Abstract: A pattern changing sheet includes: lenticular lenses in number corresponding to one wavelength of the pattern changing sheet and disposed with the bus-line pitch to in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis; and a pattern layer opposed to the lenticular lenses on the rear face of the lenticular lenses, the pattern layer having a gradation pattern (dots) disposed in the bus-line pitch L0. The gradation pattern includes bright dots and dark dots in the bus-line pitch to in the disposing direction. The viewer views the display pattern that is a connection of the corresponding dots of the lenticular lenses depending on the viewpoint position, and the display pattern progresses at a predetermined speed scale-factor of the movement of the viewpoint. This configuration creates and provides a pattern changing sheet having a high degree of freedom and depending on the intended use.

Abstract: The invention provides an equipment and a system that addresses the key concerns of eating/drinking in public while minimizing the chance of contamination of the eater and the public in general. The equipment can be a face mask, a face shield or a helmet that completely encloses at least the mouth and the nose of a person while providing intermittent access to the mouth without removal of the equipment. A mouth opening is provided on the equipment which is selectively blocked or unblocked by a covering element moved by a moving mechanism that moves the cover element to block or unblock the mouth opening. The mouth opening is selectively blocked or unblocked based on the distance between an activating element provided on a utensil or a wearable device and a receiving element provided on the equipment.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a 3D image display device. The 3D image display device includes a display module having multiple sub-pixels, a driving module, and an optical module disposed opposite to the display module. The driving module is electrically connected to the sub-pixels. The optical module provides a normal view zone and a reverse view zone. A plurality of view images are arranged in the normal view zone and the reverse view zone. The view images in the normal view zone are arranged in a forward order, the view images in the reverse view zone are arranged in a reverse order, and the width of the normal view zone is greater than the width of the reverse view zone.

Abstract: An arrangement (10) for generating a light effect (26) includes an obscuration sheet material (11) and a divergence sheet material (12) arranged in spaced apart relation to a rear side (23) of an effect sheet material (13). The obscuration sheet material (11) has at least one transmission region (17) and at least one shielding region (18). On the light entry side (15), which faces away from the effect sheet material (13), light (L) impinges on the obscuration sheet material (11) and is severely reduced or completely shielded in shielding region (18), while light (L) passes through the at least one transmission region (17). By means of the divergence sheet material (12), divergent light rays (LD) are produced at the corresponding transmission region (17), which divergent light rays impinge on the rear side (23) of the effect sheet material (13) and generate a light effect (26) for a viewer (25) looking at the viewing side (24).

Abstract: Described is a dynamic emergency exit sign comprising one or more pictograms and at least one light source for accentuating one or more of the one or more pictograms either singly or in combination, wherein at least one light source is controlled by signals from evacuation computer modelling software to assist occupants egress in emergency or other critical situations.

Abstract: A disc golf game system which utilizes lighted targets to play a new and unique disc golf game during daytime or nighttime. The disc golf game system generally includes a plurality of targets arranged to form a disc golf course. Each of the targets includes a pole which is positioned upright on a ground surface, such as by a base. Each target includes one or more holes formed along its length; with the number of holes present on each target identifying the order in which the targets are to be played on the disc golf course. Each target may include a light source adapted to illuminate the one or more holes so that the targets can be easily identified in low-light conditions. Also disclosed is a method of playing a disc golf game utilizing the targets.

Abstract: An air vent with an adjustment insert for adjusting an air stream flowing out through the air vent, can be adjusted by rotating the adjustment insert. A first light guide and a second light guide are provided, with the first light guide being firmly attached to a housing of the air vent and the second light guide being firmly attached to the adjustment insert. The first light guide and the second light guide are rotatable with respect to each other, and the second light guide can be illuminated by the first light guide. A backlightable portion of the adjustment insert can be illuminated by the second light guide.

Abstract: A coded image display and animation system with an illuminated shutter element device that permits the user, by placing individual coded image members and combinations of coded image members upon it, to create collages, puzzles and fantasy worlds that instantly appear to come to life and move realistically. Coded image members can be chosen and selectively repositioned, overlapped, and combined for varying displays and display effects. Larger, window-sized displays with or without coded image portions can be exploited, potentially to provide moving backgrounds, such as falling snow or moving clouds, upon which the coded image members can be positioned thereby permitting the user to create multi-member displays and animations, including animated stories and animated fantasy worlds. Coded image members and non-coded image members can have open portions for permitting the application of images or image portions by users, such as by erasable marking implements.

Abstract: An advertisement element (2) having an underside adapted for positioning on a flat surface and an upper side comprising an advertisement surface with advertisement information, wherein the advertisement surface comprises a plurality of protrusions (12), wherein each protrusion (12) comprises a first display surface (14) with graphics (18?) applied to the surface, said surface (14) and graphics (18?) being oriented towards a first predefined viewpoint (4) and a second display surface (16) with graphics (18?) applied to the surface, said surface (16) and graphics (18?) being oriented towards a second predefined viewpoint (6), and wherein the advertisement information comprises a first image (8) composed of the combined graphics (18?) on the first display surfaces (14) and a second image (10) composed of the combined graphics (18?) on the second display surfaces (16). A method of creating said advertisement element (2) and a method of capturing advertisement images.

Abstract: A lenticular image display is provided for showing two or more changing images and/or three-dimensional (3D) motion effects, including a lenticular panel having an array of linear lenses, at least one image carrier bearing interlaced images disposed behind the lenticular panel in close contact with it, means for angularly aligning the lenses of the lenticular panel and the interlaced images of the image carrier, drive means for producing movement of the image carrier relative to the lenticular panel, a support disposed behind the image carrier, and partially compressed rings or other arcuate elastic elements disposed between the image carrier and the support, urging the image carrier in close contact with the lenticular panel, the arcuate elastic elements also being able to roll against the image carrier so as to facilitate the movement of the image carrier.

Abstract: A multiple static image display that can be used as a large sign in public areas, such as airports and shopping malls that present the images with a relatively short or non existing transitional period. The sign includes a light box with a plurality of light bulbs mounted therein. Located in front of the light bulbs is a moving, transparent image panel with a transparent image film temporarily mounted thereon. Formed on the image film are at least two offset images. Located in front of the image panel is a fixed screening panel that includes a checkerboard-like mesh surface made up of a plurality of clear, transparent squares or holes evenly spaces apart thereon within a black, opaque background. The images on the image film are offset a distance slightly greater than ½ the distance of the black dot. When the image panel is moved approximately ½ black dot distance different images can be seen when viewing the display from the front.

Abstract: A display assembly is provided comprising; (a) an image insert, the image insert being bendable from a planar configuration to a non-planar display configuration, wherein the image insert comprises a plurality of first surfaces for displaying a first image, and a plurality of second surfaces for displaying a second image; and (b) a display frame for supporting the image insert in the non-planar display configuration. The display frame comprises an abutment structure for abutting the plurality of first surfaces and the plurality of second surfaces to secure the plurality of first surfaces at a non-zero angle relative to the plurality of second surfaces and to resist unbending of the image insert. Optionally, the display assembly may be part of a book.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a product distribution and return system which includes a return mailer dispensed with a product from a vending machine. The product is returnable in the return mailer to a return center in another location. In another embodiment, a method of doing business is provided. In another embodiment, a method of renting products is disclosed. The method comprises consumer activity, wherein the consumer activity includes a vending machine transaction and a product return step. The method further comprises provider activity, wherein the provider activity includes return center activity and service agent activity. In another embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing products is disclosed comprising means for selecting a particular product, means for depositing the particular product together with a return mailer to a customer, and means for identifying the particular product and a rental date in a database.

Abstract: The invention provides a display unit for displaying two or more consecutively changing images, the unit including a curved lenticular panel having front and rear faces; a displaceable, lightweight, image-carrying film spread out along the rear face; an electric drive coupled to the film for periodically displacing the film across the lenses of the panel, and guide means facilitating the smooth reciprocating movement of the film.

Abstract: An automatic vending machine having a front door with at least one opening. A translucent image carrier bears two or more images cut into information strips and arranged on the image carrier by an intercalation process. The image carrier is mounted behind an array of cylindrical lenses. At least one light source is disposed behind the image carrier. A relative, linearly reciprocating movement is produced between the array of lenses and the image carrier in a direction perpendicular to an axial extent of the lenses. In the course of the relative movement, the array of cylindrical lenses provides, in succession enlarged views of the images borne by the image carrier, thereby producing an animated effect.

Abstract: A structure of a pedal cycle with animation display comprises a screen, a linking cord, a transmission gear and a retainer adapted to a frame of the cycle; the screen including a cabinet having a built-in display panel and a cover plate; a display section provided on the front of the cabinet, the display board driven by the linking cord; a transparent film having multiple lines thereon; a board adhered with a pattern being provided on the cover plate; the transmission gear having an active gear and fixed to a hub of a wheel of the cycle; the retainer fixed to the frame of the cycle having a passive part fastened to the linking cord; the transmission gear being driven by the advancing cycle to rotate with its active gear relatively to the passive part and to indirectly drive the linking cord by compromising the circumference of the active gear, then the display panel for the transparent film to move between the display section of the screen and the board of the cover plate.

Abstract: An illuminated display device (10) according to the present invention comprises an image sheet (48) comprising, in turn, a plurality of series of image portions (47a, 47b, 47c) etc. and a mask sheet (62) having alternative opaque strips (63) and transparent windows (61). The mask sheet (62) is located in face-to-face relation to the image sheet (48). First and second roller means (64, 66) are located in a substantially parallel spaced-apart arrangement relative to the image sheet (48) and the mask sheet (62) and are operatively associated with one of the image sheet (48) and the mask sheet (62). The device (10) is provided with means to oscillatingly move the one of the image sheet (48) and the mask sheet (62) relative to the other of the image sheet (48) and the mask sheet (62).

Abstract: A poster display system for displaying a plurality of different images which includes an image grid with interlaced strips from the various images, masking grid adjacent the image grid having spaced apart masking strips alternating with spaced apart window strips, a mounting system for mounting the image grid and the masking grid for movement relative to one another, a drive mechanism for producing relative movement between the image grid and the masking grip between successive display positions in which the window strips of the masking grid are aligned with image strips of a particular image, the image strips of the other images being obscured by the masking strips, and compression means for urging opposite edge portions of the image grid and of the masking grip towards each other whereby the image grid and the masking grid become curved and the image grid and the masking grid are brought into intimate contact with one another under pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-powered display unit for displaying at least two consecutively changing images to be viewed by a viewer, the unit comprising a housing, at least one wall portion of the housing being made of an array of linear lenses having a lenticular front face and a flat rear face; at least one displaceable, light-weight, substantially planar indicia carrier disposed inside the housing at a distance from the rear face at most equalling the focal length of the lenses, and a high efficiency, low energy consumption, battery-powered DC drive means for periodically displacing the indicia carrier for a distance at least equalling the distance between two adjacent lenses of the array.

Abstract: A tape winder including a supply spindle for supplying tape, a take-up spindle for taking up tape from the supply spindle, and opposing sidewalls with slots therein wherein the spindles are rotatably received. A drive mechanism located on the sidewalls engage the spindles when the spindles are fully inserted within the slots. The slots preferably include a narrow throat region near their openings so that the spindles may be snap-fit within the slots. The supply spindle is preferably driven with lesser torque than the take-up spindle so that the difference in relative torque between the spindles maintains tension in the tape and causes it to wind tightly.

Abstract: A display device for sequentially displaying a plurality of images interlaced on a single mosaic transparency includes a frame and a drive assembly engageable with the mosaic and operative to drive the mosaic through a closed loop path. A thermal compensation device is mounted on the frame and engaged with a substantially opaque mask overlying the mosaic and formed with a uniform aperture pattern for sequential alignment with the images formed on the mosaic. The thermal compensation device is responsive to temperature changes within the display device to shift the mask relative to the frame such that the mask follows the shifting of the mosaic due to such temperature changes to thereby maintain the mask and mosaic in the proper relative positions for precise registration of the image pixels formed on the mosaic with the apertures in the mask.

Abstract: Compact display apparatus for sequentially registering image pixels interlaced on a mosaic and corresponding to discrete images with an aperture pattern on a mask to display such discrete images. A plurality of biasing arms are provided to adjust the mosaic relative to the mask to properly register the image pixels on the mosaic with the apertures on the mask. A drive assembly is provided to displace the mosaic on a dosed loop path to sequentially register the image pixels corresponding with discrete images with the apertures in the mask.

Abstract: An advertising display apparatus with precise rotary drive includes a programmable stepper motor positively coupled to a pair of eccentric drives. Rotation of the eccentric drives moves a film sheet containing discrete images formed from corresponding sets of pixels through a closed loop path across a platen stopping at precise dwell points. At each dwell point, a set of pixels register with a plurality of apertures within an overlying grid sheet and are illuminated by a light source within the apparatus to display the image.

Abstract: A display apparatus having a transparent image screen which contains a mosaic of four discrete images formed from pixels which are interwoven in a predetermined arrangement such that each of the images are selected by precise positioning of the screen in four different positions relative to a grid mask which masks out all but pixels of a selected image. A platen comprising a platen surface which is supported by a rib structure mounts the image screen and is moveable through a precise pattern for selecting the pixels, and thereby the image, to be projected. A pair of arms are coupled to the platen and an eccentric drive and are driven by the eccentric drive to advance the platen positively through the pattern.

Abstract: Educational apparatus for use with an overhead projector has a transparent grid with horizontal and vertical indices for projecting a grid onto a wall screen. A plurality of removable cover pieces, keyed to the grid, cover up grid segments whereby when the transparent grid has pictorial material a student, or player, may project a particular grid segment by picking up the cover piece on that segment.

Abstract: A digitizing screen apparatus includes a front diffuser sheet, a grid and a back diffuser sheet which produces a unique digitizing effect. Images are projected from transparent slides onto the back diffuser sheet. A striped mask shields a portion of the back diffuser sheet from the light. Art work is placed on the slides and punched to provide a multiplicity of windows. When no image is shown all of the slides are located so that their windows line up behind the windows in the mask and the art work portions are lined up across from the nontransparent portions of the mask. A solenoid operated drive selectively presents one or more slides at a time to the transparent windows in the mask for projection upon the digitizing screen. A programming mechanism in combination with a damping dash pot associated with the solenoid drive permits one mosaic image to dissolve into another as the first slide is withdrawn and a second slide replaces it.

Abstract: A display device wherein a pleated sheet is retained in a carrier defining opposed pockets receiving the opposite ends of the pleated sheet. Stops are provided at opposite sides of the carrier for engagement by opposite side portions of the pleated sheet for limiting lateral expansion of the pleated sheet. The spacing between the stops is preselected to maintain the folds of the pleated sheet suitably compressed to have a height substantially equal to the depth of the pockets.

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

Abstract: A point of purchase advertising display device has a front element and a rear element which are spaced a short distance apart and back illuminated. Primary copy is transparent or translucent on the front element and is repeated on the rear element in translucent form in register with that on the front element. A front fine pattern of transparent and opaque areas occupies the rest of the front element and defines the margins of each character in the primary copy. Translucent secondary copy on the rear element is viewed through parts of the front pattern, and the rest of the rear element consists of a rear fine pattern of translucent and opaque areas which is dissimilar from the front pattern but cooperates with the front pattern to produce a field of changing visual effects as a person moves relative to the display device. The rear fine pattern defines the margins of each character in the copy on the rear element.

Abstract: An illuminated advertising display device produces changing visual effects by placing a panel having a pattern of holes at the front of a light box with some of the holes defining alpha-numeric characters, and reciprocating behind the panel a shutter which has a pattern of transparent spots each of which registers with a hole in the panel at some point in the reciprocation of the shutter, with some of the spots registered simultaneously with all the holes that define the alpha-numeric characters. The panel has a forwardly facing reflective surface, and spaced forwardly of the panel is a light transmitting reflective sheet. If desired, the transparent spots may be tinted in several different colors.

Abstract: A kit of multiple parts to be assembled for fabricating a multiple view pictorial display device that provides displays of different images when viewed frontally from different angles relative to the plane of the device.

Abstract: A device for displaying indicia is provided comprising:(a) at least one cover member having at least one visual display means on at least one surface thereof; and(b) at least one display member slidably movable by gravity with respect to at least one of said cover members within a predetermined area underlying said cover member, said display member having at least one prepositioned indicium on at least one surface thereof, said indicium registering with at least one of said visual display means, whereby said display member slidably changes position with respect to said cover member under the force of gravity in response to rotation of said device in a substantially vertical plane to change the registry of said indicium with respect to said visual display means.In preferred embodiments of this invention a perpetual and yearly calendar is provided.

Abstract: A display device of louvre arrangement wherein a display or exhibit is constituted by a group of parallel interleaved strips which are arranged in overlapping relation. The display device has a plurality of such groups. The display device has a driving mechanism having a cam arrangement, driving device, connecting members and a guide device, and cam followers each having an arm at the upper portion. The display device further comprises a frame structure releasably engaged with the connecting members of the driving mechanism, and elongated rigid elements movable together with the strips. Each elongated rigid element has an engaging member for contacting the arm of the cam follower to thereby shift the rigid elements and strips of one group in cooperation with a vertical movement of the cam followers.

Abstract: A multiple shutter device for displaying digital information and including an opaque face plate having a plurality of transparent windows situated thereon, a shutter support plate facing and closely disposed behind the face plate and having a plurality of opaque shutters situated thereon, each shutter in unique alignment with one of the segment windows, a multi-track grooved rotary cam facing and closely disposed behind the shutter support plate, a plurality of cam follower arms each being pivotally attached to one of the shutters at a first end and having a second end provided with a cam track following pin which engages a track on the cam, each arm further having a point intermediate the first and second ends which is pivotally attached to the shutter plate, whereby rotation of the cam causes various combinations of the shutter to be actuated to open and close the segment windows and sequentially display one or more digital characters.

Abstract: An animated display device having illuminating means for projecting uniformly diffused light toward a viewer and means between said illuminating means and the viewer for providing an animated display including a rigid platen having a convex surface with sections of transparent and opaque character, a flexible sheet of film in contact with the convex surface and having translucent images thereon, resilient means tensioning the film over and in full surface contact with the convex platen surface, and a drive mechanism for shifting said film and said platen relative to one another. An adjustment mechanism is associated with the drive mechanism to facilitate angular alignment of the film relative to the platen.