960,525, Oct. 31,
`1997.
`(51) Int. Cl. ................................................. H05K 7/20
`52 U.S. Cl. .......................... 361/704; 361/687; 361/695;
`165/102.32; 165/185; 349/12
`58 Field of Search ..................................... 361/682, 687,
`361/692-698, 724, 683, 735; 165/104.14,
`104.33, 104.34, 80.2, 80.3, 80.4, 104.32,
`165, 185; 313/17, 22, 35, 44; 34.5/10, 87;
`349/12, 58, 161
`
`56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1/1977 Aeschliman.
`4,002,831
`1/1979 Moyer.
`4.134.624
`4,447.856 5/1984 Takahashi et al..
`4,528,614 7/1985 Shariff et al..
`4,644,408 2/1987 Coleman.
`4,827,439 5/1989 Licht.
`4,836,625
`6/1989 Catta.
`3.
`3. St. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 361/682
`
`4.949,934 8/1990 Krenz et al.
`4,985,803
`1/1991 Pum et al..
`5,091,827 2/1992 Suret et al..
`
`USOO5991153A
`Patent Number:
`11
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`5,991,153
`Nov. 23, 1999
`
`5.243,493 9/1993 Jeng et al..
`5,271,669 12/1993 Pearlson.
`5,529,120 6/1996 Howard et al..
`532, o1.
`is
`5,573,317 11/1996 Cavanauagh et al..
`
`a C a
`
`2- - - 2
`
`SE 12: hy et al.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 165/104.34
`5,748,269 5/1998 Harris et al. .............................. 349/58
`5,872,699 2/1999 Nishii et al. ............................ 361/699
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`06202566 7/1994 Japan ................................ G09F 9/00
`
`Primary Examiner Donald Sparks
`Assistant Examiner Michael Datskovsky
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Schmeiser, Olsen & Watts
`57
`ABSTRACT
`An electronic display unit includes: 1) a sealed display
`housing; 2) an electronic display inside the display housing;
`3) circuit boards inside the display housing, 4) a heat
`collector inside the display housing; 5) a heat dissipater
`outside the display housing; and 6) a thermally conductive
`link between the heat collector and the heat dissipater.
`Various apparatus and methods allow gathering heat inside
`the display housing and transferring heat either to outside
`the display housing or to the electronic display inside the
`display housing. The transfer occurs without exposing elec
`tronic components inside the display housing to dust and
`moisture. Thus, exposure of the electronic components to
`excessive heat is avoided and exposure of the electronic
`display to excessive cold is also avoided. The electronic
`display, along with the circuit board, are positioned to at
`least partially define a front chamber, a center chamber, and
`a rear chamber. Also, a front and rear fan Set are positioned
`to circulate air among the chambers to accomplish the
`
`indicated effects.
`20 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`N
`
`''''''"
`
`2.
`
`7.
`
`232 23
`
`-335
`2-237
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1028.001
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 23, 1999
`
`Sheet 1 of 6
`
`5,991,153
`
`
`
`-2
`
`105
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1028.002
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 23, 1999
`
`Sheet 2 of 6
`
`5,991,153
`
`105
`245 190 240
`220 250 250
`
`
`
`
`
`205
`
`207
`
`NN
`Z N
`FIG. 2
`
`ZZZ
`
`ZZZZZZZZºzizzº
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1028.003
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 23, 1999
`
`Sheet 3 of 6
`
`5,991,153
`
`
`
`TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT)
`
`2| –È
`
`150
`
`217
`
`215
`
`205
`
`207
`
`N,N)
`N N Ø
`
`Z
`
`
`
`FIG. 3
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1028.004
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 23, 1999
`
`Sheet 4 of 6
`
`
`
`105 245 190 240
`220 250 1 250
`
`? ? ??º
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`245
`250
`
`5,991,153
`
`
`
`205
`
`207
`
`NGØNo.N.
`
`||||||||||||||Ø N
`N N
`
`CN
`
`NTNU
`Ø
`
`FIG. 4
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1028.005
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 23, 1999
`
`Sheet S of 6
`
`5,991,153
`
`
`
`50
`
`- 500
`
`FIG. 5
`
`500
`
`510
`
`515
`
`Z% Z% Z Z2
`Z Z%
`Z 2
`MZ
`Z2 WZ 2
`Z2 2Z 2 MZ 2
`
`MZ Z Z Z% 2 Z% Z2
`
`FIG. 6
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1028.006
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Nov. 23, 1999
`
`Sheet 6 of 6
`
`5,991,153
`
`
`
`700
`
`710
`
`FIG. 7
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1028.007
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`5,991,153
`
`1
`HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEMAND METHOD
`FOR ELECTRONIC DISPLAYS
`
`RELATED APPLICATION
`This application is a continuation-in-part of the earlier
`patent application by Heady et al. entitled “METHOD AND
`APPARATUS FOR DISSIPATING HEAT FROM AN
`ELECTRONIC DISPLAY', Ser. No. 08/960,525, filed Oct.
`31, 1997, which is incorporated herein by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`Structures may be embedded within an outside facing wall of
`a building and may or may not be able to receive the benefits
`of climate control from the building. Even if climate control
`is possible, the equipment housed in the outdoor communi
`cation Structure is still potentially exposed to adverse
`weather conditions.
`Among the weather conditions listed above, heat, wind,
`and dust are particularly troublesome because few conven
`tional equipment housings provide effective protection, par
`ticularly in arid or Semi-arid climates. A common Solution to
`equipment overheating inside a housing is to provide a fan
`along with intake and exhaust vents. This arrangement will
`probably cool the equipment, but at the cost of increased
`interference with communication, electricity usage, mainte
`nance of fans, and intake of dust and moisture. Ordering
`apparatus typically have an intercom System with a micro
`phone and Speaker that allows customers and busineSS
`perSonnel to communicate with each other. Accordingly, the
`Vibration from a fan is transmitted to the intercom micro
`phone and, thus, decreases the coherence of communication
`to and from the customer. Such interference is in addition to
`the already troubleSome vibration from automobiles, patter
`ing from rain, hissing from wind, and other Sources. Also,
`because a fan continuously intakes and exhausts air, any dust
`or moisture in the air will be drawn into the housing where
`it can interfere with equipment Such as Speakers and/or
`microphones, fans, lights, and possibly electronic displayS.
`The above problems are increasingly more troubleSome as
`more businesses begin to install relatively valuable
`equipment, Such as liquid crystal displays, electro
`luminescent displays, and field emission displayS. Electronic
`displayS. Such as those listed enhance the communication
`between customers and business personnel, but they are
`Susceptible to heat, dust, and moisture damage. Not only are
`displayS. Subject to overheating from Sun exposure, but they
`also generate heat during normal operation that must be
`dissipated. Currently, electronic displayS endure a shortened
`operation life because of inceSSant exposure either to heat
`from the Sun or Self-generated heat or both. There also exists
`a paradox that as more effort is made to encase displays and
`protect them from dust and moisture, heat exposure
`increases because the encasing prevents proper dissipation
`of heat.
`Thus, it can be seen from the above discussion that it
`would be an improvement in the art to provide outdoor
`communication Structures having a housing that Simulta
`neously protects equipment from heat, moisture, and dust.
`Unless better protection is provided, businesses will con
`tinue to lose profits from equipment malfunctions that
`require costly repair and turn away inconvenienced custom
`CS.
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`1. Technical Field
`This invention relates to the field of equipment housings
`for Outdoor communication Structures. More specifically the
`invention relates to an apparatus for protecting equipment in
`a walk-up or drive-in ordering apparatus and a method for
`maximizing heat transfer from an electronic display hous
`ing.
`2. Background Art
`One of the services that modern businesses offer with
`increasing frequency is the ability to transact busineSS while
`remaining in an automobile or at a walk-up Structure.
`Consumers find Such Services appealing because of the
`convenience and efficiency with which they can complete
`tasks Such as purchasing goods, arranging for Services,
`conducting bank transactions, and paying bills. Drive-in or
`walk-up ordering is commonly associated with fast-food
`restaurants and dry-cleaning businesses. However, these
`transactions may also occur at banks or other establishments
`where feasible.
`The outdoor communication structures currently used by
`walk-up or drive-in businesses also have certain disadvan
`tages. Because Such structures are generally placed in an
`outdoor location and require Some Sort of communication
`link with a perSon or computer, exposure to adverse weather
`conditions, communication quality, and Vandalism are often
`Significant concerns. Very little, if any, patented technology
`exists for Solving these problems with outdoor communica
`tion Structures. However, a few patents exist that relate
`generally to the types of equipment often found in Such
`structures. Some of these references include U.S. Pat. No.
`4,002,831 issued to Aeschliman, U.S. Pat. No. 4,447.856
`issued to Takahashi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,625 issued to
`Catta, U.S. Pat. No. 4,985,803 issued to Pum et al., U.S. Pat.
`No. 5,243,493 issued to Jeng et al., and U.S. Pat. No.
`5,529,120 issued to Howard et al. The teachings of the
`indicated references do not adequately overcome the prob
`lems associated with outdoor communication Structures and,
`50
`more Specifically, drive-in ordering apparatus which com
`prise one Subgroup of outdoor communication Structures.
`A common concern with outdoor communication Struc
`tures is their exposure to adverse weather conditions. Drive
`in ordering apparatus are often positioned remotely with
`respect to the main business building and cannot receive the
`benefits of climate control and other protection from heat,
`wind, dust, and moisture. Remote positioning of a drive-in
`apparatus is a characteristic choice, for example, with fast
`food restaurants where a driveway provides a controlled
`route for automobiles to approach an ordering apparatus.
`After placing an order, customers then proceed to a window
`at the main business building where they pay for and pick up
`their order. Remote positioning has the advantage of allow
`ing restaurants to improve efficiency by preparing a custom
`er's order while they wait in a line of automobiles to pay for
`and pick up their order. Other outdoor communication
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
`According to the present invention, an electronic display
`unit is provided comprising: 1) a Sealed display housing; 2)
`an electronic display at least partially inside the display
`housing; 3) at least one circuit board inside the display
`housing having a plurality of electronic components; 4) at
`least one heat collector inside the display housing; 5) at least
`one heat dissipater at least partially outside the display
`housing; and 6) a thermally conductive link between the heat
`collector and the heat dissipater. Thus, excessive heat inside
`the display housing is transferred outside the display hous
`ing without exposing the electronic components to dust and
`moisture from outside the display housing.
`By way of example, the electronic display may be wholly
`inside the display housing and the electronic display, along
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1028.008
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`5,991,153
`
`3
`with the circuit board, may be positioned to at least partially
`define a front chamber, a center chamber, and a rear cham
`ber. Further, a front fan Set may be positioned to circulate air
`from the center chamber to the front chamber and then back
`to the center chamber and a rear fan Set may be positioned
`to circulate air from the center chamber to the rear chamber
`and then back to the center chamber. Such a front fan set
`may be activated by a fan controller, that includes a tem
`perature Sensor, to warm overly cold locations inside the
`display housing with heat generated in the center chamber.
`In particular, the electronic display may be warmed when
`cold. In addition, both the rear fan set and the front fan set
`may be activated by the fan controller to circulate hot air to
`the rear chamber where it may be transferred through a heat
`collector to outside the display housing and a heat dissipater.
`For example, the heat collector and the heat dissipater may
`be metallic fins designed to collect and dissipate heat
`primarily by convection. Additional heat collectors may also
`be provided that are metallic plates collecting heat primarily
`by conduction through thermal links with Selected heat
`generating electronic components. Also for example, the
`present invention may transfer heat accumulated from inci
`dent Sun radiation in the front chamber to the aforemen
`tioned heat dissipaters.
`Also, according to the present invention, a method for
`transferring heat from an electronic display unit is provided
`comprising the Steps of establishing a thermally conductive
`link between at least one heat collector inside a display
`housing and at least one heat dissipater at least partially
`outside the display housing, providing an electronic display
`at least partially inside the display housing, providing at
`least one circuit board inside the display housing having a
`plurality of electronic components, Sealing the display hous
`ing from dust and moisture outside of the display housing;
`and transferring excessive heat from the heat collector to the
`heat dissipater outside the display housing.
`By way of example, additional Steps may be executed to
`transfer heat from the electronic display unit, wherein air is
`circulated Selectively through chambers defined by circuit
`boards and the display housing. By arranging fan units and
`the chamber dividers in keeping with the present invention,
`the interior of the Sealed display housing may be kept
`Sufficiently cool despite heat generated by electronic com
`ponents and heat accumulated from Sun exposure.
`45
`Further, an electronic display unit according to the present
`invention is provided comprising: 1) a Sealed display hous
`ing; 2) an electronic display at least partially inside the
`display housing; 3) at least one circuit board inside the
`display housing having a plurality of electronic components,
`and 4) a heat distribution means for gathering heat inside the
`display housing and Selectively transferring heat either to
`outside the display housing or to the electronic display
`without exposing the electronic components to dust and
`moisture from outside the display housing, wherein expo
`Sure of the electronic components to excessive heat is
`avoided and exposure of the electronic display to excessive
`cold is also avoided.
`The foregoing and other features and advantages of the
`present invention will be apparent from the following more
`particular description of preferred embodiments of the
`invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`Preferred embodiments of the present invention will here
`inafter be described in conjunction with the appended
`drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:
`
`55
`
`4
`FIG. 1 is a front view of a display unit according to a
`preferred embodiment of the present invention;
`FIGS. 2-4 are each a cross-sectional view of the display
`unit in FIG. 1 taken along lines 2-2;
`FIG. 5 is side view of a double fin assembly according to
`an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention
`according,
`FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the double fin assembly
`in FIG. 5 taken along lines 6-6; and
`FIG. 7 is a front view of a backlighting lamp assembly
`according to a preferred embodiment of the present inven
`tion.
`
`BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION
`According to a preferred embodiment of the present
`invention, various apparatus and methods are provided for
`gathering heat inside a display housing, as described herein,
`and Selectively transferring heat either to outside the display
`housing or to an electronic display inside the display hous
`ing. The transfer occurs without exposing electronic com
`ponents inside the display housing, including the electronic
`display, to dust and moisture from outside the display
`housing. Thus, exposure of the electronic components to
`excessive heat is avoided and exposure of the electronic
`display to excessive cold is also avoided. In one preferred
`embodiment, an electronic display unit is provided compris
`ing: 1) a Sealed display housing; 2) an electronic display at
`least partially inside the display housing; 3) at least one
`circuit board inside the display housing having a plurality of
`electronic components; 4) at least one heat collector inside
`the display housing; 5) at least one heat dissipater at least
`partially outside the display housing; and 6) a thermally
`conductive link between the heat collector and the heat
`dissipater. Thus, excessive heat inside the display housing is
`transferred outside the display housing without exposing the
`electronic components to dust and moisture from outside the
`display housing.
`It is preferred that the electronic display is wholly inside
`the display housing and the electronic display, along with the
`circuit board, are positioned to at least partially define a front
`chamber, a center chamber, and a rear chamber. Further, it is
`more preferred that a front fan Set is positioned to circulate
`air from the center chamber to the front chamber and then
`back to the center chamber and a rear fan Set is positioned
`to circulate air from the center chamber to the rear chamber
`and then back to the center chamber. Most preferably, such
`a front fan Set may be activated by a fan controller, that
`includes a temperature Sensor, to warm Overly cold locations
`inside the display housing with heat generated in the center
`chamber. In particular, the electronic display may be
`warmed when cold. In addition, both the rear fan set and the
`front fan set may be activated by the fan controller to
`circulate hot air to the rear chamber where it may be
`transferred through a heat collector to outside the display
`housing and a heat dissipater. It is also preferred that the heat
`collector and the heat dissipater are metallic fins designed to
`collect and dissipate heat primarily by convection. Addi
`tional heat collectors may also be provided that are metallic
`plates collecting heat primarily by conduction through ther
`mal links with Selected heat generating electronic compo
`nents. Also, in a more preferred embodiment, the present
`invention may transfer heat accumulated from incident Sun
`radiation in the front chamber to the aforementioned heat
`dissipaters.
`According to another preferred embodiment of the present
`invention, a method for transferring heat from an electronic
`
`1O
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`50
`
`60
`
`65
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1028.009
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`S
`display unit is provided comprising the Steps of establishing
`a thermally conductive link between at least one heat
`collector inside a display housing and at least one heat
`dissipater at least partially outside the display housing;
`providing an electronic display at least partially inside the
`display housing, providing at least one circuit board inside
`the display housing having a plurality of electronic compo
`nents, Sealing the display housing from dust and moisture
`outside of the display housing, and transferring excessive
`heat from the heat collector to the heat dissipater outside the
`display housing.
`In a more preferred embodiment, additional StepS may be
`executed to transfer heat from the electronic display unit,
`wherein air is circulated Selectively through chambers
`defined by circuit boards and the display housing. By
`arranging fan units and the chamber dividers in keeping with
`the present invention, the interior of the Sealed display
`housing may be kept Sufficiently cool despite heat generated
`by electronic components and heat accumulated from Sun
`eXposure.
`Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a front view of a
`display unit 100 with a face plate 205 (shown in FIG. 2)
`removed, according to a preferred embodiment of the
`present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, display unit 100
`includes a display housing 105, an electronic display 110, an
`upper circuit board 120, and a lower circuit board 130. FIG.
`1 also shows a front fan 140 positioned on the front of lower
`circuit board 130 in a set of four Such fans. Also, front intake
`180 is shown formed through lower circuit board 130 behind
`front fan 140 and each Such fan in the set of front fans. Front
`intake 180 allows front fan 140 when activated to withdraw
`air from behind lower circuit board 130 and blow it upward
`in front of electronic display 110. Front exhaust 160 is
`shown formed through upper circuit board 120 so that the air
`blown upward in front of electronic display 110 by front fan
`140 will pass through front exhaust 160 to the chamber
`behind upper circuit board 120. Several additional front
`exhausts are also shown formed through upper circuit board
`120. FIG. 1 further shows the position of rear fan 150 and
`rear intake 170 behind upper circuit board 120 with respect
`to the other elements of display unit 100. Rear fan 180 is
`shown in a Set of Similar fans mounted on a circuit board
`which is not shown in FIG. 1 but may be viewed in FIGS.
`2 through 4. A heat sink 190 is further shown in FIG. 1,
`appearing behind upper circuit board 120 and embedded
`partially into the upper wall of display housing 105. Also,
`the relative position of rear exhaust 225 with respect to rear
`fan 150 and rear intake 180 is shown in FIG. 1.
`When face plate 205 not shown in FIG. 1 is secured in
`place on display housing 105, a display window 207 (shown
`in FIG. 2) will allow viewing of electronic display 110,
`while generally obscuring view of the other elements of
`display unit 100 shown in FIG.1. At least, such is the case
`when display housing 105 and face plate 205, other than
`display window 207, are fabricated from a material such as
`metal, aluminum or plastic that is not transparent.
`Alternatively, display housing 105 or face plate 205 may be
`fabricated from materials Such as transparent plastic, in
`which case, no display window 207 is necessary. Other
`considerations, discussed in more detail below, must be
`given when Selecting a material Such as plastic for display
`housing 105, since plastic is a poor thermal conductor. FIG.
`1 shows elements that are helpful in practicing the present
`invention but leaves out Several elements that are neverthe
`less needed to operate display unit 100. The elements not
`shown are discussed generically herein. For example, Vari
`ous electronic components are needed on upper circuit 120
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`5,991,153
`
`6
`and/or lower circuit board 130 to operate electronic display
`110, front fan 140, rear fan 150, etc. The selection and
`arrangement of Such electronic components and, perhaps,
`other components may be Selected by those skilled in the art
`to provide a functional display unit 100. Specifically, selec
`tion of Such components will to Some extent depend upon
`the particular type of use in which display unit 100 will be
`engaged.
`Turning now to FIG. 2, additional elements of display unit
`100 are shown in a cross-sectional view of the display unit
`in FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2. Accordingly, FIG. 2 again
`shows display housing 105, except with face plate 205
`secured in place on the front of display housing 105. Also,
`a transparent display window 207 is shown pressed in place
`into face plate 205. Securing face plate 205 to display
`housing 105 and display window 207 to face plate 205
`should be done in a manner So as to Seal display housing 105
`from air and moisture penetration. Accordingly, the compo
`nents inside display unit 100 may be isolated from the
`environment Surrounding display unit 100, allowing long
`term operation without the need to replace or repair various
`components. However, because display unit 100 is sealed, it
`may be very difficult, if not impossible in some
`circumstances, for any heat generated by the internal com
`ponents of display unit 100 to escape. Accordingly, heat may
`easily accumulate inside display unit 100 to the point that an
`excessive heat condition is reached, damaging the very
`components which allow display unit 100 to operate.
`In the earlier patent application of which the present
`application is a continuation-in-part, a method and apparatus
`were described for dissipating heat from an electronic dis
`play. The earlier application primarily discusses the concept
`of sizing display housing 105 Such that Surface area is
`maximized for a minimum volume, wherein heat transfer is
`thus maximized due to the maximized Surface area. The
`present invention may be practiced in conjunction with the
`invention that is the Subjection of the earlier patent appli
`cation. However, the present invention in intended to
`enhance the transfer of heat from inside display unit 100 to
`the outside beyond that amount possible through the inven
`tion of the earlier application.
`FIG. 2 further shows external fins 210 secured to the back
`of display housing 105. External fins 210 are secured to
`display housing 105 in a manner such that a thermally
`conductive link exists between external fins 220 and internal
`fins 215 shown inside display housing 105. If display
`housing 105 is fabricated from heat conductive metal, in
`particular aluminum, then a suitable link will be established
`Simply by juxtaposing external fins 210 against display
`housing 105 and juxtaposing internal fins 215 against an
`opposing wall inside display housing 105, as shown in FIG.
`2. To increase the conductivity between external fins 210
`and internal fins 215 a thermal grease, heat conductive tape,
`or other thermally conductive Substance may be applied
`between display housing 105 and external fins 210 or
`internal fins 215. Also, internal fins 215 and external fins 210
`may be formed unitary to display housing 105. Such would
`be the case if they were machined from a single Section of
`aluminum. However, unitary construction is not required.
`The thermal link between internal fins 215 and external
`fins 210 allows internal fins 215 to act as a heat collector,
`gathering excessive heat inside display housing 105 for
`transfer to external fins 210, which are adapted to act as a
`heat dissipater. That is, the large Surface area of external fins
`210 provides an improved heat transfer Surface for dissipat
`ing heat to the surroundings of display unit 100. In
`particular, air may be blown through external fins 210, as
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1028.010
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`

`

`7
`shown by the arrows at the bottom and top of external fins
`210 in FIG. 2 indicating upward air flow, in keeping with the
`description in the earlier patent application of which this
`application is a continuation-in-part. If display housing 105
`is fabricated from other than thermally conductive metal or
`aluminum, then it may be necessary to Somehow thermally
`link external fins 210 to internal fins 215. Any such linking
`known to those skilled in the art may be used, however, it
`may include drilling holes through display housing 105 to
`connect internal fins 215 to external fins 210 with metal
`Studs or another heat conductor. Such linking may even
`include forming internal and external fins as a unitary
`assembly apart from display housing 105.
`An example of one possible unitary assembly for external
`fins 210 and internal fins 215 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.
`FIG. 5 shows a side view of a double fin assembly according
`to an alternative preferred embodiment of a heat collector
`and dissipater. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the
`double fin assembly in FIG. 5 taken along lines 6-6.
`Double fin assembly 500 includes multiple external fins 510
`joined as a single unit with multiple internal fins 515. The
`dimensions of double fin assembly 500, in particular exter
`nal fins 510 and internal fins 515, must be adapted to the
`particular dimensions used for display housing 105.
`Generally, an opening (not shown) would be formed in the
`rear of display housing 105 wherein internal fins 515 may be
`inserted. Accordingly, it is preferred that double fin assem
`bly 500 be shaped to allow a suitable seal between display
`housing 105 and double fin assembly 500. One of the several
`possible Suitable designs is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 which
`will Still yield a display housing Sealed from dust and
`moisture.
`Returning to FIG. 2, electronic display 110, upper circuit
`board 120 and lower circuit board 130 are shown positioned
`so as to partition off a front chamber between face plate 205
`and the aforementioned three elements. Also, rear circuit
`board 220 is shown positioned to partition off a center
`chamber between rear circuitboard 220 and the combination
`of upper circuit board 120, electronic display 110, and lower
`circuit board 130. Further, rear circuit board 220 also forms
`a rear chamber between rear circuit board 220 and the rear
`of display housing 105. Although the arrangement of ele
`ments shown in FIG. 2 is the preferred arrangement to yield
`a front chamber, center chamber, and rear chamber, other
`alternatives for chamber locations are within the Scope of the
`present invention.
`Essentially, it is an advantage of the present invention that
`air may be circulated through various chambers in a manner
`Such that heat is moved from areas of higher concentration
`to internal fins 215, or another heat collector, where the heat
`can be transferred to outside display housing 105. FIGS. 2
`through 4 describe three air flow scenarios that may be
`induced inside display unit 100. In FIG. 2, rear fan 150 is
`activated to withdraw air from the center chamber through
`rear intake 170 and push air downward through internal fins
`215, then out rear exhaust 225 and back into the center
`chamber. Accordingly, air is circulated from the center
`chamber to the rear chamber and back to the center chamber.
`This circulation follows the expected movement of heated
`air through display housing 105. That is, several backlight
`ing lamps 235 are positioned in the center chamber to better
`illuminate images shown in electronic display 110, wherein
`backlighting lamps 235 are electrically and mechanically
`connected to rear circuit board 220. The electrical and
`mechanical connection is accomplished by lamp leads 237 at
`each end of each lamp soldered to rear circuit board 220 or
`otherwise attached thereto. Backlighting lamps 235 generate
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`5,991,153
`
`8
`heat during operation which tends to rise. Also, as air
`flowing through internal fins 215 is cooled, it will tend to
`Sink. Accordingly, rear fan 150 encourageS Such flow pattern
`by taking in hot air from above backlighting lamps 235,
`forcing it through internal fins 215, thereby cooling the air,
`and returning cooled air beneath backlighting lamps 235
`through rear exhaust 225. Such a flow pattern is indicated in
`FIG. 2.
`FIG. 2 also shows a side view of channeling 217 which
`aids in guiding air flow from rear fan 150 between the fins
`of internal fins 215. ESSentially, Such channeling comprises
`groves in the surface of display housing 105 near the outlet
`from rear fan 150, wherein the depth of the groves gradually
`decreases as they approach internal fins 215. It is an advan
`tage of channeling 217 that bulk air flow exiting from rear
`fan 150 is guided between internal fins 215. Notably, even
`though only one rear fan 150 is described as being activated,
`any number of the six rear fans shown in FIG. 1 may be
`activated. In addition, fewer fans or more fans may be
`provided depending upon the cooling needs and desired flow
`characteristics desired for a particular display unit 100.
`FIG. 3 shows an alternative air flow scenario, wherein
`front fan 140 is activated to withdraw air from the center
`chamber and push air upwards in front of electronic display
`110 in the front chamber. The air flow then passes through
`front exhaust 160 and is drawn downward by the activated
`front fan 140. Even though only one front fan is described
`as being activated, any number of the four front fans shown
`in FIG. 1 may be activated. In addition, fewer fans or more
`fans may be provided depending upon the cooli