Abstract: A display device comprises a sealed flat container formed by two rectangular sheets of glass 10,11 spaced from each other by a small amount and sealed together by a glue layer 12 at their outer edges. The container encloses water and detergent, a quantity of air and fine sand 26. After settling of the sand in one direction, the container is inverted causing bubbles 27 of the air to rise and form a bubble layer partially supporting the sand while allowing it to percolate gradually downwardly between the bubbles.

Abstract: An ornamental or amusement device has the geometric configuration of two inter-penetrating tetrahedra including eight apices and presenting the appearance of a six-pointed star when viewed along the axis of any one of the eight apices. In one described embodiment, the body is disposed within a transparent housing filled with a transparent liquid, the body having a density different from that of the liquid such that it slowly moves from one end to the opposite end of the housing when inverted. In a second described embodiment, the body is enclosed by a housing having a plurality of planar faces to permit the geometric body to stably rest in any position on a flat horizontal surface.

Abstract: A decorative device for application upon the exterior of an article of wearing apparel; the device comprising first and second sheets of transparent fluid impervious flexible material in registering relationship and being mutually secured in their marginal zones for jointly defining a central chamber. The decorative device is secured directly to the article of wearing apparel as by stitching and with there being a liquid of predetermined coloration and either of foaming or nonfoaming character partially filling the chamber for exception through the walls of said device. The liquids utilized are of predetermined formulation to possess the capacity to foam or otherwise so that upon movement of the wearer of the article of wearing apparel the liquid will be caused to flow within the confined chamber.

Abstract: A light transmission control apparatus of the present invention relies on the principle of light transmission when an air bubble is produced in opaque liquid. In one form of the present invention, an optical switching device includes a container for containing therein opaque liquid, which is provided with transparent inlet and outlet sections. Transmission of light from the inlet section to the outlet section through the container is controlled by production or disappearance of air bubbles in the opaque liquid present between the inlet and outlet sections. In another form of the present invention, a display device includes a container for containing therein opaque liquid, which is provided with a transparent section defining an observation window or screen. A plurality of picture elements are provided in the form of an array, either one or two dimensional, as normally hidden by the opaque liquid. Air bubbles are produced in the opaque liquid to expose selected picture elements which define a reproduced image.

Abstract: A baseball-type cap having on the front and above the visor a miniature transparent mug which contains a small motor and pump that circulates a fluid from the bottom of the mug up through a conduit within the cap to a small dispensing tap mounted above the mug. The tap handle operates an electrical switch to power the motor and also a lamp that back-lights advertising material visable through the transparent mug and illuminates the fluid flowing through a transparent tube connected between the dispensing tap outlet and the bottom of the mug. A top cover of the mug may support a plastic foam for further realism.

Abstract: A novelty viewer having a base supporting an enclosure which houses a graphical or simulated scene of a city or the like including a background of opaque material. The enclosure is occupied by a fluid or various fluids of different densities whereby, after shaking, at least two layers of densities result in a color differential promoting an illusion of smoggy conditions above the graphic or simulated scene. The density differential of the layers may be effected by different densities of liquid, by different size and weight of particles or by structurally separated liquid chambers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed finger painting system that is adapted to be both clean and reusable. Provided is a rigid base member to which a number of closed, clear, flexible bags are attached. The bags are particularly adapted to be overlapped with respect to each other. Each bag contains a colorful, transparent fluid. The fluids can be manipulated within each bag by pressing the bags with one's fingers. When the fluids in more than one bag overlap, they create an optical impression of being mixed to create new colors. Therefore, an infinite variety of distinctive, abstract designs can be created.

Abstract: Biological material, such as a natural plant, is displayed within a transparent casing containing a preserving liquid which may consist at least partially of isopropyl alcohol. The material is attached either to a float or to a swivel anchor or to both so that, regardless of its weight, it is controllably suspended submerged in the liquid. The material is connected to the float or anchor, preferably by plastic threads substantially invisible in the liquid. The liquid in the casing is caused to move so that the biological material will rotate and afford a noticeable and aesthetic display. Music in conjunction with the rotation of the biological material may also be provided, as well as a light source for illuminating the display.

Abstract: Systems of three, four, and five mutually immiscible liquid phases suitable for use in display devices. Preferred four phase systems comprise one highly hydrophobic organic phase, one organic phase containing compounds which are moderately polar, one phase containing hydrogen-bonding organic compounds, and one aqueous phase. Systems can be multicolored, not toxic, not combustible, and not corrosive to plastic.

Abstract: A self contained fountain in the form of an antique hand pump on a stand. A motor in the pump body oscillates the pump handle up and down and this movement alternately actuates and deactuates a submerged electric pump in the fountain reservoir so that water is pumped from the pump spout in timed relation to the movement of the pump handle. The water drains from the receiving container back to the reservoir concealed in the pump stand.

Abstract: Devices comprising a transparent chamber containing three mutually immiscible liquids two of which are colored yellow, cyan, or magenta with an external region colored yellow, cyan, or magenta. Static, they display four or more colored regions. When deformed or inverted, they create multicolor kinetic displays. Preferred devices comprise two liquid-filled, sheet-like chamberss in face to face relationship with five colored bands forming a rainbow pattern.

Abstract: A color changing display in which various elements and portions of the display are formed as shallow transparent pockets on a supporting back panel. Each pocket is connected in a closed fluid circuit to an individual reservoir containing a suitably colored fluid. Actuating mechanism is used to raise and lower each reservoir individually so that fluid can flow into or drain out of selected pockets in any desired sequence or timed program. The result, viewed from the front through the transparent pockets, has the appearance of a display building up in a particular sequence or changing color in various patterns.

Abstract: Method of constructing pneumatic tire where at least one of its elements is comprised of a heat-curable rubber composition, an improvement in which such composition is identified with a releasably attached identification tag containing an information-providing ink composition thereon, wherein the ink composition contains a heat activatable blowing agent. The invention further relates to the heat-curable rubber composition so-identified and also to the identification tag itself.

Abstract: A magic container for containing beverages such as soft drinks and alcoholic drinks. The wall of the container contains a conduit which communicates the interior with the exterior. The inlet port and the outlet port of the conduit are formed at the lower portions of the container. The conduit starts from the inlet port, runs through the rising portion, the uppermost portion and the descending portion, and reaches the outlet port which is located at a position lower than the inlet port. After the use, for example, at a resort, the container can be utilized as a toy to be played with by children or as an implement for scientific experiments.

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

Abstract: A toy stove assembly includes a housing member configured to simulate a stove with an upper burner portion. A cooking vessel has an apertured false bottom connected to a conduit that extends to the exterior of the cooking vessel. Pressurized air is generated and connected to the conduit so that the air can be introduced into the cooking vessel to simulate boiling of any liquid substance in the cooking vessel. A toy kitchen sink can also optionally be included with the same motor that provides the pressurized air providing a pumping action for delivering water through a faucet.

Abstract: A portable lighted disco dance floor for converting an area into a dance floor and having lights internally thereof for lighting the dance floor.

Abstract: A three-dimensional figure made from an inflatable, sculptured envelope of soft pliable material into which is blown a constant flow of ambient air wherein said flow of ambient air can be modulated or reversed to cause a lifelike movement of the sculptured figure. The inflatable envelope can be attached to the face of a billboard to create a three-dimensional display which can be quickly assembled or dismantled. The structure can tolerate substantial leakage of air from the envelope along seam lines, through the pliable material fabric or small puncture holes.

Abstract: A head (12) for incorporation in a strobed liquid display is disclosed. The head comprises a housing (30) defining a chamber (38), the housing (30) having an inlet opening (39) for connection to a liquid supply, a top wall (32) having a vent (42), a bottom wall (34) having a plurality of apertures (44) spaced from and distributed about the center thereof for accommodating the outflow of liquid droplets from the chamber (38), and a sidewall (36) extending between the top and bottom walls (32, (34). The head (12) also includes a vibrating device rigidly connected to the housing (30) for imparting a periodic wobble thereto for dispensing the droplets through the apertures (44) in sequential fashion with substantially uniform spacing between successive droplets dispensed through each aperture (44), whereby the dispensed droplets substantially define a helix. A strobe liquid display system (10) incorporating the head (12) is also disclosed.

Abstract: An horizon projection device for an aircraft simulator.The device comprises an aerial image 4 of a part of the Earth's surface, an optical image projector comprising a variable magnification system 13, an optical scanning device 18 and a wide angle projection lens 17. The optical system 13 forms in the focal plane of the wide angle lens 17 an intermediate image whose dimensions depend on the magnification. Controls responsive to the altitude, to the attitude and to the heading simulated by the pilot act on the magnification of the optical system 13, particularly to correct an apparent altitude variation due to the shift between the eyes of the pilot and the wide angle lens, during simulation of the aircraft going over on to its back.

Abstract: A drinking straw with a hollow box connected to the straw such that a fluid can be drawn through the box and one face of the box can be seen by the user. The viewed face has transparent indicia surrounded by solid black or dark colored material corresponding to the material of the rear plate of the box, hence, the indicia is only visible when a colored fluid such as milk is drawn through the straw and the box.

Abstract: A decorative system including a transparent container holding a described decorative aqueous mixture including aluminum powder and the system further providing means for bubbling air through the mixture for optimum effect.

Abstract: Disclosed is a three dimensional action sign comprising at least one three dimensional simulated object and at least two independent ways for producing separate actions in the sign. Preferably the object is of a simulated piece of meat disposed on a cooking grill, a simulated charcoal fire and the separate actions include the causing of a flame to rise from the simulated piece of meat and smoke to rise from the simulated charcoal fire.

Abstract: A contemplation device is disclosed taking the form of a transparent container having a substantially spherical portion, a supporting base portion and a neck portion between the spherical portion and the base portion for receiving a sealing stopper for sealing in the container a saline solution substantially filling the container, but leaving at least some space and supporting in suspension a multiplicity of spherical, different colored beads which have a specific gravity the same as that of the solution. The stopper is sealed with a silicon rubber sealant.

Abstract: A wave simulator including an enclosed receptacle filled with non-mixing liquids so that tipping of the receptacle simulates wave action and incorporating at least one flexible diaphragm that flexes to prevent excessive liquid pressure buildup within the receptacle while also maintaining the interior of the receptacle completely filled by the liquids. The receptacle has a two-piece construction injection molded from clear polycarbonate plastic and includes a unitary bottom wall and an upper wall member having unitary top, side, and end walls. Edges of the bottom wall are secured to the side and end walls of the upper wall member and an intermediate portion thereof includes a pair of openings which respectively receive a pair ofthe diaphragms. One preferred construction of the diaphragm includes annular steps that extend upwardly so as to be flexible downwardly to accommodate for liquid expansion.

Abstract: An aquarium waterfall composed of a base, vertical member and cap and wherein a lift tube extends from the base to the cap. A sand reservoir is formed in the base. An air tube operatively connected to the lift tube causes water to rise in the lift tube, and the water carries sand with it from the base to the cap where the mixture of sand and water is redirected in a downward direction toward the base over outcroppings in the vertical member to simulate a waterfall.

Abstract: A traffic sign selectively displays and obscures information arranged permanently on the outer surface of a rear plate of a pair of rigid, transparent plates defining a closed cavity therebetween by displacing out of and into the cavity an opaque liquid contained in a closed reservoir which has an air-filled space over the liquid. A closed fluid conduit system connects the cavity with the reservoir and includes a first valved conduit connecting the air-filled space to the cavity, a second valved conduit connecting the liquid to the reservoir, a pressure release valve in the first conduit, and a control for selectively delivering liquid from the reservoir into the cavity through the second conduit while concomitantly withdrawing air from the cavity through the first conduit, and vice versa, whereby the cavity is rapidly and completely filled with the liquid to obscure the information and emptied of the liquid to display the information. The information is illuminated from the rear.

Abstract: A unit type slanting water fountain display apparatus for displaying time and/or characters on a slopewise display surface. The apparatus is formed as a portable type and is easily moved at a desired site.

Abstract: The specification describes a device for producing aesthetic effects, more particularly light effects, with at least one partly transparent or transluscent and preferably closed vessel. The vessel contains at least two liquids of different density which are not completely and not permanently miscible with each other. In the order of increasing density at least three liquids A, B, C with the following principal or sole components are employed:A liquid paraffin and/or silicone oil and/or naphthene and/or hexachlorobutadiene;B water or an ether, more particularly propanetrioxyethylether or a polyether;C esters with chemically bound phosphorus and/or chemically bound halogen, preferably chlorine, an ester of phthalic acid, and more particularly dibutoxybutyl phthalate, a carbonic acid ester, more particularly propanediol carbonate, or ethanediolmonophenylether or tetrahydrothiophene-1,1-dioxide with the provision that the selected liquids are not completely and not permanently miscible with each other.

Abstract: An animated visual effect device is carried by a support such as a platform from which the device may depend, the device being adapted to be received in the projection gate of a projector between the light source and the projection lens system of the projector for projection of visual effects produced in the operation of the device, the support carrying means such as a power source, compressor, or the like, for operating the device. Visual effects may be produced by bubbling of air through differently colored viscous fluid contained in generally laminal chambers disposed for successive passage therethrough of the projection illumination.

Abstract: A display device for generating bubbles, which may be illuminated, passing through a body of fluid, including a sealed translucent hollow glass tube partially filled with fluid of a low boiling point and evacuated of air, a chamber of a diameter less than that of the tube secured to the bottom end of the tube, and a heat source associated with the chamber. In one embodiment of the invention the chamber consists of a mass of agglomerated prismatic particles bonded to the bottom of the tube. In another embodiment of the invention, the chamber consists of a closed glass tube having a heater therein which is open on one end for discharge of bubbles into the sealed tube. The invention also includes the method for making such a bubbler device.