Abstract: The present invention provides a blacklight or ultraviolet light special effect fixture for use in emulating a shimmering or water ripple type of pattern. In one embodiment, the fixture includes a drum, a motor for rotating the drum and a frame for positioning the drum between a blacklight source and a uv treated projection surface.

Abstract: A drive-by restaurant illuminated rotating menu order stand is formed by an upright housing having a translucent part-circular wall end portion and is mounted on a support by an opposite bifurcated end wall. A menu supporting cylinder axially mounted upright in the part-circular end is angularly rotated by a motor. Lamps within the housing and cylinder illuminate the menu and housing.

Abstract: A decorative hollow Christmas ornament supports a generally spherical body having a plurality of flat, small reflective surfaces for rotation about a horizontal axis. A light source disposed a distance from the reflective spherical transmits light to the small flat surfaces so that their images are then reflected to a wall, such as the exterior of a house, to simulate descending snowflakes.

Abstract: An image bearing composite optical material is formed as a laminated flexible sheet having an image bearing photographic quality film layer variously bonded between outer and inner translucent layers of paper, fabric, or synthetic materials. The composite optical material provides two sharply distinct appearances dependent upon being viewed under backlit or ambient illumination conditions. Full-colored and precisely detailed images are produced under backlighted conditions; a plain appearance is produced otherwise. Improved embodiments include a nonbilateral structure wherein a middle image bearing film layer is bonded over its entire adjacent surface with an outer translucent layer, and is bonded at widely separated points or along thin lines with an inner translucent layer to produce an air gap there between. The air gap embodiment negates image transmission under nonbacklit viewing conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is an air circulating fan which creates optical displays. The fan comprises a housing in a generally circular configuration with a central axis. Also provided is a propeller formed of a plurality of blades mounted for rotational movement within the housing about an axis of rotation coincident with the central axis of the housing, the blades have exposed surfaces with fluorescent paint thereon. A light source is located within the housing in operative proximity to the blades disseminating light from the blades. Further included is a drive mechanism to rotate the blades and a power source to illuminate the light source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a blacklight or ultraviolet light special effect fixture for use in emulating a shimmering or water ripple type of pattern. In one embodiment, the fixture includes a drum, a motor for rotating the drum and a frame for positioning the drum between a blacklight source and a uv treated projection surface.

Abstract: A rotating display, particularly for use as a point of purchase inducement to customers in a retail environment, includes a two-sided display panel with fluorescent printed indicia or graphics on at least one side which are illuminated by ultraviolet light. The panel is rotated about its central longitudinal axis at a rotational velocity of at least approximately 300 RPM. The spinning fluorescent indicia, when illuminated in this fashion, create the illusion of a solid through the persistence of vision.

Abstract: An improved internally illuminated display apparatus for displaying indicia at a front of the apparatus. The invention is comprised of a light source for providing internal illumination to the display. A plurality of axles are connected to the light source to transfer the light emitted from the source to a plurality of light emitting locations located along the length of the axle. Display elements are rotationally connected to the axles at the light emitting locations and include display faces that may be rotated to produce an image on the front face of the apparatus.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of novelty lighting and aesthetic display device, with a unique shape changing ability. With the use of an elastic outer membrane and an array of rotating rod frames, the Morphing Lamp constantly changes its volumetric shape, which presents a unique visual effect. The light source inside the membrane illuminates the outer membranes, which enhances the presentation of the volumetric shape. The light permeating through the translucent outer membrane is a source of soft lighting.

Abstract: A model display case, which may be decorated to be simulative of a building, includes a base having a raised support surface providing a "floor" in which an electrically powered rotating turntable is centrally positioned. A clear cover is mounted over the base and includes a raised extension in which a plurality of lights are mounted to provide illumination of the case. The lights are screened from view from the outside of the case by reflectors extending from the extension and screen-covered vents are preferably provided to allow for dissipation of heat produced by the lights from the interior of the case to the outside environment.

Abstract: A decorative illuminating mobile apparatus includes a support member that has an engaging surface that fits a generally flat adjacent anchoring surface such as a ceiling, floor, wall or the like. A first swivel member extends away from the support member. A plurality of separately rotatable appendages are connection sequentially together by a series of addition swivel members that space each appendage a part from another adjacent appendage and away from the support member engaging surface. This arrangement stacks the rotatable appendages vertically so there is a highest appendage and a lowest appendage with a plurality of appendages therebetween for example. At least some of the appendages include a light source that is powered by electricity. An electrical supply is provided for illuminating each light source, the electrical supply including rotational light electrical supply connection at the swivels.

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

Abstract: A kinetic rotating display for use as a point of purchase inducement to customers in a retail environment. The display includes a two-sided transparent panel with fluorescent printed indicia or graphics on one side which are illuminated by ultraviolet light. The other side of the panel has these indicia or graphics masked off with an opaque layer. The panel is rotated about its central axis at a rotational velocity of 300-3000 RPM. The spinning fluorescent indicia, when illuminated in this fashion, create the illusion of a solid through the persistence of vision.

Abstract: An illuminated colored display device having a pair of counter rotating translucent members bearing colored patterns thereon, and a light distorting, magnifying and reducing, member surrounding a source of light, such that when viewed from a fixed location the display device a changing display of colors and shapes is observed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating the appearance of on and off flashes of light and of moving to attract the attention of an observer is provided. A moveable support is provided, rotatable about an axis with first and second reflective materials thereon at horizontally and vertically spaced locations thereon on opposite sides of the axis of rotation. The reflective material is rotated to bring the reflective materials into the line of sight of an observer on opposite sides of the rotational axis and then moving the reflective material from the line of sight of the observer.

Abstract: The device according to the present invention allows the timed lighting in following phases of the structure and of the signals provided on two kinds of emergency triangles, a first one (2) provided on the vehicle, and a second one (3) that may be seen at distance, when the vehicle is forced to stop due to a damage.

Abstract: A motivational device has a vertical support for supporting medallions indicating steps or levels of achieving a goal to permit visual identification of accomplishments leading toward a goal, and when such goal is reached. The device is supported on a base and combined with a supported sculptural work of art. The achievement indicating medallions can be inserted from the exterior of the work of art, and include medallions that are opaque and medallions that are light transmitting and of different colors, for indicating achievement of steps toward a goal. A light source is utilized so that as light transmitting medallions are added to replace opaque medallions, light will pass through the medallion and indicate visually the achievements being made toward a specific goal.

Abstract: An omnibearing display, having a display face, with the blanking element in front of the display face, is rotated with a high speed by a rotation actuating mechanism to cyclically and repeatedly appear to eyes of an observer around the display face within a duration of persistence of vision. This results in an effect that observers at any positions around the display face will see the same display face within the duration of persistence of vision, namely, the omnibearing display effect.

Abstract: A doll of this invention includes a torso having an upper chest portion, a pair of arms, a pair of legs and a head, the chest includes a predetermined area of a predetermined shape, such as a heart which is constructed from translucent colored plastic material. A light is located within the cavity behind the heart to create a varying silhouette which corresponds in configuration to the doll upon the illumination of the light within the doll. The varying configuration of the silhouette is created by rotating an object between a lamp and the translucent colored plastic material, and this imparts a varying size and shape to the silhouette. In its broader aspects, the present invention is not limited to a doll, but instead to the concept of a rotating object(s) positioned between a translucent imaging surface and a source of illumination can be utilized in a variety of other environments and objects.

Abstract: A decoration includes a hollow base assembly, a bulb, a sound generating unit, a motor, a mounting ring fixed on the base assembly, several superposed intermediate rotary rings disposed between the mounting ring and the base, and an upper rotary ring disposed on and above the mounting ring. Any adjacent two of the upper rotary ring, the mounting ring, the intermediate rotary rings and the base have a bearing mechanism which includes several circumferentially spaced-apart ball positioning units, and several balls respectively positioned within the ball positioning units. The balls are confined in the ball positioning units so as to facilitate relative rotation between any adjacent two of the upper rotary ring, the mounting ring, the intermediate rotary rings and the base. When the motor is powered, the upper rotary ring and the intermediate rotary rings rotate relative to the base assembly and the mounting ring.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for rotationally controlling a circular structure, such as a dome, from the outer circumference of the dome. The system uses an air driven motor having a circular fixed section and a movable section. The movable section is attached to the rim of the dome and is supported by pressurized air over the fixed section. Air, or other fluid, is used to drive the movable section, and hence the dome, around the circle. The dome speed is controlled by air pressure and the position of the dome is monitored.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a housing disposed on a base for accommodating perfume having a fragrance, a casing disposed on the housing for accommodating an electric fan in order to circulate the fragrance of the perfume from the housing toward the casing and outward of the casing, a motor and gear disposed on the casing, a cover disposed on the casing, and a light bulb disposed in the cover. The cover is rotated by the motor.

Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing a message comprises an elongated housing defiing an open front for releasable positioning of a first message panhel having opaque and transparent portions constituting the message of one's choice. A stationary fluorescent light tube is positioned within said housing. A multi-colored, translucent tubular sleeve is positioned for rotation about said light tube such that light passes through said sleeve to emit a seemingly moving array of colored lights. A trough-shaped reflective panel is positioned behind the light and sleeve within the housing such that light impinged upon its reflective surface is reflected to impinge upon the message panel to thereby appear through the transparent portions of the message panel and visually enhance the message. A second message panel which is translucent and textured may be placed behind the first message panel to make the light appearing therethrough seem patterned.

Abstract: An infant crib mobile wherein the objects or characters attached to its appendages, or any point on the appendages, can emit active, (twinkling or sequencing) colorful light. This is accomplished by utilizing optic fibers to transmit light from a light source in the mobile's central housing to the objects or characters, or a given location on the appendages. The light is made active and colorful at the output end of the optic fibers by placing a light influencing slide between the light source and the input end of the revolving optic fibers that are routed from the appendages and are grouped together in front of the light source.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for providing an elongated light source, such as for illuminating a sign or the like or for other display, which includes emitting light from an exterior light source into an inner tube having a portion lined with a high reflectance film of prismatic lenses, the tube having a light-transmitting opening along its length, with a diffusing medium substantially diametrically opposite such opening, and optionally a reflector at one end of the inner tube. The inner tube is concentrically surrounded by an outer tube having light-transmissive portions of different colors. The outer tube is rotatable relative to the inner tube. The emitted light propagates in the inner tube by reflecting from the high reflectance lining and the reflector to impinge on the diffusing medium and thereby transmit light outwardly through the light-transmissive opening and thereafter through a selected one of the colored portions so as to project colored light against a sign or like object.

Abstract: An advertising device for a vending machine which can display the image of serving drinks out of a tea-kettle into a cup or the like. The device includes first and second displays installed inside of a transparent or semitransparent billboard in front of the machine. The first and second displays are controlled to operate in relation to the operation of the machine and display the images of serving drinks out of the tea-kettle and the steaming from the cup respectively.

Abstract: An emergency-identifying apparatus for motor vehicles for displaying highly visible messages to approaching motorists. The apparatus includes a housing having an opening positioned in at least one side thereof, a rotatable member supported within the housing and having a plurlaity of message plates thereon, each of the message plates bearing a different message indicia thereon, means coupled to the rotatable member and positioned externally of the housing to position a selected message plate in alignment with the opening, a light source for illuminating the selected message plate from behind to render the desired message indicia thereon readily visible, and means for supporting the housing at a desired location to permit the message indicia on the selected message plate to be readily visible to oncoming motorists or the like. The apparatus can be easily and quickly set-up and operated by one person and can readily be stored in a vehicle trunk or other convenient location when not in use.

Abstract: A light projecting toy musical box projects a light pattern which is synchronized with musical sound generated by an acoustic mechanism. The projected light patterns are formed by providing a lamp within a base and rotatably mounting a dome over the lamp and substantially on top of the base. The dome is made out of translucent material which is patterned with a semi-opaque coating so as to form light patterns on the dome itself and project the light patterns on adjacent ceilings and/or walls of a room.

Abstract: A combination decorative light image source and calendrical device comprising a substantially planar platform, a light-reflective material affixed to the top surface of the platform, and a second material positioned above the light-reflective material for reflecting, transmitting, and refracting light. The second material can comprise a flexible film arranged in a plurality of at least partially spaced-apart planes or a rigid, transparent material which is bent and is colored or has a dielectric coating. A transparent cover can be affixed to the platform for enclosing the top surface of the platform, the light-reflective material, and the flexible film and a base can be attached to the bottom surface of the support surface for rotating the support surface in a plurality of planes. In another embodiment, the combination decorative light image source and calendrical device comprises a first rigid material for reflecting light, and a second rigid material for reflecting, transmitting, and refracting light.

Abstract: As assembly for the merchandising of products utilizing a solar cell mounted directly onto an incandescent or fluorescent light bulb so that the cell receives the light directly from the light bulb. A d.c. motor is electrically connected to the solar cell, the motor shaft extending downwardly. A substantially planar sign member having word indicia formed thereon may be operatively interconnected to the motor shaft so that it rotates in response to motor shaft rotation. A plurality of flexible clips may be provided for mounting the solar cell directly to the light bulb, or globe for the light bulb. Alternatively, a fan blade may be mounted to the motor shaft.

Abstract: An assembly for the merchandizing of products utilizing a solar cell mounted directly onto an incandescent or florescent light bulb so that the cell receives the light directly from the light bulb. A d.c. motor is electrically and physically connected to the solar cell, the motor shaft extending downwardly. A substantially planar sign member having word indicia formed thereon is operatively interconnected to the motor shaft so that it rotates in response to motor shaft rotation. The interconnection preferably is provided by a piece of metal foil extending vertically and attached to the motor shaft, and a slip swivel connector between the metal foil and the sign member which allows some slippage between the foil and the sign member so that the sign member rotates more slowly than the foil--slow enough for appropriate normal recognition of the word indicia thereon. A plurality of flexible clips may be provided for mounting the solar cell directly to the light bulb, or globe for the light bulb.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is an enclosed planetarium with both fluorescent and phosphorescent painted representations of astronomical bodies, some of the representations may be mobile and rotated and the remainder of the representations may be painted on the inside surface of the enclosure. An ultraviolet light source is provided which upon activation illuminates all of the representations, but upon extinguishment only the phosphorescent painted representations continue to be visible. This provides two different displays both of which have the pleasing effect of ultraviolet illumination.

Abstract: A rotatable sign adapted to be driven by air currents to provide successively changing indicia to a viewer is disclosed. Indicia formed of light-reflective material and mounted on a dark background is located at different levels on at least two of three side panels of the sign to provide the illusion of a vertically moving sign. The rotatable portion of the sign can be inverted to reverse the direction of rotation.

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: A home entertainment system and lighting cabinet simulates the sound and lighting effects of a discotheque. Light rays from a bank of differently colored lights are directed both to a mirrored rotating globe and to a rear reflecting panel behind the globe. A plurality of reflecting part-spherical domes and pyramidal-like projections are arranged on the rear panel and are configurated to reflect at least some of the impinging light rays back to the globe for subsequent reflection therefrom. The light rays reflected off the globe, domes and projections are projected about the room in which the system is located in a very dense pattern of reflected differently colored images. A stereo music system is mounted on the cabinet to combine a discotheque sound effect with the above-described lighting effect.

Abstract: This invention is a combination of known elements for a new use. This is an adaptation of the old shadow light principle coupled with time to cause three different light apertures to be aligned in a lighted window effect, thereby indicating a previously programmed marking to remind the owner of hourly, daily or weekly radio, television programs, appointments or meetings.

Abstract: A globe lamp with a simulated aircraft circumnavigating the globe in a stable equatorial orbit carrying flashing and non-flashing lights.