Abstract: A method for enabling augmented reality interactions with a globe comprises steps of receiving an image of a portion of an outer shell of the globe, from an image capturing device of a computing device, identifying a geographical region from the image, generating a plurality of graphical elements related to the geographical region and displaying the plurality of graphical elements on a display device of the computing device.

Abstract: An illuminated ornament is provided having an internally disposed support structure for mounting lighting elements within the ornament. In one aspect, the structure is a rod, hub and spoke arrangement in which the rod extends along an axis of the ornament with lighting elements being disposed at numerous locations along the axial positions on the rod and radial positions on the spokes. In another aspect, the ornament is divided into separate illuminated segments, each having its own lighting elements placed appropriately within each segment. In any arrangement, the goal of uniform ornament illumination and overall ornament color control is provided by proper placement of the LEDs on the support structures, possibly in combination with coloration of the ornament shell, color enhancement apparatus contained on the shell and/or in combination with external, electronic controlled access to the color display of the LEDs.

Abstract: An ornamental fixture having a support structure and a plurality of ornaments mounted to the support structure in a substantially completely spherical arrangement of ornaments. The ornaments may be glass crystal ornaments, for example, octagonal glass crystals, and a light may be mounted within the fixture. The support structure may include an upper support ring and at least one lower support ring vertically spaced from the upper support ring and a plurality of arcuate sector assemblies removably mounted to the upper support ring and the at least one lower support ring. The sector assemblies retain the ornaments to provide a substantially continuous 360-degree array of ornaments. The sector assemblies can also be disassembled from the support structure for maintenance, servicing, relamping, and cleaning of the fixture. For example, the disassembled components of the fixture may be washed in a dishwasher without damaging the ornaments or the support structure.

Abstract: A decorative sphere comprised of a series of generally D-shaped open panels pivotally connected together. In one configuration, the panels can be pivoted or moved to a folded and collapsed position for storage. In another configuration, the panels can be expanded and held in a spaced apart relationship to where the individual panels form a sphere. One or more strands of lights can be integrally incorporated into the sphere.

Abstract: An ornamental fixture having a support structure and a plurality of ornaments mounted to the support structure in a substantially completely spherical arrangement of ornaments. The ornaments may be glass crystal ornaments, for example, octagonal glass crystals, and a light may be mounted within the fixture. The support structure may include an upper support ring and at least one lower support ring vertically spaced from the upper support ring and a plurality of arcuate sector assemblies removably mounted to the upper support ring and the at least one lower support ring. The sector assemblies retain the ornaments to provide a substantially continuous 360-degree array of ornaments. The sector assemblies can also be disassembled from the support structure for maintenance, servicing, relamping, and cleaning of the fixture. For example, the disassembled components of the fixture may be washed in a dishwasher without damaging the ornaments or the support structure.

Abstract: A pendant light assembly having a decorative globe with an internal light chamber, formed integrally of blown glass. The chamber is formed by reheating a portion of the blown glass globe and applying a partial vacuum to draw the glass inwardly. A secondary layer of glass inside the light chamber differs from the glass of the main globe in transparency, translucency and/or color; for example, the outer globe may be clear and the inner light chamber may be translucent to diffuse the light from the light source therein. The globe is suspended by a lighting assembly on the end of an electrical cord that is mounted to the lip of the opening into the internal light chamber. The connector assembly includes a clip mounted to the lighting element, having a plurality of flexible lobes that can be depressed to pass through the opening, and a cap threadingly mounted to the lighting element that can be tightened down to clamp the edges of the clip beneath the lip of the opening.

Abstract: An ornamental fixture having a support structure and a plurality of ornaments mounted to the support structure in a substantially completely spherical arrangement of ornaments. The ornaments may be glass crystal ornaments, for example, octagonal glass crystals, and a light may be mounted within the fixture. The support structure may include an upper support ring and at least one lower support ring vertically spaced from the upper support ring and a plurality of arcuate sector assemblies removably mounted to the upper support ring and the at least one lower support ring. The sector assemblies retain the ornaments to provide a substantially continuous 360-degree array of ornaments. The sector assemblies can also be disassembled from the support structure for maintenance, servicing, relamping, and cleaning of the fixture. For example, the disassembled components of the fixture may be washed in a dishwasher without damaging the ornaments or the support structure.

Abstract: An improved three dimensional display such as a Holiday decoration having collapsible constructions having a shape memory internal frame. In one embodied form, the unique display includes a collapsible internal frame formed, in part, from metal wire imparted with suitable memory characteristics. Such metals are referred to as “shape memory alloys” (SMAs) because much metals “remember” their original shapes. Accordingly, the present invention uses a deformable internal metal frame supporting an outer sheath formed from suitable materials such as fabric, or plastic film for the skin of the inventive three dimensional displays.

Abstract: An ornamental fixture having a support structure and a plurality of ornaments mounted to the support structure in a substantially completely spherical arrangement of ornaments. The ornaments may be glass crystal ornaments, for example, octagonal glass crystals, and a light may be mounted within the fixture. The support structure may include an upper support ring and at least one lower support ring vertically spaced from the upper support ring and a plurality of arcuate sector assemblies removably mounted to the upper support ring and the at least one lower support ring. The sector assemblies retain the ornaments to provide a substantially continuous 360-degree array of ornaments. The sector assemblies can also be disassembled from the support structure for maintenance, servicing, relamping, and cleaning of the fixture. For example, the disassembled components of the fixture may be washed in a dishwasher without damaging the ornaments or the support structure.

Abstract: A light source is used to extend the operating period of light-activated materials in gazing globes and other decorative or ornamental objects. A gazing globe according to the invention includes a hollow glass globe supported on a stand. Photoluminescent, fluorescent or phosphorescent material is deposited on, or embedded in, the globe. A light-emitting diode (LED) is supported within the globe to activate the material. A solar cell is used to charge one or more batteries, and a light detector is used to switch power from the battery to the source of light when a sufficient level of darkness is detected. A violet or ultraviolet LED may be used as the light source, with the solar cell is supported on the stand. The material deposited on, or embedded in, the globe may intentionally glow in a swirling pattern when activated.

Abstract: Disclosed is an illuminating ornament including a cover, a circuit board provided inside the cover, at least one illuminating element, a switch provided with a DC power supply input and an AC-to-DC power supply input and is electrically connected to the circuit board, a DC power supply circuit electrically connected to the circuit board through the DC power supply input, an AC-to-DC supplying circuit electrically connected to the circuit board through the AC-to-DC power supply input of the switch and is provided with an AC-to-DC converting circuit, an AC power input and an AC power output. AC power is converted to DC power by the AC-to-DC converting circuit and provided to the illuminating element through the AC power output.

Abstract: A uniform light generating system for adjusting output brightness, including a light-generating unit, a light-transmitting unit, a hollow spheroid unit, a light-sensing unit, and a control unit. The light-generating unit has a light-emitting element for generating light beams and a brightness control element for adjusting the luminous flux of the light beam. The hollow spheroid unit is communicated with the other side of the light-transmitting unit for guiding the light beams into an external casing of the hollow spheroid unit. The light-sensing unit detects electric power values in the external casing. The control unit is electrically connected to the light-generating unit and the light-sensing unit. Thereby a user can obtain a real illumination value via adjusting the illumination values of the light beams that are projected from the hollow spheroid unit.

Abstract: A three-dimensional decorative lighting particularly structured to include a plurality of light emitting tubes enclosing bundles of optical fibers, and parallel arranged in a circle to form a cylindrical decorative lighting that can be transformationally shaped. The light emitting tubes can hang straight under their own weight, and each are fabricated from a transparent protective sleeve, within which a plurality of the plastic optical fibers are disposed. A plurality of light spot generating windows are distributed on a circumferential surface of each of the optical fibers. A manually manipulable binding connector affixes each of the light emitting tubes to a base plate, thereby enabling the light emitting tubes to hang down, and further facilitates manually transforming structural form of the decorative lighting. Ends of the light emitting tubes are prevented from being contaminated, thus avoiding influencing or obstructing light transmission, and realizing an integrated luminescent display.

Abstract: A lighted ornamental device, kit and associated method of using the kit to illuminate the lighted ornamental device is disclosed. The device comprises a miniature light set attached to a plurality of interconnected adjoined cups. The miniature light set includes: an electrical plug; at least two electrical wires operatively connected to the electrical plug; and a plurality of lighting elements operatively connected to the electrical wires, in which each lighting element has: a base attached to the electrical wires; and a light emitter operatively connected to the two electrical wires. The plurality of interconnected adjoined cups is attached to the miniature light set forming a geometrical figure, such as a sphere.

Abstract: A decorative light bulb includes an outer surface forming a decorative shape and one or more inert gases inserted within the decorative light bulb to create ethereal electrical arcing having a first color. A surface feature is formed along the outer surface and a coating is applied on an inner surface of the surface feature. As a result of the coating, ethereal electrical arcing is formed having a second color along the inner surface of the surface feature.

Abstract: The present invention is an illumination system for use near a wall or surface for creating one or more images of light thereon. An important characteristic of the invention is the ability to produce coordinated images by passing radiant light through an at least one convergent refracting lens. The lens may have a decorative shape, and the surface of convergent refracting lens may be embellished with etched, drawn, painted or otherwise applied designs for projecting said images, or a prism for producing decorative rainbow spectra effects. The invention is capable of being used in common household lighting fixtures.

Abstract: A globe lighting assembly comprises a metal cage, a plastic globe at least partially surrounded by the metal cage, a reflector reflecting light from a light source throughout the globe, and a socket clip disposable into the reflector. The socket clip includes legs having at least one position along each of the legs corresponding to settings for the light source in the reflector. The metal cage has lower and upper rings, and prongs which all surround and give structural support for at least one of an upper portion and a lower door of the globe. The upper portion is hingedly connected to the lower door. The lower door has a circular rim that fits into an inner surface of the lower ring when the globe is in the closed position. As a result, the circular rim of the lower portion is not viewable from the outside of the globe. The lower ring of the cage has an inner circular lip that aids in preventing moisture from entering an interior of the globe.

Abstract: A globular decorative light assembly with a flexible supporting frame is disclosed. The flexible supporting frame includes a top fixed ring provided with a central hole, a bottom fixed ring arranged corresponding to the top fixed ring, a central pulling rope, and a plurality of flexible supporting sticks. Each of the flexible supporting sticks is pivotally arranged around the top fixed ring, while the bottom end of each flexible supporting sticks is pivotally arranged around the bottom fixed ring, thereby forming the flexible supporting frame for the globular decorative light assembly. The flexible supporting frame may be unfolded or folded by means of operating the central pulling rope. A net is covered on the flexible supporting frame, and the net may further incorporate with a plurality of light units arranged thereon for decoration.

Abstract: A globular decorative light assembly with a flexible supporting frame is disclosed. The flexible supporting frame includes a top fixed ring provided with a central hole, a bottom fixed ring arranged corresponding to the top fixed ring, a central pulling rope, and a plurality of flexible supporting sticks. Each of the flexible supporting sticks is pivotally arranged around the top fixed ring, while the bottom end of each flexible supporting sticks is pivotally arranged around the bottom fixed ring, thereby forming the flexible supporting frame for the globular decorative light assembly. The flexible supporting frame may be unfolded or folded by means of operating the central pulling rope. A net is covered on the flexible supporting frame, and the net may further incorporate with a plurality of light units arranged thereon for decoration.

Abstract: A foldable decorative light assembly includes a central post, an umbrella-shaped foldable supporting frame mounted on the central post, a meshed covering covered on the umbrella-shaped foldable supporting frame. A light string including a plurality of light units is arranged on the meshed covering for decoration. The foldable supporting frame includes a runner moved along the central post, a plurality of resilient ribs respectively pivotally connected to the central post, and a plurality of stretchers respectively coupled between the runner and the resilient ribs. Two umbrella-shaped foldable supporting frames can be correspondingly coupled to form a globular foldable supporting frame.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an illuminated celebratory device having a confetti blower housing 22 with LED digital display 14 and other visual and sound effects 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 mounted on top of a vertically standing pole 20 having tracks 18 thereon upon which a movable ball 12 is slidably mounted. The ball 12 also has digital displays 15, 16 and lamps 36 thereon. The pole 20 is mounted on a base stand 46. In operation, at a predetermined time, the ball 12 begins its descent from atop the pole 20 and as it descends pole lamps 38 illuminate and the LED's 14, 15, 16 show the appropriate time. When the ball 12 reaches its destination at the bottom of pole 20, the LED's indicate the appropriate time and all celebratory features of the device activate.

Abstract: A internally lighted globe for showing the world as illuminated by the sun at the current time. The internally lighted globe includes a base with an arm coupled thereto. A sphere has indicia representing the surface of the earth and an axis. The sphere is rotatably coupled to the arm of the base along the axis of the sphere. The sphere is translucent so that light shining inside of the sphere illuminates the material of the sphere. A light means is rotatably positioned in the sphere for emitting light on a portion of the sphere corresponding to a portion of the earth illuminated by sunlight at a given time. The sphere completes one 360 degree revolution in 24 hours for simulating rotation of the earth about its axis.

Abstract: The touch controlled light emitted two balls instrument comprises the following elements. A seat with a two loops touch controlled sensing switch circuit system, one side of the seat is formed with a pivotal hole, and the opposite side of the seat is installed with a through hole used to mounted with a first light source. A supporting frame is a cambered rod having an approximate C shape and is assembled on the pivotal hole of the seat. A screw rod is mounted on the top of the rod and an engaging rod is projected from the lower end thereof and may be pivotally connected with a second light source. A globe is a hollow and transparent round ball and a world map is depicted on the surface thereof, and holes are formed on the upper and lower ends thereof for being inserted by the screw rod and convex shaft of the supporting frame and a first light source. A heaven body ball is a transparent round ball with a hollow inner space, a heaven body map is depicted thereon.

Abstract: A decorative hollow Christmas ornament supports a generally spherical body having a plurality of flat, small reflective surfaces for rotation about a horizontal axis. A light source disposed a distance from the reflective spherical transmits light to the small flat surfaces so that their images are then reflected to a wall, such as the exterior of a house, to simulate descending snowflakes.

Abstract: A touch controlled multiple functional terrestrial globe is disclosed. A ball is a transparent round ball with a hollow inner space, a world map is depicted on the surface of the ball; a palm shape supporting frame for supporting the ball by the part between the thumb and the index finger. The under-pan of a ball driven device is firmly secured to an axial rod through a positioning piece for bearing the ball, a belt disk is installed on the lower portion thereof, while the belt disk is connected to another belt disk under the central shaft of the motor through a belt, therefore, by starting a decelerated motor, the ball is driven to rotate. A light source is mounted on the top of an axial rod and can emit light. A seat is installed on the lower portion of the palm shape supporting frame, a touch controlled sensing circuit system is installed therewithin, it can connected to the decelerated motor and the bulb base through a dual loop touch controlled switch circuit.

Abstract: A collectible structure of delicate frangible hollow construction having a circular or other shaped opening in its rear wall is provided with a relatively axially short protective sleeve of tough composition fitting within the opening and retained therein, e. g. by frictional engagement with the opening edges. An illuminating unit having a light source for illuminating the collectible structure from its interior is placed within the sleeve with the light source disposed within the structure interior beyond the inner end of the sleeve. Attached to the unit are resilient spring supporting means therefor, preferably in the form of plural resilient outwardly-directed fingers, in engagement with an interior surface of the sleeve so that the sleeve surface bears the force of the supporting means. Preferably, the sleeve has a short arcuate segment removed from its perimeter to permit the sleeve to be compressed to fit different sized openings.

Abstract: An expandable and shrinkable decorative lighting string arrangement with a plurality of lamp bulbs, lamp bases, lamp holders, all connected by wires to form a lighting string. The lighting string is connected to a plurality of stands by a clamp. An axis connector forms a support for the ends of the stands, and the ends of the stands are movably connected to the axis connector to form an expandable volume and a shrunken volume. The expandable volume attains a decorative structure with the stands spaced from each other. The shrunken volume positions the stands adjacent to each other. A locking device locks the stands to the axis connector to cause the stands to form the decorative structure.

Abstract: An illuminating device comprises a base dimensioned to fit into the receiving cavity of an article. The base is provided therein with a threaded portion, a battery compartment, a lighting compartment, a first circular surface located between the threaded portion and the battery compartment, and a second circular surface located between the battery compartment and the lighting compartment. A light-emitting body is located in the lighting compartment and is provided with a first pin in contact with a battery set located in the battery compartment, and a second pin extending to locate on the first circular surface. A rotary switch is engaged with the threaded portion of the base and is provided with a conduction piece and an elastic conduction body located between the conduction piece and the battery set. The rotary switch is rotated to cause the conduction piece to remain in contact with the second pin so as to bring about the illuminating effect.

Abstract: A terrestrial globe device comprises a main body which includes a seat, a curved rod disposed on the seat, and a transparent globe positioned by the curved rod. A box which is connected to a lower end of the curved rod has a driving mechanism therein. An elastic rod extends upward from the box. A bulb socket is disposed on the elastic rod. A bulb is disposed on the bulb socket. An integrated circuit board with a contact-actuation switch is disposed in the seat to control the driving mechanism via wires.

Abstract: A computer-aided geographic system highlights a specified area of a map based on operator input. In a preferred embodiment, a voice recognition system receives the operator input in voice form and determines the area to be highlighted. In the preferred form, the map used is a globe, and computerized controls turn and tilt the globe in response to the voice command so that one or more spotlights inside the globe illuminate the area of interest. Information related to the geographic location selected may be retrieved and simultaneously displayed on a computer monitor, video screen, slide screen, and/or narrated by synthesized voice.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a hollow globe including a plurality of apertures which are formed substantially throughout the entire surface of the globe. Formed within the globe and disposed in laminar juxtaposition to the interior surface of the globe's sphere, a bladder means is formed of an opaque flexible material. A plurality of cross slits are formed on the bladder in substantial alignment with the globe's surface. An internal light source is disposed within said bladder at approximately the midpoint of the globe's sphere, and a plurality of luminescent pegs are provided for insertion into the apertures formed in the globe's surface. The present invention provides the user with the plurality of luminescent, differently colored pegs to design a picture or art form. The present invention may additionally serve as a night light and the luminescent pegs may be specially adapted to project light from the interior of the globe's surface to the exterior of the globe and onto surrounding walls and ceilings.

Abstract: A mobile decorative part of a Christmas tree ornament is orbited around a stationary decorative part by an electrical motor locked onto the stationary decorative part.

Abstract: A hollow housing which may be flat or in the shape of a sphere has a map extending over at least part of its outer surface representing at least some of the topographical features of the Earth's surface. The map is formed at least partially by openings in the surface, and a light source inside the housing illuminates the openings so that they will stand out in a darkened room. The openings may be holes at the locations of major cities, cuts extending along the continents and rivers separated by bridges, and cut-outs representing major lakes and inland seas.

Abstract: A decorative illuminating torch that, by reflecting and refracting light emitted to the side and rear of a light source through transparent thread members and down the length of a grip portion, the grip portion is illuminated. The light emitted from the front of the light source can be used to illuminate further novelty items.

Abstract: A bouncing ball within which is incorporated an activatable light in the form of a flashtube which flashes when the ball incurs a physical jolting force such as when it is being bounced. There may also be incorporated within the ball a sound annunciator which produces a sound simultaneously with the flashing of the light.

Abstract: A computer controlled illuminated globe almanac is disclosed for rotating the globe to a selected viewing position and illuminating selected points, lines and areas on the globe. The system also displays and/or prints associated almanac-type data such as, for example, city or country name and population, river name an length, etc.

Abstract: A rattle for an infant is provided wherein the noise making device within the rattle also is a light activation device to momentarily light, in sequence, a plurality of lights mounted on the rattle. The noise-making device is made of magnetic material and is moved back and forth in a tube within the rattle so as to activate reed switches adjacent to the tube thereby sequentially illuminating the lights. The device is powered by batteries mounted in a handle on the rattle. In one form of the invention, the toy is elongated in shape and the magnetic member moves along a straight tubular path. In another embodiment, the magnetic member moves along an annular path and the toy is spherical.

Abstract: When examing visually uneven surfaces the problem is the disappearing of the areas remaining in the shade from the picture. To the lighting device in accordance wiht the invention for illumination of and elimination of shades from uneven surface (1) belong a source of light (2), a mainly globular reflecting contrivance (3), the interior surface of which is equipped with reflecting material, and to which openings (4, 5) for the examining of the surface and holes (6) for conducting of the light into the reflecting contrivance are formed, as well as a reflector element (7) for reflecting of light through the opening (4) into the reflecting contrivance.

Abstract: Claimed is an illuminated globe which is fully rotational about its axis. A translucent globe is slidably and rotatably mounted on an axial support pin and rests on a bearing surface. The axial support pin and the globe base are a unitary assembly. A lamp socket is affixed to the top of the support pin and the wiring is passed through the center of the support pin and exits through the side of the base.

Abstract: This Earth Photo Globe is characterized in that LANDSAT or other remote sensing geographical indicia is reproduced on the globe sphere with a definition smaller than that resolvable by the unaided human eye. An optical magnifier is mounted above the globe sphere to enable resolution of the full globe definition. A "cloud cover" spherical overlay may surround the sphere and contain a representation of the earth's cloud cover. The magnifier may be supported by this overlay.Various systems are disclosed for making the Earth Photo Globe. One uses a laser beam that is raster scanned across a photosensitized sphere, and is modulated by LANDSAT pixel data. In another system the LANDSAT data is used to prepare a set of photographic negative images each covering a section of the globe, and each containing alignment and positioning information. These images are projected onto a photosensitized sphere to make the globe.

Abstract: A globe lamp with a simulated aircraft circumnavigating the globe in a stable equatorial orbit carrying flashing and non-flashing lights.

Abstract: A three dimensional time piece for determining the correct time anywhere in the world. The time piece having a world globe with a 24 hour time band therearound, and lighting inside the globe to indicate both night time and day time on the surface of the globe. The time piece further indicates the month of the year with changes in light intensity on the surface of the globe to represent the inclination of the sun and the corresponding season of the year.

Abstract: A globular chemical-lighting assembly suitable as an illuminated playing ball or as an omnidirectional light-emitting source. The assembly is constituted by a compact chemi-luminescent device which is insertable within an inflatable globe formed of translucent material to occupy a central position therein, the globe acting to uniformly diffuse the light emitted by the device. The chemi-luminescent device is formed by two separate chambers in side-by-side relation, each containing one component of a two-component chemi-luminescent system and a manually-operated activator interconnecting these chambers to intermingle the components and thereby cause a light-producing reaction, the device normally being in a non-reactive state.