Abstract: A resonance engine is disclosed including: a driver plate, to which is coupled at least one oscillatory transducer; a drive signal generator connected to the oscillatory transducer for excitation thereof; a first spring-mass resonator, having a first natural resonant frequency, with a proximal end attached to the driver plate and a free distal end; and a reaction means attached to the driver plate substantially opposite to the first spring-mass resonator. When the oscillatory transducer is excited by a drive signal from the generator having a component at or close to said natural resonant frequency, the first spring-mass resonator oscillates at resonance, substantially in anti-phase to the driver plate. Small vibrational strains in the oscillatory transducer are converted to large strains of controllable kinematic movements.

Abstract: A resonance engine is disclosed comprising: a driver plate (12), to which is coupled at least one oscillatory transducer (14); a drive signal generator connected to the oscillatory transducer for excitation thereof; a first spring-mass resonator, having a first natural resonant frequency, with a proximal end attached to the driver plate (12) and a free distal end; and a reaction means attached to the driver plate substantially opposite to the first spring-mass resonator. When the oscillatory transducer (14) is excited by a drive signal from the generator having a component at or close to said natural resonant frequency, the first spring-mass resonator oscillates at resonance, substantially in anti-phase to the driver plate (12). Small vibrational strains in the oscillatory transducer (14) are converted to large strains of controllable kinematic movements.

Abstract: An animated image and message display device, for example a rotatable disc or a desk, wall or ceiling fan including a series of LEDs provided on the device. When the device is in use and the blade elements are rotated about an axis of the device, a programme means is effective to create an animated image about, around or across a visual plane of the device, the LEDs being switched on and off by the programme means. The novel device may be arranged in a set of such devices and the images displayed thereby may be the same or a series of images may be shown sequentially on each of the devices of the set in turn.