With Dispersion Of Fluid Medium Patents (Class 40/407)
  • Patent number: 11663936
    Abstract: A robot includes a main body provided with a driving wheel, a neck body extending upward from a front portion of the main body, a head including a display body in which a display is provided, and a protrusion protruding from the display body and inserted into the neck body, a tilting mechanism for tilting the head, and a support frame disposed inside the neck body and supporting the tilting mechanism. The tilting mechanism includes a coupling body coupled to the protrusion, a supporter for supporting the coupling body and coupled to the support frame, and a motor for rotating the coupling body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Hoseong Kang, Iljae Lee, Sunghee Han, Seungjong Park, Jaeyoung Kim, Sunil Cho, Jaemyoung Hong
  • Patent number: 11040801
    Abstract: A product, system, and method for creating a film capable of allowing a user to create a custom graphical representation is described, which may allow a user to create a custom graphical representation in a film by depressing select areas of the film to form the custom graphical representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Peter Socci, Wenny Wingping-Ng Noha, Subhankar Chatterjee, Mikhail Laksin, Prasad K. Adhikari
  • Patent number: 11000874
    Abstract: A fountain for creating a vortex includes a base housing with a lower reservoir therein. A pump moves water from the lower reservoir into a cylindrical upper tank located on a support platform. Tubing connects the pump to an elbow fitting, which extends through an inflow hole in the support platform. The elbow fitting ejects water into the tank along the sidewall immediately adjacent to said elbow fitting so as to fill the tank with water and create the vortex. Water eventually drains through a drain hole in the center of the support platform and returns to the lower reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Marshall McPeek
  • Patent number: 10393385
    Abstract: A steam-based faux fireplace comprising a boiler configured to receive a fluid and generate steam, and a manifold configured to receive the steam from the boiler and emit the steam to generate a steam plume at an output. The manifold has a conduit configured to receive fluid from a reservoir and route the fluid about the manifold to heat the fluid before being routed to the boiler. The manifold is already heated due to the emitted steam. This configuration pre-heats the fluid before being presented to the boiler, allowing a smaller low power boiler to be used because the manifold acts as a fluid pre-heater. A very realistic faux flame with a significant length is generated from the low power boiler. In addition, the manifold includes a deflector configured to receive the impinging steam from the output, causing the steam to lose some energy and billow about the deflector and then illuminated to create a realistically looking flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: MODERN FLAMES, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Swanson, David Daniel, Jeff Doss, Josh Wedge
  • Patent number: 9744418
    Abstract: A pneumatic ball-suspending device includes a base, a conduit extending from the base, a source of pressurized air disposed within the base and in fluid communication with the conduit, and a cap formed at an end of the conduit. The cap includes a face that is generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the conduit and at least three channels formed through the cap, each channel having a longitudinal axis formed through a center of a respective channel, wherein the longitudinal axis of each channel defines an airflow path and wherein the longitudinal axis of at least one of the channels is angled with respect to at least one of an x-, y-, or z-axis. The source of pressurized air forces air through the conduit and through the channels, such that any escaping air follows at least one of the air flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Robert David Kauffman
  • Patent number: 9273936
    Abstract: In one illustrative form a shooting gallery kit is disclosed that includes a shooting gallery. The shooting gallery comprises an inflatable structure having a base that includes an upper floor; at least one air vent located in said upper floor operable to generate an air stream; at least one target configured to be placed in said air stream such that said target hovers in said air stream; and a blower operable to inflate said inflatable structure and cause said air stream to be emitted from said at least one air vent. A bow and a non-lethal arrow are also included in the kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: John Jackson
  • Patent number: 8997385
    Abstract: A rotatable fountain display device rotatably displays an indicia, such as advertisement over a fountain. The device comprises a plurality of spheres immediately adjacent and sequentially connected to each other to rotatably display an indicia, such as an advertisement. The device works in conjunction with a fluid source, such as a fountain, to receive a fluid carrying a fluid pressure. A lower sphere contains a rotation mechanism that harnesses the fluid pressure from the fluid source to generate rotational energy on the lower sphere, which then rotates sequentially connected middle and upper spheres. A central channel runs through the spheres. A nylon elastic member and a rubber band interconnect the spheres and enables multidirectional movement by the spheres. A guide wire passes through the spheres to help counterbalance the movement. An annular bearing apparatus restricts rotation of the central channel and reduces friction during rotation of the rotation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Julio Antonio Decastro
  • Patent number: 8911101
    Abstract: A lava lamp display device comprising: a frame having a permeable vision window at a front surface thereof, and a lamp base and a projection light at a bottom of inner side thereof; a film-coated glass mounted on the vision window; a support bracket having at least one positioning hole thereon; a transparent bottle arranged in the positioning holes; and two reflection mirrors having a center serving as a reference to define the two symmetrical reflection mirrors, and both sides thereof inclined forward to form an angle ? being not parallel with the film-coated glass with 180° angle. After the filler of the transparent bottle is reflected repeatedly by the two reflection mirrors, the vision window shows shapes in an inward serial arrangement in the middle and unlimited extension on both sides, having effects of an illumination lamp device, an art decoration, and special visual in one unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Chien-Tsai Tsai
  • Patent number: 8905567
    Abstract: A display device for lighting objects comprising: a frame having a vision window at a front side thereof, a film-coated glass mounted on the vision window, a support bracket arranged in the frame and having at least one positioning hole thereon, a lighting object having at least a part thereof arranged in the positioning hole and two pieces of refection mirrors having a center serving as a reference to define the first and second symmetrical reflection mirrors and both sides thereof inclined forward to form an angle between 145° and 175°. After a lighting object is reflected repeatedly by the two or more than two reflection mirrors, the vision window shows shapes in an inward serial arrangement from the middle to unlimited extension at both sides, providing effects of an illumination lamp device, an art decoration, and special visions in one unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Su-Fang Ho
  • Patent number: 8887759
    Abstract: A top for a table, desk, counter or the like includes a watertight tank with a clear top surface. A mirror or other surface having dimensions less than the outer dimensions of the tank is positioned in the tank below the top. The tank is filled with a liquid to a level below the mirror such that air remains in the space between the top surface and the surface to the mirror. A pump discharges the liquid through tubes positioned around the perimeter of the tank in the space between the top surface and the surface of the mirror, causing bubbles to form and circulate in the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Warren G. Cole
  • Patent number: 8807777
    Abstract: There is provided a light generating unit including a transparent vessel that is elongated and contains water and a light-emitting/bubble producing unit that is attached to a base plate of the vessel. The light-emitting/bubble producing unit includes a plurality of LEDs arranged around inner surfaces of side walls of the vessel and a plurality of nozzles for discharging gas that are disposed on an inside of the plurality of LEDs. Also provided is a display apparatus in which a plurality of the light generating units are arranged with the vessels adjacent to one another so as to construct a light generating block in the shape of a wall and which is capable of displaying images and/or information by way of bubbles and illumination light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Lapin Create, Inc.
    Inventor: Masaru Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8801191
    Abstract: A projection system for projecting light such as images or content upon a liquid surface such as a lake or pool surface. The system includes an agitation assembly selectively operable to agitate a portion of the upper surface of liquid to form a projection screen. The system includes a projector assembly projecting or focusing light onto the projection screen on the upper surface of the liquid. The liquid is translucent to light, but the projection screen on the upper surface reflects a portion of the projected light due to the agitation. The agitation assembly may include an aeration system with a distribution manifold and is positioned below the liquid surface and has outlets discharging gas into the liquid such that air bubbles for the screen. The manifold outlets may be provided at two or more depths, whereby two or more portions of the projection screen are generated at differing times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Nemeth, David W. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20140215871
    Abstract: A dioramic apparatus includes a vessel having an inferior portion and a superior portion. The vessel includes a shell and defines an interior space. The interior space is partially filled by a liquid medium. At least one dioramic scene is disposed in the interior space. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the interior space. The reservoir includes a flow plate defining at least one liquid intake and at least one liquid output port. The at least one liquid intake is configured and arranged for receiving at least a portion of the liquid medium from the interior space when the dioramic apparatus is at least partially inverted. The at least one liquid output port is configured and arranged to output at least a portion of the liquid medium from the reservoir when the vessel is placed in an upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: RAINGLOBES LLC
    Inventors: Joshua James, Frederick Bowen Northup, Jr., Lawrence Scott Larson, Jeremy Kolenbrander, James Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 8789972
    Abstract: A lighted moving ball display system configured to provide a visual display, such as in a Christmas tree. The system includes a plurality of light emitting balls. The light emitting balls each include a light emitting device, a ball power module, and a housing configured to secure the light emitting device and the ball power module, therein. The system includes a passive transport medium configured to receive the balls and permit the balls to traverse the medium under gravitational force. The system includes a lifting mechanism functionally coupled to the medium and configured to lift the plurality of light emitting balls to a top portion of the medium. The system includes a power module configured to provide power to the modules and components of the system. The system includes a motivating apparatus configured to actively urge the plurality of light emitting balls to traverse the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventors: Lloyd R. Plumb, Lola Melody Howard Plumb
  • Patent number: 8695247
    Abstract: A candle-shape decorative lamp is disclosed, including: a aquatic lamp main body, a magnet-driven element, a buoy and a bottom base. The magnetic-driven element and the buoy are disposed inside the aquatic lamp main body. The bottom base is fixedly engaged to the conic aquatic lamp main body with at least a light-emitting element disposed inside as well as a magnetic rotational axis for correspondingly attaching to the magnet-driven element, and driven by a driving element to rotate. When the magnetic rotational axis rotates, the magnet-driven element also rotates because of attachment to the magnetic rotational axis so as to wave the fluid inside the aquatic lamp main body, which leading to pushing to rotational plats to rotate the buoy. As such, the light emitted through the aquatic lamp main body forming ambient light with decorative effect so as to great rich and fun visual effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 8641214
    Abstract: A laminar liquid motion display includes a pair of outer films and a flow separator film. The flow separator film is perforated with a number of flow holes and is sandwiched between the outer films. The films may be sealed along their periphery thereby forming a generally laminar chamber which may contain two interconnected compartments. A fluid is disposed within the chamber and may circulate between the two compartments via the flow holes in the flow separator film. The fluid may include any number of generally immiscible components which may be colored in order to make the motion of the fluid easily visible. A lamp or candle may be disposed in the proximity of the chamber in order to illuminate the fluid and power its motion by convection. The chamber may be curved concentrically around the lamp or candle and may provide the functionality of a lampshade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Robert G. Batchko
  • Patent number: 8590751
    Abstract: A utility panel for a dispenser that is mounted to a support structure by a backplate includes opposed lateral legs that extend from a main section to form a receiving channel therebetween. The main section is configured to display any desired physical indicia, such as advertising messages, for viewing by the user of the dispenser, while the lateral sections include retention tabs that are received within guide channels formed between the backplate and the support structure. As the utility panel is attached to the dispenser, the blackplate is received within the receiving channel of the utility panel until the retention tabs are snap-fit into corresponding lock channels provided by the backplate of the dispenser. As such, the utility panel is easily retrofit to a previously-installed dispenser without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Ciavarella, Dean DeCarlo, David D. Hayes
  • Patent number: 8500038
    Abstract: A fluid display includes a fluid source, a gas source, and a light source. The fluid source coherently emits fluid along a first trajectory. The gas source emits gas along a second trajectory that intersects the first trajectory. The light source is directed toward the intersection of the first trajectory and the second trajectory. The second trajectory may intersect the first trajectory at an oblique angle. The fluid source and/or the gas source may emit intermittently. The fluid source may emit a laminar jet or spherical fluid globules. The gas source may intermittently emit a gas vortex. The gas may be a flammable gas. The fluid may be water and the gas may be air. The fluid display may provide a “water sparkler” effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: WET Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Fuller, Michael Jason Baldwin, Keith J. Kalis, Helen S. Park, Riae Yoo
  • Patent number: 8348466
    Abstract: A lighted moving ball display system configured to provide a visual display, including a plurality of lighted balls; wherein the lighted balls include a light emitting device; a ball power module and a housing. The system includes a medium having a plurality of clear plastic tubes, spirals, tracks, or spouts; wherein the lighted balls moves therethrough. The system also includes a lifting mechanism configured to lift the lighted balls to a top portion of the medium; and a loading mechanism in communication with the collection chamber and configured to load the lighted balls into the lifting mechanism. The system includes a power module configured to provide power to the modules and components of the system. The system further includes a circulation mechanism configured to circulate the lighted balls through the medium; wherein the circulation mechanism includes a pressurized air system configured to project air through the medium during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Lloyd Plumb, Lola Plumb
  • Patent number: 8328367
    Abstract: A projection system for projecting light such as images or content upon a liquid surface such as a lake or pool surface. The system includes an agitation assembly selectively operable to agitate a portion of the upper surface of liquid to form a projection screen. The system includes a projector assembly projecting or focusing light onto the projection screen on the upper surface of the liquid. The liquid is translucent to light, but the projection screen on the upper surface reflects a portion of the projected light due to the agitation. The agitation assembly may include an aeration system with a distribution manifold and is positioned below the liquid surface and has outlets discharging gas into the liquid such that air bubbles for the screen. The manifold outlets may be provided at two or more depths, whereby two or more portions of the projection screen are generated at differing times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Nemeth, David W. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20120000103
    Abstract: A flower display with hydraulically activated plants includes a front portion that is visible to an observer and a first branch, a first plurality of leaves and a first flower disposed on said first branch within the first plurality of leaves and hidden thereby. The display also includes a second branch, a second plurality of leaves and a second flower disposed on said second branch within the second plurality of leaves and hidden thereby. Hydraulic means are provided for elevating the first plurality of leaves to a first level and the first flower to a second level above the first plurality of leaves. In addition the hydraulic means includes a first pool for confining a first mass of water and a second pool for confining a second mass of water as well as a cover extending over the first and second pools and defining a first opening over the first pool and a second opening over the second pool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Hanaa R.A.A. AlSeleten
  • Patent number: 8087191
    Abstract: An apparatus for the pixel-integrated return of fluid in the pixel of a fluidic display is characterized in that the fluid with which the desired information is to be displayed and/or the carrier fluid in which the fluid is optionally embedded can be returned in a particularly compact manner and in a manner which is invisible to an observer past the visible part of a pixel (image compartment) into a reservoir (reservoir compartment) through or out of the reservoir. The device comprises an image compartment, a reservoir compartment, a connecting duct and at least one return duct, whereby the at least one return duct is formed by the fact that the connecting duct has at least one area with an uninterruptedly enlarged cross section which transitions in a specified manner into the cross section of the original cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: advanced display technology AG
    Inventors: Frank Bartels, Andriy Bitman, Dieter Jerosch
  • Publication number: 20100139134
    Abstract: A apparatus for showcasing falling water images, text and other types of water effects that includes a control means, a pump means that feeds water into a elevated water display head having a plurality of nozzles that alternates at a high speed from an open position to a closed position controlled by solenoids. The modulation of falling water droplets forms a continuous matrix of horizontal water dots that produce scrolling water-formed images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: AQUA VISUAL FX INC.
    Inventors: Danny Tom, Douglas Adams
  • Publication number: 20090126239
    Abstract: An action card device provides a compact motor drive and comprises a foldable support structure comprising means for securing a smaller card thereto; a means for emitting sounds in the foldable support structure, emitting sounds upon unfolding, the sound emitting means comprising an electronic microchip sound generating device energized by a number of onboard batteries; a slide tongue switch having two ends wherein one of the two ends is connected to the electronic microchip sound generating device and the other end is attached to the foldable support structure; and a thin electric motor mounted on the foldable support structure and connected to an output of the electronic microchip sound generating device. The power drive oscillates a mobile accessory on the card device in synchronization with the activation of the electronic microchip sound generating device at opening of the card device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy Clegg
  • Publication number: 20090093318
    Abstract: A device and method for generating a visible vortex for display or educational purposes. A container houses a two-phase fluidic system of a primary fluid, such as water, and a secondary fluid such as silicone fluid carrying a powder which has no affinity for the primary fluid. The two-phase fluidic system may be stirred using a stir bar or pump to generate the vortex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Robert F. Piontek
  • Patent number: 7500604
    Abstract: Transactional presentation instrument systems having one or more chambers, and method of using and constructing such systems are provided. Systems can include a presentation instrument, an information storage medium configured to store a unique identifier, and a chamber having a fluid component and an object component. The object component can include a plurality of items that float in or disperse throughout the fluid component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventor: Gary M. Holme
  • Publication number: 20080263921
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multifunctional signboard having a window function. The signboard is constructed so that a film (2) is provided between double glass sheets (3) and liquid (1) is filled between the film (2) and the glass sheets, thus achieving an effect as if the film (2) were impregnated with the liquid, and preventing the film (2) from shimmering due to the refractive indices of the glass sheets and air, therefore serving as a visual device that causes the double glass sheets (3) and the film (2) to be perceived as one, and which is constructed so that a transparent film or a film (2) on which various patterns are printed is wound around take-up rolls (4) and is driven vertically or horizontally, thus expressing a desired degree of transparency or various designs, therefore variously altering indoor and outdoor environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Jae-Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 7426799
    Abstract: A display frame with a refill holder comprises a transparent block with front and rear faces. A U-shaped mounting member is attached to the rear face about an outer periphery of same. The U-shaped mounting member has an inwardly extending wall. A channel is formed in a space between the rear face and the inwardly extending wall. A protrusion is attached to the rear face of the frame, wherein the protrusion in combination with the inwardly extending wall are configured to distance the rear face from a support surface when the frame is in a substantially horizontal position and provide a substantially unimpeded air passage adjacent the rear face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Christianson, Marissa A. K. Schultz, Stephen B. Leonard, Stacey L. Forkner, Heather R. Schramm, Kara L. Lakatos
  • Patent number: 7363737
    Abstract: The advertising panel is to display an advertising message and to diffuse a scent which is associated with the contents of the visually-displayed message. The inventive panel includes a parallelepiped volume containing: an assembly which is used to display an advertising message that is disposed opposite a display window, and at least one scent diffuser which is connected to a scent-diffusing element which is in turn installed opposite an opening in the panel, such as to diffuse a scented flow to the exterior. The diffusing element is connected to the head of the scent diffuser, thereby ensuring that a carrier gas is mixed with the scented fluid contained in the receptacle. The scented flow obtained at the outlet of the head is pulsed towards the diffusing element and, subsequently, to the exterior of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Prolitec, Inc.
    Inventor: Karim Benalikhoudja
  • Patent number: 7310900
    Abstract: A liquid-filled display device includes a hollow member mounted on a transparent top end wall of a hollow base and confining a water-tight inner space filled with a liquid body, and a display unit mounted on the top end wall and having a top wall and two transparent sidewalls connected to the hollow member. The sidewalls and the top wall cooperate with the hollow member and the top end wall to confine a display space. At least one of the sidewalls is provided with an advertisement. An air pump unit is mounted in the base, and is operable so as to supply fine air bubbles into the liquid body through a diffuser set mounted within the inner space. A lamp unit mounted in the base beneath the hollow member is operable so as to radiate colored light that penetrates through the top end wall into the inner space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 7163725
    Abstract: A display representing a tree, such as a Christmas tree, has a trunk made of a hollow tube and held by a base in substantially vertical position. A liquid, such as water, is placed in the tube and an air supply in or near the bottom of the tube generates bubbles that rise through the tube. The tube and bubbles therein are preferably illuminated to add to the effectiveness of the display. Illumination can be provided by LED's which avoid the heat of incandescent lamps. Branches are secured to the trunk tube and extend outwardly therefrom to support a foliage garland to provide tree foliage and give the display the appearance of a tree. The tree can be provided as a separate trunk tube portion, base, and foliage garland so the parts can be packed and shipped without the base attached to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: R. James Johnson, Robert M. Johnson, Jonathan L. Johnson, Jayson A. Johnson, Susan L. Johnson, Ronald F. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6946170
    Abstract: A device displays information in identification areas of traffic signs, signposts, billboards, license plates, etc. The identification area is provided with a surface having an artificially producible base structure and other structures or itself forms such a surface having a self-cleaning effect. The base structure has or develops a capillary effect in which the quotient of capillary work and adhesion work is greater than 1. The capillaries have a negative rise, that is, liquid is pressed form the capillaries, providing the self-cleaning effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Company
    Inventors: Ingo Gerber, Jan Tuma
  • Patent number: 6935760
    Abstract: The present invention provides a design of an apparatus that controllably generates plurality of fountains or fog. The apparatus comprises of a plurality of concave focused transducers that are immersed in a fluid with the focus located at the fluid surface. The apparatus is further comprises of a function generator that generates cyclic signals in the Megahertz range that drives the transducers at one or more of their resonance frequencies. The apparatus comprises of a sound emitting device that include a computer controlled generator, music device or synthesizer that is used to modulate the drive signal to the transducers. The apparatus is further comprised of an amplifier that drives the transducers to produce high-intensity ultrasonic waves. The apparatus comprises of a light source that illuminates the produced fountains or fog. The full embodiment of the invention consists of drive electronics that generate cyclic signals that are modulated by sound of music or other rhythmic signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: Yoseph Bar-Cohen
  • Patent number: 6924598
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a visual lightning effect includes a first chamber and a second chamber, where a passageway connects the first chamber and the second chamber. An inert gas is provided within the first chamber, the second chamber, and the passageway. A first contact is located external to the first chamber; and a second contact is located external to the second chamber, wherein an electrode provides a charge to the second contact, wherein the charge causes an electrical discharge between the second contact and the first contact via channels provided by fill material located within the second chamber that traverses the passageway to the first chamber, thereby resulting in the brilliant visual lightning effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Wayne Strattman
  • Patent number: 6896296
    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: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Timer Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Shadle, David M. Good, Gerrit L. Verschuur, Chauncey T. Mitchell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6866205
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a combustible gas flame above a surface of a liquid. The apparatus may include a manifold including a manifold space that is completely or partially positioned within the liquid and a combustible gas source. Combustible gas from the gas source may be delivered to the manifold space and delivered into the liquid or a space above the liquid. The combustible gas may then be ignited to create a combustible gas flame. The combustible gas may also be mixed with air or liquid prior to delivery to the manifold space. In addition, a pump may be included to pump a supply of liquid out a liquid outlet to create a desired effect. Alternatively, the apparatus may be disposed on a float on the surface of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: HON Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Robb Edward Bennett, Gary Lee Butler, Thomas J. Bachinski, David J. Oja
  • Patent number: 6811836
    Abstract: A display representing a tree, such as a Christmas tree, has a trunk made of a hollow tube and held by a base in substantially vertical position. A liquid, such as water, is placed in the tube and an air supply in or near the bottom of the tube generates bubbles that rise through the tube. The tube and bubbles therein are preferably illuminated to add to the effectiveness of the display. Branches are secured to the trunk tube and extend outwardly therefrom to provide tree foliage and give the display the appearance of a tree or support foliage, such as in the form of a garland, which provides the tree foliage and gives the display the appearance of a tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventors: Jayson A. Johnson, Ronald F. Johnson, Susan S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6612053
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Chu-Yuan Liao
  • Patent number: 6550168
    Abstract: A display assembly intended primarily but not exclusively for use in the advertisement of any of a variety of different products or services structured to visually simulate the presence of moving liquid representative of an effervescent or bubbling liquid in the advertisement or display. An ornamental display, in the form of a pictorial representation, indicia, or other visual representation includes a light transmittable material aligned with an illumination assembly and a chamber through which a pattern of fluid flow passes. The pattern of fluid flow comprises a plurality of air streams of bubbles and provides the appearance of moving liquid to an exterior observer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Victor Salas Campos
  • Patent number: 6550167
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Chih-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 6536910
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tender mood creating lampshade equipped with a fog generator which oscillates at a supersonic frequency thereby vaporizing particles of liquidal perfume or equivalents in a liquid container into foggy state and diffusing in the air through an ornamental idol to create a tender mood in the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Chun-Horng Lin
  • Patent number: 6481128
    Abstract: An ornament includes a closed showcase in which a liquid and a plurality of granules as well as a model of volcano are provided; a liquid-guiding mechanism provided in a lower part of the showcase to provide a cyclic liquid path for the ornament; and a driving mechanism located below the liquid-guiding mechanism to suck the liquid downward and then force the liquid upward via the liquid-guiding mechanism, so that the liquid carries the granules to repeatedly spout into a conduit in the model of volcano and erupt from a crater of the volcano and then scatter over the liquid-guiding mechanism, creating a dynamic scene similar to a volcanic eruption. A light and sound producing mechanism is mounted in a base of the showcase to produce flashes and sounds corresponding to the scene of volcanic eruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Ming-Kuei Lin
  • Patent number: 6415799
    Abstract: A smoking deterring ashtray device for using as a smoking deterrent to get the user to stop smoking. The smoking deterring ashtray device includes a base member; and also includes a body assembly including a torso-shaped body member being securely disposed upon said base member and having a passageway extending therethrough with the torso-shaped body member further having an upper portion, a lower portion and a front; and further includes an ashtray assembly including a container being securely mounted upon the base member; and also includes a cigarette/cigar support assembly being securely disposed upon the container and being disposed upon the front and at the lower portion of the torso-shaped body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Salvatore Tuzzolino, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6415534
    Abstract: Fluid decorative structure including an enclosing body and a scat body. The enclosing body is made of a very soft transparent or semitransparent material and formed with an opening at bottom end. Fluids with different colors and specific weights are filled into the enclosing body. An insertion member has a patterned article and an ejecting device. The ejecting device is composed of a tube body and a piston disposed in the tube body. When a rotary disc is rotated and a first magnetic member is moved to a position right under a second magnetic member, the first magnetic member will repel the second magnetic member to make the piston periodically move upward within the tube body so as to eject the second fluid with the heavier specific weight from the spout of the tube body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventor: Chu-Yuan Liao
  • 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: 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: 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: 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: 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