Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods of measuring relative pressure based on the displacement of a Cartesian diver are provided. Within the system, various designs of divers, as well as a variety of measurement methods implementing such systems and apparatus, are illustrated. The systems and methods described herein are directed to precise pressure measurements traceable to the SI through the vertical displacement of a ludion within a two fluid system. The system is selectively optimized to ensure the buoyancy and mass of the ludion as well as the density of the gases and fluids involved are known and controlled.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for utilizing dual use packaging, particularly ornamental packaging containing a pet-related product as would be used with an aquarium. The ornamental container is filled with a pet-related product such as fish food. The fish food is selectively dispensed from the container until depleted. The container is then utilized as a decorative ornament in an aquarium. Ballast may be added to the ornamental container before being submerged in the aquarium. The ornamental container may resemble a lighthouse, a treasure chest, a rock sculpture, a wall block, a submarine, or a vase.

Abstract: An aqueous novelty apparatus operable to provide a visual effect of a forward motion using a first liquid and a second liquid that are immiscible. The apparatus further includes a support frame having a base and a first vertical support and a second vertical support. The support frame is operable to suspend a vessel in an angular orientation. The vessel has an interior volume that is substantially hollow having the first liquid and second liquid disposed therein. A pumping system is operably coupled to the vessel and in fluid communication with the first liquid and in conjunction with the angular orientation of the vessel promotes the flow of the first liquid from one end of the vessel to a second end. A flow path disruption member shaped as a boat is disposed within the vessel and engages the flow path and results in the appearance of forward motion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method by which a transparent object can be manufactured, in which transparent object an inclusion is arranged. A spherical object can be a substantially two-dimensional or three-dimensional object. The method includes the following steps, to be performed in suitable sequence, of: a) providing two complementary halves of the object such that at least one of two contact surfaces of the respective halves to be directed toward each other has a central recess which also forms a boundary of a cavity for accommodating at least a part of the inclusion; b) arranging at least said part of the inclusion in said recess; and c) mutually adhering the two halves, for instance by means of the parts of the two contact surfaces extending around the central recess, in order to form the object.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multipurpose advertisement device, with a carrier frame (1) comprising one or more border parts (2, 2′) with an information carrying outer surface (2c) and with a primary information carrying means (4) for the displaying of characters and/or figures and/or other symbols for attracting attention. The primary information carrying means (4) have magnetic first connecting means (4a). Within the device there is a movable, rotating second connecting means (5b), with an attracting magnetic force between the first and second connecting means (4a, 5b). The primary information carrying means (4) is movably positioned on the outer surface (2a) of the device, and the second connecting means (5b) is positioned within the device in the proximity of the first connecting means (4a).

Abstract: An ornamental liquid container for creating dynamic views is provided. The container mainly includes a hollow housing divided into top, middle and bottom chambers and a base connected to and separated from the bottom chamber by an elastic and soft diaphragm. The top and the bottom chambers communicate with each other via a hollow tube extended through the middle chamber, so that colored water can be stored in the bottom chamber and move into the top chamber via the hollow tube and clear oil can be stored in the middle chamber and the hollow tube above the colored water. A cam is mounted in the base and rotated by a driving unit to intermittently pat the diaphragm above it, causing the diaphragm to locally project into the bottom chamber and compress the colored water therein to move into the top chamber via the hollow tube and then drips down into the middle chamber to move along a water dispensing member and produce dynamic views in the hollow housing.

Abstract: An illusory liquid apparatus is disclosed which provides the illusion of an item appearing and disappearing. An illusory item is suspended in a translucent or opaque fluid, and raised and lowered to alternatively be visible at the top of the fluid, and hidden under the surface of the fluid. Also disclosed is a new means for moving the illusory item by means of magnetic attraction. A magnetic attractor is placed in the illusory item, and magnetic attraction is used to raise and lower the illusory item. Alternatively, liquid may be moved to alternatively cover a fixed illusory item and then reveal it, or a mechanical linkage used to raise and lower the illusory item in the liquid. A new configuration for an illusory liquid apparatus is also disclosed in which the completely sealed outer body and inner vessel of the illusory liquid apparatus avoids the use of complex mechanical linkages.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a deep U-shaped vortex, with the vortex being of sufficient height to include a relatively large air well in its center. The apparatus may be used as an amusement park ride, wherein it comprises an observation platform, a large vessel partially filled with liquid, and an impeller to rotate the liquid within the vessel and thereby create a vortex of liquid within the vessel. When the vortex is created, an air well develops in the center of the vessel, with the air well being of sufficient size to allow the entry of the observation platform therein, with the observation platform being surrounded below and at its sides by the rotating liquid, but without coming into contact with the rotating liquid.

Abstract: A bubble device for simulating the flow of liquid through a transparent tube, the device including an upper reservoir, a lower reservoir, a bubble generation section, a bubble refining section and an interconnecting transparent tube containing a volatile liquid therein. When the lower reservoir is heated and the upper reservoir is cooled, the volatile liquid is driven from the lower reservoir by the presence of heated vapor of the volatile liquid. Eventually, the heated vapor expands to the bubble generation section whereby bubbles are generated and caused to pass through the bubble refining section to break up the bubbles into smaller bubbles which travel upward through the transparent tube. A control circuit is used to maintain a constant temperature differential between the upper and lower reservoirs in order to ensure the proper and continued operation of the device.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a magnetic toy fish. The method comprises conformally joining two premolded plastic half-shell sections containing a magnetic member and a counterweight, and applying sonar energy across the joints to permanently join the half-shell sections together and form the fish.