Fluid Operated Patents (Class 40/439)
  • Patent number: 11541302
    Abstract: An air table system is provided. Such a system includes an air table that includes a plurality of holes or perforations, a fan that blows air through the plurality of holes or perforations when activated, a puck component that glides across the air table when the fan blows the air through the plurality of holes or perforations, and an air activated component. The air activated component is positioned around an edge of the air table and includes an air activatable feature configured to be activated by the air when the air activated component is placed on the air table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: TOMY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Jared Kreuzer, Matthew R. Synowicz
  • Patent number: 11419377
    Abstract: A headgear includes a head portion at least partly surrounding a head, an inflatable portion having an inflatable volume, a mouthpiece, at least one wind instrument, and an air tube defining a flow connection between the mouthpiece and the inflatable volume. A sound is producible by the at least one wind instrument in answer to air blown into the mouthpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventors: Leif Christian Krueger, Malte Timm
  • 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: 8635793
    Abstract: The visual alert for placement on free-range animals includes active and/or passive lighting to alert motor vehicle drivers of such animals crossing the roadway when traveling through open rangeland. The visual alert is a sleeve having fins extending radially therefrom, the fins having reflective and/or active lighting elements thereon. Power for active lighting is provided by electrical batteries that are recharged during daylight. The permanently installed sleeve may be formed as a circumferentially closed distensible unit that passes over the hoof of the animal, or as an open sheet that is rolled about the leg of the animal and permanently secured by plastic ties or other suitable elements. The sleeve is lined with a non-abrasive material to preclude injury to the animal during long term wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Salman Abdullah Al-Dashti
  • Patent number: 8393099
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rainglobes LLC
    Inventors: Joshua James, Fred Northup, Lawrence Scott Larson, Jeremy Kolenbrander, James Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 8099885
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Hanaa R. A. A. AlSeleten
  • Patent number: 8056274
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Rain Globes LLC
    Inventors: Joshua James, Fred Northup, Lawrence Scott Larson, Jeremy Kolenbrander, James Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 7963057
    Abstract: A display apparatus for providing entertaining visual aesthetic effects utilizes pressurized flowing air to propel lightweight beads into the air in arc-shaped trajectories which suggest the paths of water droplets from a water fountain. The beads are propelled upwardly from tubular bead discharge nozzles which protrude upwardly from a collection platform. Each nozzle has therethrough a bore which has a lower entrance opening for receiving pressurized flowing air, and circumferentially spaced apart bead entrance notches which penetrate the tubular side wall and a lower transverse end wall of the nozzle adjacent to the collection platform. Beads which have been propelled into the air and fallen back onto the platform are drawn into the nozzle entrance opening by a venturi effect, thus providing a recirculating levitated beads fountain display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Iraldo F. Ruiz
  • 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: 7836619
    Abstract: An inflatable flag display includes a shaft having a hollow core and a sealed upper end. An aperture is located in the upper portion of the shaft and penetrates from an outer surface to the hollow core. A supporting base is connected to the shaft. A gas input connection is affixed to the shaft or the base and is in fluid communication with the core. An inflatable flag member is affixed to the shaft, formed of flexible material and has at least one inflatable chamber. The chamber is in fluid communication with the aperture and has an exhaust vent. A compressed gas source is in fluid communication with the gas input connection. A compressed gas modulator controls pressure or duration of gas flow, causing the flag to undulate. A variant includes means for rotating the shaft as the flag is inflated. Another variant includes an inflatable column replacing the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen Coutts
  • Patent number: 7739817
    Abstract: An inflatable exhibition product includes a primary inflatable product, an auxiliary characteristic inflatable product received inside and communicating with the hollow body of the primary inflatable product and an air blower assembly mounted at the bottom of the hollow body and having a hollow casing provided therein an upper chamber to receive therein a top blade set and a lower chamber to receive therein a bottom blade set. Rotation of the bottom blade set is able to inflate the auxiliary characteristic inflatable product and the primary inflatable product and rotation of the top blade set is able to suck in the particles from the inlet and project them out to the interior of the hollow body from the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Gemmy Industries Corporation
    Inventor: Sheng-Hung Hsu
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7356951
    Abstract: An inflatable toy may include a housing, a balloon-like structure, a blower mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a motor. The balloon-like structure may include a base, an inflatable portion, and an inlet. The base and the inflatable portion may define an air storage area. The blower mechanism may be fluidly connected to the inlet of the balloon-like structure, and the drive mechanism may be operatively connected to the base. The motor may be operatively connected to the blower mechanism and the drive mechanism, wherein upon activation of the motor the blower mechanism may inflate the balloon-like structure and the drive mechanism may cause the balloon-like structure to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Spielberger, Douglas Arthur Schultheis
  • Patent number: 7331131
    Abstract: A display assembly for removably mounting to a vehicle. The display assembly includes a base member having opposite end portions and an accessory item having a predetermined configuration such that when the vehicle reaches a sufficient speed the accessory item rises a distance above an adjacent surface of the vehicle. The display assembly includes a releaseable connection between the accessory item and an end portion of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Terrance Staples
  • Patent number: 7322137
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an inflatable display that has a plurality of inflation modules. The modules are inflated by a fan element. More specifically, a first inflation module is formed from a permeable material and configured to represent a predetermined shape or design when inflated, such as a snowman, Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Uncle Sam or another seasonal or holiday character. The first inflation module is surrounded by a non-permeable material creating an enclosure around the first inflation module and forming a second inflation module. The first inflation module is formed with at least one exhaust port in its base, which has two purposes. First, the exhaust port acts to inflate the second inflation module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Chrisha Creations, Ltd.
    Inventor: William Machala
  • 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: 7300178
    Abstract: A greeting card device which enables, by blowing, an LED to be switched off or a sound module (music, voice or noise) to be activated or deactivated, or a combination of a light and a sound to be activated or deactivated simultaneously. The device is composed of a bimetallic strip system, which the user blows on as if blowing out a candle, and which is connected to the integrated circuit of the LED or the sound module or both, as well as to a resistor and a capacitor which, by charging and discharging, allows switching on-switching off cycles to be repeated. The device according to the invention is particularly suited to the animation of greeting cards (birthdays, Christmas, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Nicolas Helou
  • Patent number: 7213934
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light emitting medium which includes a container and a liquid core. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the liquid core includes an aqueous solution or mixture of a water-soluble polymer. The refractive indices of the liquid core and that of the container may be different. However, the aqueous solution or mixture may have a lower or higher refractive index than that of the container. The mixture may be completely transparent or translucent and have a color other than clear. The container may be of any material that is translucent or transparent and be of any color. The raw materials for the light emitting medium in accordance with the present invention are less costly than known light guides and offer numerous advantages when compared to other illumination light guides. Water advantageously is a major raw material of the present invention. The water-soluble polymer component may be used in relatively minute amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventors: James Rouben Zarian, Brandon Jonathan Zarian
  • Patent number: 7040050
    Abstract: An amusement device for simulating the appearance of snow including a window-like structure having a space between 2 front panes and a rear pane, where at least one of the panes is a transparent pane, and the panes are mounted in a frame support. There is a recycling system for circulating artificial snow, which falls down, from the top of the window-like structure and collecting at the bottom. The recycling system includes a trough with a rotating vane that opens and closes the open top of the trough, where one end of the trough is cyclically closed by and end cap on the rotating vane. The rotating vane is rotated by an electric motor. Another electric motor operates continuously rotating fan that blows the artificial snow from the trough through a conduit to the top of the window-like structure where it collects on a tray which is tripped to release the artificial snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Greg T. Skinner
  • 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: 6836986
    Abstract: In an apparatus for displaying a flying object, an air flow is created in a duct by a group of blowers. A holding line is attached to a lightweight flying object, and movement of the lightweight flying object is restricted by the holding line. By making the lightweight flying object fly in the air flow, the lightweight flying object is able to fly even in a small space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Ootsuta, Toshio Ito, Takeshi Ono
  • Patent number: 6804905
    Abstract: A portable sign which includes a base member having a generally cylindrical rigid lateral wall with an air input opening and an upper opening. An air blower is positioned in the base member, and an elongated display member having a flexible generally cylindrical section extends upwardly from the generally cylindrical rigid lateral wall of the base member. The flexible cylindrical section has a lower open end connecting to a disc shaped cut out in the base member and has a closed top section having an air exit opening. Lettering will be displayed on the flexible cylindrical section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventors: Frank Leo Burger, III, Okey F Cobb, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040118023
    Abstract: A structure of an ornamental article with light variations is disclosed. The ornamental article comprises a main holding body enclosing an appropriate amount of a filing solution, wherein the filing solution contains evenly distribution of a plurality of light-reflective plate bodies; a pump having an outlet and an inlet, secured within the main holding body; and a guiding tube having one end connected to the outlet of the pump, and the other end of the guiding tube connected to the inlet of the pump, or directly recycled to the main holding body, whereby the pump causes the filing solution to flow within the guiding tube and the light-reflective plate bodies reflect light from each direction and angle when the filing solution is flowing within the tube, producing light flickering and glittering effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin Lee
  • Publication number: 20030217490
    Abstract: A charm display apparatus and method of charm display capable of continuously retrieving charms or hearts from a hopper and blowing or moving the charms into a transparent outer display tube whereby a levitating effect is shown. In the preferred embodiment, the art of the present invention allows a person to retrieve a charm between the display tube and the hopper as it flutters in the turbulent air of the tube under gravitational force. Also in a preferred embodiment, a unique venturi flow generator assembly is utilized to move the charms from the hopper into the outer display tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Karl A. Collida, Edwin T. Wood
  • Publication number: 20030089008
    Abstract: In an apparatus for displaying a flying object, an air flow is created in a duct for forming flying space by a group of blowers. A holding line is attached to a lightweight flying object, and movement of the lightweight flying object is restricted by the holding line. By making the lightweight flying object fly by the air flow in space formed by the duct, the lightweight flying object becomes able to fly even in small space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Ootsuta, Toshio Itoh, Takeshi Ono
  • 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: 6539654
    Abstract: A lamp includes a main body mounted on a base and formed from multiple layers of transparent wall panels that are spaced from one another by a small distance so that a narrow chamber is provided between any two adjacent layers of wall panels. Each of the narrow chambers contains a colored liquid and is provided at a bottom with an air supply port to communicate with air pumping equipment. When the pumping equipment is actuated, air bubbles are continuously produced to enter the narrow chambers, where the bubbles are flattened into irregular and clear shapes enclosed by differently colored liquids while moving upward in the narrow chambers. A light-emitting diode mounted at a bottom of the main body projects light beams to shine on the irregular floating bubbles and the color liquids in the multiple layers of narrow chambers, creating dynamic, changing and colorful views on the lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Ming-Kuei Lin
  • Patent number: 6499263
    Abstract: A decorative window assembly for creating dazzling eye-catching designs in any room. The decorative window assembly includes a window frame with a window panel being securely mounted to the window frame. Tubular reservoir members are securely attached to the window frame and are adapted to store anti-freeze colored liquid. Decorative conduit members are disposed upon the window panel and are connected to the tubular reservoir members with tubular connectors. Pump members are connected to the tubular reservoir members for urging the anti-freeze colored liquid into the decorative conduit members and for drawing the anti-freeze colored liquid from said decorative conduit members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Ruth Naomi Johnson
  • Patent number: 6456273
    Abstract: A bistable flap array display in which flaps selectively cover portions of a background substrate in response to fluid flow and a flap catchment mechanism, each flap rendering at least one pixel of the display. The catchment mechanism can be electrostatically based and the fluid can reduce the charge required to operate the catchment mechanism by creating a partial vacuum that lifts the flaps until the flow can impinge on the flap directly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Roy Want, David Goldberg, Anthony G. LaMarca, Todd A. Cass
  • Publication number: 20020112383
    Abstract: Superimposed light-transmitting walls 10-13 define intervening chambers 14-16 containing differently colored liquids, and discreet volumes of gas are introduced into a bottom region of each chamber such that rising volumes of gas present moving differently colored areas to an observer looking through the walls. The display area is increased by forming liquid reservoirs 20-22 at the top of each chamber, with anti-spill valves 30-32 which admit or release air when a preset pressure differential is exceeded. A positive displacement pump recirculates gas from the reservoirs to respective inlets 34-36 at the bottom of the chambers. Gas flow separators are provided adjacent to the inlets, and the chambers have side spacers with inward projections to prevent volumes of gas from tracking up the sides of the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Trevor Butcher
  • Patent number: 6428185
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a decorative sleeve member disposed on a base, one or more light devices may be used for lighting the interior of the decorative sleeve member, and a fan device may be used to generate an air stream to flow through the interior of the decorative sleeve member and to oscillate or fluctuate the decorative sleeve member for generating the other decorative effects. A protective net member may be secured to the fan device for protecting the fan device. The decorative sleeve member may be clamped onto the base or a housing with a resilient belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Yu Chuan Lin
  • Patent number: 6389718
    Abstract: An opening/closing apparatus of petals of artificial flowers adapted to unfold and fold petal members like a natural flower. The apparatus has an expansion member internally disposed underneath a body to expand during absorption of liquid or to shrink during evaporation of the liquid; a medium member disposed above the expansion member to upwardly move according to expanding force of the expansion member; a restoring member coupled to an upper side of the medium member to downwardly move the medium member according to resilience; and a plurality of petal members respectively hinged to periphery of the body, each at a predetermined height to unfold outwardly when the medium member descends or to fold inwardly when the medium member ascends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Soon-Suk Joo
  • Patent number: 6279254
    Abstract: A fan advertising device has a portable barrel with a fan, a pivotable or tiltable stand and a modified exterior fan housing. Metal fittings on the inside of the barrel, near the output end of the fan, allow for connection of metal inserts for accessories. The sock is held in place by a shock cord that fits into a groove on the exterior of the fan housing near the output end. A circular opening is located below the groove but above the fan to allow various objects, such as ping pong balls, to be placed into the airstream inside the sock. Those objects act as noise makers, attracting attention to and adding to the visual effectiveness of the sock. A light may be attached to the grate on the inside of the fan allowing for illumination of the entire sock. Illuminating the sock is useful for increasing visibility during darker hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignees: Becker Family Trust
    Inventors: James G. Gill, Dylan Hixon, James Lux, Martin J. Becker
  • 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: 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: 6070348
    Abstract: A visual display device which produces a display utilizing bubbles emitted in liquid filled tubes. A computer controls the timing and size of bubbles emitted into the liquid so as to form designs, which can be symbols, letters, words, or sentences, or pictures. As the bubbles rise through the liquid in a tube, the designs appear to scroll upward, and are replaced from below with a new design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Paul E. Bianchetti
  • Patent number: 5802750
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for simulating a flying fish which includes a pump, piping connected to the pump, a tube bundle connected to an end of the piping opposite from the pump for dividing pressurized water within the piping into parallel section of flowing water thereby creating a columnarized flow, a rotating disc having apertures located adjacent to an end of the tube bundle from which the divided flow of water is ejected, the rotating disc creating alternating portions of deflected and projected water, the projected portions simulating a flying fish, particularly when the apparatus is situated in a first body of water and the projected portions are directed at a second body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Autopilot Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul F. Fulmer
  • Patent number: 5758824
    Abstract: Pressurized fluid enters by way of the flow control valve 90 which regulates flow and thus simulated raindrop size, through the fluid supply tube 80 and enters the fixed fluid distributor body 20, past a rotational seal 154 and into the rotating shaft 10, cushioned by the accumulator chamber 50. As the rotating shaft is made to rotate by means of the drive motor 60 and transmission means 70, the radial outlet port(s) 14 sequentially line up momentarily with each side port 26, allowing fluid flow through each outlet tube 30-35 in turn overflowing each respective conical vessel 40-45 to create a fluid drop at the lower point 48 which falls as simulated rain 160 in a desired three dimensional array. Each raindrop is thus timed perfectly according to the speed of rotation of the rotating shaft 10. The transducer 100 produces an electrical pulse for each rotation, also perfectly timed to the raindrops, which is input to the triggered oscillator 110 to ultimately control the strobe light 140.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Inventors: Robert L. Kuykendal, Ronald S. Deichmann
  • Patent number: 5678918
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lamp stand which mainly includes a clear and closed tubular container as its main body. A rotational shaft with blades is mounted in the tubular container and can be driven by magnetic rotational members to rotate and stir liquid contained in the container, so that currents looking like flowing cloud or floating mists are presented in the container forming the lamp stand, providing changeful and beautiful view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Rich Lin
  • Patent number: 5678617
    Abstract: This invention involves a Jumping Drink Bar Device. This document discloses a novelty device for installation in a bar or counter whereby when a patron orders a specific drink the bartender or host places a drinking glass upon a designated location on top of the bar and, unknown to the patron, activates a hidden control. The drink then seems to hop from some remote spot on the bar and take one or more leaps, ultimately landing in the patron's glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Robert Kuykendal, Ronald Deichmann
  • Patent number: 5426878
    Abstract: An amusement device which includes a transparent tank filled with a liquid medium such as water. Contained within the tank is a plurality of uniform diameter, positive and negative buoyant spheres. Disposed inside the tank is a downward directional tubal system and an upward directional tubal system which are used to move the spheres in opposite directions of their buoyancies. Located beneath the floor of the tank is an air pump which feeds air into the tubal systems to create currents which forcibly move the spheres through the tubes. Also disposed in the tank are downward and upward directional tracks which route the spheres to their respective staging areas, depending upon their buoyancies. For example, positive buoyant spheres travel upward in the liquid medium along the underside of the upward directional track while the negative buoyant spheres travel downward in the liquid medium along the top side of the downward directional track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Inventor: Todd L. Branson
  • Patent number: 5363577
    Abstract: A liquid display that has a plurality of adjacent parallel tubes filled with a fluid and connected to a source of air that introduces bubbles into the tubes, so that the combination of bubbles form a word, or another recognizable graphic display. Each tube has a valve connected to the air supply, that controls the duration and flowrate of air injected into the tube so that a single bubble is formed within the tube. The valves are connected to a computer that opens and closes each valve to produce a pattern of bubbles in accordance with a computer program within the computer. The program creates a combination of bubbles that together depict a legible design or display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventors: Mark Fuller, Alan Robinson
  • Patent number: 5349771
    Abstract: A rising bubble display device includes a reservoir with a lamp positioned beneath the reservoir. An air pump is mounted adjacent the lamp to pump air via orifices located at the base of the reservoir. A translucent colored element is interposed between the lamp and the reservoir, and this colored element is releasably retained in place such that the user can readily substitute one colored element for another to change the color of the illuminating light. An orifice defining tube is mounted to the reservoir by a sleeve and a threaded cap to provide the necessary seal while allowing ready removal of the orifice defining tube. The reservoir is secured to the base in channels, and the tube is connected to the air pump with a check valve. In this way, the reservoir can readily be isolated from the pump and removed from the base for service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Midwest Tropical, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Burnett
  • Patent number: 5329714
    Abstract: A floating body disposed within a liquid-filled container has top and bottom portions provided with extensible and retractable objects, some of which have a greater buoyancy then the body and the remainder of which tend to sink in the liquid. The body and objects have various configurations and designs which create three-dimensional changes during floating of the body each time the container is turned upside-down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Vincent K. Lee
  • Patent number: 5314368
    Abstract: A toy or display suspends a ball in mid-air and moves the ball in a closed path without any visible means of support above a housing. The ball is moved radially toward, and alternately away from, a central housing axis, and may also be raised and lowered in elevation during its travel along the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Peter S. C. Cheng
  • Patent number: 5228225
    Abstract: A progressive liquid display device comprising a plurality of display strips movably held in a liquid between plural pairs of symmetrical grooves behind a transparent wall, the symmetrical grooves each having a stop plate fastened therein to confine the moving range of the corresponding display strip. The display strips will sink or float when the device is turned upside down and be stopped by the stop plates with one strip rising behind another to form a desired pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Inventor: Vincent K. W. Lee
  • Patent number: 5167993
    Abstract: A color changing transparent plate device comprises transparent plates facing each other with a gap between the plates, the gap being charged with a plurality of fluids having colors and relative densities different from each other and freely moving vertically and a fluid inlet/outlet device through which fluid flows into or out from the gap installed in order to hold an interface of the fluids with freely moving vertically wherein the colorless transparent is contained as the color, wherein the fluid above the interface is a gas and the fluid below the interface is a liquid, wherein the fluids above and below the interface are liquids, wherein the liquids are a transparent liquid and an opaque liquid, wherein the liquids are a colorless transparent liquid and a colored transparent liquid, wherein a spacer is installed in the gap and the spacer and the facing transparent plates are attached, and wherein a fluid inlet/outlet device is formed by a fluid inlet/outlet cylinder and a piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Inventor: Youhichiro Aoyagi