Display Device With Gas Or Liquid Movement Patents (Class 40/406)
  • Patent number: 7401924
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for projecting a three dimensional image. A projection system may include a holding tank for storing a reservoir containing a projection medium and a projector including a plurality of valves for projecting the medium from the holding tank. The projection system may also include an illumination device for illuminating the projected medium and a receiving mechanism for receiving the projection medium after illumination. The projection system may also include imaging data computation apparatus for computing layered imaging data, communication and control tools for communicating the layered imaging data to the projector in order to control valves for dispersing the projection medium, and an illumination control unit that controls an illumination device for illuminated the dispersed medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: James Reichert
  • Publication number: 20080104869
    Abstract: A bubble display system is disclosed to include an aquarium holding multiple color liquids that have different specific gravities and are floating on one another at different levels inside the aquarium, multiple bubble generators merged in the bottom liquid inside the aquarium, multiple water pipes arranged outside the aquarium and respectively connected between the liquids and the bubble generators and respectively mounted with a respective electromagnetic valve, and a control circuit for driving the pumps, the electromagnetic valves and the bubble generators to cause the liquids to circulate through the bubble generators and to produce moving lines of color bubbles in the aquarium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Hsu-Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 7367146
    Abstract: The present invention represents a breakthrough in advertisement tools. The liquid sign uses a system of chambers and electrically powered pumps to produce a dynamic and visually appealing advertising sign. The advertising sign of the invention uses a liquid in motion contained in a front chamber of the sign to highlight the color and other visual characteristics of a beverage or any liquid product being advertised. The liquid in motion highlights and showcases any given characteristic of a product being advertised, including bubble or foam producing capacity, color, brightness, or a logo or symbol placed on the background of the liquid in motion. It also provides for a visually attractive, electrically or battery powered and affordable advertising tool which can be used indoors or outdoors in many different settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Carlos A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 7365968
    Abstract: An electronic device. An image configuration is disposed on a housing of the electronic device. The image configuration comprises a base and a patterned portion. The patterned portion has a center of gravity differing from a rotation center that pivoted on the base. When the electronic device is in a forth orientation, a line between the center of gravity and the rotation center of the patterned portion is substantially parallel to a direction of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Benq Corporation
    Inventors: Liang-Yi Chen, Wen-Ching Hsieh, Chun-Chao Chiu
  • Patent number: 7363736
    Abstract: A rotating base provided to exterior of an ornamental water ball or a table-top ornament and having continuous animation visual effect, including: a water ball or table-top ornament filled with liquid, a support for supporting the water ball or table-top ornament, and a conventional music unit or motor its transmission mechanism concealed in the base, wherein the rotating base in provided above the base and having therein a reflective lenses frame constructed of a plural rectangular lenses, and an adhesive sticker frame surrounding the reflective lenses frame and applied with plural animation adhesive stickers, in an amount equal to that of the lenses, at an inner side opposing the plural rectangular lenses are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Jack Liu
  • Patent number: 7357265
    Abstract: The invention discloses a container made of a transparent material. The container is of the type comprising, in one wall, a reserve into which is fixed a hollow sealed insert (4) containing a fluid in which particles can move. The container is characterized in that the insert (4) comprises a body (13) in the form of a dish intended to hold said fluid and a blanking plate (15) provided on the front face of the body (13), which extends beyond this face, forming an annular region (16) around the body (13), in that the reserve has a complementary shape to the insert (4), and in that the rear face (17) of this annular region (16) constitutes the region via which the insert (4) is fixed by bonding into the reserve. The invention can be used in bottles that have an insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Wolf Concept S.A.R.L.
    Inventor: Wolfgang P. Zoller
  • Patent number: 7347016
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed providing a visual impression of fluid flowing in a channel solving at least the problems associated with prior art apparatus providing such visual impressions while using a fluid. A method is disclosed attaching an apparatus providing a visual impression of a fluid flowing through a channel into a housing, and including at least one attaching mechanism non-invasively attaching the apparatus to a provided mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Dane
  • Patent number: 7334910
    Abstract: A lighted display having a constantly changing image comprises a transparent container holding an aqueous suspension of delaminate vermiculite. A light source is positioned at a first surface of the container so that the light shines through the container and the liquid suspension within the container. First and second polarizer films are placed on opposites of the container with the first polarizer film being located between the light source and the liquid suspension and the second polarizer film being located between the liquid suspension and the observer with the films oriented so that the two axis of orientation are not parallel to each other. Transmitted, polarized light passes through and is modified by the plate-like particles in the suspension and is observed as an image generated by the display. Stirring means are also provided so the aqueous suspension is constantly in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Robert K. Blackstock
  • Publication number: 20080017084
    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: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Weldon L. Beall
  • Patent number: 7310900
    Abstract: A liquid-filled display device includes a hollow member mounted on a transparent top end wall of a hollow base and confining a water-tight inner space filled with a liquid body, and a display unit mounted on the top end wall and having a top wall and two transparent sidewalls connected to the hollow member. The sidewalls and the top wall cooperate with the hollow member and the top end wall to confine a display space. At least one of the sidewalls is provided with an advertisement. An air pump unit is mounted in the base, and is operable so as to supply fine air bubbles into the liquid body through a diffuser set mounted within the inner space. A lamp unit mounted in the base beneath the hollow member is operable so as to radiate colored light that penetrates through the top end wall into the inner space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 7303142
    Abstract: A novelty waterfall that includes at least one water flow surface, a pump, and a sensor that detects a change of presence of an item. The novelty waterfall further includes a controller that is structured and arranged to operate the pump at least when the sensor detects the change of presence of the item. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: J. Robert Gluck
  • Patent number: 7287346
    Abstract: An ornamental water ball rendering continuous animation visual effect, including a reflection device having plural lenses, the reflection device is provided to an ornament support platform in the water ball; continuous animation adhesive stickers, in an amount equal to that of the lenses, applied to the water ball inner layer or outer layer at locations corresponding to where the reflection device is provided, whereby when the ornament support platform rotates simultaneously with the water ball, all of the adhesive stickers will be reflected by a corresponding lens so as to feature the water ball with continuous animation visual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Jack Liu
  • Publication number: 20070209248
    Abstract: The present invention represents a breakthrough in advertisement tools. The liquid sign uses a system of chambers and electrically powered pumps to produce a dynamic and visually appealing advertising sign. The advertising sign of the invention uses a liquid in motion contained in a front chamber of the sign to highlight the color and other visual characteristics of a beverage or any liquid product being advertised. The liquid in motion highlights and showcases any given characteristic of a product being advertised, including bubble or foam producing capacity, color, brightness, or a logo or symbol placed on the background of the liquid in motion. It also provides for a visually attractive, electrically or battery powered and affordable advertising tool which can be used indoors or outdoors in many different settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Inventor: Carlos A. Lopez
  • Patent number: 7267455
    Abstract: An apparatus for viewing an object through falling liquid includes structure defining a chamber for at least partially containing the object. At least one transparent or translucent member further defines the chamber. A conduit defines at least one hole positioned such that the transparent or translucent member is between the falling water and the chamber. The object is thus viewable by an observer through the falling liquid, and the member protects the object from the falling liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventors: Adrian Bradley Chernoff, Seth David Smith Chernoff, Stacey Lynn Smith Chernoff
  • Patent number: 7260905
    Abstract: An automatic spinning device for displaying objects which utilizes a novel winding-up mechanical is provided herein. The major characteristic of the winding-up mechanism lies in the use of magnetism to wind up the winding-up mechanism housed in an airtight space. Two concentric rings are arranged along the circumferential wall of the airtight space, with one outside the space and the other one inside the space. The two rings are equipped with magnets of opposite polarities so that, when the external one is turned, the internal one is turned automatically by the magnetic attraction force. The inner ring has gear teeth along its inner wall, which engages a gear assembly to wind up the winding-up mechanism of the device as the inner ring is turned along with the external ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Tsan-Yao Chen
  • Patent number: 7222966
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for projecting a three dimensional image. A projection system may include a holding tank for storing a reservoir containing a projection medium and a projector including a plurality of valves for projecting the medium from the holding tank. The projection system may also include an illumination device for illuminating the projected medium and a receiving mechanism for receiving the projection medium after illumination. The projection system may also include imaging data computation apparatus for computing imaging data, communication and control tools for communicating the imaging data to the projector in order to control valves for dispersing the projection medium, and an illumination control unit that controls an illumination device for illuminated the dispersed medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: James Reichert
  • Patent number: 7210809
    Abstract: A lighted display having a constantly changing image comprises a transparent container holding an aqueous suspension of delaminate vermiculite. A light source is positioned at a first surface of the container so that the light shines through the container and the liquid suspension within the container. First and second polarizer films are placed on opposites of the container with the first polarizer film being located between the light source and the liquid suspension and the second polarizer film being located between the liquid suspension and the observer with the films oriented so that the two axis of orientation are not parallel to each other. Transmitted, polarized light passes through and is modified by the plate-like particles in the suspension and is observed as an image generated by the display. Stirring means are also provided so the aqueous suspension is constantly in motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Blackstock
  • Patent number: 7188443
    Abstract: A charm display apparatus and method of charm display capable of continuously retrieving charms or hearts from a hopper and blowing or moving the charms into a transparent outer display tube whereby a levitating effect is shown. In the preferred embodiment, the art of the present invention allows a person to retrieve a charm between the display tube and the hopper as it flutters in the turbulent air of the tube under gravitational force. Also in a preferred embodiment, a unique venturi flow generator assembly is utilized to move the charms from the hopper into the outer display tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventors: Karl A. Collida, Edwin T. Wood
  • Patent number: 7163725
    Abstract: A display representing a tree, such as a Christmas tree, has a trunk made of a hollow tube and held by a base in substantially vertical position. A liquid, such as water, is placed in the tube and an air supply in or near the bottom of the tube generates bubbles that rise through the tube. The tube and bubbles therein are preferably illuminated to add to the effectiveness of the display. Illumination can be provided by LED's which avoid the heat of incandescent lamps. Branches are secured to the trunk tube and extend outwardly therefrom to support a foliage garland to provide tree foliage and give the display the appearance of a tree. The tree can be provided as a separate trunk tube portion, base, and foliage garland so the parts can be packed and shipped without the base attached to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: R. James Johnson, Robert M. Johnson, Jonathan L. Johnson, Jayson A. Johnson, Susan L. Johnson, Ronald F. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7137720
    Abstract: An improved liquid motion lamp includes a second heat source to reduce warm-up time and a removable base cover to simplify changing a first heat source. The first heat source is preferably a light bulb residing in the base of the lamp, which light bulb provides both heat to cause motion of liquids within the lamp, and light to enhance a viewing effect. The sliding cover is preferably an open ended cylinder which slides upwards to provide access to the light bulb. The liquids comprises a first liquid which is a solid at room temperature and which is preferably paraffin based, and a second liquid which is preferably water. The first liquid may be empirically determined by mixing trial batches of paraffin and chlorinated paraffin to determine the correct ratio for a given lot of paraffins. The first liquid may be prepared, and shipped with the lamp in a solid phase. The second liquid may be added at the lamp's final destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Louis J. Finkle
  • Patent number: 7121025
    Abstract: A promotional display comprising a chamber having front and rear panels with inside and outside surfaces, for containing between expanses of the inside surfaces of the panels a first liquid. At least a portion of the outside surface of the front panel comprises a view surface which allows viewing of liquid flow inside the chamber. A liquid reservoir is positioned adjacent the chamber for containing a second liquid therein, which second liquid contrasts with and is not miscible with the first liquid. A restricted liquid flow path is located between the chamber and the reservoir, which allows flow of the second liquid into the chamber and across at least a portion of the view surface of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Marc Chase Weinstein
  • Patent number: 7073728
    Abstract: A combination water feature and writing board has a front displaying a flow of water, and a number of movable writing board segments. These segments can be moved between a stored position in which the segments are stored behind the water feature, and an deployed position in which the segments cover the front of the water feature to provide a writing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Kloppenberg & Company
    Inventors: Arthur D. Watson, Gary R. Kiepke
  • Patent number: 7065908
    Abstract: An snow globe assembly includes a base member that is adapted for resting upon a horizontal support surface such as a table. The base member has a bottom wall. The base member has a perimeter wall that extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The base member is substantially hollow. A globe member is substantially transparent. The globe member has a perimeter wall that defines an interior space. The globe member is mounted on the base member. The globe member is substantially filled with a liquid media. A quantity of particulate material is temporarily suspendable in the liquid media for simulating snow fall within the globe member. A motor assembly is positioned in the base member. A rotating member is operationally coupled to the motor assembly for causing turbulence in the liquid media for perpetuating a simulated snow fall while the rotating member is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventors: Juan Ramon Pineda-Sanchez, Maria Garcia-Pineda
  • Patent number: 7040950
    Abstract: A thermal energy-actuated toy water glove is disclosed to include a transparent plastic globe body holding an organic solvent and glitters in the organic solvent, and a lamp holder supporting the globe body and holding a lamp bulb for heating the organic solvent to the boiling status to cause the glitters to move in the boiling organic solve when turned on to emit light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Ching-Chao Chen
  • Patent number: 7000772
    Abstract: A display package for displaying merchandise includes a base, at least one merchandise receptacle located in the base and a cover. Merchandise to be packaged or displayed is inserted into the receptacle in the base. The cover is slipped over the base to enclose an interior which holds the merchandise. Information medium is also placed within the interior of the package and is held in place by a holder in the base. The information medium may extend to the upper portion of the cover farthest from the base, in which case, the cover may include anti-tipping measures which support the upper edge of the information medium in at least one direction to prevent tipping of the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: ars Parfum Creation & Consulting GmbH
    Inventor: Guido Maria Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6990762
    Abstract: An amusement and entertainment device for pets, particularly felines. The device has a weighted base with a curved outer surface. A fan within the base directs a flow of air into a transparent viewing chamber which contains one or more flying particles which have the appearance of flying insects will dart and fly about in the chamber. The particles may be luminescent to glow in the dark. The device will appeal to the animal's stalking instincts and will return to an upright position when pawed or struck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas P. Muday, Christopher M. Buttenob
  • Patent number: 6978564
    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: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: Jack Hou
  • Patent number: 6946170
    Abstract: A device displays information in identification areas of traffic signs, signposts, billboards, license plates, etc. The identification area is provided with a surface having an artificially producible base structure and other structures or itself forms such a surface having a self-cleaning effect. The base structure has or develops a capillary effect in which the quotient of capillary work and adhesion work is greater than 1. The capillaries have a negative rise, that is, liquid is pressed form the capillaries, providing the self-cleaning effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Company
    Inventors: Ingo Gerber, Jan Tuma
  • Patent number: 6924598
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a visual lightning effect includes a first chamber and a second chamber, where a passageway connects the first chamber and the second chamber. An inert gas is provided within the first chamber, the second chamber, and the passageway. A first contact is located external to the first chamber; and a second contact is located external to the second chamber, wherein an electrode provides a charge to the second contact, wherein the charge causes an electrical discharge between the second contact and the first contact via channels provided by fill material located within the second chamber that traverses the passageway to the first chamber, thereby resulting in the brilliant visual lightning effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Wayne Strattman
  • Patent number: 6900792
    Abstract: A housing for receiving a flat panel display. The housing for receiving a flat panel display includes a front frame having a central opening, side frames that surround at least part of the edges of the flat panel display, a bottom frame to combine with the front frame, the side frames to form a space to locate said flat panel display, and optionally at least one stopping frame to prevent the flat panel display from being released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: AU Optronics Corp.
    Inventors: Kai-Yu Sun, Han-Chou Liu
  • Patent number: 6895703
    Abstract: An impeller module of snow drop water ball includes an magnet driven impeller module attached on the anti-leak rubber plug for propelling the snow drops and turning the decoration in a glass dome. The magnet driven impeller module has a blade ring which is magnetically couple with a magnetic rotor, and drive by the magnetic rotor from outside of the snow drop ball. Using the impeller module embodiment of the present invention, the anti-leak rubber plug shall no longer in need of forming a shaft hole, so as can structurally solve the long-suffering liquid leakage problem of the snow drop water ball and prolonging its service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Hsien Tsai Tien
  • Patent number: 6896296
    Abstract: Display information is revealed from behind a metal film that can be cleared upon effective contact with a clearing agent. The metal film, while opaque, is generally less than 1000 Angstroms thick and can be cleared by exposure to innocuous agents including food or other household products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Timer Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Shadle, David M. Good, Gerrit L. Verschuur, Chauncey T. Mitchell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6883722
    Abstract: A portable relaxation and therapy device or kit includes a liquid retention basin having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall upstanding from the bottom wall to define at least one liquid chamber therewithin. A waterfall is provided having a reflecting surface extending generally upwardly from the retention basin to a liquid dispersing waterfall ledge thereabove. The device or kit includes a pump disposed in the liquid chamber in communication with a tube for directing liquid in the retention basin upwardly to the waterfall ledge. The waterfall ledge causes liquid to cascade downwardly to the liquid chamber of the retention basin in front of the reflecting surface of the waterfall wall. The device also includes a cover for the retention basin disposed over the liquid chamber so as to overlie and substantially isolate from view liquid in at least a portion of the retention basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Walgreen Co.
    Inventor: Greg Pankow
  • Patent number: 6880274
    Abstract: This invention relates to a crystal ball structure that delivers virtual snowfall scene and light effect, comprising of a crystal ball enclosing a thematic sight and liquid, a seat to support the crystal ball and contain a drive mechanism, an agitating mechanism that can rotate to stir the liquid, and a light to enhance the decoration effect. Under the drive of the dynamic drive mechanism, a gear train and an agitating mechanism, which is powered from a manually fastened spring, the fans of the agitating mechanism agitates the liquid to stir the floating matter dispersed in the liquid and generate a virtual scene of snowfall scene under the reflection of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Jack Liu
  • Patent number: 6880273
    Abstract: A water plug for an ornamental water ball to prevent from leak upon the water being frozen into ice; the water ball has a neck part mounted with a water plug; the water plug includes a flat plate and a buffer cylinder; the buffer cylinder has a round cylinder extended down from the center of the flat plate; the inside of the round cylinder is furnished with a semi-spherical membrane extended upwards; the water filled in the glass balls subject to being frozen into ice in winter; in that case, the ice therein would distend to need more space, and then the buffer space furnished in the buffer cylinder will meet the requirement so as to prevent the water ball from having water leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Shih-Yuan Lo
  • Patent number: 6865833
    Abstract: A visual display including a container, liquidous fluid within the container, a source of gaseous fluid communicating with the liquidous fluid, and at least one binary bubble formed within the liquidous fluid in response to gaseous fluid entering the liquidous fluid. The liquidous fluid is preferably a polymer in water solution or a polymer in mineral oil or silicon oil solution. The binary bubble has two bulbous portions in fluid communication with each other through a neck. The binary bubbles may link together in a chain extending from the bottom of the container to the top of the liquidous fluid. In other constructions, the binary bubbles float up through the liquidous fluid and collapse into a large individual bubble. The display may also include a light emitting source and a filter for selectively changing the color of light emitted into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Board of Control of Michigan Technological University
    Inventors: Igor Kliakhandler, Robert W. Sheldon
  • Patent number: 6857929
    Abstract: An ornamental water ball is provided in a base with a musical box having a movement and a lower disc, and in a transparent shell fixed to a top of the base with a fan and a decorated upper disc above the fan. When the movement is rotated, it synchronously rotates the upper disc through meshing of a first small gear on the movement with a second large gear mounted on an axis that is located in the base and engaged with a spindle of the upper disc. The lower disc is mounted on the axis and quickly rotated through meshing of a second small gear formed at a lower center of the lower disc with a first large gear mounted on the movement, so as to magnetically rotate the fan, causing the fan to scatter a plurality of snowflake-shaped chips or metallic chips in the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventors: Kuo-Yun Liao, Chih-Chan Chang
  • Patent number: 6848206
    Abstract: There is provided an ornament having liquid therein. The liquid in the device is effectively insulated from the electronic and mechanical structures, and the outside air can not enter into the liquid to cause the liquid to deteriorate or become cloudy, and the liquid in the container can not penetrate into the electronic and mechanical structures in the base to result in electrical and mechanical failures. Furthermore, the provision of the buffer members ensures that no crack will occur in the joint between the enclosure and the base body in cold or hot environment. The enclosure may be optionally transparent or opaque and thus the light source for decoration purposes may be provided in the liquid or in the base as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Jianliang Zhao
  • Patent number: 6836986
    Abstract: In an apparatus for displaying a flying object, an air flow is created in a duct by a group of blowers. A holding line is attached to a lightweight flying object, and movement of the lightweight flying object is restricted by the holding line. By making the lightweight flying object fly in the air flow, the lightweight flying object is able to fly even in a small space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Ootsuta, Toshio Ito, Takeshi Ono
  • Patent number: 6814646
    Abstract: A floating toy is provided which can achieve varied and entertaining movements by means of a simple composition. The floating toy comprises: a liquid container section (11, 12) containing liquid therein; a figure (2) of lower specific gravity than the liquid, accommodated inside the liquid container section; magnetic bodies (31, 32) accommodated movably inside the liquid container section; line members (41, 42) extended between the figure and the magnetic bodies; and electromagnetic mechanisms (51, 52) that act on the magnetic bodies. The magnetic bodies and the figure are caused to move against the buoyancy force of the figure, by passing current through the electromagnetic mechanisms, and are caused to return to their original positions by the buoyancy force of the figure, by releasing the passage of current through the electromagnetic mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignees: Sega Toys, Ltd., Ing 21 Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirohiko Atobe, Tomohiko Onishi, Mie Ueda, Shigeru Kanauchi
  • Patent number: 6811836
    Abstract: A display representing a tree, such as a Christmas tree, has a trunk made of a hollow tube and held by a base in substantially vertical position. A liquid, such as water, is placed in the tube and an air supply in or near the bottom of the tube generates bubbles that rise through the tube. The tube and bubbles therein are preferably illuminated to add to the effectiveness of the display. Branches are secured to the trunk tube and extend outwardly therefrom to provide tree foliage and give the display the appearance of a tree or support foliage, such as in the form of a garland, which provides the tree foliage and gives the display the appearance of a tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventors: Jayson A. Johnson, Ronald F. Johnson, Susan S. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040118023
    Abstract: A structure of an ornamental article with light variations is disclosed. The ornamental article comprises a main holding body enclosing an appropriate amount of a filing solution, wherein the filing solution contains evenly distribution of a plurality of light-reflective plate bodies; a pump having an outlet and an inlet, secured within the main holding body; and a guiding tube having one end connected to the outlet of the pump, and the other end of the guiding tube connected to the inlet of the pump, or directly recycled to the main holding body, whereby the pump causes the filing solution to flow within the guiding tube and the light-reflective plate bodies reflect light from each direction and angle when the filing solution is flowing within the tube, producing light flickering and glittering effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin Lee
  • Patent number: 6747777
    Abstract: A reflective display system is disclosed that utilizes four overlapping layers of colored dye injected into channels so as to provide a pixel assembly operatively responsive to present an image for human viewing. Each of the four layers contains one color of the CMYK color method. The reflective display system injects packets of colored liquid or transparent fluid into the channels made of transparent material and each channel carries one of the colored liquids. Each of the pixel assemblies is defined by the width of the channel in one direction and the size of the liquid colored packet within the channel in the orthogonal direction. The color of the pixel is defined by the stacking of the liquid dyed colored packets at a particular location when viewed against a white substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Cymscape Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert M. Sikora, Sean P. McMahon
  • Publication number: 20040088894
    Abstract: A visual display apparatus for producing toroid rings of a first liquid within a second liquid is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a subtantially transparent viewing vessel for containing the second liquid. A variable volume chamber has an ejection orifice in fluid communication with the second liquid contained within the viewing vessel. An ejection means is also provided for varying the volume of the variable volume chamber, thereby to dispel an ejection slug of the first liquid from the ejection port, thereby producing a series of toroid rings which propagate through the viewing vessel. A control means is connected to the ejection means for controlling the operation of the ejection means. The operation of the control means may be such that it can be used to vary the volume and frequency of the ejection slugs emitted from the ejection orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Gary Haughton, Martin Behr, Tom Ostrowski
  • Publication number: 20040083632
    Abstract: An article, particularly a peripheral for a computer system, such as a card reader, a hub or a keypad, may be provided at a suitable position on a case thereof with a separated space to contain one or two decorative liquids, floating ornaments bearing advertising words and/or designs, miniature landscapes, etc., so that the separated space forms an integral part of the case of the article. The decorative liquids and the floating ornaments in the separated space create dynamic advertising effect without affecting the designed function of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Vincent K. Lee
  • Patent number: 6731499
    Abstract: An adjustable illumination system is provided to enhance the appearance and functionality of computer hardware. The illumination system comprising at least one bubble tube light source that may, for instance, be disposed on a front surface of a computer hardware casing. The bubble tube light source may conveniently be programmed by the end user for display of single color or multi-color effect. The illumination system may also comprise LCD display of time and temperature for enhancement of the panel display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: LA Sky Hawk Computers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jing-Chang Jeng
  • Patent number: 6725589
    Abstract: A package for a liquid includes a bottle having a transparent wall and a hologram unit received in the bottle and consisting of a carrier foil bearing the hologram and a pair of transparent protective foils sandwiching the hologram between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Manfred Braun
  • Publication number: 20040064984
    Abstract: A displaying ornament with rotatable color disc includes a base and a color disc circumferentially rotatably mounted on the base. The color disc includes a plurality of parallelly arranged clear thin plates to provide a closed narrow space between any two adjacent thin plates. Each of the narrow spaces has a differently colored liquid and a small amount of air contained therein, and has a plurality of circumferentially equally spaced air-collecting units formed along an outer peripheral area thereof to catch air bubbles moving upward in the narrow spaces. When the color disc is rotated, air bubbles caught in the air-collecting units are moved from an upper position to a lower position in the color disc and automatically released from the air-collecting units to float and overlap each other in the narrow spaces to show non-uniform shapes, continuously creating dynamic and colorful views in the displaying ornament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Ming-Kuei Lin
  • Publication number: 20040055190
    Abstract: This invention is related to a crystal ball structure delivering multi-layer rotation and light effects, comprising a crystal ball, a seat, ornaments, a rubber plug, model containers, a rotation mechanism, a driving mechanism, a light, and a music box, wherein the rotation mechanism comprises a fixed plate, first rotation plate, second rotation plate, a follower, and at least an idle gear between said first rotation plate and said second plate. The mechanic energy released from the fastened spiral power spring drives the driving mechanism, the follower, the first rotation plate, the idle gear, and the second rotation plate to rotate. The light fixed on the first rotation plate or the fixed plate can rotate or stay still when it illuminates, setting off the dynamic effect of the ornaments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Liu
  • Publication number: 20040045198
    Abstract: This invention relates to a crystal ball structure that delivers virtual snowfall scene and light effect, comprising of a crystal ball enclosing a thematic sight and liquid, a seat to support the crystal ball and contain a drive mechanism, an agitating mechanism that can rotate to stir the liquid, and a light to enhance the decoration effect. Under the drive of the dynamic drive mechanism, a gear train and an agitating mechanism, which is powered from a manually fastened spring, the fans of the agitating mechanism agitates the liquid to stir the floating matter dispersed in the liquid and generate a virtual scene of snowfall scene under the reflection of the light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Jack Liu