Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for displaying two-channel audio input signals in a three-color visual pattern. In general, the visual pattern may be formed on a viewing screen by an apparently moving spot having three color components. Phase shifting means is employed to phase shift one of the two audio input signals, and both audio input signals are subsequently processed by low pass filters to produce positioning signals in X-Y coordinates for the spot which forms the visual pattern. In addition, the two audio input signals are also mixed and separately processed by a high pass filter, a band pass filter and a low pass filter to produce frequency separated signals for controlling the intensity of each of three color components of the spot forming the visual pattern. Automatic color balance means utilizing negative feedback is employed to control the amplitude of the separate frequency-discriminated audio signals.

Abstract: A lamp device includes a light emitting unit for emitting a light beam, a light filtering unit, first and second focusing lenses, and a total internal reflection unit. The light filtering unit has a glass-holding frame and a pair of flat glasses which are fixed opposedly to the glass-holding frame. A space is formed between the flat glasses. A damping fluid is received in the space, and a plurality of colored glass fragments are dispersed in the damping fluid. The light filtering unit is positioned adjacent the light emitting unit so that the light beam from the light emitting unit can pass through the flat glasses and the colored glass fragments. The first and second focusing lenses are spaced opposedly from one another. The first focusing lens is positioned adjacent the light filtering unit.

Abstract: An illuminated colored display device having a pair of counter rotating translucent members bearing colored patterns thereon, and a light distorting, magnifying and reducing, member surrounding a source of light, such that when viewed from a fixed location the display device a changing display of colors and shapes is observed.

Abstract: A light system includes a laser light generator and an array of motor-driven mirrors aligned to deflect a beam of laser light in various directions to create a light show. The motors are operated in a controlled sequence by a motor controller. The motors are small d.c. permanent magnet motors which are driven from a d.c. source whose voltage is adjustable to vary the frequency of oscillation of the motors and, hence the mirrors. Connected to each motor is a small coil spring whose coil is carried on the motor shaft and which has two extended arms, one of which is secured to a nearly stationary member and one which is secured to the mirror shaft. The mirror shaft is movable between two stops. The spring acts to oppose the direction of motion of the motor such that the motor is normally stalled out and driven back to one of the stops before it can be moved for enough to impact the other stop.

Abstract: A decorative lamp assembly includes an enclosure body having a cover portion and an electric bulb unit fixed in the enclosure body. A bowl-shaped transparent rotary member is mounted rotatably in the enclosure body and is located between the bulb unit and the cover portion. A pattern unit is indicated on the rotary member. A plurality of transparent rotary disks are formed with pattern units and are mounted rotatably within the rotary member between the bulb unit and the cover portion so that rays of light emitted from the bulb unit pass through the rotary disks and the rotary member and penetrate partially the cover portion to display silhouettes of the pattern units of the rotary disks and the rotary member on the external surface of the cover portion. A driving unit rotates the rotary disks and the rotary member.

Abstract: An illusive lamp including a cylindrical shade having a vertical surface provided with a plurality of holes with different shapes, a spherical housing having a plurality of protuberances with different colors on a top and a tubular portion at a lower end, the spherical housing being fixedly mounted in said cylindrical shade, and a rotating seat having a base, a motor mounted the base, a gear connected with an output axle of the motor, an electrical socket mounted on the base, a collar having a pinion fixedly mounted on a bottom thereof and engaged with the gear, a light bulb fitted in the electrical socket, and a cover mounted on the base, the tubular portion of the spherical housing being fixedly fitted in said collar.

Abstract: A doll of this invention includes a torso having an upper chest portion, a pair of arms, a pair of legs and a head, the chest includes a predetermined area of a predetermined shape, such as a heart which is constructed from translucent colored plastic material. A light is located within the cavity behind the heart to create a varying silhouette which corresponds in configuration to the doll upon the illumination of the light within the doll. The varying configuration of the silhouette is created by rotating an object between a lamp and the translucent colored plastic material, and this imparts a varying size and shape to the silhouette. In its broader aspects, the present invention is not limited to a doll, but instead to the concept of a rotating object(s) positioned between a translucent imaging surface and a source of illumination can be utilized in a variety of other environments and objects.

Abstract: A fluid-filled, colored light pattern generator including a pair of transparent plates maintained in spaced relationship by a spacer ring. The ring includes an orifice for admitting fluid into a sealed cavity formed by the plates and the ring. Colored image producing members are suspended for random floatation in the fluid so that when a beam of light is passed through the plates, moving colored images are projected.

Abstract: A laser light show device and method produces a surface projected or suspended holographic image, and includes multiple image projectors. One image projector provides the object image information representing the primary subject. For surface projections, additional background image projectors provide background image information generated using a wobbler plate-reflected beam diffracted through a spherical lens, a beam unidimensionally diffracted through a rotating cylindrical amorphic dipolyhedral lens, and a beam diffracted through multiple diffraction gratings. A suspended holographic image is produced by parabolically focusing multiple images projected onto a spherical image screen.

Abstract: A pyramidal signal light includes a translucent base panel and triangular side panels having reflective interior surfaces, with each of the translucent panels having at their intersection adjacent panels and an array of light members. In this manner, reflective illumination within the structure projected exteriorly thereof is visible in a unique projection of illumination.

Abstract: A light sculpture device, and more specifically, an article of furniture which displays light patterns, includes a box-like enclosure mounted on a hollow base. The enclosure includes a plurality of planar mirrored panels joined together at right angles to form a substantially rectangular structure in such that the reflective surfaces are directed interiorly of the enclosure. At least one of the planar mirrored panels is translucent to permit an observer to view inside of the enclosure. A plurality of lights are secured to the hollow base which emit light within the enclosure. The light pattern is produced by the light source along with the reflections of the light source produced on the reflective surfaces. This light pattern is viewed through the translucent planar mirrored panel. The light source can be but is not limited to a plurality of incandescent sources, low voltage sources, light emitting diodes, or even a visual display.

Abstract: A lighting control system for pinball games employs a lighting circuit board that supports at least one string of lamps connected in parallel. The lighting board associates a triac with each lighting string for switching the output of an a.c. power supply to each lighting string. The triacs are controlled responsive to the output of a zero-cross detection circuit, which monitors the a.c. power supply. The intensity of the lighting strings is independently controllable responsive to conditions on the game playfield by varying the length of time the triac switches power relative to the zero-crossing point of the output of the a.c. power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for presenting shiftable light patterns includes a translucent globe (12), a convex redirecting mirror (16) mounted adjacent the upper interior surface of the globe (12), a laser beam source (20), a pair of galvanic vibration mirrors (22,24), and amplifier assembly (28) for vibrating the mirrors (22,24) in accordance with a respective pair of stereophonic audio signals (22,24). In operation, the vibration mirrors operate to change the impingement location of the beam on the reflecting mirror in direction in transverse to one another and in accordance with the amplitude and frequency of the audio signals resulting in light patterns which shift in accordance with the audio signals.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus is provided which comprises a color disc capable of transmitting light therethrough and arranged within a housing having an opening. The color disc has a planar surface parallel to the opening, and a large number of subdivided sections defined on the planar surface. The subdivided sections are individually colored in one of a plurality of colors such that, when viewed as a whole, the planar surface has a plurality of identical coloration patterns each consisting of the subdivided sections of the same color and that any adjacent ones of the coloration patterns are different in color from each other. A shutter disc is arranged between the color disc and the opening and has a large number of windows for permitting only those subdivided sections forming one of the coloration patterns to be exposed to the outside of the housing when the shutter disc is at a predetermined rotational angle position.

Abstract: An electrostatic display device having a plurality of fluorescent particles moving back and forth in a chamber illuminated by blacklight. The chamber having oppositely charged top and bottom plates whereby the particles are alternately electrostatically attracted to and repelled from the plates while illuminated by the blacklight, thus creating a constantly moving decorative light display.

Abstract: A controlled stratified random area illuminator is constructed of a base comprised of alternate layers of conductive and insulating material and a plurality of illuminating devices adapted to be positioned in a predetermined array on the base to provide an illuminating display. Each illuminating device comprises a light source and a post which carries a pair of leads for supplying current to the light source, one lead being adapted to make electrical contact with a common layer of conductive material and another lead which is adapted to make electrical contact with one of the other conductive layers. The illuminating devices and the base are constructed so that the illuminating devices can be installed by pushing them into the base material to penetrate the conductive and insulating layers to a predetermined depth. A selective switch controls the supply of electrical current to the conductive layers for illuminating a predetermined array of illuminating devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for reflecting a laser beam so that it traverses a path on a display surface defining a visible display pattern responsive to an audio frequency input signal. The input signal is provided to a speaker, and the laser beam reflects off a front surface mirror, mounted onto the speaker so that the mirror vibrates responsive to the input signal.

Abstract: Animation of lighting structures. Method and instrument implementing a plurality of extensive sources of lights having intensities which vary independently in the course of time and optionally a colored spectrum which also varies. The variations of the different sources which are either localized or global are controlled in real time by an operator or may be programmed. The controlled parameters are preferably the direction and the speed of the intensity variation. Application to the making of instruments for the creation and interpretation of light scores.

Abstract: A color changeable photo-decorative pencil torch which can be used not only for lighting but also as a toy. The pencil torch having liquid suspended light scattering members which when illuminated serve to scatter light in all directions. A movable multicolored filter is used to randomly vary the color of the light reflected by the light scattering members.

Abstract: A rainbow creating device comprises optical conductors through which light rays consisting of visible light ray components are transmitted. A lens is placed opposite the respective light-emitting ends of the optical conductors for converting the light rays emitted from them to parallel light rays. Prisms are placed for receiving the parallel light rays from the lens and for effecting the spectroscopic separation of the parallel light rays.

Abstract: A decorative light with rotating reflecting disc is disclosed which includes a mounting base and a translucent dome secured upon the base. A plurality of sockets with lamps are mounted in the base beneath the dome and each socket can contain a lamp of different color. A motor is concentrically secured in the base to rotate a circular reflector below the lamps to reflect light rays from the lamps upwardly against the undersurface of the translucent dome. The surface of the circular reflector is covered with a crinkled or otherwise bent "Milar" sheet to form a great multitude of small, angularly offset reflecting surfaces so that a unique, colored, reflected, light pattern is projected upon the underside of the dome by the rotating reflector.

Abstract: A combination decorative light image source and calendrical device comprising a substantially planar platform, a light-reflective material affixed to the top surface of the platform, and a second material positioned above the light-reflective material for reflecting, transmitting, and refracting light. The second material can comprise a flexible film arranged in a plurality of at least partially spaced-apart planes or a rigid, transparent material which is bent and is colored or has a dielectric coating. A transparent cover can be affixed to the platform for enclosing the top surface of the platform, the light-reflective material, and the flexible film and a base can be attached to the bottom surface of the support surface for rotating the support surface in a plurality of planes. In another embodiment, the combination decorative light image source and calendrical device comprises a first rigid material for reflecting light, and a second rigid material for reflecting, transmitting, and refracting light.

Abstract: A light show projector is provided for use in producing a pleasing and variable laser-like visual line pattern on a wall or the like in synchronized relation with an audio input signal such as music. The light show projector comprises a compact and portable housing having a substantially point light source projecting a narrow light beam through a rotatable color wheel having multiple radial segments of different colors, and further through an adjustable focusing lens for reflection by a dynamically supported mirror onto a wall or ceiling of a room for viewing. The mirror is resiliently supported by asymmetrically arranged support members, one of which is electromagnetically displaced in relation to selected characteristics of the audio input signal, thereby producing a multidimensional mirror displacement yielding a large and widely variant esthetically attractive laser-like line pattern.

Abstract: A music translation device provides a light output pattern in response to an audio input. A divider circuit is used to provide a repeating output which commutates repeatedly among a series of output lines. Each output line is connected to a pair of output devices. The output pairs are arranged along a pair of paths, the output devices being oriented along the lines in an opposed order to create the illusion of oppositely directed motion along the paths.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for displaying two-channel audio input signals in a three-color visual pattern. In general, the visual pattern may be formed on a viewing screen by an apparently moving spot having three color components. Phase shifting means is employed to phase shift one of the two audio input signals, and both audio input signals are subsequently processed by low pass filters to produce positioning signals in X-Y coordinates for the spot which forms the visual pattern. In addition, the two audio input signals are also mixed and separately processed by a high pass filter, a band pass filter and a low pass filter to produce frequency separated signals for controlling the intensity of each of three color components of the spot forming the visual pattern. Automatic color balance means utilizing negative feedback is employed to control the amplitude of the separate frequency-discriminated audio signals.

Abstract: The housing of this device contains an electric lamp and an electric motor, the drive shaft of which rotates a circular, light transmissive, polarized cell, which is removably mounted in the housing over a light transmissive plate, which is mounted in an opening in the housing to direct diffused light from the lamp onto one side of the cell. The cell has a chamber filled with a liquid, and a plurality of small, birefringent elements which float randomly in all directions as the cell rotates, and which disperse light from the lamp into a variety of constantly changing colors and hues that are visible from the side of the cell remote from the diffuser.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved decorative light set with clusters of light bulbs, an electric circuit and a d.c. power source for actuating the bulbs of clusters of the light bulbs and the electric circuit, wherein the circuit has two oscillators for producing pulses, a comparator for comparing the pulses of the two oscillators, a decoder actuated by the comparator. Random output signals are output by the decoding means for lighting the bulbs randomly as if the light set is sparkling and twinkling without using a long extending wire from a power source.

Abstract: A guitar having in the preferred embodiment a shielded electro-luminescent lamp located behind the plastic pickup guard material of the guard in a preselected configuration. The electro-luminescent lamps are encapsulated in appropriate shielding material to prevent interference with the guitar's amplifier circuitry and are driven by a shielded control circuit having a controllable flashing circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for forming special color effects wth at least an electrical lamp which is supplied with a pulsed current and moved by a relative movement into space. The device supplies the electrical lamp with an electrical current which is pulsed during a time T1 in accordance with a pulsating period T, the cyclic ratio T1/T varying between 0 and 1 and the frequency 1/T varying from 1 to 500 Hz.

Abstract: This light emitting element comprises three differently colored luminous sources the excitation of which varies as a function of a signal developed by a physical phenomenon sensor, in particular a microphone. The analog signal emitted by the sensor is initially converted into a sequence of electrical pulses in a suitable converter. The leading edges of said pulses are next applied to a counter the output of which provides a coded signal which changes with the arrival of each such edge and thus determines a different state of excitation of the luminous sources. The arrangement as described enables changing the color of the element from a musical signal.

Abstract: A decorative lampshade comprising translucent sealed walls, in which a translucent body surrounded by a liquid is located. The height of the body and the distance between the body and walls can be adjusted by bolts extending outside the lampshade. Adjustment of the bolts regulates the brightness and color of the lampshade.

Abstract: Generator having a light source of high intensity which is passed through colored filters and into fiber optic bundles, the ends of the bundles being moveable relative to a kaleidoscope-type projecting lens.

Abstract: A disco light assembly is provided which includes a multiplicity of individual electric lamps formed in a circle, or in any other appropriate configuration, and which are illuminated in any desired sequence in response to a disco beat. The individual lamps are preferably of the high intensity type, and each generates a shaft of light, preferably white, when illuminated. A common regulated power supply is provided which supplies a continuous filament current to all the lamps which is of sufficient amplitude to maintain the filaments in a warm state but insufficient to illuminate the lamps. Each lamp has its own control module connected to the common power supply, and when a module is triggered, it causes a high current pulse to be introduced to the corresponding lamp for a few milliseconds, followed by a power current of sufficient intensity to illuminate the lamp. The power current continues for so long as the lamp is to be illuminated.

Abstract: A mental functions complexity model is provided that is suitable for demonstrating, in three-dimensional perspective, the interrelationships of the various mental functions performed by the human brain. The model preferably includes an opaque, upturned, hemispherical base fixedly supported by a saddle, a circular, rotatable, translucent, horizontal disc panel on top of and covering the base, a pair of intersecting, semi-circular, translucent, upright discs mounted in perpendicular relationship to one another above the horizontal disc and being rotatable independently of the horizontal panel, a central translucent light-diffusing hemispherical member centrally located in relation to the horizontal and upright discs, a plurality of independently variable light sources located within the base and below the horizontal disc, and motor drives located within the base for rotating the horizontal and vertical discs.

Abstract: Intensified light emitting diodes intermittently energized while in motion, the light emission thereof being sensed by eyesight retention as dots and bars of light dynamically related and intermixed relative one to the other in an infinite number of geometric patterns dependent upon the simple and compound application of rectilinear, arcuate and rotary motion in combination with the frequency, spacing and duration of pulse application by a flasher circuit modified by adjustment both manually and automatically.

Abstract: An automotive accessory translucent disk wheel cover overlying a supporting plate non-rotatably mounted upon the axle of an automotive vehicle overlying a supporting plate member having mounted thereon a multiplicity of lamps in circuit individually disposed within recessed portions of said plate member, the lamps being turned on and off in a desired sequence to provide the illusion of movement such as of spokes of a wheel as viewed upon the wheel cover.

Abstract: A sound-actuated light advertising display (10) includes an octagonally-shaped reflector (20) having an octagonal base (21), outer side walls (22) extending away from the base (21) and projecting at an obtuse angle thereto, and a pyramid-shaped portion (23) extending away from the center of the base (21). A plurality of lights (25) are positioned in the reflector base (21) and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the pyramid-shaped portion (23). A sound-actuated power switching means (27) is connected between the plurality of lights (25) and a power source. The switching means (27) detects sound in the vicinity of the display (10) and regulates power input to the plurality of lights (25) in response to the variations in the level of the detected sound. A prismatically textured translucent cover (15, 19) is positioned over the reflector (20).

Abstract: Apparatus for providing an optical display as a function of frequency and amplitude of an audio music signal comprising a plurality of frequency selection circuits and a corresponding plurality of linear optical displays for providing a composite bar display comprising a plurality of linear bar segments each having a length which varies as a function of amplitude of a corresponding frequency component of the input music signal. The display is preferably in the form of a row and column array of individual optical display elements such as LED's. The apparatus also includes bar/dot display drivers and an operator-responsive switch for alternately selecting either a bar or a dot display at the LED array.

Abstract: A simulated rain on a window pane panel assembly that can be used as a room divider, a head-board for a bed, a window replacement, or a door. It has a minor frame assembly having a pair of vertical side frame members interconnected adjacent their respective bottom ends by a bottom frame member. A pair of clear plastic panels cover the front and rear of the minor frame assembly to form a water tight chamber therebetween. A primary tubular member extends substantially across the width of the minor frame assembly adjacent its top and the primary tubular member is also positioned between the laterally spaced clear plastic panels. A plurality of apertures are formed in the bottom surface of the primary tubular member across its length. A major frame assembly laterally surrounds the minor frame assembly, and it contains shelves, speaker cabinets, a built in psychodelic light system, and a storage area beneath the minor frame assembly.

Abstract: A day-night picture achieves a realistic reproduction of the twinkling of distant city lights or the like, by backlighting small apertures in the picture with a fine, randomly moving reflection pattern obtained by suspending pieces of crumpled reflective foil from fine threads behind the picture above a light source whose heat creates convection currents which slowly move the foil pieces in a random manner.

Abstract: An illuminated, portable floor comprising a plurality of releasably, lockable panels having an array of illuminable members disposed in a desired design pattern in the upper surface of each panel, male and female mechanical coupling members disposed around the periphery of each panel for mechanically locking the panels in a side-by-side contiguous relationship, electrical male and female connectors mounted within selected locations along said mechanical coupling members of particular panels for electrically connecting the illuminable members of selected adjacent panels, a low voltage electrical power source, and an electrical circuit network connecting the power supply, the electrical connectors, and the illuminable members together. As the floor is assembled, the joinder of side-by-side panel edges effects both mechanical and electrical coupling simultaneously.

Abstract: The by-directional brushless electric motor scanner is an optical scanner that reflects a beam of light to a variety of points thereby creating what appears to be continuous geometric and other figures and it comprises a base, a by-directional brushless electric motor coupled to the base, a shaft having a rest position and a shaft axis wherein the shaft is coupled to the motor so that the shaft is rotatable about the shaft axis by the motor, a reflecting surface coupled to the shaft so that the reflecting surface is rotatable and a spring coupled to the base and to the shaft so that the spring will exert a force on the shaft toward the rest position when the shaft is rotated about the shaft axis from the rest position.

Abstract: A rotating display which gives the illusion of simultaneous movement in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions is disclosed. The rotary display inclues a rotary reflector having a plurality of light reflecting surfaces formed thereon. Each of the light reflecting surfaces is planar and lies in a plane different from each of the reflecting surfaces located adjacent thereto. Means for rotating the reflector about a predetermined axis is provided. A reflective diffraction grating surrounds the reflector and reflects light emitted from a light source onto the reflector and out towards the observer of the display.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to produce an optical illusion of variable geometric patterns. The apparatus may be used as an electronic toy, display or kinetic art mural, as well as a demonstration aid in geometry, physics or physiology. An array of light emitting diodes mounted on a rotating disk or carrier is selectively activated to control the geometric patterns formed.

Abstract: An arrangement of multi-colored randomly-flashing lamps provides a decorative lighting effect which is particularly pleasing when viewed while listening to music. The lamps are mounted in a plurality of lamp reflectors which are disposed in a honeycomb-like array which is mounted in a frame. Preferably, a series of five lamps are mounted in each reflector. A series of flashers corresponding in number to the number of lamps in each reflector function to power the lamps in random sequence so that various colors and color blends are produced.

Abstract: A disco lamp controller for a coin-operated phonograph in which a signal derived from the audio amplifier signal of the phonograph is applied to the trigger input of an astable multivibrator the output of which is applied to a register the outputs of which cause lamps sequentially to light in time to the beat of the music being played. In the absence of the audio signal the lamps light at a constant frequency.

Abstract: A home entertainment system and lighting cabinet simulates the sound and lighting effects of a discotheque. Light rays from a bank of differently colored lights are directed both to a mirrored rotating globe and to a rear reflecting panel behind the globe. A plurality of reflecting part-spherical domes and pyramidal-like projections are arranged on the rear panel and are configurated to reflect at least some of the impinging light rays back to the globe for subsequent reflection therefrom. The light rays reflected off the globe, domes and projections are projected about the room in which the system is located in a very dense pattern of reflected differently colored images. A stereo music system is mounted on the cabinet to combine a discotheque sound effect with the above-described lighting effect.

Abstract: A light display made from a plurality of optical fibers. The fibers are secured to a tube and extend outwardly therefrom, the tube being mounted for reciprocation about an axis extending through the tube and longitudinally of the fibers. In one embodiment, the tube has an arm extending laterally therefrom and a rod coupled to the outer periphery of a rotatable member causes the arm to move back and forth along a curved path to reciprocate the tube and thereby the fibers as the member rotates in one direction. In a second embodiment of the light display, the tube is carried by one of a pair of relatively shiftable members each having a coil thereon so that a voltage applied to the coil of the other member will induce a voltage in the coil of the one member to thereby cause reciprocation of the one member relative to the other member about an axis through the members due to the alternating current "hum" responsive to the inductive coupling between the coils.

Abstract: A collimated light source, preferably coherent, is directed at an optical system comprising a plurality of controllably rotatable mirrors, the source going from one to the next in seriatim, and each mirror being mounted a small number of degrees "off" the optical axis, so as to oscillate upon rotation. With the rotational speed of each mirror individually controllable, a substantially infinite number of patterns can be generated. Further variations in pattern generation can be achieved with a beam clipper, pulse modulation by an analog (e.g. audio) signal, and/or other known beam-modifying devices. A preferred embodiment is adapted for entertainment purposes and employs a low-power laser and three mirrors. Other applications include pattern-recognition testing of individuals for optometric or psychological purposes.

Abstract: A disco light assembly is provided which includes a multiplicity of individual electric lamps formed in a circle, or in any other appropriate configuration, and which are illuminated in any desired sequence in response to a disco beat. The individual lamps are preferably of the high intensity type, and each generates a shaft of light, preferably white, when illuminated. A common regulated power supply is provided which supplies a continuous filament current to all the lamps which is of sufficient amplitude to maintain the filaments in a warm state but insufficient to illuminate the lamps. Each lamp has its own control module connected to the common power supply, and when a module is triggered, it causes a high current pulse to be introduced to the corresponding lamp for a few milliseconds, followed by a power current of sufficient intensity to illuminate the lamp. The power current continues for so long as the lamp is to be illuminated.