Abstract: At least one embodiment of this disclosure includes a method for an autonomous vehicle (e.g., a fully autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle) to communicate with external observers. The method includes: receiving a task at the autonomous vehicle; collecting data that characterizes a surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle from a sensor coupled to the autonomous vehicle; determining an intended course of action for the autonomous vehicle to undertake based on the task and the collected data; and conveying a human understandable output via an output device, the human understandable output expressly or implicitly indicating the intended course of action to an external observer.

Abstract: A flag displaying assembly for extending a limp flag includes a pole that is coupled to a surface so that the pole is substantially perpendicular to the surface. The pole is hollow. A plurality of holes is positioned in the pole. The plurality of holes extends linearly from proximate to a top of the pole toward a bottom of the pole. A flag is coupled to the pole proximate to the top. A forced air unit is coupled to the pole proximate to the bottom so that the forced air unit is in fluidic communication with the pole. The forced air unit is positioned to supply air through the pole to the holes. The air that exits the pole through the holes is positioned to extend the flag from the pole.

Abstract: Systems and methods for flying sheet materials including a conduit, at least one airflow diverter and an outlet, and a fan positioned relative to the conduit for moving high velocity air through the conduit and out the at least one airflow diverter. In example embodiments, at least one sheet material is connected to a portion of the conduit and nearby the outlet such that the high velocity air provides a force against the sheet material causing the same to unfurl and fly as if an outdoor wind was present. In some example embodiments, two or more sheet materials can be unfurled or fly at the same time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for flying sheet materials including a conduit, at least one airflow diverter and an outlet, and a fan positioned relative to the conduit for moving high velocity air through the conduit and out the at least one airflow diverter. In example embodiments, at least one sheet material is connected to a portion of the conduit and nearby the outlet such that the high velocity air provides a force against the sheet material causing the same to unfurl and fly as if an outdoor wind was present. In some example embodiments, two or more sheet materials can be unfurled or fly at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus for spinning a rally towel comprising a body section comprising with a first end and a second end, an outer housing extending from the first end to the second end with the outer housing having knobs at the second end, an inner cylindrical tube, at least a pair of spheres comprising a first attaching means, a second attaching means, a gripping means, a noise creating means, and a towel such that the towel is inserted in corners of said spheres between said gripping means with said second attaching means in closed position for the insertion. Further the apparatus provided plastic noise knobs that create clicking noise when flap comes in contact with plastic noise knobs. The apparatus is used as a cheering device for fans to twirl around during a sport to support the respective favorite team.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of this disclosure includes a method for an autonomous vehicle (e.g., a fully autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle) to communicate with external observers. The method includes: receiving a task at the autonomous vehicle; collecting data that characterizes a surrounding environment of the autonomous vehicle from a sensor coupled to the autonomous vehicle; determining an intended course of action for the autonomous vehicle to undertake based on the task and the collected data; and conveying a human understandable output via an output device, the human understandable output expressly or implicitly indicating the intended course of action to an external observer.

Abstract: A sign waving apparatus that includes a base, a housing enclosing a motor, a frame support connecting the base and the housing, and a sign mount mechanically connected to a motor. The sign or signs attach to the surfaces of the sign mount. The sign mount moves relative to the housing in a variety of different motions.

Abstract: A machine for controllably flying a flag indoors or outdoors in the absence of natural wind; said machine constituted of a base member having enough depth to house and protect electronic and/or electro-mechanical drive components etc.

Abstract: A sports banner twirling device for retaining a sports banner or towel with a grasping mechanism located at the end of an extension arm clipped to a spindle projecting upward and axially aligned along the longitudinal axis of the handle held by the user. The extension arm can be articulating or non-articulating and houses at its distal end a sports banner grasping mechanism for receiving and retaining a portion of the sports banner for twirling until manually removed. Sports team indicia can also be mounted to the side faces of said handle.

Abstract: A sign waving apparatus that includes a base, a housing enclosing a motor, a frame support connecting the base and the housing, and a sign mount mechanically connected to a motor. The sign or signs attach to the surfaces of the sign mount. The sign mount moves relative to the housing in a variety of different motions.

Abstract: A banner apparatus comprising a base having a substantially symmetrical central core formed in an upper end of the base and a banner-insert sub-assembly removably installed within the core from either open end. The core has a substantially symmetrical and central stepped inner surface that is accessible from each open end. The banner-insert sub-assembly comprises an insert having at least one passage therethrough and a windsock banner installed over the insert so as to be pinched between the insert and the core when the banner-insert sub-assembly is removably installed within the core during use, the banner having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one airflow channel in communication therebetween and with the passage and the core so as to allow airflow through the base and the banner to aid its substantially horizontal flight during use.

Abstract: An article, such as a towel, having an opening to secure a twirling mechanism thereto. The twirling mechanism having a handle extending from a bottom portion thereof and having a mechanism to permit rotating of the handle with respect to the fabric-article, such that the fabric article is capable of twirling around the twirling mechanism. The twirling mechanism may in other embodiments include noise maker when the handle is rotated.

Abstract: A spinner handle for waiving a sport's fan banner-towel comprising an ergonomic handle and a banner-towel grasping attachment. The generally elongated cylindrical handle comprises a neck at a distal end which separates it from a rounded head. The neck is received in an aperture formed on an attachment body having two hingedly attached parts that fold onto one another. A corresponding, interlocking stud-and-tube coupling system is comprised on the two attachment body parts. When the parts fold onto one another, the studs are received in the tubes so that a banner-towel placed therebetween doesn't slip out.

Abstract: An article, such as a towel, having an opening to secure a twirling mechanism thereto. The twirling mechanism having a handle extending from a bottom portion thereof and having a mechanism to permit rotating of the handle with respect to the fabric-article, such that the fabric article is capable of twirling around the twirling mechanism. The twirling mechanism may in other embodiments include noise maker when the handle is rotated.

Abstract: An article, such as a towel, having an opening to secure a twirling mechanism thereto. The twirling mechanism having a handle extending from a bottom portion thereof and having a mechanism to permit rotating of the handle with respect to the fabric-article, such that the fabric article is capable of twirling around the twirling mechanism. The twirling mechanism may in other embodiments include noise maker when the handle is rotated.

Abstract: The noisemaker pennant is a combination pennant or flag and a noisemaker device that enables the sports fan to simultaneously express his or her emotions at an event both visually and audibly. Waving the present noisemaker pennant serves to display the pennant or flag thereon, while simultaneously activating the noisemaker device attached thereto. The noisemaker pennant may have various types of pennants, flags, banners, etc. formed of relatively thin, flexible material, with a sports team logo, player's name, political symbol, etc., displayed thereon. The noisemaker portion may be any of various devices, including, but not limited to, clappers, ratcheting devices, bells, whistles, etc. The noisemaker portion and/or the pennant may be removably secured to the staff, to allow the user to interchangeably install different noisemakers with the pennant or flag. A handgrip is provided on the staff opposite the noisemaker end thereof.

Abstract: A machine for controllably flying a flag indoors or outdoors in the absence of natural wind is disclosed; said machine is constituted of a base member having enough depth to house and protect electronic and/or electro-mechanical drive components etc.

Abstract: An inflatable flag display includes a shaft having a hollow core and a sealed upper end. An aperture is located in the upper portion of the shaft and penetrates from an outer surface to the hollow core. A supporting base is connected to the shaft. A gas input connection is affixed to the shaft or the base and is in fluid communication with the core. An inflatable flag member is affixed to the shaft, formed of flexible material and has at least one inflatable chamber. The chamber is in fluid communication with the aperture and has an exhaust vent. A compressed gas source is in fluid communication with the gas input connection. A compressed gas modulator controls pressure or duration of gas flow, causing the flag to undulate. A variant includes means for rotating the shaft as the flag is inflated. Another variant includes an inflatable column replacing the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the forced waving of flags for advertising devices and similar and to the corresponding operation methods. The inventive system comprises a support (10) for supporting a flag or similar (2) with the aid of a flag-waving shaft (20) and for securing blowing means (11) which release forced air flows (S) that are applied to the flag or a similar element disposed on the waving shaft. The aforementioned blowing means (11) supply one or more laminar air flows (S) through the outlet(s) (110) thereof. The flag-waving shaft (20) is positioned perpendicularly to the direction of flow of the laminar air flow(s) on an external side of, and close to, the outlets of the blowing means, said zone containing flows with no turbulence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the forced waving of flags for advertising devices and similar and to the corresponding operation methods. The inventive system comprises a support (10) for supporting a flag or similar (2) with the aid of a flag-waving shaft (20) and for securing blowing means (11) which release forced air flows (S) that are applied to the flag or a similar element disposed on the waving shaft. The aforementioned blowing means (11) supply one or more laminar air flows (S) through the outlet(s) (110) thereof. The flag-waving shaft (20) is positioned perpendicularly to the direction of flow of the laminar air flow(s) on an external side of, and close to, the outlets of the blowing means, said zone containing flows with no turbulence.

Abstract: The invention provides means to control flag movement. Sound activated unit responds to sound impulse to activate electric current flows to a switch-electromagnet. Switch-electromagnet effects directly on “Sound-flag synchronized action controller electrical switch” to turn an activated electric circuit “ON”. Activated electric current flows to “wind control bar electromagnets” to control velocity of blower wind current in flagpole interior to make flag actions such as waving, jumping and dancing.

Abstract: A pennant display system comprising a cuff positioned on a structure having predetermined height and means connected to the cuff for moving the cuff along the height of the structure. The system further comprises means positioned on each of the cuff and the moving means for releaseably attaching a pennant thereto.

Abstract: A golf marking flag for attachment to a supporting upright pole having flag attachment means comprising a linear sleeve adapted to loosely slip over the upright pole to enable unobstructed rotation of the flag in response to wind direction along with a flexible tab secured to the top of the linear sleeve and adapted to rotatably engage an upwardly extending narrow pin located at the top of the upright pole. The flexible tab contains an opening larger than the narrowed upright extension to enable free rotation of the tab around the narrowed extension, while the opening is smaller than the upright pole to enable the larger pole to vertically support the marking flag. The flexible tab supports the marking flag on the upright pole while the sleeve enables rotation of the marking flag about the upright pole. The golf marking flag can be attached directly to an upright pole or adapted to be interconnected to an intervening swivel harness to provide indirect connection to the upright pole.

Abstract: An artificial wind producing flag pole assembly for providing airflow in windless conditions to display a flag in an unfurled position as if a steady wind was present. The artificial wind producing flag pole assembly includes a flagpole having a hollow interior. An air blower is coupled to a base of the flagpole for producing airflow into and through the hollow interior of the flagpole. A top portion of the flagpole has a plurality of holes to direct the airflow from the interior of the flagpole out towards a flag connected to the flagpole. The airflow coming out of the holes holds the flag in an unfurled position.

Abstract: A flexible flag has a plurality of spiral shaped wire elements carried by the flexible flag body. The wire elements are mounted for rotation about generally parallel axes along a vertical support. Gearing between a motor and the elements rotates the elements. The elements have portions spaced from their end portions offset from the axes of rotation. Those elements are in phase or out of phase relative to one another. Rotation of the elements causes a rippling or waving effect in the flag simulative of a flag waving in the breeze.

Abstract: The luggage rack flag mount is a device designed for mounting accessories to the cross bar of luggage racks. This mounting mechanism consists of a smooth adjustable clamp that may be tightened on a crossbar by applying simple squeezing pressure on either end of the clamp. The clamp comprises hooks which are connected by a cross member. One of these hooks is inserted into a groove in the cross member and teeth on the surface of the groove and this hook interlock to hold them together. The present invention also consists of a mount attached to the upper surface of the clamp by a hinge. A flagpole may be secured to this mount and the wind resistance against the flag caused by the motion of the vehicle will cause the flag to rise. A block is secured to the clamp adjacent to the hinge so that the flagpole will remain upright when the vehicle is moving. When the vehicle stops moving the weight of the flag will cause the flagpole to fall to a resting position atop the clamp.

Abstract: A boat antenna flag system comprises a boat antenna, the boat antenna has a base end and a free end. A flag is provided. The flag has a free end and a fixed end. The fixed end has a plurality of apertures reinforced with grommets. A lower end retention device is also provided. The lower end retention device is adapted to set the height of the flag on the antenna. An upper end retention device is further provided. The upper end retention device is adapted to prevent the flag from coming off the antenna. Provided last is a one piece coupling device for the antenna, flag and retention devices.

Abstract: An artificially enhanced or induced windsource wind accessory device for use with a tethered display device. The wind accessory device has a hollow air director, a natural air intake port, a generated wind port, and an air output port to the banner. Generated wind intake air activates a blocker to close the natural wind intake port. Optionally, the banner is lighted from a light source disposed inside the air director. In an alternate embodiment, the wind accessory device has a perforated tube connected to a wind source and the tube has multiple perforations along the section adjacent to the banner and the perforations face the banner.

Abstract: A weather resistant flag is provided which includes a flagstaff, a flag cloth mountable on the flagstaff, solar cells mounted on at least one of the flag cloth and the flagstaff, and an energy storage device for storing energy generated by the solar cells. The solar cells can be in the form of solar cell strips and can be transparent in the event that they are mounted over business advertising symbols that may be provided on the flag.

Abstract: A driver courtesy device includes a first unit attachable to the dashboard or steering console of an automobile, within reach of the driver of the automobile, and a display unit mounted adjacent the rear window or one of the side windows of the automobile. The first unit includes a signal transmitter actuated by the driver. The display unit includes an upstanding member resembling an arm and hand, a signal receiver, and a motor actuated for a predetermined operational period upon receipt of the signal transmitted by the first unit. An interposer converts rotary motion of the actuated motor to linear motion to thereby move the arm and hand in a reciprocating, waving motion to convey a courteous gesture.

Abstract: A safety warning flag assembly for use with highway trucks provides for a foldable placard which is attachable to the front end of a highway truck. The placard, attached longitudinally along the front bumper is foldable along its longitudinal length. When closed, the placard essentially becomes part of the bumper. When opened, the placard displays a warning sign to oncoming traffic. With the placard in its open position, a flag receiving fixture attached to the placard allows a conically shaped flag and flag holder to be received within the fixture. In an alternative embodiment, the flag fixture is functionally adapted to receive the flag from various angles such that the flag can be flown at its most effective angle for warning traffic of the approaching wide load. In another alternative embodiment, the flag fixture may be attachable to other parts of the truck and may be used in conjunction with the warning placard.

Abstract: Joy device of a casing in a form of pedestal, upon a mast for hauling up a flag by means of a strand pulled by a mechanic device is fixed, all in time to a sonorous emission generated by a sound electronic chip included into the casing. According to the invention, the mast is detachable and is provided a housing for bearing a portion of the mast at the detached state. Furthermore advantages arise when the sound chip is mounted upon the outside of the housing of the feed bateries of the sound chip and when the switch for the electric feed is provided in a form of resiently deformable membrane operatively faced to the bottom end of an operation pushbutton provided on the casing.

Abstract: A device for attracting attention having an opened position and a closed position, and includes a pole and a flag extending from the pole. The pole has an extended position for holding in a hand and a retracted position for storage. The pole includes a plurality of tubular telescoping portions, a top cap that threadably engages the top of an upper portion of the plurality of tubular telescoping portions and which allows for selective closing of the upper portion when the pole is used to store valuables therein, and a bottom cap that threadably engages the bottom of a lower portion of the plurality of tubular telescoping portions and which allows for selective closing of the lower portion when the pole is used to store valuables therein. A substrate of the flag is elongated, and originates at the upper portion of the plurality of tubular telescoping portions and terminates in a pair of converging edges that join at a free convex tip.

Abstract: A flag/banner display system comprising a generally horizontal, cantilever mounting of a first base strut from which is mounted a pivotal strut array adapted for supporting a flag/banner therefrom. The pivotal strut array is formed in angulated fashion that pivotally moves about the end of the cantilevered base strut to thereby permit economical and aesthetically pleasing flag/banner/signage mountings capable of moving in response to wind loading and facilitating the use of interchangeable flag/banners thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a flag, banner, or pennant, so as to simulate waving in wind, is particularly adapted for use with a novelty flag that is scaled for use in model railroad layouts. The apparatus employs a correspondingly scaled flag staff for coupling with and supporting the flag along one edge thereof. A drive arrangement is coupled to the flag staff at the base thereof for producing a rotatory oscillating motion. Electrical energy for the drive arrangement, which includes a small electric motor having a motor shaft with an eccentric element attached thereto, is provided from a conventional energy source, such as batteries. Coupling between the flag staff and the drive arrangement is achieved via a mechanical energy storage device that includes a resilient spring arranged to receive mechanical energy from the drive arrangement. The eccentric element attached to the motor shaft includes a mechanical striker that is in the form of a spring wire wound about the motor shaft.

Abstract: An improved formative flag has a flag embodiment having holes at proper positions for disposing fastening seats thereon so as to secure a plurality of light bulbs thereto. A flag pole is made up of two sections which are coupled by a connecting tube. A battery box is housed in a receiving bag at the one side of the flag embodiment. The battery box having one end connected to the light bulbs for supply of power thereto. The flag embodiment can be decorated with any kinds of artistic drawings so as to make the flag appealing to the eyes of people.

Abstract: A signalling device for warning motorists of danger including, in combination: a planar sign having a first surface with indica thereon; a housing having a top wall with a slot formed therein and a flange secured to the sign; a motor positioned within the housing, the motor having a horizontal output shaft, a disk coupled to the output shaft, the disk adapted for rotational movement, and a hole formed within the periphery of the disk; a generally vertically extending flag pole having an upper extent and a lower extent, the lower extent being pivotally connected to the bottom wall of the housing, the flag pole adapted for cyclic pivotal movement, a horizontal hole formed adjacent to the lower extent of the flag pole, the flag pole being positioned such that it extends through the slot of the housing, the upper extent of the flag pole extending above the housing and the top portion of the sign; an s-shaped pin having a first end and a second end, the first end positioned within the hole formed adjacent to the l

Abstract: A system and method for producing a horizontal wave motion in flags, pennants, banners and other insignia. The system comprises a flag or the like, a flagpole, an air blower, and a cabinet which houses and conceals the air blower. The air blower generates a free airstream of selectively chosen volume which is directed towards the lower region of the flag where the flag is attached to the flagpole. The combination of the force of the vertically directed airstream, the force of gravity, and the connection of the flag to the flagpole at one end imparts to the flag a resultant vector force which disposes the flag to unfurl and wave horizontally. The system and method for producing a horizontal wave motion in flags and the like provides for the unobtrusive manipulation of flags and the like such that a natural windblown appearance is created with no audible or visual cue as to the actuating device.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to produce, by means of a blower device, consisting of a common blower motor installed into a housing base and a hollow tube mast with a special positioned air slot and flag stick also in a related special position to the air slot, that will effectively and consistently provide a means of delivering an air flow across the face of a cloth flag so it will fly in a full extended flutter motion within a still indoor environment so that a advertising message on the flag can be easily read.

Abstract: A case of visually displaying a flag in a realistic manner which provides an illusion that the flag is kept aloft in the wind with the sun in the background.

Abstract: A method of securely attaching for indefinite periods banners of flexible plastic electrostatically chargeable material to flagstaffs and then onto smooth non-porous surfaces, which may be the painted exteriors of vehicle bodies, and vice versa, without the use of separate adhesives.

Abstract: The device is an improved base support for securing yardage indicating number inserts or a flag holder insert and an attached flag to a sprinkler unit installed on a golf course. The improved base support is secured to the sprinkler unit by means of a base. The flag insert and attached flag are installed on the base during construction of the golf course to prevent operators of heavy equipment from hitting or running over the sprinkler unit. Once the golf course is completed, the flag holder insert is removed from the base and replaced with the yardage indicating number inserts. The flag holder insert and the number inserts are provided with beveled sides and ends. The beveled sides of the flag holder insert and the beveled ends of the number inserts slide between base tracks provided on the base in order to secure the inserts to the base.

Abstract: A portable signalling device is disclosed. The device comprises a housing having a longitudinal opening therein, a signal support slidably engaged in the longitudinal opening between a contracted position and an expanded position, and a clip on the housing. The signal support is capable of displaying a signal when the signal support is in the expanded condition. The clip is adjustable from a closed position, which secures the signal support in the contracted position and provides a slot suitable as a belt loop for securing the device on a belt or strap, to an open position allowing movement of the signal support to its expanded position and removal of the device from a closed belt or strap inserted through the slot.

Abstract: A pair of parallel slalom posts connected by a flag, which flag is connected by an elastic strip with one of the posts, and the other post is provided with a tilting joint. Thus, if a skier touches the post with the tilting joint, the post can bend without damage to the flag.

Abstract: An amusement device employs a number of elements made from sheet material sensitive to moisture laden heat. The elements are shaped and mounted in a manner such that when placed in the path of moisture laden heat they tend to bend, curl, flap and the like and may be designed to simulate insect, e.g. butterfly, bird, and like motions for amusement purposes.

Abstract: An improved flag waving unit for supporting a flag and causing the same to flutter, and including a rotatably-attached support for the flag whereby the flag may be maintained in a substantially vertical orientation when the unit is not in use to preclude wrinkling or other distortion of the flag material.