Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a hollow, gas-containing diving body is disposed in a partially shaded transparent column partially-filled with a clear liquid. The diver is weighted for near-neutral buoyancy. The upper portion of the column is shaded, and the lower portion is subjected to thermal radiation such as sunlight. When radiation strikes the diver, it heats the gas, thereby increasing the gas volume, displacing liquid and increasing the buoyancy of the diver. The diver therefore rises to the shaded region where the gas cools, causing the diver to sink. The cycle repeats.

Abstract: A visual display device which produces a display utilizing bubbles emitted in liquid filled tubes. A computer controls the timing and size of bubbles emitted into the liquid so as to form designs, which can be symbols, letters, words, or sentences, or pictures. As the bubbles rise through the liquid in a tube, the designs appear to scroll upward, and are replaced from below with a new design.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed is a dispenser, such as a pump, pour or aerosol dispenser, for dispensing a liquid from a reservoir, and methods for making and using the dispenser. The dispenser includes a hollow decorative vessel having a decorative element. The decorative vessel is capable of containing a first liquid. The reservoir is connected to the hollow decorative vessel. The reservoir is capable of containing a second liquid and having an interior therefor. And, the dispenser includes apparatus for dispensing the second liquid from the interior of the reservoir. The dispenser can include the first liquid and particles in suspension for a period of time when the liquid is shaken, such that the hollow decorative vessel can be a "snow globe". The hollow decorative vessel can be positioned atop the reservoir or, below the reservoir. Alternatively, the hollow decorative vessel can be surrounded by the reservoir. And as another alternative, the hollow decorative vessel can contain the reservoir.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser of the type that dispenses beverage components in predetermined proportions on demand from a dispensing outlet is provided to dispense the actual beverage, and a visible display simulating a transparent display container having the beverage therein and comprising materials resistant to organic growth is arranged with respect to the dispensing outlet to effect the appearance that the display is the source of the dispensed beverage.

Abstract: A spherical bottle has a pump spray atomizer connected at a neck opening and a thin plastic sheet with printing or a graphic inside the bottle. The bottle contains a liquid fragrance or body splash which can be atomized. Flakes or chips resembling falling snow are dispersed within the bottle. The chips are large enough so that they do not fit into the spray pump mechanism. A ceramic base receives the spray atomizer so that the bottle can stand on the base with the spray atomizer down when it is stored. When stored on the base, the bottle has the appearance of a snow globe and can be used decoratively.

Abstract: A liquid-filled display globe is provided. The globe has a central dry chamber allowing objects to be displayed without immersion, while giving the appearance of being immersed. Particulate matter is suspended in the liquid, giving the appearance of swirling snowflakes when the liquid is agitated. A removable base provides access to the display chamber so that the object displayed therein can be easily replaced.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a solar rocking device comprises a pair of chambers coupled by a conduit, which assembly is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis. Liquid partially fills the lower chamber above the conduit opening, and an absorber facilitates selective heating of the lower chamber. With sufficient heating, enough liquid is forced into the upper chamber to rotate the device, thereby reversing the positions of the chambers. The cycle repeats. Sunlight provides sufficient energy to rotate exemplary devices at least once every few minutes.

Abstract: At least one liquid exhibiting variable visual effects is disposed in a transparent chamber and is moved in variable, turbulent flow patterns by a magnetic member freely movably disposed on the bottom of the chamber. A magnet is mounted on a rotatable output shaft of a drive motor disposed adjacent to the bottom of the chamber and is magnetically coupled to the movable member to move the movable member in a chaotic, variable pattern to generate variable liquid flow within the chamber. The speed of rotation and the direction of rotation of the motor output shaft at a selected speed are variably selectible.

Abstract: A driving mechanism of a wave-producing ornament is mounted in a base of the ornament and includes a motor which rotates a disc. A connecting link is pivotally connected at a first end to an outer periphery of the disc and at a second end to a lower end of a push bar. The push bar is located in a channel integrally formed on the base of the ornament and has a round head projects from a top opening of the channel to contact with an end of a liquid container of the ornament above the base. When the disc rotates, it brings the connecting link to move in a circular motion and pull and push the push bar to descend and ascend along the channel reciprocatingly. Whereby, the liquid container is periodically lifted and lowered at one end by the round head of the push bar to produce waves in the container.

Abstract: A motion ornament includes a base, a transparent spherical shell mounted on the base at the top and holding a liquid on the inside, an ornament suspended in the liquid within the transparent spherical shell, a musical box mounted within the base and controlled to produce a music, a reciprocating mechanism coupled between the pinned barrel of the musical box and the ornament to reciprocate the ornament in the liquid within the transparent spherical shell upon the operation of the musical box.

Abstract: A crystal ball ornament includes a holder base, a light source mounted in the holder base, a transparent ball mounted on the holder base, the transparent ball holding a liquid and ornamental means in the liquid, a porous ornamental plate mounted on the holder base and spaced between the light source and the transparent ball, the ornamental plate having tiny holes showing a pattern, and a reflector mounted in the holder base to reflect light from the light source onto the transparent ball through the tiny holes on the ornamental plate.

Abstract: The present invention is a book having (a) a front cover, a back cover and a spline, forming an outer portion of a book; (b) a plurality of pages affixed within the outer portion of the book and containing a plurality of words constituting a text; (c) at least one page being a three-dimensional hollow frame structure with its front being at least partially made of see-through material. The frame structure is divided into an upper section and a lower section, separated by a wall having at least one connecting orifice, and containing a trap mechanism at each of said at the connecting orifice, and including a lever functionally connected to the trap mechanism. There is also a plurality of bead-like structures contained within the upper section of said frame structure, having a sufficient shape and size to flow via gravity through the connecting orifice of the upper section to the lower section when a user actuates the lever with the book in a substantially upright position.

Abstract: A leakage preventing structure for water ball decorations includes an reinforcing ring fitting and rotated to fix in an anti-leak rubber plug combined in a lower portion of a glass dome filled with a liquid and a decorative figure placed in the glass dome of the water ball decoration. Then the reinforcing ring properly ring properly expands and forces the anti-leak rubber plug contact tightly the glass dome so as to strengthen preventing function of liquid leakage from the glass dome.

Abstract: A structure for a watertight plug in an aquarium, having a positioning ring fitted in a neck portion of the aquarium, the watertight plug having a positioning ring and a ring flange so as to fit in the neck portion of a glass bowl of the aquarium, a flat portion on the top of the watertight plug having a plurality of buffer grooves, which have various and suitable shapes and sizes. Each of the buffer grooves has a thin film portion extending downwards from the groove mouth to form a curved bottom side, and then the thin film extends upwards and towards the center to form a separation plate. Such a structure can provide the glass bowl with a buffer effect to prevent the water from leaking out of the glass bowl or air being sucked into the glass bowl to form an air chamber.

Abstract: A swing mechanism for wave-producing ornament. The ornament includes a base and a liquid container and the swing mechanism is mounted inside the base with a top container holder projecting from the base to fixedly connect the liquid container thereto. The swing mechanism includes a round disc which is rotated by a motor in the base of the ornament, a connecting rod pivotally connected to the round disc near an outer periphery thereof, and a sleeve defining a downward open cylindrical inner space with a narrowed lower end for an upper half part of the connecting rod to extend into. The upper half part of the connecting rod are two upward extended arms which slide up and down in the cylindrical inner space like a piston. When the round disc is rotated, the connecting rod moves in circumferential movement, bringing the sleeve and accordingly the liquid container fixedly connected to a top of the sleeve to swing relative to the base of the ornament.

Abstract: An improved adjustable display support is disclosed wherein a pair of coaxially telescopic tubes are provided with an O-ring and cap clutch assembly. The resilient O-ring clutch rests on one terminal end of the tube having the larger diameter and surrounds and grips the tube with the smaller diameter that fits there inside. Surrounding the outer, larger tube, the O-ring, and the smaller, inner tube is a cap which remains in a generally fixed relationship in regard to the outer tube. The smaller, inner tube is thus adjustable within the larger tube and the resilient O-ring keeps it in place. In this fashion, the coaxial tube may be extended to a position and remain in that position through the action of the clutch. The assembly is provided with a base support and a display carrying support.

Abstract: A round post-mix beverage dispenser includes a cylindrical carbonator, still water conduits for supplying water to be carbonated, and carbonated water output coils in the form of circular courses of tubing which surround the carbonator tank in a surrounding water bath. Syrup conduits are coiled in circular courses within the water bath. The round or cylindrical shape of the dispenser housing is adaptable to many different looks such as cans, bottles, glasses and cups. Preferably the basic cylindrical housing shape is made to look like a can of a beverage. Decorative sleeves which define or simulate the appearance of other types of containers such as bottles, cups and glasses can be easily added to the basic cylindrical housing, as desired, to provide different attractive appearances to promote sales.

Abstract: A display device with a light source and an effervescent effect generator. The effervescent effect generator has a housing with a light transmissive portion that is filled with a liquid and a gas and is sealed closed. A pump and hose form bubbles of the gas that is sealed in the housing in the liquid in the housing so that the liquid appears to be effervescent when viewed at the light transmissive portion.

Abstract: A music box having a water pump structure, especially to a music box in combination with a water pump, includes a music box, a water pump, and a regulating valve wherein the music box is provided with a linking member by which the water pump is connected with the music box. The linking member is associated with a water pressure plate of the water pump and the movement of the linking member triggered off by the music box will activate the water pressure plate to move back and forth. The to-and-fro movement of the water pressure plate will in turn generate a pressure, forcing water to circulate in and out of two main bodies of the water pump. In addition, the regulating valve having one-dimensional water influx and discharging valves is adapted to regulate the water circulation in one direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for simulating a flying fish which includes a pump, piping connected to the pump, a tube bundle connected to an end of the piping opposite from the pump for dividing pressurized water within the piping into parallel section of flowing water thereby creating a columnarized flow, a rotating disc having apertures located adjacent to an end of the tube bundle from which the divided flow of water is ejected, the rotating disc creating alternating portions of deflected and projected water, the projected portions simulating a flying fish, particularly when the apparatus is situated in a first body of water and the projected portions are directed at a second body of water.

Abstract: A projectile launching and recirculating display apparatus and method are provided which preferably include a collector extending in a generally horizontal plane, and having an opening positioned in a medial portion thereof for collecting a plurality of projectiles, such as balloons, therein. A blower has an output positioned to underlie the collector opening for blowing a gas upwardly through the opening and thereby blowing the plurality of projectiles upwardly when overlying the collector opening.

Abstract: A combination lawn/garden ornament and cremation container comprises a decorative water fountain adapted to circulate water from a water source upwardly and to allow the water to cascade downwardly and an openable and closable compartment adapted to contain cremated remains of a deceased. The fountain includes a water reservoir, a pump and plumbing. The plumbing has a first end connected to the pump and has a second end open to atmosphere and located above the reservoir. The pump is operable to pump water from the reservoir upwardly through the plumbing. The openable and closable compartment comprises a bowl for receiving the cremated remains therein, the bowl being removably securable to the fountain.

Abstract: A display such as an advertisement or selection of art is enhanced by the addition of a random movement bubble device. The bubble device includes a sealed, optically clear cavity containing a clear, slightly viscous fluid, which coacts with a bubble wand assembly to produce eye-catching random bubble configurations. Lighting and/or sound can be added to the bubble device to further attract a viewer's attention to the display and ultimately the product advertisement, etc.

Abstract: A novelty lamp which comprises a transparent container with a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer portion, and an inner portion. The inner portion extends upwardly from the bottom surface of the container and defines a hollow area. The bottom surface of the container is mounted in a base member. Two substances are received in the container. One of the substances has a higher relative density at room temperature and is immiscible with the other substance. Upon application of heat, which is supplied by a light bulb mounted within the base member, globules of the substance with the initially higher relative density become less dense, rise in the other substance and flow around the outer and inner portions of the container. As the globules rise toward the top surface of the container they cool, become more dense and drop back down toward the bottom surface of the container.

Abstract: A crystal water globe comprising a housing assembly having a lower housing and a transmission having a motor-driven shaft extending through the lower housing. Movable decorations or figures of the crystal water globe and a motor are disposed at opposite sides of the lower housing. Plugs sealingly connected to the lower housing and heavy oil contained between the plugs and the lower housing are utilized to seal the interface between the motor-driven shaft and the plugs.

Abstract: A display apparatus simulates a container of gaseous liquid. The display apparatus has a reservoir formed by closely spaced inner and outer walls, at least the outer wall being transparent or translucent and shaped to resemble the container. In use, a foamable liquid is held within the reservoir, and gas is introduced into the liquid at the bottom of the reservoir to thereby form bubbles which rise through the liquid and form a head of foam on the liquid. A foam regulating mechanism allows the gas from burst foam bubbles to escape from the reservoir, but returns the liquid component of burst foam bubbles to the reservoir. The display apparatus is suitable for simulating soda drinks, beer and other aerated beverages.

Abstract: A playball which when manipulated by a player produces a display simulating the flow of lava whereby the player, in effect, has lava on his hands. The playball is formed of a transparent plastic sphere divided at its equator into two half-sections by a partition having several shaped openings dispersed therein. The sphere is filled with a clear oil in which is deposited a charge of water-based syrup having a distinctive color. The syrup which is immiscible with the oil normally forms a pool on the bottom of the lower section of the sphere. When a player turns the ball upside down so that the lower section containing the pool is then the upper section of the sphere, the syrup then impinges on the partition to flow through the openings therein into the section below. In doing so, the flowing syrup simulates rivulets of lava which collect at the bottom of the lower section to reform the pool.

Abstract: A structure in which a toy is driven by a magnetic force including a rotary disk having a plurality of inner magnets thereon, with one magnet located at the center of the disk and the other magnets spaced therefrom. The polarity of the magnet in the center of the disk is different from the polarity of the remaining magnets. A mirror is mounted over the outer magnets and a plurality of inner magnets, each bearing a toy, are supported on the mirror. The polarity of the outer magnets is opposite the polarity of the inner magnets and is the same as the polarity of the inner magnet at the center of the rotary disk. The rotary disk may be driven to rotate by an outer driven wheel which, in turn, is rotated by a driven claw. The rotary disk is supported above a fixing disk. The driven wheel engages and rotates the rotary disk, causing movement of the outer magnets and toys on the mirror along the path of rotation of the inner magnets due to the magnetic attraction between the magnets of opposite polarities.

Abstract: A device for forming a changeable sign from either gas bubbles rising within a body of liquid or from drops of liquid moving through the air. When using gas bubbles rising within a body of liquid, the gas bubbles are released sequentially such that a message of the sign is represented as a matrix of bubbles. When using drops of liquid moving through the air, the drops are released sequentially and controllably such that the message of the sign is represented as a matrix of drops of liquid. In one version, air bubbles are released near the bottom of a tank from controllable valves. The valves can be arranged in a single line or in a vertical matrix. As an alternative, a template having a message formed as a dot matrix is applied against a matrix of orifices from which gas escapes, to form the message. In another version, water drops are released from a row of controllable valves on a ballistic trajectory, e.g., a free-fall.

Abstract: A beverage stirrer having a pop out item such as figurine, logo or product replica is provided. The stirrer includes a hollow, tubular casing with a sliding mechanism formed therein. The sliding mechanism can comprise a buoyant member actuated by fluid pressure from a beverage being stirred. Alternately, the sliding mechanism can comprise a temperature sensitive spring actuated by a temperature differential created by the beverage. The pop out item can be mounted to an end of the sliding mechanism and can be configured to extend out of an open end of the casing as the beverage is stirred. The stirrer can also include a handle/display member wherein indicia such as advertising or a logo can be printed.

Abstract: A decorative visual display device for circulating a fluid and simulated snow particles around a diorama. A snow globe is provided with a fluid propeller to circulate the fluid and particles within an outer transparent shell to provide the visual effect of snow falling on the diorama. A motor is placed within the base of the snow globe and may be actuated or deactuated to start and stop the snowfall effect.

Abstract: Visual display means of a vehicle having a body and force means for producing motion change of the vehicle body comprise a vehicle visual display device on the vehicle body including a container, a first liquid fluid in the container, and a second fluid in the container and essentially immiscible with the first fluid. The vehicle visual display device is responsive to the force means to cause a first fluid-second fluid interface, a first fluid-container interface, and a second fluid-container interface, to change in response to the motion change in the vehicle body. Either the first liquid fluid or the second fluid or both are visible through the container. A plurality of the devices in close proximity, such as side by side, provide the especially interesting and pleasing effects of synchronous change as the motion of the vehicle varies.

Abstract: A rotational color-liquid decoration including a base is set forth and a disk rotatably disposed on the base. The disk defines a closed space which is partitioned into multiple compartments in parallel with a surface of the disk. Each of these parallel compartments has a clear central area and an outer peripheral zone surrounding the central area. Colored liquid is sealed in each compartment to be carried by liquid collection units in the peripheral zone to a higher position when the disk is rotated. When the colored liquid in respective liquid collection unit reachs a certain position, it drips from an outlet of the liquid collection unit and passes the clear central area to be flattened into changing patterns in varying colors, serving as a dynamic decoration. A clock may be attached to a back side of the clear central area of the disk to enable the decoration to additionally function as a timepiece.

Abstract: A wave-producing decoration including an elongated liquid container which has an outwardly and downwardly projecting bubble collector integrally formed at a bottom center. The bubble collector communicates with the liquid container and collects any possible bubbles in the container. In addition, the bubble collector has a shape suitable for engaging a seat member partially exposed from a support member of the decoration, such that the liquid container may laterally sway with the pivoting seat member, causing liquid in the container to flow in waves.

Abstract: A rotating aquarium for use with live fish and particularly live corals including a canopy with light fixtures, a tank having a central core, a turntable including an electric motor for rotating the tank and a base for supporting the tank. The central core includes an electrical conduit for transporting electrical wires to the light fixture in the canopy. The central core also includes a water pipe that is connected to a reservoir mounted within the base of the aquarium. The reservoir includes a pump that circulates water throughout the aquarium. The tank rotates about the central core via the turntable and the electric motor. As the tank rotates, the fish and living coral receive light at different angles and receive superior water circulation. The aquarium of this invention therefore provides an environment more like the ocean for the animals living therein.

Abstract: A heat-activated amusement display disposed within the walls of a cup or other vessel.

Abstract: A liquid cell articulated artistic display system designed for introducing the natural phenomena of light refraction into manmade environments in a controlled manner, the display system including a light transmissive container partially filled with two or more immiscible liquids having a difference in specific gravity between 0.1 and 0.02. The container is slowly oscillated so that each of the liquids create a continuous series of distinctive wave sets mutually interacting with one another to create a clearly delineated wave phenomenon. A light beam is directed through the oscillating container and is refracted by the opposing wave sets causing the interactive wave phenomenon, thereby projecting a captivating, constantly changing wave pattern onto a visible surface.

Abstract: This invention involves a Jumping Drink Bar Device. This document discloses a novelty device for installation in a bar or counter whereby when a patron orders a specific drink the bartender or host places a drinking glass upon a designated location on top of the bar and, unknown to the patron, activates a hidden control. The drink then seems to hop from some remote spot on the bar and take one or more leaps, ultimately landing in the patron's glass.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lamp stand which mainly includes a clear and closed tubular container as its main body. A rotational shaft with blades is mounted in the tubular container and can be driven by magnetic rotational members to rotate and stir liquid contained in the container, so that currents looking like flowing cloud or floating mists are presented in the container forming the lamp stand, providing changeful and beautiful view.

Abstract: A tabletop fountain includes a water reservoir. A recirculating pump is disposed in the water reservoir. An ascending water pipe is connected to the pump. A sheathing that is advantageously formed of rock or rock-like material, guides and at least partially covers or hides the water pipe. A plant dish is insertable into the water reservoir. A cover has holes formed therein. An upwardly oriented separating strip is disposed on the cover.

Abstract: A selective coloring system comprising a hollow transparent panel. A plurality of separate different colored materials are provided. A facility is for forcing one of the separate different colored materials into and ut of the hollow transparent panel, so as to change the appearance of the hollow transparent panel for aesthetic reasons when the need arises.

Abstract: A multi-color liquid display system comprising a transparent conduit and system for sequentially circulating liquids of different color and different specific gravity through the conduit to present a dynamic display such as "raining" of one liquid into another. The circulating system includes a reservoir, a pump, device for communicating liquids in the reservoir with the transparent conduit, and device for controlling the proportionate flow of the different colored liquids from the reservoir. The display system includes a panel assembly in which a front transparent panel is bonded to a second transparent panel in spaced relation thereto and the conduit for liquids is formed in a desired configuration between the panels. The sign is illuminated by back lighting and the front panel is coated to mask all but the portions of the sign to be illuminated.

Abstract: A simulated suspended animation biosphere assembly includes an outer housing having a transparent wall portion, a transparent gel in the housing and at least one action component movably suspended in the gel. The action component is adapted to resemble an actual action element which is capable of voluntary controlled independent action movement and which is movably suspendable in a natural environmental medium.

Abstract: A method to provide to a visual surface a visual pulsation effect with apparent randomness characteristics by means of the formation, and subsequent separation from a wetted supporting element, of drops of liquid, such drops possessing a high degree of constancy of size, shape and formation-separation speed. This is obtained by a determined flow of a liquid of determined characteristics over one or more supporting elements of given physical characteristics. The pulsation effect possesses a high degree of visual impact and can be used in combination with decorative patterns, messages, logotypes placed on the same visual surface as the pulsation effect.

Abstract: A bubble device for simulating the flow of liquid through a transparent tube, the device including an upper reservoir, a lower reservoir, a bubble generation section, a bubble refining section and an interconnecting transparent tube containing a volatile liquid therein. When the lower reservoir is heated and the upper reservoir is cooled, the volatile liquid is driven from the lower reservoir by the presence of heated vapor of the volatile liquid. Eventually, the heated vapor expands to the bubble generation section whereby bubbles are generated and caused to pass through the bubble refining section to break up the bubbles into smaller bubbles which travel upward through the transparent tube. A control circuit is used to maintain a constant temperature differential between the upper and lower reservoirs in order to ensure the proper and continued operation of the device.

Abstract: A multi-colored twirling baton comprising a transparent tube having a transparent helical partition co-axially extending through the tube to form two separate helical fluid chambers. Two light-transmissive fluids of different colors fill respective ones of the chambers. Light transmitted through the baton displays a helical array of the two colors and a third color which is a blend of the other two.

Abstract: An animated display having a case defining a display chamber with a top and bottom. An object is provided within the display chamber so as to be visible from externally of the case. Structure is provided for continuously circulating a plurality of discrete particles through the display chamber in a pattern that extends through in excess of 180.degree. around a vertical axis extending through the object.

Abstract: An aquarium action display having a decorative display structure submerged beneath the surface of an aquarium and seated on the aquarium floor. The display structure incorporates a catch basin for collecting granular display media and funneling the media to a tube having a notch interfaced with the catch basin. An aquarium pump produces a flow of water through the tube whereby the granular display media is mixed with the water flowing through the tube and discharged at an outlet and collected by the catch basin thereby creating an underwater display.

Abstract: A decorative floating toy including a watertight container defining a water-tight holding chamber partially filled with a fluid, and a float floating on the fluid and of outer diameter fitting the water-tight holding chamber and having two tubes diagonally disposed at two opposite ends in reversed directions and communicated with each other for permitting the fluid to pass through the float when the water-tight container is turned upside-down.