Endless Conveyor Patents (Class 40/524)
  • Patent number: 9443451
    Abstract: The present system and method provides for a new digital media paradigm enabling tight choreography of motion, content and, time able to be presented on a variety of hardware platforms consisting of robotic control of a multiplicity of display screens in the form of a movable array of 2 or more LCDs, LEDs, OLEDs, etc., with the movement and placement of each display achieved by one multi-axis manipulator arm mechanism. Motion control is achieved through software programmed onto one or more controller systems, and the corresponding tools necessary for creative visual designers to produce content meeting this new paradigm are also proposed. Each arm/display screen combination is kept aware of its positioning in physical space, relative to the positioning of each and every other arm/display screen at all times, in order to prevent collisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: CrossWing Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Sutherland, Dale Wick
  • Patent number: 8887895
    Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying content in a conveyor system are provided. A content displaying conveyor plate includes a base plate and an upper plate that is configured to be releasably coupled to the base plate. The upper plate can be configured to display content, for example content that is integral to the base plate, content that is disposed between the upper plate and the base plate, or any combination thereof. The upper plate can be coupled to the base plate via one or more connection members defined on the upper plate and/or the base plate. Any, number, such as all of the base plates of an existing conveyor system can be replaced with respective content displaying conveyor plates. The base plate of the content displaying conveyor plate can define one or more recesses, the recesses configured to receive an attachment member and/or other components of a carousel therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen William Armstrong, Michael Samuel Lagana
  • Patent number: 8556065
    Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying content in a conveyor system are provided. A content displaying conveyor plate includes a base plate and an upper plate that is configured to be releasably coupled to the base plate. The upper plate can be configured to display content, for example content that is integral to the base plate, content that is disposed between the upper plate and the base plate, or any combination thereof. The upper plate can be coupled to the base plate via one or more connection members defined on the upper plate and/or the base plate. Any, number, such as all of the base plates of an existing conveyor system can be replaced with respective content displaying conveyor plates. The base plate of the content displaying conveyor plate can define one or more recesses, the recesses configured to receive an attachment member and/or other components of a carousel therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen William Armstrong, Michael Samuel Lagana
  • Patent number: 8499479
    Abstract: A portable advertising system well suited for outdoor advertising at night includes a body adapted to be secured to a transportation vehicle and may include a universal attachment system for that purpose. An advertisement may be displayed on an advertising surface mounted on the body. An illumination source is directed towards the advertising surface and may be integrated into an electronic display unit or may be directed at an advertising sheet such as a vinyl sheet. When the advertising sheet is used, a sheet tension system typically maintains tension on the sheet, and an openable protective cover may protect the sheet when not in use. The illumination source may be controlled based on environmental light conditions, sheet tension and/or position of the protective cover. The body may be part of a cargo container such as an ISO container suited for securing to a railroad car or other vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Freight Train Media LLC
    Inventor: Theodore C. Johnson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7926211
    Abstract: The invention is directed toward a decorative apparatus for presenting visual images having the appearance of motion constructed of a front panel picture member mounted to a rear panel housing. The front panel picture member is a rectangular glass pane painted on the front face to define a transparent window and a translucent photographic picture mounted on a rear face of the planar member and framed by a border painted on the front face. The rear panel housing has a drive motor mounted to the housing which is connected to a rotatable driving roller which is also mounted to the housing. A driven roller is mounted to the housing oriented parallel to driving roller with an endless loop of transparent film having random designs applied thereon engaging the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Shiqi Zhu
  • Patent number: 7827713
    Abstract: Advertising system that adheres printed indicia to surfaces are described. The advertising system can contain a substrate containing the printed indicia layer and an adhesive layer. A protective layer, formed of a substantially clear or transparent material, can be used protect an exterior surface of the substrate. The printed indicia may be coated, screen printed, transfer laminated, etc., to the underlying surface to which the advertising system is attached, as can the protective layer and the adhesive layer when present. The advertising system can be used on non-durable surfaces, as well as surfaces which are exposed to extreme conditions and/or continuous wear have. The advertising system can also be used with moving and non-moving, vertical and horizontal surfaces. The advertising systems also allow application and removal of advertisements quickly and effectively without removing, mechanically altering, or damaging the surfaces to which they are applied. Other embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Double Take Marketing
    Inventors: Michael Gleeson, Tracy Zwahlen, Zack Clark
  • Publication number: 20100122890
    Abstract: An information display system for a conveying device, the information display system comprising a driving mechanism, a flexible display loop driven by the driving mechanism to travel in a closed loop, and an image forming module configured to provide media to at least a section of the flexible display loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Jia-Xing Lin, Tai-Ann Chen, Da-Wei Lee, Jung-Ya Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7497039
    Abstract: The invention is directed toward a motion picture display apparatus constructed with a casing, an undulating lens mounted on the casing, a motor mounted in the casing, and a background picture disposed on rear of the display apparatus. The motion picture display apparatus is driven by a motor and drive assembly comprising a driving shaft connected to the motor, a driven shaft and a transparent film which is rotatably connected between the driving shaft and the driven shaft in an endless rotating manner. The dynamic picture comprises a plurality of designs having at least two design layers, and the contents and colors of the design layer are identically printed on the film and viewable from the obverse and reverse surfaces. A light source disposed on a rear portion of the background picture illuminates the background picture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventors: Shiqi Zhu, Lincong Yang
  • Patent number: 7455429
    Abstract: An assembly (16) for covering a visual display means (10) which has an array of pixels (12) is described. The assembly (16) comprises an array of cells (18) with reflective walls and an opening at each end. A transparent cover sheet (20) is positioned adjacent the open end of the cells (18) on one side of the array. The array is dimensioned such as in use each cell (18) is aligned with one pixel (12) of the visual display means (10). In this way, large visual display systems with excellent optical performance can be provided which can be used both internally and externally and are capable of bearing loads and forming structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Smartslab Limited
    Inventor: Tom Barker
  • Patent number: 7422259
    Abstract: A display system on mobile system includes a mobile, platform, a hanging rail, a plurality of display boards, a hanging roller device, and a spacer. The hanging rail is provided across the display space. The hanging roller device, for each of the display board, has two rollers connected with a connecting bar, a board holder fixed to the connecting bar at a first end and fixed to the top edge of the display board, and a neck portion provided at the board holder. The display system may further include a chain for connecting and tugging the display boards; a motor for tugging the chain along with the connected display boards; and a motor controller for controlling the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Sung Wan Ban
  • Patent number: 7255564
    Abstract: An anatomical pocket model adapted for transporting in one's pocket or the like comprises a flexible, bendable, framework and a flexible, bendable three-dimensional representation of an anatomical body part positioned thereon. The anatomical body part representation is proportionate in size to a real life anatomical body part and facilitates a hands-on educational and demonstrational environment for both doctor and patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Innovative Premiums, Inc.
    Inventor: Judah Isaacs
  • Patent number: 7155848
    Abstract: A scrolling sign apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a web having a number of signs connected in a loop. The web includes a bead along each longitudinal edge thereof. The apparatus includes a housing which has a window for displaying the signs. The web is wound on a number of rollers located in the housing which advance the web through the window. Each roller has two circumferential grooves located near the ends of the roller. The grooves engage the beads along the edges of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: 501413 Ontario Limited
    Inventors: Bill David O'Malley, Abram Teichroeb Klassen
  • Patent number: 6971504
    Abstract: A conveyor belt with advertising is fabricated by coating at least one flexible belting member with a vinyl size coating. A white base coat is applied over the vinyl size coating. Special white PVC coated belting material is also used. A variety of printing processes are used to print advertising images on the belting member. These processes include silkscreen, flexographic, offset and digital inkjet printing. The belting member may be coated with a clear coating material and cured under ultraviolet lighting. The belting members may be made in lengths shorter than the entire length of the conveyor belt with removable attachment means, permitting individual advertising images to be replaced without replacing the entire conveyor belt. Methods for fabricating the belting members including ink formulations, handling and drying steps are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Envision Marketing Group, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Molinaro
  • Patent number: 6931773
    Abstract: The invention relates to a display medium (1) intended to be installed in a scrollable device, the edges of which can be guided laterally inside the scrollable device. The inventive medium includes several adjacent sections (2, 3, 4) which are reversibly interconnected by means of the opposing horizontal edges thereof (10 13) including a lateral rod (7, 17, 27, 8, 18,38) located on each of the lateral edges extending continuously over each of the adjacent sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Prismaflex International
    Inventor: Eric Bihr
  • Patent number: 6910293
    Abstract: An advertising panel system for a conveyor of the type comprised of a series of substantially identically shaped plates which move in a closed path. The system includes a plurality of advertising panels having substantially the same shape as the conveyor plates. Each panel includes a base carrier sheet having a lower surface and an upper surface, a transparent cover sheet having a lower surface and an upper surface and an advertising sheet interposed between the base carrier sheet and the transparent cover sheet. An adhesive on the lower surface of the base carrier connects the advertising panel to the conveyor plate. A plurality of apertures pass through the three sheets of each panel and connectors secure the sheets together. The connectors are comprised of a T-nut that passes upwardly from the lower surface of the base carrier sheet and a screw that passes downwardly through the upper surface of the cover sheet and is threaded into the T-nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Inventors: Stephen Armstrong, Ronald Irvin, Charles D. Landes
  • Patent number: 6889837
    Abstract: A process for making and packaging multi serving ice cream products using cryogenic hardening of ice cream in consumer containers before the containers are closed and labeled. A plastic tray container which is stable when disposed horizontally or vertically provides better processing and an improved package for both retailers and consumers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Creative Edge Design Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Soehnlen, Gregory M. Soehnlen, Dale A. Panasewicz
  • Patent number: 6805231
    Abstract: A novel sushi serving system contains a premium message for serving sushi. A utensil for serving sushi has a message marble, hidden between a sushi and the utensil, thereupon a “premium” message, such as “10 slices of free sushi” mounted. The utensil for serving sushi is manipulated in a shape of, including but not limited to, a plain dish, a boat, a car and a fish. The message marble is located in a pocket on the utensil. Patrons can find the message marble after they finish the sushi served thereon. Patron who finds a message marble submits the marble to the cashier and gets the premium prizes. The sizes of the pocket on the utensil are slightly larger than those of the message marble. The shape of the pocket is the same as that of the message marble. The shape of the message marble is, including but not limited to, an animal, a plant, a star, a geometrical drawing, a sushi, furniture and a landscape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventors: Tetsunori Kunimune, Masateru Kunimune
  • Publication number: 20040025385
    Abstract: The present invention relates to airport advertising. Airports are divided into the “landslide” to which the general public is permitted and which includes the terminal(s), car parks etc., and the “airside” from which the public is excluded and which includes runways, taxiing area, apron etc. Billboards (7) which are substantially flush with the ground surface are located in the airside, preferably adjacent the runways (2, 3, 4). The billboards (7) are preferably between the runway extremities and a take off/touch down zone (5). Alternatively the billboards are adjacent taxiways or taxiing areas. The billboards can be provided with movable images and/or interior lighting. A typical billboard size is 50 metres×50 metres (0.25 hectares).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Warren James Webster, Denis Rogan
  • Publication number: 20040025389
    Abstract: The present invention provides an advertising display device for displaying a continuous advertising medium (8). The display device includes a tracking apparatus (10) providing adjustable track (12). The tracking apparatus includes a frame (14) operatively connected with first and second rollers (16, 18) defining opposite ends of the adjustable track; the adjustable track having an operative configuration, a non-operative configuration and an adjustable track length; the adjustable track length being the distance between the most distal point on each of the respective rollers. One of the first and second rollers is a drive roller that provides a motive force that rotates the medium about the adjustable track when the medium is engaged with the track and it is in the operative configuration. One of the first and second roller is a tension roller that is adjustably connected to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Lee M. Peterson
  • Publication number: 20040025388
    Abstract: A display means (11) for use in a display device (17), includes a support sheet (11) with at least one transparent region (5,6). A retaining means (2) is located about at least part of the periphery of each transparent region (5,6). Transparency means is adapted to be retained by the retaining means (2), the transparency means including an image to be viewed through a respective transparent region (5,6) of the device. The retaining means (2) includes a plurality of retaining ears positioned about the periphery of each transparent region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Alan Bernard Coates
  • Publication number: 20030200682
    Abstract: A promotional viewer includes a generally rectangular housing which can be engaged to an enclosure containing a recorded entertainment piece, or may be formed as an integral part thereof. The front surface of the viewer is provided with viewing apertures aligned over a portion of a continuous film loop mounted on turning rollers within the housing and illuminated by ambient light collected by a mirror in a lateral opening in the housing. To shield the other ambient illumination paths each of the viewing apertures may be provided with erectable shields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Andrade
  • Publication number: 20030192768
    Abstract: A conveyor belt with advertising is fabricated by coating at least one flexible belting member with a vinyl size coating. A white base coat is applied over the vinyl size coating. A variety of printing processes may be used to print registered color separation images on the belting member. These processes include silkscreen, flexographic and offset printing. The belting members may be made in lengths shorter than the entire length of the conveyor belt with removable attachment means, permitting individual advertising images to be replaced without replacing the entire conveyor belt. Methods for fabricating the belting members including ink formulations, handling and drying steps are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph J. Molinaro, Mark Witcher, Greg Wren
  • Publication number: 20030034235
    Abstract: In the present invention, a media conveyor belt (1) presents an arrangement that will allow the publishing of all kinds of messages, thus maximizing its utilization. This media conveyor belt has a purpose to allow the display of every kind of message and information on its external surface, innovating not only its arrangement but also in its utilization. The media conveyor belt (1) is characterized by presenting, in its upper surface (2), the application of messages (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: Quattro Promocoes, Comercio E Representacoes LTDA.
    Inventor: Vicente Claudio Amato
  • Patent number: 6216371
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Yong Up Kim
  • Patent number: 6105290
    Abstract: A display device (30), particularly for use as a menu board in a restaurant or the like. The device (30) has at least two rotatable roller members (31 or 32) located in substantially parallel spaced apart relationship. Carrier means (38) is provided, tightly supported by and rotatable about the rollers (31 and 32) and adapted to receive at least one display means (36) thereon. Each of the carrier means (38) and said display means (36) are constructed at least partially of substantially flexible and translucent material. Illumination means (37) are provided behind at least a portion of said carrier means (38), to illuminate a viewing portion of said carrier means (38) and said display means (36) thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Coates Signco Pty. Limited
    Inventors: Alan Bernard Coates, James Lee Conlon
  • Patent number: 5987792
    Abstract: A system for providing continuous promotional space for advertising media, with movement and animation, which is represented by optical line units having at least a set of continuous webs having on the surface of the front part thereof, a plurality of optical lines that upon overlapping one next to the other in a parallel manner, form a complete image. The sets of continuous webs are moved synchronically in order to form a plurality of advertising images that change sequentially as the webs are sequentially moved by a driven system provided with an interval-timer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Luis Alfonso Reyes-Paris
  • Patent number: 5933990
    Abstract: A rotatable sign with a plurality of routinely alterable display faces is disclosed, having at least two endless roller chains, a plurality of mounting clips and bi-ended slats, and a plurality of interchangeable message strips and flexible sheets that may be mounted on the sign assembly using the slats and clips, where portions of the message strips may be altered using self-stick adhesive patches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventors: William W. Keyser, David B. Keyser
  • Patent number: 5822899
    Abstract: An advertisement display device which can display a plurality of frames repeatedly one after another and which incurs less manufacturing and initial costs. By activating a motor, a rotary shaft is rotated. The rotary shaft in turn rotates upper and lower driven sprockets, which in turn upper and lower endless chains. An endless sheet stretched between the endless chains are thus rotated together with the chains. The endless sheet is several times longer than a display area defined in an outer case, and has a plurality of continuously arranged display frames each substantially as long as the display area. Each frame carries one kind of advertisement. By rotating the endless sheet, the ads on the respective frames can be repeatedly displayed one after another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Itsuro Yonenaga
  • Patent number: 5819454
    Abstract: A display device in which the grid formed by rectangular reflector elements has each element divided by at least one diagonal into at least two triangular reflectors at the base of which at least one light source is provided and which is closed by a respective diffuser. The diffusers are held in place by light-tight settings surrounding the diffusers. The result is a display with a particularly high definition capable of proportional display of alphanumeric characters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Harald Rosenitsch
  • Patent number: 5687499
    Abstract: This invention relates to a dynamic display system which includes an endless display path which is secured to the ceiling of a building, advertising displays which depend from and move along the display path, and a driving mechanism for driving the advertising displays along said display path and a security video camera could be incorporated in the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Stephen Brnjac
  • Patent number: 5682693
    Abstract: A roll sign has closed loop belts made up of a series of pivotally connected links for the belts to translate parallel to each other and vertically after passing over driven wheels. Grid members having grooved tracks into which menu strips slide for being lighted from behind to make information on the strips readable. The grid members have similar end portions or webs which contain a keyhole defined by a large hole intersecting a smaller hole. Each link has an attachment pin including a shank whose end is extending through an aperture in the link and a head on the shank that is disposed on a side of the link opposite from the end of the pin. A spring biases the head against the grid member. The large holes of the keyholes fit over the head so that when this is done the grid is shifted laterally against the spring force to have the small holes slide under the head to hold the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Everbrite, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Visocky, Gregory A. Bink
  • Patent number: 5657561
    Abstract: A multi-year calendar device which comprises a casing having a first window and a second window therethrough. A mechanism is for manually turning a continuous belt in the casing. A person operating the manually turning mechanism can align one year date on the continuous belt in the first window to one month name on the casing and then view the numerical month dates for that particular month of that particular year through the second window in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Valeri Zykov
  • Patent number: 5613313
    Abstract: A modifiable date display unit including a plastic housing having an internal chamber and at least four indicia apertures formed through a surface thereof into the internal chamber; a spring biased clip mechanism secured to the plastic housing; four independently positionable indicia display loops disposed within the internal chamber of the plastic housing in a manner such that a desired indicia may be positioned within the internal chamber at a location allowing the viewing of the indicia through one of the indicia apertures; and four loop positioning mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventors: Deanna I. Homan, Kenneth T. Homan
  • Patent number: 5596828
    Abstract: An endless belt display device adapted for mounting on a conveyor system for rotatably moving the device comprises an endless belt having a top surface and a transparent panel having all but one edge bonded to the top surface of the belt, the panel forming a pocket with the belt and adapted for receiving advertisement through the unbonded edge to be viewed through the panel as the belt is being rotated by the conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Paul Smallwood
  • Patent number: 5560127
    Abstract: A perpetual calendar is provided which employs movably mounted, elongated strips for displaying the days of the month and corresponding days of the week in a side by side relationship. A first strip has permanently affixed to its outer surface the numbers 1-31 representing days of the month, and a second strip has permanently affixed to its outer surface indicia representing days of the week. The relative positions of the first and second strips can be adjusted to positions appropriate for any month of any year. The calendar also preferably has a third strip having an indicator permanently affixed to its outer surface for indicating the current day of the month and corresponding day of the week.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Robert J. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5427227
    Abstract: A conveyor system (10) is manufactured or retrofitted to include porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22). The porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22) may have decorative designs (30). The pallets (22) are secured to pallet support members (16) that have wheels (18) secured to them. The pallets (22), support members (16) and wheels (18) travel along wheel tracks (14) that form an endless path under the influence of a motive force. Airport luggage carrousels may be retrofitted to include porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22) by removing the existing panels, fabricating porcelain enamel steel pallets (22) that are approximately the same size the previously used panels and then fastening the porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22) to the carousel (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl A. Crandall, William G. Walker, Charles G. Knight
  • Patent number: 5358094
    Abstract: A conveyor belt of the type used at checkout counters at retail establishments is adapted to the changeable display of advertising material on the visible surface of the conveyor belt. Static cling sheets bearing advertising indicia are adhered to the conveyor belt by electrostatic attraction. As an alternative embodiment, a low friction coating is applied to the visible surface of the static cling sheets. An additional alterative embodiment adds a strip of adhesive material between the conveyor belt and the leading edge of the static cling sheet for releasably securing the leading edge to the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventors: Joseph J. Molinaro, Mark A. Witcher
  • Patent number: 5353534
    Abstract: A device for holding a variable number of rear-illuminated advertisement carriers formed of a poster-like blanks. Each advertisement carrier is mounted in a pocket that is open on one side and formed of a transparent flexible sheet material. The pockets can be positioned from a rear chamber to a visible front area by a drive device and then returned to the chamber. The pockets are connected into a disengageable chain of pockets that is contacted and driven by motor driven gears, belts or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Inventors: Angelika Fassauer, Peter Haluszka
  • Patent number: 5346046
    Abstract: An endless manual control for use in automation systems, such as automated recording consoles, which controls levels and other parameters of audio, video and other signals, by generating, storing, sending and receiving electronic control signals. The control's internal circuitry translates control movements into electronic signals describing the control's movements. These electronic signals, including external electronic signals which are inputed during certain modes of operation, are fed into a circuit for updating the circuit's memory of control levels. When either the minimum or maximum control level extreme is reached, the circuitry triggers a mechanism to stop the manual rotation of the control in the direction which had or would have caused that control level extreme to be reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: John M. Peters
  • Patent number: 5311981
    Abstract: A conveyor system (10) is manufactured or retrofitted to include porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22). The porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22) may have decorative designs (30). The pallets (22) are secured to pallet support members (16) that have wheels (18) secured to them. The pallets (22), support members (16) and wheels (18) travel along wheel tracks (14) that form an endless path under the influence of a motive force. Airport luggage carrousels may be retrofitted to include porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22) by removing the existing panels, fabricating porcelain enamel steel pallets (22) that are approximately the same size the previously used panels and then fastening the porcelain enamel on steel pallets (22) to the carousel (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl A. Crandall, William G. Walker, Charles G. Knight
  • Patent number: 5311980
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for displaying advertisements on item supporting conveyors such as conveyors which have belt-plates that overlap in curved areas and separate along straight portions of a conveyor track or which rotate in a common plane. A plurality of poster or advertisement segments, which are each either formed after adhesion to the track or prior to adhesion to the track, are secured so as to extend across a series of plates of the conveyor. The poster segments are printed with an advertisement and arranged on the conveyor plates so as to come together or separate in a manner which allows for easy reading or visualization of the advertisement and to separate or come together at a different portion of the conveyor track so as to be in a puzzling or difficult to read or visualize arrangement. The puzzling/non-puzzling effect of the displaying apparatus helps capture the audience's attention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Tap (International Airport Promotion) N.V.
    Inventors: Jurgen R. Munkner, Heinz-Joachim E. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 5244080
    Abstract: The belt of a belt conveyor has at least one layer provided with windows which extend all the way through the layer and have outlines corresponding to those of letters, numerals and/or other symbols. The windows receive inserts or indicia which preferably fill the respective windows and are welded, glued or otherwise affixed to the belt. The useful life of the inserts is the same as that of the belt, and at least one characteristic (for example, color) of each insert is selected in such a way that the installed insert or inserts can be readily discerned by an eye at one or both sides of the layer. The layer which is provided with the window or windows can have one or more strata (thinner layers), such as an outer stratum of plastic material, a reinforcing intermediate layer or stratum of textile material or the like, and a layer or stratum which can constitute a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Promotex Werbetechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz J. Bierbaum
  • Patent number: 5209340
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying advertisements on conveyors that includes posters which are made out of suitable materials, are shaped and printed with the desired advertisement, are set in place by adhesion to the belt-plates forming the conveyor belt, and then are specially cut and perforated as required, so that the posters: a) properly carry advertising messages on conveyors; b) conform to any shape of conveyors; c) stay smoothly adhered to any top surface of the belt-plates; d) endure damage from objects transported by the belts; e) are precisely cut, when applicable, along the contours of adjacent belt-plates to allow free rotation on curved tracks; f) have small strategic holes, when applicable, to allow free maintenance access to fasteners in the belt-plates; and g) are easily installed, displayed, replaced and removed without ever interfering with the operation and maintenance of conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: IAP (International Airport Promotion) N.V.
    Inventors: Jurgen R. Munkner, Heinz-Joachim E. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 5181334
    Abstract: The display apparatus has an endless drive member wound on drive sprockets and driven sprockets so that the drive member travels along a circulating travel path. An array of display plates is attached to a specified region of the endless drive member in such a manner that each of the display plates can be swiveled. First, when the display plates are located at the front part of the path, an advertising sign on their front surfaces is shown. As the display plates move, driven by the drive member, and pass the left end of the circulating path, they are guided by a first guide member in such a way that they maintain the same attitude. When they enter the rear part of the circulating path, an unobstructed view of an advertising sign on a stationary display board installed inside the endless drive member is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshinobu Mima
  • Patent number: 5165526
    Abstract: A conveyor, such as a baggage carousel, includes a plurality of transparent panels, each having a thin layer containing visual information affixed to its bottom surface. A series of adjacent panels can produce one complete visual unit such as an advertisement. The transparent panels are shaped to match the configuration of the original metal panels designed for each conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Inventor: Dennis R. Conklin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5138781
    Abstract: A multifaced dispaly apparatus having four flexible display panels detachably connected at their ends to form a continuous display web. A frame includes two windows to simultaneously display two of the display panels. A roller mechanism includes a plurality of rollers, each roller parallel with the others and arranged so that the display web travels about the rollers and the panels are sequentially brought into alignment with the windows. A tensioning mechanism retains the continuous display web in a taut position. A drive mechanism is detachably secured to the display panels in order to move the continuous display web about the rollers. A control mechanism controls the drive mechanism and sequentially moves the display panels into and out of windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Quadra View Incorporated
    Inventor: Wiley P. Claver
  • Patent number: 5072534
    Abstract: A sign for alternately exhibiting two different displays. The sign comprises a display face, a pair of belts which carry the display material and two rollers which are mounted to a carriage for travel back and forth across the sign face. The belts are secured at one end to opposite sides of the sign face and at the other end wind around respective rollers. In operation the belts wind onto or off their respective rollers as the carriage travels back and forth on a rail across the sign to sequentially exhibit for view or conceal the display material on each belt. The drive mechanism for the carriage comprises an endless cable or belt running between pulleys at each end of the rail and attaching to a slide mechanism on the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventor: John Kodet
  • Patent number: 4827644
    Abstract: A tambour-type sign has carrier bars hinged together to form a closed loop. The bars provide for inserting strips which display information. Pin and socket elements are formed on opposite edges of each carrier bar for the pin of one to engage in the socket of the next one to form a hinge. The loop is translated on a ring gear having internal teeth and a periphery in which there are equiangularly spaced apart grooves into which the sockets on the hinges register as a chain would on a sprocket. The ring gear is journaled for rotation on a bearing member exemplified by a square having four walls, the corners of which are segments of a circle whose diameter is equal to the diameter between the tips of the ring gear teeth. This drive structure is mounted on the laterally spaced apart support members so as to support the loop at both ends of the carrier bars. There are spaced apart pinions fixed on the cross shaft which engage with the respective ring gears. The shaft is motor driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Everbrite Electric Signs, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Trame
  • Patent number: 4791744
    Abstract: A rear illuminated device for displaying prices of articles is of the type that includes a housing, a light source in the rear of the housing, a front frame mounted on the housing which has a plurality of horizontal rows of windows, each of said windows being adapted to display one rear illuminated numeral of the price of an article, a film strip carrier in closely spaced cooperating relationship with each window, and each said carrier cooperating with the front frame to define a guide slot in which a section of a film strip is held effectively flat in the window, and a film strip supported on each carrier for endwise movement through a guide slot, each section of a film strip being adapted to display one of the numerals from 1 through 0 in the window. Each film strip is a continuous loop which loosely encircles the film strip carrier and is positioned entirely forward of the light source in the housing, and adjacent film strip loops are in side abutting relationship so as to be mutually confining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Thomas A. Schutz & Co.
    Inventor: John S. Skalski
  • Patent number: 4782615
    Abstract: An advertizing board for use with a mobile display system is arranged in parts surrounding the display board of the system. For transport, the advertizing board is collapsible in a "nested" fashion such that a plurality of boards are arranged parallel to and adjacent each other. The top board may be simply pivoted relative to the other boards so as to fold over the top thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shunichi Futatsuishi, Shozo Fujita