J. Ritchie Smith
Architects at Un Ave, Memphis, TN
License number
Mississippi 0232
Issued Date
Jan 7, 1985
Expiration Date
Dec 31, 2017
Category
Architecture
Address
Address
65 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103
Professional information
Electronic Display License Plate
US Patent:
5105179, Apr 14, 1992
Filed:
Jun 28, 1990
Appl. No.:
7/544932
Inventors:
J. Wise Smith - Memphis TN
International Classification:
B60Q 126
US Classification:
340468
Abstract:
An electronic display license plate and message center for use on automobiles and other vehicles. The electronic display license plate is a replacement for the standard metal license plate, and may be constructed as a part of the car, such as an integral part of the taillight assembly, or may be constructed as a bolt-on replacement module for existing license plates. The display may be constructed from an array of light-emitting diodes, or a liquid crystal display, or from an electroluminescent panel. A configuration cartridge, typically containing a read only memory (ROM) circuit, contains license plate information such as state, county, license number, and expiration date, configures the display for the particular vehicle. The electronic display license plate may also contain circuitry to detect the expiration of the license and appropriately indicate that expiration by flashing or inverting the display, or causing it to go blank.