Electromotor Operated Patents (Class 40/429)
  • Patent number: 8978279
    Abstract: An apparatus for repetitively lifting and lowering objects to create visual patterns having a plurality of units each with a motor, a rotary member, a cord attached at its distal end to the circumferential edge of the rotary member, an attaching mechanism affixed to the proximal end of the cord, and an object removably connected to the attaching mechanism. A computer or microprocessor is provided and programmed to selectively rotate the rotary members to move the objects between selected pre-determined positions along a generally vertical path of travel to establish a geometric pattern of repetitive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph C. Pentland
  • Patent number: 8544199
    Abstract: An apparatus for repetitively lifting and lowering objects to create visual patterns having a plurality of units each with a motor, a rotary member, a cord attached at its distal end to the circumferential edge of the rotary member, an attaching mechanism affixed to the proximal end of the cord, and an object removably connected to the attaching mechanism. A computer or microprocessor is provided and programmed to selectively rotate the rotary members to move the objects between selected pre-determined positions along a generally vertical path of travel to establish a geometric pattern of repetitive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph C. Pentland
  • Patent number: 8448361
    Abstract: The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Sapp, David Mayer, Anastasia Taylor, Kimberly Bikowski, Allison Marsh, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • Patent number: 8393100
    Abstract: A holiday display preferably includes a drive unit, at least one object mount, a transport line and an idler pulley device. The drive unit preferably includes a drive motor and a system controller. The drive unit is retained above the ground in one location and the idler pulley device is retained above the ground in another location. A drive pulley is mounted to a drive shaft of the drive motor. The system controller controls the rotation of the drive motor. Both ends of the transport line are secured to the object mount to form a transport loop. One end of the transport loop is retained on the drive pulley and the other end is retained on the idler pulley. The system controller also includes a distance input device for setting a travel distance of the object mount between the drive and idle pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: John T. Hrehoriak
  • Patent number: 8230625
    Abstract: An apparatus for repetitively lifting and lowering objects to create visual patterns having a plurality of units each with a motor, a rotary member, a cord attached at its distal end to the circumferential edge of the rotary member, an attaching mechanism affixed to the proximal end of the cord, and an object removably connected to the attaching mechanism. A computer or microprocessor is provided and programmed to selectively rotate the rotary members to move the objects between selected pre-determined positions along a generally vertical path of travel to establish a geometric pattern of repetitive elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Pentland
  • Patent number: 8230624
    Abstract: The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object. This movement may be up-and-down or “bouncing” motion, spinning or rotational motion, side-to-side motion or any other reciprocating motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: American Greetings Corporation
    Inventors: David Sapp, David Mayer, Anastasia Taylor, Kimberly Bikowski, Allison Marsh, Tiger Qiao, Jerry Guo
  • Patent number: 8100546
    Abstract: A sculpted decorative object, such as a Christmas tree, is shown which has a motor driven vertical drive shaft and three rotating sections. Rotation of the vertical drive shaft and an associated drive gear causes relative rotation of a driven gear and, in turn, a respective rotating section of the object about the axis of the drive shaft. A fiber optic bundle is mounted within each rotating section of the object. Each bundle contains several fiber optic strands which terminate at a LED light source at one end and at a light emitting element at an opposite end. Each LED light source is supplied from a common electrical source by means of a series of wiper contacts and rotatable contact rings carried by respective stationary and rotating portions of the sculpted object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventors: Frank Lutz, Jon Turan
  • Patent number: 7946064
    Abstract: A display apparatus with a scent disperse device includes a display, a stalk-shaped member, at least one leaf-shaped member, a vibrator and a sensor switch, in which the display is composed of a screen and at least one screen cover, the stalk-shaped member is disposed on the display to disperse scent outward, the leaf-shaped members are positioned around the stalk-shaped member and the vibrator is disposed in the stalk-shaped member and used for driving the leaf-shaped members to sway, and the sensor switch controls the opening and closing of the at least one screen cover and transmitting a starting signal. Whereby, a user is allowed to smell a flavor matching the appearance of the display or prefer scent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Hannspree Inc.
    Inventors: Guan-De Liou, Chia-Pine Huang, Li-Li Lai, Stephen Tsai, Ming-Chun Lee
  • Patent number: 7913436
    Abstract: An omni-directional display technology allows for obtaining better display effect and more rational dynamical structure through adopting the assembly of two or more rotating and symmetrical configurable structure of display which is fitted with a blankoff device, comprising: one chassis (12), one rotating display part consisting of a display (1) which is fitted with a blankoff device (3) in front of the display plane, and one vertical rotary driving device (11) fitted on the chassis. This driving device is connected to the rotating display part, comprised of two or more displays which are equipped with blankoff devices and distributed around the vertical axial line, which will, when driven by the vertical rotary driving device, rotate around a vertical axial line (L) and thus realize omni-directional display. This display system is featured by high display brightness, low rotating speed, fine integrity, rational dynamical structure, safe and reliable running, and other advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Weiqing Li
  • Patent number: 7854080
    Abstract: System and methods for providing synchronized ornamental displays in a presentation zone that is at least partially containing a fluid, which include a support structure, a decorative object supported by the support structure, a light disposed on the object, a plurality of cables coupled to the support structure at their respective first ends; a plurality of cable tensioning devices, wherein one cable tensioning device is engaged with the second end of a respective cable of the plurality of cables, and the plurality of cable tensioning devices are positioned spatially about the periphery of the presentation zone, wherein the spatial arrangement defines a range of desired movement for the object, and a control device operatively associated with the tensioning devices and light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Wynn Resorts Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Walter Conti
  • Patent number: 7827711
    Abstract: An automatic rotating decoration includes a rotating body, a support, a driving device connecting the support, and a transmission member connecting the driving device and the rotating body. The support, the driving device and the transmission member all are received in the rotating body. An opening is defined in the rotating body. The support is exposed to the opening. The driving device includes a driving body and an output shaft extending from the driving body. The driving body includes a motor body and a battery seat electrically connecting the motor body. The automatic rotating decoration of the present invention may automatically rotate around the support on another object without additional housing thereby simplifying the structure of the automatic rotating decoration, increasing fun of the automatic rotating decoration and facilitating the handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: XiaoBing Wang, LiangQing Li
  • Patent number: 7757965
    Abstract: A display apparatus with a scent disperse device comprises a display, a stalk-like member, at least one leaf-like member and a vibrator, in which the stalk-like member is disposed on the display, the leaf-like members are positioned around the stalk-like member and the vibrator is disposed in the stalk-like member and used for driving the leaf-like members to sway. Whereby, a user is allowed to smell a flavor matching the appearance of the display or prefer scent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Hannspree, Inc.
    Inventors: Guan-De Liou, Chia-Pine Huang, Li-Li Lai, Stephen Tsai, Ming-Chun Lee
  • Patent number: 7610704
    Abstract: A tension fabric display structure incorporates segmented tubular framework permitting easy on-site assembly and disassembly and includes an integral drive motor coupled to a drive shaft that is supported for rotation within a framework tube. Each one of a plurality of attraction elements suspended from the framework tube housing the drive shaft is rotationally driven by a coupling assembly connected to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Michael J. Nowicki
  • Patent number: 7474201
    Abstract: A safety unit for use on vehicles such as school buses. In one embodiment, a housing is provided for the drive motor and related elements for moving a stop sign on the side of the bus between its retracted and extended positions. The housing has a removable cover to provide access to the drive motor and related elements, and the stop sign is mounted on a driveshaft that extends through a single opening in the bottom wall of the housing. In a second embodiment the safety unit is integrated with an access panel on the school bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Specialty Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric D. Swanger
  • Patent number: 7423548
    Abstract: A system and method for providing emergency egress path indication by providing a path direction indicator that is hidden from view during normal operation and is exposed to view upon activation by an emergency signal. Upon being exposed to view the indicator may be lighted and may provide light to people seeking exit from the building. In one embodiment the indicator may include a laser pointer further indicating the direction of egress. Visible and Braille text may also be included on the face of the indicator. The indicator device may be located near floor level for better visibility in smoke environments. In the non-visible state, the indicator may present a rugged face to withstand accidental kicks and bumps as may be encountered when mounted near the floor. The indicator may be operated repetitively and nondestructively to allow inclusion of the indicator in fire and other emergency drills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Stephen Kontovich
  • Patent number: 6967450
    Abstract: Enhancements for moving displays in general, and in particular, dynamic signage and kinetic sculpture. More specifically, the present invention relates to improvements on moving banners (18) for use within entertainment, advertising, signage, art, theater, performance visual instruments, and attraction contexts. Improvements are cost-saving computer controlled torque friction brakes (16), substantially inelastic reinforcing cable (20) to allow elastic banners (18) to handle relatively higher wind loads, and reusable removable printed image banner sleeves (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: David Milton Durlach
  • Patent number: 6952151
    Abstract: An intriguing and educational display structure (1) appears to be spinning upon itself without any apparent drive mechanism, power supply or bearing. The structure comprises two concentric hollow spheres (3, 5) spaced apart by a transparent fluid (6). The outer sphere is totally transparent, immobile, and may rest on a tripod (2) or other type of support. The inner sphere may be partially transparent or translucent and carries over its surface, a design such as a map of the world (7). The inner sphere rotates within, and independently from, the first outer one. The internal, that is self-contained, drive mechanism uses either a conventional electrical motor (8) with its own field winding and commutator, or one made of a rotor comprising a cross-array of electromagnets (AC, BD) that interact with an ambient magnetic field such as the earth magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: William W. French
  • Patent number: 6945872
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating an optical illusion comprising at least one mirror, and placed in front of the mirror a figure that is visible directly as well as via the mirror, the at least one mirror being rotatable about an axis of the apparatus, and while in use, the figure describing a path about the axis of the apparatus in such a way as to be continuously in front of the mirror, the figure during its progress over the path around the axis of the apparatus undergoing a rotation from its body axis as a rate of rotation that depends on its rate of progress over the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Leonard De Vogel
  • Patent number: 6937125
    Abstract: An intriguing and educational display structure (1) appears to be spinning upon itself without any apparent drive mechanism, power supply or bearing. The structure comprises two concentric hollow spheres (3, 5) spaced apart by a transparent fluid (6). The outer sphere is totally transparent, immobile and may rest on a tripod (2) or other type of support. The inner sphere may be partially transparent or translucent and carries over its surface, a design such as a map of the world (7). The inner sphere rotates within, and independently from the first outer one. The internal, that is self-contained drive mechanism is referenced to either a compass, a light angle detector, or a gravity sensor, and uses either a conventional electrical motor with its own internal field winding and communitator, or one made of a rotor comprising a cross-array of electromagnets (AC, BD) that interact with the earth magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: William W. French
  • Patent number: 6851208
    Abstract: A firefly simulation device which has a first depending flexible line segment, a motor driven fan at the distal end of the first depending flexible line segment, a second depending flexible line segment and an LED at the distal end of the second depending flexible line segment. The fan provides thrust in a plane normal to the first depending flexible line segment. The LED has a small light-transmitting opening able to be eclipsed by the LED body. In a darkened environment, the device provides apparent random motion and blinking of a light simulating a firefly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Timothy L. Carter
  • Patent number: 6853283
    Abstract: An intriguing and educational display structure (1) appears to be spinning upon itself without any apparent drive mechanism, power supply or bearing. The structure comprises two concentric hollow spheres (3, 5) spaced apart by a transparent fluid (6). The outer sphere is totally transparent, immobile, and may rest on a tripod (2) or other type of support. The inner sphere may be partially transparent or translucent and carries over its surface, a design such as a map of the world (7). The inner sphere rotates within, and independently from, the first outer one. The internal, that is self-contained, drive mechanism uses either a conventional electrical motor (8) with its own field winding and commutator, or one made of a rotor comprising a cross-array of electromagnets (AC, BD) that interact with an ambient magnetic field such as the earth magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: William W. French
  • Publication number: 20030089011
    Abstract: A school bus has a stop sign hinged on an electrical actuator assembly that is attached to the side of the bus. The actuator assembly includes an electric motor that pivots the hinged stop sign from a stored position adjacent the bus to an operative position extending outwardly of the bus in perpendicular fashion and back to the stored position and an electrical control unit that includes Hall effect sensors for controlling the electric motor. These and other components are protected in an outer sealed housing that has a removable cover to facilitate installation and repair. Installation and repair is further enhanced by a removable inner housing sub-assembly that carries the electric motor and the electric control unit and that provides additional protection for these two components. The school bus also has a crossing arm hinged on an identical electrical actuator assembly, that is attached to the front bumper of the bus near the passenger doors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: James A. Haigh, Richard J. Iminski, Robert C. Rabine, Kevin L. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20030047017
    Abstract: A gear structure for a figurine comprises a plurality of coaxial gears provided on a shaft, each of the coaxial gears is provided with a plurality of toothed portions at a periphery thereof at suitable positions, with a smooth portion between adjacent toothed portions. At suitable positions facing the periphery of each of the coaxial gears, a plurality of action gear sets are respectively provided to drive at least one joint on a figurine to move such that by rotating the shaft to different angular positions, at least one of the toothed portions on at least one of the coaxial gears engages the corresponding action gear set so as to actuate the action gear set, thereby enabling the figurine to perform at least one action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Da-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 6485350
    Abstract: An animated holiday-scene display device for providing decorative entertainment tools. The animated holiday-scene display device includes a base member having a top side and being adapted to rest upon a surface; and also includes an ornamental figurine being mounted upon the topside of the base member and having a body and movable arms; and further includes an ornamental object also being mounted upon the top side of the base member; and also includes a light-emitting assembly being disposed throughout the ornamental object; and further includes an assembly for actuating movement of the ornamental figurine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Agnes Giglio
  • Patent number: 6427368
    Abstract: A device that will enable the decoration on a music box to sway front and back while it moves up and down, particularly to a type of device that will enable the decoration on a music box to sway to front and back while it moves up and down. It is mainly composed of a base on which is a first motor that will turn the spring plates of the music wheel to produce music, a gear set that is driven by a second motor, a propping post piercing a ball collar and a ring cover and a top cover; when the second motor drives the gear set and the driving wheel to rotate, the propping post will move up and down in the through hole of the ball collar, and the ball collar will sway to front and back inside the ring collar, so that the movement of the wooden horse will be more realistic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Ya Yung Enterprise Co., LTD
    Inventor: Shin-Ya Yang
  • Publication number: 20020095833
    Abstract: An improved method for presenting a display at home, office or buisness incorporating motion with an unlimited number of objects. My invention, consists of continuous loop of line such as monofiliment, twine or string. Attached to this loop are the displayed objects such as ghosts, pumpkins and reindeer from a small length of line. This loop and objects are suspended above the ground by wrapping the loop around at least two support positions. These support positions consist of a pulley attached to a solid object such as a tree, a pole or a house. One of these pulleys is connected to the shaft of a motor such as that from a fan. The remaining pulleys are designed such that the line from the connected object passes freely around the pulley. When operated, the motor turns the pulley which causes the entire loop to move in its path around all of the pulleys in the system. When this happens, the objects move along with the loop giving the appearance of realistic motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Rutkoske
  • Patent number: 6301814
    Abstract: A display for a flexible head toothbrush includes a first representation of a first bristled portion of a toothbrush head and a second representation of a second bristled portion of a toothbrush head. The first representation is interconnected with the second representation by a mechanical linkage. The mechanical linkage provides oscillatory pivotal movement of the second representation with respect to the first representation. The mechanical linkage is preferably an electromagnet motor, such as a self-starting swinging apparatus, powered by a solar cell. The second representation preferably depicts a tip end of the toothbrush head, while the first representation depicts a remaining portion of the toothbrush head. The display may also include a third representation of at least a portion of a toothbrush handle extending from the first representation. Further, the display may include a support having shelves that hold actual toothbrushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Baxter
  • Patent number: 6209242
    Abstract: A motorized display using piezoelectricity to impart motion to a jewelry item or other items is disclosed. A quartz movement, otherwise used for rotating hands of a clock, is preferably used to rotate the display. In a preferred embodiment, a housing which has a drive aperture encloses the piezoelectric motor and a battery. A drive shaft, which rotates when the motor is powered, passes through the drive aperture of the housing. A holder for removably but securely holding a jewelry item or other items is positioned on the end of the drive shaft exterior to the housing and may be removable from the drive shaft. The holder may be a ring holder, a watch holder, a broach holder, etc., or may even be an entire jewelry box. The rotation of the drive shaft may be either stepped or continuous and a kit may be provided to the user which includes both types of motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Roger Scott Marshall
  • Patent number: 6150744
    Abstract: A sealed type motor arrangement, comprising: a micro-motor with a reduction unit and a sealed housing made of plastic, said sealed housing having a bottom housing and a cover housing, said sealed housing defines a sealed space for accommodating said micro-motor and a non-sealed space, in the periphery of said sealed space of said bottom housing, said non-sealed space having a small groove with a resilient sealing plastic washer arranged therein, said bottom housing having an opening for a cylindrical shaft of said micro-motor to extend out of said sealed housing, a plurality of small apertures are arranged symmetrically between said bottom housing and said cover housing for tightening a plurality of screws to make said bottom housing and said covered housing sealed, a wire with a power supply input plug goes through an opening on a side wall of said bottom housing and a hole on a wall between said sealed space and said non-sealed space to connect a pair of leads of said motor in said sealed space, the hole on
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Brite Star Limited
    Inventor: Yosuke Onishi
  • 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: 5946968
    Abstract: A swing mechanism for wave-producing ornament. The ornament includes a base and a liquid container and the swing mechanism is mounted inside the base with a top container holder projecting from the base to fixedly connect the liquid container thereto. The swing mechanism includes a round disc which is rotated by a motor in the base of the ornament, a connecting rod pivotally connected to the round disc near an outer periphery thereof, and a sleeve defining a downward open cylindrical inner space with a narrowed lower end for an upper half part of the connecting rod to extend into. The upper half part of the connecting rod are two upward extended arms which slide up and down in the cylindrical inner space like a piston. When the round disc is rotated, the connecting rod moves in circumferential movement, bringing the sleeve and accordingly the liquid container fixedly connected to a top of the sleeve to swing relative to the base of the ornament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Vincent Kuo Wei Lee
  • Patent number: 5706595
    Abstract: A wave-producing decoration including an elongated liquid container which has an outwardly and downwardly projecting bubble collector integrally formed at a bottom center. The bubble collector communicates with the liquid container and collects any possible bubbles in the container. In addition, the bubble collector has a shape suitable for engaging a seat member partially exposed from a support member of the decoration, such that the liquid container may laterally sway with the pivoting seat member, causing liquid in the container to flow in waves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventor: Rich Lin
  • Patent number: 5512876
    Abstract: The device according to the present invention allows the timed lighting in following phases of the structure and of the signals provided on two kinds of emergency triangles, a first one (2) provided on the vehicle, and a second one (3) that may be seen at distance, when the vehicle is forced to stop due to a damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Vincenzo Brusca
  • Patent number: 5313727
    Abstract: A decorative kinetic device which includes a transparent hollow dome containing a fluid and a plurality of small particles. The dome is open on its bottom and is mounted on a base having a pumping chamber formed therein. The top of the pumping chamber, which serves as the bottom of the dome, includes an intake hole and an outlet hole to provide flow paths between the dome and the pumping chamber. A pump impeller is positioned within the pumping chamber to circulate the fluid and the particles, the impeller being rotated by a motor positioned in the base below the pumping chamber. An extension member is attached to and extends vertically upward from the pump impeller into the dome and is adapted to receive a decorative object. A transport tube having an intake port and an outlet port is positioned in the dome such that the intake port is connected to the outlet hole of the pumping chamber and the outlet port of the transporting tube is positioned near the top of the dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Merton Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph E. Murray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5131176
    Abstract: A display scissors having two elongate luminous members which are movable with respect to one another. The first elongate luminous member has one end portion configured to represent a first blade element of a scissors and an opposite end portion configured to represent a first loop element of the scissors. The first loop element is curved in a clockwise direction. The second elongate luminous member has one end portion configured to represent a second blade element of the scissors and an opposite end portion configured to represent a second loop element of the scissors. The second loop element is curved in a counter-clockwise direction. The second blade element is positioned generally parallel to the first blade element and points in a similar direction to that of the first blade element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Wm. Jeffery Kinney
  • Patent number: 4759140
    Abstract: A logic control linear drive magnetic motor is used to reciprocate approximately 180.degree. the flat panels which make a display board. Each panel of the display board is connected to a pulley which is in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the vane. A continuous drive cord is connected to each end of a shuttle cylinder of the motor and is wrapped around the pulley drum. Movement of the shuttle cylinder moves the drive cord which controls the rotation of the vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Edward J. Moen
    Inventors: William D. Roberts, Graham M. Stopford
  • Patent number: 4430818
    Abstract: A device for storing and delivering rotational energy for rotation of a mobile is used in combination with a source of rotational energy and a control device adapted for intermittent actuation of the energy source for a predetermined period at predetermined intervals. The energy storage device has at least one multi-filament non-braided cords connected between first and second cap members. The first cap member is detachably connected to the energy source and the second cap member is detachably connected to the mobile. The cords are wound by and in response to actuation of the energy source, and urge the mobile to rotate following deactivation of the source. A method of constructing a plurality of the energy storage devices is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1984
    Assignee: The Dolly Toy Company
    Inventor: Kenneth N. Marcus
  • Patent number: 4414767
    Abstract: A decoration structure, especially a decoration for a room, has a frame structure bounding an opening within which to present to view a background element bearing first subject matter, such as a scene or an abstract design, and a foreground element through or past which the background element can be viewed, the foreground element being spaced sufficiently from the background element to be clearly spaced to the viewer and so as to cause an apparent relative movement when there is relative movement with respect to the viewer. Illumination is provided for at least the background element. One or both of the elements may have small colored zones in a transparent or translucent sheet for change of transmitted color, to the viewer, as relative movement occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1983
    Inventor: Eric Staton
  • Patent number: 4402499
    Abstract: A mechanical device includes a block of material having a hollow tunnel formed therein. An elongated rotary shaft is floatingly mounted in the tunnel, generally parallel to but off-set from the longitudinal center thereof. A number of holes are diametrically formed through and more or less evenly distributed along the length of the shaft, perpendicular to the axis thereof. Each hole is angularly offset from the other holes, by a predetermined angular distance. A sliding shaft, which slides freely through each of these diametrical holes, has a wheel on each of its opposite ends. The contour of the tunnel wall is unique and is defined by the paths followed by the wheels on the ends of the sliding shafts, as the shaft rotates and as the sliding shafts slide freely through the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1983
    Inventor: Rodney P. Galyean
  • Patent number: 4229895
    Abstract: A base supported upright frame supports an electric motor and gear train having a vertically disposed drive shaft. The drive shaft is axially connected by brackets, stub axle and bearings with a nonrotating swash plate. An elongated strand, connected at one end with a radial portion of the plate and entrained over one or more pulleys, is connected at its other end with an element to be animated by the plate moving the strand in a vertical reciprocating action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1980
    Inventor: Thomas L. Byers
  • Patent number: 4132021
    Abstract: An upright housing, having a plurality of spaced-apart apertures in its wall arranged in a horizontal plane, supports an electric motor driving a crank member for rotation in the plane of the apertures. An elongated flexible member, connected at one end with the crank member and entrained through a selected one of the apertures, is connected at its other end with an article to be animated by the crank member moving the flexible strand through the selected aperture in a reciprocating action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1979
    Inventor: Thomas L. Byers