Abstract: A display device, comprising a central shaft; at least one support arm, rotatably attached to the central shaft; and a cam member having at least one cam surface, the cam surface positioned so as to be engageable with at least one support arm, the cam member being movable at least axially in relation to central shaft. As the cam member moves axially of the central shaft, a cam surface contacts at least one support arm and moves it circumferentially around the central shaft. The shapes of the cam surfaces provide choreographed movement of the support arms. Visual elements may be attached to the support arms.

Abstract: A display device, comprising a central shaft; at least one support arm, rotatably attached to the central shaft; and a cam member having at least one cam surface, the cam surface positioned so as to be engageable with at least one support arm, the cam member being movable at least axially in relation to central shaft. As the cam member moves axially of the central shaft, a cam surface contacts at least one support arm and moves it circumferentially around the central shaft. The shapes of the cam surfaces provide choreographed movement of the support arms. Visual elements may be attached to the support arms.

Abstract: Accordingly, a display system is provided whereby visual elements can be independently transported not only around but also parallel to the display axis. The display comprises a central shaft; carriages mounted along the length of this shaft; and visual elements borne by the carriages. Each carriage has a circumferential drive train which can propel it around the shaft, and an axial drive train engageable with a visual element such that the visual element can be passed generally parallel to the shaft from one carriage to an axially adjacent carriage. Ideally, the system is controlled by a computer system which may be programmed to move the carriages and visual elements in complex configurations.