`
`Inventor: William Dunn
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`Cross-Reference to Related Applications
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`[0001] This application is a non-provisional application of U.S. provisional application
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`No. 61 /039,454 filed March 26, 2008 and is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully
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`cited herein. This application is a non-provisional application of U.S. provisional
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`application No. 61 /095,615 filed September 9, 2008 and is hereby incorporated by
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`reference as if fully cited herein. This application is a non-provisional application of U.S.
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`provisional application No. 61 /095,616 filed September 9, 2008 and
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`is hereby
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`incorporated by reference as if fully cited herein. This application is a non-provisional
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`of U.S. Application No. 61 /115,333 filed November 17, 2008 and is hereby incorporated
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`by reference as if fully cited herein. This application is a non-provisional application of
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`U.S. application No. 61 /138, 736 filed December 18, 2008 and is hereby incorporated by
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`reference as if fully cited herein. This application is a non-provisional application of
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`U.S. application No. 61 /142,879 filed February 16, 2009. This application is a
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`continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 12/234,307 filed September 19, 2008, which
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`is a non-provisional application of U.S. Application No. 61 /033,064 filed March 3, 2008,
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`each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully cited
`
`herein. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 12/234,360
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`filed September 19, 2008, which is a non-provisional application of U.S. Application No.
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`61 /053, 713 filed May 16, 2008 each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in
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`their entirety as if fully cited herein. This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
`
`Application No. 12/237,365 filed September 24, 2008, which is a non-provisional
`
`1
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.001
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`
`
`application of U.S. Application No. 61 /057,599 filed May 30, 2008 each of which are
`
`hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully cited herein. This
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`application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 12/235,200 filed September
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`22, 2008, which is a non-provisional of U.S. Application No. 61 /076, 126 filed June 26,
`
`2008 each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully cited
`
`herein.
`
`Technical Field
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`[0002] Exemplary embodiments generally relate to cooling systems and in particular
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`to cooling systems for electronic displays.
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`Background of the Art
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`[0003] Conductive and convective heat transfer systems for electronic displays are
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`known. These systems of the past generally attempt to remove heat from the electronic
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`components in a display through as many sidewalls of the display as possible. In order
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`to do this, the systems of the past have relied primarily on fans for moving air past the
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`components to be cooled and out of the display.
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`In some cases, the heated air is
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`moved into convectively thermal communication with fins. Some of the past systems
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`also utilize conductive heat transfer from heat producing components directly to heat
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`conductive housings for the electronics.
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`In these cases, the housings have a large
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`surface area, which is in convective communication with ambient air outside the
`
`2
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.002
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`
`
`housings. Thus, heat is transferred convectively or conductively to the housing and is
`
`then transferred into the ambient air from the housing by natural convection.
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`[0004] While such heat transfer systems have enjoyed a measure of success in the
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`past, improvements to displays require even greater cooling capabilities.
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`Summary of the Exemplary Embodiments
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`[0005]
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`In particular, cooling devices for electronic displays of the past have generally
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`used convective heat dissipation systems that function to cool an entire interior of the
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`display by one or more fans and fins, for example. By itself, this is not adequate in
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`many climates, especially when radiative heat transfer from the sun through a display
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`window becomes a major factor. In many applications and locations 200 Watts or more
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`of power through such a display window is common. Furthermore, the market is
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`demanding larger screen sizes for displays. With increased electronic display screen
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`size and corresponding display window size more heat will be generated and more heat
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`will be transmitted into the displays.
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`[0006]
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`In the past, many displays have functioned satisfactorily with ten or twelve inch
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`screens. Now, many displays are in need of screens having sizes greater than or equal
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`to twenty-four inches that may require improved cooling systems. For example, some
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`outdoor applications call for seventy inch screens and above. With increased heat
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`production with the larger screens and radiative heat transfer from the sun through the
`
`3
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.003
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`
`
`display window, heat dissipation systems of the past, which attempt to cool the entire
`
`interior of the display with fins and fans, are no longer adequate.
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`[0007] A large fluctuation in temperature is common in the devices of the past. Such
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`temperature fluctuation adversely affects the electronic components in these devices.
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`Whereas the systems of the past attempted to remove heat from the entire interior of
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`the display, a preferred embodiment causes directed convective heat transfer from the
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`anterior of the display. By the aspects described below, the present invention has
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`made consistent cooling possible for electronic displays having screens of sizes greater
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`than or equal to twelve inches. For example, cooling of a seventy inch screen can be
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`achieved, even in extremely hot climates. Greater cooling capabilities are provided by
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`the device and method described and shown in more detail below.
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`[0008] An exemplary embodiment relates to a constricted convection cooling system
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`and a method of cooling an electronic display. An exemplary embodiment includes an
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`external housing and a constricted convection plate. The external housing preferably
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`includes an air entrance end and an exhaust end. The air entrance end defines an
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`entrance aperture; while the exhaust end defines an exit aperture. The constricted
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`convection plate is preferably mounted to the posterior display surface. This posterior
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`display surface may be the posterior surface of the backlight assembly or the posterior
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`surface of any other thin panel display assembly (OLEO, plasma, etc.). The constricted
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`convection plate further defines a constricted convection cooling channel immediately
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`behind the posterior display surface. The convection cooling channel may be adapted
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`to receive air entering the entrance aperture and adapted to expel air through the exit
`
`aperture.
`
`4
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.004
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`
`
`[0009] The air entering the constricted convection cooling channel may be from a
`
`refrigerated air source in communication with the entrance opening, or alternatively may
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`be ambient air from the display surroundings. A septum in association with the external
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`housing may be adapted to direct air into the constricted convection cooling channel.
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`One or more fans may be used to draw the cooling air through the constricted
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`convection cooling channel.
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`In other embodiments, one or more fans may be used to
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`force air
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`through
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`the constricted convection cooling channel.
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`In exemplary
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`embodiments, a plurality of fans are used to draw a substantially uniform flow of air
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`through the constricted convection cooling channel. This helps to cool the display
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`assembly in a uniform manner. This is particularly beneficial with an LED backlight, as
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`individual LEDs may fail prematurely if exposed to high levels of heat for an extended
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`period of time.
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`[001 0] The foregoing and other features and advantages will be apparent from the
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`following more detailed description of the particular embodiments, as illustrated in the
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`accompanying drawings.
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`Brief Description of the Drawings
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`[0011] A better understanding of an exemplary embodiment will be obtained from a
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`reading of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings wherein
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`identical reference characters refer to identical parts and in which:
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`[0012] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a display that may be used in an exemplary
`
`embodiment.
`
`5
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.005
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`
`
`[0013] FIGURE 2 is a posterior view of a display that may be used in an exemplary
`
`embodiment.
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`[0014] FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the constricted convection plate.
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`[0015] FIGURE 4 is an exploded view of a display that may be used in an exemplary
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`embodiment and an exemplary embodiment of the constricted convection plate.
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`[0016] FIGURE SA is a front perspective view of a fan and display that may be used
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`in an exemplary embodiment and an exemplary embodiment of the constricted
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`convection plate.
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`[0017] Figures 58 through SF show side views of additional embodiments for the
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`constricted convection system.
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`[0018] FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a double display housing utilizing an
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`exemplary embodiment of the constricted convection air cooling system for an
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`electronic display.
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`[0019] FIGURE 7 is a posterior view of a display the may be found in a double display
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`housing utilizing an exemplary embodiment of the constricted convection air cooling
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`system for an electronic display.
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`[0020] FIGURE 8 is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the constricted
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`convection air cooling system for an electronic display.
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`[0021] FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the
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`constricted air cooling system for an electronic display of the present invention with an
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`optional isolated gas cooling system.
`
`Detailed Description
`
`6
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.006
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`
`
`[0022] Exemplary embodiments relate to a cooling system for an electronic display
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`and to combinations of the cooling system and the electronic display. Exemplary
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`embodiments provide a constricted convection cooling system for an electronic display.
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`[0023] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a display that may be used in an exemplary
`
`embodiment. As may be appreciated, when the display 10 is exposed to heat and/or
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`sunlight, the temperatures inside the display 10 will vary greatly without some kind of
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`cooling device. As such, the electronics including the display screen 12 (e.g., LCD
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`screen) will have a greatly reduced life span. By implementing certain embodiments of
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`the cooling system disclosed herein, temperature fluctuation is greatly reduced. This
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`cooling capability has been achieved in spite of the fact that larger screens generate
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`more heat than smaller screens.
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`[0024]
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`The display 10 shown may be equipped with a backlight assembly. Modern
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`displays are required to be extremely bright and this is especially true with displays that
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`are intended for use in bright environments, especially outdoor environments which see
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`direct or indirect sunlight. Accordingly, the backlight assembly may be required to be
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`very bright and as such may generate a significant amount of heat. Exemplary
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`embodiments provide excellent cooling of the backlight assembly, through the use of
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`the constricted convection system. Accordingly, it may be placed in direct sunlight.
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`Although the cooling system may be used on smaller displays, it is especially useful for
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`larger LCD, LED, plasma, or organic light emitting diodes (OLEO) displays. These
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`screens, especially with displays over 24 inches, face significant thermoregulatory
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`issues in outdoor environments.
`
`7
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.007
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`
`
`[0025]
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`It is to be understood that the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments
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`includes cooling of displays including, but not limited to LCDs. By way of example and
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`not by way of limitation, the present invention may be used in conjunction with displays
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`selected from among LCD (including TFT or STN type), light emitting diode (LED),
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`organic light emitting diode (OLEO), field emitting display (FED), cathode ray tube
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`(CRT), and plasma displays. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may
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`be used with displays of other types including those not yet discovered. In particular, it
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`is contemplated that the present invention may be well suited for use with full color, flat
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`panel OLEO displays. While the embodiments described herein are well suited for
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`outdoor environments, they may also be appropriate for indoor applications (e.g.,
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`factory environments) where
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`thermal stability of
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`the display may be at risk.
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`Furthermore, while most of this disclosure is written in terms of cooling, embodiments
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`enclosed herein may be utilized for heating in particular applications. The means for
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`cooling the air in the cooling systems may be replaced with a means for heating the air.
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`A heating system for an electronic display would allow usage in climates/environments
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`normally too cold for liquid crystal or other like technologies.
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`[0026] Fig. 2 is a posterior view of a display 10 that may be used in an exemplary
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`embodiment.
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`In a typical display, the display posterior 22 may include four mounting
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`brackets 20. The four mounting brackets 20 are shown by way of example and not by
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`way of limitation, exemplary embodiments may be used with various numbers of
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`mounting brackets 20. The mounting brackets 20 serve to attach the constricted
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`convection plate 30 (shown in Fig. 3) to the display posterior 22. The height that the
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`mounting brackets 20 extending from the display posterior 22 define the depth of the
`
`8
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.008
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`
`
`constricted convection cooling channel 50 (shown in Fig. 5). This may also be
`
`described as the gap distance between the display posterior 22 and the constricted
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`convection plate.
`
`[0027]
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`In an exemplary embodiment, the display posterior 22 may be the posterior
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`surface of a backlight assembly. The backlight assembly may comprise a printed circuit
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`board (PCB) with a plurality of LEDs mounted to the anterior surface. The PCB may
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`have a low level of thermal resistance between the anterior and posterior surfaces such
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`that heat which is generated by the LEDs may be transferred to the posterior surface of
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`the of the backlight assembly, and subsequently removed by air within the constricted
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`convection channel. The PCB may comprise a metal core PCB and the posterior
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`surface of the PCB may be metallic so that air within the constricted convection channel
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`may cool the metallic posterior surface (and subsequently the backlight assembly) more
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`easily and efficiently.
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`[0028]
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`Figure 3 is an exemplary embodiment of the constricted convection plate 30.
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`The constricted convection plate 30 may have angled side panels 32. The angled side
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`panels 32 are adapted to extend from the constricted convection plate 30 and make
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`contact with the display posterior 22 and direct air through the constricted convection
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`channel 50 (shown in Figure 5). The constricted convection panel 30 may also be
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`constructed to include access apertures 34. The access apertures 34 are defined by
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`the constricted convection plate 30 and allow access to hardware found on the display
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`posterior 22; without the need to remove the constricted convection plate 30. The
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`access apertures 34 may be plugged before operation to maintain directed contact
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`between the refrigerated air and the posterior display surface 22.
`
`9
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.009
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`
`
`[0029] The width of the constricted convection channel 50 may vary according to the
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`thermal requirements of a particular application. In some embodiments, the constricted
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`convection channel 50 may be one-half inch or less.
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`In other embodiments, the
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`constricted convection channel 50 may be between one-half inch and one inch.
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`In still
`
`other embodiments, the constricted convection channel 50 may be between one and
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`five inches.
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`[0030] Figure 4 is an exploded view showing the relationship of a display 10 that may
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`be used in an exemplary embodiment and an exemplary embodiment of the constricted
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`convection plate 30. As described above, the constricted convection plate 30 may be
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`attached to the display posterior 22 by the mounting brackets 20 (shown in Figure 2).
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`The size of the constricted convection plate 30 may be of sufficient size to cover the
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`entire posterior display surface 22.
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`In other exemplary embodiments, the constricted
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`convection plate 30 may only cover a portion of the posterior display surface 22.
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`Therefore, the size of the constricted convection plate 30 may be adjusted to provide
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`sufficient cooling of the display posterior 22.
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`[0031]
`
`In Figure 5A, the constricted convection plate 30 is shown mounted to the
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`display posterior 22. The mounting brackets 20 (shown in Fig. 2) may be used to
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`secure the constricted convection plate 30. The constricted convection plate 30 and
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`the display posterior 22 define a constricted convection cooling channel 50 immediately
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`behind the display posterior 22. As discussed above, in some embodiments the
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`constricted convection cooling channel 50 may run the length and width of the display
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`10.
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`In other embodiments, the constricted convection cooling channel 50 may be only
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`of sufficient size to provide thermal stability to the display 10.
`
`10
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.010
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`
`
`[0032] The constricted convection cooling system 54 may include a means for
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`increasing the speed at which air travels through the constricted convection cooling
`
`channel 50. This means may include one or more fans 52 which may be positioned
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`near an opening of the constricted convection cooling channel 50. The fans 52 may
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`either force the air through the constricted convection channel 50 or pull the air through
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`the constricted convection channel 50. Alternatively, a plurality of fans may be used to
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`both push and pull air through the constricted convection cooling channel 50. The use
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`of one or more fans 52 may provide increased velocity of the air traveling through the
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`constricted convection cooling channel 50, thus increasing the speed with which heat is
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`transferred from the display posterior 22.
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`[0033]
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`In other exemplary embodiments, a means for cooling the air which passes
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`through the constricted convection cooling channel 50 may be used. A means for
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`cooling the air may include, but is not limited to, a conditioning unit, a refrigeration unit,
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`or any other means to decrease the temperature of the air passing through the
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`constricted convection plate 30. Alternatively, ambient air from the surroundings may
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`be drawn in and forced within the constricted convection channel 50.
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`[0034] Figures 5B through 5F show side views of additional embodiments for the
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`constricted convection system.
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`In Figure 5B, one or more fans 52 are used to draw
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`ambient air between the posterior display surface 22 and the constricted convection
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`plate 30.
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`In Figure 5C, one or more fans 52 are used to force ambient air between the
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`posterior display surface 22 and the constricted convection plate 30. Figure 5D is
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`similar to figure 5B except that the housing 80 and the septum 90 are used to direct the
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`flow of air.
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`In Figure 5E, an air conditioning unit 110 is used to both cool the air and to
`
`11
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.011
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`
`
`force the cooled air between the posterior display surface 22 and the constricted
`
`convection plate 30. Finally in Figure 5F, an air conditioning unit 110 is used in
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`combination with one or more fans 52.
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`[0035] Figure 6 is a double display housing 60 utilizing an exemplary embodiment of
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`the constricted convection air cooling system 54. A constricted convection plate 30 is
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`mounted to a display posterior 22. The constricted convection plate 30 and the display
`
`posterior 22 define a constricted convection cooling channel 50 immediately behind the
`
`display posterior 22. An entrance opening 62 adapted to receive air is defined by the
`
`constricted convection plate 30. An exit opening 64 adapted to expel air from the
`
`constricted convection cooling channel 50 is defined by the constricted convection plate
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`30 and the display posterior 22. As above, the constricted convection plate 30 may
`
`have access apertures 34. The access apertures 34 allow access to hardware located
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`behind the constricted convection plate 30. The access apertures 34 may be closed
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`before use using plugs or other similar devices (not shown in the Figures).
`
`[0036] An air source (not shown in the Figures) may be in communication with the
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`entrance opening 62. Air is forced through the entrance opening 62 and into the
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`constricted convection channel 50. The constricted convection channel 50 directs the
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`air into contact with the display posterior 22 increasing the heat transfer from the
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`display. After passing over the display posterior 22, the air exits the constricted
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`convection channel 50 through the exit opening 64. The expelled air may then pass
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`through a portion of the double display housing 60 into the atmosphere.
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`[0037] As above, a means for cooling the air (not shown in the Figures) forced into the
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`constricted convection cooling channel 50 may be employed. The means for cooling
`
`12
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.012
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`
`
`the air may include, but is not limited to, a conditioning unit, a refrigerating unit, a
`
`thermoelectric unit, or any other means to decrease the temperature of the air before
`
`entering the constricted convection cooling channel 50.
`
`[0038] Figure 7 is a double display housing 60 that may use an exemplary
`
`embodiment of the constricted convection air cooling system 54. The display posterior
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`22 may include mounting brackets 20. The mounting brackets 20 are shown by way of
`
`example and not by way of limitation. The present invention may use various shapes
`
`and numbers of mounting brackets 20. The mounting brackets 20 may serve to attach
`
`the constricted convection plate 30 (shown in Figure 3) to the display posterior 22. The
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`height of the mounting brackets 20 extend from the display posterior defines the depth
`
`of the constricted convection cooling channel 50 (shown in Figure 5).
`
`Further
`
`embodiments may not utilize mounting brackets as they are not necessary to practice
`
`the invention.
`
`[0039] As with other exemplary embodiments, a means for forcing air within the
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`system and increasing the speed at which the air travels through the constricted
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`convection cooling channel 50 may be used. The means for increasing the air speed
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`may be in association with either the entrance opening 62 or the exit opening 64. The
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`means for increasing the air speed may include, but is not limited to, one or more fans
`
`(shown in Figure 5).
`
`[0040] Figure 8 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the constricted
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`convection cooling system 54. The display 10 may be encased in an external housing
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`80. The external housing 80 may have an air entrance end 82 and an exhaust end 84.
`
`The air entrance end 82 defines an entrance aperture 86. The exhaust end 84 defines
`
`13
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.013
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`
`
`an exit aperture 88. The constricted convection plate 30 and the display posterior 22
`
`(not shown in Figure 8) define a constricted convection cooling channel 50. The
`
`constricted convection plate 30 further defines an entrance opening 62 and an exit
`
`opening 64. The entrance opening may be adapted to receive air entering the entrance
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`aperture 86. The exit opening may be adapted to expel air through the exit aperture 88.
`
`[0041] Septa 90 are associated with the external housing 80. The septa 90 may be
`
`adapted to prevent air from evading the constricted convection channel 50. The septa
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`90 may also be adapted to provide support and an attachment port for the external
`
`housing 80.
`
`[0042] Air or another appropriate gas may be in gaseous communication with the
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`entrance opening 86. The air then passes through the entrance opening 86 into a
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`middle chamber 92. The middle chamber 92 is defined by the external housing 80 and
`
`the constricted convection plate 30. Once the air enters the middle chamber it may be
`
`directed through the entrance opening 62. A septum 90 may be positioned to direct air
`
`into the entrance opening 62 and prevent the air evading the entrance opening 62.
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`After passing through the entrance opening 62, the air may enter the constricted
`
`convection cooling channel 50. As the air passes through the constricted convection
`
`cooling channel heat is transferred from the display posterior to the air.
`
`[0043] After absorbing heat from the display posterior, the air may exit the constricted
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`convection channel 50 through the exit opening 64. A septum 90 may be used to
`
`prevent the exiting air from evading the exit aperture 88, and to direct the air towards
`
`the exit aperture 88. The air is then expelled through the exit aperture 88 in to the
`
`surrounding atmosphere.
`
`14
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.014
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`
`
`[0044] To assist in the movement of air through the constricted convection channel
`
`50, a means to force the air into the channel and increase the air speed may be used.
`
`Increasing the air speed and the volumetric flow rate of the air may allow for increased
`
`heat removal. The means to increase the air speed may include, but is not limited to, a
`
`fan 52. The fan 52 may be associated with the exit opening 64 and may draw air from
`
`the constricted convection channel 50.
`
`In other embodiments, the fan 52 may be
`
`associated with the entrance opening 62 and may force air into the constricted
`
`convection channel 50. Other embodiments may utilize a combination of both drawing
`
`the air from the channel and forcing the air into the channel.
`
`In an exemplary
`
`embodiment, a plurality of fans would be distributed across the entire exit opening 64
`
`(or entrance opening 62, or both) in order to produce a uniform flow of air across the
`
`posterior display surface to facilitate uniform cooling.
`
`[0045]
`
`In other exemplary embodiments, a means
`
`for cooling air
`
`in gas
`
`communication with the entrance opening 62 may be employed. The means for cooling
`
`the air may include, but is not limited to, a conditioning unit, a refrigerating unit, a
`
`thermoelectric unit, or any other device that decreases the temperature of the air.
`
`Cooling the air further increases the air's ability to transfer heat from the display
`
`posterior 22. The means for cooling air may be housed within the external housing 80,
`
`or it may be an external unit.
`
`[0046] Figure 9 is a display 10 using and exemplary embodiment of the constricted
`
`convection cooling system, where three cooling pathways are used. The first cooling
`
`pathway is comprised of the constricted convection plate 30 immediately behind the
`
`display posterior. The second cooling pathway is a closed loop and is comprised of the
`
`15
`
`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.015
`IPR 2023-00199
`
`
`
`isolated gas cooling system 100. The third cooling pathway is comprised of the
`
`ambient air vent system used to cool the refrigeration unit 110. In some embodiments,
`
`the first and/or second pathways may include refrigerated air.
`
`In still other exemplary
`
`embodiments, the first and/or second pathways may contain heated air. The ability to
`
`provide cooled and heated air in the pathways allows use of an outdoor electronic
`
`display across a variety of climates. Other exemplary embodiments may contain any
`
`combination of cooling/heating pathways. For applications which require both heating
`
`and cooling, a thermoelectric module may be used as the refrigeration unit 110.
`
`Thermoelectric modules are commonly available which can run in both cooling and
`
`heating modes.
`
`[0047]
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`In the first cooling pathway, a constricted convection plate 30 may be mounted
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`immediately behind the display posterior. A constricted convection channel 50 is
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`defined by the gap between the constricted convection plate 30, and the display
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`posterior.
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`[0048] Air may enter the entrance aperture 86, which is defined by external housing
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`80. The air passes through the entrance aperture 86 to the entrance opening 62, and
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`into the constricted convection channel 50. The air may then be expelled into the
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`atmosphere from the constricted convection channel 50 through the exit opening 64.
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`Optionally, a means for increasing the speed of the air traveling through the constricted
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`convection channel 50 may be included either associated with the entrance opening 62
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`or the exit opening 64 or both.
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`[0049] The second cooling pathway may be an exemplary embodiment of an isolated
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`gas cooling system 100. The isolated gas cooling chamber 102 comprises a closed
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`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.016
`IPR 2023-00199
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`
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`loop which includes a gas chamber 104 and return air passage 106. The gas chamber
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`104 includes a transparent plate 108. The term "isolated gas" refers to the fact that the
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`gas within the isolated gas cooling chamber 102 is essentially isolated from the external
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`air.
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`In the embodiment shown, the isolated gas cooling system 100 comprises
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`refrigerated air. Because the gas chamber 102 is positioned in front of the display 10,
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`the gas should be substantially free of dust or other contaminates that might negatively
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`affect the display image.
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`[0050] The isolated gas may be almost any transparent gas, including, but not limited
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`to, normal air, nitrogen, helium, or any other transparent gas. The gas is preferably
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`colorless so as not to affect the image quality. Furthermore, the isolated gas cooling
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`chamber 102 need not necessarily be hermetically sealed from the external air.
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`It is
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`sufficient that the gas in
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`the chamber is isolated to the extent that dust and
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`contaminates may not substantially enter the first gas chamber.
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`[0051] The gas chamber 104 is in gaseous communication with the return air passage
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`106. A refrigeration unit 110 may be provided within the exemplary embodiments. The
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`refrigeration unit may be any device which cools the isolated gas which travels around
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`the isolated gas cooling chamber and sometimes through the constricted convection
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`channel. Along with cooling the air, the refrigeration unit 110 may be utilized to propel
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`the gas around the isolated gas cooling chamber 102 or through the constricted
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`convection channel. The gas chamber 104 includes at least one front glass 108
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`mounted in front of the display 10. The front glass 108 may be set forward from the
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`display 10 by spacers (not shown in the Figures). The spacing members define the
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`depth of the narrow channel passing in front of the display 10. The spacing members
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`SEC et al. v. MRI
`SEC Exhibit 1030.017
`IPR 2023-00199
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`
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`may be independent of alternatively may be integral with some with some other
`
`component of the device (i.e., integral with the front plate). The display 10, the spacing
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`members, and the front glass 108 define the narrow gas chamber 104. The gas
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`chamber 104 may be gaseous communication with the return air passage 106 through
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`entrance openings 112 and exit openings 114.
`
`[0052] As the isolated gas in the gas chamber 104 traverses the isolated gas cooling
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`chamber 102 it contacts the display 10 surface. Contacting the isolated gas directly to
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`the display 10 allows convective heat transfer from the display 10 to the isolated gas.
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`By utilizing the display 10 as the posterior surface wall of the gas chamber 104, there
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`are fewer surfaces to
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`impact the visible light traveling through the display 10.
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`Furthermore, the device will be lighter and cheaper to manufacture.
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`[0053] Although the embodiment shown utilizes the display 10, certain modifications
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`and/or coatings (e.g., anti-reflective coatings) may be added to the display 10, or to
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`other components of the system in order to accommodate the coolant gas or to improve
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`the optical performance of the device.
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`In the embodiment shown, the display 10 may
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`be the front glass plate of a liquid crystal display (LCD) stack. However, almost any
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`display surface may be suitable for embodiments of the present cooling system.
`
`A