Abstract: A force-orienting display assembly comprising a number of display segments rotatably mounted on a movable surface, the display segments positioned proximally to each other, in a manner which reassembles picture segments to display a number of properly oriented, non-inverted pictures in a plurality of viewing orientations, where the mounting surface comprises a drum or a flat vertical surface is disclosed.

Abstract: Described are robotic signs comprising: a sign post; an arm movably attached to the sign post, the arm having a positioning apparatus configured to allow the arm to rotate independently and contiguously around the sign post, the arm having at least one face comprising an electronic display configured to present display items; and a communication element configured to receive display item information from a remote administration application, the display item information comprising a direction and a description; wherein upon presenting a display item, an arm rotates to indicate the direction and displays the description. Also described are software applications for configuring the robotic signs, networks of the robotic signs, and advertising systems utilizing the robotic signs.

Abstract: A mirror ball adapted to engage the socket of a ceiling mounted electric light fixture in order to be suspended and powered therefrom. A tubular stem having a proximal portion threaded in the manner of an Edision screw is provided extending downward from the fixture to a lower base. A lightweight mirrored sphere or globe having a void through its (vertical) polar axis is rotatably engaged on the stem and retained in place by the lower base which houses power systems, a controller and a motor engaged to an annular gear at the lower pole of the mirrored sphere in order to slowly rotate the globe. A power supply is used to reduce line voltage to 12 v DC to drive the motor and operate one or more LED lighting elements directed at the mirrored surface and mounted at the ends of one or more arms radiating from the lower housing.

Abstract: An information display system for a conveying device, the information display system comprising a driving mechanism, a flexible display loop driven by the driving mechanism to travel in a closed loop, and an image forming module configured to provide media to at least a section of the flexible display loop.

Abstract: A rotating panel display includes a rotating panel element, a base structure that is connected to the rotating panel element, and a control system for rotational control of the rotating panel element. The rotating panel element includes a frame having at least one display side, an internal light source, and at least one transparent display surface on the display side. The frame rotates about an axis of the rotating panel element. The control system includes a position indicator system to provide position information to control the distance of rotation of the frame. The position indicator system includes fixed structures positioned internally in the frame which do not rotate with the frame and frame structures connected to the frame which rotate with the frame. The fixed structures and frame structures periodically interacting with one another as the frame rotates to cause position information to be communicated to the control system.

Abstract: A portable, sturdy LCD TV is disclosed. The LCD TV is further constructed as a waterproof device and is equipped with an antenna so that the LCD TV, in addition to be used indoors as a computer monitor or TV, is also suitable for outdoor use.

Abstract: A multi-faceted, rotatable promotional display device for being retained relative to a vehicle for enabling the perception of multiple promotional messages from a single vantage point. A display casing with multiple display surfaces is rotatably retained relative to a base structure. Promotional messages are displayed relative to the display surfaces, and a drive arrangement rotates the display casing relative. The display casing can have a square, triangular, or other cross section. The base structure can have a cup portion with a raised peripheral ridge, and a shell can envelope the display casing. The display surfaces can be electronic display screens or light transmissive panels. A light source can be disposed within the display casing. A drive motor can be powered by a battery, a photovoltaic array, or a wind turbine. A clutch or a force sensor can prevent the application of excessive rotational force.

Abstract: A menu display device having a plurality of rotatable multiple-sided display members is provided. The displays are independently rotatable to a desired side and have a locking mechanism that prevents unauthorized rotation of the multiple-sided display member.

Abstract: A multi-purpose holiday display light box that is equipped with an interchangeable holiday indicia for use as a lawn ornament or decoration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method of its use to temporarily or permanently display decorations, signs or lighting. The device is especially suited for displaying from a structure, such as under the eave of a house. The inventive device is capable of conveniently rotating an attached display or lighting arrangement in and out of view, at will. It is particularly useful for the permanent display of holiday decorations, including string-lights and to display them during the holidays but remove them from sight during the remainder of the year.

Abstract: A rotatable display box comprising, a signage body and mount to engage this to a fixed structure in a manner to allow the signage body to be rotatable about an axis of rotation and relative to said fixed structure. The signage body includes at least two display sides. A cam and the other is a cam follower are included. The cam has a surface including a number of cam surface depressions corresponding to the number of regions at or from which signage is or can be presented, said cam surface depressions located at intervals about said axis or rotation corresponding to the number of display sides of the signage box to which said rotation is to be biased to. The biasing to such locations is encouraged by the biasing of said cam follower towards the cam surface of said cam.

Abstract: A portable light-emitting display device having one or more rotating members including one or more light sources mounted or otherwise affixed thereto. The one or more rotating members are coupled to a motor. The motor and the light sources are each electrically coupled to one or more controllers, which control the speed at which the motor rotates the one or more rotating members and controls a lighting frequency and/or an intensity of all or one or more of the light sources or any combination thereof, to create a visual effect.

Abstract: A reliable, rotating, illuminated advertising display unit that utilizes independent display modules housing lights and advertising material. These are easily removed from the base unit for shipping, assembly, and replacement. Optionally, AMLCD, plasma, or similar flat-panel displays may be used in the display modules. The display modules surround a hollow central compartment that may be used for storing, collecting, or displaying products such as food or beverages, or as a trash container. Power is transmitted from the base via a slip ring to the lighting contained in the display modules so as to display advertising or similar matter. The rotational capability is provided via a motor, a gearing arrangement, a central tapered roller bearing, and rollers. The unit's power is provided by AC power when available, or by utilizing a fuel cell, e.g., a proton exchange membrane (PEM), methanol solid oxide, photovoltaic cells, battery, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: A viewing assembly, viewing system, and method of use are provided. The viewing assembly and system and method of use provide images that may be viewed from any position orthogonal to, and from a plurality of positions oblique to, the axis on which a substantially planar viewing assembly may be rotated. The assembly and method allow viewers to view images from any position 360 degrees around the viewing assembly.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a flash card unit, including: a housing; receiving means to receive in the housing a flash card having thereon at least first and second graphics; illuminating apparatus disposed in the housing to selectively illuminate at least one of the first and second graphics; the first graphic including a problem to be solved; and the second graphic including an answer to the problem.

Abstract: A three-message sign having internal light source has an array of side-by-side triangular sign elements. Each of the triangular sign elements has three transparent display surfaces with three apices joining the three transparent display surfaces into the triangular sign element. The transparent display surfaces permit the array to display a discrete message when the array of triangular sign elements is simultaneously rotated to present the display surfaces for a single message. Each of the side-by-side triangular sign elements has a internal light source extending from at least one end of the triangular sign element across the transparent display surfaces of the triangular sign element. Transparent and opposed U-shaped holders are placed along edges of the transparent display surfaces, each transparent and opposed U-shaped element defining an indentation for trapping the edges of translucent message display strips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a three-dimensional image is provided. The system uses one or more laser beams directed at one or more mirrors. Each mirror is flexibly attached to the vibrating portion of a transducer such as a speaker, the transducer being coupled to a signal source. Suitable signal sources include radio and television tuners, CD players, tape decks, VCRs, musical instruments with suitable signal outputs, and signal generators. The laser beam(s) reflected by the mirror(s) is directed at a rotating viewing surface, the viewing surface being semi-transparent. Due to the rotation of the viewing surface, a three-dimensional image is formed that can be viewed from multiple angles.

Abstract: An art paper designed to facilitate the creation of kinetic art works. The term “kinetic art” refers to paintings or pictures, which have been designed to be shaped in a pleated manner and displayed in 3 dimensions to afford the viewer different images dependant upon the viewer's position in relation to the art. Kinetic art paper consists of a repeated pattern of long vertical strips of equal size separated by channels which define the precise location of where folds should be made to form a uniform pattern of pleats. The channels aid in the folding process. Image information is placed on the vertical strips, either through a manual painting or coloring process or through the use of a computer assisted printing program.

Abstract: A drive-by restaurant illuminated rotating menu order stand is formed by an upright housing having a translucent part-circular wall end portion and is mounted on a support by an opposite bifurcated end wall. A menu supporting cylinder axially mounted upright in the part-circular end is angularly rotated by a motor. Lamps within the housing and cylinder illuminate the menu and housing.

Abstract: A lighted, rotatable display device for presenting advertising or other information is disclosed which includes a hollow transparent member supported for rotation on a drive motor. The drive motor includes a shaft extending into the hollow member and a light bulb is mounted on the shaft. Light from the light bulb makes information on the surface of the hollow member visible as the hollow member rotates.

Abstract: The device comprises a base member, a transparent outer tubular member which is fixed to the base member. It also comprises a transparent inner tubular member and a revolving inner tubular member holder to mount the inner tubular member in spaced relationship with respect to the outer tubular member. The revolving member is mounted on the base member so as to permit rotation of the revolving inner tubular member holder and of the transparent inner tubular member. Mounting strips or the like are provided to mount translucid advertising sheets on the inner tubular member, and a lighting system is arranged to direct light against the translucid advertising material so as to enable the advertising material to be observed through the transparent tubular member. A container such as a waste box may be placed in the space provided inside the inner tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention is an air circulating fan which creates optical displays. The fan comprises a housing in a generally circular configuration with a central axis. Also provided is a propeller formed of a plurality of blades mounted for rotational movement within the housing about an axis of rotation coincident with the central axis of the housing, the blades have exposed surfaces with fluorescent paint thereon. A light source is located within the housing in operative proximity to the blades disseminating light from the blades. Further included is a drive mechanism to rotate the blades and a power source to illuminate the light source.

Abstract: An illuminated three message sign is provided with improved illumination from the exterior of the vanes at the apices away from the sign surface exposed for message display. The sign has a message display side and an array of triangular rotating sign message displays. Each of the three sides of the triangular message displays in combination a message with corresponding sides of the other sign message displays. When the array of triangular sign message displays has the message surfaces of one of the arrays parallel to the display side, the sequential message is displayed. The apices of the sign message displays are each provided with cylindrical lenses. These cylindrical lenses register to slit light sources. By the expedient of providing a slit light source for each rotating message display, sequential illumination is provided as each message of the array rotates for viewer presentation.

Abstract: The pet toy projects a moving image into a room, as determined by a computer chip, so that a pet may be entertained by the moving image without requiring a person to be in the room to move the image. The pet toy comprises an upright housing containing batteries and supported by a heavy base with a ball bearing unit at the top of the housing. The ball bearing unit has a lamp unit attached thereto. A plurality of glass units with various cut-outs that may be removably attached to the lamp unit so that the glass units may be used to change the image projected by the lamp unit. A control unit contained in the housing controls the speed of the rotatable ball bearing unit to control the speed of the moving light image.

Abstract: A rotary unit and illumination unit for a 3-side variable advertisement display board is disclosed. It has a frame made up of a lower groove and two lateral hollow tubes and fixed to a supporting leg by welding. Light tubes are fixed inside triangular hollow columns by rubber pads screwed to an upper member. A cross-head shaft passing through the worms of a worm gear disposed inside a lower supporting member and connected to a rectangular axle on top of the lower supporting member, is joined to a gearing wheel which driven by a driving wheel actuated by a motor, will cause the movement of the cross-head shaft, resulting in the rotation of the triangular hollow columns. An ultra-red ray sensor is used to signal the stop movement of the triangular hollow columns, a timer and a rectifier are used to preset and control the regular movement of the triangular hollow columns.

Abstract: The sign (10) includes a plurality of elongated louvers (170) arranged parallel to one another in a cylindrical array to form a carousel (30) of louvers rotatable about a central axis (15). Each louver (170) is rotatable about is own length to display different images, with the images of adjacent louvers being coherent to form a progressive coherent image about the carousel, and the louvers are turned on their own axes in timed relationship with respect to one another, either simultaneously or progressively, to change the images. Sign (10) has a circular frame (30) which is rotatably supported on a support base (20). Frame (30) has twelve panel frames (36) which are interconnected to form one rigid circular frame assembly (30) about central axis (15). Three drive wheel assemblies (70) are provided for rotating advertising sign (10) about central axis (15).

Abstract: A revolving backlit sign having a continuous translucent medium which engages the perimeter of a plurality of translucent drive rollers, the drive rollers being rotated by a drive band associated with an electric motor, and one or more light sources located within the perimeter of the drive rollers. A housing is also provided which encloses the drive rollers and continuous medium.

Abstract: Rectangular transparency panels form the sides of triangular units that are lighted from within. A gear train drives the units in synchronism. A base housing has a plurality of parallel aligned round posts projecting upwardly from it. The posts have a bore in which the lower end of a tubular lamp resides. Annular recesses around the posts have ring bushings in them. Gears having axially upwardly and downwardly projecting hub portions rotate concentrically to but not directly on the posts. The downwardly projecting hub portion has an annular shoulder that imparts a thrust load to the bushing and the hub extends through the bushing to be journaled for rotation. A gear cover arranged above the posts contains similar bushings that journal the upper hub portions and accept upward thrust load. The upper hub portions of the gears have axial slots.

Abstract: A display apparatus for showing a number of different display images. The apparatus includes a housing and a plurality of triangular display elements mounted therein. Each of the display elements includes a first, second and third major sides, and is suspended for rotation about an axis, the axes of rotation of the elements arranged in a plane. Each of the first, second and third major sides each have a first and second edge, the first and second edge including a slide panel for inserting a display segment therein. The apparatus also includes a vertical blind track for mounting the plurality of elements, and a motor coupled to the vertical blind track for powering rotation of the elements. Also provided is a plurality of illumination sources, one of said plurality associated with each of said plurality of display elements, mounted at the base of each of said elements.

Abstract: A sign in which multiple scenes are presented in sequence is comprised of a plurality of juxtaposed rotationally driven display units that are assembled with triangularly-shaped hollow sleeves whose side panels are constituted by transparencies on each of which there is a portion of a different complete scene. There are adapters on the upper and lower ends of the display units which have bushings for allowing the juxtaposed display units to be journaled for rotation on a stationary light transmissive tubes that serves as axles. The tubes are retained at their lower ends in a row of equally spaced apart and colinear bores and they are retained at their upper ends by a plate which also has a corresponding row of bores that provide for stabilizing the upper ends of the tubes and for maintaining them in perfect alignment and spacing.

Abstract: A display sign of considerable brightness for prominently displaying a name or message. In one form, the sign is formed in an elongate, rectangular fashion, while in another form, the sign is formed in an elongate, rotatable cylinder. In either form of the sign, the light source extends substantially the length of the sign, and a reflector is poised behind the light source for enhancing illumination.

Abstract: A rotatable picture frame apparatus which is made up of a plurality of picture frames, a turntable for supporting the picture frames, a casing for supporting the turntable and a base for supporting the casing. The apparatus contains a motor which is connected to the turntable by a rotating shaft and a switch for turning the motor on and off. The apparatus may contain its own electrical supply in the form of batteries contained in the casing or it may be adapted to be connected to an external power source.

Abstract: A display is disclosed which produces multiple visual displays in an intermittent manner which includes a display housing having a perimeter wall which is transparent during visual display and is an opaque mirror between visual displays. The perimeter wall of the display housing is a composite structure which preferably includes a transparent cylindrical substrate which is coated with an optical film and an opaque mask which defines display windows. Multiple visual displays are produced by a rotating display base which carries rows of rotating display elements. Preferably, the display elements are elongated triangular elements having three image faces which bear images which create the visual displays. The triangular display elements are arranged in a triangular configuration wherein the rows intersect one another at acute angles and are carried by the rotating base. The rotating base includes three display positions and each of the triangular elements includes three display positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting and displaying banners or like non-rigid media. The display apparatus employs at least three display frames which are rotatable about an illuminated central axis of rotation. Each of the display frames comprises a structure for mounting banners or other non-rigid display media formed to be received within the display frames. Receiving apertures are uniformly disposed about each display frame. The media to be displayed is stretched across the frame and secured to the receiving apertures in a manner which will place the banner under uniform tension across its entire surface. Each supporting element of the display frames is coupled to an independently pivoting cover member having a width sufficient to extend beyond and obscure the receiving apertures from view.

Abstract: A flip-type display sign having a plurality of parallel louvers mounted in a frame utilizes flexible fabric louver covers to define the faces of the louvers, with the louver covers being supported on a plurality of cables, extending between a pair of end caps held in spaced relation by a lightweight tubular frame. The fabric covers may be independently removed or replaced or may be internally illuminated.

Abstract: A base is provided for horizontally supporting a magnetic tape cassette with its tape access door held open. Magnetic tape from the cassette is threaded around a plurality of removable guide posts and is held horizontally within an elongate recess by a pair of hingedly mounted clasps. A groove extends diagonally across the recess for permitting a cutting implement to slice through the length of tape aligned in the recess. Wrinkled segments of tape are removed by feeding the tape to the appropriate location in the recess, closing the clasps and making the necessary cuts. The cut ends of the good tape are then abutted in alignment within the recess. A splicing key guided by detents in the base is used to affix the adhesive layer of a splicing tab over the abutting cut ends to thereby splice the tape together. The base is formed with a plurality of receptacles for holding accessories such as the removable guide posts, a screwdriver, a pair of scissors, and a knob for rotating the reels of the tape cassette.

Abstract: A toy television receiver has a light-diffusing screen curved about a small light bulb, approximating a punctiform source of radiation, which transluminates a transparent carrier of positive images such as an endless film strip or a string of slides. The carrier can be manually advanced by being mounted on one or two reels or on a drum rotatable with the aid of a knurled wheel, which projects from the housing of the device, or by being juxtaposed with an externally manipulable pressure roller.

Abstract: An improved indicia display apparatus particularly useful for displaying indicia indicating the number of down to be played in football competition and locating the position of the ball along the sideline, for example, the apparatus comprising an opaque outer cylinder with a domed top and bottom, with three evenly spaced openings, said outer cylinder fitting over a translucent inner cylinder with two rows of printed indicia. Illumination within the inner cylinder is attached to a center pole that attaches to the domed top of the outer cylinder by a male and female plastic threaded screw fittings. The inner cylinder having a sleeve that slides up and down and rotates on the center pole for selecting desired indicia representing chosen down. Top dome and bottom dome of the outer cylinder are attached to outer cylinder body with metal screws for securing assembly together and removing to replace illuminating device.

Abstract: A menu display is provided having a plurality of independent, rotatable exhibitor units. The exhibitor units are placed edge to edge to form an exhibiting surface. Each exhibitor unit includes a plurality of pictorial display panels which form a prism-like housing in which is contained a light source. The light source is preferably coaxial with the axis of rotation of the exhibitor unit. The exhibitor units may rotate upon a tongue and groove structure or upon roller bearings. Display panels not in the exhibiting surface are stored in the exhibitor unit. A pictorial display may be fixed to the display panel housing using electrostatic attraction provided by plastic sheets having electrostatic properties. An elevated embodiment of the menu display is provided with a recessed, elevated base. The recessed base allows changing of insertable exhibitor sheets from below a display assembly without the use of a ladder.

Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating color print photographs in which a light source is mounted along the axis of rotation of a display cabinet having transparent or translucent upstanding sides on which are mounted color photograph prints so that light from the light source passes through the color photo prints and creates a glowing pictorial display.

Abstract: This invention is a combination of known elements for a new use. This is an adaptation of the old shadow light principle coupled with time to cause three different light apertures to be aligned in a lighted window effect, thereby indicating a previously programmed marking to remind the owner of hourly, daily or weekly radio, television programs, appointments or meetings.

Abstract: Light is directed at a liquid crystal display with the aid of a Fresnel mirror. With the liquid crystal display upright, the mirror is placed in front of, and slightly below it, so that light from overhead is reflected at the display by the mirror's facets.

Abstract: A piece of jewelry for indicating mood and usable as a pendant or the like in the form of a miniature traffic light having three apertures of substantially the same size spaced in vertical alignment with one another and having a cylindrical inner surface. A carrier having a mating cylindrical surface is fitted inside of the housing. The carrier includes three vertically stacked sections colored red, amber and green which are relatively movable with respect to the housing and indexably arranged for selective individual viewing through the respective top, middle and bottom apertures. For moving the carrier it has an operator which extends through the housing for convenient fingertip manipulation to a color condition which depends upon the mood of the wearer. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the selected color is brought into register with the corresponding aperture by peripheral shifting, whereas in an alternate embodiment the desired color is brought into a condition of register by axial shifting.

Abstract: A machine is provided for use by draftsmen, illustrators and artists in making various axonometric or three dimensional drawings, such as isometric, dimetric, trimetric as well as perspective views. The machine includes a flat working surface which supports drafting paper or the like placed thereon. Provided along the borders of the working surface and visible to the draftsman are changeable construction guide lines along with ellipse angle selection data by use of which the draftsman may prepare various types of three dimensional views. The construction guide reference lines in one embodiment are provided by means of a printed chart on a roll which moves under the working surface, and by moving the chart in one direction or the other the reference lines may be moved according to the requirements of the drawing to be made.

Abstract: An intelligence display apparatus comprising:(a) an envelope comprising a substantially transparent faceplate:(b) illumination means for directing light toward said faceplate:(c) an intelligence selection element disposed between said faceplate and said illumination means, said selection element comprising first regions substantially transparent to said light and second regions substantially opaque thereto, said first and second regions having respective widths in the ratio of about 6:7 to about 8:9;(d) an intelligence storage element comprising a plurality of discrete and different sets of intelligence, said storage element being disposed between said selection element and said illumination means, said sets individually comprising a plurality of bits respectively embodying different portions of said intelligence, such that said bits of each set collectively comprises a composite of the intelligence of said set, each one being totally opaque, totally transparent, partially opaque and partially transparent to

Abstract: An atom demonstrator, particularly for the electrons, including a globe having spaced light bulbs on its surface. When the globe is rotated about two perpendicular axes simultaneously by a double gimbal or double yoke construction in a dimly lit room, the glowing bulbs scribe vivid curvilinear paths representing electron motion.

Abstract: An indicator for a taxi-cab, the indicator having a plurality of different displays to be shown through a window, there being control means in the vehicle to control which display is visible through the window.