Rotatable Patents (Class 40/430)
  • Patent number: 11893877
    Abstract: A security system including automated notification and surveillance integration is provided. In the security system of the present disclosure, when any of the devices are locked, unlocked, interacted with, alarmed or triggered, a notification or communication signal is sent to at least one other device. The at least one other device may be a receiver, camera, smart phone, smart watch, laptop, desktop, and/or an Internet connected or Internet of Things (IoT) device. Additionally, a system is provided including at least one alarm module that generates an audible sound when an alarm condition is detected; at least one sensor that detects the audible sound and determines if the audible sound is within a predetermined frequency range and an interface that receives at least one first communication signal from the at least one sensor upon detecting an alarm and transmits at least one second communication signal to at least one device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Innovation Lock, LLC
    Inventors: David R. Wachsman, Alan Rabinowitz, Octavio Pupo Nogueira Neto
  • Patent number: 11721251
    Abstract: A display device for presenting 3D images is disclosed. The display device includes: a display assembly; a hollow housing assembly, wherein the display assembly is disposed in the housing assembly; a motor connected to the display assembly and configured to drive the display assembly to rotate; and a driving assembly connected to the display assembly and configured to drive the display assembly to display images, wherein the driving assembly includes a wireless power transmission structure and a wireless power reception structure, wherein the wireless power transmission structure is independent from the display assembly and wiredly connected to a first driving power supply, and the wireless power reception structure is wiredly connected to the display assembly and capable of delivering power to the wireless power reception structure by electromagnetic mutual inductance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignees: BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuhong Liu, Zhanshan Ma, Zheng Ge, Jiyang Shao
  • Patent number: 11512835
    Abstract: A novel illuminated kinetic artwork display apparatus implemented in a wall mountable cuboid frame, the frame comprising an enclosed display space covered by a slidably attached transparent plate, a plurality of removable and replaceable and rotatable acrylic members illuminated by a plurality of laser light beams causing the reflected light to produce a novel animated light display within the enclosed display space. The kinetic artwork display is controlled by the user a plurality of switches via a microcontroller. The self-contained apparatus also comprises a power supply and all electrical and mechanical components. An embodiment enabling the user to introduce dry ice to create a smoke-like atmosphere within the enclosed display space is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Matthew Dozier
  • Patent number: 8695246
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a cylindrical casing which is rotatably driven; and a plurality of curve-arranged displays which are installed inside the casing and have the same number as a plurality of slits formed in the casing, wherein the curve-arranged displays include a light housing which is an approximately semi-cylindrical column having a hollow structure, and a plurality of display device substrates installed on an arc-shaped side surface of the approximately semi-cylindrical column of the light housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Izushi Kobayashi, Katsuhisa Ito, Hiroki Kikuchi, Yukitoyo Ohshima
  • Patent number: 8539701
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a cylindrical casing which is rotatably driven; and a plurality of curve-arranged displays which are installed inside the casing and have the same number as a plurality of slits formed in the casing, wherein the curve-arranged displays include a light housing which is an approximately semi-cylindrical column having a hollow structure, and a plurality of display device substrates installed on an arc-shaped side surface of the approximately semi-cylindrical column of the light housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Izushi Kobayashi, Katsuhisa Ito, Hiroki Kikuchi, Yukitoyo Ohshima
  • Patent number: 8156670
    Abstract: This utility model relates in general to Advertising medium but more particularly to an Automated Rotating Billboards structures. The billboard structure comprising a billboard frame having lighting facility consisting of plurality of lighting fixtures secured thereto and being provided with a covering for securing advertisement thereon, the frame being supported by an upstanding post fixedly attached on its bottom portion thereof. The upstanding post comprising of a lower stationary post member and upper rotating post member. The upper post member is being adapted to rotate using an electric motor wherein the billboard is connected. With rotating billboard, it can be seen from all angles thus more efficient and convenient to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Glenn R. Gatuslao
  • Patent number: 8151499
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for displaying an information carrier to passers-by in the vicinity, in particular a carrier on which advertising information is visible, comprising: —a stationary support; —an elongate post arranged on the support; —a carrier which is to be provided with the information to be displayed; —translating means for translating the information carrier reciprocally in longitudinal direction along the post; —rotating means for rotating the information carrier relative to the stationary support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: B & W Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Johannes Marinus Waas, Engelardus Wilhelmus Maria Broekman
  • Patent number: 7963058
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method of its use to temporarily or permanently display decorations, signs or lighting. The device is especially suited for displaying from a structure, such as under the eave of a house. The inventive device is capable of conveniently rotating an attached display or lighting arrangement in and out of view, at will. It is particularly useful for the permanent display of holiday decorations, including string-lights and to display them during the holidays but remove them from sight during the remainder of the year.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Holiday Today, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Manning Kinzel, Donald John Kinzel
  • Patent number: 7895779
    Abstract: An apparatus hovering winged objects. The apparatus includes an elongate support and a driver with an output shaft that supports a first end of the support. The driver imparts an oscillating displacement to the first end of the support. A body is mounted at a second end of the support and wings are attached to the support at an offset distance from the body. The body is positioned near the second end to swivel or pivot in response to vibration of the support. The driver vibrates the first end at a frequency that shapes the support as a wave, and the frequency is selected or tuned such that the wings are displaced more than the body such by imparting a harmonic frequency on the support. The output shaft is positioned by the driver in angular positions to move the first end of the support and the body and wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Patent number: 7827711
    Abstract: An automatic rotating decoration includes a rotating body, a support, a driving device connecting the support, and a transmission member connecting the driving device and the rotating body. The support, the driving device and the transmission member all are received in the rotating body. An opening is defined in the rotating body. The support is exposed to the opening. The driving device includes a driving body and an output shaft extending from the driving body. The driving body includes a motor body and a battery seat electrically connecting the motor body. The automatic rotating decoration of the present invention may automatically rotate around the support on another object without additional housing thereby simplifying the structure of the automatic rotating decoration, increasing fun of the automatic rotating decoration and facilitating the handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: XiaoBing Wang, LiangQing Li
  • Publication number: 20100132234
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing wind turbine electric generation with advertising or other image patterns for calling the attention of an individual. The wind turbine electric generation may include a wind rotor, a plurality of blades, an image and an electric generator. The image is displayed on at least two of the plurality of blades to generate a dynamic image effect with the rotation of the plurality of blades around a central axis of rotation. The electric generator is coupled to and driven by the wind rotor to generate electricity. The methods may include providing a wind turbine electric generation system and displaying an image on at least two of the plurality of blades to generate a dynamic image effect with the rotation of the plurality of blades around the central axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Marvin Winkler
  • Patent number: 7712238
    Abstract: A display sign includes a sign mount configured to engage support rails of a ceiling and a graphics display supported by the sign mount and configured for rotation about 360°. A motor may be provided to power rotation of the graphics display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventors: Edward Sender, Harold Reed, Dave Carta
  • Patent number: 7610704
    Abstract: A tension fabric display structure incorporates segmented tubular framework permitting easy on-site assembly and disassembly and includes an integral drive motor coupled to a drive shaft that is supported for rotation within a framework tube. Each one of a plurality of attraction elements suspended from the framework tube housing the drive shaft is rotationally driven by a coupling assembly connected to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Michael J. Nowicki
  • Publication number: 20090084008
    Abstract: A trophy including a base having a support surface for supporting a support platform of a rotation mechanism configured to support and rotate a rotating article about a vertical axis of rotation. The rotation mechanism includes a motor concealed inside the rotating article and a support platform substantially concealed inside a recess formed in an outside surface of the rotating article. An output shaft aligned with the axis of rotation connects the motor inside the interior of the rotating article to the support platform. The motor includes a motor body nonrotatably coupled to the interior of the rotating article. Surface interaction forces between the support platform and the support surface are greater than or equal to a predetermined amount of rotational drive force generated by the motor and applied to the output shaft causing the motor body and the rotating article coupled thereto to rotate about the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Harold G. Middleton, William G. Hones
  • Patent number: 7493714
    Abstract: A decorative device enabling ornaments to sway back and forth inside a crystal ball amidst fluttering, shiny disc snowflakes, which uses a device structured from a motor mechanism, a gear mechanism, a rocking mechanism and a crystal ball so that when a motor drives and rotates transmission gears of the gear mechanism, apart from using mutually repelling of two double-sided magnets to drive and rotate a magnet impeller wheel, and thereby cause whirling of water and fluttering of shiny disc snowflakes within the crystal ball, moreover, rotating of a main transmission shaft causes rotating of rocking horse swaying back and forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Ya Yung Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin-Ya Yang
  • Patent number: 7474201
    Abstract: A safety unit for use on vehicles such as school buses. In one embodiment, a housing is provided for the drive motor and related elements for moving a stop sign on the side of the bus between its retracted and extended positions. The housing has a removable cover to provide access to the drive motor and related elements, and the stop sign is mounted on a driveshaft that extends through a single opening in the bottom wall of the housing. In a second embodiment the safety unit is integrated with an access panel on the school bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Specialty Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric D. Swanger
  • Patent number: 7423548
    Abstract: A system and method for providing emergency egress path indication by providing a path direction indicator that is hidden from view during normal operation and is exposed to view upon activation by an emergency signal. Upon being exposed to view the indicator may be lighted and may provide light to people seeking exit from the building. In one embodiment the indicator may include a laser pointer further indicating the direction of egress. Visible and Braille text may also be included on the face of the indicator. The indicator device may be located near floor level for better visibility in smoke environments. In the non-visible state, the indicator may present a rugged face to withstand accidental kicks and bumps as may be encountered when mounted near the floor. The indicator may be operated repetitively and nondestructively to allow inclusion of the indicator in fire and other emergency drills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Stephen Kontovich
  • Patent number: 7389600
    Abstract: A motor-driven decorative spinner rotatably supported by a housing configured for mounting on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Scott B. Baker, Arthur D. Hale, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080110066
    Abstract: A sports memorabilia display stand includes a base having a motor operated rotatable drive mechanism for driving a display pillar assembly extending upwardly from the base. A support pedestal is mounted to the display pillar assembly for rotation therewith and a sports memorabilia item is placed on the support pedestal. A music box may be incorporated in the base to play songs or speeches or other information consistent with the theme of the particular sport. At least one auxiliary sports item may be mounted on the display pillar assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Peroni
  • Patent number: 7363736
    Abstract: A rotating base provided to exterior of an ornamental water ball or a table-top ornament and having continuous animation visual effect, including: a water ball or table-top ornament filled with liquid, a support for supporting the water ball or table-top ornament, and a conventional music unit or motor its transmission mechanism concealed in the base, wherein the rotating base in provided above the base and having therein a reflective lenses frame constructed of a plural rectangular lenses, and an adhesive sticker frame surrounding the reflective lenses frame and applied with plural animation adhesive stickers, in an amount equal to that of the lenses, at an inner side opposing the plural rectangular lenses are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Jack Liu
  • Patent number: 7347016
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed providing a visual impression of fluid flowing in a channel solving at least the problems associated with prior art apparatus providing such visual impressions while using a fluid. A method is disclosed attaching an apparatus providing a visual impression of a fluid flowing through a channel into a housing, and including at least one attaching mechanism non-invasively attaching the apparatus to a provided mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Dane
  • Patent number: 7287346
    Abstract: An ornamental water ball rendering continuous animation visual effect, including a reflection device having plural lenses, the reflection device is provided to an ornament support platform in the water ball; continuous animation adhesive stickers, in an amount equal to that of the lenses, applied to the water ball inner layer or outer layer at locations corresponding to where the reflection device is provided, whereby when the ornament support platform rotates simultaneously with the water ball, all of the adhesive stickers will be reflected by a corresponding lens so as to feature the water ball with continuous animation visual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Jack Liu
  • Patent number: 7059733
    Abstract: A display apparatus is provided which can display different text/image information depending on the viewing angle and the viewer, display a high reality three-dimensional image viewable from any direction and realize stereoscopic viewing without glasses or the like. The display apparatus includes a display unit having a view angle-limiting filter on its surface, a rotary mechanism to rotate the display unit and a control unit which implements control so that when the display unit, rotated by the rotary mechanism, is faced to each of plural directions, the display unit displays a different text/image content associated with the direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hoshino, Youichi Horii, Rieko Otsuka
  • Patent number: 7007331
    Abstract: An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush includes a handle having a motor disposed therein and a head having one or more moving bristle holders, wherein the one or more moving bristle holders are operatively connected to the motor. A neck disposed is between the handle and the head. The handle has a viewing window and a movable viewing surface disposed there beneath, wherein at least a portion of the viewing surface is visible through the window. The viewing surface is mechanically coupled to the motor so that rotational output of the motor causes movement of the viewing surface. The viewing surface may be directly or indirectly coupled to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Nicola Mills Davics, Frank Delmar Macaulay, Douglas A. Gall
  • Patent number: 7003906
    Abstract: The vessel to display a changeable advertisement has a double walled vessel, an inside wall assembly, a windup motor, an upper wheel, a key and a bottom wheel. The inside wall is mounted rotatably in the double walled vessel. The windup motor is attached to the inside wall assembly. The upper wheel is attached to the double walled vessel and has a secondary gear and a threaded neck. The secondary gear is formed on the upper wheel. The key extends through the upper wheel, is attached to the windup motor and has a thread. The bottom wheel is mounted around the key and has a central threaded hole. When the central threaded hole screws onto the threaded neck on the upper wheel, the inside wall will rotate. When the central threaded hole screws onto the thread on the key, the double walled vessel will rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Hsiao-Chung Yang
  • Patent number: 6952151
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: William W. French
  • Patent number: 6937125
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: William W. French
  • Patent number: 6856303
    Abstract: A pixel-based display utilizes persistence-of-vision to sweep text and graphics in a cylindrical plane, including time and date, custom messages and animations. The display is generated from a light array with a column of modulated light emitting elements, which is mounted on a rotating display assembly. Power and data are combined on a fixed control assembly and inductively coupled to the display assembly. A control assembly processor interprets a display application language that describes display-specific tasks to generate command, mode, character and graphic data for the display assembly. The control assembly processor also reads a trigger position sensor and adds a trigger delay to generate a virtual trigger command, which provides for flexible display positioning and scrolling display effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel L. Kowalewski
  • Patent number: 6853283
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: William W. French
  • Patent number: 6836985
    Abstract: A solar powered window ornament including one or more photovoltaic cells used to power a drive mechanism that rotates at least one wheel for a vehicle body. The vehicle body is removable attached to a frame adapted to secure to a window. The vehicle body may be selected from a variety of available vehicles to allow replacement of different vehicle bodies. In one embodiment, the vehicle body displayed may be a three-dimensional NASCAR model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Brian Mathew
  • Patent number: 6832944
    Abstract: Parallel ribs are aligned and clamped onto a vertical spine, which is a slow-wave discrete-element torsional transmission line. The spine is attached to a motor which may remain ON for extended periods or which be operated by a chip or other mechanical or electronic means which turns the motor ON and OFF at variable intervals, causing the spine to twist, affecting an apparent spiral motion through the length of spine as the ribs rotate. The motor ON and OFF sequencing is set to coordinate with the length and material of the spine and the attached ribs and weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Inventor: Laurence Jeffrey Ostrow
  • Patent number: 6802142
    Abstract: A display device which provides an entertaining and relaxing visual display while showing the formation of a stretched and moved sheet of a viscoelastic solution. A viscoelastic solution is contained in the bottom chamber of a container and a drawing element is slowly moved into and out of the viscoelastic solution. The drawing element is held above the surface of the viscoelastic solution and a portion of viscoelastic solution which has been drawn up with a drawing element falls slowly off of the drawing element to provide an entertaining and interesting display. Preferably, the drawing element has a horizontal bar which is slowly rotated into and out of the viscoelastic solution providing an ever-changing display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: John Pastorello
  • Patent number: 6772547
    Abstract: A motorized display using transistor oscillation to impart motion to point-of-purchase displays or other items is disclosed. A transistor oscillator movement, is used to rotate the display. A transistor oscillator motor has a drive train including a drive shaft and a battery as a power source. The drive shaft rotates when the motor is powered, a holder for a sign or merchandise item is connected to the drive shaft exterior to a motor housing and may be removable from the drive shaft. The drive shaft may be positioned vertically, horizontally or diagonally depending on the type of display being used. The rotation of the drive shaft may be either continuous one way or a 360 degree two-way revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Roger S. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20040148828
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed providing a visual impression of fluid flowing in a channel solving at least the problems associated with prior art apparatus providing such visual impressions while using a fluid. A method is disclosed attaching an apparatus providing a visual impression of a fluid flowing through a channel into a housing, and including at least one attaching mechanism non-invasively attaching the apparatus to a provided mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Brian Dane
  • Patent number: 6638135
    Abstract: An animated display comprising a lower sleeve assembly which itself includes a lower outer sleeve and a lower inner sleeve concentrically positioned within the lower outer sleeve. Also included in the animated display is an upper sleeve assembly comprising an upper outer sleeve having an upper inner sleeve concentrically positioned therewithin. The upper sleeve assembly is selectively retractable into and extensible from the lower sleeve assembly in a telescoping fashion. The animated display further comprises an actuation assembly which is cooperatively engaged to the lower and upper sleeve assemblies. The actuation assembly is operative to facilitate the rotation of the lower inner sleeve relative to the lower outer sleeve, the rotation of the upper outer and inner sleeves relative to the lower sleeve assembly, the retraction of the upper sleeve assembly into the lower sleeve assembly, and the extension of the upper sleeve assembly from the lower sleeve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Sui Lun Fong
  • Publication number: 20030131509
    Abstract: A carousel type display including a spring powered music box in which a horizontal rotating wheel-like element has selectively engageable recesses from which a plurality of display units are selectively suspended. The display units may include small picture frames, as well as comparably sized three dimensional ornaments which are provided with upwardly-extending pendants, spherically shaped terminals which allow rotation about a vertically oriented axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher Lanci
  • Patent number: 6502338
    Abstract: A motorized display using piezoelectricity to impart motion to point-of-purchase displays or other items is disclosed. A quartz movement, otherwise used for rotary movement of anniversary clocks, is preferably used to rotate the display. According to preferred embodiments, the motor has a drive train including a drive shaft and a battery as a power source. The drive shaft rotates when the motor is powered, a holder for a sign or merchandise item is positioned on the end of the drive shaft exterior to the motor housing and may be removable from the drive shaft. The drive shaft may be positioned vertically, horizontally or diagonally depending on the type of display being used. The rotation of the drive shaft may be either continuous one way or a 360 degree two-way revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Roger S. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20020112382
    Abstract: A circular sealed panel 1 includes transparent walls 10-13 separated by spacer rings 14-16 to form intervening sealed chambers 18-20. The chambers are filled with different colored translucent liquids leaving colorless air spaces in each chamber. The panel is supported on friction rollers 2 and 3, one of which is driven by a motor to rotate the panel. The spacer rings 14-16 are formed with cup-like recesses 32 which collect air from the top of each chamber and release it towards the bottom of the chamber so that colorless volumes of air continuously travel upwardly through the chambers thereby presenting continuously moving shapes and color combinations to an observer looking through the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Trevor Butcher
  • Patent number: 6393744
    Abstract: A rotating turbulent display device is disclosed as comprising a transparent display cell having an outer surface and an inner chamber which may be filled with various substances and structures including liquid, granular particles or a rigid member adapted to displace the substances within the inner chamber of the display cell. The device is mounted within a base unit having a complementary aperture for receiving the outer surface of the display and a motor therein which operates to rotate the display cell at a predetermined rotational speed and direction to simulate the passage of time thereby creating a visible flow pattern within the inner chamber of the display cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Robert D. Snyder
  • Publication number: 20020026733
    Abstract: An animation device is provided in which a series of pictures are arranged on a translucent shell, which is mounted upon an inner frame. A periodic light emitter is mounted on the inner frame. A driver, such as an electric motor, moves the translucent shell relative to the inner frame to sequentially pass the series of pictures over the periodic light emitter, thus creating an animation effect for a viewer. The series of pictures is removable to permit replacement with an alternate series of pictures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: David J. Cutright
  • Patent number: 6338884
    Abstract: An enhanced structure of an animated ornament composed of a globular shell, a hollow ball, a piece of non-magnetic, high-density material (such as copper, tin, plastic etc.), an inner magnet and an outer magnet. The hollow ball, having decorative figures, is smaller than the globular shell and is included in the globular shell. The space in between the globular shell and the hollow ball is filled up with liquid so that the hollow ball floats in the liquid and, when being shaken, turns around in all directions. Inside the lower part of the hollow ball attached a piece of non-magnetic, high-density material, such as plastic, copper and tin, and an inner magnet is fixed on the top of the non-magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Chin-Sung Chang
  • Cup
    Patent number: 6334271
    Abstract: A cup includes a cup body and a base. The cup body consists of an outer cup; a revolving member, a decorative ring, and an inner cup having an upper flange adhered with the outer cup. The outer cup and the decorative ring are transparent, and the decorative ring and the inner cup are printed with patterns. The base has a housing containing a drive circuit, a motor and a rotating member and a bottom cap. The housing has an upper center recess for the cup body to rest on and automatically turn on the drive circuit to power the motor to rotate the rotating member through a gear unit. The rotating member has plural magnets to attract magnets of the revolving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Wea Bor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mel-Fen Su Yeh
  • Patent number: 6270420
    Abstract: An ornamental liquid container for creating dynamic views is provided. The container mainly includes a hollow housing divided into top, middle and bottom chambers and a base connected to and separated from the bottom chamber by an elastic and soft diaphragm. The top and the bottom chambers communicate with each other via a hollow tube extended through the middle chamber, so that colored water can be stored in the bottom chamber and move into the top chamber via the hollow tube and clear oil can be stored in the middle chamber and the hollow tube above the colored water. A cam is mounted in the base and rotated by a driving unit to intermittently pat the diaphragm above it, causing the diaphragm to locally project into the bottom chamber and compress the colored water therein to move into the top chamber via the hollow tube and then drips down into the middle chamber to move along a water dispensing member and produce dynamic views in the hollow housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Vincent K. Lee
  • Patent number: 6253474
    Abstract: A motion apparatus for decorative purposes has a rotary motion having at least two rotors movement-coupled to one another and each having an axis of rotation. The rotors each have a rotary base element coupled to one another and rotating synchronously at identical angular speed about their axis of rotation. Each rotor has a securing arm extending at a right angle to the axis of rotation and further has a radially outer front end. The securing arms are moveable in a longitudinal direction of the securing arm perpendicular to the axis of rotation, wherein movement of the securing arms in the longitudinal direction is coupled to the rotation of the rotary base elements such that for a complete rotation of the securing arms the front ends of the securing arms describe a spiral path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventor: Hermann Kramer
  • Patent number: 6209242
    Abstract: A motorized display using piezoelectricity to impart motion to a jewelry item or other items is disclosed. A quartz movement, otherwise used for rotating hands of a clock, is preferably used to rotate the display. In a preferred embodiment, a housing which has a drive aperture encloses the piezoelectric motor and a battery. A drive shaft, which rotates when the motor is powered, passes through the drive aperture of the housing. A holder for removably but securely holding a jewelry item or other items is positioned on the end of the drive shaft exterior to the housing and may be removable from the drive shaft. The holder may be a ring holder, a watch holder, a broach holder, etc., or may even be an entire jewelry box. The rotation of the drive shaft may be either stepped or continuous and a kit may be provided to the user which includes both types of motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Roger Scott Marshall
  • Patent number: 6167647
    Abstract: A double-directional rotary water ball structure in which a music bell is disposed in a base seat of the water ball and a transmission shaft extends from the music bell for outputting rotational power. A driving gear is fitted with the transmission shaft for transmitting the power respectively to a central driven gear and an inner gear disposed on inner circumference of a rotary tray. Accordingly, the rotary tray and a transmission claw connected to the driven gear are respectively driven to rotate in reverse directions, whereby the internal view of the water ball and the external view disposed on the rotary tray are rotated in reverse directions so as to create a double-directional rotation visual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Ya Yung Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shin-Ya Yang
  • Patent number: 6138393
    Abstract: An apparatus for the formation of a visual sense effect comprises a first object A having a plurality of windows disposed around an axis of rotation C and a second object B so disposed as to show part thereof through the windows W of the first object A, with the first object A and the second object B adapted to be rotated relative to each other round the axis of rotation C. By virtue of the visual sense effect in vision, this apparatus allows an object of a polygonal shape to be perceived as though the object were repeating enlargement, contraction, deformation, and eccentric movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Rikagaku Kenkyusho
    Inventors: Masanori Idesawa, Katsuo Nishi, Hiroshi Kato, Susumu Shimoda
  • Patent number: 6134818
    Abstract: An apparatus for the formation of a visual sense effect comprises a first object A having a plurality of windows disposed around an axis of rotation C and a second object B so disposed as to show part thereof through the windows W of the first object A, with the first object A and the second object B adapted to be rotated relative to each other round the axis of rotation C. By virtue of the visual sense effect in vision, this apparatus allows an object of a polygonal shape to be perceived as though the object were repeating enlargement, contraction, deformation, and eccentric movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Rikagaku Kenkyusho
    Inventors: Masanori Idesawa, Katsuo Nishi, Hiroshi Kato, Susumu Moda
  • Patent number: 6135603
    Abstract: A rotating lighting apparatus and in particular, to a lighting apparatus which makes use of the rising hot air from a burning oil lamp to drive a rotating shade having being mounted with a plurality of blades. The lighting apparatus essentially comprises the rotating shade with the blades, a base perpendicularly mounted with a support tube, a glass shaft seat mounted at the top end of the support tube. The hollow rotating shade is mounted onto the shaft seat via an opening at the center of the shade such that the blades sit onto the shade seat. The hot air from the oil lamp rises to the shade and drives the blades to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Hsi-Chin Chen
  • Patent number: 6115950
    Abstract: A rotating display that includes a fixed frame, a rotating frame that is rotatably mounted to the fixed frame, and apparatus that rotatably moves the rotating frame relative to the fixed frame. The apparatus includes a pool that contains water, eight movable arms that receive associated ends of associated fixed arms and move radially along the associated fixed arms, four joining bars that fixedly join and extend radially along aligned associated pairs of moveable arms, eight weights that are affixed on associated ends of associated joining bars, eight air pumps that have housings that are fixedly attached to associated bars and contain bellows, eight tubes that extend from inner terminal ends radially outwardly from the housings of associated air pumps to outer terminal ends, with the inner terminal ends thereof being in fluid communication with the bellows of the associated air pumps, and eight balls that are in fluid communication with the outer terminal ends of associated tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: Saud Shanar Al-Mutairi