Rotatable Patents (Class 40/473)
  • Patent number: 6772547
    Abstract: A motorized display using transistor oscillation to impart motion to point-of-purchase displays or other items is disclosed. A transistor oscillator movement, is used to rotate the display. A transistor oscillator motor has a drive train including a drive shaft and a battery as a power source. The drive shaft rotates when the motor is powered, a holder for a sign or merchandise item is connected to the drive shaft exterior to a motor housing and may be removable from the drive shaft. The drive shaft may be positioned vertically, horizontally or diagonally depending on the type of display being used. The rotation of the drive shaft may be either continuous one way or a 360 degree two-way revolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Roger S. Marshall
  • Publication number: 20040123502
    Abstract: A display device comprises a display device member attached detachably a display body including one of an advertisement, photograph, mark and doll; and means for linking the rotation of the display device member in connection with the rotation of a revolving body, attaching so as to be able to act the display device member so that it can pull many people's interest efficiently and give the impression strongly in the high state of utility value when it uses for the advertisement etc., and it makes interesting and has the play heart when the photograph etc. is decorated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Yukihiro Sugawara
  • Patent number: 6638135
    Abstract: An animated display comprising a lower sleeve assembly which itself includes a lower outer sleeve and a lower inner sleeve concentrically positioned within the lower outer sleeve. Also included in the animated display is an upper sleeve assembly comprising an upper outer sleeve having an upper inner sleeve concentrically positioned therewithin. The upper sleeve assembly is selectively retractable into and extensible from the lower sleeve assembly in a telescoping fashion. The animated display further comprises an actuation assembly which is cooperatively engaged to the lower and upper sleeve assemblies. The actuation assembly is operative to facilitate the rotation of the lower inner sleeve relative to the lower outer sleeve, the rotation of the upper outer and inner sleeves relative to the lower sleeve assembly, the retraction of the upper sleeve assembly into the lower sleeve assembly, and the extension of the upper sleeve assembly from the lower sleeve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Sui Lun Fong
  • Patent number: 6571495
    Abstract: A combination advertising/public-information sign intended for use in public areas such as railroad stations and city squares, especially for those jurisdictions that permit advertising signs only if associated with the providing of information of general public interest. The sign is light in weight and easy to assemble and disassemble. The public information and advertisements presented on the sign are in continuous motion and are readily viewable at any given time by the vast majority of the persons within sight of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: Mihail Antonios Margaronis
  • Publication number: 20020174581
    Abstract: A merchandising and/or display system for displaying objects is disclosed. The merchandising system may include a base, an interface coupled to the base, and at least one support coupled to the interface. The at least one support is configured to be coupled to the interface at a first position to provide a first mounting arrangement and is configured to be coupled to the interface at a second position to provide a second mounting arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Allen E. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020148148
    Abstract: A display device, comprising a central shaft; at least one support arm, rotatably attached to the central shaft; and a cam member having at least one cam surface, the cam surface positioned so as to be engageable with at least one support arm, the cam member being movable at least axially in relation to central shaft. As the cam member moves axially of the central shaft, a cam surface contacts at least one support arm and moves it circumferentially around the central shaft. The shapes of the cam surfaces provide choreographed movement of the support arms. Visual elements may be attached to the support arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Glenn Smith
  • Patent number: 6460278
    Abstract: A device for providing object visibility from all sides comprises a cylinder having an opaque surface interrupted by a plurality of transparent sections forming viewing slots elongated in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the cylinder, and a like plurality of objects mounted inside the cylinder, with each object being associated with a viewing slot. The cylinder rotates around the longitudinal axis at a high angular velocity to enable viewing of the objects through the slots. The objects can be, for example, an inscription, a picture, a three-dimensional object, a running inscription, a mobile picture, a mobile three-dimensional object or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Marijan Juravcic
    Inventor: Damjan Jurjav{haeck over (c)}i{haeck over (c)}
  • Patent number: 6427370
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Nathan Smith
  • Patent number: 6389719
    Abstract: A display device, comprising a central shaft; at least one support arm, rotatably attached to the central shaft; and a cam member having at least one cam surface, the cam surface positioned so as to be engageable with at least one support arm, the cam member being movable at least axially in relation to central shaft. As the cam member moves axially of the central shaft, a cam surface contacts at least one support arm and moves it circumferentially around the central shaft. The shapes of the cam surfaces provide choreographed movement of the support arms. Visual elements may be attached to the support arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Robotic Displays Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn Smith
  • Publication number: 20020053151
    Abstract: A motorized display using transistor oscillation to impart motion to point-of-purchase displays or other items is disclosed. A transistor oscillator movement, is used to rotate the display. A transistor oscillator motor has a drive train including a drive shaft and a battery as a power source. The drive shaft rotates when the motor is powered, a holder for a sign or merchandise item is connected to the drive shaft exterior to a motor housing and may be removable from the drive shaft. The drive shaft may be positioned vertically, horizontally or diagonally depending on the type of display being used. The rotation of the drive shaft may be either continuous one way or a 360 degree two-way revolution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Roger S. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6374522
    Abstract: A glass water ball structure including a base seat having a receptacle in which a fixing seat of the glass water ball is received. A lower support cone is disposed on the fixing seat of the glass water ball to abut against an adjusting bolt screwed in the base seat. An upper support cone is disposed on the dome of the glass water ball to abut against a frame body upward extending from the base seat. The entire glass water ball is pivotally disposed in the base seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Single-Tree Art Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Szu Wei Lo
  • Patent number: 6250000
    Abstract: A rotary driven poster, for use in advertising, informative ends and other uses that include at least a main body with presenting faces that contain the advertising or informative composition of visual reception. The poster is mounted to a support with the body connected to a device that drives it with a uniform circular movement. The poster further includes a rotation center of the main body. The rotation center is connected to the support and possesses a radial arm on which a motor-reducer is mounted. The motor-reducer has an axis that supports a wheel. A ring-shaped piece is fixed to the structure of the main body and in concentric disposition with the rotation axis whose radius is equivalent to that of the radial arm. The ring-shaped piece has the support track of the wheel. The wheel is also the rotary driving means of the main body by way of the support track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Hugo Roberto Diaz
  • Patent number: 6148552
    Abstract: The device comprises a base member, a transparent outer tubular member which is fixed to the base member. It also comprises a transparent inner tubular member and a revolving inner tubular member holder to mount the inner tubular member in spaced relationship with respect to the outer tubular member. The revolving member is mounted on the base member so as to permit rotation of the revolving inner tubular member holder and of the transparent inner tubular member. Mounting strips or the like are provided to mount translucid advertising sheets on the inner tubular member, and a lighting system is arranged to direct light against the translucid advertising material so as to enable the advertising material to be observed through the transparent tubular member. A container such as a waste box may be placed in the space provided inside the inner tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventors: Raymond Dumontier, Gaetan Bertrand
  • Patent number: 6057497
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Douglas E. DeVivo
  • Patent number: 6052930
    Abstract: An ornamental display globe includes a transparent hollow sphere filled with a transparent liquid and a figurine disposed inside the sphere. The figurine is maintained in a preferred orientation in the transparent liquid when the transparent hollow sphere is subjected to movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Mr. Christmas, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Hermanson, Huang Meng-Suen
  • Patent number: 6018899
    Abstract: A rotating display, particularly for use as a point of purchase inducement to customers in a retail environment, includes a two-sided display panel with fluorescent printed indicia or graphics on at least one side which are illuminated by ultraviolet light. The panel is rotated about its central longitudinal axis at a rotational velocity of at least approximately 300 RPM. The spinning fluorescent indicia, when illuminated in this fashion, create the illusion of a solid through the persistence of vision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Michael G. Hanitz
  • Patent number: 5934223
    Abstract: The pet toy projects a moving image into a room, as determined by a computer chip, so that a pet may be entertained by the moving image without requiring a person to be in the room to move the image. The pet toy comprises an upright housing containing batteries and supported by a heavy base with a ball bearing unit at the top of the housing. The ball bearing unit has a lamp unit attached thereto. A plurality of glass units with various cut-outs that may be removably attached to the lamp unit so that the glass units may be used to change the image projected by the lamp unit. A control unit contained in the housing controls the speed of the rotatable ball bearing unit to control the speed of the moving light image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Erin P. Ellery-Guy
  • Patent number: 5822900
    Abstract: The vehicle signalling device 2 comprises a frame 10, a rotating drum 40 having multiple sides 46 mounted to the frame 10 for displaying predetermined messages, a pivoting shutter 100 mounted to the frame 10 that shields an observable view of the drum 40 as the drum 40 rotates to the desired message for display and a hand-held trigger grip 206 operatively and independently connected to the drum 40 and the shutter 100 for selective activation. The drum 40 rotates by activating an index arm 64 and a first pawl 74 assembly engaging a first ratchet wheel 56 mounted to a drum first end wall 42. The drum 40 and the shutter 100 are activated by either transferring a force supplied by an operator's hand, or by activating electric first and second motors 278 and 288, respectively. Also, the drum 40 can be illuminated by a lamp 318 mounted within the drum 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: William C. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 5791775
    Abstract: A decorative illuminating mobile apparatus includes a support member that has an engaging surface that fits a generally flat adjacent anchoring surface such as a ceiling, floor, wall or the like. A first swivel member extends away from the support member. A plurality of separately rotatable appendages are connection sequentially together by a series of addition swivel members that space each appendage a part from another adjacent appendage and away from the support member engaging surface. This arrangement stacks the rotatable appendages vertically so there is a highest appendage and a lowest appendage with a plurality of appendages therebetween for example. At least some of the appendages include a light source that is powered by electricity. An electrical supply is provided for illuminating each light source, the electrical supply including rotational light electrical supply connection at the swivels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Mryl Rae Douglass, II
  • Patent number: 5704145
    Abstract: A kinetic rotating display for use as a point of purchase inducement to customers in a retail environment. The display includes a two-sided transparent panel with fluorescent printed indicia or graphics on one side which are illuminated by ultraviolet light. The other side of the panel has these indicia or graphics masked off with an opaque layer. The panel is rotated about its central axis at a rotational velocity of 300-3000 RPM. The spinning fluorescent indicia, when illuminated in this fashion, create the illusion of a solid through the persistence of vision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Michael G. Hanitz
  • Patent number: 5703564
    Abstract: A mobile advertising device having a rotating display unit suspended from a cord that is preferably supported from a wand attached to a shelf unit in a store. The display unit has a battery powered motor that rotates a drum having a surface on which graphics are displayed and the display unit may include lights to attract the attention of customers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Klever-Kart, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul G. Begum, Gordon W. Young
  • Patent number: 5696494
    Abstract: A rotary unit and illumination unit for a 3-side variable advertisement display board is disclosed. It has a frame made up of a lower groove and two lateral hollow tubes and fixed to a supporting leg by welding. Light tubes are fixed inside triangular hollow columns by rubber pads screwed to an upper member. A cross-head shaft passing through the worms of a worm gear disposed inside a lower supporting member and connected to a rectangular axle on top of the lower supporting member, is joined to a gearing wheel which driven by a driving wheel actuated by a motor, will cause the movement of the cross-head shaft, resulting in the rotation of the triangular hollow columns. An ultra-red ray sensor is used to signal the stop movement of the triangular hollow columns, a timer and a rectifier are used to preset and control the regular movement of the triangular hollow columns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Chih-Tsung Chen
  • Patent number: 5692330
    Abstract: A multiple image display device provides a seamless appearance while driving multiple rows of display panels arranged in adjacent columns. The display panels are driven through interconnection with a plurality of motor assemblies coupled to the bottom of the lower display panels and the top of the upper display panels. This enables the interconnection of multiple display panels in longitudinal alignment with minimum space therebetween to provide the seamless appearance. Intermediate support members carry the load of large display panels which would otherwise be impractical to assemble in a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: Tazwell L. Anderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5555656
    Abstract: The structure of crystal ball which can provide dynamic phenomenon in the base is disclosed. It includes a gear fixed on the driving axle of the music bell, the rotating pedestal on which the music bell is installed, and a controller engaged with the tenon of the chassis and located between the gear and the circumference of the rotating pedestal. When the driving axle of the music bell is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, the synchronous rotation of the rotating pedestal is limited by the controller. When the power of the spring of the music bell is released, the driving axle is limited by the controller to rotate in clockwise direction, then the rotating pedestal is driven to rotate in a counterclockwise direction by the music bell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Jian H. Liu
  • Patent number: 5535698
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an angular position indicator for remotely displaying the positions of elements suitable to assume different angular positions, and, more specifically, valve elements, actuators and the like; the indicator comprises a body which can be coupled to the element the angular position thereof must be indicated or displayed, to the body being associated a display unit which is connected to the element being controlled by a device adapted to transform an angular movement into a rectilinear movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Giovanni Trevisan
  • Patent number: 5528258
    Abstract: A changeable signboard, in which each turning pole is operated by a stepping motor, has three advertisement faces and turns clockwise and counterclockwise at a predetermined degree, thus displaying a certain pattern according to the electronic circuit. As many turning poles as needed can be arranged and one can show linear or curved images and diversify the patterns of advertisements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Young S. Chung
    Inventor: Shin K. Moon
  • Patent number: 5512876
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Inventor: Vincenzo Brusca
  • Patent number: 5469805
    Abstract: A high visibility indicator 12 for fitting to the rotatable drive shaft 11 of a rotary actuator 10 is capable of being rotated from a first position to a second position to indicate corresponding first and second positions of the actuator 10. The indicator 12 has an inner cylindrical member 13 fitted to the shaft 11, an outer cylindrical member 15 secured to the housing 10 of the actuator 10, and a sleeve member 17 interposed between members 13, 15 and drivingly connected to each via pin and slot connections 15A, 19, 14A, 18, which are arranged so that rotary movement of inner member 13 produces axial movement of sleeve member 17. The members 13, 15, 17 have color-coded surfaces arranged such that when the sleeve member 17 is at one end of its axial travel, a first color-coded arrangement is visible and when the sleeve member 17 is at the other end of its axial travel, a second color-coded arrangement is visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Keystone International Holdings Corp.
    Inventor: Stephen Gibbs
  • Patent number: 5430463
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display element and to its use in a display panel, and to a display system.This display element is generally in the form of a cube (32) and thus comprises four display faces of different color. This cube (32) is mounted so as to rotate on fixed shafts (34), in column C.sub.n and in row R.sub.m. These cubes include rotation means such as teeth and erasing means such as a recess.By virtue of the these rotation means such as teeth and these erasing means such as a recess, the rotating of a display element is simplified, and more foolproof and reliable, which improves the operation of the display panel made up of such display elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: FM Incoming
    Inventor: Eric Fontalirant
  • Patent number: 5416997
    Abstract: An advertising display is convertible between an expanded display configuration and a collapsed configuration for storage and transportation. The display includes a cylindrical tube with generally circular end walls attached to the inner surface of the tube adjacent the top and bottom edges thereof. A center post is secured at a top end to the center of the top end wall and projects through the tube to extend therefrom through a center hole in the bottom end wall. The expanded display is rotatable about the tube by an electric motor mounted within the tube and coupled to the top end wall. The motor is powered by batteries also positioned within the post. The tube has diametrically opposed longitudinal fold lines extending between the top and bottom edges thereof to permit it to be collapsed to a storage and transportation configuration when not in use. Parallel transverse fold lines on each circular end wall enables them to fold inwardly within the tube when it is collapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Dyment Ltd.
    Inventors: James A. Dyment, Phillip M. Batsch, David K. Downey
  • Patent number: 5367808
    Abstract: A battery-operated rotating sign employs a mechanically efficient speed-reducing mechanism and a power controller to reduce power consumption and, hence, increase battery life. The device is particularly suited to a ceiling-mounted, vertically-suspended rotating sign. A resilient power transmission strand extends from the vertical shaft of the motor to the sign which hangs from the bottom end of the strand. The power controller includes electrical circuitry having a timer which cycles between "on" and "off" periods. During the "on" period, the rapidly turning motor shaft winds up the resilient strand; and during the "off" period, the energy stored in the strand is released to the sign which turns slowly at the opposite end of the strand. Additional energy savings are provided by a photodetector circuit which disconnects the battery at night when operation of the sign is not desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Decora Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore E. Liebman, Robert H. Levitt
  • Patent number: 5311687
    Abstract: A display sign of considerable brightness for prominently displaying a name or message. In one form, the sign is formed in an elongate, rectangular fashion, while in another form, the sign is formed in an elongate, rotatable cylinder. In either form of the sign, the light source extends substantially the length of the sign, and a reflector is poised behind the light source for enhancing illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Robert Nielsen & Associates, Ltd.
    Inventor: Harold Reed
  • Patent number: 5309657
    Abstract: A rotatable picture frame apparatus which is made up of a plurality of picture frames, a turntable for supporting the picture frames, a casing for supporting the turntable and a base for supporting the casing. The apparatus contains a motor which is connected to the turntable by a rotating shaft and a switch for turning the motor on and off. The apparatus may contain its own electrical supply in the form of batteries contained in the casing or it may be adapted to be connected to an external power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: LaDarien Spencer
  • Patent number: 5307051
    Abstract: A night light apparatus and method alters the environment of a room, particularly a darkened room, in response to an audio input such as a child's voice. The apparatus and method is adapted to provide a sense of security to a child in a room in order to improve the child's sleeping habits and reduce or eliminate the child's fear of the dark or the child's fear of being left alone. A predetermined audio level in the darkened room is sensed. If the audio level exceeds a background noise level, a signal is generated and an audio output and a light output are activated. The audio output may include a bedtime story or a soothing song. The light output may include an image such as a cartoon character that is lit. A fire and smoke detector may also be included to activate audio instructions to a child in the event of a fire. The apparatus may be suitably programmed to transmit a signal to a remote location and activate an object warning device and/or a motion generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Inventor: Steven R. Sedlmayr
  • Patent number: 5245772
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a display device of the type for displaying advertising.In accordance with the invention, the device comprises a stand, a revolving support mounted in rotation on the stand, and a plurality of display panels, which are arranged in rotation on the revolving support about an individual axis parallel with the axis of the stand. According to the invention, the individual axis of each display panel is offset with respect to the median point according to the width of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Girapub
    Inventor: Claude Girardot
  • Patent number: 5237764
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a solar driven novelty device including a frame having a first side and a second side; a solar panel attached to the frame and in an adjustable relationship thereto; a rotatable disk disposed on the frame; a motor in operative connection with the solar panel and also in operative connection with the disk, wherein the motor causes the disk to rotate in response to electricity generated by the solar panel and transmitted to the motor; and suction cups for attaching the frame to the surface, the suction cups being adjustable to permit either the first side of the frame or the second side of the frame to be adjacent to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Inventor: Jay C. Gray
  • Patent number: 5179796
    Abstract: A display device for photographs and/or other decorative and ornamental articles includes a first display assembly having a top plate and bottom plate connected together, a second display assembly located internally of the first display assembly and having a second top plate and a second bottom plate connected together, a suspension including an arrangement for rotatably suspending at least one of the display assemblies, and a stationary arrangement for rotating the bottom plate in one direction and rotating the second bottom plate in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Robert J. Gephart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5063377
    Abstract: Accordingly, a display system is provided whereby visual elements can be independently transported not only around but also parallel to the display axis. The display comprises a central shaft; carriages mounted along the length of this shaft; and visual elements borne by the carriages. Each carriage has a circumferential drive train which can propel it around the shaft, and an axial drive train engageable with a visual element such that the visual element can be passed generally parallel to the shaft from one carriage to an axially adjacent carriage. Ideally, the system is controlled by a computer system which may be programmed to move the carriages and visual elements in complex configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Robotic Displays Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn W. Smith
  • Patent number: 5054219
    Abstract: A motor driven multi-faced revolving sign for mounting on existing sign pedestals. Whereby a removable quarter section is provided so that the sign may be clamp mounted around an existing sign pedestal without removing the existing sign. An adaptor is also provided to facilitate the mounting and operation of the sign regardless of size or configuration of most existing pedestals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventors: Wilber S. Hoyt, James G. Close
  • Patent number: 4988995
    Abstract: The display device of the invention includes several flat screens. Two sides of a case each form a flat screen display face controlled by the same control system. Under normal operation, the case is held in slides and only the screen disposed on one side is visible and in the emergency mode the case is pulled out of the slides and is pivoted so as to cause the other screen disposed on the othr side to appear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Assignee: Thomson CSF
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Buisson, Jean-Marie Soubrier
  • Patent number: 4984380
    Abstract: A crib mobile responsive to body motion of an infant. The mobile system is based on use of a passive infrared sensor and associated electrical switching of the type employed for security systems that turn on floodlights in response to detection of the presence of an intruder. An A.C. motor, drive shaft, and support rod for the mobile are mounted on an arm that extends from a housing connectable to a ceiling, and the sensor is mounted on another arm. Electrical connection may be made to a conventional A.C. ceiling outlet. The sensor provides a signal to activate the motor when it detects motion above a predetermined level, and it includes a time delay feature that prevents turning the motor off for a period after such motion is no longer detected. Sensitivity of the sensor and the duration of the time delay are adjustable. The mobile structure includes horizontally extending arms for supporting toys or decorative objects for being rotated in a circular path above a crib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Inventor: Rodney D. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4970815
    Abstract: A light computer is provided for illuminated and animated displays. Light planes are illuminated and images carried thereon are lit when light is applied to any edge. A moving light and opaque coatings on the edges of the light plane are used to vary the sequence and time the frequency and duration of the lighting of the plane. When an opaque coating is positioned between the light and the plane, the plane does not light. Only when the opaque coating is not present and the light is present is the plane lit. In a preferred embodiment, the light source is mounted at the end of a stack of circular light planes and light from the light source is admitted to the edges of the light planes by means of a rotating mask having a window leading to a prism for reflecting the light onto the edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Inventor: Howard F. Sunderland
  • Patent number: 4926167
    Abstract: An information display apparatus having a plurality of rotatable elements to create a changeable display of information is described. The display apparatus comprises a frame 1 in which are mounted a plurality of rotatable disc-shaped elements 4, each element having two display surfaces 5 and 6 and an array of activators 12. The frame of elements and the activators are moveable relative to one another. By selectively energising the activators 12, one or more of the elements 4 are rotated to alter the displayed information or image. The display apparatus may be arranged as a cylindrical of linear display. Sensors are positioned adjacent the activators (12) to sense the current position of the rotatable elements to decide if they need to be rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Bright-Tech (Developments) Limited
    Inventors: Stuart M. Jenkins, Terence J. Harvey
  • Patent number: 4912442
    Abstract: A display apparatus comprises a plurality of rotationally mounted display elements arranged into a matrix of rows and columns, the axes of rotation of said display elements being perpendicular to each associated column and parallel to each associated row, respectively, said display elements each including first and second display faces perpendicular to one another and joined along respective adjacent edges, for providing a desired arrangement of said display faces at the front of said display apparatus; first and second ramp surfaces are rigidly connected along inside edges of and extending substantially perpendicularly away from a back surface of said first and second faces, respectively, opposite the edges joining said first and second display faces, respectively; and an actuator assembly is mounted for bidirectional movement along a path perpendicular to the planes of rotation of said display elements at the rear of said display apparatus, for stroking selected ones of said first and second ramp surfaces w
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: Fred M. Black
  • Patent number: 4910897
    Abstract: A rotary music box adapted for use on special occasions, such as baby showers, birthdays and weddings. Space is provided on the rotating music box for displaying photographs or cards pertinent to the event being celebrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: Peter Hsu
  • Patent number: 4759140
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Edward J. Moen
    Inventors: William D. Roberts, Graham M. Stopford
  • Patent number: 4638580
    Abstract: A publicity board provided with a plurality of rotatable prismatic members ounted side-by-side, each being arranged to carry portions of publicity images on its faces, and further provided with a meter for rotating the prismatic members about their respective longitudinal axes. The motor is coupled to the prismatic members by means of an operating shaft driven by the motor and carrying a plurality of radial rods such that they rotate, to each cooperate with respective appendices extending radially from an end pivot of each prismatic member, for the purpose of transmitting to this latter a rotation through an angle which is double the angle formed at the center by each face of said prismatic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: S.r.l. LO.GI.CAM - Lombarda General Engeenering Costruzioni Automatiche
    Inventors: Anna Giannetti, Sergio Massa, Cesare Re
  • Patent number: 4615131
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1986
    Inventor: Yoshimasa Wakatake
  • Patent number: 4596083
    Abstract: As assembly for the merchandising of products utilizing a solar cell mounted directly onto an incandescent or fluorescent light bulb so that the cell receives the light directly from the light bulb. A d.c. motor is electrically connected to the solar cell, the motor shaft extending downwardly. A substantially planar sign member having word indicia formed thereon may be operatively interconnected to the motor shaft so that it rotates in response to motor shaft rotation. A plurality of flexible clips may be provided for mounting the solar cell directly to the light bulb, or globe for the light bulb. Alternatively, a fan blade may be mounted to the motor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1986
    Inventor: Marion E. Thompson
  • Patent number: 4558527
    Abstract: The transcribing work of a typist is facilitated by a reading aid in the form of a copyholder which has a holder cylinder of transparent material into which a copy to be transcribed is insertable. A support provides for rotatably locating the copyholder substantially in the typist's line of vision toward the keyboard and the typed line. The hollow cylinder is rotatable either by hand or by a motor driven gear mechanism for stepping the cylinder from line to line of the copy. The copy is insertable either at one open end of the cylinder or through a slot in the cylinder jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Inventors: Helmut Schroedel, Nancy Nugent