Abstract: A point-of-purchase display assembly or signage includes gear discs which rotate about parallel axes and have light transforming material disposed on their outer faces. The discs are rotated (at about 10-20 rpm) to continuously change the visual perception by an observer of the light transforming material. The light transforming material may be holographic or diffraction material, or patterned metallized foil. Modules of the gears are mounted in a linear support, or in channels in a bar or plate, and are covered by a lens. Alternatively, a number of gears/discs may be connected together by chain links. All of the elements are preferably of plastic.

Abstract: A holographic diffraction media is disposed on a physical object in a highly visible position so as to enhance the human visibility of the object, and therefore the safety of humans using or associated with the object. The media may be a piece of thin plastic (polyester) film with an adhesive backing, with a release paper that is removed when it is desired to attach the film to the object. The object may be a road marker, road sign, a paved road itself (i. e. the holographic media may be a lane divider or a side strip for the road), a spoked wheel, a tire with a hubcap or wheel cover, a propeller, a safety vest, or a jogging shoe (affixed to the upper heel exterior of the shoe). The holographic diffraction media is inexpensive, light weight, and is more visible in environments with low and/or diffuse light than are reflectors.

Abstract: An adjustable seat crutch for relieving stress on the lower spine and buttock region during prolonged periods of sitting. The device includes at least one vertically and horizontally adjustable crutch support member for attachment to the upright back portion of a seat, and designed for engagement with one or both underarms of a user to support at least a portion of the upper body weight.

Abstract: As assembly for the merchandising of products utilizing a solar cell mounted directly onto an incandescent or fluorescent light bulb so that the cell receives the light directly from the light bulb. A d.c. motor is electrically connected to the solar cell, the motor shaft extending downwardly. A substantially planar sign member having word indicia formed thereon may be operatively interconnected to the motor shaft so that it rotates in response to motor shaft rotation. A plurality of flexible clips may be provided for mounting the solar cell directly to the light bulb, or globe for the light bulb. Alternatively, a fan blade may be mounted to the motor shaft.

Abstract: A battery energizer for button batteries, such as zinc-silver oxide or zinc-mercuric oxide batteries, that are normally considered unchargeable, provides for energizing of the batteries in a safe and simple manner. A solar cell having a maximum current output (e.g., 20 milliamps) is operatively connected to terminals for releasably receiving a button battery. A light emitting diode, or like indicator, provides an indication of when the battery is fully energized, and additionally assists in preventing overenergization of the battery. The solar cell, terminals, LED, and the like can be mounted on a nonconductive material mounting plate which is mounted by a suction cup and hook to a window, adjacent a light bulb, or the like. A battery charger for conventional dry cell rechargeable batteries (such as nickel-cadmium batteries) utilizes the solar cells, and LED, and a zener diode connected in parallel with terminals.

Abstract: An assembly for the merchandizing of products utilizing a solar cell mounted directly onto an incandescent or florescent light bulb so that the cell receives the light directly from the light bulb. A d.c. motor is electrically and physically connected to the solar cell, the motor shaft extending downwardly. A substantially planar sign member having word indicia formed thereon is operatively interconnected to the motor shaft so that it rotates in response to motor shaft rotation. The interconnection preferably is provided by a piece of metal foil extending vertically and attached to the motor shaft, and a slip swivel connector between the metal foil and the sign member which allows some slippage between the foil and the sign member so that the sign member rotates more slowly than the foil--slow enough for appropriate normal recognition of the word indicia thereon. A plurality of flexible clips may be provided for mounting the solar cell directly to the light bulb, or globe for the light bulb.

Abstract: A power assembly for rotating a display is simple, inexpensive, has long life, and can rotate even heavy displays. A housing mounts a d.c. motor having an output shaft, and has a support structure. A ball bearing assembly, having a second shaft, is stationarily held by the support structure, and a flexible tubular connector interconnects the motor output shaft and the second shaft. The display is attached to the second shaft by a flexible band of elastomeric material. An electronic circuit provides power pulses from a substantially constant d.c. power source (such as a bank of solar cells) to operate the d.c. motor.

Abstract: An energy converting assembly is provided for parasiting of light from a fluorescent light bulb utilizing a solar cell. The solar cell is mounted on a base member elongated in the dimension of elongation of the fluorescent bulb, and electrical interconnections to the cell are provided. A flexible sheet of opaque material having a flat white interior reflective surface surrounds the fluorescent bulb and reflects light emitted from the bulb back toward the bulb and the solar cell. The reflective sheet is tightly held in contact with the bottom of the bulb by adhesive, a tie strap, an external clip, or the like.

Abstract: A display assembly is provided which most desirably comprises a lamp mobile having a base, a d.c. motor mounted within the base with a shaft extending outwardly from it, and the mobile mounted to the shaft. The interconnection between the mobile and the shaft can be a curved distal end of the shaft engaging an abutment surface of a similar radius of curvature formed within a body member of the mobile, with the shaft loosely received by the mobile, so that the mobile will rotate at a slower speed than the shaft. The base is screw-threaded onto the top of a cylindrical projection from a lamp harp, and a solar cell which powers the d.c. motor is also mounted to the lamp so that it receives light from the lamp light bulb. A pair of planar portions, one received by the lamp socket and the other mounting the solar cell, and interconnected by a hinge, may be utilized to properly position the cell to receive light from the lamp.

Abstract: A display assembly is provided including a base, a d.c. motor mounted completely within the base, a solar cell operatively mounted to the base, and a sign member rotated by the motor. A sleeve is provided on an elongated shaft connected to the sign member, and that sleeve slips over the motor shaft to provide an interference fit, but not a press fit. The sign has sufficient cross-sectional area to provide enough air-resistance so that, in combination with the interference fit between the shafts, the sign will turn at an appropriate speed for easy reading even though the motor shaft is turning much more quickly.

Abstract: A lighted greeting card having indicia formed on the front face thereof. A backing of rigid polymeric foam material supports a sheet material card thereon, the sheet material card receiving at least one light emitting diode therein. The rear of the backing has first and second openings formed therein for receipt of a battery in one of two positions depending upon how the greeting card is to be displayed. Circuitry for flashing the diode on and off, either periodically or in repsonse to sound, is mounted in a recess in the front face of the backing, hidden by the sheet material card.