Isolated Gas Heating System for an Electronic Display

Abstract

A preferred embodiment relates to a heating system and a method for heating an electronic display. A preferred embodiment includes a transparent gas heat-transfer chamber which may be coexistent with the viewable display surface. The heating system defines two gas compartments that are anterior and posterior to the electronic display and are in gaseous communication. Fans may be used to propel the isolated gas through the two chambers. The circulating gas transfers heat to the electronic display surface by convection. The isolated gas is preferably transparent or at least semi-transparent.

1 . A heating system for an electronic display having a display surface, the system comprising:
 a first gas chamber positioned anterior to the electronic display surface;   a second gas chamber in gaseous communication with said first gas chamber;   a heating chamber fan within said second gas chamber to propel gas around the first and second gas chambers; and   means for heating the gas contained within the second gas chamber.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first gas chamber comprises a transparent anterior plate; and   the second gas chamber comprises a heating plenum.   
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the first gas chamber further comprises
 the electronic display surface;   spacers separating the electronic display surface and said transparent anterior plate; and   an entrance opening and an exit opening.   
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein:
 the first gas chamber further comprises a second transparent anterior plate bonded to the first transparent anterior plate.   
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein:
 the first gas chamber is adapted to transfer heat from the gas to the display surface.   
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the means for heating the gas comprises heating elements. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the means for heating the gas comprises electrical components. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a temperature sensing device within said first gas chamber;   a switch in communication with said temperature sensing device and said heating chamber fan; and   wherein the fan is switched on when the temperature within the first gas chamber reaches a threshold value.   
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the plenum is thermally insulated. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said fan runs continuously when the display is in operation. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a filter within the second gas chamber. 
   
   
       12 . A heating system for an electronic display having a display surface, said system comprising:
 a first gas chamber comprising
 the display surface of the electronic display; 
 a transparent anterior plate separated from said display surface by spacers; and 
 an entrance and exit opening; and 
   a second gas chamber in gaseous communication with said first gas chamber,
 said second gas chamber comprising 
 a heating plenum; 
 a heating chamber fan to propel gas around the first and second gas chambers; and 
 one or more heating elements. 
   
   
   
       13 . The system from  claim 12  further comprising one or more electrical components within the heating plenum. 
   
   
       14 . The system from  claim 12  further comprising a filter within said second gas chamber. 
   
   
       15 . The system from  claim 12  further comprising:
 a temperature sensing device within said first gas chamber;   a switch in communication with said temperature sensing device and said heating chamber fan; and   wherein the fan is switched on when the temperature within the first gas chamber reaches a threshold value.   
   
   
       16 . A method for heating an electronic display having a display surface with isolated gas, comprising the steps of:
 providing an isolated gas system comprising a first gas chamber which is in contact with the electronic display surface and a second gas chamber comprising a heating plenum, wherein the first and second gas chambers are in gaseous communication;   forcing isolated gas into the first gas chamber;   transferring heat from the isolated gas to the electronic display surface;   directing the isolated gas into the heating plenum;   heating the isolated gas in the plenum; and   reintroducing the heated isolated gas into the first gas chamber.   
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the heating step comprises the steps of:
 providing one or more heating elements within said heating plenum;   forcing the isolated gas over said one or more heating elements; and   transferring heat from the heating elements to the isolated gas.   
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the steps of:
 setting a threshold temperature for the isolated gas;   measuring the temperature of the isolated gas;   comparing the temperature of the isolated gas to the threshold temperature; and   heating the isolated gas only when the temperature of the isolated gas is less than the threshold temperature.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the step of filtering the isolated gas prior to forcing it into the first chamber. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising the step of preventing a substantial amount of heat from escaping the second gas chamber.