Kaleidoscopic Patents (Class 353/1)
  • Patent number: 11947129
    Abstract: An optical instrument for modifying light as a function of selected prisms and anti prisms for generating visible complex geometries. The optical instrument provides a linear arrangement of crystal portions followed by prism portions through which light passes, respectively, before being viewable through an eyepiece. The crystal portions provides a multifaceted crystal prism, a crystal chamber housing a selective arrangement of a plurality of basic crystal polyhedra, and a rotatable transparent sphere. The prism portions provide mirrored and glass surface triangular prisms independently rotatable relative to the longitudinal axis of the optical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventor: Ana Abisaad
  • Patent number: 11300450
    Abstract: A method and a system for acquiring a hyperspectral image by using a kaleidoscope are provided. The method includes copying an input image to generate a specific number of images, generating coded-aperture passed images corresponding to the images by using at least one coded aperture, and acquiring a hyperspectral image for the input image based on the coded-aperture passed images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Min Hyuk Kim, Daniel Jeon
  • Patent number: 10281806
    Abstract: A projection lens includes: first to fifth lenses; a light shielding ring; an aperture stop; and a lens barrel. The light shielding ring is rotated in a circumferential direction of the lens barrel by a rotation mechanism. In a case where an image forming panel is shifted with respect to an optical axis of the projection lens, a part, through which the light passes, is biased in the projection lens, whereby temperature distribution occurs in the lens barrel in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The thermal deformation of the high temperature side of the lens barrel due to the temperature distribution is greater than that on the low temperature side. The respective lenses may be tilted due to thermal deformation. By rotating the light shielding ring through the rotation mechanism, the temperature increases uniformly in the circumferential direction of the light shielding ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Hironobu Kayano
  • Patent number: 10108019
    Abstract: A projection kaleidoscope has a shell, a light supply device, a rotating device, a film unit, a reflex cone, and a projecting convex lens. The light supply device is mounted in the shell and has a light-emitting part and a light converging unit. The rotating device is mounted in the shell and has a driver and a transmission connected to the driver. The film unit is mounted on the transmission of the rotating device and faces the light converging unit of the light supply device. The reflex cone is mounted on the transmission of the rotating device and faces the film unit and the projecting opening. The projecting convex lens is mounted in the shell and faces the reflex cone. The rotating device drives the film unit and the reflex cone to rotate in reverse to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: GEMMY INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cheng Chun Zhang, Lio Yenwei Chang
  • Patent number: 9436011
    Abstract: An LED light device that projects a kaleidoscopic image includes multiple reflective or retro-reflective elements for generating multiple images of at least one object, a projection device for projecting the multiple images, and a changing mechanism or circuit for moving the at least one object or changing a pattern of turned-on LEDs that illuminate the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 9316838
    Abstract: An LED device having a changeable image includes an LED light source, a kaleidoscope with a variety of constructions through which light from the LED light source is transmitted to form a kaleidoscopic image, an image changing mechanism or device for changing the position, orientation, and/or relationships of an inner-medium or media in the kaleidoscope to change the kaleidoscopic image, and a projection assembly for projecting the kaleidoscopic image to a surface such as a wall, ceiling, floor, or surface of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Patent number: 9274342
    Abstract: An LED light with kaleidoscope effects includes an LED light source in the form of a matrix that can be electronically controlled to provide different images. Since image changing is carried out by turning on and off LEDs in the LED matrix, there is also no need for the changing or adjustment means to move the display unit(s) or inner medium (if any). Instead, the changing means only needs to change the LEDs color, brightness, and/or turn-on and turn-off timing or sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Publication number: 20150070656
    Abstract: The LED device project colorful image incorporate kaleidoscope-means, miniatures-means, project-means, optics-means, reflective means, LED(s), Power means, control means, vibration-means, motor-means, adjustable focus means, circuit-means, sensor-means, IC means, display-unit(s), Lens, hologram means, lenticular means, laser created means, digital data means and other related parts & accessories inside co-inventors prior filing cases as listed inside content to make the LED device project the colorful splendid patterns to any desired surface(s). The said Kaleidoscope means has different mirror numbers, mirror arrangement, different LEDs arrangement to created very pretty colorful splendid image to viewer on walls, ceiling, object surface, floor, outdoor surface further may optional add motor means, adjust means to make image changeable, adjustable means to change focus, angle, size, colorful, time period, LEDs matrix-arrangement on each ON-time, LEDs number for each on-time, LED brightness, LED duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu Chien
  • Publication number: 20120200828
    Abstract: The LED device has changeable image incorporate kaleidoscope-means, miniatures-means, project-means, optics-means, LED(s), Power means, control means, vibration-means, motor-means, adjustable focus means, circuit-means, sensor-means, IC means, display-unit(s), Lens, hologram means, lenticular means, laser created means, digital data means and other related parts & accessories inside co-inventors prior filing cases as listed inside content to make the LED device project the colorful splendid patterns to any desired surface(s). The said Kaleidoscope means has different mirror numbers, mirror arrangement, different miniatures can created very pretty colorful splendid spectrums to viewer on walls, ceiling, object surface, floor, outdoor surface etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Tseng-Lu CHIEN
  • Patent number: 8157392
    Abstract: An apparatus (3) for generating a three-dimensional kaleidoscopic image, comprising a screen (4) for the projection of images thereon, and a plurality of mirrors (31,32,33) surrounding the screen, wherein the screen is substantially shaped as a portion of a surface of a polyhedron or sphere with an icosahedral group symmetry of reflection, and the plurality of mirrors are aligned with planes extending through a projected centre of said polyhedron or sphere and intersecting each edge of the screen such that an image generated on the screen is reflected in the mirrors to produce an apparent three-dimensional image of said polyhedron or sphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Felix Rodriguez Larreta
  • Patent number: 8157380
    Abstract: A kaleidoscopic device is provided. In accordance with one embodiment, the kaleidoscopic device may have a housing mounted within a wall and a collection drum that has a plurality of display elements. The collection drum may be intermittently rotated and/or rotated at various speeds by a driving system that has a motor. A mirror structure may be mounted within the housing and used with the display elements in order to generate a decorative kaleidoscopic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventors: Patricia L. Peffer, George B. Waites
  • Patent number: 8002413
    Abstract: There is provided a light source unit which includes a luminescent light source which receives excitation light so as to emit light of a predetermined wavelength band, excitation light sources which shine excitation light on to the luminescent light source, a reflection space having the luminescent light source in an interior thereof and an emission space which emits luminescent light source light emitted from the reflection space from an emission port whose area is made smaller than the area of the luminescent light source and a projector which employs the light source unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Narikawa
  • Publication number: 20100289723
    Abstract: A body supported teleidoscopic device having an onboard electronic image capture device, such as a digital camera, and a display screen. The teleidoscopic device has an onboard battery and controlling circuitry. The teleidoscopic device may comprise a pistol grip handle for being hand held, or may comprise earpieces so as to be wearable in the manner of eyeglasses. The display screen may be onboard or remote. Where remote, the display screen may be provided with wireless or hard wired connection to the kaleidoscopic image source. The teleidoscopic device may comprise a projector for large scale display of images for group viewing. The teleidoscopic device may be focused on a screen to generate kaleidoscopic imagery using video feedback techniques. The projector and screen may take the form of a television.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: DAVID LONDON
  • Patent number: 7581835
    Abstract: A light show device includes a light source configured to generate a light beam having a substantially constant diameter, a container having a substantially transparent portion, a plurality of mirrors, each mirror connectable or connected to the container rotatably about at least one axis, and a particulate source configured to create inside the container a substantial suspension of particulates, where the device is configured to allow a reflection of the light beam between at least a majority of the mirrors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventor: Brian W. Walker
  • Patent number: 7481537
    Abstract: A method for creating a biofeedback controlled Kaleidoscope is disclosed, where the Kaleidoscope is controlled by two or more streams of input derived from physiological measurements and provides positive and negative reinforcement for each of the streams of input, where the method includes the steps of selecting a Kaleidoscope Object for display on a monitor, creating the code that will produce the Kaleidoscopic Object on the monitor; determining at least one effect to be used as the Kaleidoscopic Effect desired to respond to a first anticipated physiological input change where the effect is either texture or vertice manipulation; creating the code for the Kaleidoscopic Effect that operates on the Kaleidoscopic Object in response to a physiological measurement; selecting as a Second Effect at least one additional effect from the group consisting of the remaining Kaleidoscopic Effect and the Non Kaleidoscope Effects in which said Second Effect responds independently to a second anticipated physiological input
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Beyond VR, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan L. Meadows
  • Patent number: 7399083
    Abstract: Described is a kaleidoscope for attaching with a video monitor. The kaleidoscope includes a housing and a monitor holder. The housing includes an interior, a first end, and a second end. The first end has an image receiving hole for receiving light from a video monitor. The interior includes multiple light surfaces for receiving the light from the video monitor and projecting the light toward the second end. The second end includes a viewing hole to allow a user to view the projected light. Through the monitor holder, the housing can be attached with a hand held video monitor. When the video monitor is in operation, images from the video monitor are received through the first end and projected within the interior of the housing between the light surfaces to provide a kaleidoscopic effect of the images, which can be viewed through the viewing hole in the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventors: Scott J Bailey, Nicholas Christopher Cravotta
  • Patent number: 7370971
    Abstract: A wall mounted kaleidoscope is suitable for mounting within an opening passing through a wall, ceiling or other building structure to provide a visually attractive kaleidoscope display to a viewer within the building interior. A kaleidoscope housing extends through the wall opening and is mountable to the wall. A kaleidoscope mirror structure is mounted within the housing and includes three generally triangular mirrors arranged in the shape of a triangulated pyramid, with its base facing the viewer. A rotatable drum associated with the mirror holds loose articles for generating a kaleidoscope display; the drum may be rotated by an electric motor or manually. The light source may consist of artificial illumination and/or a light-transmitting cover which protects the structure from the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventors: Patricia L. Peffer, George B. Waites
  • Patent number: 7182469
    Abstract: A method and system for improving the contrast ratio of a projected image. An asymmetric aperture stop improves the contrast ratio of a projected image. Using slightly offset projection, the majority of the on-state projection light from the modulator array passes through a region that is not centered in the projection lens pupil. The blocked region of the asymmetric aperture is oriented toward the illumination path and away from the specular reflection path. The asymmetric aperture is able to block a significant portion of the diffracted light using the blocked region, without blocking much of the desired projection light passing through the remainder of the aperture. The result is that dark regions of the image become significantly darker, while light regions remain about the same. The same effect occurs without offset illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: D. Scott Dewald, Steven M. Penn, Dana J. Segler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7101046
    Abstract: A kaleidoscope includes a kaleidoscope body assembled in the shape of a sleeve so as to locate surfaces of mirrors therein and a support body, having two concave parts, attached to an end portion of the kaleidoscope body and supporting an image material assembly at the end portion. A retaining member is attached to one of the support body, the end portion of the kaleidoscope body and a part adjacent the support body and kaleidoscope body, to prevent the image material assembly from falling from an opening end of the concave parts. The image material assembly is supported rotatably and detachably by the support body so that it can change from the image material assembly attached in the kaleidoscope body to a different image material assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventors: Keiji Hattori, Taeko Hattori
  • Patent number: 6769780
    Abstract: The invention is a kaleidoscope that folds to a substantially flat condition. The kaleidoscope has at least two mirrored surfaces joined one to another, each pair of mirrored surfaces defining a mirrored interior angle of less than 180 degrees. The kaleidoscope may be open on the third side. The kaleidoscope may be attached to folding body members such that when the body members are folded the mirrored surfaces of the kaleidoscope are folded as well. The kaleidoscope may be provided with a wheel, an eyepiece and an eyepiece lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Carolyn Bennett
  • Publication number: 20030107709
    Abstract: This invention relates to a facestock comprising a polymeric film, and a holographic layer on a surface of the facestock, wherein the film is conformable. The invention also relates to label stocks prepared from the facestocks, and labels made therefrom. The labels are useful on squeezable containers. An advantage of these labels is that there is little or no cracking or flaking of the holographic image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald G. Rodick
  • Publication number: 20030063260
    Abstract: A presentation system comprises: a screen device; a projecting device for projecting an image onto the screen device; an indication mark for setting two reference points, which is two orthogonal points on a rectangular virtual screen, near a presenter and for the presenter operating a point on the virtual screen; a photographing device for photographing the virtual screen and the indication mark; and an arithmetic operation device for generating coordinates of the virtual screen from the two reference points photographed by the photographing device, and for calculating coordinates of the indication mark on the generated virtual screen. The projecting device projects a point image onto the coordinates of the indication mark on the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO OPTICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuyoshi Nishimura, Junichi Yokoyama, Takashi Nagashima
  • Patent number: 6508571
    Abstract: In an illuminating apparatus for a projection display, light from a plurality of light sources converge at a respective focal point that coincides with an input side of a corresponding light pipe integrator. The light pipe integrators convert the light incident on the input sides thereof into evenly distributed light that are radiated at output sides thereof and that pass through a principal condenser lens before reaching a plane of a liquid crystal display panel of the projection display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Prokia Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fu-Ming Chuang
  • Patent number: 6422705
    Abstract: A kaleidoscope or teleidoscope is provided in which the viewed object is an image focused onto a back-projection screen positioned at the objective end of the mirror system. Focusing may be by a pair of achromatic lenses which may be displaceable toward and away from the screen and the screen preferably comprises a wax layer sandwiched between glass plates one of which is in contact with the objective ends of the mirrors. In one embodiment an illuminated soap bubble in a glass globe is viewed through a kaleidoscope the length of which is reduced by redirecting the image by means of mirrors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Andrew Peter Leary
  • Patent number: 6343862
    Abstract: A projecting image display device is disclosed which includes a display and a micro lens array, where the pixels of the display and the micro lens elements each have non symmetric properties in length and width directions. The micro lens concentrates color-separated light onto pixels of a display device so that light does not hit the black matrix. By providing a display having pixels which are not equal in length and width, pixels corresponding to red (R), green (G) and blue (B) can be arranged in a substantially square area, and by providing a micro lens array which has non symmetric properties in length and width, the color separated light can be concentrated onto the non square display pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasumasa Sawai, Kohtaro Hayashi, Soh Ohzawa, Yuichiro Ori, Jun Ishihara
  • Patent number: 5426474
    Abstract: A projection system using a randomized fiber optic bundle for generating a wide variety of fluid visual images. A light source focusses light through a multiple color filter onto the input end of a fiber optic bundle having a plurality of optical fibers and held in a cylindrical shape. The fiber optic bundle includes a plurality of fiber optic groups that are interwoven such that the arrangement of the fiber optic groups at the fiber optic bundle's input end is different from the arrangement of the fiber optic groups at the fiber optic bundle's output end. The multiple color filter is movable such that light of time-varying color is directed into each of the optical fibers. The time-varying colored light is received by a projection lens and imaged at a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Innersense, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Rubtsov, Roger C. Young
  • Patent number: 5220457
    Abstract: The apparatus is a visual design system for reliably reproducing kaleidoscope-type images. A design element is fixed rotationally, vertically and horizontally with various gradients in a projection system and illuminated. The resulting image is projected through a bellows, also including various possible configurations. An image receiving system with height and longitudinal adjustment and corresponding gradients receives the image on a translucent viewing screen. The image is received between two kaleidoscope-type mirrors with an adjustable angle therebetween. A camera records the resulting image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventor: John Mouner
  • Patent number: 5094525
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a projecting kaleidoscopic system for viewing kaleidoscopic images on a screen external of a conventional kaleidoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventors: Paul A. Nelson, Jr., Paul A. Nelson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4742439
    Abstract: The housing of this device contains an electric lamp and an electric motor, the drive shaft of which rotates a circular, light transmissive, polarized cell, which is removably mounted in the housing over a light transmissive plate, which is mounted in an opening in the housing to direct diffused light from the lamp onto one side of the cell. The cell has a chamber filled with a liquid, and a plurality of small, birefringent elements which float randomly in all directions as the cell rotates, and which disperse light from the lamp into a variety of constantly changing colors and hues that are visible from the side of the cell remote from the diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Inventor: Albert G. Choate
  • Patent number: 4733960
    Abstract: This invention is a combination lens and teleidoscope/kaleidoscope device for use in creating special photographic effects by enabling the user to take close-up photographs of Kaleidoscopically and Teleidoscopically produced designs. The device is adapted by means of a series of fittings, for attachment to a camera. A turnable mirror tube located within one embodiment of the device, allows a user to control the composition of his photograph without physically moving the camera itself or the design producing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Inventor: Carolyn Bennett
  • Patent number: 4731666
    Abstract: A kaleidoscope recording apparatus having a backlighted screen which emits a plurality of light rays in the form of moving imageable material into a kaleidoscope mirror set. The backlighted screen is positioned adjacent to the light-entry end of the mirror set. The mirrors convert the imageable material from the backlighted screen into a kaleidoscope pattern. A conventional video camera is positioned with its camera lens adjacent to the light-egress end of the mirror set to collect the egressing reflected and re-reflected light. The kaleidoscopic pattern is then converted by the video camera to a video signal which is recorded on video tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Csesznegi's Art World Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles F. Csesznegi
  • Patent number: 4725135
    Abstract: An entertainment or amusement device or structure (10), having an elongate chamber (18) bounded along it length by at least three elongate, substantially planar walls (22, 24) with at least two adjacent ones of those walls (22, 24) having reflective surfaces. The device has an image generating means (30) by which a primary image can be formed across one end of the chamber (28) so as to result in secondary images being generated by reflection of the primary image by the reflective surfaces. Also, the structure (10) is adapted to enable viewer access (20) for simultaneous viewing of the primary image and the secondary images. In the case of a structure (10), the viewer access is enabled by a gallery (20) at the end of the chamber remote from the one end (28). Typically, the reflective surfaces (22, 24), and optionally also a screen (28) of the image generating means, are defined by reflective tiles so that the secondary images, and optionally the primary image, is perceived as comprised of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1988
    Assignee: Concorde St. George Productions Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael R. Browning
  • Patent number: 4527186
    Abstract: A light pattern image forming system has an intermittent light source for generating pulses of light over an optical path. The system includes a variety of elements constructed and arranged for independent degrees of freedom of motion and for relative motion off axis with respect to each other. In a preferred embodiment a color wheel comprising sectors of different color light transmitting material, is mounted for rotation about a first center of rotation. The first center of rotation is offset from the intermittent light source so that sectors of different color light transmitting material pass adjacent to the light source for generating multicolor pulses of light over the optical path. A mask is also mounted for rotation about a second center of rotation offset from the first center of rotation and spaced from the color wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Inventor: Louis S. Acker
  • Patent number: 4327975
    Abstract: A light-beam projecting apparatus usable in connection with sound-producing equipment for creating, on a remote surface, infinitely varying light-impingement patterns which are directly related to the instantaneous sound. The device includes a light beam source, a reflector, a sound-signal-actuated movable driver and a plurality of interconnectors connecting the driver and the reflector. Each interconnector, having a different resonant frequency, reacts to a sound signal by producing vibrations which are different from the vibrations of the other interconnectors, causing the reflector to oscillate in a manner sympathetic to the instantaneous sound signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Inventor: Lee M. Harris
  • Patent number: 4247181
    Abstract: A kaleidoscopic projector which is capable of projecting kaleidoscopic images having widely variable image characteristics. Means are included permitting continuous cycling variations in projected image content, kaleidoscopic effect, focus and light intensity. An improved optical system provides improved projected image intensity and focus uniformity. The kaleidoscopic effect may be varied by means to cyclically or selectively vary the angle between the mirrors in the kaleidoscopic mirror set. Means for selectively providing optical dissolves is included. An improved air cooling system permits brighter projected images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1981
    Inventor: Lee M. Inness-Brown
  • Patent number: 4172629
    Abstract: A kaleidoscope includes three or four highly polished plain, front-surface mirrors assembled in the form of a prism with a cross section that is an equilateral triangle, a square or a rhombus with the angles between sides of 60.degree. and 120.degree., having a length 8 to 15 times the linear dimensions of its cross section. An optically opaque cylinder encloses the mirror assembly with opaque end caps providing alignment of the positions for the ends of the mirrors and electric light means for illuminating objects being viewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1979
    Inventor: Clayton H. Allen
  • Patent number: 4171882
    Abstract: A light reflective projection system is disclosed. The system includes a combination of a light source, at least one reflective or transparent disc having means for rotation thereof and a lens. In one embodiment, disc rotation is provided by the rotatable turntable of a record player. In this embodiment, the reflective or transparent discs may be carried by a record mounted on the record player, by a pedestal member mounted over the spindle of the record player, or by a differential speed ring having drive wheels which bear upon and are rotated by the label portion of the rotating record. A stationary support provides a location for an additional disc. The light source and lens are so mounted that light rays from the light source are projected downwardly through or onto one or more of the transparent or reflective rotating discs, then upwardly through the lens for projection upon the viewing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1979
    Inventors: Eugene Johnson, III, Dane J. Hansen
  • Patent number: 4153354
    Abstract: An animated visual effect adaptor unit for a still picture projector which has a projection gate for receiving a slide holder between a light source and a projection lens system, comprising an elongate support having a first portion to be received in the projection gate and a second portion which remains outside of the gate and carries a power drive coupled to drive rotatably, a translucent disk mounting a visual effect design across a projection aperture in the first portion and through which a light beam from the source effects projection of the disk design through the lens system and onto a projection surface to provide an animated visual effect as the disk rotates. A second stationary translucent design carrying disk may be aligned with the rotary disk for increased animation effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1979
    Inventor: William G. Gugeler
  • Patent number: 4095882
    Abstract: A display system, of the type used by exhibitors to attract attention or to create a desired background, is characterized by new and striking visual effects. The system receives projected images upon a mobile formed of a plurality of suspended panels free to move relative to one another in air currents. The panels, when aligned, form a surface, e.g., a rectangle having a format matching the image. Images are projected onto the moving panels of the mobile with a slide projector, film projector, or other image projection means. The projected image is separated into components by the moving panels and periodically the components coalesce partly or wholly when adjacent panels move into alignment. Changes in focus and distortions of linearity occur as panels rotate in relation to the projector's field of image. Striking and dramatic visual effects result. A still photograph may be converted into a moving, dynamic image, with devices that are durable and require little attention in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1978
    Inventor: John J. Karamon
  • Patent number: 4077706
    Abstract: A projecting kaleidoscope comprises two V-shaped mirror troughs arranged downstream of a transparent or translucent design through which light is projected. The projected light travels by means of lenses along an optical path through the design and thence through the two V-shaped mirror troughs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1978
    Inventor: Marshall J. Yaeger
  • Patent number: 4061414
    Abstract: A Kaleidoscopic apparatus comprising an elongated substantially tubular housing having different shaped geometric openings at the ends thereof and provided with a plurality of longitudinal planar members fabricated of non-breakable material disposed within said tubular housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1975
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1977
    Inventor: Bruce D. Price
  • Patent number: 4010361
    Abstract: Light deflection apparatus is disclosed which uses a mirror to deflect a beam of light in response to an electromechanical transducer receiving an audio signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1977
    Inventors: Robert C. Latterman, Stuart G. Mirell