Selective Or Intermittent Illumination Patents (Class 40/442)
  • Patent number: 11940145
    Abstract: A lighting device has a rectangular cubic shape and includes “leaves” which may be pivoted between closed and opened positions. Three separate options for illumination devices are included which are all unique and differ from one another. Illumination means is operated by a switch that closes a circuit activating illumination when a leaf is opened and opening the circuit thereby stopping illumination when a leaf is closed. The illumination means for each leaf consists of one or more LEDs. Known technology allowing the LEDs to change colors and to be dimmed or brightened may suitably be employed. If desired, artificial intelligence (AI) technology may be incorporated into the lighting device. For example, the device can be operated using voice prompts to dim or brighten LEDs, illuminate them or stop illumination and change colors. A dedicated phone App can be utilized in controlling the various modes of operation of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Inventors: Ines Talakic, Ena Talakic
  • Patent number: 11935493
    Abstract: A virtual window device (100), comprising (i) a display (110) arranged in a first plane (A), wherein the display (110) is arranged to provide a first output (120) for rendering a first image of a view through a window (130) onto a virtual planar surface (140) that is oriented parallel to the display (110) along an axis (C), perpendicular to the first plane (A), (ii) a frame (150) projecting from the display (110), and wherein an edge (160) of the frame (150), oppositely arranged the display (110), spans a second plane (B), (iii) a lighting element (170) configured to emit a second output (180) onto the virtual planar surface (140), wherein the lighting element (170) is arranged within the virtual window device (100) at a distance (D) from the second plane (B), along the axis (C), wherein the second output (180) has a directionality, the directionality being one or more of a spatial direction, a beam angle, a beam width, a light output distribution and a diffusivity, and (iv) a unit (190) configured to registe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING, B.V.
    Inventors: Bartel Marinus Van De Sluis, Marcellinus Petrus Carolus Michael Krijn, Leendert Teunis Rozendaal, Michel Cornelis Josephus Marie Vissenberg
  • Patent number: 11858798
    Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a dispensing assembly. The dispensing assembly includes a dispenser recess with a flexible hose that is in fluid communication with a water supply to deliver water to the dispenser recess. The dispensing assembly also includes an actuating mechanism in operative communication with the water supply to cause the water supply to deliver a flow of water to the flexible hose when the actuating mechanism is activated. The dispensing assembly further includes a vibration generator coupled to the flexible hose and in operative communication with the actuating mechanism such that the vibration generator is activated when the actuating mechanism is activated. The vibration generator moves the flexible hose relative to the dispenser recess when the vibration generator is activated, thereby providing a wave pattern flow of water from the flexible hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramij Ismail Sayyad, Syed Moin Ahmed, Srinivas Pasham, Chaitanya Krishna Karanam
  • Patent number: 11688117
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media providing banner representations in a computer system that provides a virtual environment, including: accessing an avatar record, where the avatar record indicates an avatar representation that includes data to provide a visual representation of an avatar; receiving a selection of a banner representation made by a user; accessing a representation record, wherein the representation record indicates a banner representation that includes data to provide a visual representation of a banner; associating the banner representation with the avatar representation; receiving avatar movement input that indicates movement of the avatar within the virtual environment; and generating visual data representing the movement of the avatar and banner in the virtual environment using the avatar representation and the banner representation, where the banner is placed in the virtual environment following the avatar as the avatar moves in the virtual environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignees: Sony Group Corporation, Sony Corporation of America
    Inventors: Thomas Sachson, Eric Benjamin Fruchter, James Marcus
  • Patent number: 11158220
    Abstract: An animated window system may include a projection surface configured to display at least one image to a viewer on a viewer side of the projection surface, wherein the projection surface comprises a tinted material. The animated window system may also include a projector spaced apart from the projection surface, wherein the projector is configured to project the at least one image onto a rear side of the projection surface, the rear side opposing the viewer side and a controller comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the controller is configured to provide the at least one image to the projector to be projected onto the projection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Universal City Studios LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Fitzgerald Garnier, Akiva Meir Krauthamer, Matthew Usi, Simran V. Batra, David Majdali
  • Patent number: 11105969
    Abstract: A display device that includes first and second light sources, a light guide body, and a mask body is provided. The light guide body includes a reflector that has a shape of a first design. The light guide body guides first light emitted by the first light source and reflects the first light by the reflector to display the first design. The mask body includes a light-transmissive portion and a light-blocking portion. The light-transmissive portion has a shape of a second design, and the light-blocking portion is a portion other than the light-transmissive portion. The light-transmissive portion transmits second light emitted by the second light source to display the second design. The first design is displayed at a first display luminance, and the second design is displayed at a second display luminance. The first display luminance and the second display luminance are substantially equalized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuma Sasagawa, Masaki Kontani
  • Patent number: 10760881
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for modifying and enhancing pyrotechnic emissions and effects are provided including systems for irradiating pyrotechnic emissions using electromagnetic radiation sources with programmable electromagnetic radiation profiles. Exemplary systems include coupling an electromagnetic radiation source to a pyrotechnic device to irradiate pyrotechnic emissions or irradiating pyrotechnic emissions with an external electromagnetic radiation source. Exemplary methods include identifying a desired pyrotechnic emission output and designing an emission and effect output to meet the desired output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Eric J Miklaszewski, Jonathan M. Dilger, Travis R. Sippel, James B. Michael, Stuart Barkley
  • Patent number: 10591122
    Abstract: A multilayer flashing water ball apparatus includes a water ball main body, a base and a light transmissive plate module. The water ball main body is light transmissive and includes a platform with an installation slot. The base is secured onto the bottom portion of the water ball main body and includes light emitting elements for emitting light toward the installation slot. The light transmissive plate module includes multiple light transmissive plates inserted into the installation slot. The surfaces of the light transmissive plates include continuous corresponding patterns formed thereon, and such patterns are visually related to each other to form a serious of motion sequence. The bottom portions of the light transmissive plates correspond to the light emitting elements. With the light source of the light emitting elements flashes sequentially, the continuous corresponding patterns inside the water ball main body generate a dynamic visual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Hua-Cheng Pan
  • Patent number: 10504766
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a carrier substrate assembly, and a method of using the carrier substrate assembly, for fabricating a flexible display substrate. The carrier substrate assembly comprises a carrier substrate, which has a central region with a plurality of through-holes and a peripheral region surrounding the central region. The plurality of through-holes are configured to provide passageways for a reaction solution to facilitate separation of the flexible thin film laminated over an upper surface of the carrier substrate from the carrier substrate during the lifting-off of the flexible thin film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Weitao Chen, Junwei Wang, Yang Song
  • Patent number: 10480795
    Abstract: The invention relates to an oven door (10) for closing a cavity (2) of an oven (1) comprising a door window (11) being at least partially transparent for enabling a user to look into the oven cavity (2), wherein the door window (11) comprises at least one printing (12), the printing (12) being made of an ink comprising scattering components, said ink being transparent and wherein the oven door (10) is adapted to provide light to the printing (12) by at least one light source (13) such that said light is scattered by the scattering components of said printing (12) thereby implementing an optical user interface for displaying information at the door window (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Branko Ivanovic, Mirjam Meissner, Dietmar Hildner
  • Patent number: 10458609
    Abstract: A multilayer flashing water ball apparatus includes a water ball main body, a base and a light transmissive plate module. The water ball main body is light transmissive and includes a platform with an installation slot. The base is secured onto the bottom portion of the water ball main body and includes light emitting elements for emitting light toward the installation slot. The light transmissive plate module includes at least three light transmissive plates inserted into the installation slot. The surfaces of the light transmissive plates include continuous corresponding patterns formed thereon, and such patterns are visually related to each other to form a serious of motion sequence. The bottom portions of the light transmissive plates correspond to the light emitting elements. With the light source of the light emitting elements flashes sequentially, the continuous corresponding patterns inside the water ball main body generate a dynamic visual effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Hua-Cheng Pan
  • Patent number: 10360859
    Abstract: An illuminated display device with a base member representing an eye and having a primary cavity therein, usually existing as a pair of devices to represent two eyes. Thin walls within the primary cavity divide it into multiple chambers wherein each chamber has a shape and volume that represents a view of a different, unique emotive response in an eye. Illumination devices are placed in each thin-walled chamber shape to emit light from the chamber volume through a top opening of the cavity in a pattern. Lighting all illumination devices equally imitates an open eye while illuminating the volume of one or more chambers at OFF or lesser brightness than the volume in other chambers creates the illusion that the eye has changed shape to equal the shape in the brightly lit chambers only. The device can thus imitate the changing shapes in an eye when expressing emotion. A speaker can emit sounds in synchronization with a pattern of illumination to enhance the emotive effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventor: Valerie J. Heilbron
  • Patent number: 9839315
    Abstract: A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution systems can be disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution systems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have voids. The prongs can be inserted into the voids to electrically connect the power distribution systems of neighboring tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, the prongs and voids are designed so that the prongs of one power distribution system can engage the voids of another power distribution system without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: POLYGROUP MACAU LIMITED (BVI)
    Inventors: Chi Yin Alan Leung, Chang Jun He, Chi Kin Samuel Kwok
  • Patent number: 9614995
    Abstract: Correlation marks and gloss effect image patterns are created with vector-based electronic pattern inks. In creating a correlation mark, which is only visible by viewing the image through a reference screen, two vector-based electronic pattern inks are utilized to create the correlation mark, wherein the vector pattern in one electronic pattern ink is parallel, but out of phase, to the vector pattern in the other electronic pattern ink and the vectors of both electronic pattern inks are painted as thin lines. In creating a gloss effect, which is only visible by viewing the image at a predetermined angle, two vector-based electronic pattern inks are utilized to create the gloss effect, wherein the vector pattern in one electronic pattern ink is orthogonal to the vector pattern in the other electronic pattern ink and the vectors of both electronic pattern inks are painted as thick lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Edward N. Chapman
  • Patent number: 9477133
    Abstract: A display device may include a display portion to maintain a display state in accordance with a voltage applied thereto; and a plurality of light transmission regions adjacent to the display portion at positions corresponding to a plurality of light sources arranged over the display portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Ueda, Keisuke Hashimoto, Ken Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 8959810
    Abstract: A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution subsystems can be disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution subsystems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have voids. The prongs can be inserted into the voids to electrically connect the power distribution subsystems of neighboring tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, the prongs and voids are designed so that the prongs of one power distribution subsystem can engage the voids of another power distribution subsystem without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Polygroup Macau Limited (BVI)
    Inventors: Chi Yin Alan Leung, Ricky Tong, Chi Kin Samuel Kwok, Chang-Jun He
  • Patent number: 8904680
    Abstract: A reconstructed wooden log has segments from the same log, each having opposing concentric arcuate ends and being fastened to adjacent segments with a spacer contacting effecting separation from each adjacent segment. A light source within a hollow interior defined by the arcuate interior ends emits light between the separations of the adjacent wood segments and around the spacers. Reconstruction of the original log includes separating the original log radially about its longitudinal axis into the segments, and removing a portion of each segment that was proximal the original log's longitudinal axis. The reconstructed log, having about the same length and width as that of the original log, can have electro-mechanics within and/or near its hollow interior to receive control signals and detect motion to initiate rotation of the log to reveal signage and other decorative embellishments illuminated by the light source, and/or render an audible report.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Trovillion
  • Patent number: 8863416
    Abstract: A power transfer system to facilitate the transfer of electrical power between tree trunk sections of an artificial tree is disclosed. The power transfer system can advantageously enable neighboring tree trunk sections to be electrically connected without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections. Power distribution subsystems can be disposed within the trunk sections. The power distribution subsystems can comprise a male end, a female end, or both. The male ends can have prongs and the female ends can have voids. The prongs can be inserted into the voids to electrically connect the power distribution subsystems of neighboring tree trunk sections. In some embodiments, the prongs and voids are designed so that the prongs of one power distribution subsystem can engage the voids of another power distribution subsystem without the need to rotationally align the tree trunk sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Polygroup Macau Limited (BVI)
    Inventors: Chi Yin Alan Leung, Ricky Tong, Chi Kin Samuel Kwok, Chang-Jun He
  • Patent number: 8847856
    Abstract: A moving image display apparatus includes a display unit which sequentially displays an image pattern in the form of a moving image on a display screen, a storage unit which stores area sectional information and display format information, wherein the area sectional information defines predetermined divided areas corresponding to the image pattern among a plurality of divided areas into which the display screen is divided, and the display format information defines display formats of the divided areas defined by the area sectional information in a time sequential manner, and a display control unit which controls to display the predetermined divided areas corresponding to the image pattern in accordance with the display formats defined by the display format information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Nagahashi, Akihiro Yoshida, Tomotake Wakatsuki, Hiroshi Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 8810911
    Abstract: A highly color saturated light modulator includes a transparent substrate, printed image layer and a protection layer on the printed surface. The degree of color saturation of images on the modulator is greater than 40% and overall transmission between 15% and 95%. Lighting devices with the light modulator can be designed to meet desired light emitting intensity and direction by integrating micro-structures to the transparent substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Yu-Chen Hwang
  • Patent number: 8733997
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a housing formed with a front opening, a display unit disposed in the housing, and a lighting unit disposed in the housing for illuminating the display unit. The display unit includes a light-transmissive front display screen exposed through the front opening, and a light-transmissive rear screen disposed spacedly parallel to the front display screen. The rear screen is operable to have a first light transmittance, and a second light transmittance higher than the first light transmittance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: LBC Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Szu-Tung Ling
  • Patent number: 8695247
    Abstract: A candle-shape decorative lamp is disclosed, including: a aquatic lamp main body, a magnet-driven element, a buoy and a bottom base. The magnetic-driven element and the buoy are disposed inside the aquatic lamp main body. The bottom base is fixedly engaged to the conic aquatic lamp main body with at least a light-emitting element disposed inside as well as a magnetic rotational axis for correspondingly attaching to the magnet-driven element, and driven by a driving element to rotate. When the magnetic rotational axis rotates, the magnet-driven element also rotates because of attachment to the magnetic rotational axis so as to wave the fluid inside the aquatic lamp main body, which leading to pushing to rotational plats to rotate the buoy. As such, the light emitted through the aquatic lamp main body forming ambient light with decorative effect so as to great rich and fun visual effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Chin-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 8607486
    Abstract: A card for presenting visual information while being waved. The card is flexible and has a sensor detecting or quantifying the bending of the card. The card has, preferably at an edge thereof, light emitters for presenting the information. A controller determines the position of the edge and forwards information so that a user watching the edge sees an emulated 2D information provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Cardlab APS
    Inventors: Finn Nielsen, Rune Domsten
  • Patent number: 8594959
    Abstract: There is presented a detailed electronic method for simulation of a firefly, other insects, or organisms producing bioluminescence and with light radiation functions similar to a real firefly, other insects, or organisms producing bioluminescence. An illuminated artificial firefly, other insects, or organisms producing bioluminescence can be placed on trees and shrubs in landscape, or at home to produce radiation, at night time, and blinking a gradually decaying light. More particularly it relates to a decorative type of device in the form of a firefly, other insects, or organisms producing bioluminescence and with light radiation functions similar to a real firefly, other insects, or organisms producing bioluminescence. The light is simulated by an electronics program that is a part of compact device with the form of a real firefly, other insects, or organisms producing bioluminescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Herbert Rudolf Schaal, Viacheslav Vasilievich Zhurin
  • Patent number: 8584386
    Abstract: An illuminating electronic gift or souvenir device a case in the shape of a small telescope, binocular or monocular and an internal electronic circuit including a type of integrated circuit and luminescent elements such as LEDs or similar lights which cause, upon actuating a switch on the outside, multiple and diverse lighting effects that lead to a visual effect that simulates a starry sky or galaxies in motion, inspiring the imagination of the user of the device. The circuit can be programmed to present lighting effects in its interior that are static or changing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Jose Daniel Martin Catoira
  • Patent number: 8500038
    Abstract: A fluid display includes a fluid source, a gas source, and a light source. The fluid source coherently emits fluid along a first trajectory. The gas source emits gas along a second trajectory that intersects the first trajectory. The light source is directed toward the intersection of the first trajectory and the second trajectory. The second trajectory may intersect the first trajectory at an oblique angle. The fluid source and/or the gas source may emit intermittently. The fluid source may emit a laminar jet or spherical fluid globules. The gas source may intermittently emit a gas vortex. The gas may be a flammable gas. The fluid may be water and the gas may be air. The fluid display may provide a “water sparkler” effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: WET Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark W. Fuller, Michael Jason Baldwin, Keith J. Kalis, Helen S. Park, Riae Yoo
  • Patent number: 8499397
    Abstract: An oral care implement with an oral care region having cleaning elements for engaging oral tissue and a body for gripping the implement including a handle with a front and a removable faceplate is described. The removable faceplate may be transparent or translucent and may also include design features. The faceplate may provide protection to a user inscription surface on one of the surfaces of the handle which is may be configured to receive user indicia that may later be removed and further indicia provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: John Gatzemeyer, Eduardo Jimenez
  • Patent number: 8482714
    Abstract: A stroboscopic animation system with a handheld stroboscopic light with a light source that emits stroboscopic flashes, a manually rotatable top, and images to be animated retained on the upper surface of the top, such as on an animation disk. The frequency of the stroboscopic flashes can be varied, such as by a rotatable dial, with the “on” portions remaining constant and the “off” portions being adjusted. The flashes can have a lower limit of 10 to 20 flashes per second and an upper limit of 100 to 110 flashes per second, the “on” portions of the flashing sequence can be between one-900th and one-1100th of a second, and the luminous intensity of the light source can be between 65 and 130 foot candles. An orientation switch can automatically induce an “off” condition when the light is disposed outside a predetermined angular range of orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Rufus Butler Seder
  • Patent number: 8028447
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a decorative block comprising an open celled constructing block and a support rod suspending one or more ornaments such as art, logos and/or other decorative images or designs as part of a wall is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Ann Holford Dunham
  • Publication number: 20110203145
    Abstract: An illuminating electronic gift or souvenir device a case in the shape of a small telescope, binocular or monocular and an internal electronic circuit including a type of integrated circuit and luminescent elements such as LEDs or similar lights which cause, upon actuating a switch on the outside, multiple and diverse lighting effects that lead to a visual effect that simulates a starry sky or galaxies in motion, inspiring the imagination of the user of the device. The circuit can be programmed to present lighting effects in its interior that are static or changing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Jose Daniel Martin Catoira
  • Publication number: 20110088292
    Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of a toy and/or packaging and/or another item which includes a light illumination system to allow one or more features provided on at least one sheet of material provided as part of the item, to be rendered more viewable when the light sources are illuminated. The feature is formed on a surface of the sheet material and into the same, typically by etching or another material removal operation. Animated effects can be created by the sequential illumination of the light sources. Audio means can also be provided to be operated in conjunction with the light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Kay, Ross Worthington
  • Patent number: 7929065
    Abstract: A LCD hanging-brand using solar energy for advertising, which includes a transparent base, a transparent scaling cover, a PCB board, a picture layer, a LCD sheet, a solar sheet, LEDs, a storage battery and a metal coil. One or more color transparent films can be mounted in the picture layer, and the films can be rotated by a motor or a rotating button. The LCD sheet is transparent when it is not turned on, and the image of the picture layer can be seen through the LCD sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Sze Keun Chan
  • Patent number: 7870686
    Abstract: A subway tunnel light box for displaying a back-lighted image to a viewer inside of a subway car traveling in the subway tunnel in which a transparent video display for displaying a number of images, such as an LCD, is mounted in the light box and a narrow light source, preferably having a width of one pixel, is positioned in the box behind each of the images at a distance less than a typical viewing distance so that each image is illuminated by an associated narrow light source with an associated narrow light source horizontal illumination angle substantially the same as a preselected perceived horizontal viewing angle calculated for the typical viewing distance based upon a physical height of the transparent video display and a desired aspect ratio of a perceived image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen P. Hines
  • Patent number: 7827712
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying back-lighted images to viewers moving along a path of travel past viewing boxes containing transparent images illuminated by substantially vertical light sources which are then reflected to obtain a shallow light box depth relative to the transparent images, the light sources being located behind the transparent images, relative to the viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Stephen P. Hines
  • Patent number: 7788833
    Abstract: An animated light source and method are provided. The light source may include a plurality of solid-state emitters and a control circuit for controlling the selective energization of the emitters individually to from a beam of light along an axis. The emitters may be selectively energized to provide the appearance of motion of light within the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: Lane T. Hauck, Kevin T. Hauck
  • Patent number: 7762704
    Abstract: An edge-lit panel features extractor patterns that produce uniform illumination. The effective density of extractor pattern pixels is adjusted to achieve uniform illumination. A method of adjusting the effective pixel density of extractor pattern pixels to achieve uniform illumination entails adjusting areas of darkness of a grayscale image, then producing a binary image by dithering the grayscale image, and applying an extractor pattern corresponding to the binary image to a surface of the panel. The extractor pixels correspond to pixels of the binary image derived from a dithered grayscale image, with the darkness of the grayscale image increasing with distance from the light source. Effective pixel density is increased to compensate for attenuated output in dim areas. By adjusting gray shading darkness of a grayscale image, pixel density can be adjusted to achieve uniform light emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Bryter Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Brychell
  • Patent number: 7762452
    Abstract: A validator with a lighted bezel having a series of spaced lighted segments to one side of a banknote slot provides functional information and also defines an attract mode for potential purchasers. The validator is designed to enhance and to complement the traditional advertising used by the associated equipment or systems such as a vending machine. Preferably, a pulsing light sequence for turning lighted bar segments of different lengths is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Crane Canada Co.
    Inventors: Sergiy Androsyuk, Dmitro Baydin, Yuri Rusakov, Oleksandr Lukonin
  • Patent number: 7696865
    Abstract: An electronic message board includes a housing removably affixed to an interior surface of a selected window of a vehicle. Such housing is visible to another driver during driving conditions and includes a back wall with front and rear planar surfaces respectively and a first electrically conductive plate with a planar rear surface directly attached to the front surface of the back wall. The message board further includes a light display removably interfitted within the housing, a light emitting diode array, a transparent faceplate with predetermined indicia formed in a front surface thereof, and a mechanism for selectively actuating the light display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Marvin Robinson
  • Publication number: 20100018091
    Abstract: An animated foldable card that includes a base page, shield page, first intermediate page and second intermediate page all having top, bottom, left and right edges. The shield page includes a window defined therein and its bottom edge is hingedly connected to the top edge of the base page. The right edge of the first intermediate page is hingedly connected to the left edge of the base page, and the right edge of the second intermediate page is hingedly connected to the left edge of the first intermediate page. The card also includes a moveable page having top, bottom, left and right edges. The right edge of the moveable page is hingedly connected to the left edge of the second intermediate page, and the moveable page includes one of either a plurality of shutter elements or at least one coded image associated therewith. Either the base page or the shield page includes the other of the plurality of shutter elements and the at least one coded image associated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: AMERICHIP, INC.
    Inventors: David John Rosendale, Timothy P. Clegg
  • Publication number: 20100011637
    Abstract: The invention provides a displaying device such as a souvenir product and method thereof. The device comprises a visual effecter and a display, wherein the visual effecter comprises at least one encapsulated electronic-optical element; the display can be a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional display or any combination thereof; the display locates outside the visual effecter; and the display is subject to the visual effect of the visual effecter. The invention exhibits some merits such as easy manufacturability, lower failure rate, improved cost-effectiveness, production efficiency, easy handling and speedy supply, and better product stability and reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: Yudong Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090293329
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a screen device capable of producing a dynamic screen effect in a screen device of a side sectional illumination method. In a configuration for the dynamic screen effect, a transparent material flat board fragment set (1, 1?) is configured in one flat surface of a set of transparent material flat board fragments (22). An image (2) is arranged in one side flat surface of the transparent material flat board fragment set (1, 1?). In a lower-end side section, an illuminating light device (3) is configured such that a controller (4) controls a light turn-on sequence and a hue variation sequence. In another configuration, a backside screen (V) is attached to the backside of the transparent material flat board fragment set (1, 1?) and the illuminating light device (3) is configured to be controlled by the controller (4) in the lower-end side section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Kyung-Hee Kim
  • Publication number: 20090255156
    Abstract: An illusionary light source device is disclosed. The illusionary light source device includes a light emitting unit and a picture layer. The picture layer can partially block and partially transmit the light from the light emitting unit. Blocking areas and transmitting areas of the picture layer can be properly arranged to form a picture. The picture is therefore presented by the transmitting light. The illusionary light source device further includes a partial-light-blocking layer. The partial-light-blocking layer also can partially block and partially transmit the light from the light emitting unit. The partial-light-blocking layer is disposed between the light emitting unit and the picture layer. Light is emitted through the partial-light-blocking layer and then presented on the picture layer. By the relative motion between any two of the light emitting unit, the partial-light-blocking layer and the picture layer, the picture layer presents a wonderful light show.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Chia-chun Lai, Regina-weiyao Wang
  • Publication number: 20090140042
    Abstract: An encased stored value card for decoratively presenting is provided comprising an electronic light and/or audio circuit with a switch and a lighting element and/or a speaker; and a housing for holding the electronic circuit permanently as well as the card removably. The housing may have different opening schemes including an upper shell and a lower shell joined by one or more hinge connections and a lock to allow the shells to swivel between a closed position where the upper shell mates with the lower shell temporarily and an open position for retrieval of the card. The electronic circuit is generally embedded in the housing but for the lighting element and speaker so that the lighting element is partially exposed through the housing and is configured to illuminate upon activation of the switch and at the same time the speaker propagates sound at perforations locally formed through the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy Clegg
  • Publication number: 20080291695
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a display device capable of displaying a prescribed display pattern by making the pattern luminous as needed, while the rear side can usually be seen through easily. In order to achieve it, a display pattern 20 is formed with minute recesses 29 provided on at least one surface of a translucent substrate 10, and at least one light source 30 is disposed on a side end face of the translucent substrate 10. The area density of the minute recesses 29 constituting the display pattern 20 is set to not more than 20%, and the opening area of one recess 29 is set to not more than 0.03 mm2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Yutaka Okayasu, Shogo Nagasaka, Shinya Sonoda, Tsuyoshi Kubota
  • Publication number: 20080198576
    Abstract: Imbedded in glass vessels like drinking glasses and bottles an electronic device that shines when the glass vessel is moved. The rays of light would travel through the thickness of the glass and/or through the liquid therein. The electronic device is powered by a battery and the movement of the vessel closes an electronic circuit which turns on the light. When the vessel is stationary the electrical circuit is broken so that the light would switch off. The bulb could be a led type or other low power user. There could be a switch accessible from outside the vessel to turn off the possibility of the light shining. In another embodiment the battery, light and other apparatus of this invention would be in an independent base into which a glass vessel would stand. The light effect would be similar as described above when the vessel and the base are tilted and/or otherwise moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Ari Eliaz, Shmuel Shaki, Yosef Aharoni, Eliyahou Gabay
  • Patent number: 7406787
    Abstract: An illuminated sign (2) comprises a sign panel (5) and at least two elements of electroluminescent material (14, 15) each element being individually selectively actuable and arranged to emit light so as to illuminate the sign panel. Each element may be used as a photodetector or a photo-emitter. A retro-reflective strip (10) may provide additional visibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Stephan Trevor Smith, Mark Southgate Walter, Mike Bodeckyj
  • Patent number: 7406785
    Abstract: A display device selectively provides a first and second displays. A first light source emits first light, and a second light source emits second light having peak wavelength different from the first light, and a translucent sheet hit selectively by one of the first and second lights. The translucent sheet has first printed area parts formed on a first surface of the sheet to pass only the first light for providing the first display, second printed area parts formed on the first surface to pass only the second light for providing the second display, third printed area parts formed on the first surface to prevent light transmittance, and printed dimmer area parts formed on a second surface at areas corresponding to overlapped area parts of the first and second displays so as to suppress the first and second lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventor: Kunihiko Noguchi
  • Patent number: 7329035
    Abstract: There is disclosed a nightlight that can be held or worn by a child and that can display projected images in 3-D mode upon a flat surface to comfort and provide assurance for a child when left in the dark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Marcos T. Feliciano
  • Patent number: 7310900
    Abstract: A liquid-filled display device includes a hollow member mounted on a transparent top end wall of a hollow base and confining a water-tight inner space filled with a liquid body, and a display unit mounted on the top end wall and having a top wall and two transparent sidewalls connected to the hollow member. The sidewalls and the top wall cooperate with the hollow member and the top end wall to confine a display space. At least one of the sidewalls is provided with an advertisement. An air pump unit is mounted in the base, and is operable so as to supply fine air bubbles into the liquid body through a diffuser set mounted within the inner space. A lamp unit mounted in the base beneath the hollow member is operable so as to radiate colored light that penetrates through the top end wall into the inner space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 7308768
    Abstract: An exhibit including a non-planar outer piece formed from a plurality of substantially flat lenticular panels. The outer piece defines an interior and is configured to display an external view of the interior through the plurality of substantially flat lenticular panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike L. Rice, April E. Jackson, James J. Marson