Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided that include a repository for receipt of an object and a mechanism for shielding from view the object. The repository may take the form of a mailbox and the object may be a letter, e.g., a letter addressed to Santa. The shielding mechanism is actuated by a trigger that is associated with the repository and, in exemplary embodiments, is triggered by an activity normally associated with the repository, e.g., raising a flag on a mailbox. The trigger actuation may interact with an electronic control system, a mechanical control system, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided that include a repository for receipt of an object and a mechanism for shielding from view the object. The repository may take the form of a mailbox and the object may be a letter, e.g., a letter addressed to Santa. The shielding mechanism is actuated by a trigger that is associated with the repository and, in exemplary embodiments, is triggered by an activity normally associated with the repository, e.g., raising a flag on a mailbox. The trigger actuation may interact with an electronic control system, a mechanical control system, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An assembly has a base, a support, a cord, a main body, and a random movement article. The support has a first end and a second end, and the first end is attached to the base. The cord is attached to the second end of the support, and the main body is suspended from the support by the cord. The main body includes a fan configured to produce airflow in an airflow direction. The random movement article is secured to the main body and, when the fan is producing airflow, creates random movement of the main body.

Abstract: A method of viewing content on a display device includes selecting, by a user using a computing device different from the display device, media content stored on the computing device, editing the selected media content to form edited media content, transferring the selected media content onto the display device, and viewing the edited media content on the display device. The display device may also be pre-loaded with content of a user.

Abstract: An assembly has a base, a support, a cord, a main body, and a random movement article. The support has a first end and a second end, and the first end is attached to the base. The cord is attached to the second end of the support, and the main body is suspended from the support by the cord. The main body includes a fan configured to produce airflow in an airflow direction. The random movement article is secured to the main body and, when the fan is producing airflow, creates random movement of the main body.

Abstract: An ornament of the present invention includes a display that is hidden behind a panel. An ornament body includes at least one panel which includes a two-way mirror and a display in the interior of the body. The ornament includes a light disposed in the ornament body which, when active, reveals the display which is otherwise hidden behind the two-way mirror. The light may be activated by a sensor that recognizes physical motion, and may also include a speaker to play music and a moving display element driven by a motor.

Abstract: An ornament of the present invention includes a display that is hidden behind a panel. An ornament body includes at least one panel which includes a two-way mirror and a display in the interior of the body. The ornament includes a light disposed in the ornament body which, when active, reveals the display which is otherwise hidden behind the two-way mirror. The light may be activated by a sensor that recognizes physical motion, and may also include a speaker to play music and a moving display element driven by a motor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a decorative light emitting apparatus, a reflector, and method of reflecting light. The decorative light emitting apparatus includes a light source attached to a supporting member and is configured to radiate light inwardly towards a reflector. The light then reflects off the reflector outwardly towards a viewer. The reflector is configured to produce a desired optical effect.

Abstract: An automated ornament includes a power source coupled to a drive shaft that provides rotatory power about a drive axis. The drive shaft is coupled to a first drive gear, which engages a second idler gear such that rotation of the first gear in one direction causes the second gear to rotate in the opposite direction. A third driven gear engages the second gear such that rotation of the second gear in one direction causes the third gear to rotate in the opposite direction. The gear ratio of the first gear to the third gear is at least two to one. When the automated ornament is supported by support means, the power source causes an ornamental housing to rotate about the support means via the first, second, and third gears. The power source also can cause a sound module to produce musical notes via a subsidiary gear train.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of light sources. Control signals corresponding to notes of a music file are generated to enable selected ones of a plurality of receptacles to be powered. The plurality of receptacles comprises a first plurality of receptacles and a second plurality of receptacles, and the first plurality of receptacles are powered more frequently than the second plurality of receptacles. The plurality of receptacles is adapted to supply power to the plurality of light sources. A pleasing twinkling effect can be created even if light sources are not coupled to one of the plurality of receptacles.

Abstract: Illuminating eyeglasses and an eyeglass frame structure include a frame adapted to hold lenses, a pair of earpieces pivotally connected to the frame by hinges, and a pair of light sources, such as light emitting diodes, mounted on said eyeglasses. Battery compartments are provided in the earpieces for housing batteries for powering the light sources. A switch, which may be touch-sensitive or ambient-light sensitive, is operable to selectively couple the batteries and corresponding light sources. Automatic switches may be provided at the hinges, whereby the light sources are turned on and off automatically upon opening and closing of the eyeglasses.

Abstract: A sound device includes a sound module including a switch electrically connected to the sound module such that when the switch is “on” the sound module produces a sound and when the switch is “off” the sound module is silent. The sound device also includes apparatus for securing the sound module to a gift container or package, a switch actuator such as an elongated strip adapted to toggle the switch “off” to “on”, the elongated strip including an adhesive applied to a distal end of the elongated strip, and a housing that houses the sound module. The housing includes a slot through which the elongated strip extends such that the distal end of the elongated strip is disposed on the outside of the housing and a proximal end of the elongated strip, which is remote from the distal end, is disposed on the inside of the housing, and the elongated strip toggles the switch “off” to “on” by sliding out of the housing through the slot. Other configurations for toggling the switch are also disclosed.

Abstract: Illuminating eyeglasses and an eyeglass frame structure include a frame adapted to hold lenses, a pair of earpieces pivotally connected to the frame by hinges, and a pair of light sources, such as light emitting diodes, mounted on said eyeglasses. Battery compartments are provided in the earpieces for housing batteries for powering the light sources. A switch, which may be touch-sensitive or ambient-light sensitive, is operable to selectively couple the batteries and corresponding light sources. Automatic switches may be provided at the hinges, whereby the light sources are turned on and off automatically upon opening and closing of the eyeglasses.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a decorative card. The decorative card includes a vessel having at least a portion which is transparent, the vessel holding a liquid having particles contained therein. The decorative card also includes a back panel having an image provided on an inside surface thereof, wherein the back panel is positioned such that the image is visible through the portion of the vessel which is transparent.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of light sources. Control signals corresponding to notes of a music file are generated to enable selected ones of a plurality of receptacles to be powered. The plurality of receptacles comprises a first plurality of receptacles and a second plurality of receptacles, and the first plurality of receptacles are powered more frequently than the second plurality of receptacles. The plurality of receptacles is adapted to supply power to the plurality of light sources. A pleasing twinkling effect can be created even if light sources are not coupled to one of the plurality of receptacles.

Abstract: A projector includes a support structure, which supports a light source and an image medium. The image medium is arranged such that light from the light source passes through one or more images carried by the image medium, thereby projecting intermediate images. An image dispersion element, having a plurality of reflective surfaces, is mounted in fixed position in the path of the intermediate images, to simultaneously redirect the intermediate images in a plurality of different directions from the projector to create a plurality of final images. An image medium driver drives the image medium relative to the light source. As an image carried on the image medium moves in the path of light emitted by the light source, the intermediate images move relative to the image dispersion element, and, consequently the final images move across the surface onto which they are projected.

Abstract: A cooking utensil is disclosed having a handle, a cooking implement extending from the handle, at least one electric light attached to the handle for illuminating at least a portion of the cooking implement, and power means for providing electric power to the light. In addition, the cooking utensil has either or both an attitude-sensitive switch connecting the light and the power means for turning the light on and off in response to the attitude of the utensil, and an ambient light-sensitive switch connecting the light and the power means for turning the light on and off in response to the level of the ambient light.