Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring uterus contraction activity and progress of labor. The system of the subject invention can comprises (1) a plurality of sensors; (2) an amplifying/filtering means; (3) a computing means; and (4) a graphical user interface. Accurate clinical data, which can be extracted and provided to the user in real-time using the system of the invention, include without limitation, progress of labor, prediction and monitoring of preterm labor, and intrauterine pressure prediction. In a preferred embodiment, the system of the invention includes an intelligence means, such as a neural network system, to analyze and interpret clinical data for use in clinical diagnosis as well as delivery strategy.

Abstract: An apparatus which turns a page of an open book includes a tuning mechanism, a drive unit and a control unit. The turning mechanism brings a predetermined member into contact with a page at a departure position and separates the page from the predetermined member at a destination position. The page is moved with the predetermined member. The drive unit drives the turning mechanism to make the predetermined member perform a to-and-fro movement between the departure position and the destination position. The control unit which controls the drive unit to temporarily stop the movement of the predetermined member on a way to the destination position from the departure position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-sectioned, billboard-mounted light-emitting device comprising: a mounting frame onto which one or a plurality of partition pieces are joined by being slotted in a detachable fashion, and on the front of which are formed a plurality of billboard housing space parts; a light-emitting-diode module in which a plurality of LEDs are provided at predetermined intervals; a light-guide plate which surface emits due to the LEDs; a back-surface plate devised such that the light generated from the light-guide plate is emitted towards the front surface; and a billboard plate which is provided on the front surface of the light-guide plate while being received in a detachable fashion at a size matched to each of the billboard housing space parts which are section bared by means of the partition pieces.

Abstract: A device for lifting a page of a stack of pages with a binding or stitching, in particular of a book of music, has a drive for at least one lifting element and a supporting surface for the page. The at least one lifting element is driven in a rotational movement about a drive shaft by the drive via the drive shaft. The drive is mounted such that it can be pivoted about at least one axis of rotation that encloses an acute angle ? with respect to the plane of the supporting surface.

Abstract: A multi-image display device has an arcuate platen formed by mounting a transparent flexible sheet in compression to a frame. The platen is convex or otherwise bow-shaped. Associated with the platen are a translucent image sheet having a plurality of images thereon and a restricting layer having transparent and opaque portions associated with the image sheet to permit viewing of those portions of the image sheet that register with the transparent portions of the restricting layer. Suitably altering the alignment of the image sheet relative to the restrictive layer (or vice versa) changes the image that is displayed.

Abstract: A page-turning apparatus comprises a first roller and a second roller, and also a guide located between the first roller and second roller. The guide is supported with a arm. A bankbook is carried by the first roller and the second roller, and the second roller is locked while the first roller is rotated. With the rotation of the first roller, a page of the bankbook is warped and rejected. The guide swings along the warped and rejected page. By carrying the bankbook with the page as it is, the page can be turned over.

Abstract: An illuminated display device (10) according to the present invention comprises an image sheet (48) comprising, in turn, a plurality of series of image portions (47a, 47b, 47c) etc. and a mask sheet (62) having alternative opaque strips (63) and transparent windows (61). The mask sheet (62) is located in face-to-face relation to the image sheet (48). First and second roller means (64, 66) are located in a substantially parallel spaced-apart arrangement relative to the image sheet (48) and the mask sheet (62) and are operatively associated with one of the image sheet (48) and the mask sheet (62). The device (10) is provided with means to oscillatingly move the one of the image sheet (48) and the mask sheet (62) relative to the other of the image sheet (48) and the mask sheet (62).

Abstract: For a point-of-sales rug selection from a stack thereof, a method of working a raised stack from the bottom up so that a rug assuming successively the bottom position is permitted to descend, each in turn, to a floor display position and, after the first descent using lowering cables, the cables having a length portion in a taut vertical condition to serve as tracking guides for the vertical descent by gravity of successive rugs.

Abstract: A poster display system for displaying a plurality of different images which includes an image grid with interlaced strips from the various images, masking grid adjacent the image grid having spaced apart masking strips alternating with spaced apart window strips, a mounting system for mounting the image grid and the masking grid for movement relative to one another, a drive mechanism for producing relative movement between the image grid and the masking grip between successive display positions in which the window strips of the masking grid are aligned with image strips of a particular image, the image strips of the other images being obscured by the masking strips, and compression means for urging opposite edge portions of the image grid and of the masking grip towards each other whereby the image grid and the masking grid become curved and the image grid and the masking grid are brought into intimate contact with one another under pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for turning over individual boards assembled as a stack, preferably for leafing the program boards of a music box (juke box) is provided, in which boards may be rotated around mutually parallel pivot axes lying in a plane, pivoting bilaterally with the edge area of one side on mutually straight profile sections which can be moved synchronously in guides of a chassis by a drive in a straight line in both directions. The boards are provided with projections extending beyond the pivots, at which a stay fixed to the chassis engages in such a way that in each case, a diagonally supported board lying in a viewing window of the chassis is turned over to the opposite side, in which position it is supported at an approximately identical, mirror-image angle.

Abstract: A picture display assembly has a hollow base seat, a main frame coupling with the hollow base seat, a transparent plate covering a front face of the main frame, a rear plate covering a rear face of the main frame, a separation plate disposed in a front interior of the main frame, a display chamber defined between the transparent plate and the separation plate, an elastic plate disposed in a rear interior of the main frame, a storage chamber defined between the separation plate and the elastic plate, an upper plate disposed in an upper interior of the main frame, a slit defined between the separation plate and the upper plate, a switch plate disposed on an upper end of the upper plate, a swivel button disposed on an end of the switch plate, a rolling device disposed in a top interior of the main frame, and a roller set disposed in a middle interior of the main frame.

Abstract: A display device for sequentially displaying a plurality of images interlaced on a single mosaic transparency includes a frame and a drive assembly engageable with the mosaic and operative to drive the mosaic through a closed loop path. A thermal compensation device is mounted on the frame and engaged with a substantially opaque mask overlying the mosaic and formed with a uniform aperture pattern for sequential alignment with the images formed on the mosaic. The thermal compensation device is responsive to temperature changes within the display device to shift the mask relative to the frame such that the mask follows the shifting of the mosaic due to such temperature changes to thereby maintain the mask and mosaic in the proper relative positions for precise registration of the image pixels formed on the mosaic with the apertures in the mask.

Abstract: An information displayer with interchangeable boards for use in displaying advertising messages. Two sets of boards are disposed on two chains respectively, with each chain rotating about a pair of pinions. One pinion is stationary while the other is connected to a stepping motor. Hooks on a rigid bar grasp openings in the boards to release and display the boards. A pre-programmed microprocessor controls the stepping motor, permitting the boards to be displayed in any selected manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for safe and fast turning of a page in a book is taught which is more flexible with respect to the varying characteristics of the applied books, is independent of the mechanical and electrical tolerances of the system and from system wear and tear. The method comprises the steps of: applying an initial value of a contact force between a page lifter and the page and/or an initial value of a contact time for the contact between the page lifter and the page, and increasing the value of the contact force and/or contact time when no page has been lifted during a page turning procedure; whereby the last applied value of the contact force and/or contact time is applicable as the initial value when a next page is provided to be turned over.

Abstract: A matrix-shaped display device with a display foil in which display elements are punched out in the form of tabs. The tabs are positioned in rows and columns, and depending on the desired display, can be positioned by a positioning device in front of or behind a strip having a contrasting color. The display elements are oriented alternately upward and downward from one row to the next. Pairs of oppositely oriented display elements support a strip.

Abstract: Compact display apparatus for sequentially registering image pixels interlaced on a mosaic and corresponding to discrete images with an aperture pattern on a mask to display such discrete images. A plurality of biasing arms are provided to adjust the mosaic relative to the mask to properly register the image pixels on the mosaic with the apertures on the mask. A drive assembly is provided to displace the mosaic on a dosed loop path to sequentially register the image pixels corresponding with discrete images with the apertures in the mask.

Abstract: An electromotive device for exhibiting pictures has an ascending carrier guided along rear guiding rails and a descending carrier guided along front guiding rails. The ascending carrier ascends and the descending carrier descends picture keeping members one by one. Upper compressing levers compress the picture keeping members at an upper position toward a front exhibition window when the ascending carrier is ascended, and lower compressing levers compress the picture keeping members at a lower position toward a rear exhibition window when the ascending carrier is descended. According to the electromotive device, a large quantity of exhibits such as photographs or pictures can be stored in good condition for a long time, and operational noise can be reduced. Further, the electromotive device provides ornamental value.

Abstract: A display apparatus having a transparent image screen which contains a mosaic of four discrete images formed from pixels which are interwoven in a predetermined arrangement such that each of the images are selected by precise positioning of the screen in four different positions relative to a grid mask which masks out all but pixels of a selected image. A platen comprising a platen surface which is supported by a rib structure mounts the image screen and is moveable through a precise pattern for selecting the pixels, and thereby the image, to be projected. A pair of arms are coupled to the platen and an eccentric drive and are driven by the eccentric drive to advance the platen positively through the pattern.

Abstract: A display device, particularly for the display of music titles in a jukebox includes a frame housing, two juxtaposed stacks of information carriers arranged vertically one behind the other, with a front information carrier of a first one of the stacks of information carriers and a rear information carrier of a second one of the stacks of information carriers being simultaneously displaceable by a displacing mechanism relative to one another toward the respective other stack of information carriers. In order to displace the respective front and rear information carriers, the two stacks of information carriers are movable by the displacing mechanism relative to one another in synchronized steps and offset by the thickness of an information carrier. The direction of movement of the movable and displaceable information carriers is reversible by a reversing mechanism. The information carriers of each stack of information carriers are supported at edges thereof in the threads of threaded spindles.

Abstract: An automatic page turning-over apparatus has spacing means for spacing an uppermost sheet original of a book-like original having a bundle of bound sheet originals apart from the remainder of the bundle of sheet originals, wherein, a moving member moves under the uppermost sheet original and turns the uppermost sheet original onto the opposite side of the book-like original. A support means for supporting the spacing means and the moving member, while moving means moves the support means to move the spacing means and the moving member and thereby turn the page.

Abstract: A plurality of different advertising messages is displayed in a mechanical and repetitive manner. The size of the message is determined by the number of moveable panels used. A complete message can be shown on as little as two moveable panels or as many as an even multiple of two panels. Each panel is rectangular in shape and mounted with the long edge vertical. Each pair of panels are moved sequentially, first longitudinally and then transversely until a new message is displayed. The process is repeated sequentially to display each new message in turn. The total number of panels is determined by the number of messages and the size of each message to be displayed with each panel being located on a moveable carrier. The carriers are prevented from twisting and jamming by discrete springs and transfer guides that maintain a preferred relationship of the carrier when being moved.

Abstract: A display device, e.g. for sports stadium or airport, consists of a large array of individual `pixels` representing single dots of a large display. Each `pixel` or display element consists of a number of sets of different colored vanes, some moveable to alter the colors or quality of the light reflected by the element. By using sets of two vanes, each with differently colored areas extending across the vanes transverse to the direction of movement, three distinct color mixes can be provided using two vanes per set, or six distinct mixes using three vanes per set.

Abstract: A display device is provided consisting of a first display panel having a first forwardly facing substantially flat surface carrying a first message to be displayed with a cut in the first display panel to divide the first display plane into a plurality of sections which cooperatively produce the first message, a second display panel having a second forwardly facing substantially flat surface for carrying a second message to be displayed and also having a cut to divide the second display panel into a plurality of separate sections which cooperatively produce the second message, structure for guiding relative movement between the first and second display panels in a predetermined path between first and second relative position for the first and second display panels, structure on the first and second display panels for intermeshing the sections on the first and second display panels with the first and second display panel surfaces facing in the same direction and for causing the first message to be exposed for

Abstract: A system for exchanging and storing window-display posters (1-6) has two storage areas (11,12) in which the posters are movably stored perpendicularly to their surfaces. Transport of the window-display posters between the storage zones is effected through two planes that border on the storage zones. At least one of the planes is arranged for displaying several posters. A conveyor is provided for carrying the posters into and out of the planes, as well as for guiding the posters within the planes.

Abstract: A display device comprising a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix to form a total image display area. Each pixel is comprised of a plurality of sets of two or more vanes with the vanes of each set lying in closely adjacent parallel planes. Driving means is provided for conjointly driving a selected group of corresponding vanes in each set so that the vane forward surfaces are selectively viewable from the front. The vanes in at least one group are colored with a plain color which differs from the color of the vanes in at least one other group.

Abstract: A display apparatus comprises a front stack of superimposed sheets which have cut lines and openings which form horizontally extending strips on the sheets. These strips are interleaved with similarly formed strips in a rear stack of sheets. In the interleaved position, upper portions of the front most sheets in the front and rear stacks are visible and are advantageously pictureless. To display a picture, one of the sheets in each of the front and rear stacks is lifted to expose their upper portions which carry segments of the same picture.

Abstract: A display device for displaying a number of indicia one after another has shaped guide plates (44) to positively guide the suspension rods (4) of viewing sheets (3) around a roller (8) when each suspension rod (4) is engaged by cradles (11). A strap (50) that is rendered resilient by the inclusion therein of a spring (53) extends centrally down the rear of the device and prevents successive suspension rods (4) from becoming detached from the cradles (11) in this region. A gate is provided at the foot of ramps (5) upon which the rods (4) are stacked to ensure that the rods will not become bunched or otherwise entangled on the ramps (5) and that the cradles (11) will positively pick up only one suspension rod (4) at each passage past the gate.

Abstract: A portable impact-resistant athletic numerical indicator display produces highly visible numerals for observation by athletic participants and spectators. The display is provided with a series of shiftable component numeral panels which are connected to a selector lever by a coupling device including a stationary, slotted bar and yoke. The desired numeral to be displayed is presented behind a transparent face in the body by shifting the corresponding selector lever from a first position to a second position to compose the numeral to be displayed from the component panels. The display is conventionally used in contact sports such as football and is constructed to withstand impact with a player or the ground. The display is preferably mounted on a pole and is provided with a layer of padding to protect the playes from injury.

Abstract: Device for the sequential display of images broken up in the form of groups of strips comprising a drive motor and means for cyclically displaying a succession of images. The strips are mounted on movable pallets (4, 57), independent of each other; the pallets (4, 57) are regrouped together according to the relative position of the strip which they carry in the reconstituted image, each group of pallets (4, 57) is guided so that each pallet (4, 57) remains independent of the others, and is guided along a looped track (9, 41).

Abstract: A sign has slat panels mounted for sliding laterally on one side of a base plate and bars having cam followers mounted on the other side. Each bar has a pin, some of which project through slats in the bars and all of which project through slots in the base plate to terminate in a hole in the panels, respectively for driving the panels laterally in response to sequential lateral shifting of the bars. A first driven gear has axially extending cam pins of increasingly greater lengths to engage successive followers and shift the bars and panels to present a series of pictures. A second commonly driven gear has one cam pin which orbits in the opposite direction for periodically engaging all followers simultaneously and driving said bars back to initial position to start a new display cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a cyclic rearrangement of a pile (182) of sheets having a housing (12) with a viewing window (35) and a slider member (14) that can be pulled out of the housing (12) and pushed back into the housing again parallel to the latter, and having a sheet-changing mechanism by means of which one sheet in the pile (182) is retained in the housing while the slider member (14) transports the remainder of the pile out of the housing (12), means being provided for removing the sheet remaining in the housing (12) from the housing (12) through the opening provided in the housing for the slider member (14).

Abstract: Image bearing panels with interleaved strips are slidably carried by a sign base. A motor drives a crank and reciprocating arm with the arm end sequentially engageable with an abutment on each panel to shift the panel and expose the panel image. An obstruction is positionable at the completion of the last panel shifted which causes the arm to move out of its reciprocating path to engage and actuate linkage acting on the panels to collectively reposition the panels preparatory to the start of a viewing sequence.

Abstract: A shuttle display apparatus including a base formed with multiple sets of pairs of parallel lateral tracks connected together on their opposite ends by respective longitudinal shuttle tracks. Display panels are racked together for translinear travel progressively in such lateral tracks to selectively display, in coplanar relationship, the respective front sides of a pair of such panels in one direction and to thereafter selectively display the back sides of such panels in coplanar relationship in the opposite direction. A drive is provided for automatically advancing a pair of panels along a pair of lateral tracks and then shuttling one panel of the pairs to an adjacent pair of lateral tracks to dispose such pair of panels abreast of one another in a coplanar displaying position for displaying composite messages in one direction or another.

Abstract: A working apparatus comprises a plurality of rollers and a control unit for controlling rotation or movement of the rollers. The control unit controls the rollers such that at least one of the rollers is located on the opposite side of the other rollers with respect to a sheet.

Abstract: A sign having several movable panels with the panels each consisting of parallel strips interleaved with the strips of the other panels. The strips of one panel present a composite display when in view. A panel drive mechanism includes an endless motor driven member from which an arm projects and successively engages panel carried abutments located at points along the path of arm travel for panel positioning. Step-like guideways for the arm include inclined segments which divert the arm to cause the arm to disengage a panel abutment to terminate panel movement. Each sign panel is formed with overlapped strips which upon incorporation into a sign forms rows of interleaved panel strips. The composite display of each panel is presented in succession upon retraction of an overlying panel's strips back into a stored row of strips and again upon drawing of the panel strips to be viewed outwardly from their row positions.

Abstract: A slide previewer/tray loader having a holder which is adapted to receive a photographic slide at one end thereof. The holder is initially positioned at an angle above horizontal so that the slide will drop into the holder by force of gravity. When in the initial position, the slide in the holder is illuminated by a back light so that the slide can be previewed and edited. The holder pivots in such a manner that the slide can be moved to a vertical position over a slide tray slot. Means are provided to restrain the slide in the holder during transit from the initial viewing position to the position over the slide tray slot. The restraining means releases the slide to allow it to drop into the tray slot.

Abstract: An illuminated advertising display device produces changing visual effects by placing a panel having a pattern of holes at the front of a light box with some of the holes defining alpha-numeric characters, and reciprocating behind the panel a shutter which has a pattern of transparent spots each of which registers with a hole in the panel at some point in the reciprocation of the shutter, with some of the spots registered simultaneously with all the holes that define the alpha-numeric characters. The panel has a forwardly facing reflective surface, and spaced forwardly of the panel is a light transmitting reflective sheet. If desired, the transparent spots may be tinted in several different colors.

Abstract: A system for displaying a number of pictures, notices, or similar announcements comprises a number of flexible sheets each provided with pictures, notices, etc. and cooperating with respective suspension devices for suspending the sheets in a divided stacker. The suspension devices, for example in the form of pins, project beyond the sheet on either side thereof and the stacker collects the projecting suspension devices so as to store the sheets, preferably hanging vertically. Each sheet is provided with a substantially stiff outer grip member which is gripped and moved by a feed system. The feed system moves the sheet and the suspension member for the respective sheets so as to displace the suspension member to sequentially display successive sheets or the like.

Abstract: A display device having a base, a first display, and a rotary drive for rotating the first display about a preselected rotation axis. Second and third displays are connected to the drive through a suitable connecting structure so as to be moved reciprocably relative to each other while being rotated about the preselected axis concurrently with the first display. The connecting structure may include a control lever which is pivotally mounted with portions at opposite sides of the pivot connected to the second and third displays, respectively, for effecting reciprocal movement thereof toward and from each other. The connecting structure may include a motion translating structure effecting operation of the reciprocating structure as the result of the rotation of the first display about the preselected rotation axis.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a rectilinear sliding panel display used for displaying pictures and/or messages. A plurality of plate assemblies, each comprising a plurality of plates positioned on top of each other, are provided, wherein the assemblies are positioned adjacent to each other. The adjacent visible plates of the assemblies form the picture and/or message. Also provided are a plurality of links corresponding in number to the plurality of plates. The links are positioned behind the rear face of the plate assemblies, wherein each of the links is coupled to one corresponding plate in each of the plate assemblies. A drive means is provided for sequentially operating the links. The drive means comprises a plurality of stacked rings, each of the rings being coupled to one of the links. A shaft means is provided for sequentially engaging each of the rings and for rotating the ring in response to the rotation of the shaft means.

Abstract: An animated display device having illuminating means for projecting uniformly diffused light toward a viewer and means between said illuminating means and the viewer for providing an animated display including a rigid platen having a convex surface with sections of transparent and opaque character, a flexible sheet of film in contact with the convex surface and having translucent images thereon, resilient means tensioning the film over and in full surface contact with the convex platen surface, and a drive mechanism for shifting said film and said platen relative to one another. An adjustment mechanism is associated with the drive mechanism to facilitate angular alignment of the film relative to the platen.