Selective Or Intermittent Illumination Patents (Class 40/442)
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Patent number: 7303309Abstract: A backlit sign with an LED module, with a housing that includes a top wall having a first length, a bottom wall having a second length, and a pair of opposing sidewalls each having a third length, wherein at least a portion of one of the sidewalls is translucent. One or more LED modules are mounted to the top wall and include a plurality of LEDs for producing light. The first, second and third lengths are selected to maximize illumination of the sidewalls by the produced light, and to minimize a width and weight of the sign. A mirror can be used to increase the reflectivity of the bottom wall.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2004Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Leotek Electronics CorporationInventors: Chen H. Wu, Steve Bacilieri
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Patent number: 7237360Abstract: A shelter and a method of providing a shelter are provided. The shelter includes a roof structure supported by a plurality of wall structures. The wall structures are anchored securely into at least one foundation. A display panel extends adjacent to at least one of the wall structures but is structurally separate therefrom. The display panel includes advertising materials.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Cemusa, Inc.Inventors: Fernando R. Moncho, Juan M. Norverto
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Patent number: 7174664Abstract: A battery powered, hand-held signaling device having an illuminated display capable of selectively displaying illuminated indicia including the words “STOP”, “SLOW” and “GO” is privided. The illuminated indicia are preferably color-coded, whereby the word “STOP” is displayed in illuminated red letters, the word “GO” is displayed in illuminated green letters, and the word “SLOW” is illuminated in yellow letters thereby maximizing recognition by an observer, such as the driver of an approaching vehicle. Selection of a particular message to be displayed is accomplished by user actuation of suitable electrical switching circuitry. In alternate embodiments, the device may be adapted for displaying a host of other illuminated messages, such as “TURN RIGHT,” “TURN LEFT, ” “PARK,” etc.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Inventor: Eric Spencer
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Patent number: 7086770Abstract: An apparatus and a method for producing an animation effect are disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one light reflecting member, a first light source, a second light source, and means to intermittently activate the first and second light sources to produce an animation effect.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Inventors: Robert Tell, David B. Fisher
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Patent number: 7024809Abstract: A visual display consisting of multiple transparent sheets of material in which a color separated image component is reproduced inside each of the optically transparent sheets and are illuminated by a selective discernible light source about the receiving edges of the respective sheets. The sheets are positioned in spaced overlying relationship to one another with aligned image components viewable therefore as a single composite image. The discernible light source can be selectively sequenced to produce light in the range of the respective primary visual colors beyond that of the primary colors from which it is derived on independent sheets.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Inventor: James Poma
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Patent number: 6988820Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device for producing an illumination pattern (6) with a variable shape and luminous intensity to a target (5). The illumination device comprises at least partly translucent and light-reflecting optical piece (1), several light sources (3) producing a conical light pattern, fixed in such a manner that the position and angle of the same can be adjusted in relation to each other and/or to the optical piece (1), and an electronic control unit (4) that is electrically coupled to each light source (3) in such a manner that the intensity of the light produced by each light source (3) can be adjusted under the control of the control unit (4). The optical piece (1) is attached in such a manner that the light beams produced by the light sources (3) are arranged to propagate at least partly via the optical piece (1) to the target (5) to be illuminated.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Inventor: Mauri Drufva
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Patent number: 6939021Abstract: A light assembly includes a generally triangular shaped housing having a front surface and a back surface opposite the front surface. The light assembly further includes at least a first light emitting device disposed in the housing configured to emit a non-flashing light from the front surface of the housing. Finally, the light assembly includes at least a second light emitting device disposed in the housing configured to emit a flashing light from the back surface of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Stuart Leslie, Roland Zeder
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Patent number: 6880276Abstract: The present invention provides an illuminated electronic display which in one preferred form employs LED's to form characters in a message that is desired to be displayed to an intended viewer. A display of the invention is translucent, and is thus suitable for placement in locations which precluded locating illuminated electronic displays of the prior art in those same locations by virtue of the opaqueness of the displays of the prior art. A display means according to the invention may be placed in the rear window of an automobile, without adversely impacting the drivability of the vehicle owing to the translucency of the display. Other window locations are suitable for employment of a device according to the invention as well.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Inventors: Walter Strein, Martin L. Yun
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Patent number: 6862824Abstract: An ornamental display assembly includes a display container having an opening at a first end. A closure member is provided and is movable between an open position, wherein the opening is unobstructed by the closure member, and a closed position, wherein the opening is blocked by the closure member. A decorative sculpture is displayed inside the container. An electronic apparatus is disposed in the container in operable communication with the closure member, such that when the closure member is in the open position the electronic apparatus is activated, and when the closure member is in the closed position the electronic apparatus is deactivated. The electronic apparatus is a music box, a lighting display, an electric motor, or any combination thereof. The ornamental display assembly further includes a magnetically operated switch for activation of the electronic apparatus, and a magnet located in the closure member.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2002Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Mr. Christmas Inc.Inventors: Terry Hermanson, Huang Meng-Suen
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Patent number: 6851209Abstract: An integrated advertisement board includes a frame, several light emitting elements arranged on the frame in a form of a matrix, and a controlling circuit electrically connected to the light emitting element; the controlling circuit is used for making each light emitting element emit light and stop emitting light in an alternate way for the light emitting element to present patterns as well as for the patterns to have constantly changing appearance.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Gen-Home Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jui-Sheng Lin, Yuan-Tai Hsieh
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Patent number: 6851208Abstract: A firefly simulation device which has a first depending flexible line segment, a motor driven fan at the distal end of the first depending flexible line segment, a second depending flexible line segment and an LED at the distal end of the second depending flexible line segment. The fan provides thrust in a plane normal to the first depending flexible line segment. The LED has a small light-transmitting opening able to be eclipsed by the LED body. In a darkened environment, the device provides apparent random motion and blinking of a light simulating a firefly.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Inventor: Timothy L. Carter
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Patent number: 6827448Abstract: A merchandise display case and system are provided, comprising a frame housing an image projector, a mirror and a rear-display panel on which the merchandise is supported and displayed, to provide a view that is a combination of the merchandise and an image emanating from below or behind the merchandise. The emanating image and the selected placement and positioning of the merchandise on the emanating image can be coordinated physically and thematically to create a unique visual experience. The system is interactive, operative in default and interactive modes and includes various video image sources which may be selected by a customer who provides user input signals to a microcontroller subsystem which controls the plurality of video image sources and other components to be responsive to the customer.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: The Neiman Marcus GroupInventors: Joseph Cimini, Ignaz M. Gorischek
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Patent number: 6797366Abstract: Multilayer polymeric films and other optical bodies are provided which is useful in making colored mirrors and polarizers. The films are characterized by a change in color as a function of viewing angle.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Gary B. Hanson, James M. Jonza, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, John A. Wheatley
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Publication number: 20040177536Abstract: A firefly simulation device which has a first depending flexible line segment, a motor driven fan at the distal end of the first depending flexible line segment, a second depending flexible line segment and an LED at the distal end of the second depending flexible line segment. The fan provides thrust in a plane normal to the first depending flexible line segment. The LED has a small light-transmitting opening able to be eclipsed by the LED body. In a darkened environment, the device provides apparent random motion and blinking of a light simulating a firefly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventor: Timothy L. Carter
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Patent number: 6783255Abstract: The present invention discloses a cup trophy structure, including: a base; a figure object and at least one luminous object disposed on the base, and such luminous object being rotary and coupled to a control circuit by a circuit, and the control circuit being coupled to a switch for the user to turn on/off the control circuit in order to control the luminous object, such that the luminous object follows the instructions to produce different variations of lights and provide the best projection angle to project the light on the figure object by controlling the rotation of the luminous object to the figure object more prominent and produce an overall different light effect.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Inventor: Liao Tsang-Tse
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Publication number: 20040128879Abstract: This invention relates to a display apparatus which comprises the transparent container has at least one open end and a space. The jelly layer and the max layer are filled in the transparent container. The upper of the transparent container is the max layer which can seal up the jelly layer so that the liquid in the jelly layer won't permeate or evaporate. The jelly layer is used to display the floating decoration. The max layer has the candlewick thereon to display the decoration by using the projected candlelight and lamplights to enhance the practical and ornamental functions. A lighting device can be placed under the display apparatus to display another scene trough the various layers of light.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventor: Chia Ping Lu
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Patent number: 6692138Abstract: An apparatus which provides a substantially planar display device. Such apparatus including a predetermined plurality of sets of lights. Each of such predetermined plurality of sets of lights including an even number of lights connected to one circuit to be simultaneously energized thereby. The lights in such set being disposed in a substantially symmetrical array having at least four mirror axes and an energization device connected to such predetermined plurality of such sets of lights for energizing BP predetermined plurality of such sets of lights in an apparently random manner.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Inventor: Todd E. Chornenky
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Publication number: 20030233775Abstract: A divider bar for checkout counters includes a backlighting arrangement that senses motion occurring, for example, when the customers approach the checkout station or when the bar is moved for use by a customer. In the preferred embodiment the illumination serves to call attention to the advertising displayed within the divider bar. The bar is elongated and transparent with a polygonal, preferably rectangular or square cross section. At least one end of the bar has end caps equipped with a motion detector in close proximity that activate sources of illumination to emphasize advertising which can be viewed through the transparent walls of the divider bar. The circuitry and source of illumination is supported by a plate, which slides loosely and is positioned diagonally within the rectangular cross section of the bar. The transparent plate acts also to hold panels or sheets of advertising in position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2003Publication date: December 25, 2003Inventor: Ed Klopfer
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Patent number: 6666742Abstract: A material that phosphoresces may be controlled and the phosphorescence may be terminated when desired. A phosphorescing material may be exposed to an energy source that causes the material to stop phosphorescing. Thus, a pattern may be written on a surface, which is phosphorescing using a coherent energy source. The written pattern, represented by darkened regions, may be recognized by users as a symbol, a graphics or text.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: David H. Koizumi
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Patent number: 6651365Abstract: Apparatus for producing a continuous animated display of one or more images within a single display frame space utilizing sequenced illumination patterns or arrays of groups of optical fibers for illuminating each of a plurality of sub-frame images in a pre-programmed, timed sequence to achieve one or more animation techniques imparting continuous animated motion to the one or more images for producing the desired animated motion on a planar surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1997Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: ANI-Motion, Inc.Inventor: Harry L. Wainwright
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Patent number: 6607275Abstract: A merchandise display case and system are provided, comprising a frame housing an image projector, a mirror and a rear-display panel on which the merchandise is supported and displayed, to provide a view that is a combination of the merchandise and an image emanating from below or behind the merchandise. The emanating image and the selected placement and positioning of the merchandise on the emanating image can be coordinated physically and thematically to create a unique visual experience. The system is interactive, operative in default and interactive modes and includes various video image sources which may be selected by a customer who provides user input signals to a microcontroller subsystem which controls the plurality of video image sources and other components to be responsive to the customer.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Cimini, Ignaz M. Gorischek
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Publication number: 20030137841Abstract: The present invention is to provide a large group of decoration light string. The decoration light string is generally used multiple luminaries connected with multiple electrical conductor with serial, parallel or serial and parallel circuit loop into little group of decoration light string. Thereafter, comprising multiple little groups of decoration light strings into a large group of decoration light string. In more detail, the present invention provides a large group decoration light string, thus, luminaries are connected by the power connector via serial, parallel or serial and parallel circuit loop into little group of decoration light string. Then, comprising multiple little group decoration light strings establish a large group of decoration light string. Multiple little group decoration light strings are flashing randomly or orderly via this control device thus establish motional style.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2003Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventor: Jeng-Shyong Wu
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Patent number: 6595826Abstract: A material that phosphoresces may be controlled and the phosphorescence may be terminated when desired. A phosphorescing material may be exposed to an energy source that causes the material to stop phosphorescing. Thus, a pattern may be written on a surface, which is phosphorescing using a coherent energy source. The written pattern, represented by darkened regions, may be recognized by users as a symbol, a graphics or text.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: David H. Koizumi
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Publication number: 20030131508Abstract: In decoration at festive occasions, objects such as, candles and flowers that have a limited lifespan can only be used at one festive occasion after which they are usually not suitable for re-use. This creates a need for an object that can be re used as decoration at festive occasions and wherever else it may be suitable, that is relatively inexpensive, versatile and appealing to the eye.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventor: Paul Maritz
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Patent number: 6591530Abstract: A dynamic picture set for displaying pictures and decorative characters and patterns with a dynamic visual effect consists of a picture sheet, a transparent body and a back plate located behind the picture sheet, and a frame located in front of the picture sheet. The picture sheet has a rear side adhering to decorative characters or a picture and a first opening formed at a lower section. The back plate has a transparent jutting section to wedge in the first opening. The jutting section has peripheral rims surrounded by a layer of cold light strip and a front or a rear side carved with selected characters or patterns. The transparent body has a plurality of indented refractive patterns formed on a rear or a front side thereof. The frame has a display device located at one corner to display time or art temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Inventor: Ching-Shin Liao
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Patent number: 6534158Abstract: Disclosed are articles having a color shifting film and indicia located behind the color shifting film. The indicia include at least a first and second colored portion, the first portion including a first fluorescent colorant. The second colored portion is non-fluorescent but has a color similar to that of the first portion to enhance concealment of the indicia under certain viewing conditions. At least one of the colored portions is patterned.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Peng Huang, Hong Ji, Yaoqi J. Liu
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Publication number: 20030046838Abstract: A sign assembly 10 that implements electronic paper to display an animated image. The sign assembly includes a controller 12, a power supply 14, a pair of substantially transparent, electrically conductive sheets 16, 18, and a sheet of electronic paper 24, which is sandwiched between sheets 16, 18. Image layers 20, 22 are imprinted on the sheets 16, 18, or are alternatively held frictionally adjacent to sheets 16, 18 by a frame assembly 56. Image layers 20, 22 include substantially transparent regions 36, 38, 40 and 42 in which sheet 24 is visible. The conductive sheets 16, 18 are connected to controller 12 which provides an electronic signal which is varied over time resulting in the display of an animated or changing image which may be visible when viewed from one or both sides of the sign assembly 10.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2001Publication date: March 13, 2003Inventor: Charles O'Connell
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Patent number: 6491395Abstract: An image reproducing apparatus having a small size and which is highly portable reproduces an image contained within a hologram or holographic stereogram. In one embodiment, when a movable section movably attached to an apparatus body is moved from a first position, in which the movable section abuts the apparatus body, to a second position in which the movable section and apparatus body are separated, illumination light from a light source is irradiated at a predetermined incidence angle onto a hologram or holographic stereogram attached to a hologram attach section. In other embodiments, light from a light source is reflected from an edge portion of a light transmitting member, or from a separately provided mirror, to be irradiated at a predetermined angle onto the hologram or holographic stereogram.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Akira Shirakura, Seijiro Tomita, Toshio Kikuchi, Toshio Iribe, Nobuhiro Kihara
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Patent number: 6485350Abstract: An animated holiday-scene display device for providing decorative entertainment tools. The animated holiday-scene display device includes a base member having a top side and being adapted to rest upon a surface; and also includes an ornamental figurine being mounted upon the topside of the base member and having a body and movable arms; and further includes an ornamental object also being mounted upon the top side of the base member; and also includes a light-emitting assembly being disposed throughout the ornamental object; and further includes an assembly for actuating movement of the ornamental figurine.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Inventor: Agnes Giglio
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Patent number: 6475586Abstract: A unidirectionally visible printing member includes a light-transmitting base material, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a re-releasable pressure-sensitive adhesive, formed on the base material, and a sheet member including an opaque layer and an image-forming layer and having through-cuts, formed on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The sheet member, when peeled, is capable of remaining partly on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer in conformity with the cuts, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is capable of remaining on the base material and being uncovered at the part other than the part where the sheet member remains on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: General Co., Ltd.Inventor: Osamu Ikawa
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Patent number: 6471364Abstract: A lollypop having an internally illuminated stem to form a pleasing visual effect. A chemiluminescent cylinder is used as the stem. One end of the stem is exposed for gripping by the user. The other is embedded in the center of the lollypop—which is made of hard translucent candy. The lollypop, including the chemiluminescent stem, is packaged as one disposable unit. When the user wishes to consume the candy, the user removes the unit from its packaging. The user then bends the exposed portion of the stem which fractures an internal chemical separation barrier within the stem. The user then shakes the unit, which mixes the two chemicals within the stem and produces the chemiluminescence. This results in the entire stem giving off a soft light, including the portion embedded within the translucent candy.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Inventor: Jon M. Plante
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Publication number: 20020124446Abstract: The present invention relates to a Christmas decorative box, which includes a lighting source and lighting fibers. The outer end of the lighting fiber can be extended and connected with the shell of the box at the surrounding positions. When the lighting source is lighting, the light can be emitted through the lighting fiber to the surrounding surface of the box to obtain a multiple lighting spots for a whole lighting mask decorative effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2001Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventor: Fu-Shien Hsu
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Patent number: 6447137Abstract: A lamp illuminates a waterfall from behind as a liquid cascades down the outside of a housing into a basin. From the basin, the liquid flows through a cavity in the housing, behind a body and through a pump, through an outflow line, through a cap with filter, and into a liquid retainer at the top of the body. The liquid retainer overflows, allowing the liquid to cascade down the outside of the body and back into the basin for recirculation. The enclosure comprises alternating opaque and translucent bands. A light source within the cavity behind the enclosure illuminates an inside surface of the body with the translucent bands transmitting light through the cascading liquid, producing an appealing visual effect.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1999Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Inventor: James David Long
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Publication number: 20020112384Abstract: Disclosed are articles having a color shifting film and indicia located behind the color shifting film. The indicia include at least a first and second colored portion, the first portion including a first fluorescent colorant. The second colored portion is non-fluorescent but has a color similar to that of the first portion to enhance concealment of the indicia under certain viewing conditions. At least one of the colored portions is patterned.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Inventors: Peng Huang, Hong Ji, Yaoqi J. Liu
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Patent number: 6420008Abstract: A display sticker with integral LED flasher circuit and power source adapted to be adhesively affixed to and readily removed from a fabric article. A printed circuit board having an LED, a control circuit and a battery is adhesively affixed to the back surface of a thin flexible sheet having printed indicia on its front surface. A rubber-based, pressure-sensitive adhesive is provided on the back surface of the flexible sheet to adhere the circuit board thereto, and also to adhere the sticker assembly to a fabric article such as an article of clothing.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Buztronics, Inc.Inventors: Edward D. Lewis, Raymond W. Leung
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Publication number: 20020075681Abstract: An apparatus which provides a substantially planar display device. Such apparatus including a predetermined plurality of sets of lights. Each of such predetermined plurality of sets of lights including an even number of lights connected to one circuit to be simultaneously energized thereby. The lights in such set being disposed in a substantially symmetrical array having at least four mirror axes and an energization device connected to such predetermined plurality of such sets of lights for energizing BP predetermined plurality of such sets of lights in an apparently random manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventor: Todd E. Chornenky
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Patent number: 6382814Abstract: A decorative lighting display composed of ornaments, each having a form resembling a snowflake and illuminated by a light or lights. The illumination of the ornaments is sequenced by an electronic controller to create the illusion of falling snow when the display is mounted on a house, tree or other surface. The ornaments may be connected electrically by multi-conductor connectors which are wired in a configuration that maintains the proper sequence of ornament illumination as additional ornaments are added to the display. The controller has features that allow for adjustment of the sequencing rate and direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventor: Daniel W. Petrocelli
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Patent number: 6345457Abstract: A decorative article for simulating a snow scene. The article includes a housing, a figurine, simulated snow, circulating apparatus, and illuminating apparatus. The figurine and the simulated snow are disposed in the housing, and the figurine is supported on a figurine support therein. The circulating apparatus is disposed in the housing and circulates the simulated snow therearound. The illuminating apparatus is disposed in, and illuminates, the housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Inventor: William P. Bradley
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Patent number: 6328163Abstract: A morphing candy holding device including a main housing with a primary chamber and a second chamber. The primary chamber includes an aperture through which a piece of candy secured in the primary chamber can be pushed for consumption by a consumer. A lower housing includes a candy stick holder in the primary chamber which pushes the candy up through the aperture for consumption. The secondary electrical circuit includes a power source, an integrated circuit, a control switch for controlling the electrical circuitry. The electrical circuitry in addition to the integrated circuit includes four LED lights which are in a series from a bottom of the secondary chamber to an upper end of the chamber. The LED lights shine through a series of transition pictures which change from one form to another form from the lower end of the secondary chamber to the upper end of the secondary chamber. Lowering the lower housing inactivates the electrical switch.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Inventors: Thomas J. Coleman, William K. Schlotter, IV, Princess Ann Coleman, Ann M. Schlotter
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Patent number: 6312141Abstract: The lamp assembly includes an emitting framework, a supporting ball, radiating levers and electronic-controller. The emitting framework is connected to the radiating levers via the supporting ball; the radiating levers to which explosion lamps and flashing lamps attach are bent into such a shape as to produce the effect of fireworks exploding; the electronic-controller is connected with firing lamps, explosive lamps and flashing lamp. The specially manufactured lamp assembly can effectively simulate the explosion process of fireworks controlled by electronic-control system.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1999Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Inventor: Limin Liu
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Patent number: 6258429Abstract: A see-through, one-way panel having a white opaque substrate with a dark pigmented adhesive on the rear side. The pigmented adhesive is covered with a release liner. The substrate, adhesive and liner are perforated and thereafter an imperforate barrier is laminated over the release liner. The front surface may be top coated to accept a dye based ink. The front surface is printed with an image by thermal or piezo ink jet printing technology. The resulting panel may then be adhesively applied to a surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1998Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Inventor: Stephen G. Nelson
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Patent number: 6212805Abstract: A panel includes a sheet of light permeable, preferably optically clear transparent material and a transparent or translucent design superimposed on or forming part of a transparent or translucent base pattern. The design is visible from one side of the panel and a mirror image of the design is visible from the other side of the panel when a sufficiently high level of illuminated is provided on either side or both sides of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1998Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Contra Vision LimitedInventor: George Roland Hill
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Patent number: 6205690Abstract: A panel, page or substrate is provided having a tier of electroluminescent (EL) material which forms a pattern corresponding to a series of images. When illuminated in accord with a predetermined sequence, the series of images provide an illusion of movement. A sound generator is provided to produce a predetermined audible response associated with the predetermined sequence. One or more flexible membrane switches are coupled to simultaneously activate both the EL material and the sound generator when depressed. A layer bearing a plurality of icons, with each of said plurality of icons being associated with one of a first and second set of icons. The first set of icons is adapted to be viewable with an unaided eye on a continuous basis, and the second set of icons comprises the pattern of the EL material and are selectively viewable with the unaided eye, when the EL material illuminates.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1996Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: XS Energy International, Inc.Inventors: George W. Heropoulos, Tamas L. Torma
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Patent number: 6163994Abstract: A changeable display element is edgewise mounted on an insulating board and carries to rotate through about 180.degree. to show one color face or the other to a viewer. The board provides a similarly colored face for each face to form a pixel. The element carries a permanent magnet and is driven by a switchable magnetic field provided from the board. Soft iron pads on the board cooperate with the magnet on each position to retain the element against incidental displacement between application of the field. The board may support arrays of such elements.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Mark IV Industries LimitedInventor: Veso S. Tijanic
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Patent number: 6145228Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Inventor: James L. LaChance
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Patent number: 6112437Abstract: A lateral animation display is carried on a useful article, such as an item of wearing apparel or the like. In one example, a shoe is provided with an integral animated display. An array of light sources is disposed within the shoe. A corresponding array of image frames depicts a stop-action sequence, such as stop-action images of a person running. An optional array of baffles confines light from each of the light sources to a corresponding one of the image frames. The individual light sources are sequentially activated so as to sequentially illuminate the corresponding image frames and thereby present an animated display of the stop-action sequence.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Inventor: Bert Lovitt
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Patent number: 6111759Abstract: A display array including a board resembling a printed circuit board or printed wiring board to which are pivotally mounted a plurality of display elements whose appearance in a viewing direction is controlled by a sense of magnetization of a core which extends through a bore in the board. A conducting coil formed on the surface of the board is located so that current in the coil will magnetize the core.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Mark IV Industries LimitedInventors: Veso S. Tijanic, Matthew D. Dennis, Coeman L. S. Wong, Van H. Le
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Patent number: 6105289Abstract: A display system for translucent objects comprising a shelf having an upper surface and a lower surface with apertures extending through the shelf. A fiber optic strand has an input end and an output end positioned through each aperture with its output end located at the upper surface of a shelf and with the strands extending downwardly to the bottom end and rearwardly thereof and terminating at a remote location. A source of illumination is located adjacent to the input end with a color wheel is rotatable in a path of travel between the source of illumination and the input ends of the bundle, the color wheel including segments of different colors whereby rotation of the color wheel while the source of illumination is illuminated will effect a continuous change of colors at the output end for providing a simulated internal luminescence of the objects being displayed. A supplemental shelf is located above the shelf with a lower surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Advanced Power Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Devin Grandis
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Patent number: 6077144Abstract: The invention is directed to a candy holding device for holding a piece of candy and displaying a random message in response to a movement of the candy. The candy holding device includes a housing having a message display portion, a source of battery power disposed within the housing, a holder disposed within the housing and adapted to hold the stick, a switch disposed within the housing and adjacent to the stick such that a movement of the stick causes an actuation of the switch, and an electronic circuit coupled to the battery and the switch. The circuit is adapted to randomly select in the message display portion one from a plurality of messages in response to the actuation of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Toycept, Inc.Inventor: John D. Fishman
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Patent number: 6036334Abstract: An illuminating apparatus is formed with an ultraviolet lamp and at least one incandescent lamps that repeat a predetermined illumination pattern in which the lamps are turned on, gradually brightened within a predetermined period, gradually dimmed out within a predetermined period subsequent to a period for the maximum illumination thereof, and then turned off, to light a picture, which is supported on a frame to which the illuminating apparatus is attached, to be recognized as nighttime and daytime views with natural changes therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1996Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Timely Elegance Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuo Nakano