Display Device With Gas Or Liquid Movement Patents (Class 40/406)
  • Publication number: 20020073585
    Abstract: A rising bubble display. A pump is fluidly connected to a liquid-filled reservoir and an audio signal input is provided. A controller is coupled to the audio signal input and coupled to the pump. Upon reception of an audio signal, the controller generates a signal capable of actuating the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: Midwest Tropical
    Inventor: Kenneth Burnett
  • Publication number: 20020069565
    Abstract: Fluid decoration including a soft transparent or semitransparent envelope body and a seat body. At least two kinds of fluids with different specific weights and colors are filled in the envelope body. An inlaid member is placed in a bottom end of the envelope body. The bottom end is then sealed. The inlaid member has an upward extending patterned article. An ejecting device is disposed in the patterned article. The ejecting device is composed of a tube body and a driving unit connected with the tube body. A top end of the tube body is formed with an ejecting opening. The periphery of the tube body near the bottom thereof is formed with through holes. When the driving unit is powered on, the heavier fluid is pumped through the through hole into the tube body and forcedly pushed upward. The heavier fluid is then upward ejected from the ejecting opening of the ejecting device. Thereafter, the heavier fluid gradually splashes down onto the bottom of the envelope body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Chu-Yuan Liao
  • Patent number: 6393744
    Abstract: A rotating turbulent display device is disclosed as comprising a transparent display cell having an outer surface and an inner chamber which may be filled with various substances and structures including liquid, granular particles or a rigid member adapted to displace the substances within the inner chamber of the display cell. The device is mounted within a base unit having a complementary aperture for receiving the outer surface of the display and a motor therein which operates to rotate the display cell at a predetermined rotational speed and direction to simulate the passage of time thereby creating a visible flow pattern within the inner chamber of the display cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Robert D. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6385880
    Abstract: A decorative liquid globe is provided with an electric motor and pump unit for recirculating liquid within the globe. The unit can be located entirely below the liquid chamber and have only an inlet tube or passage and an outlet tube or passage interconnecting the unit with the liquid chamber. Alternatively, providing that the unit can be properly housed in a self-contained combination motor and pump unit, it may be completely immersed in liquid and the pump inlet and outlet effect the recirculation. In this latter construction, electrical wires can pass through and be effectively permanently sealed with a wall of the chamber in a manner that avoids the potential of electrical shorting. In neither instance is there any requirement of moving parts such as shafts passing through a wall of the chamber, and the leakage potential of the prior art globes is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Josh R. Naragon
  • Patent number: 6386941
    Abstract: A soft-shelled crystal ball having an improved baffle is provided. The baffle is positioned in a soft shell of the crystal ball for forming a reduced neck portion of the crystal ball. The baffle is provided with a downward projected filling port, an upper part of which defines a stepped inner hole sealed with a first stepped plug and a lower part of which is a tube portion sealed with a second plug. The baffle is also provided along a lower outer periphery with a plurality of stubs. The soft shell extended downward from the neck portion is tightened around the tube portion of the filling port and is supported by the stubs to provide a lower space below the baffle. The soft shell extended beyond the tube portion is tightened again to ensure that the crystal ball is absolutely leakproof. The space below the baffle is communicable with the crystal ball through holes provided on the baffle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Yu-Shu Lin
  • Patent number: 6357151
    Abstract: This invention deals with an ornamental display receptacle which has a transparent envelope which contains a clear fluid and a particulate such as artificial snow or leaves or the like, which is suspendable in the fluid upon agitation, thus simulating falling snow, leaves or the like, and which includes a power driven agitator which will maintain the particulate in suspension so long as the motor is in the ON. The particulate will be at rest in the display receptacle when the motor driven agitator is not operating. An ornament, such as a house or an individual or the like, will be positioned in the receptacle to enhance the simulation of activity around the ornamental object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Wang Sing Yuen
  • Patent number: 6355988
    Abstract: A water lift generator system for generating electricity by a water system propelled by the force of water cycling through the system. A multi-chamber water lift system includes an down cycle converting the potential energy of water traveling downward through a down tube and out a nozzle or spout turned tangential to the main chamber to cause the chamber to rotate. The rotation of the system runs an up—cycle having several tee shaped tubes which operate to lift water from one chamber to the next higher chamber. The topmost chamber has an additional tee tube connecting the inner chamber with the down tube to complete the cycle. A water supply may be provided at the base of the machine to provide a closed cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Eugene R. Maple
  • Patent number: 6349492
    Abstract: A liquid ornament having means for creating continuous liquid flow is provided. The liquid ornament includes a display chamber for containing liquids, such as water and oil, and a control chamber for accommodating the means for creating liquid flow. The means for creating liquid flow mainly include an elastically flexible material that forms a partition between the display chamber and the control chamber, a push member having a free end contacting with the flexible material, a magnet attached to the free end of the push member, and a coil mounted within a magnetic field of the magnet. When the coil is continuously supplied with an electric current, it alternately magnetically repulses or attracts the magnet and accordingly causes the free end of the push member to intermittently push or strike the flexible material, producing continuous liquid flow in the display chamber when the whole liquid ornament is in a still state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Vincent K. Lee
  • Publication number: 20020020089
    Abstract: This invention deals with an ornamental display receptacle which has a transparent envelope which contains a clear fluid and a particulate such as artificial snow or leaves or the like, which is suspendable in the fluid upon agitation, thus simulating falling snow, leaves or the like, and which includes a power driven agitator which will maintain the particulate in suspension so long as the motor is in the ON. The particulate will be at rest in the display receptacle when the motor driven agitator is not operating. An ornament, such as a house or an individual or the like, will be positioned in the receptacle to enhance the simulation of activity around the ornamental object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Wang Sing Yuen
  • Patent number: 6340323
    Abstract: The present invention is a waterslide toy block construction system. The present invention includes a plurality of toy construction blocks that can be arranged to create a variety of multi-block structures. Some of the construction blocks have a plurality of elongated projections extending from said top surface, and the undersurface of such blocks defines recesses therein for frictionally engaging the elongated projections of other such blocks. Other construction blocks have conduits for water flow (hereinafter groves) which can be assembled to create continuous, extendable and generally horizontal and vertical paths for the travel of water thereon. The top surface of such blocks defines at least one groove thereon for the routing of water. When a user correctly arranges the blocks to form a multi-block structure, these grooves form a path thereon for the travel of water throughout such a multi-block structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Ideal Ideas, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Glynn
  • Patent number: 6340099
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container with a structural improvement. The improvement comprises one transparent hollow vessel, at least one circular dividing board and at least one reservoir for containing either liquid and/or solid, wherein the transparent hollow vessel has a first end and a second end, the first end further comprising a threaded sleeve, the second end of the transparent hollow vessel at an appropriate location having a water intake opening. The second end of the transparent hollow vessel is matingly-fitted with the circular dividing board, wherein the center of the circular dividing board has an opening to receive a dispensing tube, the dispensing tube positioned between the opening of the circular dividing board and the threaded sleeve of the first end of the transparent hollow vessel. The reservoir is matingly-fitted and positioned below the transparent hollow vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Allure Home Creation Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Ho, Mark Ho
  • Publication number: 20020005002
    Abstract: An advertisement stand includes a transparent hollow member mounted on a hollow base, and confining a water-tight inner space filled with a liquid body. The hollow member has a surrounding wall adapted to be printed with an advertisement thereon. An air pump is mounted in the base and is operable so as to supply fine air bubbles into the liquid body via a diffuser set which is mounted on a bottom end of the hollow member. A lamp set is mounted on the base and is disposed beneath the hollow member. The lamp set is operable so as to radiate light that extends through the bottom end of the hollow member. The lamp set includes a first lamp unit disposed adjacent to the surrounding wall, and a second lamp unit surrounded by the first lamp unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventor: Chih-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 6338884
    Abstract: An enhanced structure of an animated ornament composed of a globular shell, a hollow ball, a piece of non-magnetic, high-density material (such as copper, tin, plastic etc.), an inner magnet and an outer magnet. The hollow ball, having decorative figures, is smaller than the globular shell and is included in the globular shell. The space in between the globular shell and the hollow ball is filled up with liquid so that the hollow ball floats in the liquid and, when being shaken, turns around in all directions. Inside the lower part of the hollow ball attached a piece of non-magnetic, high-density material, such as plastic, copper and tin, and an inner magnet is fixed on the top of the non-magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Chang
  • Patent number: 6334270
    Abstract: A structure of an adornment includes a base, a disk projected upward from the base, a rotatable transparent circular container positioned in front of the disk and drove by a motor inside the disk, a clock, a microphone and a pair of swivel buttons located in front of the base and connected to a battery chamber via the electrical circuit inside the base. The container contains two kinds of liquids of different specific gravities, and a buoy in the liquids. A painting a concentrical locus and a plurality of small windows in the back of the container, thereby rotation of the container provides great fun on the sense of sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventor: Fu-Chung Ko
  • Patent number: 6332282
    Abstract: A lamp showing movable floating ornaments is provided. The lamp mainly includes a lighting means for emitting light, and a closed clear container for containing and showing liquid and floating ornaments therein. A liquid-guiding means and a propeller are provided in a lower part of the container, and a driving means is provided below the container for turning the propeller. When the propeller is driven to turn, liquid flowing into the lower part of the container via the liquid-guiding means is continuously forced back into an upper part of the container via the liquid-guiding means at increased speed, so that the floating ornaments in the liquid in the container are brought to move around and create dynamic scenes in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Rich Lin
  • Patent number: 6318010
    Abstract: An ornamental crystal ball having an integrally injection molded plastic spherical liquid container supported on a seat is provided. The spherical liquid container defines a cylindrical inner space for containing clear liquids and floating ornaments. A portion of the spherical liquid container surrounding an opening of the inner space extends outward by a short distance to form a diameter-reduced tubular neck portion. An innermost end of the inner space has a curved surface so that no sharp line or pointed angle would appear in the inner space. A bottom cap seals the neck portion and includes a bubble collector and a motor compartment. The bubble collector collects bubbles possibly appearing in the inner space and the motor compartment has a motor mounted therein to rotate blades in the liquid of the inner space to create dynamic views in the ornamental crystal ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Jui-An Tsai
  • Patent number: 6318760
    Abstract: A metal layer cleared by contact with a chemical clearing agent to reveal an underlying graphics layer is at least partially covered by a buffer material that delays contact with the clearing agent. The buffer material can be applied in a pattern that forms a temporary image in the metal layer prior to more completely revealing the underlying graphics layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Timer Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Shadle, David M. Good, Chauncey T. Mitchell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6311420
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water screen type water ball primarily comprising a base with an opening at the top thereof serving as a water container, and having a slotted locating surface at the top inner rim; moreover, a water pump is disposed in the middle of the bottom of the base, and the water raised by the water pump is transported through a water pipe upwards; an ornamental seat whose bottom edge is joined on the locating surface, and the inner rim is provided with a groove having at least one flow channel; in addition, a longitudinal through hole is disposed at the center of the ornamental seat in order for the water pipe to pass through; and a circular arc transparent hood with an downward opening whose circular arc cambers at the rim thereof are all identical, and the bottom thereof contracts to be a protruding flange which can be attached to the groove of the decorative object; furthermore, a small clearance has to be reserved between the inner rim of the transparent glass hood and the outle
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Yin-Yin Wu
  • Patent number: 6311898
    Abstract: A sealed-cell waterfall display unit comprises a closed cell having front and back walls (20 & 22), side walls (24 & 26), and top and bottom panels (28 & 30); a reservoir for water in the top of the cell (32); a reservoir for water in the bottom of the cell (34); a pump (46) for conveying the water in the lower reservoir (34) to the upper reservoir (32), whereby the water overflows the upper reservoir (32) and flows down the front wall (20) in a waterfall fashion; and indentures (40) in the front wall (20) for producing a rippling effect in the flowing water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Gregory Phillip Gruff
  • Patent number: 6312311
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water tower generally having a base portion, a tower support attached to the base portion, and a fluid vessel attached to the tower support and containing a fluid. A buoyant vessel having a first magnet attached is contained within the fluid vessel. A first arm defining a cam slot and rotatably attached to the tower support by a first pivot pin guides a second arm, an end of which is disposed within the cam slot. The second arm is rotatably attached to the tower support by a second pivot pin. A second magnet is attached to a second end of the movable arm. In operation, the first arm is rotated to move a second arm, bringing the first and second magnets into alignment. The magnets create an attraction force which sinks the buoyant vessel within the fluid, giving the water tower the appearance of being full. When the first arm is rotated so magnets are taken out of axial alignment, the attraction force of the magnets is diminished, and the buoyant vessel floats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Learning Curve International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Wilhelm, Robert Cecchini
  • Patent number: 6308443
    Abstract: A replaceable and easily assembled water-ball decoration, of which the base part of the major ornamental part is furnished with at least a through cylindrical hole for receiving a water-ball ornament; the neck part of the glass ball is covered with the fastening base; the lower ring surface of the cylindrical hole in the base part of the major ornamental part is mounted with a fastening disk; by means of a screw, the water-ball ornament is fastened in the base part of the major ornamental part; the water-ball ornament can easily be assembled and replaced with a different ornament on the major ornamental part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Hsi-Chun Lin
  • Patent number: 6305108
    Abstract: A structural improvement of a water ball, which comprises mainly a glass ball of a water ball, and the top center of the glass ball has a candle stand for receiving a short candle; the candle stand is made of a material same as that of the glass ball; after a candle is mounted in the candle stand and lit up, the flame thereof and the water ball will provide a decorative atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Hsi-Chun Lin
  • Patent number: 6295749
    Abstract: An ornamental display toy, which includes a transparent container supported on a base and filled with a chemical liquid, a magnetic stirrer mounted in the container and driven to stir up the liquid, a motor drive formed of a motor and a transmission mechanism and controlled by a control circuit to turn the magnetic stirrer on its own axis and to revolve the magnetic stirrer around the longitudinal central axis of the container, causing a variable whirlpool to be produced in the liquid inside the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Yung Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 6282820
    Abstract: A fluid filled novelty amusement device with a magnetic impeller 9 driven by an electric motor 16, through a magnetic couple created between a magnetic rotor 15 and the magnetic impeller 9, that provides forced circulating fluid 3 flow that entrains and disperses ornamental particles 2 throughout a transparent enclosure 1 to provide viewing entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventors: Michael L. White, Patricia E. White
  • Patent number: 6279835
    Abstract: A water fountain is disclosed for use in residential and commercial environments. The water fountain includes a support frame and a catch basin within which a recirculating pump system is placed. A background flow display surface is attached to the support frame for receiving water thereover from the recirculating pump system. In one embodiment, the water fountain includes a facade connected to the support frame. The facade includes a plurality of apertures such that when the facade is placed over the background flow display surface, a portion of the background flow display surface is visible through the apertures in the facade, thereby permitting visibility of the flowing water as well. The facades may include apertures of various shapes and sizes and in different arrangements. The invention also provides the use of illumination and variable recirculation pumps in order to achieve dramatic visual effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Hansenhouse, LLC
    Inventor: Laura M. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6270122
    Abstract: Display information is revealed from behind a metal film that can be cleared upon effective contact with a clearing agent. The metal film, while opaque, is generally less than 1000 Angstroms thick and can be cleared by exposure to innocuous agents including food or other household products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Timer Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Shadle, David M. Good, Gerrit L. Verschuur, Chauncey T. Mitchell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6269566
    Abstract: Glass water ball with light emitting device includes a base seat, a spherical casing, a decoration and a light emitting device. The light emitting device includes a cap member, a fixing unit and a light emitting circuit system. The light of the light emitting element can pass through the cap member to diverge outward gently. The light also can be downward projected to the decoration and then pass through the water liquid and the spherical casing. Finally, the light is reflected and gently diverged in every direction. Therefore, even at night or in a dark place, the glass water ball can achieve an excellent visual beautiful effect. In addition, an illumination adjusting element is disposed for adjusting the illumination. Therefore, glass water ball can provide different illumination and serve as a night lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Single-Tree Art Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Szu Wei Lo
  • Patent number: 6268027
    Abstract: An improved ornament for placement includes an elastic plastic cover which is a tubular member formed from high molecular polymer material having elasticity, one end thereof being a closed end, the other end thereof being an open end, the periphery of the open end extending laterally to form an engaging ring having a substantially L-shaped cross-section; a connecting ring which is a hollow annular fixed member and has a top portion provided downwardly with a projecting ring of a substantially inverted-J cross-section at a position corresponding to the engaging ring, a lower end of the projecting ring being integrally provided with a connecting portion; an annular base which is a multi-step annular member provided respectively with an annular post and a pivotal portion at an upper end at positions corresponding to the open end and the connecting portion. The engaging ring is inserted into the projecting ring to achieve tight connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Li-Hsiung Wu
  • Patent number: 6256911
    Abstract: The present device relates to an advertising device which simulates the bubbling formed in a glass container containing a sparkling beverage. The device comprises a transparent container in the shape of a glass with a lid thereon, the container having a hydro-alcoholic solution in the color of the product to be advertised. To create the bubbles, a closed circuit inert gas system (such as nitrogen) having a compressor, a check valve and a cyclone separator for separating the gas from an entrapped liquid is provided. The system has a first tube with a bubblier attached thereto for injecting micro-bubbles into the container, a second tube for capturing the inert gas at the surface of the liquid in the container, and a third tube for returning the liquid sprayed by the gas back into the container liquid. A panel is preferably provided on which the container is positioned, wherein a back-lighting device and intermittent lights that flash at a rate controlled by a timer can be provided to illuminate the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Francisco Jose Duarte Vieira
  • Patent number: 6241359
    Abstract: A fluid-filled light apparatus comprises a two-tube transparent container which provides light and produces distinct visual effects. The two-tube transparent container comprises an inner transparent tube suspended within an outer transparent tube. First terminal ends of each of the transparent tubes is sealed by a transparent tube cap which suspends the inner transparent tube within the outer transparent tube. A second terminal end of the outer transparent tube attaches the transparent tubes as one assembly to a base member. Each transparent tube holds liquid and decorative objects. The base member includes a motor, a power supply and an illuminating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Yung Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 6212804
    Abstract: A novel decorative bird sculpture has a main body portion with a neck and head extending therefrom. An upper and a lower beak portion extends from the head, the lower beak portion being pivotably connected to the head. A conduit runs from an electrically operated pump and reservoir arrangement and discharges into a proximal portion of the beak thereby causing the beak to open by downward pivoting of the lower beak portion and discharging water back into the reservoir. In another aspect of the invention the head may be pivotably mounted on the neck in such a way as to also pivot downwardly as water fills the beak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Henri Studio, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Clay Richard
  • Patent number: 6203394
    Abstract: An ornamental liquid color box includes stationary clear containers fixedly mounted on a cover of a seat. Propellers are provided on the seat to propel liquid colors flowing into the seat to liquid passages that are led to upper storing zones of the containers. Liquid colors sent to the upper storing zones then moves into narrowed middle display zones to form flattened and irregular drips before reaching lower storing zones of the containers and entering the seat again to complete a cycle of movement of the liquid colors in the liquid color box. The whole liquid color box need not be manually or mechanically turned to maintain continuous circulation of the liquid colors in the liquid color box. The propellers are driven to rotate by driving means that may be coil windings or a combination of a motor and magnet-loaded driving and driven gear wheels. No leakproof means, such as shaft seals, are required for the liquid color box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Vincent Kuo Wei Lee
  • Patent number: 6203163
    Abstract: A moisture damage protection system for an article display case of the type which uses an air pump to inject high pressure air through an air line into a base portion of a transparent, liquid filled tube or column to form bubbles which rise through the liquid in the column is disclosed. The protection system prevents liquid in the column from backing up through the air line into the air pump when the pump is de-energized. A hollow pipe, which may be in the form of one of several support pipes for article support plates surrounding the column, is provided in which the air line from an air outlet port of the pump is inserted. The air line extends upwardly through the hollow pipe to a level above the level of the liquid in the tube, then loops back downwardly through the hollow pipe and out of a base portion of the hollow pipe into an air inlet port in a base portion of the column which is in communication with the liquid in the column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: William F. Conway, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6193106
    Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is a dispenser, such as a pump, pour or aerosol dispenser, for dispensing a liquid from a reservoir, and methods for making and using the dispenser. The dispenser includes a hollow decorative vessel having a decorative element. The decorative vessel is capable of containing a first liquid. The reservoir is connected to the hollow decorative vessel. The reservoir is capable of containing a second liquid and having an interior therefor. And, the dispenser includes apparatus for dispensing the second liquid from the interior of the reservoir. The dispenser can include the first liquid and particles in suspension for a period of time when the liquid is shaken, such that the hollow decorative vessel can be a “snow globe”. The hollow decorative vessel can be positioned atop the reservoir or, below the reservoir. Alternatively, the hollow decorative vessel can be surrounded by the reservoir. And as another alternative, the hollow decorative vessel can contain the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Allure Home Creation Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley Ho, Mark Ho
  • Patent number: 6187394
    Abstract: The present invention of a Bubbling Liquid Display includes a variable-pressure air source which injects air into a liquid within a panel at variable flow rates into an number of individual chambers to create a unique bubbling pattern for each chamber which includes large bubbles which move upwards within the fluid in the display, and smaller bubbles which move downwards within the fluid in the display. The display may be drained a single chamber at a time, eliminating the need to completely drain the display for maintenance, and also is substantially leak-proof, despite being tipped or knocked over. The display incorporates a fluid which resists evaporation, corrosion, and algae formation, despite being constantly bubbled or exposed to sunlight or other sources of heat, and which may be effectively recirculated through the display. The display is also adaptable to retrofit vending machines, as well as a variety of other useful items, such as point-of-purchase displays and wall-hangings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventors: John C. Johnson, George S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6186857
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a dynamic gas-inflated object such as a figure with legs, a torso and head, and a pair of arms. The figure performs generally repetitive movements such as dance-like undulations in a manner that appears to keep time with music. The figure is hollow and connected to a continuous generally constant input flow of air or other gas under pressure. The figure is provided with at least two spaced-apart outlets or vents to allow a continuous discharge of generally all of the air being introduced into the figure. In operation, the figure tends to cycle between extending generally upright, then, as more air is discharged, destabilizing and moving to a contorted or bent position, then, as more air flows in, to extending, etc. The figure may be designed for extensive movement e.g., dancing, or for a narrower range of movements. In a preferred form, the outlets are generally at the top of the head and at the ends of the arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventors: Doron Gazit, Arieh Leon Dranger
  • Patent number: 6185785
    Abstract: A bubbling door handle system for a cooler. The door handle system includes a door handle fixedly attached to the cooler. The door handle has a substantially transparent exterior surrounding an internal chamber. A fluid is positioned within the chamber. An air pump is positioned about the cooler. The air pump is in communication with the chamber so as to introduce air into the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Lee Kelvyn Kingston
  • Patent number: 6178673
    Abstract: A wind responsive sign or placard for displaying advertising or other visual indicia includes a rotatable member that is attached to a stationary mounting member by a rod extending between the two members. Both the rotatable or spinning member and the stationary mounting member are formed of fluted or corrugated panels, and the axle rod extends into aligned flutes or channels in the two principal components. These panels are fabricated from extruded plastic panels of the type suitable for exterior use. The panel forming the mounting member is folded to form a three dimensional structure that is more rigid than the flat rotatable panel. The sign formed in this manner is relatively light in weight and can be assembled on site and can be mounted to a pole or post in an elevated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Imageworks Display & Marketing Group
    Inventors: Kenneth Blackford, David Rogers
  • Patent number: 6176027
    Abstract: A cascading water system for aesthetically enhancing the appearance of a room includes a water display member having an inlet and an outlet. The display member is mounted within an architectural structure such as a wall, ceiling, doorway or floor. The number and shape of the display members may be varied to create a desired aesthetic effect. The system further includes a fluid reservoir and a conduit that establishes communication between the display member and the reservoir. A pump continuously circulates the water between the reservoir and the display member via the conduit. The conduit includes water jets disposed at the display member inlet so that water is evenly dispersed therethrough. The shape, number and spacing of individual display members may be varied to create a desired effect such as a waterfall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Stanley L. Blount
  • Patent number: 6172658
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing an image defined by fluid bubbles in a medium fluid. Alphanumeric digits and/or graphic images in a fluid medium are formed by injecting into the fluid medium a multitude of fluid bubbles having a density different than that of the medium fluid. Using non-gaseous fluids, the fluid bubbles take on a natural shape which is not confined by any structures as it travels through the medium fluid. The rate at which the fluid bubbles rise or fall through a medium fluid is directly dependent on the viscosity of the individual fluids and the difference between the fluid viscosities. The viscosity of the medium fluid also influences the rate of formation of bubbles which are being created. The control and timing circuitry determines the time interval wherein each horizontal row of bubbles is created. The rows of bubbles then create a 2-D or 3-D image, conducive for various applications as signs or displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Frederick W. Romberg
  • Patent number: 6165036
    Abstract: A water tank provides an activity space for an underwater wireless remote-controlled toy. A wireless transmitter is positioned within the water tank and emits wireless remote-control signals to the toy, whereby underwater movement of the toy is controlled. The wireless transmitter may transmit either electromagnetic or infrared control signals to the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Kyosho Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Hino, Yoshinobu Nikaido, Shinji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6161317
    Abstract: A decorative amusement device includes a transparent sphere that is mounted on and that cooperates with a base to confine a water receiving space to be filled with water. A drive unit is mounted inside the base, and has a rotary drive shaft extending through the base into the water receiving space, and a water agitator mounted on the drive shaft inside the water receiving space. A decorative member is mounted on the base inside the water receiving space, and includes a prop, a rotary vane mounted rotatably on the prop, and a guide member disposed around the water agitator so as to guide the water that was agitated by the water agitator toward the rotary vane to result in rotation of the rotary vane inside the water receiving space when the drive shaft rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Chih Chuag X'Mas Decoration Factory
    Inventor: Shou-I Wang
  • Patent number: 6155837
    Abstract: A device for simulation of fire for use during fire drills and similar exercises, includes one or more chambers, each of which is connected to one or more air tubes made of a flexible, preferably substantially gas-tight fabric, where the air tubes may be supplied with air through the chamber to which they are connected, and where movers are provided on the device to cause the air tubes to swing from side to side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Kjell Korneliussen
  • Patent number: 6153273
    Abstract: A bubble-producing ornament having a clear liquid container connected to a seat and a vertically extended tube and a downward extended path outside the tube being provided inside the container. The tube has a lower end always facing an upward opened conic area provided on a bottom of the container to gather a plurality of balls therein. An air nozzle is connected to the lowest central portion of the conic area so that compressed air can be supplied from an air pump to blow out via the air nozzle to produce bubbles and force the balls in the conic area to sequentially move upward along the tube. When the balls move out of the top of the tube, they roll along the path outside the tube to finally move back to the conic area again. The balls are then sent upward again by the compressed air in a circular manner. The moving balls together with the bubbles create a dynamic and changeful sight in the ornament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Vincent K. Lee
    Inventor: Yunn-Fen Lee Lin
  • Patent number: 6145227
    Abstract: Fluid decoration structure including a collar, a partitioning board, a base seat, a soft transparent film-like enclosing body, a fluid and multiple decorative articles. The fluid, decorative articles and partitioning board are enclosed in the enclosing body. The partitioning board is formed with at least one through hole. The collar is downward fitted from upper side of the enclosing body to the partitioning board. The collar is formed with an annular neck section for pressing the partitioning board in a receiving/locating space defined between the collar and the base seat. Also, an open end of the enclosing body is fixedly clamped in the receiving/locating space. The bound section of the open end of the enclosing body hidden between the partitioning board and the base seat. The base seat and the collar are tightly connected with each other so that no sealing track is revealed outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Chu-Yuan Liao
  • Patent number: 6138870
    Abstract: A two-chamber milky lotion bottle is integrally molded from clear plastic material. An inner chamber of the milky lotion bottle is upward opened for containing an amount of milky lotion therein. An inner cap closes the inner chamber and an outer cap is screwed to an externally threaded top opening of the inner cap. A nozzle is associated with the outer cap with a nozzle head projected from the outer cap and a nozzle tube downward extended through the top opening of the inner cap and into the inner chamber. By depressing the nozzle head, milky lotion in the inner chamber is sucked upward via the nozzle tube for use. The outer chamber surrounds the inner chamber and has a downward opening. A bottom plate is connected to the downward opening of the outer chamber by heating seal, so that a dual-liquid ornament may be contained in the outer chamber, making the whole milky lotion bottle a good ornament at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Rich Lin
  • Patent number: 6131318
    Abstract: An aquarium toy structure includes a back body and a front body with an observation window. A transparent water tank is inserted in the observation window and toy fish having magnets are placed in the water tank. A motor and a rotary shaft having magnets are disposed in the back body. The motor rotates the rotary shaft through belts, so that the toy fish are magnetically attracted and repelled by the magnets of the rotary shaft to freely swing back and forth in the water to mimic the swimming of real fish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Inventor: Chien-Chih Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6119382
    Abstract: An imaging device includes a light source, an image carrier and an effervescence generator that includes a liquid-containing unit and propagation unit for gas and for liquid contained in the liquid-containing unit. The effervescence generator and the light source are arranged at a first side of the image carrier, and light is projected through at least a part of the effervescence generator and through the image carrier in order to obtain a combined image at the second side situated opposite the first side of the image carrier. The liquid is purified water to which a surface tension-reducing agent has been added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Roelof Martinus Hakkert
  • Patent number: 6117502
    Abstract: A transparent structure with a decoration therein, including a transparent membrane, a bottom seat, a top cap, a fastening belt, a buoyant decoration and a liquid. The transparent membrane is made of a thermoplastic plastic material or the like. A user can watch or touch the buoyant decoration through the transparent membrane. The transparent membrane has simple structure and can be squeezed or compressed without breaking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Chu-Yuan Liao
  • Patent number: 6115950
    Abstract: A rotating display that includes a fixed frame, a rotating frame that is rotatably mounted to the fixed frame, and apparatus that rotatably moves the rotating frame relative to the fixed frame. The apparatus includes a pool that contains water, eight movable arms that receive associated ends of associated fixed arms and move radially along the associated fixed arms, four joining bars that fixedly join and extend radially along aligned associated pairs of moveable arms, eight weights that are affixed on associated ends of associated joining bars, eight air pumps that have housings that are fixedly attached to associated bars and contain bellows, eight tubes that extend from inner terminal ends radially outwardly from the housings of associated air pumps to outer terminal ends, with the inner terminal ends thereof being in fluid communication with the bellows of the associated air pumps, and eight balls that are in fluid communication with the outer terminal ends of associated tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Saud Shanar Al-Mutairi