Sliding Patents (Class 40/490)
  • Patent number: 4787162
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the cyclic rearrangement of a pile of rectangular or square sheets, especially a pile (182) of photographic prints, having a first (12) and a second (14) frame part which may be moved relative to one another and parallel to the main plane of the pile, and having means that, on movement of the frame parts backwards and forwards, remove an individual sheet from one end of the pile and add it to the other end of the pile again, these means comprising:(a) a separating means (20, 68, 71) for separating the individual sheet from the pile,(b) a feeding means (22) for feeding sheets to the separating means,(c) retaining means (26, 28, 32, 80) for holding the individual sheet in the first frame part and the remainder of the pile in the other frame part, and(d) a guide means (79) for guiding the separated individual sheet for the purpose of returning it to the other end of the remainder of the pile, wherein the feeding means (22) on the first frame part (12) has a contact face lyin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1988
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4783919
    Abstract: A device for the cyclic rearrangement of a pile of rectangular sheets, especially photographic prints. The device includes first and second frame parts (12, 14), of which one has a viewing window (35) in front of a principal face of the pile. The frame parts can be pulled away from each other and pushed back together again parallel to the plane of this face. A single sheet is removed from one end of the pile when the frame parts are pulled away from each other and returned to the other end of the pile when the frame parts are pushed together. During its movement relative to the window, the sheet facing the window is held spaced from the window by elements on the frame parts which are arranged and designed so that they overlap all edges of the picture but nevertheless render possible the passage of the picture through the gap defined by those elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1988
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4779369
    Abstract: Display apparatus for mounting display members. Each member defines a channel open at at least one end, and preferably open at both ends and having a narrowed mouth in a front face. A support has projections engageable in the end of a channel. Preferably it is elongate, of L-section, with multiple projections on one arm of the L, such that display members of different sizes can engage different numbers. Preferably either arm of the L is mountable to a surface, so that the display members can be either parallel or perpendicular to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Universal Components Limited
    Inventors: Roger W. Hill, Martin L. Hill
  • Patent number: 4776119
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container for a pile of sheets essentially of like format with a housing (12), which has a viewing window (35) exposing to view the uppermost sheet in the pile, and with a slider member (14), which can be pulled out of the housing parallel to the plane of the window, having a front wall (61) essentially flush with one edge of the housing, which wall is joined by side-pieces (44) to a slider member rear wall (20), as well as a grip arrangement (56, 57) that fits-in in the direction of the window (35) from the front wall (61) and comprises a grip top plate or wall part (56) and a grip bottom plate or wall part (57), the outer faces of which are essentially flush with the surrounding outer faces of the housing, and having at least one housing part (627) that extends parallel to the or one of the grip plates and, when the slider member (14) is in the pushed-in state, is covered by this grip plate (57).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4768299
    Abstract: A container for accommodating a stack of pictures is disclosed. The container has a display window, a first chamber for accommodating a single picture at the window, and a second chamber separated from the first chamber wherein the remaining pictures of the stack can be loosely housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4763429
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the cyclic rearrangement of a pile of rectangular or square sheets, especially a pile of photographic prints, having a first and a second frame part which may be moved relative to one another and parallel to the main plane of the pile, and having means that, on movement of the frame parts backwards and forwards, remove an individual sheet at one end of the pile and add it to the other end of the pile again, these means comprising:(a) a separating means to separate the individual sheet from the pile,(b) a feeding means to feed sheets to the separating means,(c) retaining means to hold the individual sheet in the first frame part and the remainder of the pile in the other frame part, and(d) a guide means to guide the separated individual sheet for the purpose of returning it to the other end of the remainder of the pile, wherein as the feeding means there is provided a transporter (22, 404, 420) engaging the sheet to be separated at its rear edge in the direction of transpo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4759142
    Abstract: Apparatus for the cyclic rearrangement of a pile of rectangular or square sheets, especially a pile of photographic prints, is provided. The apparatus has a first and a second frame part which may be moved relative to one another and parallel to the main plane of the pile, and a picture changer which, on movement of the frame parts backwards and forwards, removes an individual sheet at one end of the pile and adds it to the other end of the pile. The picture changer includes a first and a second separating member which, resiliently biased towards each other, define a through-gap which for the entry of the sheet being separated has a spacing greater than the thickness of one sheet and less than the thickness of two sheets, which spacing is, during the outward movement of the frame parts, maintained or reduced to the thickness of the sheet being separated, as appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4756106
    Abstract: The message holder comprises an envelope-like case which is preferably in the form of an elongated, open-faced sheath having a slot at one end thereof through which a plate-like message carrier can be bayoneted into the pocket of the sheath. A releasable detainer such as a tab on the one end portion of the sheath, operate to retain the carrier in the pocket while a message on the same is displayed through the opening in the face of the sheath. Meanwhile, a plurality of adhesive pads on the backside of the sheath enable it to be secured to a surface of a vehicle, to serve as a holder for bumper sticker-type messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Inventor: Philip H. Foster
  • Patent number: 4754564
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the cyclic rearrangement of a pile of rectangular or square sheets, especially a pile of photographic prints, having a first (12) and a second (14) frame part which may be moved relative to one another and parallel to the main plane of the pile, and having means that, on movement of the frame parts backwards and forwards, remove an individual sheet from one end of the pile and add it to the other end of the pile again, these means comprising:(a) a separating means (20/266) for separating the individual sheet (188) from the pile,(b) a feeding means (460) for feeding sheets to the separating means,(c) retaining means (460/20) for holding the individual sheet in the first frame part and the remainder of the pile in the other frame part, and(d) a guide means (386) for guiding the separated individual sheet for the purpose of returning it to the other end of the remainder of the pile, wherein the feeding means and the retaining means for holding the individual sheet are formed
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4691456
    Abstract: A container for accommodating a stack of pictures is disclosed. The container has a display window, a first chamber for accommodating a single picture at the window, and a second chamber separated from the first chamber wherein the remaining pictures of the stack can be loosely housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4682430
    Abstract: A price chip support strip of simplified construction has positive engagement with guide and retention tracks of a strip support frame. Individual price chips are conveniently removed and inserted at the front of the price chip support strip. An effective light seal is assured by the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Plasti-Line, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles F. Ramsay
  • Patent number: 4679339
    Abstract: A price cassette (1) is described which comprises a moulding (2) in which a plurality of parallel wells (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) at least partially open towards the cassette front side and separated from each other by webs (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) are disposed for receiving price and/or information tags (31). The price cassette is provided with a cover (20) which is connected to the moulding and is adapted to be placed against the cassette front side for covering the wells. The cover comprises transparent window areas (22, 23) through which the price and/or information tags can be read. The wells at the moulding are open over their entire length towards the cassette front side and the webs between the wells at least along a portion of their front faces (32) facing the cassette front side are formed in arrowhead shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Esselte Pendaflex Corporation
    Inventor: Norbert Hetzer
  • Patent number: 4679341
    Abstract: A modular display apparatus for receiving and displaying sign panels, in which panel support elements co-operate with elevated ridges and frame overlay members to form sign panel regions in which the sign panels may be deployed. Panel insert slots are formed at one end of the panel sign region where no elevated ridge is positioned, through the overlay of a frame strut; the insert slot serving as an insertion aperture for the facilitated receipt and/or removal of the sign panel. A back cover plate member is integrated into the support panel and insert locking devices are provided to maintain the sign panel in place, within the sign display region, by precluding inadvertent removal through the insert slot. A "stepped" or staggered configuration of a number of such sign panels as well as a back-lit light transmitting embodiment are further described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Mercury Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Goldman
  • Patent number: 4660309
    Abstract: A plurality of flexible strips are included in a changeable character display device. Each strip has a series of display portions that are longitudinally arranged on a strip. A guide panel of the device includes respective pairs of apertures arranged laterally in a row. Each respective pair of apertures is associated with a respective one of the flexible strips. Each flexible strip is arranged to have a viewable display portion situated between the individual ones of the associated pair of apertures whereby the respective displayed portions of the plurality of strips form lateral rows. The non-displayed portions of the respective flexible strips extend rearwardly through the associated pair of apertures. A guide channel member includes a laterally-extending channel that receives the non-displayed portions of the flexible strips and clusters them together in a lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Trans-World Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: John LaRocca
  • Patent number: 4606466
    Abstract: A pegbar display device for presenting packages such as cold cut or cheese packages, or automotive parts, for retailing has a peg support bar and a merchandise peg; the bar is a rectangular tube having a keyhole that is taller than it is wide and with a flat bottom, the bar back member has a corresponding backbore which is directly behind and slightly below the keyhole; the peg has a front body, a toe on the back of the body, a horizontal indexing flat on the bottom of the peg, and lateral abutments between the toe and the index flat; the peg is turned ninety degrees to go into the bar; when in the bar the peg is then turned back ninety degrees and the index flat rests upon the keyhole flat bottom and the abutments engage the inside of the tubular bar to retain the peg in the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1986
    Assignee: Cannon Equipment Company
    Inventor: Howard J. Fredrickson
  • Patent number: 4603924
    Abstract: A support for multiple strips, comprising a casing having identical upper and lower faces with transverse grooves and an alignment hole therein, lugs are provided on at least one side of the casing, the lugs forming female hinge parts, and walls are provided for covering each face of the casing, the walls each having a plurality of transverse webs forming a plurality of slits therebetween, the webs having a T-section along part of their length and a square section along another part of their length, the webs extending into the grooves, the walls having a pin arranged to enter the alignment hole to obtain registry of the wall with its associated casing, the female hinge parts of one casing being operable to cooperate with the female hinge parts of another casing to hingedly connect one casing to another casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Grafoplast S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ivana Piana, Silvano Piana
  • Patent number: 4593486
    Abstract: Pricing modules of the type having precoiled numeric indicia tapes are slidably held in guide channels of a mounting trackway assembly. Additional guide channels in the trackway assembly receive customized alpha indicia strips forwardly of the pricing modules. Pricing module locator notches are provided in wall portions of the trackway assembly to interlock with spring locking elements on each pricing module to properly position each module along the mounting trackway assembly. Multiple sections of the mounting trackway assembly can be provided in interlocking engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Assignee: Plasti-Line, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Visocky, Charles F. Ramsay
  • Patent number: 4550516
    Abstract: Disclosed is a picture viewer for viewing a stack of pictures sequentially through a viewing window. The picture viewer comprises a housing member, a slider member, a bias means for urging the stack of pictures against the viewing window, and an exchange means for sequentially changing the picture that is presented at the viewing window. The exchange means comprises: (a) a retentive element to hold one picture in the housing member when the slider member is moved out of the housing member and (b) a separator bar which pushes the remainder of the stack out of the housing when the slider member is moved out of the housing. To permit relatively smooth operation of the picture viewer, the bias means is mounted on the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4546561
    Abstract: Disclosed is a picture viewer for viewing a stack of pictures sequentially through a viewing window. The picture viewer comprises a housing member, a slider member, a bias means for urging the stack of pictures against the viewing window, and an exchange means for sequentially changing the picture that is presented at the viewing window. The exchange means comprises: (a) a retentive element to hold one picture in the housing member when the slider member is moved out of the housing member and (b) a separator bar which pushes the remainder of the stack out of the housing when the slider member is moved out of the housing. Alignment means are provided to maintain the separated picture in alignment with the remainder of the stack so that jamming does not occur when the separated picture is returned to the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4521984
    Abstract: The parallel rails have a double tee cross section and the leg of the rear T fits into slots in the sides of the frame. When the frame is welded, the rails are captured with the front slots ahead of the frame so menu strips and price modules can be mounted from either end and will mesh with each other or lie over the frame to prevent light leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: General Indicator Corporation
    Inventor: Ledell L. Murray
  • Patent number: 4518208
    Abstract: A cart on casters is provided for dispensing medication to patients as in a nursing home. The cart is provided with a plurality of laterally accessible bins. Each bin is labeled with a patient's identity, and further labels are provided to indicate at what times a given patient is supposed to have medicine. Each bin contains a patient card with medical information on the patient, and also includes one or more medicine containers, such as a blister pack card. One or more holes or recesses is provided in front of each bin in which medicine to be administered at a given time is pre-assembled in one or more paper cups, one cup for pills and the like, and the other for liquid medicine. Additional space is provided in the cart for carrying liquid medicines, non prescription medications, opthalmic solutions, etc. Space is also provided for supporting cups and a water pitcher, a pull out shelf is provided, and another folding shelf is provided, along with a waste container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Inventor: Herbert B. Marder
  • Patent number: 4502188
    Abstract: Belt buckle for selective use with any of a plurality of variously decorated insert panels. Each of the inserts has an outer surface which includes decorative indicia, such as sports emblems, insignias, initials, etc. The buckle includes an outer portion which is in the form of a channel open at its opposite ends to slidingly receive therein a selected one of said decorative panels. The buckle channel is defined by a recessed outer surface or well portion and upwardly extending side walls and inwardly extending flanges. The insert panels are of generally rigid construction and each includes side edges dimensioned to fit in sliding engagement within the side edge channels of the buckle. The undersurface of the panel insert and the recessed outer surface of the buckle have interengageable detent elements for releasably retaining the insert panel within the channel with the end surfaces of the panel generally aligned with the corresponding end surface of the buckle channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Assignee: Buxton, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry L. Kohli
  • Patent number: 4493487
    Abstract: A puzzle comprising a box having an open face and a base wall relative to which a plurality of support elements carrying tiles provided with identification means are movable, against the action of resilient biassing means. Stop means retain the uppermost tiles in correspondence with the open face of the box, while the uppermost tiles are movable onto the support elements of adjacent tiles the latter being pressed down against their biassing means in order to obtain configurations which are determined in dependence upon the identification means carried by the tiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Inventor: Donato Ferrigni
  • Patent number: 4485576
    Abstract: A message display sign is provided which includes a first panel having indicia thereon and appropriately shaped and positioned windows or openings therein. A second panel is provided behind the first panel and includes a second set of indicia. When in a first position, a selected portion of the second set of indicia is visible through the openings of the first panel. The visible portion of indicia from the second panel combined with the indicia on the first panel convey a first meaningful message. When in a second position behind the first panel, a second selected portion of the second set of indicia is visible through the openings in the first panel. This second selected portion combined with the indicia on the first panel convey a second meaningful message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Assignee: The Hopp Press Incorporated
    Inventor: William Greenberger
  • Patent number: 4475300
    Abstract: Front and rear sign board panels are releasably held together in slightly spaced relationship by magnet strips. The strips also cooperate with the panels to define at least one pocket which includes an opening for receiving an indicia bearing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Inventor: Robert L. Ledenican
  • Patent number: 4458434
    Abstract: Container for pictures, especially for photopositives, which is constructed to be at the same time a stand-up or hanging frame or a component of an archive. The container has centering elements by means of which the uppermost picture of a stored pile is completely visible in the viewing window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4413435
    Abstract: A picture displaying frame having a front viewing window, a rear wall behind the displayed picture, a slot along the bottom edge, a swing out prop in the rear wall for standing the frame in upright position, a picture transporting slider in the prop with a picture engaging retentive element to frictionally engage the picture for sliding it out of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Max Baur
  • Patent number: 4387520
    Abstract: A holder for holding thin rigid planar signs includes a base having a trough for receiving and seating an edge of the sign. An essentially planar wall extends from the trough against which the sign is urged by a pressure pad in order to maintain the sign in a stationary position. The pressure pad is mounted in the base and has a plurality of blades projecting essentially normal to and abutting the surface of the planar wall. Upon insertion of the sign in the holders, the blades exert a resulting force on the sign to urge the sign flush against the planar wall. By virtue of the seating of the sign edge in the trough, the sign is prevented from rotation away from the wall and out of the holder as a result of wind forces acting on the sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Inventor: James E. Ahrens
  • Patent number: 4376348
    Abstract: A picture viewer has a housing for a pile of pictures, a window for viewing the pictures, and a slider which is used to transport a picture from one side of the pile and guided to the other side of the pile again as the slider is operated. A retaining device selectively operates to prevent the remainder of the pile from being transported out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1983
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4372069
    Abstract: An identification device that permits the user to maintain on his person a variety of individual bits of information. The device includes a body portion having recesses in which pieces carrying individual bits of information may be inserted at the user's will. Indicia is formed on the pieces and is viewable through suitable means in the body portion. A combined retention device and insertion and removal tool is affixed to the body portion and serves to retain the pieces in the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Inventor: Oliver C. Griffith
  • Patent number: 4372066
    Abstract: A highlighting marker is temporarily secured to a merchandise price display sign panel upon which interchangeable price indicia tags, are positioned, for visually focusing attention to the pricing. The tags have end tabs which are inserted and frictionally held within aligned, spaced apart, raised pockets that are struck out of the panel. The marker has a tongue portion which is closely positioned between an opposed pair of pockets and frictionally gripped between the tag held by those pockets and the panel surface overlapped by that tag. The marker extends laterally beyond one edge of the panel to form an elongated display imprinted portion which visually focuses toward the panel and the price tags thereon. The marker may be formed of a transparent, stiff sheet material so that, from a distance, its display imprint visually appears to be unattached to the panel. Also, the tongue may be cut at an angle relative to the marker display portion to angle the display portion relative to the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Assignee: Shaw & Slavsky, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Slavsky, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4345396
    Abstract: Spring loaded devices for spacing index strips and other components of a visible index with respect to a frame supporting those components and for removably attaching items to or holding them against the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1982
    Inventor: Alexander P. Janssen
  • Patent number: 4344244
    Abstract: A signage system includes a frame including a vertical support plate having horizontal sign mounting flanges on at least one side of the plate. Removable plate-shaped lettering inserts are mounted on the frame by mounting flanges on the back surface of the lettering inserts that mate with the mounting flanges on the support plate. The flanges are engaged by fitting the mounting flanges of the lettering insert endwise on the ends of the mounting flanges for the support plate and sliding the lettering inserts horizontally onto the frame. Removable end caps cover the ends of the frame and lettering inserts, with the end caps including at least two opposed resilient fingers that fit over and press resiliently against the opposite sides of the support plate to hold the end caps on the frame. The end caps are formed by joining together two identical halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1982
    Inventor: Charles R. Tyke
  • Patent number: 4321763
    Abstract: A calendar stand has a tray formed therein. A top surface has windows which register with the trays. A card displaying information passes through the slots and is placed on the trays and magnetically held thereon. The cards can only be removed by a special tool which passes through the slot. Additionally, a pen is provided which is secured to the stand which pen can only be opened with a special tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1982
    Inventor: Norman F. Soucy
  • Patent number: 4262436
    Abstract: A display device such as is used to display information relating to the description and price of goods for sale comprises a facia panel (10) to which is attached one or more cartridges (20) each carrying self-coiling information strips (29,30,31) readily adjustable so that the information regarding the goods may be quickly and easily changed, the attaching means (27,28) provided on the cartridge (20) and the attaching means (13,14,15,16) provided on the facia panel (10) co-operating to provide a push-pull connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Clement
  • Patent number: 4259802
    Abstract: A picture viewer having an enclosure including a housing or frame and a slider movable in the housing, the frame and slider defining a compartment for a pile of pictures, a separator bar or pile transporter in the enclosure, an individual picture transporter accomplishing loosening of an individual picture from the pile and transporting the individual picture away from the pile, the loosening being accomplished by surface retentive means engaging the face of the individual picture at an end of the pile, such retentive means taking any of a number of different forms including forms which adhere, apply suction, are magnetically or electrostatically attractive, or otherwise retentively related to the face of the individual picture, the surface retentive means, in several forms of the invention, accomplishing the transporting function as well as loosening function, and in other forms of the invention the transporting being accomplished by separate transporting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4245417
    Abstract: A picture viewer having a housing to confine a pile of pictures, a slider to be withdrawn and returned to the housing, a viewing window, a pressure plate confronting the window, springs urging the plate toward the window, a retention strip to engage and strip off the picture at the end of the pile upon withdrawal of the slides, a separator strip to retain the pile as the one picture is stripped off, a slidable button on the housing to disable the springs and draw the plate away from the window, and a confining ledge on the slider also drawing the plate away from the window and independently of the slidable button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4242820
    Abstract: A container for confining a pile of pictures and displaying one of the pictures, a housing with a movable part facilitating removal and insertion of pictures, a viewing window, a backing device with a portion engaging and urging the pile of prints toward the window, and a movable spring or latch to hold the backing device against the displayed print, said backing device being released upon actuation of said movable part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1981
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4241528
    Abstract: A picture viewer having a housing to contain a pile of pictures, a slide in the housing, a window in the housing, a pressure plate confronting the window, springs mounting the plate, in certain embodiments biased to press the plate toward the window, and in other embodiments biased to retain the plate away from the window, a control to alternately move the plate against the spring bias or release the plate to alternately apply and relieve pressure on the pile of pictures, the control operating in response to withdrawal and return of the slider and also being manually operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1980
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4241529
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the alternate exposure of individual sheets from a pile of sheets, in particular to a photo-viewing change device, having a bearing face for the sheet edges at one side of a pile of sheets and having an access means or a shifting device for shifting an end sheet of the pile of sheets parallel to its sheet face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1980
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Max Baur
  • Patent number: 4238899
    Abstract: A picture viewer for displaying, progressively, all of the pictures in a stack of pictures, including a housing with a viewing window, picture supporting elements behind the window, a space to confine the pile of pictures behind the supporting elements, a slider in the housing to be withdrawn and then returned, a retention element to strip an individual picture off one end of the stack as the slider is withdrawn from the housing, a separator traversing one side of the stack to engage the side edges of the pictures to allow relative sliding movement between the individual picture and the stack. The supporting elements being movable to drop the displayed picture from the level of the window, and a guide surface directing the individual picture stripped from the stack onto the supporting elements adjacent the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4238898
    Abstract: A picture viewer for displaying, progressively, all of the pictures in a pile of pictures, including a housing with a viewing window, a pile support in the housing beneath the window, leaf springs urging the support toward the window, a spring-disabling control on the housing to disable such springs, a slider to be withdrawn and returned to the housing, a rotary transporter in the housing adjacent the window engaging the top picture in the pile, a driver on the slider to revolve the rotary transporter, and a separator to hold the pile in the housing while the one picture is stripped off and moved out upon withdrawal of the slider, the one picture being pushed back into the housing and under the pile by the slider upon its return, the rotary transporter being non-revolving or spaced from the pile during slider return.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: 4184277
    Abstract: A name plate assembly having invisible locking means requiring the use of an externally applied magnet.The name plate assembly includes the use of a base member having one or more dovetailed type rails on one face and a game plate having corresponding dovetail recesses for slidingly engaging with the rails of the base member. Mounted on the base member is a first magnet means which normally engage with the name plate to hold the name plate locked securely on the base member. The magnet means can only be disengaged from the name plate by the application to the assembly of a second magnet means withdrawing the first magnet means from locking engagement with the name plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1980
    Assignee: Emboss-O-Prestige LTEE
    Inventor: Jean Larin
  • Patent number: 4171584
    Abstract: Sign assembly which can be readily set up and changed to display different information. The assembly includes a generally planar body with suction cups for securing the assembly to a mounting surface. Indicia carrying sign cards are removably mounted in slots formed by ribs on the body, and in one preferred embodiment the assembly is packaged as a kit with a number of different sign cards arranged in perforated sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1979
    Assignee: Wells Fargo and Company
    Inventor: Frank C. Kaiser
  • Patent number: 4131777
    Abstract: Pushbuttons which are especially useful in illuminating pushbutton electrical switches are provided which have a hollow housing with an open face and sides extending inwardly from said face to an open rear end wherein said face constitutes a frame in which one or more separate resilient flat sheet-like display inserts or colored filters are mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1978
    Assignee: Switchcraft, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Bailey, Vernon W. Lavigne
  • Patent number: 4129857
    Abstract: A portable emergency signaling device includes a relatively lightweight hollow housing having an opening therein, a translucent message board slidably mounted on the housing across the opening thereof, a clock dial mounted on the housing for use in association with the message board, a first light source mounted within the housing and disposed behind the message board for effecting illumination thereof, and at least one second light source mounted on the housing and serially connected to a flasher for signaling a blinking distress signal. The first light source and the second light source and flasher are connected in parallel and are coupled to an electrical power source and a switch is provided for activating and deactivating the device. The device is specifically intended as an automobile emergency aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1978
    Inventor: Albert Espinosa
  • Patent number: 4114166
    Abstract: A self-developing camera for exposing, processing, viewing and storing self-developing film units, preferably of the small format transparency type. The camera includes a storage chamber for receiving a supply cassette holding a stack of film units therein, an exposure station, a processing or pressure applying station, and a storage chamber for receiving a storage cassette in which the film units are stored after exposure and the application of a compressive pressure thereto. A movably mounted film viewer on the camera is operative to move a processed film unit out of the storage cassette for viewing and back into the storage cassette for storage without the user of the camera having to manually handle or manipulate the film unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1978
    Assignee: Polaroid Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Driscoll, Richard R. Wareham
  • Patent number: RE32528
    Abstract: Container for pictures, especially for photopositives, which is constructed to be at the same time a stand-up or hanging frame or a component of an archive. The container has centering elements by means of which the uppermost picture of a stored pile is completely visible in the viewing window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: RE32738
    Abstract: Disclosed is a picture viewer for viewing a stack of pictures sequentially through a viewing window. The picture viewer comprises a housing member, a slider member, a bias means for urging the stack of pictures against the viewing window, and an exchange means for sequentially changing the picture that is presented at the viewing window. The exchange means comprises: (a) a retentive element to hold one picture in the housing member when the slider member is moved out of the housing member and (b) a separator bar which pushes the remainder of the stack out of the housing when the slider member is moved out of the housing. To permit relatively smooth operation of the picture viewer, the bias means is mounted on the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1988
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret
  • Patent number: RE32766
    Abstract: A picture viewer having a housing to confine a pile of pictures, a slider to be withdrawn and returned to the housing, a viewing window, a pressure plate confronting the window, springs urging the plate toward the window, a retention strip to engage and strip off the picture at the end of the pile upon withdrawal of the slides, a separator strip to retain the pile as the one picture is stripped off, a slidable button on the housing to disable the springs and draw the plate away from the window, and a confining ledge on the slider also drawing the plate away from the window and independently of the slidable button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Licinvest AG
    Inventor: Peter Ackeret