Alphanumeric split-flap display, Designed by Gino Valle, 1962 In the past, this item was the cornerstone of travel information displays, such as timetables and train and plane destinations. This electromechanical unit has a capacity of 39 entries and can complete a full rotation in between one and three seconds. Organized in rows and columns, the flaps were controlled by a system of electrical circuits and connected to a keyboard, on which the information was entered.