Abstract: A method and apparatus for animating illuminated signs and displays comprises sequentially illuminating with at least one source of radiant energy of a particular wavelength range at least two planar scenes, or three-dimensional objects, visibly responsive to radiant energy of the particular wavelength range used. Means are provided for shielding a non-selected planar scene or object from illumination during the time a selected planar scene or object is illuminated. In the preferred embodiment, invisible ultraviolet illumination is used to cause a plurality of scene-views to fluoresce visibly in a timed sequence which produces a visual sensation of apparent motion from one scene-view to another of an object depicted by the scene-views. Subjective brightness of scene-views may be enhanced by modulating the illumination of a scene at a perceptibly low frequency.

Abstract: A dynamic display system in which a visual display is changeable in accordance with the vertical movement of an elevator. The display system is adapted for use in combination with a conventional elevator assembly having an elevator shaft, an elevator cab which is moveable within the shaft, and an elevator well at the bottom of the shaft. A display banner or the like is coupled at one end thereof to the underside of the elevator cab and at the other end thereof to a drum within the elevator well. As the elevator cab rises within the shaft, the display banner is pulled out from the elevator well so that the information printed on the display banner is gradually exposed as the banner ascends from the well. As the elevator cab descends, the banner retracts into the elevator well. In another embodiment, a bank of light generating devices, such as lasers or the like, housed within the elevator well, emits light beams into the elevator shaft.

Abstract: An assembly of a display panel and a mounting base for a plurality of light-emitting elements. The mounting base is adjacent to one side of the display panel, and the display panel has a plurality of light-transmitting apertures, holes or openings representing at least two different fluid flow paths and specific fluid devices, such as valves and fluid containing cylinders. A microprocessor is used to control the operation of voltage sources coupled to the light-emitting elements so that, by selectively actuating a first set of light-emitting elements, a visual representation of a first fluid flow path can be provided to indicate the flow of a first gas from one location to another. Alternately, the assembly can be operated such that a second fluid flow path can be visually represented while the light elements of the first path are deactuated.

Abstract: A method for printing fine or commercial art utilizing visible and/or invisible fluorescent colorants and non-fluorescent colorants in a multiple series of colorant applications with each color application being made with with a predetermined print pattern. As used herein, "fluoresecent colorants" are those which emit visible light under the ultraviolet (black light), including those which are colored and those which are colorless under visible light. The colorants are applied to a base in layers or by blending the fluorescent and non-fluorescent colorants to achieve a predetermined piece of art work. Some of the layers of colorants are used to mask, or partly mask, the brilliance of some of the fluorescent layers, in graduating degrees for viewing under ulrtraviolet observation, or viewing in other lighting conditions.

Abstract: A carton for gift merchandise is formed from a single blank that is cut and folded to be set up into a carton having a double-thickness wall between layers of which a battery powered signal generator is concealed and protected. Another wall of the carton, having an integral hinged connection to one of the layers of the double-thickness wall, is arranged to be a closure for the carton which has to be unfolded or swung open for opening of the carton and which has an actuator connection with the generator that starts it when the carton is opened. Blanks for both cube-shaped and pyramidal cartons are disclosed.

Abstract: A tree ornament is disclosed in which a plurality of images are produced by two-dimensional image formations or three-dimensional objects, with a plurality of lights being energized in timed relation to selectively present the images to view through a window, and with reflecting and transmitting surfaces being used to allow energization of the lights to replace one image with another and/or to superimpose images.

Abstract: A passive implement for converting a television receiver to an optical art display. The implement is comprised of a perforated-art panel having a multiplicity of apertures where the apertures, in combination, depict an artistic scene. The panel is attached near the screen of a color television receiver. The television is then turned on and the audio level is turned to zero. The colors produced by the video programs, which are visible through the apertures in the panel, produce an optical art display that is continuously changing in color intensity and color variety. When the optical art display is viewed with complimentary music, a pleasurable room mood is created.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for animating illuminated signs and displays comprises sequentially illuminating with at least one source of radiant energy (51) of a particular wavelength range at least two planar scenes (53), (54) or three-dimensional objects (101), (102) visibly responsive to radiant energy of the particular wavelength range used. Means (55) are provided for shielding a non-selected planar scene or object from illumination during the time a selected planar scene or object is illuminated. In the preferred embodiment, invisible ultraviolet illumination is used to cause a plurality of scene-views to fluoresce visibly in a timed sequence which produces a visual sensation of apparent motion from one scene-view to another of an object depicted by the scene-views. Subjective brightness of scene-views may be enhanced by modulating the illumination of a scene at a perceptibly low frequency.

Abstract: An illuminated display assembly comprising a display plate having an illumination source connected thereto wherein a supporting frame and/or shield structure is opaque but includes non-opaque portions defining predetermined words, letters or like indicia. The illumination source may be selectively actuated to illuminate the display plate causing light to be transmitted or directed through the non-opaque portions of the shield structure thereby providing an illuminated display of the non-opaque formed indicia.

Abstract: The invention relates to creating the illusion in a beverage dispensing device of liquid droplets that fill a drinking glass despite their appearance of rising from the drinking glass. The illusion is accomplished by oscillating the liquid and then applying a flashing light source whose frequency is slightly greater than the liquid oscillations. The enclosure and curtains of the invention allow the illusion to be viewed under certain conditions in room lighting. Also, under certain conditions an optical surface is attached to the enclosure which visually masks the ambient light.

Abstract: An indicator device to inform golfers of the position of the cup on the green and other play aspects of a hole of a golf course. It has a display panel carrying a graphic representation of the hole including the tee and green, a grid of electrically energizable indicators associated with the green representation, an array of electrically energizable indicators associated with the tee representation and electrical circuitry for energizing predetermined indicators in the grid and the array.

Abstract: This sequentially highlighting copy holder employs fields of light as the frame of reference for an operator of a keyboard machine in keeping the place in the text of a document page. The page is affixed upon the copy holder for processing and is illuminated, portion by portion, as the place in the text advances. In one place keeping function the perceived effect of this highlighting delivered in sequence is that of a slender field of light slowly descending the document page. In another, the field of light disappears as a second field appears lower on the page, overlapping the position of the first field of light and disappearing in turn as a third field appears, overlapping the position of the second, so that as the place in the text moves downward the field of light moves with it in salient changes of position, holding to the moving place of attention in the text. In yet another function, ongoing input entered into the keyboard machine sets the downward pace of the field of light.

Abstract: An electrically illuminated folded card device formed from sheet stock, for use as a greeting card or the like. A first portion of the sheet stock forms a display panel having one or more apertures. LED's disposed behind the display panel provide illumination through the apertures. A printed circuit board is mounted behind the display panel; LED's are, in turn, mounted on the board. A portion of the sheet stock forms a tab disposed behind the display region. A slide switch is formed by a pair of conductive foil areas on the printed circuit board and a conductive shorting member is attached to the tab. As the card is opened, the tab translates behind the display panel and the shorting member wipes across the pair of foil areas, to complete the circuit between the battery and lamps, to turn on the LED's.

Abstract: A display apparatus is provided which is divided into two frames. On one frame is pictured a human body with the spinal column thereof formed of a plurality of vertebrae. The human body displayed also includes a plurality of organs and the like which are associated, according to Gray's Anatomy, with the various vertebrae. Push-button controls are positionally related to the vertebrae and when operated could cause an illumination of the related organs. A further series of push-button controls are provided in order that the organs can be separately illuminated as desired. Arrangement is made so that the illumination can be steady state or pulsating fashion selectively. On the second of the aforesaid frames is visually displayed a set of front and rear views of the human body and the related musculature. Push button controls are arranged for the illumination of the various muscles. These latter push-button controls are coupled to one of the aforesaid sets of controls for interaction therewith.

Abstract: A device in the form of a greeting card, display card, or the like, for producing a visual and/or a sound effect which includes a panel member or the like onto which is applied pictorial and/or printed matter in association with an effects generator, an electronic circuit mounted on the panel member but not visible to the reader of the matter but to which the effects generator is connected, and an activator on the panel member which, when actuated, causes triggering of the electronic circuit to energize the effects generator.

Abstract: At least one of two openable leaves is provided with at least one light-emitting diode, a thin battery for lighting the diode and a switch assembly. On opening the leaves, the diode emits light, which is extinguished when the leaves are closed to provide an indication of unique interest.

Abstract: There is provided a visual stimulation instrument operable to induce by perception of a visual message useful in therapeutic treatment of psychological and psychic disorders. A simple embodiment provides messages viewed by a patient with a sheet of paper comprising a viewing screen, with a lamp behind the paper flashed at high intensity during very short periodic intervals. One embodiment has two successive sheets of paper, one with an overt message and another with a covert message in such contrast that the lamp flash does not permit recognition of the covert message but does cause a conscious recognition of the overt message through the afterglow mechanism of the eye. The flashing by a gaseous discharge lamp preferably occurs periodically at a rate in the order of one to three seconds between flashes.

Abstract: A display device includes a hollow base having a slot in its top wall and a bottle simulating transparent shell has its rear opening covered by a plurality of superimposed transparent sheets having relatively vertically staggered, translucent faced dimples formed in their rear faces, their lower border interfaces opaque with these lower borders engaging the slot and the remaining borders opaque. A longitudinally slotted hollow cylinder is motor rotated in the base and a lamp is located in the cylinder so that the bottom edges of the sheets are cyclically successively illuminated whereby the light dispersing dimples provide the illusion of rising bubbles in the bottle.

Abstract: A miniaturized housing or display device including at least one electric circuit adapted to be connected to an electric current supply. The electric circuit includes at least one switch. The housing further is adapted to receive a mechanical alarm clock that has a movement winder and an alarm winder. A counterweight is attached to hang from each of the winders such that each of the counterweights abuts against a corresponding switch in each of the circuits when the mechanical alarm clock is inserted in the compartment and the counterweights descend as a result of the movement of each of the winders.

Abstract: Display arrangements useful as art forms and useful in advertising applications can be constructed by coating areas of the surface of a support with differently colored compositions, each of which is capable of appearing as being of one color at one temperature and as being of another color at a different temperature. The compositions should be differently colored at at least one temperature. The color-temperature effects achieved are obtained through the use of what are termed reversible thermochromic compounds or compositions. Elements may be provided on the support for regulating the temperatures of the various areas.