Abstract: The specification discloses a portable traffic control sign comprising a stand capable of resting on a support surface, at least one mast portion extending upwardly from the stand, the at least one mast portion having a bottom and a top, a substantially hollow interior and an outside diameter of less than approximately 1.75 inches, at least one sign panel connected to the at least one mast portion, and a reinforcing member fixedly disposed in the hollow interior of each at least one mast portion, the reinforcing member having a length sufficient to reinforce the at least one mast portion proximate the area of probable impact by a motor vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatuses relating to pointer range designators. In an embodiment, a marking on a pointer and a rotation of the pointer may designate the distance from a location to an object.

Abstract: A display device consisting of a plurality of rotating segments each carrying elements of a message or sign, each rotating relative to each other, the center of rotation of each being concentric to each other. These segments are driven by a series of planetary gear systems or their equivalent, arranged in layers, each driving the next. To these segments may be attached a plurality of auxiliary devices, all driven by the same mechanism, which can enhance the attraction of the device, carry elements of the message, etc. Each segment or auxiliary device can be of a variety of shapes, colors, graphics, etc. Segments can be nested or overlapping, totally or in combination in any relation to each other. Message can be continuously or intermittently scrambled and unscrambled.

Abstract: A display device consisting of a plurality of rotating segments each carrying elements of a message or sign, each rotating relative to each other, the center of rotation of each being contained within the circumference of its adjacent segment, either eccentrically or concentrically. These segments are driven by a series of planetary gear systems or their equivalent, arranged in layers, each driving the next. To these segments may be attached a plurality of auxiliary devices, all driven by the same mechanism, which can enhance the attraction of the device, carry elements of the message, etc. Each segment or auxiliary device can be of a variety of shapes, colors, graphics, etc. Segments can be nested or overlapping, totally or in combination. Message can be continuously or intermittently scrambled and unscrambled.

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: An electrically illuminated advertising display for continuously exhibiting consumer products in a range of colors. The advertising display has a light source in the interior of a housing; a translucent screen forming the front portion of the housing, at least one rotatable disk interposed between the translucent screen and the light source, at least one light conducting element interposed between the translucent screen and the rotating disk, and a small fractional horsepower motor for continuously rotating the disk. The translucent screen has a thin outer photographic film with a translucent base layer and a clear transparent sheet which is bonded at its outer edges to the photographic film. One end portion of the light conducting element is bonded to a clear plastic sheet behind the photographic film and has a shape which corresponds to a portion of an image on the photographic film.

Abstract: A point-of-purchase display assembly or signage includes gear discs which rotate about parallel axes and have light transforming material disposed on their outer faces. The discs are rotated (at about 10-20 rpm) to continuously change the visual perception by an observer of the light transforming material. The light transforming material may be holographic or diffraction material, or patterned metallized foil. Modules of the gears are mounted in a linear support, or in channels in a bar or plate, and are covered by a lens. Alternatively, a number of gears/discs may be connected together by chain links. All of the elements are preferably of plastic.

Abstract: An indicator device for an indicator formed of individual indicator elements, having an optical fiber with a corresponding bore in an indicator board located in front of the indicator elements for each indicator element. Switching elements are disposed between the ends of the optical fibers and the corresponding bores of the indicator board, each said switching element corresponding to an individual optical fiber. The switching elements are selectively brought into a non-indicating position by electromagnets, where they cover the end of the assigned optical fibers, or into an indicating position, where the optical fiber is uncovered. This indicator device is utilized for displaying arbitrary luminous signals whereby each optical fiber is closed off by a reflecting body which extends into an indicator board and which is held in a hole in the bottom of the indicator compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displaying an anamorphic illusion utilizes two flat disks, each having different unrecognizable images on their top surfaces. A reflecting surface is positioned perpendicular to the disks. A viewer is able to see a recognizable composite reflected image of the two unrecognizable images by looking at the reflecting surface from any position around the circumference of the apparatus. Rotational motion is imparted to one of the two disks, creating an animated display on the reflecting surface. In another embodiment of the invention, lighting is added above and underneath the disks to illuminate the display and create a vivid and eye-catching attraction under any lighting conditions.

Abstract: A computer-controlled coin parking meter for managing the use of a parking lot having up to about ten parking spaces. It includes a first display device which singularly identifies the parking places and push button switches for operating it; a second display device indicating the parking time bought for the identified space; a rotary disk having, along its periphery, visible indicia indicating whether or not parking time has been paid for the parking places and a step-motor for rotating the disk so as to provide this latter information. The meter further includes a coin receiving and counting machine capable of allowing operation of the second display device so that it indicates the parking time bought and also capable of allowing rotation of the step motor and therefore of the indicia disk to display the information.

Abstract: A display device has a disk assembly with a SET position and a RESET position approximately perpendicular and approximately parallel to the intended viewing direction. The disk assembly shows a bright indication in the viewing direction in SET position and a dark indication at the same viewing area in the RESET position. An aperture in the disk allows radiation from an optic fibre to be seen from the viewing direction in SET position and a hood, mechanically attached to the disk assembly occludes such radiation in the reset position.

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: Apparatus for controlling rotary motion wherein a bellows is fixed at one end to a support having a restricted vent opening and carries a crank at its opposite end linked to a stallable type motor, the motor moving the crank in a circular path controlled by the bellows between alternate fast and slow motion according to the change in length of the bellows.

Abstract: A display or indicator element has a set of movable and a set of fixed vanes of contrasting colors. Each set of vanes encompasses what is substantially a circle in the viewing direction. The sets of vanes are arranged so that the moving vanes move between a position where they are hidden (in the viewing direction) behind the stationary vanes and a position where the moving vanes occlude the stationary vanes. In such movements each moving vane passes between a pair of stationary vanes. Accordingly, contrasting effects are produced. Preferably the actuation for the movable vanes is electromagnetic.

Abstract: A device for producing multidirectional visual displays in which a refracting member having a plurality of elongated lens elements and a design member generally parallel thereto are rotated with respect to each other to provide multidirectional visual displays. The refracting member may be flat or arcuate to form spheres or cylinders so long as the design member is complementary in shape. Rotation is generally provided to the design member.

Abstract: An illuminated animated picture comprises a preferably transparent front panel with a picture painted on the front surface thereof, this panel defining the forward member of a housing having a plurality of rotating discs therein which are illuminated from behind, these discs having "programmed" opaque portions, and the remaining portions being transparent, which cooperate with a multiplicity of holes drilled at strategic locations in the front panel to indicate stars, the moon, shimmering waters or other lighted areas of the picture which are caused to twinkle or glimmer due to the action of the rotating discs, the interior of the housing preferably being silvered except for broad areas on the front panel which are to emit a glow through the painting on the forward portion.

Abstract: An amusement device providing a variety of lighting effects in which a housing is provided with a source of light positioned below two transparent turntables mounted for rotation, a mechanism for rotating the turntables, an independently operated mechanism for varying both the direction and speed of rotation of one of the turntables relative to the other, and a plurality of discs provided with a variety of cut-out patterns to be positioned on top of the turntables.

Abstract: A warning device visually enhances the signalling of a dangerous situation such as an approaching train at a railroad crossing. The warning device includes oppositely rotating rims to which light reflecting discs are attached in surrounding relation to hubs fixed to the arms of a frame extending laterally from a vertical support post. Fixed light emitting surfaces are mounted on the hub facing opposite directions.

Abstract: A mechanized display for articles, such as cigarette packages, includes rotating platforms upon which the packages rest. The rotating platforms are supported in openings through a plastic housing by drive shaft means, which is driven with a battery powered electric motor. The battery powered electric motor is retained in the bottom of the plastic housing, so that the housing can either sit stably on a flat surface or be suspended from its top.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically determining without human intervention the intersection point of the axis of an aimable optical system with a plane. A scanning radiation source is imaged on a radiation sensor array by a movable focusing reflector. The signal output from the sensor array is electronically processed to determine the intersection point of the optical axis of the focusing reflector on a target plane. When the apparatus is used as a weapon training simulator, a shot sound synthesizer imparts additional realism.