Abstract: Known percussion instruments, employing conduits and free-moving rattle members therein, are inefficient for producing louder sounds without increased effort on a user's behalf, The present invention provides a plurality of spaced-apart conduits having first and second opposed open ends. A pair of planar, spaced-apart frame members is provided, with one frame member closing all of the conduit first ends, and the second frame member closing all of the conduit second ends. There is at least one free-moving rattle member inside each conduit. The frame members provide a common striking surface for the free-moving rattle members. The simultaneous striking of a common surface by free-moving rattle members produces an increase in sound volume with less work on the users behalf.

Abstract: A prescribed number of bars are arranged in a percussion instrument such as a xylophone and marimba, wherein each bar is formed by a base layer, a fiber reinforced plastic layer, and a surface layer that are combined together using an epoxy adhesive therebetween. Both the base layer and surface layer is made of the prescribed hardwood material such as rosewood, hard birch, padauk, and Chinese quince, while the fiber reinforced plastic layer is formed by laminating one or more fiber reinforced plastic sheets, each of which is formed by impregnating and hardening thermosetting epoxy resin with fibers. All fibers can be aligned in a single direction slanted to the longitudinal direction of the bar. Alternatively, fibers are woven in two directions rectangularly crossing each other in a cloth form. Thus, it is possible to improve bars in striking durability as well as in sound quality and design.

Abstract: Cymbals for percussion instruments generally comprise an umbrella-like annular area (3), which is at least approximately circular, and comprise a central convex dome (5). According to the invention, at least portions of the cymbal surface have non-contiguous and/or irregular structural elements (9), which extend, for example, in a circumferential direction. The structural elements are preferably little notches that are produced by means of a rotating milling tool.

Abstract: Presented is a detachable and adjustable cover member for the sound hole of a string instrument such as a guitar. The cover member provides a base member to which are attached elastically resilient keeper blocks that detachably engage the periphery of the sound hole. The base member is apertured to admit sound into the hollow body of the string instrument and to enable feedback of such sound when the apertures are open to the atmosphere. An adjustable sound and feedback control dial is a detachably mounted on the top surface of the base member and is provided with apertures corresponding in size and configuration with the apertures in the base member. The control dial may be selectively digitally adjusted to place the apertures in the dial in registry with the apertures in the base member to enable the ingress and egress of sound therethrough or adjusted to partially or totally occlude the passage of sound through the sound hole.

Abstract: A system for teaching music with input and output devices, musical representations presented on vertically and horizontally oriented musical staffs, output responsive to selective application of input data, confirmation of propriety of input choice, and scrolling presentation of sequential musical representations constituting music. A method to develop a positive association of correct learning input to music representation presented and a negative association of improper response, to music presented in a scrolling manner along a center bar for timing visual change in musical representation upon input. Musical representations such as notes, lines and bars may be presented and the user is required to make choices through input devices to correctly identify or play the musical representation. The system and method use both visual and audio responses to input and uses color and graphical associations between the staff and notes to teach intervals and music.

Abstract: Based on music performance data, music score display data are composed for displaying a music score representing the music performance. A user inputs his/her musical skill to the apparatus. Referring to a musical skill level versus music score item correspondence table, music score items to be exhibited in the music score are determined to meet the musical skill as inputted by the user, and are included in the composed music score display data. Thus, a music score containing assisting as well as necessary detailed musical signs and indications which meet the user's musical skill will be displayed in addition to the main musical notation of the note progression.

Abstract: There is provided a player information-providing method capable of providing a result of an objective judgment on a user's performance skill level in playing a musical instrument to each user to thereby support the users e.g. for smooth organization of a band. A result of a judgment made on a performance skill level of a player by a performance skill level-judging device for judging a player's performance skill level is stored in a server. In response to access of a user terminal device to the server via the Internet, the result of the judgment made on the performance skill level of the player is transmitted to the user terminal device via the Internet.

Abstract: A music box includes daisy reed wheels, the reeds of which are respectively associated with player's fingers, and the player's fingers are selectively energized for plucking the reeds for generating tones; the reeds of the daisy reed wheels form reed groups respectively assigned to tones, and a controller selects reeds from the reed groups in such a manner that any one of the reeds of each group is not plucked with the player's finger, whereby the controller prevents the vibrating reeds from the plucking.

Abstract: There is provided a musical information processing terminal that enables reproducing performance data and audio data that are transmitted and received between the musical information processing terminal such as a terminal for a teacher and a terminal for students through a communication network with a simple construction and without an unnatural feeling being given to users. At least one of performance data that instructs generation and control of musical tones and audio data that represents audio waveforms is received from an external musical information processing terminal through a communication network. The performance data or the audio data is reproduced. Data to be reproduced is selected either from the performance data or from the audio data. The data to be reproduced is determined according to the received data and the selected data.

Abstract: The electronic musical instrument comprises a plurality of slide-type faders (1), an interval setup device (5, 6), and a sound synthesis device (20). The slide-type faders are provided correspondingly to a plurality of tones included an interval and allow slide operations to change output sound volume. The interval setup device means sets the interval to define a tone for each slide-type fader. The sound synthesis device synthesizes sounds according to a volume changing pattern with predefined sound quality and based on operations of the slide-type fader. The slide-type faders can be manipulated by fingertips or the like for musical performance to enjoy the DJ play without many practices or high proficiency.

Abstract: Performance interface system includes a motion detector provided for movement with a performer, and a control system for receiving detection data transmitted from the motion detector and controlling a performance of a tone in response to the received detection data. State of a performer's motion is detected via a sensor of the motion detector, and detection data representative of the detected motion state is transmitted to the control system. The control system receives the detection data from the motion detector, analyzes the performer's motion on the basis of the detection data, and then controls a tone performance in accordance with the analyzed data. With this arrangement, the performer can readily take part in the tone performance in the control system.

Abstract: A fire control system for a firearm, such as a rifle, operates a bolt action for increased rate of fire and convenience while retaining the secure locking of the firing chamber by manual bolt actions. After a controller determines that a round has been fired, one or more actuators, such as electrically actuated tooth wheels or gears, unlocks and reciprocates the bolt action to extract the spent shell and to load an unfired cartridge. Thereby, a consistent locking action is achieved avoiding the inconsistent sealing of conventional automatic bolt actions. Consistent accuracy with increased firing rate operation is further achieved with a cooling system activated when the firearm exceeds an optimum temperature operating range.

Abstract: A composite armor 10 and method for making it. The armor 10 has a honeycomb core 12 that is provided with polygonal openings 14 and oppositely facing sides 16, 18. Inserts 20 are placed within at least some of the openings. A pair of sheets 22, 24 are respectively secured to the oppositely facing sides of the honeycomb core to close the openings, thereby containing fracture debris after impact, and to provide reinforcement. One method of making the composite armor includes: providing a honeycomb core having polygonal openings; adhering a sheet to cover the polygonal openings that are located on one side of the honeycomb core; at least partially filling at least some of the openings with a resin; placing one or more inserts within at least some of the openings; and adhering a front sheet to the oppositely facing side of the honeycomb core. A preferred manufacturing practice involves resin infusion.

Abstract: A barrier comprising a base unit composed of a bullet resistant material and a transparent upper wall removably interconnected to the base unit and composed of a bullet resistant material. The base unit includes a front wall and two side walls extending from the front wall to provide protection to the front and sides of a person standing behind the barrier. A series of casters, preferably locking casters, are attached to the bottom edges of the side walls, and a pair of handles connected to each of the side walls permitting the barrier to be conveniently transported from one site to another.

Abstract: A telescoping hydraulic hoist with tube stages formed from a heat treated aluminum alloy from one of the series 2000, 6000 or 7000 aluminum alloys. These alloys retain good “memory” properties, and under the force of a pressure spike undergoes a momentary elastic deformation which acts as a shock absorber, expanding the tube wall to absorb the peak stresses and resist buckling. The hoist of the invention is thus much lighter than a comparably rated steel hoist, and much more resistant to corrosion.

Abstract: A brake booster device for use in a brake system of vehicles is provided with a partition member dividing the interior of the booster shell into front and rear chambers and a piston movable bodily with the partition member within the booster shell. A control valve body is carried on the piston to move toward and away from the rear surface of the piston through a predetermined amount. An air valve member is received within the piston for relative movement thereto and is urged by a compression spring to be moved rearwardly. When the brake pedal is stepped on, the air valve member is forwardly moved by an input rod relative to the piston, whereby the control valve member leads the atmospheric pressure to the rear chamber thereby to move the partition member and the piston forwardly from a home position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cushion cylinder device allowing high accuracy setting of a cushion operation start position. At the cushion operation start position of a driving cylinder, a first engagement member provided on a piston rod of the driving cylinder abuts a second engagement member provided on a piston rod of a cushioning cylinder, whereby the driving cylinder undergoes deceleration through cushion operation of the cushioning cylinder.

Abstract: There is disclosed a stop block for controlling a hydraulic consumer in which a main piston having an advanced opening can be lifted off a valve seat in a return function by means of a push piston. A pressure chamber confined by the main piston on the one hand and by the control piston on the other hand is connected to a tank or low-pressure passage both in the return function and in the non-return function of the stop block so that the changeover from the return function to the non-return function and vice versa can be effected very quickly.

Abstract: A telescopic cylinder comprised of an outer cylinder, a plurality of decreasing diameter piston/sleeve assemblies concentrically mounted in the outer cylinder for reciprocal axial movement relative thereto, and a plunger assembly concentrically mounted within the innermost one of the piston/sleeve assemblies for reciprocal axial movement relative thereto. The piston/sleeve and plunger assemblies having a piston with at least one lateral hole and at least one lateral passage, respectively, extending into its interior, and in fluid communication with a passage in the outer cylinder for receiving pressurized fluid. Each lateral hole having an orifice surface located at the radially outermost portion of the hole and having a diametral dimension no smaller than the maximum diametral dimension of the hole. Each piston further having at least one longitudinally relieved portion located on its outer circumferential surface extending from a first end towards a second end.

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for use in pneumatic actuators uses two or more diaphragms, one nested inside of the other. Each of the diaphragms, when shaped, includes a fabric pattern. The fabric patterns on each of the diaphragms are aligned one with another upon installation into a pneumatic actuator.

Abstract: A multi-part cooled piston for an internal combustion engine comprises a one-piece piston upper part having a combustion bowl and an annular wall with a piston-ring part, and a one-piece piston lower part having a box-like piston skirt, and bosses to receive the piston pins joining the piston to the connecting rod and boss supports, which are joined to the piston skirt. A cooling channel is formed through the piston upper part and also the piston lower part and is limited thereby in its cross section. A reduction of the compression height and an increase of the heat load can be achieved with this piston despite increasing engine power. The piston can also be assembled without microstructural change. The piston upper part and the piston lower part are provided with support elements having seating faces, which form a first and a second seat.

Abstract: A conduit network system includes at least one, and typically multiple, node elements in communication with an inner area of a conduit, which is used to transfer material therein. The node element can receive, process and communicate data signals that are representative of user-desired information. A system control mechanism is in communication with the node elements and receives the data signals from these node elements. A method for communicating data in a conduit system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The plant (10) has N adsorbers (R1 to R0) operating according to a cycle with at most N phase times. For the method of controlling this plant, a mobile parameter for identifying the operating state of the adsorber which is in each successive phase time of the cycle is firstly associated with the said phase time. For a given phase time, a parameterized sequence (S, S′) of control steps of the plant (10) during the said given phase time is then defined, each adsorber controlled by the steps of the said sequence being denoted by the parameter for identifying the operating state of the said adsorber. A control sequencer of the plant (10) is lastly generated by matching an adsorber (R1 to R0) with each mobile parameter of the parameterized sequence during each phase time of the cycle, so as to cause the succession of phase times of the cycle to be followed at all the adsorbers in operation.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption process for recovering a product gas from a feed gas, includes: supplying a pressure swing adsorption apparatus including an adsorbent composition containing activated carbon as a major ingredient, wherein the adsorbent composition and said apparatus are substantially free of zeolite adsorbents; feeding a feed gas into the pressure swing adsorption apparatus during a feed period not exceeding 20 seconds; and recovering the product gas from the pressure swing adsorption apparatus. The process and apparatus are particularly suitable for use with fuel cells and other applications requiring compact, rapid cycling systems for producing high purity hydrogen.

Abstract: A method for cleaning air and an air cleaner utilizing it are disclosed, by which the air cleaner can be made smaller than the conventional air cleaners when the performances are the same. According to the method of the invention, a filter formed on peripheral portion of a disk is formed along the peripheral portion of the disk so as to surround inside area of the disk is rotated, which filter is bent into wave-shape such that irregularities of the wave are formed in radial direction of the disk, thereby discharging air existing on the inside area of the disk to outside of the disk through the filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tank for the reversible storage of hydrogen, comprising an external pressure casing, a hydrogen-storage alloy contained therein, a heat-exchange system and a hydrogen-gas reservoir, which is characterized in that, for the absorption of the hydrogen-storage alloy, the tank has a bed which consists of an open-pored metal sponge connected to the pressure-vessel wall in a material fit.

Abstract: A compact and highly portable combination pressure swing adsorption apparatus and product gas conservation device for medical use, to produce efficiently a gas with a high concentration of oxygen and to deliver the oxygen concentrated gas to a user at selectable times and in selectable doses.

Abstract: In a heat storage system for a vehicle, when a temperature of cooling water from a vehicle engine is high, adsorbents are heated by the cooling water, so that moisture is desorbed from the adsorbents in order to store heat. When the temperature of cooling water is low, the moisture is adsorbed in the adsorbents to heat the cooling water, while refrigerant in a vapor compression refrigerator is cooled by evaporating water. Thus, adsorption heat is generated from the adsorbents, and the cooling water is heated by using the adsorption heat. Accordingly, warm-up operation of the vehicle engine is facilitated, while motive power consumed by the vapor compression refrigerator can be reduced.

Abstract: An air cleaning system comprising the means to displace air, contact the displaced air with a liquid, exhaust the cleaned air, and discharge the used liquid; and the means to clean the used liquid, heat or cool the liquid, impart a charge to the liquid, and displace and direct the liquid whereby indoor air is cleaned and indoor air temperature is controlled.

Abstract: A disposable filter for filtering exhaled gas in a breathing apparatus has a housing with an inlet and an outlet and a filter unit disposed in the housing. To increase the efficiency of the disposable filter a water trap is integrated with the housing, with water that condenses in the filter unit being collected in the water trap.

Abstract: A grind and brew coffee making apparatus for providing freshly brewed coffee and having a number of features for easy cleaning, more efficient maintenance and improved safety. The coffee making apparatus has a housing assembly with an upper separable top cover, a grinding assembly with a removable grinding chamber and separable grinding chamber cover, a brewing assembly with a removable brew basket and separable brew basket cover, a control assembly with a safety lock mechanism and a control panel for providing a user with control over the various operations of the coffee making apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a brewing process for making a fermented product having an increased dietary fibre content and to a fermented product having an increased content of soluble dietary fibre.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fast-cook pasta with automatic loading for variable sized portions. An amount of bulk product is isolated in a variable sized cavity. The contents of the cavity is discharged by gravity assisted mechanisms into a cooking chamber. The cooking chamber is pressurizable and uses preheated water. After the cooking period has ended, the cooking chamber is depressurized and the cooked pasta is transferred to a postcooker via a cooker exit valve. Heat energy present in vapor created by depressurization of the cooker is used to preheat the water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kneading machine which comprises a substantially cylindrical bowl for containing a mass to be kneaded and a pair of kneading tools rotatable within the bowl with the same direction of rotation, around two axes parallel to the axis of the bowl, so as to define two theoretical cylinders which are substantially tangent both to each other and to the circumferential wall of bowl. Each kneading tool comprises at least one arm which extends substantially on the periphery of the respective theoretical cylinder, so that each arm has an orbital movement around the respective axis of rotation. Each kneading arm is substantially straight for at least one part of its length and is parallel or slightly incline with respect to a generatrix of the respective theoretical cylinder. Preferably the rotations of the two arms are synchronize with each other so that the two arms pass substantially simultaneously at the area where the two respectively theoretical cylinders are tangent to each other.

Abstract: A cooking or heating apparatus has a base element having a bottom and at least one sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom. A support element is located substantially above the bottom of the base element, and a spacer element is located adjacent to the support element. In particular, the stackable and configurable colander apparatus has a pot having a bottom and at least one sidewall extending upward from the bottom, a plurality of item supports located substantially above the bottom of the pot, each of the item supports having a plurality of apertures, and a plurality of spacer walls located substantially above the bottom of the pot. A respective item support of the plurality of item supports and a respective spacer wall of the plurality of spacer walls forms a respective colander. The item supports and the spacer walls are stackable and form a plurality of stack configuration of item supports and spacer walls.

Abstract: An apparatus for the folding of croissants comprising, in series, downstream of at least one preparation station of rolls of pastry, obtained from triangles of pastry rolled up with one pointed central external end, and fed one after another, a positioning station with a pre-determined pitch distance of said rolls in a central position with respect to underlying conveying devices, an oriented positioning station of said pointed end on said underlying conveying devices and a U-folding station of said rolls, in which said folding station comprises front and rear gages for each roll and rotating side gages for the folding of opposite ends of each roll, said oriented positioning station and said folding station being movable alternately forwards and backwards.

Abstract: A machine for injecting liquids is disclosed including use of at least one air pump in fluid communication with at least one injection head having apertures for nozzles. High-pressure injectate flows from the air pump into the head, preferably through a threadlessly mounted filter located within the injection head. To further minimize contamination, fluid that enters the injection head will not contact any threading present in either the head or the nozzles. An air pressure regulator is included to ensure a steady stream of injectate of a desired pressure is delivered to an injection subject via each injection head and also helping to eliminate hesitation in delivery of the fluid by the air pump. Cleaning of the machine is simplified by moving sensitive components into a sealed enclosure, removing them from a wet working environment.

Abstract: A leave-debris compactor comprises a rod, a plurality of rods, a plate and a lattice of cords. The rod, rods and plate comprising a plurality of hooks, cleats and crevices adaptable to hook, anchor and pull the edges, sections and the cords of this net of cords and any other strands of cords to gather, amass and compact a mound of leaves and debris. The rod can be applied singly or in a plurality of rods. The plate is a dish with or without a plurality of perforations or holes. One of the functions of the perforations is for passing a strut and a plurality of strands of cords. A strut is used to further assist in the adjusting of a height of the rod(s), dish, net of cords and strands of cords. The strut is a pole comprising a plurality of interconnecting tubings, a base and a clamp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controller for a hydraulic press, comprising a pressing cylinder (1), a reservoir (2), a valve group (3), a pressure medium reservoir (7) and a hydraulic pump (6), connected together by means of a cylinder line (4), a reservoir line (5) and a tank line (8). According to the invention, a pressure converter (9) is arranged on the valve group (3), which may operate as a pressure amplifier or pressure reducer. The particular mode of action of said controller is achieved whereby the valve group (3) comprises a pre-press valve (11), a low-pressure chamber outlet valve (12), a low-pressure chamber inlet valve (13), a main press valve (14), a closing valve (15), a pressure release valve (16) and a 3-way valve (17), which may be operated by a particular control sequence. Said invention is applicable in hydraulic presses and of particular advantage in presses for the forming of ceramic pieces such as tiles.

Abstract: A liquid pressing device includes mainly a power device consisting of a motor with a spindle, an upper cap on the motor and a lower cap under the motor, a shell for containing the power device, a helical device fitted around the spindle of the motor and having a conical body and a plurality of helical leaves around the conical body. The helical leaves spiral down to form a helical groove between every two helical leaves for water to pass through. The helical leaves have thickness gradually becoming thinner and thinner downward, and the helical grooves gradually become narrower and narrower downward to add pressure to water flowing up therein. Then the conical member functions to add second pressure to water passing through, sending it to a very high location. Then the liquid pressing device can function as a water pump or a propeller.

Abstract: The invention concerns an impact machine for forming a body with desired shape of a formable working material through impact action in a forming operation, said impact machine comprising a machine stand (6), an upper unit which comprises either a lower impact unit (3), which comprises a counter-impact device, or a stationary anvil, and a central unit between the upper and the lower units.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a drive arrangement for a large rectangular baler includes hydraulic pump and motor sets, and second and third embodiments include only gear and shaft arrangements, for driving the plunger for compressing the crop being baled, and for driving all of the auxiliary functions. In all embodiments, power delivered by a main shaft is divided between an auxiliary function drive shaft and a plunger drive shaft. In the first and second embodiments, a flywheel is located for smoothing the power flow to the plunger drive arrangement, and in the third embodiment the flywheel is located for smoothing power flow to both the plunger drive arrangement and the auxiliary function drive arrangement. In all embodiments, the rotation of the shaft carrying the flywheel due to the inertia of the flywheel is ineffective for driving the plunger and auxiliary function drive arrangements when power to the main drive shaft is cut off.

Abstract: In franking machines (1), the printing head (2) of a printing mechanism (3) is susceptible to interference by dust particles, which are introduced by the transport of the objects to be mailed such as letters, postcards, and printed matter and by the objects themselves. It is therefore proposed that a suction air or compressed air device (9) be installed in the franking machine (1) at least in the area near the printing head (2) to protect it from dust-like foreign materials, etc.

Abstract: A solder paste stenciling apparatus for minimizing residue of solder paste includes a stencil having multiple stencil opens defined therein, a supporting member retaining the stencil, and a vibrator for vibrating the stencil. In operation, a substrate is engaged to a bottom surface of the stencil, and solder paste is applied onto a top surface of the stencil so that the stencil opens are filled with the solder paste. The substrate is then slowly separated from the stencil while the vibrator vibrates the stencil to evacuate the solder paste out of the stencil opens and to further deposit on the substrate. Hence, the amount of residual solder paste adhered to inner surfaces defining the stencil opens is minimized.

Abstract: A printing-cylinder bearing device for rotatably supporting a printing cylinder 12 via a frame 6 in such a manner that the printing cylinder can be moved between a printing position and a non-printing position, comprising a radial-load supporting means 3 having between the frame 6 and a shaft 2 of the printing cylinder 12 at least an eccentric part that is rotatable around the centerline of a hole 13 provided on the frame 6, a housing 5 interlocked with the eccentric part and provided in such a manner as to inhibit the axial movement of the printing cylinder 12 with respect to the frame 6, a thrust loading supporting means 4 interposed between the housing 5 and the shaft 2 of the printing cylinder 12, and an eccentric part rotating means 8 for rotating the eccentric part around the centerline of the hole 13 on the frame 6 and holding the rotated position of the eccentric part.

Abstract: A printing machine includes two printing units, each comprising a web feed section, a web printing section connected to the web feed section and a web treating section connected to the web printing section, in which single-side surface of a continuous web is printed at each of the web printing sections, and an turn/transfer section at which two printing units are operatively connected and the continuous web printed by one of the two web printing sections is transferred to the other one thereof through turning and transferring treatment of the continuous web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing multiple die cut business forms is disclosed. One embodiment of a printing press according to the present invention includes a number of different stations that are connected together by a continues web. Multiple die cut business forms are produced by a continues process from stock paper to an output configuration such as continues roll, fan fold, or cut sheet. One aspect of the present invention is that a silicone treated glassine stock paper substrate can be utilized to allow business forms to be produced with minimized curling.

Abstract: A rotating drum with a reinforcing member is disclosed. The reinforcing member resists centrifugal force applied due to high speed rotation. Both open ends of a plate cylinder of the drum are closed by side covers at which a shaft is provided. Leading end grasping portions, for allowing a printing plate to be trained about and fixed to an outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder, are provided at the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder. A disc-shaped reinforcing member is fixed to an inner peripheral surface of the plate cylinder at a center in an axial direction of the plate cylinder.

Abstract: When blankets (02) are mounted or dismounted on cylinders (01), rollers are fitted to said cylinders to ensure that winding and unwinding occurs in a homogeneous manner. One requirement is that the adjustment pressure should be homogeneous at low control and operating costs. According to the invention, several rollers (03) which can move independently from each other can be fitted to the cylinder simultaneously with the aid of a single means of adjustment (04) in order to create said device for pressing blankets onto cylinders. In a particular embodiment, first and second rollers for mounting or dismounting the blanket can be actuated.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a process for forming a translucent first image onto a transparent media 34 and forming a translucent mirror image of the first image onto a second transparent media 36 whereupon the first image and the second mirror image are placed face to face or back to back and positioned between opposing layers 42, 44 of transparent material where application of ambient light will produce a luminous effect on the dual image. Enhancement of a part or entire images is further achieved by centrally placing a thin layer of tissue paper 46, cut into the desired shape and sized between the two layers 34, 36 of transparent media holding the images. The tissue paper 46 serves to diffuse light imparting a luminous quality to the coplanar images, in either frontal 16 or backlighting 18 conditions.