Abstract: A device for producing a moving target on the surface of the water in a toilet bowl. The target is an illuminated pattern, words or design visible in all light conditions and emanating form a housing mounted onto the toilet itself or a wall or ceiling above the toilet. The target may change position continuously or discontinuously.

Abstract: A process for the reproduction of a starlit sky involves accompanying stars and other space bodies with acoustical tones corresponding to their optical images. Particularly individual spectral classes of the stars will each be assigned to an octave of music. The invention also includes combining a device with a telescope for providing acoustical reproduction of respectively observed stars and space bodies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating lumia patterns, using a low wattage incandescent light source having a source size of greater than one millimeter. The light source, a multiple-lensing filter and an imaging lens are tuned with each other to create a bright, reinforcing pattern from a relatively weak light source.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a process for producing free-floating luminous letters or two- or three-dimensional images. To do this, laser beams whose emission frequency lies preferably outside the visible spectral range are focused on places where the bright image points are to be produced, thereby generating in the atmosphere light flashes caused, for example, by field ionization of the air molecules and subsequent recombination. The focal point of the laser beams is progressively shifted in lines and columns, thereby composing from individual light flashes an image that is repeated so as to produce a stationary image with an image frequency above 16 Hz.

Abstract: An acid etched gobo for producing a predetermined, multi-colored light pattern which is formed by first and second substrates having abutting planar surfaces secured together. Each of the planar surfaces includes a complimentary portion of the predetermined, multi-colored light pattern, acid etched in a coating deposited on the planar surfaces. At least one of the coatings is a dichroic coating.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficient and versatile system for generating and displaying a portrait or other graphic image from an array of variously sized points of light, including the following embodiments: a basic pinhole portrait; a modified array with variable apertures; a secondary display of pinhole portrait images utilizing fiber optics; and a secondary display of pinhole portrait images utilizing reflected sunlight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for projecting images, advertisements and the like to passengers of moving vehicles. A projector is placed on the vehicle and it projects an image on the walls of a train tunnel, clouds near an airplane, etc. as the vehicle moves. A technique is provided for correcting distortion caused by the positional changes between the vehicle and the projection surface.

Abstract: A light board includes a translucent support defining a support surface thereon, and an alignment pattern generator is located adjacent the support for establishing an alignment pattern. The alignment pattern generator includes a number of light-emitting elements. A photo duplicating device may be provided for duplicating a layout aligned on the alignment patter. The light board may be incorporated into a "photocopy machine." The light board may likewise be used as a light table, and the like.

Abstract: An optical projecting device accurately aligns figures, letters and symbols using images, and grid lines projected on a work area during such tasks as graphic design layout. Prior art solutions to the problem of eliminating penciled guide lines to improve such graphic design layout involve the projection of reference lines. But one drawback is that there is no provision for moving, repositioning, or partially rotating, the images and reference lines relative to the work piece during the design layout operation. Another is that they include no provision for changing the image sizes when required during the progress of the work. A different technology as well as different illumination precepts overcome prior art drawbacks. The unit is the type which includes a housing, a light source within the housing, and an image bearing transparent panel. But the transparent panel is carried in a retainer adapted to be rotated.

Abstract: The method comprises taking a negative picture of a stage and any objects, scenery, characters or other props thereon, recording and storing said negative, creating, recording and storing complementary and/or additional theatrical effects to be superimposed on the original effects resulting from the recording of the first negative, and producing carrier plates intended for projection and comprising the data corresponding to said recordings. An apparatus for implementing the method essentially comprises a first, optical assembly (18) acting both as a photographing apparatus and as a projection apparatus, a second, recording/storing apparatus (13-14), and a third, projection plate-creating assembly (17).

Abstract: A projector for creating a night-sky illusion on a planar surface such as a ceiling or a wall. The projector includes a base having two pairs of opposing walls and a shelf assembly adapted to be mounted in the base including a light bulb, a battery connected to the bulb, and a switch. It also includes a top adapted to be slidably mounted on the base and a transparency extending across an opening formed in the lid. The transparency is generally opaque, but includes a array of transparent dots fixed in predetermined positions. The disclosed method involves using the projector to produce an array of light spots resembling the night sky on a surface, applying luminescent paint to the spots and then exposing the painted spots to light energy, causing the paint to glow.

Abstract: A device for simulating an image formed of light and shadow created by sunlight over a period of time includes a mask having a substantially opaque portion and a light source for shining light through the mask. The image moves to realistically simulate the effect created by the sun shining into a room through an exterior window. In one embodiment, the device includes a filter bearing a translucent color gradient so that the light defining the created shadow has a changing hue.

Abstract: An overhead projector is provided with two lamps arranged in an angular relationship on a frame having a single pivot point to cause the lamp not in use to be out of the path of air flowing to the lamp in use within the projector. The pivot point may coincide with a lead screw which would permit axial movement of the lamps in addition to rotational movement to correct for undesirable color effects.

Abstract: A system for painting images of stars and other objects on the interior surfaces of a room with phosphorescent paint utilizes a projector to project symbols on the surface to indicate locations of points to be painted. The projector is adjustable to accomodate rooim size and position of the viewer.

Abstract: A projection apparatus has a strobed light source projecting light through a transparency, the transparency having one or preferably a plurality of narrow slits formed thereon so as to project a light pattern upon an object. The transparency is mounted in a holder which is arranged to be moved across the path of the light source by being mounted in a holder which is driven by a cam. The light source is arranged to be pulsed on when the holder is on a dwell point of the cam. If the transparency has a plurality of slits therein simultaneous display of multiple profiles on an object is performed to provide a large number of profiles in a minimal time span. In the disclosure, two different manners of driving the transparency in the holder are given.

Abstract: A manipulable device for projecting a horizontally-extending straight square edged light bar images upon a paper work sheet to facilitate the pasting of small adhesively-waxed printed pieces or strips to be placed upon a paper work sheet lying upon the base support of the device. The selected locations are determined and effected by relative fore and aft adjustment between a light bar projecting fixture and its base support with the work sheet thereon. Since procedure of pasting up of printed pieces upon a layout sheet can be done without the usual T-square and triangle, both hands are left free to carry out the pasting operation. Vertical guides are effected as vertical interferences of the projecting light rays and registerable upon the layout sheet along with the horizontally-extended light bar. Vertical and horizontal measuring rulers are provided upon the layout sheet base support to which reference can be made when locating the projected straight edge light bar upon the layout sheet.

Abstract: A light projecting toy musical box projects a light pattern which is synchronized with musical sound generated by an acoustic mechanism. The projected light patterns are formed by providing a lamp within a base and rotatably mounting a dome over the lamp and substantially on top of the base. The dome is made out of translucent material which is patterned with a semi-opaque coating so as to form light patterns on the dome itself and project the light patterns on adjacent ceilings and/or walls of a room.

Abstract: A cassette player and slide assembly adapted to play back a pre-recorded magnetic tape cassette having a voice recording of a performer whose facial image appears on a transparency slide receivable in a holder attached to the player and provided with a window so that as one hears the performance, one also sees the performer. The player includes an audio amplifier whose output is applied both to a sound reproducer and to a light bulb producing light pulses in synchronism with the reproduced sounds. The slide holder includes a ground glass screen that supports the inserted slide and is back illuminated by the light bulb. The rear surface of the slide is masked to expose only the eyes and mouth of the image whereby only these are intermittently illuminated by the light pulses to impart realistic animation to the performer's image in the course of the played-back performance.

Abstract: A light pattern generator is utilized to produce an image which is projected onto a stage or screen. The image is derived from a beam of light. The light pattern generator comprises a heat resistant glass plate having a reflective layer deposited on one surface thereof. A nonreflective layer is deposited on the surface of the reflective layer. Both of the layers are etched to produce an opening extending through the layers wherein the opening has the shape of the desired image. The beam of light is directed through the transparent plate and the portions not passed through the opening are reflected by the mirror surface of the reflective layer. This prevents the buildup of heat within the light pattern generator. Any extraneous light which is received at the nonreflective layer is absorbed to prevent the escape of unwanted light and its projection to the stage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a projection device for star projections in planetaria in which a plurality of star projectors are provided in the wall of a substantially spherical housing in the center of which a light source is arranged. The projector mounts and/or the condenser lenses of the projectors preferably are polyhedrons. The sides of the polygonal condenser lenses have bevel edges via which they are contacting neighboring condenser, lens sides so that substantially no light losses are involved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilized in forming a hemispherical shape from a cast thermoplastic acrylic resin sheet or the like, dyeing the inside surface of the hemisphere to provide a uniform color density or a color density variation increasing from light to dark from the horizon to the zenith point of the hemisphere, heating the hemisphere to its forming temperature, causing it to revert to a flat sheet, and reverse forming the hemisphere to have the dyed surface on the outside.