Abstract: A buoyancy-enhanced loop drive system includes upper and lower gears, a helical drive loop extending around and rotatably engaging the upper and lower gears, and a tank configured to retain a liquid medium. An ascending side of the drive loop extends through the tank. In some embodiments, the drive loop includes a plurality of sections, and adjacent sections are rotatable with respect to each other about an axis normal to an end face of the sections. Additionally or alternatively, the ascending side of the drive loop advances through an inlet seal via an exit port defined in an exit wall oriented perpendicular to the exit direction. Additionally or alternatively, an intermediate plate is coupled to an inlet housing for rotation about a vertical axis, and to a stationary support structure for bi-directional translation.

Abstract: A wind-driven spinner is provided. The wind-driven spinner embodies a rotatable display that enables customizable, holographic effects to capture the eye, while also providing adjustable stability and wind capturing controls. The wind-driven spinner may include a plurality of panel assemblies rotatably mounted to an axis shaft by means of two hub bearings. Each panel assembly may be paraboloid shaped so as to provide a leading edge and a trailing edge. Relative to the axis shaft, the leading edge of each panel assembly has a radial outer diameter greater than the radial outer diameter of its trailing edge and an adjacent panel assembly so as to provide at least one, adjustable wind-driven capture profile. Each panel assembly may include a customizable design sheet for providing graphic display area and holographic fabric.

Abstract: A method of creating an interlaced composite image. The method comprises receiving a plurality of images selected for generating an interlaced composite image by interlacing a plurality of image strips from each image, providing a filter as a function of an approximate inverse transform of an undesired distortion dataset representing at least one estimated undesired distortion caused by an autostereoscopic display element when a user views the interlaced composite image via the autostereoscopic display element, generating a reduced artifact interlaced composite image by applying the filter on the plurality of images, and outputting the reduced artifact interlaced composite image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose guiding device in which a hose (203) that is filled with a gaseous medium is guided through a liquid (201) in horizontal sections. The horizontal sections are supported on a gripping device. The movement of the gripping device is transmitted to a sprocket (214) via chains (207) in order to introduce or discharge the kinetic energy.

Abstract: A rotatable fountain display device rotatably displays an indicia, such as advertisement over a fountain. The device comprises a plurality of spheres immediately adjacent and sequentially connected to each other to rotatably display an indicia, such as an advertisement. The device works in conjunction with a fluid source, such as a fountain, to receive a fluid carrying a fluid pressure. A lower sphere contains a rotation mechanism that harnesses the fluid pressure from the fluid source to generate rotational energy on the lower sphere, which then rotates sequentially connected middle and upper spheres. A central channel runs through the spheres. A nylon elastic member and a rubber band interconnect the spheres and enables multidirectional movement by the spheres. A guide wire passes through the spheres to help counterbalance the movement. An annular bearing apparatus restricts rotation of the central channel and reduces friction during rotation of the rotation mechanism.

Abstract: The visual alert for placement on free-range animals includes active and/or passive lighting to alert motor vehicle drivers of such animals crossing the roadway when traveling through open rangeland. The visual alert is a sleeve having fins extending radially therefrom, the fins having reflective and/or active lighting elements thereon. Power for active lighting is provided by electrical batteries that are recharged during daylight. The permanently installed sleeve may be formed as a circumferentially closed distensible unit that passes over the hoof of the animal, or as an open sheet that is rolled about the leg of the animal and permanently secured by plastic ties or other suitable elements. The sleeve is lined with a non-abrasive material to preclude injury to the animal during long term wear.

Abstract: A functional rotor, desirably but not necessarily a Savonius, helical, or other vertical axis wind turbine rotor, has other functions in addition to driving a useful driven mechanism (such as an electricity or hydrogen generator, pump, etc.). The rotor has exterior rotating surface areas and at least one of design, aesthetic, holographic, reflective, and informational elements on those areas that create the illusion of movement distinct from the rotation of the rotor itself. The elements may be substantially vertical holographic material or reflective material stripes alternating with non-holographic or non-reflective stripes, or at least one of design and aesthetic elements disposed to create a spiral movement illusion. The elements may be selected and positioned so that a message or design is completed in the viewer's eye only upon rotation of the surface areas. The rotor may simulate a praxinoscope, phenakistascope, or zoetrope.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for advertising. The device includes a shaft to be vertically mounted, in use; an upper connection means proximate the upper end of the shaft for connecting to one end of each of at least two resiliently flexible rods; and a lower connection means proximate the lower end of the shaft for connecting to each other end of the resiliently flexible rods, such that with each rod being longer than the distance between the upper and lower connection means a banner of flexible material can, in use, be spanned by each rod in a plane defined by the rod and shaft.

Abstract: A rotating changing image display carries an image group and decoder screen that displays frames of the image group in a sequence determined by direction of rotation. A sequence of frames shows subject matter with identifiable directional motion. In order to ensure the sequence of frames will be displayed in proper order in accordance with the identifiable direction of motion, the display is mounted to a directional rotator. The rotator is wind driven. Airfoil structures of the rotator are configurable to drive the rotator and the carried display in the identifiable direction of rotation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rotary device for external attachment to a vehicle, thereafter being operable for visually attracting attention to all or part of the vehicle, particularly when the vehicle is moving. In the most preferred embodiment, the rotary device attracts the attention of a casual observer via wind-driven rotational motion. In addition to the visual attraction caused by rotational motion, the rotary device can be shaped, decorated and strategically mounted to satisfy the particular attention-getting intent.

Abstract: An apparatus conjoinable to a vehicle antenna includes an anchor section formed from STYROFOAM (polystyrene) and provided with a vertically registered sleeve extending along a longitudinal axis. The sleeve extends upwardly from a bottom surface of the anchor and terminates subjacent to a top surface thereof. Coextensively shaped wing sections are conjoinable with the anchor section and equidistantly spaced about an outer surface thereof. A mechanism is included for positioning the apparatus about the vehicle antenna and allows for free rotation thereof in the wind. The apparatus positioning mechanism is disposed within the anchor section and is sized and shaped so that the anchor section can be maintained at a stable position during operating conditions. The apparatus positioning mechanism is formed from non-corrosive material.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing backlash in a gear wheel that includes at least two interacting gear rims that rotate in relation to one another. An adjusting mechanism is located between the gear rims for adjusting the relative angle of rotation of the gear rims about a common axis of rotation. Each adjusting mechanism includes an hydraulic cylinder connected to a pressure medium source and which is arranged to act between the two gear rims in such a manner that a force arises that tends to displace one gear rim in relation to the other about the axis of rotation. Each of the hydraulic cylinders extends at an angle to a disk plane and is supported on a part-spherical foot portion in a bowl-shaped seat in one gear rim and a corresponding part-spherical head portion in a bowl-shaped seat in the other gear rim.

Abstract: A wind indicator is described that includes a body with a frame including a spindle axis and a web. A pivot is connected to the frame to permit the body to rotate about a pivot axis. A spindle is disposed on the spindle axis and is rotatable about the spindle axis. The spindle includes first and second hubs, each of which include a central body portion and at least one vane support receiving element. The wind indicator also has at least one element connecting the first hub to the second hub to maintain the first and second hubs in positional relation with respect to one another. The connecting element is offset from the spindle axis by a predetermined distance. At least one vane extends between the vane support receiving elements on the two hubs. The vane captures air movement and translates it into rotational movement of the spindle.

Abstract: A rotary and suspending figure ornament includes a candlestick and a supporting rod on one side thereof; the top portion of the supporting rod is pivotally disposed with a suspending screw-typed and gradually enlarged consecutive long decorative band. Rotary decorative pieces or objects respectively suspend at proper spaced positions on the decorative band. A heat generating source, such as a candle or a light bulb, is placed at the center of the candlestick to allow the hot air current to thrust upwardly to the bottom portion of the screw-typed decorative band thereby gradually pushing the decorative band to rotate and driving the rotary decorative pieces to rotate and swing accordingly.

Abstract: A revolving decoration comprising a curve shade, a wave shape formed on the bottom circumference of the curve shade, a finial on top center of the curve shade, several curve blades installed surrounding the curve shade and centered around the finial, an air-conducting hole between every two curve blade, an top hole is beneath the finial. A heat source, light bulb or candle, beneath the present invention can generate hot air passes through the air-conducting holes and drives the curve blade to rotate.

Abstract: A pinwheel assembly has a polygonal main body, and a rotating device disposed in a center of the polygonal main body. The rotating device has a bearing and a hollow shaft. A plurality of support rods are connected to the bearing. The hollow shaft is inserted through the bearing. The polygonal main body has a plurality of diagonal lines. A plurality of through holes are formed on the diagonal lines of the polygonal main body. A plurality of triangular vanes are disposed on the polygonal main body. Each triangular vane has a triangular end bag. Each support rod is inserted in the corresponding triangular end bag and inserted through the corresponding through hole of the polygonal main body.

Abstract: A pinwheel assembly has a main shaft, a plurality of curved rods, a first rotating wheel, a second rotating wheel, a third rotating wheel, a fourth rotating wheel, and a plurality of fabric vanes. The main shaft passes through the first rotating wheel, the second rotating wheel, the third rotating wheel, and the fourth rotating wheel. Each of the curved rods is connected to the first rotating wheel and the fourth rotating wheel. Each of the fabric vanes is connected to the second rotating wheel and the third rotating wheel.

Abstract: A pinwheel device has a main shaft, a rotating wheel connected to the main shaft, and a first support rod, a second support rod, and a third support rod connected to the rotating wheel. A first decoration wheel is disposed on the rotating wheel. A second decoration wheel is disposed on the first support rod. A third decoration wheel is disposed on the second support rod.

Abstract: A spinning mobile includes a central shaft having first and second ends, a top mounting cap located at the first end of the shaft and a bottom mounting cap located at the second end of the shaft. A plurality of design plates are mounted to the top mounting cap and bottom mounting cap to cooperatively form a particular structural design capable of spinning when suspended in the air and subjected to air currents.

Abstract: A wind responsive sign or placard for displaying advertising or other visual indicia includes a rotatable member that is attached to a stationary mounting member by a rod extending between the two members. Both the rotatable or spinning member and the stationary mounting member are formed of fluted or corrugated panels, and the axle rod extends into aligned flutes or channels in the two principal components. These panels are fabricated from extruded plastic panels of the type suitable for exterior use. The panel forming the mounting member is folded to form a three dimensional structure that is more rigid than the flat rotatable panel. The sign formed in this manner is relatively light in weight and can be assembled on site and can be mounted to a pole or post in an elevated position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a space accessory for forming a three-dimensional ornamental pattern. The space accessory includes a rotating center, necessary disk supports disposed along the rotating center and a predetermined number of vanes each having a design shape or pattern, said vanes being of the same shape, thickness and mass and fixed to the disk support for balanced rotation with a natural air current. For changes in the ornamental pattern of the space accessory there are only need in changes in the design or pattern of the vanes.

Abstract: A dual directional rotating device (10) comprising an elongated slender flexible line (12). A wind wheel (14) is provided. A double bearing unit (16) is between the line (12) and the wind wheel (14), to cause the wind wheel (14) to rotate clockwise and counterclockwise on the line (12), depending upon which way wind blows against the wind wheel (14).

Abstract: A visually enhanced weather vane apparatus (10) for producing a pair of different and sequential pictorial representations (26) on opposite sides of the apparatus (10) by virtue of a plurality of interconnected visual segment units (12) being rotatably suspended within a framework member (16) wherein the visual segment units (12) are operatively and rotatably connected to the drive gear of a drive axle (31) powered by a wind driven propeller (30).

Abstract: A collapsible structure comprising a non-rigid helicoidal sheet braced by light-weight members according to one of several methods. The structure is used in the construction of a wind turbine, wherein a flexible fabric sheet (21) is reinforced by wires (42) sewn into its edges, and may be further reinforced by ribs or battens (30) sewn crosswise into the sheet. One end of the turbine is cnnected via a swivel (24) to a fixed mast (22) while the other end is conneced to the shaft (26) of an alternator. The electrical output of the alternator is connected through a rectifier/regulator (34) to a storage battery (38), thereby providing constant DC power. An alternative method of bracing employs ribs (30) along with counterhelical cables (64).

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: A stand structure, preferably for candle chimes comprises a base member, a pillar member which is detachably connected to said base member, a bracket member, preferably in the shape of a star and serving to hold the bells of the chime and a vertical shaft, the upper end of which being conical and serving as a journal for the rotor of the candle chime. The bracket comprises two identical parts, having indentations and cut out portions which when said parts are superimposed in register with each other form a circular opening for the shaft as well as an opening for cooperation with a corresponding portion of the pillar to keep the bracket parts pressed against each other and the shaft clamped between said bracket parts.