US4215500A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Visual display device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1977-08-15
•
Granted: 1980-08-05
•
Expires: 1997-08-15
Abstract
Abstract A display device for creating amusing visual effects from the motion of beads of expanded polystyrene or similar materials in a stream of flowing air, accompanied by the audible effects attendant thereto. An air flow is introduced into the bottom of a vertical, transparent column into which has been placed a plurality of beads sufficiently small to be floated by the stream of air. The top and bottom openings of the vertical column are closed by wire screens to contain the beads while allowing air to pass. Colored lights may be employed to illuminate the top and bottom regions of the column.
Inventors
- 👤 Gordon Sharp
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 22:23
CPC Classifications
G; G09; G09F; G09F19/00; G09F19/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A kinetic, visual display apparatus comprising: means for establishing a pressurized, flowing stream of air; means for defining a column containing a visually perceivable volume; a plurality of lightweight expanded plastic beads of generally rounded exterior surface without substantial convolutions, said beads disposed in said volume; said volume containing first and second openings at the boundary thereof; said openings being operatively closed by screening having a mesh size small enough to prevent the passage of said beads therethrough; the first opening in the boundary of said volume being at a lower elevation than the second opening; the pressurized, flowing stream of air being introduced into said volume through said first opening therein, to agitate and generally float and thereby suspend the beads within said volume, whereby a kinetic, visual display is produced; and means for projecting illumination into said volume to permit visual perception of said beads.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
A kinetic, visual display apparatus comprising: means for establishing a pressurized, flowing stream of air; means for defining a column containing a visually perceivable volume; a plurality of lightweight expanded plastic beads of generally rounded exterior surface without substantial convolutions, said beads disposed in said volume; said volume containing first and second openings at the boundary thereof; said openings being operatively closed by screening having a mesh size small enough to prevent the passage of said beads therethrough; the first opening in the boundary of said volume being at a lower elevation than the second opening; the pressurized, flowing stream of air being introduced into said volume through said first opening therein, to agitate and generally float and thereby suspend the beads within said volume, whereby a kinetic, visual display is produced; and means for projecting illumination into said volume to permit visual perception of said beads.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for establishing a pressurized flowing stream of air comprises partition means within the chamber for providing an enhanced flow of beads therefrom.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for defining a volume comprises a plurality of air jets for establishing an air curtain to partially enclose said volume.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said means for defining a volume further comprises a lower or base surface and an upper or collecting surface, said base surface defining said first opening and said collecting surface defining said second opening.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
82 words
The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising: a base housing or chamber having first and second openings; said means for establishing a pressurized, flowing stream of air comprising a fan; said fan being disposed to draw air into the base through the first opening therein; and the lower opening of the chamber being operably connected to the second opening of the base whereby the fan provides the pressurized, flowing stream of air to the chamber through the second opening in the base.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the beads are formed of expanded polystyrene material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the interior of the chamber is at least partially illuminated by at least one light.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising baffle means adjacent the lower opening of the chamber for controlling the air pressure distribution introduced to the interior of the chamber through said lower opening.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said plurality of beads includes non-spheroidal beads having greater surface area than spheroidal beads of like mass.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means for establishing a pressurized flowing stream of air comprises partition means within the chamber for providing an enhanced flow of beads therefrom.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
34 words
The display apparatus of claim 1 wherein said illumination projecting means is located to project illumination into said volume through said first opening substantially in and with the flow direction of said flowing stream.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The display apparatus of claim 1 wherein said expanded plastic beads include expanded polystyrene plastic beads.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
42 words
The display apparatus of claim 1 wherein: said first opening extends substantially from wall to wall of said column; said means for establishing a pressurized, flowing stream of air includes means for applying air to substantially the whole of said first opening.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
The display apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second screened opening includes means for accumulating a plurality of beads thereon to provide flow regulation of the presurized flowing stream of air flowing through said column.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
The display apparatus of claim 1 further comprising baffle means adjacent the first opening of the volume for controlling the air pressure distribution introduced to the interior of the volume through said opening.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The display apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for adjusting the velocity of the flowing stream of air introduced to the volume through the first opening thereof.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-08-05 | 1984-02-04 | 1984-08-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-08-05 | 1988-02-04 | 1988-08-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-08-05 | 1992-02-04 | 1992-08-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |