Display Device With Gas Or Liquid Movement Patents (Class 40/406)
  • Patent number: 8328367
    Abstract: A projection system for projecting light such as images or content upon a liquid surface such as a lake or pool surface. The system includes an agitation assembly selectively operable to agitate a portion of the upper surface of liquid to form a projection screen. The system includes a projector assembly projecting or focusing light onto the projection screen on the upper surface of the liquid. The liquid is translucent to light, but the projection screen on the upper surface reflects a portion of the projected light due to the agitation. The agitation assembly may include an aeration system with a distribution manifold and is positioned below the liquid surface and has outlets discharging gas into the liquid such that air bubbles for the screen. The manifold outlets may be provided at two or more depths, whereby two or more portions of the projection screen are generated at differing times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Nemeth, David W. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20120285057
    Abstract: Disclosed is an enclosure for artificial features such as artificial fish and artificial plants. The enclosure has one or more walls and is configured to house a liquid therein. One or more electromagnets are provided to generate a magnetic field within the enclosure. A controller controls electric currents that generate magnetic fields from the one or more electromagnets. The controller is configured to selectively reverse the magnetic polarity of at least one of the one or more electromagnets. Also disclosed is an artificial feature such as an artificial fish or artificial plant with a body made of elastomeric gel. The artificial feature may include multiple permanent magnets housed in a body where the permanent magnets are aligned based on an orientation of a north pole and south pole of each permanent magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: EDIZONE, LLC
    Inventor: Terry V. Pearce
  • Patent number: 8225539
    Abstract: A flowing water display including a transparent upright backwall panel covering a graphic art sheet and water sprayed from a spray tube against a forward surface of the panel to cause a down flow of water thereover, with an open topped reservoir tank disposed beneath the panel to collect said water down flow, which is recirculated by a pump drawing water out of the reservoir tank and pumping water back into the spray tube. A pair of removable side channels and top channel frame the graphic art image and conceal the spray tube and plumbing connection to the pump. The components of a wall mounted version allow separate mounting to make a wall mount easier for large size displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Brian Beebe
  • Patent number: 8158066
    Abstract: The aroma lamp contains a transparent, three-dimensional body member with a viscous fluid and a paddling element configured inside. The body member is placed on top of a base member, inside which an aroma producing element and light generating elements are provided. Additionally, a driving element spinning a fan element to disperse aroma and a magnet engaging the paddling element is also housed inside the base member. As such, the aroma lamp produces visually appealing effect by the light projected from the light generating element while disperses aroma by the fan element's air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 8141284
    Abstract: A stereopsis LED aqua-lamp photo frame assembly includes a base inside which an impedance heating type resistor that generates heat and an LED component that emits light are mounted. The base supports an aqua-lamp photo frame that has front and rear surfaces respectively forming front-side and rear-side recessed chambers. One of the recessed chambers receives and holds therein a photo or a picture. The aqua-lamp photo frame forms therein a flow channel at a portion thereof corresponding to the two recessed chambers, whereby the heat generated by the resistor causes a low boiling point flowable medium contained in the aqua-lamp photo frame to flow and with the brilliant lighting provided by the LED component, spangles contained in the flowable medium can entrain the flowing medium to pass through the flow channel, serving as embellishment of the photo or picture, thereby enhancing a stereopsis effect of the photo frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Publication number: 20120055054
    Abstract: A dioramic apparatus includes a vessel having an inferior portion and a superior portion. The vessel includes a shell and defines an interior space. The interior space is partially filled by a liquid medium. At least one dioramic scene is disposed in the interior space. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the interior space. The reservoir includes a flow plate defining at least one liquid intake and at least one liquid output port. The at least one liquid intake is configured and arranged for receiving at least a portion of the liquid medium from the interior space when the dioramic apparatus is at least partially inverted. The at least one liquid output port is configured and arranged to output at least a portion of the liquid medium from the reservoir when the vessel is placed in an upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Rain Globes LLC
    Inventors: Joshua James, Fred Northup, Lawrence Scott Larson, Jeremy Kolenbrander, James Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 8122626
    Abstract: An optical illusion device such as a drinking glass/cup for providing a multi-dimensional visual display. The device includes a body with tubular sidewalls extending from an opening at a first end to an opening at a second end. A base assembly is provided at the second end. The base assembly includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall that together form or define an inner chamber. A visual display assembly is provided with a mirror element with a convex reflective surface or mirror positioned within the chamber with the reflective surface facing the top wall of the base assembly. A primary image element is provided proximate to the reflective surface such that the primary image and mirror element can be observed via the opening in the body. A framing element is included proximate to the top wall of the base assembly including background images facing the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Patent number: 8099885
    Abstract: A flower display with hydraulically activated plants includes a front portion that is visible to an observer and a first branch, a first plurality of leaves and a first flower disposed on said first branch within the first plurality of leaves and hidden thereby. The display also includes a second branch, a second plurality of leaves and a second flower disposed on said second branch within the second plurality of leaves and hidden thereby. Hydraulic means are provided for elevating the first plurality of leaves to a first level and the first flower to a second level above the first plurality of leaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Hanaa R. A. A. AlSeleten
  • Patent number: 8087191
    Abstract: An apparatus for the pixel-integrated return of fluid in the pixel of a fluidic display is characterized in that the fluid with which the desired information is to be displayed and/or the carrier fluid in which the fluid is optionally embedded can be returned in a particularly compact manner and in a manner which is invisible to an observer past the visible part of a pixel (image compartment) into a reservoir (reservoir compartment) through or out of the reservoir. The device comprises an image compartment, a reservoir compartment, a connecting duct and at least one return duct, whereby the at least one return duct is formed by the fact that the connecting duct has at least one area with an uninterruptedly enlarged cross section which transitions in a specified manner into the cross section of the original cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: advanced display technology AG
    Inventors: Frank Bartels, Andriy Bitman, Dieter Jerosch
  • Patent number: 8056274
    Abstract: A dioramic apparatus includes a vessel having an inferior portion and a superior portion. The vessel includes a shell and defines an interior space. The interior space is partially filled by a liquid medium. At least one dioramic scene is disposed in the interior space. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the interior space. The reservoir includes a flow plate defining at least one liquid intake and at least one liquid output port. The at least one liquid intake is configured and arranged for receiving at least a portion of the liquid medium from the interior space when the dioramic apparatus is at least partially inverted. The at least one liquid output port is configured and arranged to output at least a portion of the liquid medium from the reservoir when the vessel is placed in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Rain Globes LLC
    Inventors: Joshua James, Fred Northup, Lawrence Scott Larson, Jeremy Kolenbrander, James Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 8051590
    Abstract: An optical illusion device such as a drinking glass/cup for providing a multi-dimensional visual display. The device includes a body with tubular sidewalls extending from an opening at a first end to an opening at a second end. A base assembly is provided at the second end. The base assembly includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall that together form or define an inner chamber. A visual display assembly is provided with a mirror element with a convex reflective surface or mirror positioned within the chamber with the reflective surface facing the top wall of the base assembly. A primary image element is provided proximate to the reflective surface such that the primary image and mirror element can be observed via the opening in the body. A framing element is included proximate to the top wall of the base assembly including background images facing the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Patent number: 8046941
    Abstract: An optical illusion device such as a drinking glass/cup for providing a multi-dimensional visual display. The device includes a body with tubular sidewalls extending from an opening at a first end to an opening at a second end. A base assembly is provided at the second end. The base assembly includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall that together form or define an inner chamber. A visual display assembly is provided with a mirror element with a convex reflective surface or mirror positioned within the chamber with the reflective surface facing the top wall of the base assembly. A primary image element is provided proximate to the reflective surface such that the primary image and mirror element can be observed via the opening in the body. A framing element is included proximate to the top wall of the base assembly including background images facing the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Publication number: 20110252677
    Abstract: A flowing water display including a transparent upright backwall panel covering a graphic art sheet and water sprayed from a spray tube against a forward surface of the panel to cause a down flow of water thereover, with an open topped reservoir tank disposed beneath the panel to collect said water down flow, which is recirculated by a pump drawing water out of the reservoir tank and pumping water back into the spray tube. A pair of removable side channels and top channel frame the graphic art image and conceal the spray tube and plumbing connection to the pump. The components of a wall mounted version allow separate mounting to make a wall mount easier for large size displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Brian Beebe
  • Publication number: 20110214320
    Abstract: A flowguide decoration has a viewing vessel filled with fluid and decorative particles. The flowguide decoration also contains a flowguide positioned within the viewing vessel. The flowguide in combination with the viewing vessel defines a flow path for movement of the fluid and the decorative particles within the viewing vessel. A motor-driven impeller is also contained within the flowguide decoration, which imparts motion to the fluid and the decorative particles along the flow path when the impeller is rotating. A light that illuminates one or more of the viewing vessel, flowguide, fluid, and decorative particles; a speaker that plays one or more of songs, sounds, and voices; a battery that powers one or more of the light, speaker, and motor-driven impeller; and/or circuitry that controls one or more of the light, speaker, and motor-driven impeller may also be included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Diogen Lighting. Inc.
    Inventors: David Arthur Glickson, Victor J. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7992331
    Abstract: An optical illusion device such as a drinking glass/cup for providing a multi-dimensional visual display. The device includes a body with tubular sidewalls extending from an opening at a first end to an opening at a second end. A base assembly is provided at the second end. The base assembly includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall that together form or define an inner chamber. A visual display assembly is provided with a mirror element with a convex reflective surface or mirror positioned within the chamber with the reflective surface facing the top wall of the base assembly. A primary image element is provided proximate to the reflective surface such that the primary image and mirror element can be observed via the opening in the body. A framing element is included proximate to the top wall of the base assembly including background images facing the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Patent number: 7963057
    Abstract: A display apparatus for providing entertaining visual aesthetic effects utilizes pressurized flowing air to propel lightweight beads into the air in arc-shaped trajectories which suggest the paths of water droplets from a water fountain. The beads are propelled upwardly from tubular bead discharge nozzles which protrude upwardly from a collection platform. Each nozzle has therethrough a bore which has a lower entrance opening for receiving pressurized flowing air, and circumferentially spaced apart bead entrance notches which penetrate the tubular side wall and a lower transverse end wall of the nozzle adjacent to the collection platform. Beads which have been propelled into the air and fallen back onto the platform are drawn into the nozzle entrance opening by a venturi effect, thus providing a recirculating levitated beads fountain display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Iraldo F. Ruiz
  • Publication number: 20110138661
    Abstract: A fluid vortex display device includes a cylindrical vessel sealed at an upper end. A first fluid inlet is coupled to the cylindrical vessel adjacent a lower end of the vessel and directed at a substantial angle to an outer circumference of the cylindrical vessel. A discharge outlet of a pump is coupled to the fluid inlet. A closure is coupled to the lower end of the vessel. The closure includes a fluid outlet that is substantially spaced apart from a central longitudinal axis of the vessel. The closure may project into the cylindrical vessel to create an annular space adjacent the fluid inlet. The fluid outlet may be in the upper surface of the closure, which may not be perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the vessel. A support stand may support the vessel such that it is not perpendicular to a level foundation surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: WET ENTERPRISES, INC. DBA WET DESIGN
    Inventors: Mark W. Fuller, Michael Jason Baldwin, Riae Yoo
  • Publication number: 20110119971
    Abstract: A water ball with dancing beads is revealed. The water ball includes a transparent container that is sealed by a bottom cover to form a closed container, a first space with an impeller disposed on a bottom of the closed container, at least one vent arranged at a top surface of the first space, a second space with a hole on a center of the bottom surface thereof, and a driving member that drives the impeller to rotate. Thereby when the impeller rotates, a centrifugal force generated forces a plurality of beads in the first space passing through the vent and moving upward while beads falling freely slide into the second space through a gap on an inner circumference of the transparent container, pass the hole and turn back to the first space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Tsan-Yao CHEN
  • Publication number: 20110119970
    Abstract: A water ball ornament with a bubble chamber is revealed. A closed container formed by a transparent container and a bottom cover that covers an opening edge of the transparent container is filled with a liquid. A bubble chamber is disposed projectingly under the bottom cover and having a through tube that connects with an inner space of the closed container so as to hide and receive bubbles generated in the closed container. When the closed container is rotated an angle to various positions, the liquid level in the bubble chamber is always over a lower end opening of the through tube so that the bubbles in the bubble chamber will not go back to the closed container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Jui-An TSAI
  • Patent number: 7922103
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a decorative waterfall apparatus and more particularly to a decorative waterfall having a decorative image on a backboard which can be rapidly changed by removing the removable mounted backboard and changing a polymer film having a decorative image thereon extending thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: David T. Houstoun
  • Patent number: 7905426
    Abstract: A snowglobe assembly for emitting a fragrance to an ambient environment. A motor may be provided to agitate particulate material inside the globe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: For Your Ease Only, Inc.
    Inventor: Lori Greiner
  • Patent number: 7900384
    Abstract: An optical illusion device such as a drinking glass/cup for providing a multi-dimensional visual display. The device includes a body with tubular sidewalls extending from an opening at a first end to an opening at a second end. A base assembly is provided at the second end. The base assembly includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall that together form or define an inner chamber. A visual display assembly is provided with a mirror element with a convex reflective surface or mirror positioned within the chamber with the reflective surface facing the top wall of the base assembly. A primary image element is provided proximate to the reflective surface such that the primary image and mirror element can be observed via the opening in the body. A framing element is included proximate to the top wall of the base assembly including background images facing the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Patent number: 7871173
    Abstract: A lighting device. The lighting device includes a base portion, a diffuser portion having a wall defining an inner cavity, wherein the wall includes a plurality of colors, the plurality of colors defining a color pattern, and a light source for illuminating the diffuser portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Lava Lite, LLC
    Inventors: Yan X. Lin, Yao Z. Tan, Thomas M. Spain
  • Patent number: 7827711
    Abstract: An automatic rotating decoration includes a rotating body, a support, a driving device connecting the support, and a transmission member connecting the driving device and the rotating body. The support, the driving device and the transmission member all are received in the rotating body. An opening is defined in the rotating body. The support is exposed to the opening. The driving device includes a driving body and an output shaft extending from the driving body. The driving body includes a motor body and a battery seat electrically connecting the motor body. The automatic rotating decoration of the present invention may automatically rotate around the support on another object without additional housing thereby simplifying the structure of the automatic rotating decoration, increasing fun of the automatic rotating decoration and facilitating the handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: XiaoBing Wang, LiangQing Li
  • Patent number: 7765727
    Abstract: This invention discloses a three-dimensional inflatable card including a card body having a containing space defined therein, an opening formed on each of two corresponding sides of the containing space, and a movable portion disposed on the card body at a position corresponding to a side of the containing space; an airbag adhered on the card body within the containing space, and containing a reacting powder and an acid solution pack; and a protective ring disposed around the periphery of the airbag, and having a thickness sufficient to contain the acid solution pack; wherein an acid solution in the acid solution pack is able to chemically react with the reacting powder to produce gas for enabling the airbag to expand to a predetermined volume, break the movable portion, and extend to the outside of the containing space, so as to form a three-dimensional inflatable object on the card body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventor: Cheng-Wu Chen
  • Patent number: 7673407
    Abstract: A carrier and protective case are particularly useful for storing and viewing large format documents, which can be spooled together or inserted in a series of spooled transparent sleeves. The web like spools is stored on two spaced apart rollers that are in rotary engagement with opposing halves of the case, and nested within the case or a frame when the opposing halves are folded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Inventors: Donald William Cowdrey, Gary Truesdale Gibbs
  • Patent number: 7647716
    Abstract: A point of sale display combines clear shelves with a visually attractive and attention holding liquid motion lamp background. The liquid motion lamp combines motion to attract the attention of shoppers with an ever changing display of color and light to hold the shopper's attention. The rising and descending patterns are unique and random and thereby hold the shopper's attention for long periods of time obtaining valuable exposure of products displayed on the shelves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Louis J. Finkle
  • Patent number: 7645049
    Abstract: A control system for a liquid motion lamp maintains the proper temperature of liquids within the lamp to provide desired motion within the lamp, and reduces sensitivity to ambient temperature. The lamp preferably includes two heating elements, a first element for initial heating, such as a heat blanket, resistive glass coating, or a submerged ring, and a second heating element generally providing both heat and lighting. A sensor measures the temperature of the liquid inside the lamp and the control system controls the heat sources to maintain the temperature within operating limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Louis J. Finkle
  • Publication number: 20090307947
    Abstract: A slot machine according to the present embodiment executes a slot game in which symbols being arranged are rearranged in plural segmented areas provided on an LCD in a matrix arrangement with first to fifth columns aligned laterally and first to third rows aligned vertically. An image is simultaneously displayed on a bubble display provided in front of the LCD by bubbles generated in liquids filled in plural tubes in case where the rearranged symbols has achieved a winning combination on a activated payline. For example, the bubble image displayed on the bubble display may be a belt. This belt has a width so as to cover a single row extending from the first to five columns. Symbols in each of the rows on the LCD are stopped sequentially to be displayed in synchronization with a floating timing of the bubble belt in the liquids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: ARUZE CORP.
    Inventor: Ryohei KONO
  • Patent number: 7617624
    Abstract: The musical water tank contains, from top to bottom, a tank filled with different fluids, a nozzle member, a washer, a partitioning platform having physically insulated top and bottom halves, and a base having musical sound and light generation mechanism. A pump member and a driving member are aligned and positioned in the top and bottom halves of the partitioning platform, respectively. A motor of the driving member spins a first disc which indirectly and magnetically engages a second disc on an axle of the pump member to spin. The axle of the pump member drives a vane wheel to pump fluid upward into the nozzle member. The fluid is then ejected out of a number of nozzles of the nozzle member into the tank to create visually appealing streams and bubbles, accompanied by the musical sound the lighting effects from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Tsan-Yao Chen
  • Publication number: 20090277056
    Abstract: Microfluidic pixels are utilized to produce large format displays (billboards) that are both digitally controllable and are light weight. Each microfluidic pixel includes a wall having a front (display) surface, and a microfluidic system including a reservoir disposed behind the wall, a colorant fluid, a transparent display chamber disposed in front of the wall, a conduit, and a two-way pump. In the absence of colorant fluid in display chamber, the pixel has a background appearance determined by the color (e.g., white) of the front wall surface. The pump receives a digital control signal from a digital control circuit to transfer colorant fluid from the reservoir to the display chamber by way of the conduit, whereby the pixel's appearance changes to a “colored” appearance determined by the color and amount of the colorant fluid in the display chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Eric Peeters, Scott A. Uhland, Philipp H. Schmaelzle
  • Patent number: 7605777
    Abstract: A display device for a portable instrument includes at least a first transparent or semi-transparent plate arranged on a bottom element. Several closed cavities are formed at least in part in the first plate in the field of view of the device to display information. Each cavity is connected by a respective channel through the bottom element to a tank of colored fluid via feed means for filling or emptying each closed cavity of colored fluid for displaying information. The feed means include at least one micropump connected by an inlet pipe to the colored fluid tank, and microvalves connected to the micropump by a common outlet pipe. Each cavity is directly connected via its respective channel to a corresponding microvalve. The micropump and the microvalves are controlled by electric signals from control means, which can be clocked by a time base in order to control display of time information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Montres Rado S.A.
    Inventor: Alessandra Furetta
  • Publication number: 20090255155
    Abstract: A dioramic apparatus includes a vessel having an inferior portion and a superior portion. The vessel includes a shell and defines an interior space. The interior space is partially filled by a liquid medium. At least one dioramic scene is disposed in the interior space. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the interior space. The reservoir includes a flow plate defining at least one liquid intake and at least one liquid output port. The at least one liquid intake is configured and arranged for receiving at least a portion of the liquid medium from the interior space when the dioramic apparatus is at least partially inverted. The at least one liquid output port is configured and arranged to output at least a portion of the liquid medium from the reservoir when the vessel is placed in an upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Rain Globes LLC
    Inventors: Joshua James, Fred Northup, Lawrence Scott Larson, Jeremy Kolenbrander, James Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 7597605
    Abstract: A decorative device enabling ornaments to rotate and move up and down inside a crystal ball amidst fluttering, shiny disc snowflakes, which uses a device structured from a motor mechanism, a gear mechanism, a rotary mechanism and a crystal ball so that when a motor drives and rotates transmission gears of the gear mechanism, apart from using mutually repelling of two double-sided magnets to drive and rotate a magnet impeller wheel, and thereby cause whirling of water and fluttering of shiny disc snowflakes within the crystal ball, moreover, rotating of a transmission shaft causes rotating of a rotary tray and toy figurines suspended from lower ends of ornament hanger rods. Furthermore, large and small umbrella-shaped gears drive and rotate eccentric wheels, thereby driving and causing up and down movements of the toy figurines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Ya Yung Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin-Ya Yang
  • Patent number: 7594350
    Abstract: A picture frame which contains a base member and a frame member that is pervious to light. The base member has a top opening exposing an internal space inside. A driving motor and at least a light generating element are housed inside the internal space of the base member. The frame member has a channel circling a window area which is filled with a fluid dispersed with spangles. The driving motor turns a magnetic element, which in turn drives a magnetically driven element with vanes inside the channel. The vanes propel the fluid and the spangles in the fluid to circle along the channel. The floating and moving spangles around the photo or picture in the window area, together with the light produced by the light generating element, therefore produce an appealing visual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 7562476
    Abstract: A decorative display which has mainly a support base, a decorative base, a stopper, a transparent housing, a power source, at least a first magnet, and at least a second magnet, in which the stopper without a central hole is provided. Furthermore, at least a first magnet is provided under the stopper and at least a second magnet is provided over the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Jack Hou
  • Patent number: 7527542
    Abstract: A toy play set for use in a vehicle having a beverage cup holder includes a body having first and second opposing ends and a side wall extending therebetween defining an at least partially hollow cavity within the body. The body has in a closed configuration at least the first end sized and shaped to fit at least partially into the cup holder sufficiently for the cup holder to support the body in a first generally upright orientation with the second end forming a top end of the body. The body has an open configuration in which the hollow cavity is at least partially accessible. A tank with a pump is disposed within the body and is capable of being at least partially filled with a fluid in order to play at least one predetermined game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Collins, Stephen Lau
  • Patent number: 7516764
    Abstract: A color changing system for a vehicle that allows an individual to change the visible color of a vehicle by using a plurality of paints inserted in between a pair of transparent layers that are attached to multiple portions of the vehicles. The paints are located within a reservoir unit that has a number of holding tanks, with the holding tanks including holding tanks for the primary colors red, blue, and yellow. In addition, a mixing tank unit includes a series of mixing tanks in which paints are transferred to after leaving the holding tanks but before entering a gap area located in between the pair of transparent layers. The mixing areas hold either primary colors, unmixed, or the primary colors after they have been mixed. A series of mixing tank pumps then pump the resulting mixtures into the gap area in between the pair of transparent layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventor: Kendel P. Cobb
  • Patent number: 7509760
    Abstract: A money display vault has at least one of a transparent tube display and a transparent chamber display to allow cash reserves of an establishment to be displayed to the public, yet remained secured from possible theft. A device is coupled to the at least one of a transparent tube display and a transparent chamber display to move the money around the at least one of a transparent tube display and a transparent chamber display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Weldon L. Beall
  • Publication number: 20090071046
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a decorative card. The decorative card includes a vessel having at least a portion which is transparent, the vessel holding a liquid having particles contained therein. The decorative card also includes a back panel having an image provided on an inside surface thereof, wherein the back panel is positioned such that the image is visible through the portion of the vessel which is transparent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Mr. Christmas Incorporated
    Inventors: Leslie Hermanson, Huang Meng-Suen
  • Patent number: 7500604
    Abstract: Transactional presentation instrument systems having one or more chambers, and method of using and constructing such systems are provided. Systems can include a presentation instrument, an information storage medium configured to store a unique identifier, and a chamber having a fluid component and an object component. The object component can include a plurality of items that float in or disperse throughout the fluid component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: First Data Corporation
    Inventor: Gary M. Holme
  • Patent number: 7493714
    Abstract: A decorative device enabling ornaments to sway back and forth inside a crystal ball amidst fluttering, shiny disc snowflakes, which uses a device structured from a motor mechanism, a gear mechanism, a rocking mechanism and a crystal ball so that when a motor drives and rotates transmission gears of the gear mechanism, apart from using mutually repelling of two double-sided magnets to drive and rotate a magnet impeller wheel, and thereby cause whirling of water and fluttering of shiny disc snowflakes within the crystal ball, moreover, rotating of a main transmission shaft causes rotating of rocking horse swaying back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Ya Yung Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin-Ya Yang
  • Publication number: 20090038193
    Abstract: A signboard apparatus with scent diffusing function comprises a case including a containing space for accommodating the signboard and the scent material laminate; A plurality of scent diffusing pores are disposed in array of ventilating holes on the outer edge of the case so that it evaporates the odor of the scent material laminate out to purify and refresh the air in the surrounding closed space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Hsin-Lin Liu, Jingshi Lin
  • Patent number: 7478914
    Abstract: A control system for a liquid motion lamp maintains the proper temperature of liquids within the lamp to provide desired motion within the lamp, and reduces sensitivity to ambient temperature. The lamp preferably includes two heating elements, a first element for initial heating, such as a heat blanket, resistive glass coating, or a submerged ring, and a second heating element generally providing both heat and lighting. A sensor measures the temperature of the liquid inside the lamp and the control system controls the heat sources to maintain the temperature within operating limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Louis J. Finkle
  • Patent number: 7426799
    Abstract: A display frame with a refill holder comprises a transparent block with front and rear faces. A U-shaped mounting member is attached to the rear face about an outer periphery of same. The U-shaped mounting member has an inwardly extending wall. A channel is formed in a space between the rear face and the inwardly extending wall. A protrusion is attached to the rear face of the frame, wherein the protrusion in combination with the inwardly extending wall are configured to distance the rear face from a support surface when the frame is in a substantially horizontal position and provide a substantially unimpeded air passage adjacent the rear face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Christianson, Marissa A. K. Schultz, Stephen B. Leonard, Stacey L. Forkner, Heather R. Schramm, Kara L. Lakatos
  • Publication number: 20080202001
    Abstract: A decorative device enabling ornaments to sway back and forth inside a crystal ball amidst fluttering, shiny disc snowflakes, which uses a device structured from a motor mechanism, a gear mechanism, a rocking mechanism and a crystal ball so that when a motor drives and rotates transmission gears of the gear mechanism, apart from using mutually repelling of two double-sided magnets to drive and rotate a magnet impeller wheel, and thereby cause whirling of water and fluttering of shiny disc snowflakes within the crystal ball, moreover, rotating of a main transmission shaft causes rotating of rocking horse swaying back and forth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Shin-Ya Yang
  • Publication number: 20080202002
    Abstract: A decorative device enabling ornaments to revolve on a rotary screen inside a crystal ball amidst fluttering, shiny disc snowflakes, which uses a device structured from a motor mechanism, a gear mechanism, a rotary screen mechanism and a crystal ball so that when a motor drives and rotates transmission gears of the gear mechanism, apart from using mutually repelling of two double-sided magnets to drive and rotate a magnet impeller wheel, and thereby cause whirling of water and fluttering of shiny disc snowflakes within the crystal ball, moreover, a main transmission shaft is also driven, thereby driving and causing a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) rotary screen to revolve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Shin-Ya Yang
  • Publication number: 20080184605
    Abstract: A point of sale display combines clear shelves with a visually attractive and attention holding liquid motion lamp background. The liquid motion lamp combines motion to attract the attention of shoppers with an ever changing display of color and light to hold the shopper's attention. The rising and descending patterns are unique and random and thereby hold the shopper's attention for long periods of time obtaining valuable exposure of products displayed on the shelves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: LOUIS J. FINKLE
  • Publication number: 20080182481
    Abstract: A decorative device enabling ornaments to rotate and move up and down inside a crystal ball amidst fluttering, shiny disc snowflakes, which uses a device structured from a motor mechanism, a gear mechanism, a rotary mechanism and a crystal ball so that when a motor drives and rotates transmission gears of the gear mechanism, apart from using mutually repelling of two double-sided magnets to drive and rotate a magnet impeller wheel, and thereby cause whirling of water and fluttering of shiny disc snowflakes within the crystal ball, moreover, rotating of a transmission shaft causes rotating of a rotary tray and toy figurines suspended from lower ends of ornament hanger rods. Furthermore, large and small umbrella-shaped gears drive and rotate eccentric wheels, thereby driving and causing up and down movements of the toy figurines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Shin-Ya Yang
  • Publication number: 20080173045
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with jewelry comprised of: a back portion and a substantially clear front portion in which the back and front portions form a chamber therebetween and precious materials contained within the chamber. The substantially clear front portion allows the precious materials to be seen. The apparatus can further include end caps that match the precious materials, liquid within the chamber to suspend the precious materials, and be in the shape of a number or letter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Carol Turner