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.

Abstract: A merchandising system having a power distribution device associated with a package support system, and a package having a sensory output such as an image display capable of using power, data and/or signals provided from the power distribution device to produce a desired output when the package is associated with the package support system. Packaging materials of the package form the coupling medium for contactless coupling such as capacitive coupling of a controlled signal provided to the package support system to a display on the package.

Abstract: An aquarium or tank that includes one or a plurality of indentations or holes which are sufficiently large to fit one or a plurality of separate and independent components or cartridges which introduce a new and separate visual element or environment into the aquarium or tank. Adjacent to the wall of the tank on which the indentations are located is a housing which encases and hides the base (or some other portion) of the separate cartridge, and which is accessible to the user, such that they can remove, replace, repair or modify the cartridge.

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.

Abstract: A rigid replica of a flag of the United States consists of a background, a field and a plurality of emblems, the background comprising individual U-shaped channels comprising colored red and white horizontal stripes, the field comprising a solid blue panel and the emblem comprising a white star, the channels affixed to spaced apart vertical rafters, the rafters forming a frame of the rigid flag replica, the channels alternately uprightly and invertedly disposed whereby an exposed surface of the uprightly disposed channels is disposed at a different elevation than an exposed surface of the invertedly disposed channels, the uprightly and invertedly disposed channels providing depth and definition to the exposed surface of the rigid flag replica, the blue field having 50 white stars affixed thereto in rows and columns, the blue field applied to the horizontal stripes in an upper left hand corner, the blue field overlying the red and white horizontal stripes.

Abstract: A marking assembly for the marking of particular traffic situations and objects comprises a front row of viewing openings, which are separated from one another by view obstacles (5), at least one back row of view obstacles (6), which are provided at a distance from one another, the view obstacles (5) of the front row contrasting with respect to the view obstacles (6) of the back row. Distances between the viewing openings in the front row and distances between the view obstacles (6) of the back row are so small that a plurality of viewing openings in the front row and a plurality of view obstacles (6) of the back row lie within the field of view of the traffic participant. The field of view of the traffic participant at the same time offers a view, via the plurality of viewing openings in the front row, of an interference pattern of contrasting view obstacles (6), which are covered to a greater or lesser extent by the view obstacles (5) of the front row, of at least one of the back rows.

Abstract: A sound actuated display device incorporating a vibratory-rotary motion converter to convert vibrations resulting from sounds and music to rotary motion. The rotary motion causes display elements to move and pulse in a manner synchronized to the rhythms of the sounds and music. The result is an aesthetically interesting display of motion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device for producing a fire special effect that is suitable for applications in which the viewers of the simulated flame are able inspect the device from relatively close range and/or from a number of perspectives. For example, the device can be used as a torchiere or wall sconce.

Abstract: An intriguing and educational display structure (1) appears to be spinning upon itself without any apparent drive mechanism, power supply or bearing. The structure comprises two concentric hollow spheres (3, 5) spaced apart by a transparent fluid (6). The outer sphere is totally transparent, immobile, and may rest on a tripod (2) or other type of support. The inner sphere may be partially transparent or translucent and carries over its surface, a design such as a map of the world (7). The inner sphere rotates within, and independently from, the first outer one. The internal, that is self-contained, drive mechanism uses either a conventional electrical motor (8) with its own field winding and commutator, or one made of a rotor comprising a cross-array of electromagnets (AC, BD) that interact with an ambient magnetic field such as the earth magnetic field.

Abstract: An intriguing and educational display structure (1) appears to be spinning upon itself without any apparent drive mechanism, power supply or bearing. The structure comprises two concentric hollow spheres (3, 5) spaced apart by a transparent fluid (6). The outer sphere is totally transparent, immobile and may rest on a tripod (2) or other type of support. The inner sphere may be partially transparent or translucent and carries over its surface, a design such as a map of the world (7). The inner sphere rotates within, and independently from the first outer one. The internal, that is self-contained drive mechanism is referenced to either a compass, a light angle detector, or a gravity sensor, and uses either a conventional electrical motor with its own internal field winding and communitator, or one made of a rotor comprising a cross-array of electromagnets (AC, BD) that interact with the earth magnetic field.

Abstract: Decorative device which can be mounted to a wall. The device includes a trim portion that resembles a window, a door or a portal. The trim portion includes a front surface and thickness. The trim portion defines an enclosed area that is sized to contain a scene. At least one window or door includes angled surfaces. The at least one window or door includes a front surface, a thickness, and a width that is arranged generally parallel to the front surface of the trim portion. The at least one window or door has the appearance of being opened while being arranged generally parallel to the front surface of the trim portion.

Abstract: A fireplace generally including a display driven by a controller. The display may be configured to show images associated with a fireplace. The images may be in two dimensions or three dimensions. The display may be driven by the controller, and a user interface may be provided to configure the fireplace. The display may also be driven by other peripheral components as well. The display may optionally be a flat-panel display. The display may be placed against a wall of a structure and surrounded by a decorative facade, or may be placed in an enclosure of a wall. Various optional components, such as a simulated electric glowing ember system and a retractable grate and artificial log set, may also be included.

Abstract: A preferred artistic medium comprises a first translucent sheet having at least one first image presented thereon, a second translucent sheet having a least one second image presented thereon, the second image being substantially identical to the first image, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first and second sheets is textured in a substantially uncolored area of the image, and wherein the first and second sheets are positioned in proximity to one another and in a relative orientation such that the first and second images are in substantial registration with each other.

Abstract: A dual path helical ramp consisting of a wire rail formed as a helix, a straight rail, a closed transparent cylindrical wall rail, and a ball. The helical rail extends between a first elevation where the ball enters or exits the ramp to a second, lower elevation where a ball exits or enters the ramp. The straight rail extends through the center of the helical rail for the length thereof. The cylindrical wall rail extends outside of the helical rail for the length thereof. The helical rail is joined at either end of the straight rail and the straight rail is joined at either end of the cylindrical wall rail, thereby forming two elevations. The helical rail is dimensioned such that the distance between it and straight rail and it and wall rail is less than the diameter of the ball.

Abstract: An assembly and method for providing audio/visual advertising to supplement standard print advertising is disclosed and described.

Abstract: An ornamental display assembly includes a display container having an opening at a first end. A closure member is provided and is movable between an open position, wherein the opening is unobstructed by the closure member, and a closed position, wherein the opening is blocked by the closure member. A decorative sculpture is displayed inside the container. An electronic apparatus is disposed in the container in operable communication with the closure member, such that when the closure member is in the open position the electronic apparatus is activated, and when the closure member is in the closed position the electronic apparatus is deactivated. The electronic apparatus is a music box, a lighting display, an electric motor, or any combination thereof. The ornamental display assembly further includes a magnetically operated switch for activation of the electronic apparatus, and a magnet located in the closure member.

Abstract: A device for retaining a three-dimensional image includes a retainer capable of arresting displacement of pins in a position corresponding to a contour of a load applied to the pins.

Abstract: Disclosed is a building structure (1) formed with a living space available for our daily life therein, comprising a partition wall (25) partitioning the living space into a plurality of living sections (24); a wall assembly (20) including inner wall members made of transparent material, closing an outer circumference of the living space and meeting each living section (24), and outer wall members forming predetermined scene-production spaces (23), spacedly positioned relative to the inner wall members, corresponding to each living section (24); a supplying means for supplying a predetermined scene-producing object to inside of each scene-production space; and a controller (81) for activating and deactivating the supplying means so as to allow each of inner scene-production spaces to be produced independently.

Abstract: In order to provide a conjuring tool which is simple in construction and operation, there is provided a conjuring tool for performing a card trick wherein a recessed accommodating portion 32 for accommodating therein a note or card that is inserted thereinto from the outside of the conjuring tool is formed in the interior of the conjuring tool, wherein there are provided an open window portion 12 for allowing the note or card that has been so inserted into the recessed accommodating portion 32 to be viewed from the outside of the conjuring tool via a special plate 20 that has an effect of making a viewer feel a certain degree of depth due to a three-dimensional pattern produced by a moire phenomenon and a film 33 disposed between the note or card so inserted and the special plate 20 and having transparent portions and non-transparent portions, and wherein the film 33 is arranged to move on the note or card.

Abstract: An intriguing and educational display structure (1) appears to be spinning upon itself without any apparent drive mechanism, power supply or bearing. The structure comprises two concentric hollow spheres (3, 5) spaced apart by a transparent fluid (6). The outer sphere is totally transparent, immobile, and may rest on a tripod (2) or other type of support. The inner sphere may be partially transparent or translucent and carries over its surface, a design such as a map of the world (7). The inner sphere rotates within, and independently from, the first outer one. The internal, that is self-contained, drive mechanism uses either a conventional electrical motor (8) with its own field winding and commutator, or one made of a rotor comprising a cross-array of electromagnets (AC, BD) that interact with an ambient magnetic field such as the earth magnetic field.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging element comprising at least one imaging layer wherein said imaging layer comprises photosensitive silver halide layer comprising dye forming couplers, a transparent polymer pragmatic sheet below said at least one imaging layer, an adhesive layer below said pragmatic sheet, and a black carrier sheet below said adhesive layer

Abstract: A novelty system of the present invention includes a novelty portion, ballast and a post portion; the post portion configured to support the novelty portion and ballast such that the post portion flexes.

Abstract: A display system for presenting multiple images from a single art object depending upon the observer's viewing angle comprising a housing, a protective cover, a distortion lens, an art object, a support means for securing a lighting system contained within the housing, and a cooling system and power source within the housing.

Abstract: A novelty system of the present invention includes a novelty portion, ballast and a post portion; the post portion configured to support the novelty portion and ballast such that the post portion flexes.

Abstract: A sound actuated display device incorporating a vibratory-rotary motion converter to convert vibrations resulting from sounds and music to rotary motion. The rotary motion causes display elements to move and pulse in a manner synchronized to the rhythms of the sounds and music. The result is an aesthetically interesting display of motion.

Abstract: An aerial projection system and method having a housing for positioning low cost optical elements capable of generating a three dimensional aerial images at video rates without reflected artifacts or visible display of the display screen. A method for generating the display images is based on a set of rules that eliminate boundary transgressions and maximizes the illusion of a three dimensional aerial image. An optional second display is a transparent imaging panel that acts selectively as a light valve, as a display platform for special effects or for providing the appearance of linear motion towards or away from the observer. An optional third display, also a transparent imaging panel, may be used as a background display device for displaying video rate images that are not projected aerial images.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for producing a fire special effect using a curtain of theatrical smoke. In one embodiment, the device comprises a theatrical smoke console for producing a curtain of theatrical smoke, an air modulator for providing a varying current of air that modulates the curtain of theatrical smoke produced by the console, and a lighting assembly that produces a flood of colored light that is projected onto the modulated curtain of theatrical smoke produced by the console and air modulator.

Abstract: Multilayer polymeric films and other optical bodies are provided which is useful in making colored mirrors and polarizers. The films are characterized by a change in color as a function of viewing angle.

Abstract: A method for generating printed images of a graphic pattern of a movie picture to be displayed for moving observers using a long display panel composed of the graphic pattern and a plate made up of a plurality of cylinder converging lenses arranged parallel to each other with a common focal plane.

Abstract: A technique is provided for keeping rodents and other pests out of warehouses and other buildings. A pest control device or guard is provided which is attached or fixed near the bottom surface of a door, such as an overhead door. The pest control device can adjust to uneven ground surfaces so that a fence or guard is provided to prevent pests, such as rats from entering buildings. The pest control device may be comprised of first, second, and third brackets which are connected together and can be mounted to a door. The brackets may be L-shaped. A plurality of pins is connected to the first, second, and third brackets so that each of the plurality of pins can move with respect to the first, second, and third brackets.

Abstract: A method of inducing a sale of a product in a retail environment includes providing the product in a storage structure from which a potential purchaser may take physical possession of the product. A true hologram is provided to project a three-dimensional holographic image into a first space proximate to the storage structure to attract potential purchaser attention. The holographic image from the true hologram is used to communicate information about the product to the potential purchaser.

Abstract: A color enhancing, lightweight, pin screen has multiple polymeric pins, each having a head at one end and slidably positioned in a corresponding aperture in at least one vertically-oriented plate. The polymeric material may be treated to achieve various visual effects, such as phosphorescence in light, black light designs and multiple colors. Also, the shape of the head can be designed to provide various light displays depending on its shape, i.e., convex, concave, diamond, flat and adding a reflective coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for producing a fire special effect using a steam curtain. In one embodiment, the device comprises a steam console for producing a curtain of steam/fog, an air modulator for providing a varying current of air that modulates the curtain of steam produced by the console, and a lighting assembly that produces a flood of colored light that is projected onto the modulated curtain of steam produced by the console and air modulator.

Abstract: A shape-shifting game can. The game can includes upper and lower cylindrical blocks superimposed on each other. Each of the cylindrical blocks are quartered to form a total of eight fan-shaped columns and each of the fan-shaped columns comprise upper and lower fan-shaped surfaces, a circumferential surface and a pair of square surfaces. The lower fan-shaped surfaces of the upper cylindrical block and the upper fan-shaped surfaces of the lower cylindrical block are connected with fan-shaped stickers. Pairs of the upper fan-shaped surfaces of the upper cylindrical block and pairs of the lower fan-shaped surfaces of the lower cylindrical block are connected with hemi-cycle patterned stickers. The square surfaces of the fan-shaped columns are connected with double-block stickers. The circumferential surfaces of the cylindrical blocks are connected with four fan-shaped column stickers and two hemi-cycle column stickers respectively.

Abstract: A sign assembly 10 that implements electronic paper to display an animated image. The sign assembly includes a controller 12, a power supply 14, a pair of substantially transparent, electrically conductive sheets 16, 18, and a sheet of electronic paper 24, which is sandwiched between sheets 16, 18. Image layers 20, 22 are imprinted on the sheets 16, 18, or are alternatively held frictionally adjacent to sheets 16, 18 by a frame assembly 56. Image layers 20, 22 include substantially transparent regions 36, 38, 40 and 42 in which sheet 24 is visible. The conductive sheets 16, 18 are connected to controller 12 which provides an electronic signal which is varied over time resulting in the display of an animated or changing image which may be visible when viewed from one or both sides of the sign assembly 10.

Abstract: A fireplace assembly is provided by which the image of a working combustible fuel-burning fireplace may be simulated. The fireplace assembly includes a housing having a lenticular panel assembly including a moving simulation of at least flames for generating the appearance of simulated flames within the housing. The lenticular panel assembly includes a means for mounting and rotating the panel through an arc to provide the illusion of moving flames within the fireplace assembly.

Abstract: A sign assembly 10 that implements electronic paper to display an animated image. The sign assembly includes a controller 12, a power supply 14, a pair of substantially transparent, electrically conductive sheets 16, 18, and a sheet of electronic paper 24, which is sandwiched between sheets 16, 18. Image layers 20, 22 are imprinted on the sheets 16, 18, or are alternatively held frictionally adjacent to sheets 16, 18 by a frame assembly 56. Image layers 20, 22 include substantially transparent regions 36, 38, 40 and 42 in which sheet 24 is visible. The conductive sheets 16, 18 are connected to controller 12 which provides an electronic signal which is varied over time resulting in the display of an animated or changing image which may be visible when viewed from one or both sides of the sign assembly 10.

Abstract: A technique is provided for keeping rodents and other pests out of warehouses and other buildings. A pest control device or guard is provided which is attached or fixed near the bottom surface of a garage door. The pest control device can adjust to uneven ground surfaces so that a fence or guard is provided to prevent pests, such as rats from entering buildings. The pest control device may be comprised of first, second, and third brackets which are connected together and can be mounted to a garage door. The brackets may be L-shaped. A plurality of pins is connected to the first, second, and third brackets so that each of the plurality of pins can move with respect to the first, second, and third brackets.

Abstract: An ice fishing hole simulator system for visually simulating an ice fishing experience based about an ice fishing hole. The ice fishing hole simulator system includes a housing having an upper opening, an upper mirror positioned about the upper opening, a tube extending downwardly from the upper mirror, a lower mirror positioned within the bottom portion of the housing opposite of the upper mirror, and a plurality of lights surrounding the tube. The tube is comprised of a translucent material such as plastic or glass. The tube preferably includes a length of clear portion and a length of opaque portion encompassing the tube in a spiraling manner thereby recreating the inner surface appearance of an ice hole created by an ice auger. The upper mirror is comprised of a two-way mirror structure with the reflective surface facing the lower mirror and the viewing surface facing upwardly to allow an individual to look into the simulated ice hole.

Abstract: The present invention is a picture puzzle comprising one or more combination decoding lens/encoded image portions which can form one or more assembled decoded images. The picture puzzle can also include one or more image portions that are not encoded. A wide range of puzzle constructions can be made according to the invention. Assembled decoded images can be formed from a first combination decoding lens/encoded image portion paired with either a second combination decoding lens/encoded image portion or an image portion that is not encoded.

Abstract: A display assembly intended primarily but not exclusively for use in the advertisement of any of a variety of different products or services structured to visually simulate the presence of moving liquid representative of an effervescent or bubbling liquid in the advertisement or display. An ornamental display, in the form of a pictorial representation, indicia, or other visual representation includes a light transmittable material aligned with an illumination assembly and a chamber through which a pattern of fluid flow passes. The pattern of fluid flow comprises a plurality of air streams of bubbles and provides the appearance of moving liquid to an exterior observer.

Abstract: An ice fishing hole simulator system for visually simulating an ice fishing experience based about an ice fishing hole. The ice fishing hole simulator system includes a housing having an upper opening, an upper mirror positioned about the upper opening, a tube extending downwardly from the upper mirror, a lower mirror positioned within the bottom portion of the housing opposite of the upper mirror, and a plurality of lights surrounding the tube. The tube is comprised of a translucent material such as plastic or glass. The tube preferably includes a length of clear portion and a length of opaque portion encompassing the tube in a spiraling manner thereby recreating the inner surface appearance of an ice hole created by an ice auger. The upper mirror is comprised of a two-way mirror structure with the reflective surface facing the lower mirror and the viewing surface facing upwardly to allow an individual to look into the simulated ice hole.

Abstract: This invention is a kind of magic can, which is consisted by 8 fan-shaped columns and forms 16 fan-shaped surfaces pasted with 8 fan-shaped patterned stickers, 16 square surfaces pasted with 8 double-block stickers, 8 surfaces of circumference pasted with four fan-shaped column sticker and 2 hemi-cycle stickers. A sticker may be pasted on 2 surfaces so these 8 fan-shaped columns can be linked together and turned to present various kinds of styles like magic. It offers the entertainment of brainstorming and can also improve the visual effect to reach the promotion purpose. In addition to the entertainment, it can also be used as a card clip or other stationery.

Abstract: A gift displaying system for resembling a snowman for displaying a plurality of gifts tied together. The gift displaying system includes a cover resembling a figurine for concealing any gifts, said cover member comprising a head member, said head member comprising a generally cotton material having a generally spherical-shape, and a body member comprising a panel being attached to and extending downwardly from a lower portion of said head member such that said panel defines a cavity extending from a free edge of said panel toward said head member, said body member comprising a generally cotton material. The invention further comprises a gift connecting assembly for connecting the gifts together that includes a plurality of connecting members. Each of the connecting members may be. releasably tied around at least two of the gifts. The gift connecting assembly further comprises a plurality of crackers.

Abstract: An animated holiday-scene display device for providing decorative entertainment tools. The animated holiday-scene display device includes a base member having a top side and being adapted to rest upon a surface; and also includes an ornamental figurine being mounted upon the topside of the base member and having a body and movable arms; and further includes an ornamental object also being mounted upon the top side of the base member; and also includes a light-emitting assembly being disposed throughout the ornamental object; and further includes an assembly for actuating movement of the ornamental figurine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nonrotating billboard of a rotation body which is attached on a surface of a rotation center of a vertical rotation member such as vehicle wheel, fan, etc. for thereby showing a nonrotating state of a pattern, emblem or advertisement irrespective of a rotation of a rotation body. The nonrotating billboard of a rotation body includes a housing attached to a center of a rotation body and rotated together with the rotation member, a billboard member which has a surface on which a billboard is formed and includes a weight member below the weight center and is installed in the housing based on a relative rotation method and maintains an upright state by the weight of the weight member, and a friction prevention unit for maintaining a free state of the billboard member from the housing in a nonrotating state by preventing the billboard member from being contacted with the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed are promotional products such as buttons, badges, toys, signs, and displays, and in particular promotional products that display inscriptions vertically, no matter the orientation of the product, more particularly words or phrases spelled the same forwards as backwards, as for example BOB or MOM or WWW. The products each have a rotatable shaft connected to a base member, and a plurality of sheets imprinted with inscriptions and attached by pins onto the base member so that the sheets hang vertically. As the shaft rotates, the base member rotates but the sheets continue to maintain a vertical position.

Abstract: A decorative screen, particularly for use in window treatments, interior decoration, and the like, which can be easily customized to complement any decor. The decorative screen uses ambient light, diffusers, and grids to process a crude design. The result is a pleasing mosaic of elements. Just as in a typical tile mosaic, the hue, saturation, and brightness of each element is consistent across that element.

Abstract: A device for displaying a character having a virtual image wherein the display device includes an outer housing and an optical assembly. In one embodiment, the outer housing provides a surface for depicting a character. The optical assembly includes a first concave mirror and a second concave mirror facing the first concave mirror with one of the mirrors being provided with an aperture aligned with a hole in the outer housing and the other mirror supporting an object related to the character. With this construction, an image projected from the object will appear to float above the character in an attractive fashion. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer housing takes the form of a doll. In yet other embodiments, the outer housing is in the form of a box used for shipping or a box used to hold jewelry, candy, or memorabilia, etc.

Abstract: A baseball cap having distorted graphics applied to the upwardly facing surface of the cap's visor, wherein the graphics are distorted in such a manner as to compensate for perspective and become more easily readable when viewed from a particular viewing position, more particularly, a frontal viewing position. The graphics may be text or pictorial views, and are distorted in such a manner that the distortion compensates for the distortion that normally exists when the visor is viewed from the frontal position whereby the graphics are easier to read or understand when so viewed.