Matrix displays

An information display device, comprising

• (a) a matrix panel member containing an array of spaced apertures;
• (b) a plurality of first bearing means connected with said panel member adjacent said apertures;
• (c) a plurality of display elements each including second bearing means adapted for connection with said first bearing means;
• and
• (d) means for interconnecting said display elements to define a planar array corresponding with said array of spaced apertures, whereby when said array of display elements is arranged adjacent said array of apertures and said second bearing means are connected with said first bearing means, and subsequently when said display elements are disconnected from said interconnecting means, said display elements are adapted for rotation via said bearing means about an axis parallel to the plane containing said matrix panel member.

A method of manufacturing an information display device comprising a matrix of display elements each having a rotatable member, comprising the steps of

• (a) producing a common support member having first bearing means for rotatable members of display elements;
• (b) providing a component out of which at least a row of rotatable members can be made by severing from said component, said component including integral means joining said rotatable members together, each rotatable member including second bearing means for connection with said first bearing means;
• (c) placing said component on said support member;
• and
• (d) severing and removing said joining means and connecting said first and second bearing means to provide individual rotatable members mounted on said support member for rotation about an axis parallel to the plane containing said support members.

A method of manufacturing a matrix display device of the type comprising an array of rotatable members mounted on a common support sheet, comprising the steps of

• (a) producing a common support sheet having first bearing means for rotatable members;
• (b) providing a component out of which an array of individual rotatable members can be made by severing from said component, each rotatable member including second bearing means for connection with said first bearing means, said component including integral means joining said rotatable members together;
• (c) placing said component opposite a jig having an array of receptacles each aligned with and arranged to receive a corresponding rotatable member on said component;
• (d) severing said rotatable members from said component and placing them directly into their corresponding receptacles;
• (e) placing said jig opposite said support sheet;
• (f) transferring said rotatable members from said jig to said support sheet;
• and
• (g) connecting said first and second bearing means leaving said rotatable members mounted for rotation about an axis parallel to a plane containing said support member.