Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system that includes a support member and a sign supported by the support member. The sign may have a generally planar shape and may extend in a plane. The system also includes a repositioning mechanism coupled to the sign and the support member. The repositioning mechanism rotates the sign substantially in-plane. The system may further include a controller for controlling rotation of the sign. In one implementation, the repositioning mechanism is retrofitted on an existing sign and an existing support member. The repositioning mechanism may include a power source attached to the support member that provides power to the repositioning mechanism. The repositioning mechanism may further include a linkage attached to the sign and a transmission for transferring rotational power to the sign, wherein the transmission is interconnected between the power source and the linkage.

Abstract: A display assembly includes a flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is formed of a flexible material supporting a first display panel and a second display panel. A mechanism is operatively connected to the flexible sheet. The mechanism moves the flexible sheet from a first position in which said first display panel may be viewed to a second position in which said second display panel may be viewed.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, improved capabilities are described for displaying and managing dynamic, multi-media, video content presentation on an architectural scale. Methods and systems described include associating a video display with an advertising marketplace and leasing rights to a video display. A plurality of physical panel, rod, curtain, blade, and fin video display arrays are described, as are methods and systems for managing and editing video for display and powering a video display that is associated with an architectural feature.

Abstract: A display device for a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel configured to display images for a game; a shutter assembly configured to cover and uncover the display panel at least in part, the shutter assembly including a first sliding door configured to move along a first guide and a second sliding door configured to move along a second guide; and a driving unit configured to drive the first sliding door, wherein the shutter assembly is configured to make friction between the second sliding door and the second guide greater than friction between the first sliding door and the first guide.

Abstract: A display device for a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel configured to display images for a game; a shutter assembly configured to cover and uncover the display panel at least in part, the shutter assembly including a first sliding door configured to move along a first guide and a second sliding door configured to move along a second guide; and a driving unit configured to drive the first sliding door, wherein at least one of the first sliding door and the second sliding door includes a catching member configured to catch another of the first sliding door and the second sliding door such that the second sliding door follows movement of the first sliding door.

Abstract: A device for successively changing elongated flexible objects from an active viewable position to a non-active, non-viewable position includes a rotatable drum to which the flexible objects are attached, a motor driving the rotatable drum in opposing rotational directions, and a controller unit controlling motor speed and direction. A balancing spring is preloaded when the flexible objects are unwound from the drum, providing a lifting force when the flexible objects are wound up on the drum. By using a freewheeling clutch, preloading only occurs in one rotational direction, the balancing spring freewheeling in the other direction, taking no load. Utilizing a magnetically interactive identification strip the device gains highly accurate information on the position of the flexible elongated objects. By pre-attaching the flexible elongated objects on each other and providing the identification strip on the designated carrier flexible object exchanging the set of flexible elongated objects is made very simple.

Abstract: A display assembly includes a flexible sheet. The flexible sheet is formed of a flexible material supporting a first display panel and a second display panel. A mechanism is operatively connected to the flexible sheet. The mechanism moves the flexible sheet from a first position in which said first display panel may be viewed to a second position in which said second display panel may be viewed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dynamic display signage system comprising a supporting means, a substantially pliable display panel being secured in a substantially vertical manner on said supporting means, and a primary drive means to allow the upward and downward vertical displacement of said display panel along said supporting means, characterized in that said display panel being provided with a secondary drive means operatively connected at the lower portion thereof, said secondary drive means having an independent motion with respect to said primary drive means to allow a consequent independent motion of said display panel at a pre-selected tension in order to maintain the consistent viewable surface integrity of the said display panel as it is vertically displaced.

Abstract: A rotating panel display includes a rotating panel element, a base structure that is connected to the rotating panel element, and a control system for rotational control of the rotating panel element. The rotating panel element includes a frame having at least one display side, an internal light source, and at least one transparent display surface on the display side. The frame rotates about an axis of the rotating panel element. The control system includes a position indicator system to provide position information to control the distance of rotation of the frame. The position indicator system includes fixed structures positioned internally in the frame which do not rotate with the frame and frame structures connected to the frame which rotate with the frame. The fixed structures and frame structures periodically interacting with one another as the frame rotates to cause position information to be communicated to the control system.

Abstract: The invention relates to memorabilia and apparatus for displaying an event or occasion having an audio and/or visual display that is hidden from a viewer. The memorabilia and devices are of particular interest to and use by the sports and/or popular music fanatic. The invention also is drawn to a method for presenting or displaying a sports or a pop item or image thereby providing entertainment to an individual.

Abstract: A versatile, animated cake decoration that can be used with a cake to celebrate various occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and the like. The cake decoration can be partially embedded in the upper surface of the cake so as to simulate a face that has moving eyes and a moving mouth. The apparatus includes a battery that powers a mechanism that moves the eyes and the mouth and also powers a sound generator that can play a number of different songs and greetings to fit the celebration. The apparatus is safe and is constructed from non-toxic materials so it can safely be used on food products such as cake.

Abstract: A display apparatus (10, 10?) for sequentially displacing sheets (A) to a display position, comprising a drive (20) for displacing sheets (A) in a circuit to a display position. An actuator (30) actuates the drive (20). Connector devices (40, 50) connect opposed ends of sheets (A) along the drive (20). Each connector device (40, 50) has (i) a first connector (40) securing a first edge portion (A1) of a sheet (A) to the drive (20), and (ii) a second connector device (50) having a longitudinal member (41?) secured to a second edge portion (A2) of the sheet (A) and connected to the drive (20) so as to be restrictively displaceable along the drive (20). An abutment portion (43?) is securable against the longitudinal member (41?) for retaining the edge portion (A2) of the sheet (A) therebetween. A tensioner (52) connects the longitudinal member (41?) to the drive (20) to maintain the sheet in a taut condition with a predetermined tension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a viewer having a housing which has a front wall and a rear wall, wherein the front wall has at least one viewing opening for viewing an image which is depicted on an image carrier inside the housing. In order to make it possible to optimally depict the image motifs on the image carrier in a simple manner, the invention proposed providing at least one drive device, which acts on the image carrier, in the housing such that the position of the image carrier with respect to the viewing opening can be changed from a first end position to a second end position and vice versa.

Abstract: The invention concerns a scrolling poster display device, comprising two parallel rolls, a poster strip (4) wound on the rolls and a support device (6) for supporting the rear side of the poster strip between the rolls.

Abstract: A display assembly is provided comprising; (a) an image insert, the image insert being bendable from a planar configuration to a non-planar display configuration, wherein the image insert comprises a plurality of first surfaces for displaying a first image, and a plurality of second surfaces for displaying a second image; and (b) a display frame for supporting the image insert in the non-planar display configuration. The display frame comprises an abutment structure for abutting the plurality of first surfaces and the plurality of second surfaces to secure the plurality of first surfaces at a non-zero angle relative to the plurality of second surfaces and to resist unbending of the image insert. Optionally, the display assembly may be part of a book.

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: An apparatus for turning bound pages, the apparatus having a frame; a book support assembly coupled to the frame; at least one pickup arm coupled to the frame; a motor assembly coupled to the frame; and a conveyor assembly coupled to the frame. The conveyor assembly has a belt; a plurality of fingers coupled to the belt; and at least one actuator coupled to the belt. A subset of the plurality of fingers hold the book in an open condition. Upon rotation of the belt by the motor assembly, the at least one actuator causes the at least one pickup arm to lift a portion of a page while a subset of the plurality of fingers hold the bound pages in an open condition and turn the lifted page.

Abstract: An illumination case used for decoration or advertisement. It includes a case-body, a front cover, an inner frame, a light source, a transparent back plate, an illumination filmstrip, a grating plate, and two step motors with a transmission that drives the grating plate to move. The transparent back plate is fixed onto the inner frame. The illumination filmstrip overlays the transparent back plate and is fixed against it. The two step motors mentioned above are installed on the inner frame behind the upper part or lower part of the transparent back plate, one on the left side, and the other on the right side. The above-mentioned grating plate is fitted with a hanging bar on both the upper side and bottom side respectively, which makes the grating plate spread out neatly. One hanging bar is linked with the transmission of the two above-mentioned step motors through a set of corresponding levers installed on the inner frame.

Abstract: A coin-op bulletin board includes a box with a transparent front panel, a static electricity conveyer, a paper entrance with a pair of rollers as paper feeder, a paper guiding board, a bottom hole beneath the paper guiding board, a thin plate close to the top of the conveyer, a motor to drive the conveyer, a coin machine. A user can drop coins then put the advertisement or message into the paper entrance; the pair of rollers feeds the paper to the static electricity conveyer; the paper can stick to the static electricity conveyer and display for a preset period of time. After a period of time, the conveyer rolls and sends the paper to the thin plate and to the paper guiding board; the paper is finally dropped to the recycle box through the bottom hole.

Abstract: A signboard device includes a base having two chambers formed in the upper portion for slidably receiving a number of signboard holders. A driving member is disposed around the chambers of the base, and a spring-biased pusher is secured on the driving member and engaged with the signboards to move the signboards and the holders from one chamber to the other. A fence is disposed beside the chamber for engaging with and for urging the pusher to engage with the signboards or the holders. An eccentric stop is disposed for preventing the holders from moving backward.

Abstract: Apparatus for turning over individual boards assembled as a stack, preferably for leafing the program boards of a music box (juke box) is provided, in which boards may be rotated around mutually parallel pivot axes lying in a plane, pivoting bilaterally with the edge area of one side on mutually straight profile sections which can be moved synchronously in guides of a chassis by a drive in a straight line in both directions. The boards are provided with projections extending beyond the pivots, at which a stay fixed to the chassis engages in such a way that in each case, a diagonally supported board lying in a viewing window of the chassis is turned over to the opposite side, in which position it is supported at an approximately identical, mirror-image angle.

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: A large poster mounting frame is provided for displaying a poster along the wall of a building structure. The poster mounting frame comprises a pair of vertical side guide rails and a support rail extending between and connecting the two side guide rails. The frame can be mounted directly on the side of the building structure. The rails have a U-shaped cross-section with the open portion facing inwardly to form a continuous channel. A pair of grooved wheels are rotatably mounted on the support rail and hoist lines are directed over the grooved wheels and are connected to an upper poster carrying rail attached to the upper edge of a large poster. The lower edge of the poster includes a lower carrying rail. The hoist lines are used to raise the poster along with the upper and lower carrying rail into sliding contact with the side guide rails of the frame until the poster is securely mounted and displayed within the frame.

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: An advertising display apparatus with precise rotary drive includes a programmable stepper motor positively coupled to a pair of eccentric drives. Rotation of the eccentric drives moves a film sheet containing discrete images formed from corresponding sets of pixels through a closed loop path across a platen stopping at precise dwell points. At each dwell point, a set of pixels register with a plurality of apertures within an overlying grid sheet and are illuminated by a light source within the apparatus to display the image.

Abstract: The device according to the present invention allows the timed lighting in following phases of the structure and of the signals provided on two kinds of emergency triangles, a first one (2) provided on the vehicle, and a second one (3) that may be seen at distance, when the vehicle is forced to stop due to a damage.

Abstract: A decorative kinetic device which includes a transparent hollow dome containing a fluid and a plurality of small particles. The dome is open on its bottom and is mounted on a base having a pumping chamber formed therein. The top of the pumping chamber, which serves as the bottom of the dome, includes an intake hole and an outlet hole to provide flow paths between the dome and the pumping chamber. A pump impeller is positioned within the pumping chamber to circulate the fluid and the particles, the impeller being rotated by a motor positioned in the base below the pumping chamber. An extension member is attached to and extends vertically upward from the pump impeller into the dome and is adapted to receive a decorative object. A transport tube having an intake port and an outlet port is positioned in the dome such that the intake port is connected to the outlet hole of the pumping chamber and the outlet port of the transporting tube is positioned near the top of the dome.

Abstract: A numeral display device having at least one visible face. Each segment of the device has a transparent outer pane and a spaced, parallel inner pane forming a pocket, a first portion of the pocket being aligned with and visible through an opening in the face. A flexible film is received in each pocket. A mechanism is provided to insert and withdraw each film from the first portion of each pocket so that each segment will either contrast with or match the face.

Abstract: A numeral display device having at least one visible face. Each segment of the device has a transparent outer pane and a spaced, parallel inner pane forming a pocket, a first portion of the pocket being aligned with and visible through an opening in the face. A flexible film is received in each pocket. A mechanism is provided to insert and withdraw each film from the first portion of each pocket so that each segment will either contrast with or match the face.

Abstract: A picture display assembly for displaying two different pictures includes a wavelike picture display member having two interleaved series of display sections disposed in different respective directions. Whole pictures are divided into picture segments which are attached or glued to the display sections for each picture to be displayed. The wavelike picture display member with two sets of picture segments attached is made by alternately feeding and gluing picture segments of the two different whole pictures one after another onto a web-like mounting sheet, forming folding lines between the picture segments. Thereafter the mounting sheet with picture segments glued is cut to a length sufficient to include the two sets of the two different whole pictures. Finally, the mounting sheet with the picture segments attached is folded in zigzags to form the two interleaved series of picture segments.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a display means.This display means comprises a thin, light pivoting flap (5) with two principal surfaces (6, 6') and a rotating stepping motor (13). The motor drives the shutter by means of an elastic device (16) which times motor acceleration. A predetermined number of motor steps corresponds to one complete rotation of the flap.The display means is used to form large display units for train stations, airports, etc.

Abstract: Apparatus for exhibiting grains of precious stone comprises in a container assembly at least two communicating compartments, which communicate with each other through at least one passageway, which constitutes a singling path for grains of precious stone. That communicating passageway is constricted so as to permit singled grains having a given size to move freely through the passageway. The container assembly contains an aggregation of grains of precious stone. The at least two compartments communicating with each other have different elevations. The communicating passageway is defined by a slideway, which is inclined from the vertical, or constitutes a path for a free fall of grains of precious stone from the aggregation. Such apparatus can be used as a sales display container, an ornament, or a gift article.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as a calendar comprising: a flexible member on which is located a calendar element including calendar information on a plurality of dates; a spool associated with the flexible member and around which the flexible member is capable of being wound; and an activator associated with the spool and capable of being activated to wind and unwind the flexible member around the spool.

Abstract: The relatively large size seven-segmented numerical display module consists of six peripheral segments having the same shape and size. Each segment is operated by a transmission mechanical gear assembly and a low voltage direct current motor. Only a low energy solar cell and/or battery is required to operate all the segments so as to provide a selected numerical display.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in signs of the kind which comprise a plurality of narrow, elongated prisms arranged in side-by-side relationship and the side faces of which together form a plurality of sign surfaces in different rotational positions of the prisms. The prisms are rotated by a drive shaft, common to all prisms, via a respective bevel gear drive. In accordance with the invention, each driving gear wheel of the bevel gear drive is journalled for rotation in a bearing which is carried by an individual bearing support, which is guided for individual movement axially along tracks which extend longitudinally along the one frame side-member of the sign, and which bearing supports can be locked in selected positions along the tracks.

Abstract: An automatic page turning device of the type comprising a movable element controlled by a motor of which the operation is controlled by a control member to be actuated by the user. It is characterized in that it comprises a suction tube to lift a page as well as a movable element comprised of a double acting pusher. The double acting pusher is situated directly above a document and is movably mounted in linear translation in the two opposite directions transverse to the side of the pages of a document and along which they are bound together. The suction tube and the double acting pusher are also movably mounted perpendicularly to the plane of a support structure.

Abstract: A page turning device is provided in which a first elongated arm is rotatably mounted for circular motion substantially parallel to but above the plane of the volume. A page lifting facility cooperates with the rotation of the first elongated arm to permit the first elongated arm to rotate between a lifted upper leaf and the remainder of the leaves of the volume. Continued rotation of the first elongated arm turns the upper leaf and positions the arm for turning of the next leaf. In this manner an unlimited number of leaves may be sequentially turned by a mechanically simple device which is immediately ready for use when a volume is positioned thereon.

Abstract: A page turner device for an open book comprises a support for the book, and a power driven disc configured to rest on the top of the pages of such open book. When the power drive is energized, the disc will start to rotate while in contact with the open pages. The disc has a finger portion which protrudes outwardly from adjacent portions of the disc, and a page curler drive is used for creating a curl or arch in the center portions of an open page, so that when the finger rotates to the proper position, it will go into the recess under the curl, and as it continues to rotate, the finger will pull the page with it. When the disc comes to a rest position, the finger will have completely opened the subsequent page. At the rest position a cam operates a switch to disable the power drive until such time as the person reading again initiates a manual switch to commence the page turning sequence.

Abstract: Apparatus for sequentially turning pages of a book or the like includes a turned page holder having a first part movable up and down, and a second part carried by the first part that swings over the turning pages during holder displacement between up and down position.

Abstract: Apparatus for sequentially turning stacked pages includes several actuator driven elements. These include a pusher to frictionally push an exposed page in a turn direction and resulting in upward bulging of the page; a foot to clamp a page to be turned to facilitate development of the bulge; at least one flipper arm to swing under the bulge and flip the page over; and a turned page holder that temporarily lifts to allow a turning page to be received on a stack of turned pages, for subsequent clamping by the holder. The actuator includes a linearly moveable member that is motor driven and that actuates the elements. Also provided are a holder for pages to be turned; a string to hold down groups of turned pages, and a receptacle for a book (as for example a paper back book), the receptacle being capable of inversion to allow a bed-ridden reader to use the apparatus with no effort spent in turning pages.

Abstract: An intelligence display apparatus comprising:(a) an envelope comprising a substantially transparent faceplate:(b) illumination means for directing light toward said faceplate:(c) an intelligence selection element disposed between said faceplate and said illumination means, said selection element comprising first regions substantially transparent to said light and second regions substantially opaque thereto, said first and second regions having respective widths in the ratio of about 6:7 to about 8:9;(d) an intelligence storage element comprising a plurality of discrete and different sets of intelligence, said storage element being disposed between said selection element and said illumination means, said sets individually comprising a plurality of bits respectively embodying different portions of said intelligence, such that said bits of each set collectively comprises a composite of the intelligence of said set, each one being totally opaque, totally transparent, partially opaque and partially transparent to

Abstract: Movable message sign apparatus having a single message display opening, and a number of back-lighted message display members mounted within the opening. Each message display member includes a translucent message member having a pair of message faces which form an open V configuration. The message members are attached to end members that are pivotally mounted, so that there is no need for an axle extending through a message display member. The message display members are oscillated in unison between message display positions which place either a first set or a second set of message faces in message display alignment with the opening. A source of back lighting is provided at a sufficient distance behind the message members to avoid streaking or other localized intense illumination. Each message member has flanges which enhance the rigidity of the member and which prevent direct viewing of the illumination source.