Plural Cylindrical Or Polygonal Rotatable Carrier Patents (Class 40/503)
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Patent number: 8893413Abstract: An art kit provides an artwork having two complementary pictures such that the viewing angle determines a resulting picture. A pair of sheets has complementary images thereon, a left hand image and a right hand image as defined. Each sheet is separable into a plurality of strips with tabs on each side that can be folded. Each strip of each sheet may be numbered evenly and oddly in sequence. The sequential numbers such as 1 and 2 are connected with vertical tabs being held together with clips to form one section of the two images, one side being left and the other right. All of the sections are then mounted to a backing board frame to form the artwork. If the sheets are without printed images, an artist may form such images on the sheets when the sheets are mounted in a coloring jig before separation.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Inventor: William Gray Shepard
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Patent number: 8887421Abstract: A multi-image license plate assembly having a series of horizontally disposed rotating display members operably controlled by a rotational drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can be a series of gears, pulleys, belts, chains, a worm gear assembly, or other means. The horizontally disposed rotating display members rotated about a horizontal axis. The rotating display members preferably have three image surfaces. An image is segmented, with each segment applied to a respective image surface of each of the display members, such that when the image surfaces are aligned, the complete image is displayed. The image can be applied directly to the rotating member or applied to an insert. An adapter mount is provided for fastening the multi-image license plate assembly to a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Inventor: Robert Halula
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Patent number: 8839536Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar power generation display assembly and methods for providing same involving solar arrays in a display of designated indicia, each solar array containing one or more electronically linked solar modules or cells of a crystalline or amorphous type and other modules. The solar modules and/or portions of the solar modules and other module portions and/or portions of the other module portions within each specific array or display may be static or manipulated electronically or mechanically to provide an enhanced indicia while a programmable display management system enables operation of electrical and mechanical management sub-systems for displaying the indicia.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Solaire Generation, Inc.Inventor: Laurence Mackler
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Patent number: 8312676Abstract: A shutter panel having multiple louvers that may be opened or closed in unison and which provide a flat, non-overlapping surface when placed in the closed position. Each louver is provided with a pivot post and a drive post, and the drive posts of each louver are interconnected to one or more control rods hidden within the stiles of the shutter panel. Each louver is beveled to encourage movement between the open and closed positions, and to assist with the formation of a substantially flat surface when the louvers are placed in the closed positions. The substantially flat surface formed when the louvers are closed may include an aesthetic design applied thereon or engraved therein.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Inventor: Peter Scott Maciulewicz
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Patent number: 8250793Abstract: A multi-image license plate assembly having a series of horizontally disposed rotating display members operably controlled by a rotational drive mechanism. The drive mechanism can be a series of gears, pulleys, belts, chains, a worm gear assembly, or other means. The horizontally disposed rotating display members rotated about a horizontal axis. The rotating display members preferably have three image surfaces. An image is segmented, with each segment applied to a respective image surface of each of the display members, such that when the image surfaces are aligned, the complete image is displayed. The image can be applied directly to the rotating member or applied to an insert. An adapter mount is provided for fastening the multi-image license plate assembly to a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2010Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Inventor: Robert Halula
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Patent number: 8104203Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar power generation display assembly and methods for providing same involving solar arrays in a display of designated indicia, each solar array containing one or more electronically linked solar modules or cells of a crystalline or amorphous type and other modules. The solar modules and/or portions of the solar modules and other module portions and/or portions of the other module portions within each specific array or display may be static or manipulated electronically or mechanically to provide an enhanced indicia while a programmable display management system enables operation of electrical and mechanical management sub-systems for displaying the indicia.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Solaire Generation, Inc.Inventor: Laurence Mackler
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Patent number: 8069596Abstract: In the case of a stand for an information sign (2), the support (1) used for the information sign (2) is an L-shaped metal strip which is releasably connected to a base part, ensuring the stability of the stand, and, at its top end, has a pivot pin (14) and coupling discs (22, 23) which are provided with locking protrusions (20) and locking recesses (21), by means of which the information sign (2) can be arrested in different positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2006Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: “Durable” Hunke & Jochheim GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Horst-Werner Maier-Hunke
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Patent number: 7963060Abstract: A product display device includes a support frame, a plurality of placard devices, a pair of carousel display devices and a messaging unit disposed between the pair of carousel display devices. The placard devices, the carousel display devices and the messaging unit providing an integrated display of products to prospective consumers. The messaging unit including a removable interactive display for providing at least one of textual, graphic, image, pictorial and visual illustrations and representations of product information and promotional information to prospective customers.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2008Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Mechtronics CorporationInventors: Keith Arndt, John A. Kwap, Tim Malley, Kurt Haldin
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Patent number: 7921586Abstract: A display system includes a frame and a plurality of rotatable columns carried by the frame. Each of the plurality of rotatable columns may include a column connection member, at least one display engagement member carried by the column connection member, and a plurality of display members carried by the at least one display engagement member. The display system may also include a respective plurality of display guide members carried by the frame to engage each of the plurality of rotatable columns. Each of the respective plurality of display guide members may include an arcuate shaped guide. Each display guide member may have four imaginary quadrants and a portion of the arcuate shaped guide extends through each of the four imaginary quadrants. Each portion of the arcuate shaped guide extending through each of the imaginary quadrant preferably has a different shape.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: AD4, LLCInventors: John Norton Reynolds, IV, James P. Lyons, Michael W. MacGeorge
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Publication number: 20110066494Abstract: A system for displaying photographs is provided. The display system includes a plurality of rotatable carousels that each possess a plurality of slots for receiving folders that hold photographs taken by an event organizer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventors: Caine SMITH, Brynley DAVIES, Daniel WEIL
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Patent number: 7823307Abstract: A rotatable display box comprising, a signage body and mount to engage this to a fixed structure in a manner to allow the signage body to be rotatable about an axis of rotation and relative to said fixed structure. The signage body includes at least two display sides. A cam and the other is a cam follower are included. The cam has a surface including a number of cam surface depressions corresponding to the number of regions at or from which signage is or can be presented, said cam surface depressions located at intervals about said axis or rotation corresponding to the number of display sides of the signage box to which said rotation is to be biased to. The biasing to such locations is encouraged by the biasing of said cam follower towards the cam surface of said cam.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Rodier Advertising (1986) LimitedInventor: Graham Rodier Gibbs
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Patent number: 7509761Abstract: Apparatus for creating a number of display images comprises a first rotating element provided with a plurality of mounting means, each of said mounting means rotatably carrying one or more second rotating elements each provided with a number of display surfaces in which the mounting means are arranged such that they define a shape with substantially straight edges, and in which two or more second rotating elements can combine to create a changeable display surface substantially parallel to each substantially straight edge of said shape, and in which in use each second rotating element is rotated independently of all other second rotating elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Inventor: Kwame Owusu-Atuahene
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Patent number: 7509762Abstract: A display sign apparatus includes a stationary frame and a movable frame mounted therein for reciprocal lateral movement. One drive system is provided for moving the movable frame. Each of the stationary and movable frames has a plurality of elongated display sign elements mounted in a spaced relationship. Another drive system is provided for rotating each element about its longitudinal axis. The elongated display sign elements are movable between a first position wherein the elements are interposed with a side-by-side arrangement and a second position wherein the elements in the movable frame are laterally spaced from the elements mounted on the stationary frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Inventor: Ayorinde Ajumobi
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Publication number: 20090064550Abstract: A display system includes a frame and a plurality of rotatable columns carried by the frame. Each of the plurality of rotatable columns may include a column connection member, at least one display engagement member carried by the column connection member, and a plurality of display members carried by the at least one display engagement member. The display system may also include a respective plurality of display guide members carried by the frame to engage each of the plurality of rotatable columns. Each of the respective plurality of display guide members may include an arcuate shaped guide. Each display guide member may have four imaginary quadrants and a portion of the arcuate shaped guide extends through each of the four imaginary quadrants. Each portion of the arcuate shaped guide extending through each of the imaginary quadrant preferably has a different shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2008Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventors: John Norton Reynolds, IV, James P. Lyons, Michael W. MacGeorge
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Patent number: 7428791Abstract: A display system may include a frame, column connection members connected to the frame, and column members rotatably connected to the column connection members. The display system may also include a magnetic drive assembly carried by the frame that engages the column connection members to selectively rotate the column members. The magnetic drive assembly may include a power source, energizing members connected to the power source, and column movement members connected to the column connection members. The energizing members may include an electromagnet, and the column movement members may be positioned spaced-apart from and overlying the energizing members. The electromagnet of the energizing members may be selectively energized to form a magnetic field between the energizing members and the column movement members to selectively cause rotation of the column members.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: AD4, LLCInventors: James P. Lyons, Michael W. MacGeorge, John Norton Reynolds, IV
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Publication number: 20080073169Abstract: An indexing drive device for periodic stopping and starting of a rotating output is provided, which includes: (a) a driven cog, wherein the driven cog comprises: (i) a plurality of outer surfaces equally spaced around a periphery of the driven cog; and (ii) a plurality of driven lobes equally spaced around the driven cog; (b) a driving cog adapted to be cooperatively positioned to engage with the driven cog, wherein the driving cog comprises: (i) at least two driving lobes, whereby the driving lobes on the driving cog engage the driven lobes of the driven cog during a turning cycle of the driven cog; and (ii) a semi-circular disc that mates with one of the outer surfaces during a dwell cycle of the driven cog that holds the driven cog in a fixed position during the dwell cycle, wherein the disc has a blank section in the region of the driving lobes to allow the driven cog to turn during a turning cycle of the driven cog.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2007Publication date: March 27, 2008Inventor: Michael C. Walters
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Publication number: 20070199216Abstract: A sign (10) includes a gear subassembly (50, 52) and a slip assembly (74, 80) operatively associated between the drive shaft (42) and the output shaft (46) of one of the display elements (14). During a portion of a rotation of the input gear element (50), the input gear teeth (72) engage the output gear teeth (78). During another portion, the input gear teeth (72) disengage. At least one partial gear tooth (82a, 82b) assists in periodically aligning the gear teeth. The slip subassembly comprises: an input slip element (74) defining a generally arcuate line about the axis of the input slip element; and an output slip element (80) defining a generally straight line that is non-intersecting with and extends perpendicular to the input slip axis. During a portion of a rotation of the input slip element (74), the arcuate line and the straight line of the slip elements (74, 80) are in slipping contact to prevent the output slip element (80) from rotating.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2006Publication date: August 30, 2007Inventor: Michael R. Atkinson
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Patent number: 7257913Abstract: A signage system comprising a prism-shaped tri-panel louver having a slot at each corner into which can be slid a clip. The clip is generally V-shaped with a pair of opposing sides joined at one end to form an apex. At the apex end is a pair of opposing fingers which are generally parallel to the clip sides. The fingers form a slot on each side. The clip is slid and retained by a friction fit within the slot such that when three clips are installed the fingers and slots formed therein can hold the sign graphics strip. The clip can flex somewhat to allow for insertion in a slot in the louver.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2005Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Ad-Tech International, Inc.Inventors: Todd Heller, Richard Wanser, Dewey Pitts
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Patent number: 7093723Abstract: A display system may include a frame, column connection members connected to the frame, and four-sided column members positioned adjacent one another and rotatably connected to the column connection members. Each column member may include a connector and elongate display members positioned adjacent one another and pivotally connected to the connector. The display system may also include a drive assembly carried by the frame that engages the column connection members to rotate each column member so that selective display members pivot in a predetermined direction during rotation to change the shape of the column members allowing rotation thereof when positioned adjacent one another.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: AD4, LLCInventors: James P. Lyons, Michael W. MacGeorge, John Norton Reynolds, IV
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Patent number: 7086188Abstract: A revolving billboard with LED holders has an outdoor frame, an LED frame and a vertical louvered blind. The LED frame is mounted inside the upper recess, and the vertical louvered blind is located in front of the LED holders inside the upper recess. The revolving billboard provides a clear image by the LED frame at night and also provides a good image due to the vertical louvered blind during the day.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Inventor: Hunter Tsao
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Patent number: 6926308Abstract: Toilet paper, paper towel and facial tissue products (10) are presented. Information may be placed, through printing or embossing, on the toilet paper, paper towels and facial tissues. The information (62) may comprise advertisements, coupons, prizes (such as stickers and crossword puzzles), games or other promotional materials. In addition, information (62) may be placed on a sheet separate from the toilet paper and/or paper towels and/or facial tissues. The information sheet may be then be placed in conjunction with the toilet paper, paper towel or facial tissue by rolling or by interleaving (16) the information sheet with the toilet paper, paper towel or facial tissue. In another aspect, different information may be place on two or more sheets to convey a story (39) or other information. The information (72) may, for example, be used to help potty train children, or to teach children numbers or the alphabet.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Inventors: Daniel Joel Penn, Michael Charles Penn, Amir Nathaniel Penn
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Publication number: 20040231207Abstract: A display panel includes a casing, a number of parallel display elements rotatably mounted within the casing, a mass that can move within the casing, and a mechanism with which the mass interacts to affect rotation of the display elements. A base attaches the display panel to a motor vehicle dashboard for observation by passengers, such that upon acceleration and deceleration of the motor vehicle, the mass moves to affect periodic display changes.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2003Publication date: November 25, 2004Inventor: Hon Wang Leung
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Patent number: 6801185Abstract: A viewing assembly, viewing system, and method of use are provided. The viewing assembly and system and method of use provide images that may be viewed from any position orthogonal to, and from a plurality of positions oblique to, the axis on which a substantially planar viewing assembly may be rotated. The assembly and method allow viewers to view images from any position 360 degrees around the viewing assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2001Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Assignee: C-360, Inc.Inventor: Neil B. Salley
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Publication number: 20040159025Abstract: The advertisement billboard includes at least one rotatable polyhedral column and a driving mechanism provided on a frame. The polyhedral column is consisted of a plurality of rotatable exhibiting boards having an obverse side and a reverse side. Each obverse side of the exhibiting boards outwardly displays an advertisement in sequence when the polyhedral column rotates for the first revolution, and each reverse side of the exhibiting boards outwardly displays an advertisement when the polyhedral column rotates for the second revolution, thereby enabling the advertisement billboard to display a multiple of planar advertisements.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2003Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventor: Hua-Ping Chen
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Publication number: 20040093777Abstract: Disclosed is a trigonal prism turning display device for advertisement including: six trigonal prisms arranged in a shape of a regular triangle, each of said six trigonal prisms having the three sides on each of which an advertising screen is displayed; upper and lower turning discs for supporting said six trigonal prisms and rotating together with a main shaft; driving means mounted under said lower turning disc, for rotating said six trigonal prisms; disc-type device supporting means mounted under said driving means and fixed to the inner surface of a cylindrical housing at the outer peripheral portion thereof, for supporting said main shaft and said driving means; and a motor disposed under said disc type device supporting means in such a manner as to be connected to the lower end of said main shaft by a coupler.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventor: Sung Joon Park
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Patent number: 6662482Abstract: A display device for displaying to a viewer a message or a story, preferably accompanied by synchronized sound. The display device comprises a plurality of multi-sided, rotatable display elements, each side or panel bearing a visual image. The display elements are selectively rotated, preferably in groups, according to a predetermined sequence such that a message or story unfolds, step by step, to the viewer as different panels are displayed.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: The Animated Animation Company LLCInventors: Marc H. Segan, Gary Strauss, Steven Parker
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Patent number: 6594930Abstract: A display device for displaying to a viewer a message or a story, preferably accompanied by synchronized sound. The display device comprises a plurality of multi-sided, rotatable display elements, each side or panel bearing a visual image. The display elements are selectively rotated, preferably in groups, according to a predetermined sequence such that a message or story unfolds, step by step, to the viewer as different panels are displayed.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: The Animated Animations Company, LLCInventors: Marc H. Segan, Gary Strauss, Steven Parker
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Publication number: 20030005612Abstract: Desktop decoration with movable advertisement signs, including a decoration main body, a reducing mechanism, a motor and a turning unit. The motor is coupled with the reducing mechanism for driving the turning unit. The turning unit includes multiple driven gears and driving gears which are interlaced with the driven gears and drivingly engaged with the driven gears. Each driving gear has an engaging member. A shaft bolt is passed through the engaging member and the driving gear to fixedly connect therewith. The engaging member is operatively leant on an intermittent wheel. An advertising column is fixed on upper side of each intermittent wheel and pivotally disposed in an outer frame, whereby when the respective advertising columns are turned, the picture is changed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2001Publication date: January 9, 2003Applicant: Limax Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: William H. K. Chu, Te-Chi Su
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Publication number: 20020157291Abstract: An advertisement display device mainly made up a housing having an upper chamber and a lower chamber, a motor disposed in the upper chamber, multiple gears disposed in a bottom of the lower chamber, and multiple three-face hollow columns positioned in the lower chamber and rotatably connected with the multiple gears and the motor. The motor is actuated to drive the multiple three-face hollow columns to rotate, and when each column has rotated 120 degrees the motor and the columns then stop, and an advertisement display area is formed to demonstrate advertising for a short period until the motor is actuated again whereafter a different advertisement is displayed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventor: Chung-Kuei Lin
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Publication number: 20020105808Abstract: An illuminated revolving lamp device having a rotating translucent member surrounding a source of light and bearing colored patterns thereon, and a second translucent member formed with grating portions of various transmissiveness, the second translucent member adjacent first translucent member such that when the display device is viewed from a fixed location, a changing display of colors and shapes is observed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2002Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventor: Patrick Lau Ting Yup
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Publication number: 20020095836Abstract: A display device for displaying to a viewer a message or a story, preferably accompanied by synchronized sound. The display device comprises a plurality of multi-sided, rotatable display elements, each side or panel bearing a visual image. The display elements are selectively rotated, preferably in groups, according to a predetermined sequence such that a message or story unfolds, step by step, to the viewer as different panels are displayed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventors: Marc H. Segan, Gary Strauss, Steven Parker
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Patent number: 6269568Abstract: A decoration with a variable billboard including a decorative hollow base seat in which an energy reserving device is disposed. The energy reserving device includes a coil spring and a handle disposed at the center of the coil spring. The handle extends out of the base seat. A billboard is disposed on a top face of the base seat. Multiple parallel triangular columns are rotatably disposed in a frame of the billboard. A mandrel of each triangular column extends into the base seat. A driven gear is disposed at a bottom end of the mandrel. Each face of the triangular column is printed with a predetermined picture. The coil spring drives an intermittently rotating mechanism to operate and make a click drive a ratchet to intermittently rotate through 120 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Single-Tree Art Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Szu Wei Lo
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Patent number: 6256912Abstract: Identical side members (32) may be connected together by mortise (46) and tenon (52) structure to provide an elongated display holder (10, 22), preferably having a substantially triangular cross sectional shape. Corner structures (54, 56, 58) may be provided which include slots (70, 72) that confront each other and receive edge portions of display members (74). The side members (32) may include outwardly openings T-slots (76) which receive divider strips (82). The divider strips include oppositely directed slots (92, 94) which confront the corner slots (70, 72). This provides the display area on one side of the display holder with two parallel display regions for receiving substantially half width display members (96, 98). The display holder may be mounted horizontally (FIG. 1) or vertically (FIGS. 2 and 11). The side members (32′) may be laterally curved, even to the extent of providing the display holder with a substantially cylindrical shape (FIG. 15).Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1999Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Burke Gibson, Inc.Inventors: Scott S. Gibson, Spec Fulmar
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Patent number: 6216371Abstract: A revolving signboard for conveying multiple messages, which comprises a housing having at least one window provided therein, a conveying system rotatably disposed within said housing, including means for rotating said conveying system in opposite directions, a plurality of pillars rotatably connected to said conveying signboard by connecting elements, each of said pillars containing a plurality of surfaces for selective exposure through the window of said housing, and a stopping pin mounted in said housing and an engaging member opratively associated with said pillars to engage with said stopping pin for rotating the pillar from one surface to an adjacent surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Inventor: Yong Up Kim
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Patent number: 6178675Abstract: A pictorial image viewing device for use on a desk top, shelf or the like in home or office, wherein a plurality of triangular image holders are pivotally mounted on a support, wherein the holders are unobstructed at their tops for easy entry onto and removal of various images from the holders, and wherein transmission structure is provided for synchronously pivoting the holders to selectively present different images to a viewing front or plane.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Louis L. Strother
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Patent number: 6128841Abstract: A rotating sign assembly has a plurality of rotatable, multi-sided, sign segments and a drive mechanism for rotatably driving the sign segments. The drive mechanism includes a drive shaft and one or more output shafts that each operate to rotate a multi-sided sign segment. A cam is fitted to each of the output shafts so that rotation of the cam causes rotation of the corresponding output shaft and sign segment. The cam has an outer perimeter and multiple equally spaced engagement slots which extend radially inwardly from the outer perimeter. Outwardly facing stabilizing portions are positioned between each of the engagement slots. The cam has multiple dwell positions, each corresponding to the display of one side of the multi-sided sign segment operated by the corresponding output shaft. A cam driver assembly is fitted to the drive shaft so that it rotates with the drive shaft. The cam driver assembly has a cam driver which extends outwardly from the axis of rotation and terminates in a knob.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Inventor: Paul H. Werner
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Patent number: 6089483Abstract: A roll or spool of sheet-like or thread-like material comprises an elongated support member, and a sheet-like or thread-like material rolled or wound about the support member and adapted to be removed therefrom. The support member has on an outer surface thereof a visual message hidden from view by the sheet-like or thread-like material and adapted to be exposed to viewing upon sufficient removal of the sheet-like or thread-like material. The invention renders support members for sheet-like or thread-like material, hitherto useless after removal of the sheet-like or thread-like material, commercially attractive.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Vision DenStar Inc.Inventor: Denis St-Laurent
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Patent number: 6076293Abstract: An illuminated three message sign is provided with improved illumination from the exterior of the vanes at the apices away from the sign surface exposed for message display. The sign has a message display side and an array of triangular rotating sign message displays. Each of the three sides of the triangular message displays in combination a message with corresponding sides of the other sign message displays. When the array of triangular sign message displays has the message surfaces of one of the arrays parallel to the display side, the sequential message is displayed. The apices of the sign message displays are each provided with cylindrical lenses. These cylindrical lenses register to slit light sources. By the expedient of providing a slit light source for each rotating message display, sequential illumination is provided as each message of the array rotates for viewer presentation.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Inventor: Paul E. Bergeron
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Patent number: 6065232Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a drive mechanism of a panel display system includes a rotary member attached to a drive assembly, the rotary member having indicators located at known intervals that are detected to ensure that the drive assembly starts and stops at precise locations. In a preferred embodiment, the control system is applied to a panel display system that displays different scenes using an array of elongated three-sided display elements. The preferred control system includes an aluminum disk that is attached to rotate in connection with rotation of the drive assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Pulse Indstries CorporationInventors: Charles S. Haughey, Peter D. Young, Stephen A. Gelnett
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Patent number: 6034609Abstract: A traffic-control sign that automatically displays a primary message, such as "STOP", when electrical power is absent, and an optional secondary message, such as "We Arrest Drunk Drivers", when electrical power is present. The motorless sign is continually encompassed by an enclosure having a transparent facade. A plurality of pivotally-mounted louver panels arranged in a louvered fashion are viewable through the transparent facade. A linkage rod interconnecting the panels provides for unison rotation of the panels. The linkage rod communicates with a solenoid so that the panels assume two distinct positions dependent on the state of the solenoid. These distinct positions reveal primary and secondary viewing surfaces to which the respective messages are affixed. Panel travel approximating 180 degrees allows the messages to be displayed on the overall viewing surfaces formed by the combined individual panel surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1999Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Inventor: Donald V. Comiskey, Jr.
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Patent number: 5806221Abstract: A segmented sign drive provides rotational driving force from a drive arm moving in reciprocating motion. The arm moves a series of pins in a series of grooves located in drive disks. A drive disk is mounted to each segment of the sign so as to rotate the segments into preferred positions in a step-by-step sequence where all of the segments move together to new positions so as to change the outward appearance of the sign. The grooves are ramped so that on a forward stroke of the drive arm the pins are moved upward on a ramped groove in the drive disks to fall into a preferred hole at one end of each of the grooves. On the return or reverse stroke, the pins, now caught within the holes, cause the disks to rotate by one part of the cycle. On the next cycle, the pins again move out of the holes and up the ramp surfaces of the next grooves which have been moved into place where the former grooves were.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1997Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Inventor: Loren L. Vander Woude
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Patent number: 5765307Abstract: A compact blind system capable of controlling the amount of light, heat or air flow entering a room by means of multiple, independent slat systems. The slats can work either in combination or independently with each other and can be fit either inside multi-pane glass windows or doors or simply used with existing openings.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Inventor: Ronald R. Grimes
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Patent number: 5705759Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 19, 1997Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: Mercuries & Associates (USA), Ltd.Inventor: Douglas E. DeVivo
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Patent number: 5696494Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 4, 1996Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Inventor: Chih-Tsung Chen
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Patent number: 5572816Abstract: The sign (10) includes a plurality of elongated louvers (170) arranged parallel to one another in a cylindrical array to form a carousel (30) of louvers rotatable about a central axis (15). Each louver (170) is rotatable about is own length to display different images, with the images of adjacent louvers being coherent to form a progressive coherent image about the carousel, and the louvers are turned on their own axes in timed relationship with respect to one another, either simultaneously or progressively, to change the images. Sign (10) has a circular frame (30) which is rotatably supported on a support base (20). Frame (30) has twelve panel frames (36) which are interconnected to form one rigid circular frame assembly (30) about central axis (15). Three drive wheel assemblies (70) are provided for rotating advertising sign (10) about central axis (15).Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1993Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: Multimedia Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Taz L. Anderson, Jr., Todd W. Stalder
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Patent number: 5528258Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 10, 1993Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: Young S. ChungInventor: Shin K. Moon
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Patent number: 5485693Abstract: A display device of the type having a plurality of parallel prisms that rotate intermittently and synchronously to present the surfaces of the different panels of each prism for view to provide different composite advertising designs. All the prisms are identical and each is formed with three identical panels that are rectangular and extend longitudinally of the prism. The panels have hinge sections formed integrally along their edges for meshing with hinge sections of adjacent panels in a piano-hinge-like arrangement. A removable hinge pin is disposed in at least one hinge connection so that upon removal of the hinge pin the adjacent panel can be swung open to allow access to the interior of the prism for changing a burned out illuminating device, such as a fluorescent or neon light.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1994Date of Patent: January 23, 1996Assignee: M & V Reklametechnik Schoning-KriegInventors: Egbert Frenken, Michael Schoning
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Patent number: 5464219Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable distance golf course tee marker which can be used, either singularly (with a non-adjustable marker) or in pairs to define a teeing ground, especially as described in Rule 11 of the Rules of Golf. One unique feature of the adjustable distance tee marker (ADTM for short) of this invention is that unlike prior art devices, it requires a minimum of operating parts, namely:a. an openable hollow housing having a top portion and a bottom portion;b. three parallel positioned movable numbered drums, each bearing the numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 in a spaced apart relationship, wherein said drums are situated in the interior of said housing, and wherein said drums interact with either the top or the bottom (or both) interior shapes of said housing to fix the positions of said drums in said housing;c.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1994Date of Patent: November 7, 1995Inventors: H. William Bradford, Peter E. Carr
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Patent number: 5297353Abstract: A display is disclosed which produces multiple visual displays in an intermittent manner which includes a display housing having a perimeter wall which is transparent during visual display and is an opaque mirror between visual displays. The perimeter wall of the display housing is a composite structure which preferably includes a transparent cylindrical substrate which is coated with an optical film and an opaque mask which defines display windows. Multiple visual displays are produced by a rotating display base which carries rows of rotating display elements. Preferably, the display elements are elongated triangular elements having three image faces which bear images which create the visual displays. The triangular display elements are arranged in a triangular configuration wherein the rows intersect one another at acute angles and are carried by the rotating base. The rotating base includes three display positions and each of the triangular elements includes three display positions.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1991Date of Patent: March 29, 1994Inventor: Faouzi M. Ghalayini
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Patent number: 5259135Abstract: An improved mode of construction is provided for a display device of the kind comprising an array of triangular-section slats rotated in synchronism in 120.degree. steps to present repeatedly to view, in sequence, three compound display surfaces, each carrying a respective poster or the like. In embodiments of the invention, each slat has a respective bearing and driving module with a respective rotary member releasably drivingly engaging the slat and with a respective cam, driving the rotary member and driven in turn by a driving shaft, passing through the cams of the bearing and driving modules of all of the slats. The bearing and driving modules are received in a stack within a hollow extrusion which forms one side member of a frame of the display device. The opposite side member of the frame receives a stack of bearing members rotatably supporting the opposite ends of the respective slats.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1991Date of Patent: November 9, 1993Assignee: Marler Haley Exposystems LimitedInventors: Brian C. Bannister, James N. Morgan, Simon A. Rivers-Bland, David Duncan