Abstract: A case of visually displaying a flag in a realistic manner which provides an illusion that the flag is kept aloft in the wind with the sun in the background.

Abstract: An artificial window comprises a box having a rear wall, and walls bounding an interior space which faces longitudinally forwardly; sheet structure extending laterally crosswise of the space, and a viewable pattern associated with the sheet structure to be illuminated by light passing forwardly from the box interior; first and second light sources in the box; a reflector structure in the box to reflect light from the first source in a direction toward the sheet structure for effecting illumination of the viewable pattern; and there being control structure for controlling the illumination of the viewable pattern to independently, differentially, and progressively change the illumination of the viewable pattern.

Abstract: The present invention is a decorative mirror box provided with a hollow interior cavity. The interior cavity is defined by a bottom, a roof, and reflective interior surfaces on a front wall, a back wall, a right side wall, and a left side wall. Optionally, the bottom can be provided with an interior surface which is reflective. The walls attach perpendicularly to the bottom. The side walls are spaced apart and are parallel to each other. The front wall attaches perpendicularly to the side walls and is provided with an opening to provide visual access to the interior cavity. The back wall attaches to the side walls so that the back wall is spaced away from the front wall so that the back wall interior surface is not parallel with the front wall interior surface A roof attaches to the front wall, the back wall, the right side wall, and the left side wall. An interior surface of the roof is provided with a light source for illuminating the interior cavity.

Abstract: A method of creating apparent motion on a two-dimensional surface, the surface being illumination responsive to a directed moving reference of light source. The method comprising the steps of devising on a tracing sheet at least one pattern of apparent motion to be created on the surface. Dividing the pattern into a plurality of discrete and spatially related zones. Next a direction of apparent motion to be created within each zone is determined. The pattern and zones thereof are then transferred onto the surface of a light responsive deformable material. On the surface is found a plurality of grooves corresponding to each zone. The grooves in the direction of apparent motion are progressively angled relative to the directed moving reference of light source from about 90 degrees through about 180 degrees.

Abstract: A sign having an array of elements each comprising a first lens, a second lens and an optical object in registry with the first and second lenses such that the virtual image of the optical object formed in the second lens lies in the focal surface of the first lens. The optical objects are a representation of the information which the sign is to present. The image of the optical objects seen by a viewer moving past the sign appears to be stationary with respect to the viewer.

Abstract: A back-lit display having a window including a light-collimating film. The light-collimating film has an opaque material on a surface thereof. A material of a predetermined color is on the opaque material in registration therewith.

Abstract: In this invention, animation effects have been obtained in a device containing a light source illuminating a linear polarizer (3) producing plane polarized light which is rotated in an electro-optical cell/cells (2) such as a modified TN or STN Liquid Crystal or PLZT cell. The angle of the plane is changed at the required speed by a voltage applied to the electrodes (6) of the cell; this voltage being generated in an electronic circuit (8) or obtained from the output of transducer or a manual voltage controller. The rotated plane polarized light is shining through a stationary set of at least two linear polarizers (1) placed side by side and oriented at different angles and then through a screen containing the art work (7). The emerging lighted image is perceived by the viewer (5) as a change or as an animated movement of the art work. Color effects can also be obtained when a seocnd electro-optical cell with a chromatic polarizer is used in a serial arrangement with the above device.

Abstract: A display scissors having two elongate members which are movable with respect to one another. The first elongate member has one end portion configured to represent a first blade element of a scissors and an opposite end portion configured to represent a first loop element of the scissors. The first loop element is curved in a clockwise direction. The second elongate member has one end portion configured to represent a second blade element of the scissors and an opposite end portion configured to represent a second loop element of the scissors. The second loop element is curved in a counter-clockwise direction. The second blade element is positioned generally parallel to the first blade element and points in a similar direction to that of the first blade element. The display scissors includes mounting means for pivotally moving the first elongate member in one direction and simultaneously and pivotally moving the second elongate member in an opposite direction about a common axis.

Abstract: In this invention, animation effects have been obtained in a device containing a light source illuminating a linear polarizer producing plane polarized light which is rotated in an electro-optical cell/cells such as a Liquid Crystal or PLZT cell. The angle of the plane is changed at the required speed by a voltage applied to the electrodes of the cell; this voltage being generated in an electronic circuit or obtained from the output of a transducer or manually. The rotated plane polarized light is shining through a stationary set of at least two linear polarizers oriented at different angles and then through a screen containing the art work. The emerging lighted image is perceived by the viewer as a change or as an animated movement of the art work. Color effects can also be obtained when a chromatic polarizer or a chromatic retardation plate is used. In the prior art, the change of the angle of the plane polarized light was achieved by mounting the linear polarizer on a mechanically rotated wheel.

Abstract: A painted display assembly comprising a sheet adapted for the passage of light therethrough and including an exposed front face and a rear face each having painted portions thereon, the sheet being mounted to one side of a mounting frame having an open center wherein the sheet is disposed in covering relation to the open center. A light assembly including a light source is mounted to an opposite side of the mounting frame and is specifically adapted to direct light on to the rear face of the sheet wherein a background scene appears in relation to a painted main scene within a frame viewing surface on the exposed front face.

Abstract: A display card including a pair of panels hingedly interconnected at their edges, one of the panels including a relective surface, an indicia secured to the surface of the other panel, the indicia being in a face-to-face relationship with the reflective surface when the panels are in a closed position, and gusset means holding said panels in an angular relationship wherein the virtual image of the indicia will appear in the reflective surface of the one panel.

Abstract: A mailing card is formed of a single sheet of card stock in which a perforated delineation extends entirely across the sheet of card stock to define first and second portions thereof and to facilitate complete separation of those portions from each other. An opening with at least one transparent window tinted in a first color is defined in the first portion of the card stock. Matter is printed on the second portion of the card stock in both the color of the window and in at least one other contrasting color. The first and second portions of the card stock are separated from each other. The printed matter on the second portion is then viewed through the window in the first portion which masks the matter printed in the same color as the window. Hidden messages can thereby be decoded in this manner.

Abstract: A portable electronic warning device for temporary conditions including a sensor to detect the presence of a pedestrian at a minimum first predetermined position, the sensor connected to circuitry which provides output to a plurality of focusing lights, preferably concentric bands of light, which direct the attention of the pedestrian to a message positioned concentrically within the lights, the device optionally including an audible alarm to simultaneously audibly alert a pedestrian.

Abstract: A display device for creating an illusion of a continuous flow of fluid to a receptacle having a limited fluid containing capacity is adapted to produce a wide variety of, and multiplicity of, different visual effects. The device includes a manifold mounted on a return line from the receptacle to a pump, and fluid from the pump is delivered to the manifold which includes a drain for directed the fluid down the outside of the return line. The device includes a plurality of receptacles and can include various valves and controls so that the receptacles can be operated in a pre-determined sequence.

Abstract: A video cassette storage container having a cover removably connected to a base portion. The cover is surrounded about its periphery by a series of lights that are programmed to flash in an eye-catching fashion. The cover is designed to contain any suitable printed indicia such as a description of the contents of the storage container or an advertisement. The lights are included to draw attention to the printed indicia encased within the cover below a transparent sheet of material. In an alternate embodiment, the lights about the periphery of the cover are activated by touch.

Abstract: A display panel device includes a display panel having a sensor sensitive to light, sound, heat and so on and a recorder/playback combination attached thereto. As an object transparent to or shielding light and generating sound or heat approaches the panel, the sensor is automatically actuated to give an automatic actuation to the recorder/playback combination, thereby reproducing music or sound from the surface of the display panel.

Abstract: A visual display device having two helices each wound from a single tubular-like material about a common axis and one of the helices being within the peripheral confines of the other and the coils of the one helix being wound in the same direction as the wound direction of the coils in the other helix, so that when the device as a whole is rotated the two helices appear to perpetually move in simultaneously opposite directions, thus offering to the viewer of the rotating display device an aesthetically interesting sight.

Abstract: An optical toy image generator of the present invention comprises a parabolic reflector having a central opening for movable receipt of an image bearing shaft. The image bearing shaft contains a distorted representation which will appear on the shiny mirrored surface of the reflector as a dynamic changing proper image to the viewer who is facing the reflector's parabolic surface.

Abstract: A display device is disclosed herein having a base defining a display area between the opposite surfaces of a pair of plates in which a member is magnetically supported on a filament extending between one plate and the member which a magnetic is mounted on the other plate. Magnetic material or a second magnetic is carried on the member in attractive relationship to the first magnetic so that the member is magnetically suspended in the display area pulling taut against the filament. Articles to be displayed such as photos or the like are mounted for visual observation on the member.

Abstract: A message device including a planar panel, a waterproof cup defining an enclosure having an outwardly extending flange and an open end where the flange is adapted to be attached to the panel with the open end adjacent the panel and the enclosure extending through an opening where the cup is adapted to receive a water soluble capsule containing a expanable material cut in the shape of a message so that the capsule melts when it is exposed to water and allows the message piece to expand.

Abstract: A message message display device for a motor vehicle comprises a message radiating mechanism disposed in a rear portion of the motor vehicle for radiating a message rearwardly of the motor vehicle, and a control mechanism operatively connected to the message radiating mechanism for enabling the message radiating mechanism to radiate the message substantially rearwardly of the motor vehicle. The message radiating mechanism comprises a display unit disposed outside of at least a rear sight of a rearview mirror of the motor vehicle and operatively connected to the control mechanism for radiating an image light beam indicative of the message in response to a signal from the control mechanism, and a transparent reflecting plate for reflecting the image light beam from the display unit substantially rearwardly of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A toy apparatus for generating a captive vortex comprises an upright transparent cylindrical enclosure filled with a selected quantity of a liquid and gas. A vane, sleeve and disk assembly coaxially mounted on a motor drive shaft, extending axially into the enclosure through its lid, is angularly rotated by the motor in response to manually operated electrical controls connecting a source of electrical energy with the motor.

Abstract: A motorized coil spring amusement device including a housing containing a motor with a track driven by the motor having dwell and flat portions on which a pair of spaced rollers roll. A vertical shaft extends from each roller up through the housing having a plate fixed to the top thereof. A flexible coil spring is fixed at each end of each of the plates. As the track is rotated, the rollers engage the dwell and flat portions raising the lowering the plates. This results in the coils of the coil spring moving back and forth between the plates. The rotation of the track can be timed to create a uniform transfer of the coils from one plate to the other.

Abstract: An emotional gift device in the stylized representation of a human heart and which comprises a container having a three dimensional stylized human heart representation located therein. A motor which is not visable to the viewer operates a drive shaft which, in turn, rotates a cam upon actuation of a switch. The rotation of the cam causes the stylized representation of a human heart to oscillate in a manner similar to the pumping action of a human heart.

Abstract: A device for producing variable moire patterns including a housing maintaining transparent sheets in face-to-face relationship, said sheets movable relative to one another and each carrying a pattern of lines.

Abstract: A display unit comprising a light source, a beam splitter, e.g. in the form of a sheet of titanium coated glass, a layer of retroreflective material, a clear shelf and a flexible stencil so arranged that, in use, light passes through the stencil from the light source and is reflected by the beam splitter, e.g. titanium coated glass, onto the retroreflective screen. The layer of retroreflective material diverts the incident light, e.g. through 180 degrees, so that when a user looks towards the retroreflective material the image appears suspended in space. The stencil is larger than the clear shelf and consequently has an undulant surface which causes the image itself to be undulant and appear in three dimensions. A cranked shaft is attached to the stencil and is rotated by a motor. As the shaft rotates, the undulations in the flexible stencil alter, thereby causing the image to move.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a mechanism for storing images on a plurality of partially transparent sheets. Each sheet includes several rows of graphic material separated by rows of transparent areas. The sheets are relatively stiff so that they do not wrinkle or buckle under their own weight and are supported on upper and lower edges by tabs. A drive mechanism brings one sheet into viewing position as another sheet simultaneously withdraws in the same direction to produce a smooth dissolve of the projected image. Silk screened stripes of material on the sheets prevent the sheets from rubbing against each other and harming the graphic information and otherwise prevent mechanical interference between the sheets. By contouring the surface of the screen, it is possible to create a three dimensional image by illuminating the rear surface with a television screen or other image storage or producing means.

Abstract: A fibre optic display device utilizing optical fiber elements whose light emitting ends are arranged in a display screen matrix and whose light-receiving ends are reorganized and gathered in a bundle in a non-linear image-receiving matrix. A defined image previously encoded on a transparency is caused to appear on the display screen by being specifically decoded when the transparency is in registration with the light-receiving ends of the bundle in the image receiving matrix. Moving the encoded image into and out of registration causes the transparency to produce special effects on the display screen.

Abstract: A transparent sheet is disclosed having a message thereon. The sheet has a first side adapted to be attached facing a plate which is normally viewed by a viewer and a second side facing the viewer. The message is arranged to be readably intelligible from the second side but is not liminally visible to the viewer when viewed from a normal viewing distance from the second side under normal viewing conditions. The message has a subliminal effect upon the viewer when viewed from the normal viewing distance from the second side under normal viewing conditions. A viewer can electively subject him or herself to subliminal messages while viewing television at leisure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a kinetic water display is provided having a plurality of water jets for outputting streams of water and also having a transparent plate of clear glass or acrylic material. The transparent plate is disposed proximate to and in opposing relationship to the streams of water such that the streams impinge upon the inner surface of the transparent plate thereby forming at least one kinetic shape comprised of ambient air and water upon the inner surface of the transparent plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for animating illuminated signs and displays comprises sequentially illuminating with at least one source of radiant energy of a particular wavelength range at least two planar scenes, or three-dimensional objects, visibly responsive to radiant energy of the particular wavelength range used. Means are provided for shielding a non-selected planar scene or object from illumination during the time a selected planar scene or object is illuminated. In the preferred embodiment, invisible ultraviolet illumination is used to cause a plurality of scene-views to fluoresce visibly in a timed sequence which produces a visual sensation of apparent motion from one scene-view to another of an object depicted by the scene-views. Subjective brightness of scene-views may be enhanced by modulating the illumination of a scene at a perceptibly low frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid crystal display for the displaying of characters and symbols, having a liquid crystal cell 1 and polarizers 8 and 10, one arranged on the viewing side and one arranged on the rear side of the liquid crystal cell 1. Furthermore, a reflector 9 is arranged behind the rear polarizer 8. A surface of the viewing-side polarizer 10 is inclined to the plane of the liquid crystal cell 1. The surface of the viewing-side polarizer facing the liquid crystal cell 1 serves as a deflection surface 15 for light incident thereon approximately transversely to the plane of the liquid crystal cell 1.

Abstract: A magnetic alignment toy comprising a central rotatable wheel having at least two pair of magnets disposed on its circumference, as many peripheral rotatable wheels as there are magnets on the central wheel evenly spaced around the central wheel, each of the peripheral wheels having as many magnets disposed around their circumference as the central wheel has, and a strong master magnet movable around the outside periphery of the peripheral wheels along a path bringing the master magnet into periodic magnetic interactive adjacency to the outermost magnet disposed on each peripheral wheel.

Abstract: A pin screen has at least one and preferably two vertically aligned spaced plates having a plurality of closely spaced, small apertures each of which is adapted to receive a pin held in selected positions by frictional engagement in a horizontal pin orientation. A transparent sheet of material is vertically spaced a predetermined distance in front of said vertical plate or plates. The pins are longer than the separation between the plate or plates and the transparent sheet. The size of the pin head prevents the pins from passing through the apertured plates and the transparent cover prevents them from falling out of the apertures. A contoured three-dimensional image is created by the selective horizontal displacement of pins relative to the vertical apertured plate, and the displaced pins remain in their three-dimensional, image-creating position held there by friction until intentionally displaced to a different position.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a rotary indicating device adaptable to, for example, wheel covers for motor vehicles. The device includes a rotary base member having, on its front or rear surface, a plurality of indication regions which respectively consist of completely the same desired images and arranged at equal angular intervals about a rotary axis of the rotary base member. When the rotary base member rotates at more than a predetermined rotational speed, an observer located at a predetermined position with respect to the device can view a distinct constant image, appearing at a predetermined position of the rotary base member, due to the after image phenomenon.

Abstract: An emotional gift device in the stylized representation of a human heart and which comprises a container having a three dimensional stylized human heart representation located therein. A motor which is not visable to the viewer operates a drive shaft which, in turn, rotates a cam upon actuation of a switch. The rotation of the cam causes the stylized representation of a human heart to oscillate in a manner similar to the pumping action of a human heart.

Abstract: A pin screen includes a plate having a plurality of closely spaced small apertures. The plate is supported in a substantially horizontally fixed position, and each of the apertures defined therein are adapted to receive a pin in a substantially vertical orientation. The heads of the pins are larger than the diameters of the apertures to assure that the pins do not fall through the apertures. The pins are vertically movable relative to the horizontal plate between a lower position in which the bottom of the pin heads abut against the upper surface of the plate, and an upper position in which the top of the pin heads abut against the lower surface of a transparent sheet of material spaced at a predetermined distance above the apertured plate. The pins may also be moved such that the pin heads are intermediate the lower apertured plate and the upper transparent sheet.

Abstract: An animated coin sorting bank that provides a unique form of animation when a coin is deposited therein, and which sorts coins of different diameters. A coin deposited in the bank moves under gravitational/inertial forces from an inlet to a sorting area. As it moves between the inlet and the sorting area, the coin moves through an arcuate segment in which it engages and rotates a display member. Preferably, a composite image is formed partly on the display member and partly on a front cover, so that when the display member is rotated an element of animation of that composite image is produced. After releasing from the display disc the coin continues to move under gravitational/inertial forces to a sorting area in which the coin is sorted according to its diameter. According to the preferred embodiment a high speed rotation of the display member and a high speed sort is effected, in order to enhance the visual animation produced.

Abstract: A device displaying a changeable image. The device includes a screen having a viewing plane, and platelets thereon. The platelets cast shadows of different sizes. The shadows, when viewed collectively, form images on the viewing plane. The platelets are made of a rigid opaque material and are attached immovably to the viewing plane, the platelets are disposed in parallel rows extending in two mutually perpendicular directions, each forming an angle of 45.degree. with the horizon. The platelets extending in the respective directions are different in both size and shape, such sizes and shapes being determined so as to form a different image in each direction by the shadows cast by the platelets.

Abstract: The burning cylinder for use in heating apparatuses consists of a base which is disposed to surround a heat source such as flame or red-hot material, constitutes the shell of a burning chamber and is made of a material that is high in heat-resistivity and transparent or translucent such as glass or the like and at least has its inside deposited with a coating layer of metal, e.g., Ti, Zr, Fe, etc. or a coating layer of a compound of such metals.

Abstract: A multicolor printed product includes a base and a plurality of color component images printed on the base in superimposition upon one another. An additional image including a pearl luster pigment is superimposed upon the color component images, preferably adjacent to the uppermost color component image. The pigment is applied more heavily at those areas of the composite image consisting of the color component images which correspond to lighter areas of the composite image, and such pigment is applied less heavily at areas corresponding to rich color areas of the composite image. The printing plates which are used for the printing of the color component and pearl luster images are manufactured with the aid of films obtained by photographing the original in the component colors or by copying from at least one of the color component films. The manufacture of the pearl luster film involves photographic reversal procedure relative to the color component films.

Abstract: An electroscopic display cell in which stationary and moveable plate electrodes are fabricated upon a single substrate to provide a display with operating characteristics independent of cell thickness. The stationary electrodes are overcoated with a dielectric layer and a conductive plate electrode structure is thereafter fabricated upon the dielectric layer. Each electrode plate has a rest position determined by support members affixed to the dielectric layer and independent of the spacing between the single substrate and another substrate, which serves only to contain a display fluid.

Abstract: An electroscopic display device includes a plurality of small, moveable plates which are each electrostatically deflectable from a resting position, at a rear surface of a display cell, to a display position adjacent to a viewable front surface of the cell. A portion of the electrode structure remains fixedly adjacent to the cell rear surface and a second electrode is positioned fixedly adjacent to the front surface. Light entering through the rear of the cell is internally reflected before exiting through the front surface, only if the moveable electrode portion has been electrostatically attracted to the fixed front electrode. The display device is fabricated by masking and subsequent etching of a plurality of layers formed upon the surface of a display substrate, to provide the moveable electrode, spring and fixed electrode as an integrated structure.

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 mechanical device includes a block of material having a hollow tunnel formed therein. An elongated rotary shaft is floatingly mounted in the tunnel, generally parallel to but off-set from the longitudinal center thereof. A number of holes are diametrically formed through and more or less evenly distributed along the length of the shaft, perpendicular to the axis thereof. Each hole is angularly offset from the other holes, by a predetermined angular distance. A sliding shaft, which slides freely through each of these diametrical holes, has a wheel on each of its opposite ends. The contour of the tunnel wall is unique and is defined by the paths followed by the wheels on the ends of the sliding shafts, as the shaft rotates and as the sliding shafts slide freely through the holes.

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: Strips of burstable, gas-filled bubbles are adhesively secured to the margins of a substrate (e.g., a paper cocktail napkin) having a printed advertising message and are adapted to be popped by the user to focus the user's attention on the napkin and the message printed thereon.

Abstract: A Christmas tree display includes a hollow trunk as upright support structure on which in a direction from bottom to top there is mounted an upwardly and outwardly-flared air-diverter element positioned such that upwardly-directed air from a lower fan casing is directed outwardly against pneumatically actuatable motor-elements of ornamental designs, and a portion of air from the motor-driven fan of the fan casing is directed into and upwardly through the hollow trunk to another pneumatically actuatable motor-element of ornamental design, and helical limb-support elements extend laterally from the upright support structure and support leaf-bearing limbs inserted through and supported by the helical portions of the helical limb-support elements, one or more of the limb-support elements or limbs having the pneumatically actuatable motor-elements suspended therefrom and one or more of the motor-elements including an electric light bulb shaded to direct light downwardly and/or upwardly to prevent glare to the obse

Abstract: A rotating display which gives the illusion of simultaneous movement in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions is disclosed. The rotary display inclues a rotary reflector having a plurality of light reflecting surfaces formed thereon. Each of the light reflecting surfaces is planar and lies in a plane different from each of the reflecting surfaces located adjacent thereto. Means for rotating the reflector about a predetermined axis is provided. A reflective diffraction grating surrounds the reflector and reflects light emitted from a light source onto the reflector and out towards the observer of the display.

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.