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.

Abstract: A color variation device for educational and/or entertainment purposes has a color mixing unit which comprises a number of color variation components.. The color mixing unit can be set in motion by a motion manipulation unit while each color variation component contains a mechanism that can make the color on the visible surface of the color variation components be changible by the players. The color variation components are suggested to be configured with triangular pyramidal shape that are radially placed around the horizontal center of a circular color mixing unit sequentially in the direction of the color mixing unit motion. Different combination of colors selected on each color variation component on the color mixing unit can generate different colors when the color mixing unit is set in motion by the motion manipulation unit.

Abstract: A kaleidospherical device (10) made of a plurality of elongate, tapered tubes (12) and (14) bundled into a geodesically ordered arrangement, is described. The tubes are preferably comprised of three planar mirrors (22, 24 and 26) mounted together to form a triangular cross-section that is approximately, but not quite equilateral. The tubes taper along their length from a small end to a large end where the bundle of tubes forms a geodesic shape. The reflective surfaces of the three mirrors forming the tube face each other. That way, when an object to be viewed is placed adjacent the small end of the bundle, the tapered tubes form a reflection of the object as a spherical image positioned inside the kaleidosphere. The kaleidosphere (60) can be made as a hemispherically shaped member that mounts on a cabinet (62) for projecting a movie image or an image created by an object wheel (82) into the kaleidosphere. The kaleidosphere (96) can also serve as a lamp (90) or a chandelier.

Abstract: A kaleidoscope kit for assembly by the user into a personalized kaleidoscope having a hollow eye piece barrel in which a personalized photograph or a design sheet may be inserted, a mirror configuration for insertion into the hollow tubular barrel, a connector piece which is releasably secured by friction and by pressure tabs to the hollow tubular barrel, a view cup which is releasably secured to the connector piece, such that objects to be viewed can be chosen and substituted by the user within the view cup, the connector piece having a transparent interior wall preventing communication between the view cup and the hollow tubular barrel.

Abstract: A kaleidoscope in a housing includes inner and outer object wheels with transparent portions and visible patterns, mounted to turn in opposite directions when a crank extending from a side of the housing is manually turned. A diffusion filter is mounted at an end of the housing to project diffuse illumination through the wheels when this end is held toward a light source. Elongated, inward directed reflective surfaces extend between the inner object wheel and a viewing hole in an end of the housing opposite to the filter. A shaft extends inward, within the housing, from the outer object wheel to an attached outer wheel drive gear. An inner wheel drive gear, turns on the shaft in engagement with the inner object wheel. The crank engages a crank drive gear engaging the inner and outer wheel drive gears on opposite sides of the crank drive gear, so that the inner and outer object wheels are rotated in opposite directions.

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.An opaque wedge in a filter-like position, along with an appropriate aperture and resulting depth of field, is used to assure an evenly illuminated image. Similarly, the focal plane can be inclined in order to reduce any distortion caused by the increase in object distance for a portion of the image caused by the kaleidoscope-type mirrors.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved electric kaleidoscope which uses an electric motor to provide a continuous, smooth turning operation to the end cap assembly of the kaleidoscope, thus eliminating the tiring, awkward and jerky manual turning of kaleidoscopes. The main tube of the kaleidoscope has a housing that contains the electric motor, switch and wiring to power and turning of the end cap assembly. The end cap assembly of the kaleidoscope is removeable as is the end cap assembly cover of the end cap assembly, thus providing an easy means of changing the various colors and shapes of viewing objects in the object space of the end cap assembly. The removeable end cap assembly cover, which can be screw-on, snap-on or push-on type, allows the operator to change the end cap lens by inserting a clear lens to view the immediate surroundings in a kaleidoscopic display, or inserting a somewhat opaque lens and view objects in the object space to view an infinite variety of internally generated images or designs.