Abstract: The deployable stop sign for use with a traffic light during power loss comprises an enclosure, a traffic sign, a weight, a pair of electromagnets, and a sign retractor. The deployable stop sign for use with a traffic light during power loss may be coupled to a span wire or other structure supporting one or more traffic signals. A loss of power may deploy the traffic sign by deenergizing the pair of electromagnets and releasing the weight which may pull the traffic sign out of the enclosure. A restoration of power may energize the sign retractor to pull the traffic sign back into the enclosure and may energize the pair of electromagnets to hold the traffic sign within the enclosure.

Abstract: A configuration enables control of an image displayed on the display unit provided on the outer side of the transportation apparatus, such as a bus, resulting in increasing the degree of user attention and obtaining higher advertising effects. A display unit provided on an outer side of a transportation apparatus such as a bus; and an image control unit configured to execute control of a display image on the display unit, are included, and the image control unit executes control to change the display image on the display unit depending on a traveling state of the transportation apparatus. For example, the display image is varied depending on the states of whether the transportation apparatus is accelerating, decelerating, or constant speed traveling. Alternatively, an AR image using a real object near the transportation apparatus is generated for display.

Abstract: A method for installing a wiring harness in an aircraft. The method comprises using cables having first ends secured to the harness and winding means onto each of which is wound one of said cables so as to lift up said harness by exerting a tensile force. The first ends of the cables are distributed along at least a section of the harness so as to distribute the tensile forces over the section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of display and monitoring of environmental conditions. In one form, the invention provides a public warning system for conveying status of a condition at several discrete locations. The system may include a number of signs each being automated for indicating environmental conditions including a segmented conditions rating scale physically disposed on a substrate for public display wherein an illuminated display panel is operatively associated with each segment of the segmented conditions rating scale and each sign having a wireless communication device and being located at one of the discrete locations. The system further may include a central control that remotely corresponds with the signs using a wireless network and the wireless communication devices of the signs, such that the signs can independently and/or collectively be directed by the central control to alter the status level of the condition.

Abstract: A sign (10) for display of an environmental condition, including a display portion including a front display surface (12) having at least one scale (16) indicating levels (16.1 to 16.6) of the environmental condition. At least one indicator (14) is provided which is movable over the scale (16) to provide a visual indication of a predetermined level (16.1 to 16.6) of the environmental condition. Control means (202 to 208) affixed to a rear surface of the display portion are provided for moving the indicator(s) (14) over the scale(s) (16). The control means (202 to 208) includes a remote device management module (202) which is controllable from a remote location (110, 120) over a communications network (100) to move the indicator(s) (14) to the predetermined level (16.1 to 16.6). The present invention also provides a kit for assembly of a sign (2010), such as, for example, for converting a manual sign (1010) into an automated sign (2010), and corresponding systems for display of environmental conditions.

Abstract: A display device includes a base structure with a plurality of modules coupled to the base structure. Each of the modules includes a plurality of actuator assemblies, with each of the actuator assemblies being individually controllable to move the actuator assemblies between a retracted state and a plurality of extended states. A controller is coupled to each of the modules. The controller is programmed to control the actuator assemblies to move the actuator assemblies between the retracted state and the plurality of extended states.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a moving display system having a track member support; a track member held by the track member support, and having a first end and a second end; a display member support, including a body, where the body is configured to hold a display member, a motor, a wheel, where the wheel is drivable by the motor to move the display member support along the track member, a sensing system including at least one sensor positioned for detecting the first and second ends of the track member and a slot extending through the body for receiving the track member. A control system is provided and is operatively connected to the motor. The control system receives signals from the sensing system and is programmed to, in at least some instances: a) determine using the signals when the display member support reaches one of the first and second ends of the track member, and b) change the direction of rotation of the motor based on the determination made in step a).

Abstract: A portable advertising system well suited for outdoor advertising at night includes a body adapted to be secured to a transportation vehicle and may include a universal attachment system for that purpose. An advertisement may be displayed on an advertising surface mounted on the body. An illumination source is directed towards the advertising surface and may be integrated into an electronic display unit or may be directed at an advertising sheet such as a vinyl sheet. When the advertising sheet is used, a sheet tension system typically maintains tension on the sheet, and an openable protective cover may protect the sheet when not in use. The illumination source may be controlled based on environmental light conditions, sheet tension and/or position of the protective cover. The body may be part of a cargo container such as an ISO container suited for securing to a railroad car or other vehicle.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for repetitively lifting and lowering objects to create visual patterns having a plurality of units each with a motor, a rotary member, a cord attached at its distal end to the circumferential edge of the rotary member, an attaching mechanism affixed to the proximal end of the cord, and an object removably connected to the attaching mechanism. A computer or microprocessor is provided and programmed to selectively rotate the rotary members to move the objects between selected pre-determined positions along a generally vertical path of travel to establish a geometric pattern of repetitive elements.

Abstract: A device for continuously or intermittently displaying graphic material, such as advertisements on the side or rear of a moving vehicle. The vehicle is provided with various sensors which determine the speed of the vehicle as well as whether the vehicle has been parked for a predetermined period of time. Based upon the output of the sensors, the movement of scrolled display containing graphics such as advertisements would be controlled.

Abstract: A device for continuously or intermittently displaying graphic material, such as advertisements on the side or rear of a moving vehicle. The vehicle is provided with various sensors which determine the speed of the vehicle as well as whether the vehicle has been parked for a predetermined period of time. Based upon the output of the sensors, the movement of scrolled display containing graphics such as advertisements would be controlled.

Abstract: A multi-image display device. Some embodiments include an alignment mechanism for correcting misalignments of an indicia, an image selector and a motion train, which form parts of the display device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved lenticular display unit for advertising, information, or decoration. The unit comprises means for maintaining the required spatial relationship between the indicia carrier, on which the information to be displayed is contained, and the lenticular panel containing the lenses used to display the information. In some embodiments, the unit employs spring means for maintaining the required spatial relationship, which is maintaining the required distance between the indicia carrier on which the information to be displayed is contained, and the lenticular panel containing the lenses used to display the information.

Abstract: An animation frame including a front frame body, a back plate installed therein with a grating plate and frame brackets, a moveable plane plate stuck with pictures, a battery, an IC circuit board and coils etc. The grating plate is placed on the pictures on the plane plate and fixed on a main body of the back plate; the plane plate has two notches respectively on its upper and lower edges, a vertical plane perpendicular to the plane plate has thereon a magnet between the two coils of the main body. The main body has thereon a movable device connecting with a movable screw and being fixed or adjusted to slide left or right to adjust the angular position of the plane plate. The main body has therein two movable screws connectable with the main body to adjust the plane plate in up and down moving.

Abstract: A vertically disposed placard has two sections, one disposed over the other, with the upper section of the placard attached to a pole, standard or other mount. A hinge connects the bottom perimeter edge of the fixed section with the top perimeter edge of the lower, pivotable section, allowing the front surface of the pivotable section to rotate and fold flat against the front surface of the upper, fixed section. A catch mechanism releaseably holds the two sections flat against each other, preventing the pivotable section from unfolding. An electrical controller is attached to the back surface of the fixed section of the placard and senses when a condition to which the sign is responsive occurs. Upon the occurrence, the controller causes release of the catch mechanism, allowing the pivotable section to unfold under the force of a bias (e.g., spring) and/or gravity, or by an electric motive mechanism to display the front surfaces of both sections of the placard.

Abstract: This invention is called a Mobile Advertising System. It is designed to move the billboards and shelves on which goods are advertised. The present invention is compromised of: a rail of a specific length; a moving element which moves the billboard and the shelf on which goods are advertised; a sensor which detects the movement of the people walking by; and a control unit which controls the servo motor of the said moving element so that the billboard or the shelf may move according to the output signal of the said sensor in the same direction and at the same speed of the pedestrians.

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

Abstract: There is provided a self-powered display unit for displaying at least two consecutively changing images to be viewed by a viewer, the unit including a housing having at least one window-like opening; at least one lenticular panel mounted in the housing behind the window-like opening, the lenticular panel having front and rear faces, the focal length of the lenses being substantially equal to their width; at least one displaceable, lightweight, substantially planar indicia carrier in the form of a replaceable film or sheet disposed inside the housing; an edge of the indicia carrier at least indirectly freely abutting against a cam; a high-efficiency, low-energy consumption, battery-powered DC drive including a DC motor coupled to the cam for periodically displacing the indicia carrier for a distance at least equalling the distance between two adjacent lenses of the panel, and a guide facilitating smooth reciprocating movement of the indicia carrier in juxtaposition with the rear face of the lenticular panel, w

Abstract: Luminous signs, specifically those with the ability to change the presented information sequentially, include an electro-mechanical system that produces the synchronized overlapping of two or more preprinted films with translucent properties, in such a way that with an internal luminous source, the sign is capable of creating the effect of real movement, and in the night or in the darkness, the information images displayed by the sign seem to float in the air. The present invention also provides an illuminated sign with the capability of displaying such information or images on more than one of its surfaces.

Abstract: A display device for sequentially displaying multiple sets of image pixels formed on a transparent mosaic through an aperture pattern formed in a substantially opaque mask. An AC gear motor and drive assembly is employed to move the mosaic through a predetermined travel path relative to the mask to sequentially register the image sets with the aperture pattern. A control system is employed to temporarily deactivate the gear motor at predetermined precise positions to display the various images through the aperture pattern.

Abstract: A display device for sequentially displaying multiple sets of image pixels formed on a transparent mosaic through an aperture pattern formed in a substantially opaque mask. An DC gear motor and drive assembly is employed to move the mosaic through a predetermined travel path relative to the mask to sequentially register the image sets with the aperture pattern. A control system is employed to temporarily deactivate the gear motor at predetermined precise positions to display the various images through the aperture pattern.

Abstract: A display module for displaying advertising images, is provided. The module may be independent or may constitute one of the elements in a display assembly. The module has a housing having an opening in its front face and a movable strip of images behind the opening in the front face. The strip is moved by two horizontal cylinders which are individually driven by two drive motors arranged between the cylinders and controlled by a control unit. The housing includes framework located close to its back face. The module is compact and light in weight for a large area of window. A removable stretcher is inside the module and is accessible through the opening because the strip is made up of a plurality of elements interconnected by slider fastening means. The display module has supports and handles so that it can stand alone and can be easily carried.

Abstract: An electromotive device for exhibiting pictures has an ascending carrier guided along rear guiding rails and a descending carrier guided along front guiding rails. The ascending carrier ascends and the descending carrier descends picture keeping members one by one. Upper compressing levers compress the picture keeping members at an upper position toward a front exhibition window when the ascending carrier is ascended, and lower compressing levers compress the picture keeping members at a lower position toward a rear exhibition window when the ascending carrier is descended. According to the electromotive device, a large quantity of exhibits such as photographs or pictures can be stored in good condition for a long time, and operational noise can be reduced. Further, the electromotive device provides ornamental value.

Abstract: A drive control and interface apparatus housed within an advertising display for driving a stepper motor coupled to a display device to sequentially display a plurality of images. The drive control and interface apparatus includes a microprocessor having program memory connected to the motor through a motor driver. A drive control program operates the microprocessor to drive the stepper motor to change the image displayed after a corresponding predetermined period of time. The program includes drive routines for fast and slow image changes that drive the stepper motor to minimize resonance. A control interface connects to the microprocessor. The program is responsive to the control interface to permit manual sequencing of the display and user selection of the corresponding display times for each image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved solar powered sign including one or more solar panels used to charge batteries which power various components of the sign. The sign may include a rotary display which is electrically powered and may also include a lamp. The sign may be mounted on a base facilitating easy transport.

Abstract: A means of animating the features of a doll or mannequin responsive to an audio signal. The invention utilizes an open loop electromechanical drive mechanism that is actuated by electronic drive signals derived from an audio signal. The electronic drive signals are of a simplified on-off characteristic based upon thresholding of the audio signal. When combined with the spring rate and drive ratio of the mechanism and the electrical characteristics of the motor, realistic animation of speech or other movements is created.

Abstract: The device exhibits images of products to be advertised mounted continually rotatable about axes arranged in a space in any manner, consisting of a supporting framework provided, at least at one end thereof, with a fixed element having an extended surface in transparent material, adapted to support images to be exhibited and, in a position facing the image-bearing element, with at least one rotatable element, bearing colors and other images, associated with a pivot freely rotatable on a support rigidly associated with the framework. The rotatable element is subject to continuous rotations alternating in both directions according to present angles, with respect to said fixed image-bearing element, by means of a miniaturized electronic circuit, independently powered by a battery and adapted to cause said pivot to rotate by magnetic repulsion between an intermittently powered coil and a permanent magnet.

Abstract: A logic control linear drive magnetic motor is used to reciprocate approximately 180.degree. the flat panels which make a display board. Each panel of the display board is connected to a pulley which is in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the vane. A continuous drive cord is connected to each end of a shuttle cylinder of the motor and is wrapped around the pulley drum. Movement of the shuttle cylinder moves the drive cord which controls the rotation of the vanes.

Abstract: A scrolling sign has a sign face member with windows in which indicia appear. A framework is mounted proximate the interior surface of the sign face member. A pair of shafts are mounted on the framework to contain a plurality of web rolls between which webs containing indicia extend. Guides adjacent the windows guides the web and prevent light leaks. The guides are so formed as to avoid shadows on the sign face member. A drive mechanism simultaneously rotates the shafts. Clutches, interposed between the web rolls and the shafts, are selectively operable to move the webs in one or the other direction across the window to alter the displayed indicia. A constantly applied differential brake is also coupled to said web rolls to maintain tension on the webs and to assist in their movement.

Abstract: A display device for use in constructing remote controlling billboards, bus destination signs, and the like has a two-sided display disc which is carried on a pivoted support. The display disc is rotated by the application of force from a piezoelectric crystal drive to a point on the support which is off of the axis of rotation of the support. The crystal drive responds to DC voltage of one polarity or the other to rotate the display disc to expose a dark side or a light side to the viewer.

Abstract: A rotating display element which is provided with a display surface member having a plurality of display surfaces which are selected by rotating the display surface member, and a display unit which uses the display element. The display surface member of the rotating display element has incorporated therein a permanent magnet type motor mechanism and is driven by the permanent magnet type motor mechanism. The rotor of the permanent magnet type motor mechanism has first and second double-pole permanent magnet members, and its stator has first and second magnetic members having wound thereon first and second exciting windings, respectively. The display unit has first and second power supply means for supplying power to the first exciting winding of the permanent magnet type motor mechanism and third and fourth power supply means for supplying power to the second exciting winding.

Abstract: A rotating display element which is provided with a display surface member having a plurality of display surfaces which are selected by rotating the display surface member, and a display unit which uses the display element. The display surface member of the rotating display element has incorporated therein a permanent magnet type motor mechanism and is driven by the permanent magnet type motor mechanism. The rotor of the permanent magnet type motor mechanism has first and second double-pole permanent magnet members, and its stator has first and second magnetic members having wound thereon first and second exciting windings, respectively. The display unit has first and second power supply means for supplying power to the first exciting winding of the permanent magnet type motor mechanism and third and fourth power supply means for supplying power to the second exciting winding.

Abstract: An electrically controlled copy holder includes a face plate defining a copy support surface and a line guide extending across the face plate and slideably mounted adjacent one vertical edge of the face plate, for vertical sliding movement along the copy support surface. The line guide is attached to a motor driven endless belt mounted in a housing on the opposite side of the face plate. Electric control means are provided for maintaining the motor energized for an adjustable interval, and hence for moving the line guide a pre-selected distance.

Abstract: A mobile is rotated by an energy storage device to which energy is periodically transferred by a motor which is in turn controlled by an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit simultaneously controls a loudspeaker to produce a wide variety of music with variations in tune, tonal quality, key, tempo, and loudness.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating and displaying moving pictures in which a combination of a number of locally displaceable picture elements have positions that are variable and/or selectable by a number of adjustable outer or final control elements. At least part of individual final control elements have associated with them an inner control element. The position of the final control elements is variable in response to the action of the control elements, and these inner control elements are arranged on a movable inner control element carrier. The control elements constitute mechanical information storages in which the information has a total of at least two mechanical states and can be transmitted by mechanical contact to the associated final control elements, and hence to the picture elements. The information of the inner control elements is made variable by moving the control element carrier.

Abstract: A rotary type index in which a multiplicity of information containing cards are arranged around a cylindrical drum and the drum is rotated to display information-containing surfaces of the cards in a viewing window is provided with a mechanism for causing a plurality of the information cards to be brought into position with a single selection key. This is as distinguished from the conventional drum type machine in which the number of selection switches equals the number of information cards.

Abstract: An electromechanical digital indicator for displaying numerical information is disclosed, in which the angular movements of seven movable segments, combined with the action of a block in the shape of an eight and made of a transparent and light-channelling plastics material, acts in such a way as to display any figure at choice from zero to nine in solid lines rather than in segmental form, contrary to what occurs with the conventional display devices. Fluorescent layers on the bottom wall of the block and other expedient render the display visible under any conditions of direct or indirect lighting and also in the darkness of the night. Internal illumination means can be provided in the inside of the indicator box, that which could not be obtained heretofore with the electromechanical digital display appliances.

Abstract: An electrically-powered school bus stop sign apparatus mounts either partially recessed within the exterior panel of the body of the school bus adjacent the driver or, alternatively, on the exterior panel. A DC motor and associated arm/linkage mechanical means is used to deploy and retract the stop sign blade with the controls being operated by the driver from within the bus.

Abstract: A display sign of the type comprising a back-lighted panel having a plurality of discrete light-transmitting areas and an equal number of controlled opaque disks which move between alternate stable positions. One position of each disk overlies the light-transmitting area associated therewith. The other position of each disk is offset to one corresponding side of its associated light-transmitting area. The disks are operated by electromagnets or other noncontacting means mounted to a carriage rearward of the panel. Selected disks are shifted from one position to the other during relative movement between the carriage and panel. The improvement comprises a magnetic drum which precedes the electromagnets to momentarily reset all of the disks in their first position overlying the individual light-transmitting area associated therewith in a progressive pattern just forward of the disks being set by the electromagnets.

Abstract: A sign cabinet having a scroll movably mounted on rollers for movement past a display opening in the cabinet. A torsion spring acts on one of the rollers to compensate for differences in the rate of movement of the scroll at the two rollers. An electronic control circuit automatically senses the position of the scroll and is actuated by the position information for controlling the operation of the scroll. The modes of operation include: continuously moving back and forth between preselected end points within the scroll; moving back and forth within a predetermined section within the end points, stopping at preselected frames within the section; and, advancing from one frame or section to another.