Abstract: A combination advertising and warning sign for mounting in a retail store to display promotional materials and warn of spills and other hazardous conditions includes a housing and a movable warning arm. The housing has a front cover removably hinged to a horizontal edge of a base member. The housing can take a closed position in which the cover and base form a closed cavity concealing the warning arm. When the housing is closed, a display region for mounting the promotional material is visible at a front exterior of the cover. The housing can be opened by pivoting the cover about the hinges. When the housing is open, warning indicia are revealed and the warning arm can be pivoted horizontally to an extended position substantially perpendicular to the housing. A switch-activated audio alarm disposed within the housing cavity can also be operated.

Abstract: A trading card having an electroluminescent feature in combination with a display stand providing a power source. When the trading card is placed in the display stand, the power source from the display stand energizes the electroluminescent feature of the trading card, thereby providing illuminated graphics and making the trading card more interactive. The trading card can include a circuit that facilitates moving graphics displays and can further drive a speaker to allow for audio in conjunction with the illumination.

Abstract: A carousel type display including a spring powered music box in which a horizontal rotating wheel-like element has selectively engageable recesses from which a plurality of display units are selectively suspended. The display units may include small picture frames, as well as comparably sized three dimensional ornaments which are provided with upwardly-extending pendants, spherically shaped terminals which allow rotation about a vertically oriented axis.

Abstract: A photo album includes a CPU that records audio and control buttons located adjacent to each of a plurality of photograph-accommodating pockets on leaves of the photo album. A microphone unit is used to record audio sound bites for each photograph stored in the album and a control button is pressed to activate a playback circuit, which includes a speaker on the album, to play back the audio recorded for the selected photograph.

Abstract: A system for delivering audio, visual, or audiovisual entertainment, educational material and advertising to users of public and private restrooms, including visual images, and or sound programming, throughout the restroom or in discrete areas thereof, placed so that the images and/or sound can be conveniently seen and/or heard by users of these facilities. Optionally the system may be programmed to turn on when the restroom facilities are being used, and to be turned off either when the facility is vacated, or after a set time has elapsed.

Abstract: A sound emitting advertising and information display device which has a roller housing which has an internal chamber. A sheet member is wound on a roller and is contained within the internal chamber. The sheet member is to be manually extendable from the housing with advertising indicia that is located on the sheet member to then be capable of being read by a human. During the time of extending of the sheet member, a sound is emitted that is to correspond with the advertising indicia. The advertising display device is to be attached to the front end of a product supporting shelf in a store.

Abstract: An article having an lenticular image formed thereon and a sound generating mechanism associated therewith for generating a sound message, the sound message being coordinated with respect to movement of the article. A mechanism for moving the lenticular image along a predetermined path may also be provided and for coordinating the sound message with the movement of the lenticular image. Different sound segments may be activated with respect to the line-of-sight or distance of the observer with respect to the lenticular image.

Abstract: A sound emitting advertising and information display device which has a roller housing which has an internal chamber. A sheet member is wound on a roller and is contained within the internal chamber. The sheet member is to be manually extendable from the housing with advertising indicia that is located on the sheet member to then be capable of being read by a human. During the time of extending of the sheet member, a sound is emitted that is to correspond with the advertising indicia. The advertising display device is to be attached to the front end of a product supporting shelf in a store.

Abstract: An assembly and method for providing audio/visual advertising to supplement standard print advertising is disclosed and described.

Abstract: A rotating musical remote control baby mobile device. The baby mobile device has a base attached to a crib or piece of furniture. The device also includes a music box, an extending arm and rotatable bear attached to the arm. The mobile has several animal figures that can be removed from the mobile using snap hooks or hook and loop fasteners. These individual animal figures can be safely given to an infant or newborn for holding or teething. The baby mobile device can also be controlled by an infrared remote control that can be attached to a piece of furniture or conveniently hung by a foldable handle on a door knob.

Abstract: A picture frame includes a frame body having both a sound generating mechanism and a movement mechanism connected to the picture frame. In one embodiment, the movement mechanism comprises a winding member providing additional ornamentation for the picture frame. In another embodiment, the winding mechanism forms part of the support structure for the picture frame. The picture frame has a multi-dimensional sense of beauty by enabling not only an audible component but also a spatial component through movement along a space adjacent to the picture being displayed.

Abstract: A rising bubble display. A pump is fluidly connected to a liquid-filled reservoir and an audio signal input is provided. A controller is coupled to the audio signal input and coupled to the pump. Upon reception of an audio signal, the controller generates a signal capable of actuating the pump.

Abstract: A toy consists of a base, a cap and a toy model. The base has stationary wheels and a movable wheel located on the bottom section thereof. The movable wheel may be driven through a gear set by battery power for moving the base around. The cap has a hollow casing located on the top section to house a motor that is driven by a battery for rotating the cap through another gear set. The base has an arched gear rack located on the top surface. By way of an elastic element and a lever to couple with the gear sets and arched gear rack, the cap may be moved to the left and right, and rotated positively and reversely to generate a wide variety of simulative motions.

Abstract: A picture frame and accompanying audio message circuit is provided such that one or more desired audio messages stored in the audio message circuit associated with one or more display pictures can be played upon the touching of the pictures or the frame, or in response to a voice recognition device sensing an audio command associated with the particular audio message and/or pictures. When audio message playback is desired, a switch on the frame or under a protective cover for the picture is activated by touching, or a position sensitive device may be used to sense whether a particular position on the picture has been touched. Digital or analog information representing the desired audio message is retrieved from a memory device, which is subsequently transmitted to a speaker which produces the desired audio message perceptible to a human.

Abstract: A vacuum cinerary jar contains the remains or cremains of human beings or pets, a cover as a C-ring link component to compact the only top open of the foresaid main body in pressurization. A vacuum pump set on the cover, in which there is a stationary base and a piston respectively that set the first non-return valve and the second non-return valve. Utilizing the reciprocating motion of foresaid piston of a manual or electric operating shaft in pump to make the foresaid first and second non-return valve open on different time via resist-compressed action so as to cause the air in the jar extracted unidirectionally. Keeping the reciprocating motion of the foresaid operating shaft goes down to the setting of vacuum degree in the airtight jar.

Abstract: A method for creating an electronic greeting card with a custom audio mix over a computer network includes the steps of selecting a pre-recorded song from a song database; downloading the pre-recorded song from the song database, via a server computer, to a client computer over the computer network; recording a vocal track on the client computer while simultaneously playing back the pre-recorded song on the client computer; mixing the vocal track with the pre-recorded song, thereby creating a custom audio mix; saving the custom audio mix on the server computer; assembling the audio mix into an electronic greeting card format; and delivering the electronic greeting card to a recipient via the computer network.

Abstract: Designs and manufacturing methods provide flexibility in the manufacture and assembly of the communicating card of this invention. The communicating card includes a housing into which an electronic module is inserted. The housing is configured so that it can be manufactured independently of the electronic module. The electronic module is constructed to allow programming of the communication after the module has been manufactured, before or after insertion into the housing.

Abstract: A modular dynamic dialogue animated display device for recreating a story that is divided into a stored sequence of storyline events which are sequentially retrieved by a processor. Each storyline event comprises at least one of playing a selected audio block or movement of a moveable display element. The processor generates sequential control signals which initiate performance of corresponding storyline events such that precise synchronization between audio and movement is provided. The display includes a universal main assembly which may be manufactured in a single tooling for use with different storylines, and sub-assemblies are mounted to the main assembly in accordance with the particular storyline being depicted. Alternatively, a plurality of individual display devices may be arranged one after another whereby a previous display device actuates performance in a next display device in order to depict different scenes from a single storyline.

Abstract: A medical identification charm bracelet including a housing for housing an electronic circuit that includes an audible output device and a visual output device that is activatable to draw attention to the I.D. bracelet and the information inscribed on the various bracelet charm attachments to notify medical personnel of various medical conditions of the wearer.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A simple device producing both action effect and electronic effect includes a housing, an elastic driving mechanism and an electronic control circuit with a vibration sensor. The elastic driving mechanism has an elastic member, a transmitting shaft, a power input device, an eccentric action member. The electronic cir-control circuit has a circuit board, the vibration sensor, a battery and a function device. The elastic member stores and releases energy, and a changed energy is produced in the storing and releasing process. The eccentric member is connected to the output shaft of the elastic driving mechanism and rotated by the changed energy to produce vibration or jumping phenomenon. Then the vibration sensor senses the vibration phenomenon and triggers a signal of changing its own condition and starts the electronic circuit to produce function to let the function device perform preset action or function.

Abstract: A toy in the form of a doll includes an associated radio within an interior cavity of the doll body, which radio is controlled by various switches located on the feet of the doll and utilized for turning the radio on and off and tuning the radio to a desired frequency. The doll includes a simulated headset attached in such fashion to its head so as to provide a strap for conveniently carrying the doll from place-to-place.

Abstract: A picture frame and accompanying audio message circuit is provided such that one or more desired audio messages stored in the audio message circuit associated with one or more display pictures can be played upon the touching of the pictures or the frame. When audio message playback is desired, a switch on the frame or under a protective cover for the picture is activated by touching. Under CPU control, digital information representing the desired audio message is retrieved from a memory device, which is subsequently converted to an analog signal and transmitted to a speaker which produces the desired audio message perceptible to a human. In other embodiments, multiple picture and multiple messages are provided such that the user can touch a particular picture, or the switch associated with that picture, and an audio message corresponding to the picture is then played through the speaker.

Abstract: An image holder such as a picture album (10) includes a plurality of pages (14) that receive printed images (18). The pages (14) also have markers (20) placed thereon, with each marker corresponding to one of the images. A memory (25) stores audio segments associated with the respective images. A user may place the printed images in any order in the image holder. A controller (22) performs an initialization routine to match the image locations with corresponding audio segments for future playback. Once the initialization is complete, whenever a user selects a marker associated with an image, the audio segment associated with that image is played back.

Abstract: A process for creating an electronically addressable display includes multiple printing operations, similar to a multi-color process in conventional screen printing. In some of the process steps, electrically non-active inks are printed onto areas of the receiving substrate, and in other steps, electrically active inks are printed onto different areas of the substrate. The printed display can be used in a variety of applications. This display can be used as an indicator by changing state of the display after a certain time has elapsed, or when a certain pressure, thermal, radiative, moisture, acoustic, inclination, pH, or other threshold is passed. In one embodiment, the display is incorporated into a battery indicator. A sticker display is described. The sticker is adhesive backed and may then be applied to a surface to create a functional information display unit. This invention also features a display that is both powered and controlled using radio frequencies.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a donation container system which includes a sensor for detecting the approach of one or more individuals to the container. The container system also includes a microprocessor and a speaker, so that when the sensor detects the approach of one or more individuals to the container, it sends a signal to the microprocessor which in turn communicates with a voice chip. The voice chip then sends an audio signal to an output speaker so as to produce an audio output.

Abstract: A method of associating a sound record with a film image, including capturing a film image on a recording medium and unique identifying information corresponding to such film image; recording the sound record and electrically transferring such sound record to a predetermined memory location corresponding to the unique identifying information; printing the unique identifying information on the film image; and retrieving the unique identifying information from the printed image and associating such unique identifying information with the recorded sound record.

Abstract: An album (100) for storing a collection of image prints (94). At least one of the image prints comprises an index print (20) that includes a memory unit (30) integral with the print to define an audio print for storing audio data. The album includes a print holder (90) having respective front and back covers and a plurality of pages (92) configured for mounting the collection. An audio unit (40) is mounted to the print holder. The audio unit includes a housing (42) and an image print processor (60), when the audio print is coupled to the audio unit, to communicate with the audio print memory unit and selectively process audio data related to the collection.

Abstract: A decorative display device comprising figurines arranged in tiered first and second scenes, one scene being placed above the other. Each of the upper and lower tier scenes is coupled to a wind-up drive and music box mechanism and when rotated appears to be in synchronization with the music. The rotatable and music synchronized scenes are more noticeable and aesthetically pleasing and, thus, provide a more interesting display. The upper and lower tier scenes may rotate simultaneously, at different speeds (but in the same direction), in opposite directions, in opposite directions at different speeds, or one scene may rotate while the other scene remains stationary.

Abstract: An article, of daily use such as a bottle opener, lighter, ball point pen, or the like, is configured as an advertisement carrier, wherein the article includes a housing portion on which an operational element of the article is mounted. The housing portion of the advertisement carrier is provided with an electrically operated device, such as a chip, which stores sound and/or speech, with a component for reproducing sound and/or speech, and with a release or tripping component for switching on the storage and/or reproducing devices.

Abstract: Sound recording and playback device comprising a sound pick-up microphone connected to a recording channel and a playback loudspeaker connected to a channel for playing the recorded sounds, characterised in that the microphone and the loudspeaker consist of one and the same component (5).

Abstract: A floor sign device for use on wet, newly waxed, and painted floors to warn and caution pedestrians travelling on the floor of the surface conditions. The device includes first and second panels pivotally coupled together along their top edges. An elongate light tower extends from the top edges of the panels with a light source mounted to the upper end of the light tower. A sound recording and playing device is provided in the light tower. The sound recording and playing device has a microphone and a speaker on the light tower. A motion detecting sensor for detecting motion from a nearby pedestrian is also provided on the light tower. The motion detecting sensor is electrically connected to light source and the sound recording and playing device. The light source is activated to illuminate and the sound recording and playing device is activated to project an audible prerecorded warning when the motion detecting sensor detects motion from a nearby pedestrian.

Abstract: A self-contained device for recording data encoded either in visible or invisible form or both on a medium, and for playback of data encoded either in visible or invisible form or both on the medium, the device comprises a case for forming a self-contained housing for the device; a recording portion for recording either or both visible and invisible ink on the medium, or recording either or both visible and invisible dye; and a detecting portion for detecting either or both visible and invisible ink, or detecting either or both visible and invisible dye.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for displaying collectibles and a kit for use with the apparatus. In its most basic form, the apparatus of the present invention includes a display dimensioned for receiving said at least one collectible, at least one light generating device for illuminating the collectible when received within the display, and a controller. The controller includes a sound generating device for generating at least one predetermined sound, a light control for activating a predetermined one of said at least one light generating device corresponding to the predetermined sound, and a control module having a user interface for sending a light control signal to the light control, and a sound control signal to the sound generating device, each corresponding to a collectible selected by a user. In operation, a user selects a desired collectible on the user interface causing the control module to send a control signal to the light control and to the sound generating device.

Abstract: An audio advertising display standard for use as a placard, real estate sale/lease advertising standard, or other advertising uses, that supports a visual display panel and provides auditory information about a property, place of business, event, exhibit, or object upon activation by an attendant listener. The advertising standard of the present invention preferably comprises a combination of a hollow post and orthogonal arm, means for supporting a display panel, means for playing back a prerecorded audio message whenever activated including a speaker mounted on the post or arm, and a publicly accessible means for activating the play back means. The display standard of the present invention may further include means for recording an audio message for subsequent play back including a microphone, means for activating the recording means, and/or means for illuminating the display panel supported by the standard.

Abstract: An talking poster is disclosed. A sound module is attached to the back of the poster. The sound module includes a speaker, which is preferably covered by a speaker cover. A portion of the poster is folded over and sealed to the back of the poster, concealing the sound module. A method of making the poster is also disclosed.

Abstract: An article of manufacture having voice-recording and recorded voice-playback mechanisms having a cube external shape, which is disguised as a household decorative fixture, e.g. a photograph holder, and internally bounding an echo chamber, e.g. a volume of at least 60 cubic inches, such that there is sufficient clarity in the played back recording due to the use of the echo chamber to enable recognition of the voice, to thereby add to the gift value of the article of manufacture.

Abstract: An image-audio print has either a single image or a set of images on a first side and an accessible audio data storage means preferably on its backside. The accessible audio data storage means contains an audio data segment associated with the image on single image prints and a set of audio data segments, one for each image on multi-image prints, for example, index prints. A player receives and locates the image-audio print with the accessible audio data storage means accurately positioned in electrical contact with the player apparatus. The player apparatus can play an audio data segment associated with the print from a single image print or by appropriate interaction with the user who selects a audio data segment associated with the selected image on multi-image prints. Preferably, a touchscreen is used to select the image for which the audio is to be played. The player also can record audio into the accessible audio data storage means and copy audio from one print to another.

Abstract: An improved motion generating mechanism for use in a music box to drive decoration articles associated therewith is disclosed. A crank arm eccentrically attached to the outer side of the driving wheel associated with the playing roller of a music box is circularly moved in synchronism with the driving wheel. At each end of the crank arm is disposed an engagement protrusion respectively. A securing seat is fixed to the mounting plate of the music box and to the base plate of the outer case with a supporting base pivotally associated therewith respectively; each supporting base is provided with a swing arm having an elongated guide groove disposed thereon; in each groove is slidably located the engagement protrusion so that the supporting bases are able to be pivotally moved in synchronism with the crank arm. To each supporting base is secured a mounting pole onto which a decoration article is mounted. Each mounting pole is led through an elongated slot disposed on the top of an upper lid.

Abstract: A talking trading card playing system consists of a portable card player and a plurality of trading cards. Each card includes a card body having front and back surfaces, flexible sheets affixed to the front surface and to the back surface of the housing, and a voice chip for storing and generating sound patterns. The portable player comprises a power source located in the housing for supplying electrical power to the voice chip, and sound generation components. The subject trading card and player may be activated by inserting the card into the player, thereby establishing electrical contact between the card and the player.

Abstract: A crystal ball structure with changeable ball appearance having a base, a fixing base and a transparent box. A nose portion is used to combine the base and the fixing base to form an integral body that is separable from each other. An open end of the transparent box is connected with the rubber plug base. Accordingly, the base may be easily separated from the fixing base so that a card may also be inserted into or removed from the open end of the transparent box, thus the ball appearance is achieved.

Abstract: A pacifier system and method of therapeutically treating premature infants to reinforce non-nutritive sucking is disclosed. A pacifier is connected to a pressure transducer. The pressure tranducer serves to detect sucking intensity and time of sucking. The pacifier system activates a sound source, such as a music source, upon sucking of a minimum intensity being detected for a minimum period of time.

Abstract: A display device for a fluid filler gun head includes a carrying body and a frame attached to an upper surface of the carrying body, defining a display portion for removable display placards. The carrying body can be removable from the gun head or may be an integral part of the gun head itself. A housing is defined in the carrying body for housing a communication apparatus. The communication apparatus can include a recorder assembly for playing prerecorded audible messages, or a transmitter/receiver assembly enabling communication between a consumer using the fluid filler gun and a remote service station attendant.

Abstract: A picture frame system is provided. The picture frame system includes a housing in a rectangular configuration having an upper edge, a lower edge and parallel side edges therebetween. The housing has a front face and a rear face. A rectangular opening is formed in an upper extent of the front face thereof with a slit formed in one of the side edges adjacent to the front face and in alignment with the rectangular opening. A viewing screen is formed in the front face of the housing adjacent to the upper edge of the housing. Further provided is a photograph having a thin rectangular configuration and an area slightly larger than that of the rectangular opening. The photograph adapted to be removably situated within the slit such that the photograph resides between the rectangular opening and the viewing screen. A receptacle for receiving, storing, moving and playing an information storage media is provided.

Abstract: A display such as an advertisement or selection of art is enhanced by the addition of a random movement bubble device. The bubble device includes a sealed, optically clear cavity containing a clear, slightly viscous fluid, which coacts with a bubble wand assembly to produce eye-catching random bubble configurations. Lighting and/or sound can be added to the bubble device to further attract a viewer's attention to the display and ultimately the product advertisement, etc.

Abstract: A mirror and light box assembly installable in a crib or other enclosure occupied by an infant. The assembly which is interactive with the infant includes a light box on whose front face is mounted a semi-reflective mirror behind which is a film transparency having a photographic image of the infant's mother. When an electric light bulb in the box is energized to illuminate the transparency, the image of the mother becomes visible to the infant through the then effectively transparent mirror. Associated with the light box is a sound-activated switching device connected between the bulb and a power source. The switching device, when activated by crying sounds emanating from the infant, remains activated for a predetermined period to energize the bulb and illuminate the transparency. Also associated with the light box is a record playback unit having stored therein a voice message recorded by the mother addressed to her infant, the unit being rendered operative only when the bulb is energized.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an item accompanied by special effects such as sound is described. The delivery system includes a tube having a cap. Connected to the cap is a sound emitting device, a light sensor and a clip for holding, for example, a card. The sound emitting device and clip are connected to the cap so that when the cap is on the container, the sound emitting device, light sensor and clip are disposed within the container. The card can be attached to the clip. When the cap is removed, the light sensor triggers the sound emitting device to emit a sound such as musical notes or applause, and the card can then be viewed by the recipient of the container simultaneously with listening of the sound.

Abstract: A box having a base, a top rotatable relative to the base, and a motor connected within the box to the base and the top for causing the relative rotation thereof. The base and top are each covered with fabric secured thereto within the interior of the box. A retainer is connected to one of the base and top, positioned within the box and holding the fabric coverings substantially apart for reduced rotary friction. Resilient locking members secure the retainer to the top and the top to the base. In a preferred embodiment, the motor is a music-playing mechanism.

Abstract: A light sensitive switch for the activation of an alerting circuit (70) to be used as an electronic alerting device (50). Alerting device (50) may be used in publications such as a magazine (78) or book (94) to enhance the printed material by audio visual and/or mechanical vibration means. A photosensor (52) is used to detect ambient light when the publication is opened to an activation page (86) where the enhancement is located. Photosensor (52) switches on a transistor (66) when exposed to light, which in turn switches on alerting circuit (70). Alerting circuit (70) may consist of an audio transducer (74), a lamp (76), a motor (128), a solenoid (136), a mechanical vibrator or any combination of these. Pages are used to block ambient light from photosensor (52) when the publication is closed, thus turning off alerting device (50).

Abstract: A burial marker and display box for the preservation of memorabilia and/or ashes of an individual or individuals. An air- and water-tight container that resists the onslaught of the elements carries or holds a second air- and water-tight container that is removable from the first. The first container may be lockable so as to secure the contents therein. The second container is removable from the first container and has a display window that allows visual inspection of the contents therein. The marker box is interred in the ground, much like a headstone, and allows visiting relatives and friends of the deceased to inspect the preserved memorabilia within the container. Ashes of an individual may also be carried by the container. If memorabilia are to be held in the container along with the ashes, a partition may be included to seal the ashes off from the memorabilia. Alternative embodiments allow several cylinder containers to be held in one single burial marker and display box.