Abstract: A dye-receiving element for thermal dye transfer suitable for forming a slide for projection viewing comprising a polymeric central dye image-receiving section and an integral polymeric frame section extending around the periphery of the central dye image-receiving section, the frame section being from about 1/2 to about 3 mm thick and the central dye image-receiving section preferably being thinner than the frame section. Such integral receiver-frames do not require post-imaging framing and mounting assembly operations in order to be viewable in slide projectors, and are particularly advantageously used in laser thermal dye transfer systems.

Abstract: The fountain device includes a casing with a plurality of pipes and a pump connected to the pipes from which spouts of water gush out to provide visual effects. An illuminating device and a music producing device are provided in the casing. The casing has an artificial three dimensional landscape within the same and a programmable panel which automatically controls the overall operations of the illuminating device and the music producing device.

Abstract: This invention provides improved means for displaying and preserving specimens of various kinds, such as flower blossoms. The medium for encapsulating the specimen is a resin material which, when fully cured, is soft and pliable, having a cone penetration value of about 80 to about 400 (10-.sup.1 mm) (ASTM D217-68 or D1403-69) and an ultimate elongation of at least about 100% (ASTM D638-80 or D412). This invention also provides a system for collecting specimens, preserving and dehydrating them, and transporting them to another site where the specimens are encapsulated in the soft, pliable resin for final preservation and display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mounting decorative devices, emblems and flags to automobiles and more particularly to the mounting of such items to the hood ornament of an automobile. The present invention is attached to the hood ornament by a first body means which fits over the hood ornament and which contains on its inside rubberized strips or gaskets or the like which cause it to fit snuggly onto the hood ornament. A second body means is of similar shape and a slightly larger size than the first body means and fits over the first body means and snaps onto the first body means. The second body means is transparent so that any designs, emblems, logos or the like placed between the two body means will be visable from outside the device. The two body means have rounded edges so that the risk of injury from impalement thereon is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A decoration article with an automatic flaking device has a bottom basin in which are disposed a battery power source and a motor and an electric circuit including a sound actuating device; and a flake circulating tube having a top outlet and a bottom inlet disposed at both ends thereof with the bottom inlet in contact with an inclined surface disposed on top of the bottom basin is provided with a screw conveyor by which the snow flakes are delivered to the top of the circulating tube and a dispersing device secured to the upper end of the screw conveyer is employed to disperse the flakes evenly via an obliquely located guide plate so that a continual snowing scene can be created with the addition of sound and light effects, making the decoration article more appealing and fascinating.

Abstract: A dye-receiving element for thermal dye transfer suitable for forming a focussing tool comprising a polymeric central dye image-receiving section having a substantially planar image receiving surface and a relatively thicker integral polymeric frame section extending around the periphery of said central section, said image receiving surface being formed at an inclined angle relative to the frame section. The invention further includes a process of forming an imaged focussing tool by the steps of a) imagewise-heating a dye-donor element comprising a support having thereon a dye layer, and b) transferring portions of the dye layer in a pattern corresponding to a desired focussing image to a dye-receiving element as described above, and imaged focussing tools obtained by such a process.

Abstract: A simulated-flame fireplace having a housing with a firebox which can be viewed through a transparent front door panel. A translucent simulated ember bed rests on the floor of the firebox, and a log-supporting andiron rests on the ember bed. A video-image projector is mounted on the housing to project an image of an actual wood fire into the firebox. A beam-splitting transparent and partial reflecting panel is supported within the firebox to reflect the flame image toward a viewer, and to enable direct viewing of the firebox interior. The projection and beam splitter are oriented to create a viewer-perceived illusion of the flame image as superimposed on the logs as in an actual log-burning fireplace. The illusion may be enhanced by the addition of audio reproduction of fire sounds, and variable-intensity lighting of the firebox walls and ember bed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Christmas tree ornament formed of three transparent plastic parts, a top member, a bottom member and an internal member. Photographs and messages may be mounted on the internal member, the internal member and the top member being attached to the bottom member by suitable attachment means including mating pins and apertures, adhesives and mating lips, depressions and rims. The top member may be configured as a cone, a cylindrical barrel or a portion of a sphere. The internal member is generally pyramid-shaped, providing three large triangular portions for supporting photographs and three separating panels on which messages may be placed. In a second embodiment of the internal member the triangular portions have a substantially convex surface configured substantially like a lens. The bottom member may also be formed as a substantially convex wall. The attaching means include pins and holes, and adhesive.

Abstract: A color changing transparent plate device comprises transparent plates facing each other with a gap between the plates, the gap being charged with a plurality of fluids having colors and relative densities different from each other and freely moving vertically and a fluid inlet/outlet device through which fluid flows into or out from the gap installed in order to hold an interface of the fluids with freely moving vertically wherein the colorless transparent is contained as the color, wherein the fluid above the interface is a gas and the fluid below the interface is a liquid, wherein the fluids above and below the interface are liquids, wherein the liquids are a transparent liquid and an opaque liquid, wherein the liquids are a colorless transparent liquid and a colored transparent liquid, wherein a spacer is installed in the gap and the spacer and the facing transparent plates are attached, and wherein a fluid inlet/outlet device is formed by a fluid inlet/outlet cylinder and a piston.

Abstract: A hollow structural glass block is slotted by cutting or grinding to allow the installation of a specifically sized decorative panel insert into the interior of the block. The decorative insert is preferably comprised of stained, iridescent, or etched glass. A bead of clear silicone rubber caulking is applied to the bottom edge of the insert prior to slipping the insert through the slot. The silicone rubber caulking functions as an adhesive to secure the bottom edge of the insert stationary to the bottom interior of the block. The top edge of the insert is positioned between the edges of the block defining the slot. The slot, and the top exposed edge of the insert lying therein is covered with a layer of clear silicone rubber to secure the insert and seal the interior of the glass block against the entrance of moisture and mortar. Additionally, substantial thermal insulating values are maintained in the decorative blocks due to the sealed nature when completed.

Abstract: The invention is a liquid swing decoration having a partially liquid filled hollow bar which pivots at a central portion on a base stand. Magnets are attached at both ends of the bar and magnets are also located in the base stand. The base stand magnets are connected to supporting racks at one end while cam rods are connected to the other end of the supporting rods. Springs dampen the movement of the supporting rods. The effects of the magnets allows the liquid filled hollow bar to wag for long periods of time after it has been set in motion, so that the liquid inside the hollow bar can either shake vigorously or mildly to produce a gentle wave-like motion for decoration and visual pleasure.

Abstract: An ornamental panel comprising a glass plate to which a number of faceted glass stones are fixed in an ornamental arrangement, and a mirror plate.

Abstract: A decorative plaque comprising, in sequence, from the outside to the inside, a semitransparent reflecting plate, a light transmitting glass plate spaced from the semi-transparent reflecting plate having a plurality of faceted glass stones affixed to one side thereof in an ornamental arrangement facing towards the reflective surface of the semi-transparent reflecting plate, and, on the opposite side of the light transmitting glass plate and spaced therefrom, a fully reflective plate. The plaque is arranged so that it is internally illuminated, for example by ambient light. Viewing of the interior of the plaque occurs through the semi-transparent reflecting plate.

Abstract: A display device wherein decorative objects are immersed in a liquid-filled housing which is rotatably mounted on a base and driven by a windup music box mechanism through a transmission assembly so that rotation of the housing relative to the base in a first direction winds up the music box mechanism which, during unwinding and the production of music, causes the housing to rotate in a second opposite direction.

Abstract: A decorative display panel is formed by spaced transparent panes defining a space containing preferably water. A porous tube at the bottom of the space is supplied preferably with air under pressure to generate a curtain of bubbles moving upward in the water. The assembly is illuminated by edge lighting. The unit can be either free-standing, or incorporated in a partition system.

Abstract: An article of manufacture, comprising a pair of superimposed pliable sheets. The sheets are interconnected along at least their peripheral edges. A liquid-containing chamber is provided at the center of the article, and this chamber is formed with the pair of superimposed, pliable sheets. A generally flat figurine within the chamber floats within the liquid, and a point of the figurine is secured to at least one of the pliable sheets to enable the figurine to float securely within and pivot about in the liquid.

Abstract: A mat includes a front panel having a plurality of rectangular cut outs dimensioned to accommodate cards bearing the likeness of celebrities such as athletes. Each of the cut outs is covered with a clear plastic film overlay to provide a window for viewing the cards. A base panel is laminated to the front panel and encloses the cut outs to form a pocket for each card. Provided in the base panel adjacent an edge of each cut out is a slot for insertion and removal of cards. The front panel is imprinted with indicia coordinated with the activity of the celebrities depicted on the cards to be inserted in the various pockets.

Abstract: A decorative plaque formed form a substantially planar backing member having front and rear surfaces and side edges. A flexible translucent membrane overlays the front surface of the backing member. At least one decorative object is disposed between the membrane and the backing member front surface with the decorative object spacing the membrane from the backing member front surface. The decorative plaque may further comprise a frame surrounding the backing member at the side edges thereof and overlaying the backing member front surface and membrane adjacent the backing member side edges.

Abstract: A protective serving mat is disclosed comprising generally flat first and second chambers superimposed on each other. The first chamber is transparent and is adapted to embody fluid media and objects suspended therein for amusement. The first chamber includes a resealable opening so that a user may access the first chamber to alter the contents as desired. The second chamber is visible through the first chamber and is used to protect and display generally flat items such as papers with sealing decorative or amusing indicia or menus. The second chamber includes an opening to allow access to the chamber so that the menus or indicia bearing papers can be varied as desired by a user.

Abstract: An ornamental object comprising a transparent housing shaped into a decorative configuration and having a liquid therein and a sub-atmospheric pressure area between the liquid and the housing whereby ambient air temperatures will cause the liquid to boil; and wherein particles and/or larger solid objects may be placed within the liquid to be agitated by the boiling action of the liquid.

Abstract: A photographic composite laminate board for mounting graphic material such as a series of photographs and descriptive graphic material. The board is formed with a transparent cover, a masking layer having openings for the graphics and a thin plastic backing sheet covering the graphics and the masking layer.

Abstract: A device for mounting a transparency. The device includes back and front sheets of transparent plastic. The outer edges of the sheets are continuously bonded together. In a preferred embodiment, an opaque coating on the front sheet defines one or more generally rectangular windows. Each window is variously sized to permit the transparency to be viewed therethrough but to prevent light from leaking around the transparency. The sheets are continuously bonded together along three sides of the window to form a pocket between the sheets for mounting the transparency. A slit is formed along a fourth side of the window for inserting the transparency into the pocket.

Abstract: An ornament, to be hung on a Christmas tree or elsewhere, is adapted to receive within a transparent tubular portion thereof a personalizing element to be viewed through the transparent portion. Primarily intended for the insertion of photographs, drawings, personal messages, or other indicia on paper or other weblike material, the ornament of this invention could also be used to display a three-dimensional object or objects, such as a toy or other memorabilia having spcial meaning to the user. In one embodiment, one end cap on the tubular portion is adapted to receive a small lamp, such as a miniature Christmas tree light.

Abstract: The placemat includes a panel having an array of clear plastic film pockets each dimension to accomodate available cards bearing the likeness of celebrities such as athletes. Each pocket includes a slot for inserting or removing cards. The panel is imprinted with indicia coordinated with the sports activity of the athletes depicted in the cards selected to be inserted in the various pockets. The pockets may be individually secured to the panel or may be formed of a single sheet which is overlayed over the entire panel.

Abstract: A figurine or object of art constructed from cured tobacco leaves. The torso or trunk of the object consists of leaves impressed onto a conical support in an overlapping manner where they are arranged to resemble various forms of attire. The figurine appendages are also constructed from leaves which are shaped to resemble known body parts and these are secured by known means. The leaves may differ from one another in size, shape and texture but they have in common a pliancy which allows the creator to produce and re-produce the desired art object by duplicative methods.

Abstract: A carrier device for releasably holding a strip of material adapted for utilization and manufacture of semiconductor devices including first and second frame members interconnected by hinge means which permits both pivotal and linear movement of the frame members relative to one another.

Abstract: An article is produced, having an inner shaped body embedded within an outer shaped body. The inner and outer bodies are formed of a base material moldable into a unitary integrally formed transparent mass. At least the base material forming the inner body has admixed within it finely ground nonsoluble matter rendering the base material at least in part translucent. As a result, the article exhibits three-dimensional regions clearly visible when viewed through the outer body.

Abstract: An identification card comprises a center core layer, a photograph embedded in the core layer, a first assembly of multiple layers laminated on the upper surface of the core layer and the photograph, and a second assembly of multiple layers laminated on the back surface of the core layer and the photograph. The layers of the first and second assemblies have substantially similar thermal expansion properties. Accordingly, the thickness of the identification card is uniform since the thickness of the core layer is substantially the same as the thickness of the photograph. High reliability can be obtained without any accompanying warp as a result of the substantially symmetrical arrangement of the first and second assemblies with respect to the core layer and the embedded photograph.

Abstract: The combination comprises rigid planar thin sheet substrate means. An envelope defined by sheets composed of transparent material and having an outer edge is secured on the rigid planar thin sheet substrate means. A postage stamp is disposed between the sheets within the envelope. The envelope is sealed along its outer edge to confine the postage stamp while allowing a visual examination of the postage stamp through the envelope. A clear material is disposed over the envelope to form a transparent dome-like structure through which the postage stamp may be viewed. A particular feature of the invention is a method for forming rigid first and second planar thin sheet substrate members. The first member is registered with and disposed within a recessed area on one displaying face of the second thin sheet substrate member.

Abstract: A novel method for producing an article such as a postcard, bookmark or label including a press-dried plant such as a flower is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of interposing a picked plant between two flexible sheets impregnated with a desiccating agent or between one of the flexible sheets and a cushioning sheet; drying the plant under a pressure in a drying atmosphere; hermetically storing the dried plant in a bag of a gas barrier material, the bag containing a desiccating agent and an oxygen absorbing agent; removing the plant from the bag shortly before producing the article carrying the press-dried plant; placing the plant on a surface of a substrate, and; forming a transparent or translucent overlayer over the plant so that air does not remain between the overlayer and the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A device for producing a three dimensional landscape scene within a sand/fluid environment. The device comprises a pair of plates having opposing interior surfaces which define an enclosed plate volume. These surfaces are separated by a distance of 0.02 to 0.06 inches to create a controlled environment conductive for random flow of a variety of sand or particle materials with differing densities and particle sizes. Particular particle sizes and dimensions are provided to enable resolution of colors as the particles fall within the fluid by force of gravity. Three dimensional detail is developed by reason of fine contrast particles cooperating in combination with shading particles and moderate sized particles all entrained within the liquid medium.

Abstract: An improved method for making promotional pieces wherein a high speed web-press operation results in mass-production of attractive pieces which include three or more interconnected pop-up panels which assume a three-dimensional shape when the outer folder is opened. The preferred method utilizes a plurality of longitudinal slitting and folding steps, together with the application of glue lines in strategic locations, and culminates in the transverse cutting of the continuous moving web to separate each blank in series from the next. A continuous web is preferably longitudinally slit into at least three continuous ribbons which are then manipulated and associated with one another to create an endless series of interconnected pop-up assemblies atop a ribbon consisting of two side-by-side basepieces. In an alternative method, only two ribbons are employed, and pieces having a false backbone are created.

Abstract: Memento display apparatus comprising a solid transparent resin cube and embedded therein a baby's nipple or other personal childhood keepsake away from the atmosphere for preservation.

Abstract: A hard enclosing container which is transparent at least at its front wall, has a metallic plate bearing indicia contained therein. An enclosing layer of a viscous adhesive agent is stuck to all surfaces of the plate and fills the container. The layer includes at least a front covering layer which is transparent. To form the article, the plate is adhered to a bottom wall of the container by a lower covering layer of the adhesive agent or by a pressure sensitive adhesive double coated sheet. Viscous adhesive agent is charged to the container. The container is then sealed by a transparent hard top cover. Alternatively, the container with the plate stuck therein can be closed by the transparent hard top cover and the adhesive agent is then charged into the sealed container expelling any air trapped therein. The sealed container can be evacuated prior to charging.

Abstract: A cover film for use in microscopy which has an excellent adhesion with a slide glass and does not cause blocking during storage is obtained by coating a solution of a polymer adhesive having a glass transition temperature of at least 50.degree. C. in an organic solvent on a transparent substrate and evaporating the organic solvent.

Abstract: A method of preventing the spontaneous discharge of charged dielectric objects such that the surface of the objects are polished smooth to remove down to microscopic surface faults thereon. A maximum charge is storable therein having only loss by corona leakage from edges of the object. This method allows for a controlled discharge to create Lichtenberg figures therein. Artistic objects are also made by a method of coloration of the figure in the objects.

Abstract: A light reflection material comprises transparent body of organic glass having therein a thin through hole or holes whose inner wall is smooth. This material is useful for an ornamental material, a lighting material, eye-obstructing material, shading material, etc.This material is manufactured by pouring a raw material into a mold within which a thread or threads of synthetic fiber are straightly or curvedly set according to aimed pattern and pulling the thread or threads out of the formed body to form a thin hole or holes or pulling the thread or threads to separate them from the inner wall of the hole or holes. As a result of it, a hole or holes of a shape and number corresponding to those of the thread or threads are formed in the formed body.

Abstract: A slide glass comprising a slide glass structure having a glass surface with silicic acid groups and a lipophilic functional group introduced into at least a part of said silicic acid groups. By the lipophilic group thus introduced, peel-off of the cell specimen does not readily occur.

Abstract: An art form where earth in powdered form from specific locations--earth from a country, states, counties, a person's yard or other locations with sample records maintained is, after being heat sterilized sized to designate size range limits, and then embedded within plastic and formed to the desired shape. The shape may be a micro-dot insertable in commemorative coins or utilized in jewelry of all sizes and shapes or molded into a whole range of jewelry shapes and sizes. The plastic may be a thermo softening and setting plastic, a chemical reactive setting plastic or even a thermo setting resin such as an epoxy resin into which some of the desired powdered earth is entrained.

Abstract: A transparent propylene polymer film, produced by coextrusion and coated on one or both sides, for candy twist wrapping, wherein the propylene polymer base layer additionally contains a low molecular hydrocarbon resin in an amount of 10 to 40% by weight, based on the total weight of propylene polymer and resin, the base layer has a modulus of elasticity of not less than 3,000 N/mm.sup.2, measured in both directions of molecular orientation, and each top layer contains a polydialkylsiloxane in an amount of 0.3 to 1.5% by weight, based on the weight of the top layer.

Abstract: A pasted picture manufacturing method capable of completely omitting by using a double-coated adhesive tape such a laborious operation for pasting decorative paper such as Japan paper, which constitutes a pasted picture, on a rough sketch, and of completing a pasted picture by merely sticking Japan paper, which forms an object picture, to the upper surface of a transparent board so that the picture is aligned with the rough sketch on a rough sketch-carrying plate fixed to the lower surface of the transparent board.

Abstract: A container has a bottleneck inversely mounted on a base packed by a bell-shape sealer made of elastomer material, of which the sealer includes plural annular extension rings concentrically circumferentially formed on an inside wall of the sealer, adapted to be turned up along the bottleneck to pack the bottle-neck tightly in a base when inversely mounting the container on the supporting base.

Abstract: A decorative emblem is formed by insertion of a decorative foil shape into a preformed bezel and encapsulating and bonding the foil to the bezel with a fluent, curable plastic material. After an initial casting of a measured amount of plastic onto the base of the bezel, the foil is inserted and seated. A second cast of plastic forms a cap contiguous with the sides of the bezel and encapsulates the foil and bonds it within the bezel. Upon curing, the plastic cap gives a lens effect to the decorative emblem. The emblem may be equipped with attachment means for fastening it to an automobile, appliance, or other object. In alternative embodiments, a decorative foil shape is placed directly onto the base of the bezel, and a fluent, curable plastic material is cast thereon. As the plastic material cures, it migrates around the edges and under the foil to at least partially encapsulate the foil and bond it within the bezel.

Abstract: An article of manufacture providing a bottle-like translucent cylinder defining a chamber containing a rainbow element that when viewed with transmitted light has the appearance of a rainbow within the container. The rainbow element is formed of a plurality of arcuately shaped, translucent colored glass bands, arrayed with rainbow simulating colors, in intimate intercommunicating relationship and positionally maintained in the chamber of the container at a spaced distance from its sides.

Abstract: A process for the production of slides with one or more reaction fields, which are bounded by a hydrophobic surface coating and which, for the fixing of the preparations to be examined, are coated with substances having an affinity therefore is characterized in that(a) the regions of at least one surface of the slide which correspond to the reaction fields to be formed are covered with a material which adheres to the surface and which is removable,(b) the entire surface of the slide treated in this manner is coated with a hydrophobic material,(c) the reaction fields are exposed by removal of the covering material, and(d) the exposed reaction fields are coated with the substance having an affinity for the preparations to be examined,and the slides obtained by means of this process.

Abstract: This invention relates to the structure of footwear, and more specifically athletic shoes, but encompasses shoes in general, and pertains to the application of a tab containing identifying indicia or colors removably to various components of the shoe, whether it be the tongue, quarter portion, or side of the shoe sole, and will preferably be structured as a form of support for such indicia and which is recessed within the sides of the shoe sole; and regardless where the support is applied, it may be preferably held in position through the application of hook and pile type of fastener means so that it is readily removable and can be replaced with a support containing indicia of other terms, styles, designs, colors, and patterns.

Abstract: A laminated transparency is covered on its top and bottom face with a top sheet of clear vinyl transparency and a bottom sheet of clear vinyl. A sheet of mat polyester is over the bottom face of the bottom vinyl sheet during the lamination process to provide a mat finish across the bottom of the lamination. The sheet and transparencies are subjected to heat and pressure to laminate these parts together. Both sides of the transparency are coated prior to lamination to facilitate its adherence to the top and bottom sheets of clear vinyl. The top and bottom sheets of clear vinyl may also be peeled from the transparency. A pair of sheets with windows have the laminated transparency interposed therebetween with the transparency viewable through the windows.

Abstract: An ornamental or amusement device has the geometric configuration of two inter-penetrating tetrahedra including eight apices and presenting the appearance of a six-pointed star when viewed along the axis of any one of the eight apices. In one described embodiment, the body is disposed within a transparent housing filled with a transparent liquid, the body having a density different from that of the liquid such that it slowly moves from one end to the opposite end of the housing when inverted. In a second described embodiment, the body is enclosed by a housing having a plurality of planar faces to permit the geometric body to stably rest in any position on a flat horizontal surface.

Abstract: An ornamental device is provided and consists of a clear plastic block that has a crescent moon shaped hollow chamber within and honey liquid placed in the chamber so as to be sealed therein.

Abstract: A decorative device for application upon the exterior of an article of wearing apparel; the device comprising first and second sheets of transparent fluid impervious flexible material in registering relationship and being mutually secured in their marginal zones for jointly defining a central chamber. The decorative device is secured directly to the article of wearing apparel as by stitching and with there being a liquid of predetermined coloration and either of foaming or nonfoaming character partially filling the chamber for exception through the walls of said device. The liquids utilized are of predetermined formulation to possess the capacity to foam or otherwise so that upon movement of the wearer of the article of wearing apparel the liquid will be caused to flow within the confined chamber.