Visual display system

Abstract

A visual display system creates various visual and auditory effects by movement of lightweight particulate matter, such as beads. The system utilizes a variable flow air array generation device that facilitates the formation of a variable flow air array within the chamber. The apparatus includes three or more array segments and a controller. The array sections each contribute different but coordinated airflows that merge with one another within the chamber to form a variable flow air array. A controller controls each of the array segments. An array of variable flow air generated by the device agitates, fluidizes, suspends, or floats at least some of the plurality of beads in the chamber, thereby forming a dynamic display of the beads in the chamber.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 17 / 875,272, filed Jul. 27, 2022, and relates to all subject matter common to both applications. The disclosure of said application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of visual effects display devices and systems for use in home or commercial art installations and kinetic art. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of variable flow air arrays to control the movement of lightweight particulate matter (such as expanded polystyrene beads or spheres) from one area of ​​a visual display system to another area of ​​a visual display device. Background Art

[0004] The prior patented invention described in U.S. Patent #11,017,697 issued to Sharp is an improvement over U.S. Patent #4,215,500 also issued to Sharp, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. These patents disclose a visual display device that uses the principles of a fluidized bed to create interesting visual and auditory effects through the movement of beads of expanded polystyrene or similar material in a stream of flowing air. The '500 patent only involves fluidizing the beads in one column, while the '697 patent introduces a conduit or second column to move the beads from one area of ​​the column to another, and dynamically or automatically change the number of beads in the column.

[0005] U.S. Patent #7,302,767 to McKnight provides only one airflow source to move the beads. The beads at the bottom of the display device also move from the outer column to the inner column via the Venturi effect. However, the Venturi effect for moving the beads is only effective over a short relative distance and fails to disclose multiple independently controllable airflow sources that are combined to form a variable flow air array.

[0006] Like McKnight, US Patent #7,963,057B1 and US Patent #8,347,534B2, both issued to Ruiz, use the Venturi effect to draw beads from a horizontal collection platform into a bead discharge nozzle so they can be propelled into the air. Similar to McKnight, there are no multiple independently controlled air streams that combine to form a variable flow air array.

[0007] U.S. Patent #6,550,169B1 to Sena provides a novel display with a fan, wherein beads are moved into the inlet of the fan by gravity and the suction of the fan. The fan then blows the beads upward into a tube and blows the beads through the tube, whereby the beads fall back into the visible portion of the display unit. The patent again discloses only a means of moving beads through the unit, in this case by a fan. The beads flow partially from an inclined slope into the fan by gravity. Once the beads are close enough to the fan inlet, the suction of the fan will attract the beads into the fan itself. There is no disclosure of any method for slowing down or stopping the movement of the beads or their flow rate into the fan to control the number of beads located on the slope or at the bottom of the unit. There is no disclosure of any means of independently controlling or at least providing some independent control of the number of beads located in one area of ​​the display unit. In addition, the disclosed means of moving beads through the unit involves causing the beads to travel through the fan itself. This has significant disadvantages for units that are likely to be in operation for long periods of time, as the interaction of the fan blades and the blades rotating in the housing over time will damage and / or crush the beads. While this may or may not occur frequently, over time the number of beads damaged and / or crushed by the mechanical movement of the blades in the housing will accumulate into a significant number, affecting and degrading the overall appearance of the visual display. As a result, frequent maintenance may be required to replace damaged beads, which can be difficult, expensive and time consuming, especially on larger units.

[0008] U.S. Patent #5,794,364 to Richmond provides a means for launching spherical projectiles (such as balloons) from a vertical chute. These round projectiles fall back onto an inclined concave surface and roll back into the vertical chute where they are repeatedly launched. As with Sena, the inclined surface and gravity are the primary means for moving the object of the present invention into an upwardly moving air stream. Also, as with Sena and other references, there are no multiple independently controlled air streams that combine to form a variable flow air array. Summary of the invention

[0009] There is a need for a display device or system for creating various visual and auditory effects with a plurality of beads, the display device or system being capable of providing a variable flow air array consisting of a plurality of different but coordinated air streams that merge with one another within a chamber of the system to form a variable flow air array to agitate, fluidize, suspend or float at least some of the plurality of beads to form a dynamic display of beads within the chamber. The present invention enables controllable effects such as controllable fountain-like jets of various sizes, numbers and intensity of behavior; inverted waterfalls; more precise spatial control and balancing of fluidized bed behavior; and the formation of fire and flame-like effects of various sizes and intensities that can appear or disappear at different locations under programmable control, among other desirable features. The present invention is directed to additional solutions to this need, among other desirable features.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a visual display system is provided, which includes a chamber and a variable flow air array generating device.

[0011] The chamber has a bottom with a screen opening therethrough, a top opposite the bottom, and at least one sidewall extending between the bottom and the top and defining an interior volume. The at least one sidewall has a viewing portion that provides a view of the interior of the chamber from an environment external to the chamber. A plurality of beads are disposed within the interior volume of the chamber.

[0012] Variable flow air array generating device is conducive to forming variable flow air array.The device is in fluid communication with the sieve opening in the bottom of the chamber.The variable flow air array generating device comprises three or more array sections and controller.The three or more array sections each contribute different but coordinated airflows in the chamber, and these airflows merge with each other to form variable flow air array.The three or more array sections have a total combined area, and the total combined area is the main part of the total area of ​​the bottom with the sieve opening passing therethrough.The controller is electronically communicated with each of the three or more array sections of the device and controls each of the three or more array sections, and each of the three or more array sections provides each of different but coordinated airflows.The variable flow air array generated by the device stirs, fluidizes, suspends or floats at least some of a plurality of beads, thereby forming a dynamic display of beads in the chamber.

[0013] According to aspects of the invention, the visual display system further includes a bead transport control subsystem. The bead transport control subsystem includes at least one conduit connecting the first area of ​​the chamber with the second area of ​​the chamber and having a screened opening disposed in an end or wall of the conduit. At least a portion of the plurality of beads can be controlled by an additional airflow passing through the at least one conduit via the screened opening. The additional airflow is controlled at least partially independently of the variable flow air array. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] These and other features of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings described below.

[0015] Figure 1 is an overview of a system using large fan sources and dampers as a visual display of a variable flow air array segment.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the visual display system shown.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A close-up cross-sectional view of the base of the visual display system is shown.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A close up cut away bottom view of the base of the visual display system is shown.

[0019] Figure 5 is a close up cross-sectional view of the base of a visual display system that uses one large fan as the airflow source and multiple dampers as the variable flow air array sections, where the larger main column variable flow air array generating device consists of two dampers in series.

[0020] Figure 6 is an overview diagram of a visual display system that uses a large fan source located in the top of the visual display system that draws air upward through the main and side columns with dampers as a variable flow air array generating device.

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An overview cross-sectional view of a visual display system is shown.

[0022] Figure 8 is an overview diagram of a visual display system that does not have a large fan source, but instead uses smaller fans as array sections of a variable flow air array generating system.

[0023] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A close up cross-sectional view of the visual display system shown shows a grid of smaller fans as an array section for the main column of the variable flow air array generating system, and an array of 2 back-to-back or face-to-face fans connected in series to form a bi-directional fan as an array section for the side column of the variable flow air array generating system.

[0024] Fig.10It is a close-up cross-sectional view of a visual display system without a large fan source, wherein the main column array section of the variable flow air array generating system is composed of small fans connected in series with dampers, and the array section of the side column of the variable flow air array generating system includes dampers and an array of 2 back-to-back or face-to-face fans, all of which fans and dampers are all connected in series.

[0025] Fig.11 is a close-up cross-sectional view of a visual display system using a large fan source to provide an airflow source, wherein the main column array section of the variable flow air array generating system is composed of small fans in series, and the airflow pattern generators of the side columns are composed of two arrays of dampers.

[0026] Fig.12 is a close up cutaway view of the base of the visual display system, wherein the main column variable flow air array generation system consists of a fan in series with an airflow angle controller.

[0027] Fig.13 is a close-up cross-sectional view of a visual display system without a large fan source, wherein a main column variable flow air array generating system is comprised of a small fan whose exhaust airflow is at least partially contained by a duct located at a certain height below the airflow straightener and a second duct located above the airflow straightener. A side column variable flow air array generating system is comprised of two back-to-back or face-to-face fans whose airflow entering or exiting the top of the two fan assemblies is at least partially contained in a duct.

[0028] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 A close-up cross-sectional view of the base of the visual display system is shown.

[0029] Fig.15 is a close up cross-sectional view of a base of a visual display system without a large fan source, wherein the main column array section of the variable flow air array generation system is comprised of small fans whose exhaust airflow is at least partially contained by a duct located at a certain height below the airflow straightener. Above the airflow straightener, only the center row of channels exists to contain the airflow of the center row of fans. The front and rear upper channels are omitted to allow space for the front and rear light bars, and the airflow of the front and rear row fans is still partially contained by the upper center row of channels and the front and rear sides of the base. The side column array section of the variable flow air array generation system is comprised of 2 back-to-back or face-to-face fans, wherein only the airflow of the center fan entering or leaving the top of the series fan assembly is at least partially contained in the duct.

[0030] Fig.16is a close-up cross-sectional view of a visual display system without a large fan source, wherein the main column array section of the variable flow air array generation system is composed of small fans whose exhaust airflow is at least partially contained by a duct located at a certain height below the airflow straightener and a second duct located above the airflow straightener. In this embodiment, all other ducts are omitted because the walls of the remaining channels will close the airflow of the fans without channels above. Similarly, for an array of three side column fans, only the flow of the center fan needs to be contained in the duct to provide good containment of the airflow of the front and rear fan groups.

[0031] Fig.17 is a close-up cross-sectional view of a visual display system without a large fan source, wherein the main column array section of the variable flow air array generation system is composed of small fans in series with dampers, whose exhaust airflow is at least partially contained by a duct located at a certain height below the airflow straightener and a second duct located above the airflow straightener. In this embodiment, all other ducts are omitted because the walls of the remaining channels will close the airflow of the fans without channels above. Similarly, for an array of three side column fans, only the flow of the center fan needs to be contained in the duct to provide good containment of the airflow of the front and rear fan groups.

[0032] Fig.18 is a close up cutaway view of a visual display system without a large fan source, where a main column airflow variable flow air array generation system is constructed with fans of different sizes with ducts on enough fans to adequately accommodate the flow of airflow leaving all of the fans.

[0033] Fig.19 is a close-up cross-sectional view of the base of a visual display system without a large fan source, wherein a main column variable flow air array generating system is constructed of fans of different sizes, with channels on enough fans, above and below the air flow straighteners, to adequately accommodate the flow of airflow leaving all of the fans. In addition, the channels above the air flow straighteners have top openings of different sizes so that the velocity of the air leaving the channels may be higher or lower than the average velocity of the airflow leaving the fans.

[0034] Fig. 20 is a close up cutaway view of the base of the visual display system without the large fan source, where the main column variable flow air array generation system consists of a series of six fans in a two by three array configuration.

[0035] Fig.21 is a close-up cutaway view of the base of the visual display system without the large fan source, where the main column variable flow air array generation system consists of a series of eight fans in a circular configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a visual display system that forms various visual and auditory effects through the movement of lightweight particulate matter (such as beads of expanded polystyrene), and the visual display system includes a chamber through which a variable flow of air is configured to agitate, fluidize, suspend or float at least some of the beads. The system utilizes a novel variable flow air array generating device that is conducive to forming a variable flow air array in a chamber. The device includes three or more array sections and a controller. The three or more array sections each contribute different but coordinated airflows that merge with each other in the chamber to form a variable flow air array. The three or more array sections also have a total combined area that is a major part of the total area of ​​the sieving area at the bottom of the chamber through which the variable flow air array passes. The controller controls each of the three or more array sections of the device, providing each of the different but coordinated airflows. The variable flow air array generated by the device agitates, fluidizes, suspends or floats at least some of a plurality of beads in the chamber, thereby forming a dynamic display of beads in the chamber.

[0037] Figures 1 to 21 One or more exemplary embodiments of a visual display system according to the present invention are shown. Figures 1 to 21 In the drawings, like parts are always represented by like reference numerals. Although the present invention will be described with reference to one or more example embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that many alternative forms can embody the present invention. In addition, those skilled in the art will understand different ways to change the parameters of the disclosed embodiments (such as the size, shape or type of elements or materials) in a manner that is still consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0038] Visual display system 100 includes base assembly 2, chamber assembly 4, and top assembly 6. Base assembly 2 includes chamber base 20 and, in some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the base assembly includes a fan base 10 and a duct base 30. The base assembly 2 can be constructed of any suitable solid material, such as wood, plastic or metal. The chamber assembly 4 includes a chamber 41, and, in some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the chamber assembly includes a conduit 42. The top assembly 6 includes a top cover 50. The top assembly 6 can be constructed of any suitable solid material, such as wood, plastic, or metal. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the top cover 50 may further include an exhaust port 52 at least partially controlled by a damper 51 .

[0039] The chamber 41 of the chamber assembly 4 has a bottom 34 at which it is attached to the chamber base 20 of the base assembly 2; a top 36 at which it is attached to the top cover 50 of the top assembly 6; and at least one side wall 38 extending between the top 36 and the bottom 34 and defining the interior volume 102 of the chamber 41. The bottom 34 has a screened opening 44 therethrough. The screened opening 44 can be made of any suitable material, such as plastic or metal, that allows air to pass through without discharging the particulate material or beads 43 contained in the chamber 41. Typically, such a screened material will have a pore size or opening that is smaller than the diameter of the smallest bead 43 used in the visual display system 100. At least one side wall 38 has a viewing portion that provides a view of the interior of the chamber 41 from an environment outside the chamber 41. In some embodiments, the viewing portion of the at least one side wall 38 includes a substantially transparent or substantially translucent material, such as glass, plexiglass, or polycarbonate.

[0040] A plurality of beads 43 are disposed within the interior volume of chamber 41. In certain embodiments, the plurality of beads 43 include lightweight expanded polystyrene plastic beads. The beads 43 may have a density of less than about 1 g / cm 3 (gm / cm 3 ) and is preferably spherical in shape. In some embodiments, common expanded polystyrene (EPS) beads, such as those used in "bean bag" chairs, are between 2 mm and 5 mm in size and have a density of about 0.016 gm / cm 3 Up to 0.022gm / cm 3 However, for very large displays, larger expanded polystyrene bead sizes may be preferred, such as up to about 13 mm or larger.

[0041] The visual display system 100 further includes a variable flow air array generating device 104 that facilitates forming a variable flow air array 106. The variable flow air array 106 generated by the device 104 agitates, fluidizes, suspends or floats at least some of the plurality of beads 43, forming a dynamic display of the beads 43 within the chamber 41. Here, the variable flow air array generating device 104 is housed in the chamber base 20 of the base assembly 2. The device 104 is in fluid communication with the screen opening 44 located in the bottom 34 of the chamber 41. The device 104 includes three or more array sections and a controller 801.

[0042] Each of the three or more array segments contributes a different but coordinated airflow 108 within the chamber 41, which merge with each other to form the variable flow air array 106. The three or more array segments have a total combined area that is a major portion of the total area of ​​the bottom 34 having the sieve openings 44 passing therethrough. In certain embodiments, the total combined area of ​​the three or more array segments is at least 40% of the total area of ​​the bottom 34 having the sieve openings 44 passing therethrough. In some embodiments, the three or more array segments of the variable flow air array generating device 104 are substantially continuous. In other embodiments, the three or more array segments of the variable flow air array generating device 104 are arranged in a grid, a one-dimensional array, a plurality of spaced-apart one-dimensional arrays, or an annular configuration. Examples of such configurations can be found in. Fig. 20 and Fig.21 Seen in.

[0043] The controller 801 is in electronic communication with and controls each of the three or more array sections of the device 104, each of which provides each of the different but coordinated airflows 108. In certain embodiments, the controller 801 of the variable flow air array generating device 104 comprises an analog controller, a processor, or a microcontroller. In some embodiments, the controller 801 of the variable flow air array generating device 104 provides variable signals to each of the three or more array sections individually. Control may be provided via DMX 512 type digital control or by any analog, digital, network, software, microprocessor driven, or other method known to those skilled in the art to control airflow using HVAC and industrial controls.

[0044] In some embodiments, the system 100 further includes a bead transport control subsystem similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 11,017,697 to Sharp, including at least one conduit 42 connecting a first region of the chamber 41 with a second region of the chamber 41 and having a screened opening 45 disposed at the end or ends or in the wall of the conduit 42. The conduit 42 may also have one or more screened exhaust openings in the sidewalls, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 11,017,697. In this example, at least one conduit 42 is connected to the first region of the chamber 41 via a bottom opening 46 and to the second region of the chamber 41 via a top opening 47. The bead transport system allows for control of at least a portion of the plurality of beads 43 by passing an additional airflow 110, 114 through the screened opening 45 through at least one conduit 42. The additional airflow 110, 114 is controlled at least partially independently of the variable flow air array 106.

[0045] In some such embodiments, the bead transport system further includes a second variable flow air array generating device 112 that facilitates forming the variable flow air array 110, the second variable flow air array generating device 112 being in fluid communication with the screened openings 45 in the conduit 42. The device 112 includes a plurality of array sections that contribute different but coordinated air flows 114 within the conduit 42 that merge into the variable flow air array 110.

[0046] In some embodiments, three or more array sections of the variable flow air array generating device 104 include a damper system 221, wherein each of the one or more sections is a damper 922. An example of this can be found at Figure 2-Figure 5 . The embodiments herein utilize a central air source, such as one or more controllable bottom fans 12. In this example, the bottom fan 12 is housed in a fan base 10. The fan base 10 may include a damper 11 to help control the airflow into the base assembly 2 and into the chamber 42, as well as to help control the amount of negative pressure in the fan base 10 relative to the ambient air outside the base assembly 2. The damper 11 may be implemented in many different ways known to those skilled in the art to form a controllable airflow obstruction between the inside and outside of the case, thereby forming a pressure drop from the outside of the case to the inlet of the fan 12. The fan 12 is shown as a centrifugal blower; however, any type of blower or fan may be used here, such as a propeller, axial flow, mixed flow, inline, computer cooling fan, etc. Although the fan 12 may be a fixed speed fan, advantageously, the fan and any other fan used in the preferred embodiment also have the ability to change its speed. Many different mechanical and electronic methods are well known to those skilled in the art to change the speed of any fan used in embodiments of the present invention. For example, an inline centrifugal blower may be used with an electronically commutated DC motor that is controlled by its variable speed controller via an analog control signal, such as 0 to 10 volts, or a digital control signal.

[0047] The fan 12 exhausts air into the chamber base 20 and supplies air to the chamber base (in this case through the column base 30). Three or more array sections (in this example, the damper system 221) of the variable flow air array generating device 104 are arranged between the bottom fan 12 and the screen opening 44 at the bottom of the chamber 41. In this example, each individual damper 922 is mounted in an array on a mounting plate 921 located below the screen opening 44 to form the damper system 221, so that the exhaust air from the fan 12 passes through each damper 922 of the system 221, forming different but coordinated airflows 108 in the chamber 41, which merge with each other to form the variable flow air array 106.

[0048] In some embodiments, the controllable damper system 221 includes a second damper system 222. An example of this can be found at Figure 5 Here, the second damper system 222 includes a plurality of individually controllable dampers 922 mounted to opposite sides of the mounting plate 921, such that each damper 922 of the second damper system 222 is in fluid communication with a damper 922 of the first damper system 221. In such a case, one of the dampers 922 in series operates as a rapid on / off mechanism, while the other damper 922 at least partially controls the amount, rate, and / or direction of airflow. Each damper 922 can be individually controlled by the controller 801.

[0049] In some embodiments, the system 100 further includes a honeycomb airflow straightener 22 or a fine mesh screen disposed between the screen opening 44 at the bottom 34 of the chamber 41 and the three or more array sections ( Figure 2-Figure 5 Between and in fluid communication with one or more of the damper systems 221).

[0050] In some embodiments, the visual display system 100 further includes one or more light sources 421, 451. Here, the light source 421 is disposed between the screen opening 44 of the bottom 34 of the chamber 41 and one or more of the three or more array sections of the variable flow air array generating device 104 to shine upward into the chamber 41 to illuminate the lower side of the chamber 41. In some such embodiments, at least one of the one or more light sources 421 is disposed in at least one of the three or more array sections. The light source 451 is disposed in the top cover 50 so as to shine downward into the chamber 41 and illuminate the chamber 41 from the top. These lights can be of any type, but are preferably LED lights, whose color and intensity can be digitally controlled or manually controlled by the controller 801 through a DMX 512 type or other type of electronic control system, and are programmed to run according to a preset program or to run interactively.

[0051] In embodiments where the visual display system 100 further includes a bead transport control subsystem, the system may also include one or more dampers 211, 231, 232 configured to at least vary the volume of the additional airflow to fluidize or move the plurality of beads 43 through the at least one conduit 42. Figure 2-Figure 5In an embodiment of the present invention, the bead transport control subsystem further includes an airflow control device configured to control the additional airflow to enter or leave at least one duct 42 through the screen opening 45. The airflow control device includes a first damper system 231 and a second damper system 211, the first damper system being mounted to the mounting plate 931. The first damper system 231 has a first end connected to the at least partially enclosed space of the duct base 30 and also connected to one or more bottom fans 12, wherein the second end of the first damper system 231 is configured to blow at least a portion of the outlet airflow of the one or more bottom fans 12 into the at least one duct 42 through the screen opening 45 as an additional airflow 110. The second damper 211 has a first end connected to the at least partially enclosed second space of the fan base 10 and also connected to the inlet of the one or more bottom fans 12, wherein the second end of the second damper 211 is configured to suck the additional airflow 110 out of the at least one duct 42 through the screen opening 45 into the inlet of the one or more bottom fans.

[0052] In some such embodiments, a bead transport control subsystem is further included, such as Figure 2-Figure 5 As shown, the bead transport system may further include a honeycomb airflow straightener 32 or a fine mesh screen, which is disposed between the screen opening 45 of the conduit 42 and the second variable flow air array generating device 112 ( Figure 2-Figure 5 The damper system 231 in the embodiment of the present invention is fluidly connected between and with multiple array segments.

[0053] Figure 6 and Figure 7An embodiment utilizing one or more controllable top fans 62 is depicted. Here, the top 36 of the chamber 41 includes a screened opening 48, and a controllable top fan 62 is disposed in the top fan cover 60, in fluid communication with the screened opening 48, the controllable top fan being configured to draw airflow through the interior volume of the chamber 41 and discharge through the screened opening 48 of the top 36. The fan 62 is shown as a centrifugal blower; however, any type of blower or fan may be used here, such as a propeller, axial flow, mixed flow, inline, computer cooling fan, etc. Although the fan 62 may be a fixed speed fan, it is advantageous that the fan, as well as any other fan used in the preferred embodiment, also has the ability to change its speed. Those skilled in the art are familiar with many different mechanical and electronic methods to change the speed of any fan used in embodiments of the present invention. For example, an inline centrifugal blower may be used with an electronically commutated DC motor that is controlled by its variable speed controller via, for example, an analog control signal of 0 to 10 volts or a digital control signal. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the top fan 62 may also be used in combination with the bottom fan 12 or another airflow mechanism.

[0054] In some embodiments, the top fan cover 60 further includes a light source 462 disposed in the top fan cover 60 so as to shine downward into the chamber 41 and illuminate the chamber 41 from the top. The lights are arranged so as not to obstruct the airflow. These lights can be of any type, but are preferably LED lights, whose color and intensity can be digitally controlled or manually controlled by the controller 801 through a DMX 512 type or other type of electronic control system, and are programmed to run according to a preset program or to run interactively.

[0055] In some versions of this embodiment, including a bead transport control subsystem using a damper system 231, the controllable damper system 231 includes a second damper system 232. An example of this is shown in FIG. Figure 7 Here, the second damper system 232 includes a plurality of individually controllable dampers mounted to opposite sides of the mounting plate 931, such that each damper of the second damper system 232 is in fluid communication with a damper of the first damper system 231. In such a case, one of the dampers in series operates as a rapid on / off mechanism, while the other damper at least partially controls the amount, rate and / or direction of the airflow. Each of the dampers can be individually controlled by the controller 801.

[0056] Figure 8 and Fig. 9An embodiment is depicted in which three or more array sections of the variable flow air array generating device 104 include a fan system 321. Here, this embodiment does not use one or more bottom fans 12 or top fans 62. Instead, the fan system 321 is composed of three or more individual fans 926, which are mounted in an array to a mounting plate 925 located below the screen opening 44 to form a fan system 321, which is the source of the variable flow air array 106 and the different but coordinated airflows 108 entering the chamber 41. Each fan 926 of the fan system 321 draws air through the air inlet 23 and discharges different but coordinated airflows 108 in the chamber 41, which merge with each other to form the variable flow air array 106. An example of a suitable fan for each fan 926 is a computer cooling fan, which can be controlled with a PWM (pulse width modulation) control signal, the pulse width of which can be changed to change the speed of the motor or analog voltage or digital addressing control via the controller 801. In some embodiments, one or more of the controllable array fans 926 include variable pitch fan blades. In some embodiments, the controllable array fan system 321 includes a controllable bidirectional array fan or a bidirectional array fan system that includes two fluidically connected controllable array fans that move toward or away from each other. Other possible configurations will be apparent to those skilled in the art given the benefit of this disclosure.

[0057] In embodiments where the visual display system 100 further includes a bead transport control subsystem, the system may also include an additional airflow control device 331 including one or more bead transport fans 936, 937 configured to at least vary the volume of the additional airflow. Examples of which may be found at Fig. 9 936 is configured to direct the airflow 110 into the duct 42, while the fan 937 is configured to draw the airflow 110 out of the duct 42. When the additional airflow 110 flows out of the at least one duct 42 through the screen opening 45, the first subset of the plurality of beads 43 is attracted against the screen opening 45 or is frozen in place near the screen opening 45, so that the first subset of the plurality of beads 43 stops or restricts the second subset of the plurality of beads 43 from flowing through the at least one duct 42.

[0058] Fig.10 An embodiment is depicted in which the fan system 321 further includes a damper system 222 used in conjunction with the fan system 321 such that each fan 926 has a corresponding damper 922 mounted oppositely on the mounting plate 925 and in fluid communication with each fan 926. The dampers 922 can operate as backdrafts or fast on / off controllable dampers and are controlled by the controller 801 in a manner similar to Figure 5 The embodiment of the method is controlled.

[0059] For a wider effect, some of the fans 926 can be turned off or run at very low speeds. Under these conditions, where some of the fans 926 are running at higher speeds, the positive pressure generated by the fans running at the higher speeds can force air to flow back down or reverse through the fans that are turned off or running at a much lower speed. To prevent airflow leakage or wasteful short-circuiting around the higher speed fans, gravity-fed or spring-loaded dampers 922 in series with the low or zero speed fans can automatically close, or controllable dampers 922 can be commanded to close to prevent such backflow of air or uncontrolled reversal of airflow through the lower speed or off fans. Instead of using these additional reversing devices or controllable on / off fans, in situations such as Fig. 9 In the illustrated embodiment that does not have dampers 922 in series with fans 926, backflow can be prevented by ensuring that all fans 926 are always running and have at least a minimum speed that is sufficient to generate a positive pressure approximately equal to the positive pressure of higher speed fans operating at higher flows under low or zero flow conditions, so as to prevent air from flowing in the opposite direction through these slower fans.

[0060] Another purpose of at least rapidly operating the on / off damper 922 is to provide a rapid change in the volume of the airflow through the chamber 41 or duct 42. The fan 926 typically has sufficient inertia in its fan wheel or blades, so it may take 5 seconds to 20 seconds or more to accelerate to full speed or higher speeds, or decelerate to zero or lower speeds. A damper 922 with a fast (0.5 second to 5 second) damper operator, a fast linear actuator, or a fast linear or rotary solenoid valve can open or close the damper 922 much faster than using only the fan 926 to increase or decrease the air entering the column more quickly. This can be used to enhance various effects.

[0061] In embodiments where the visual display system 100 further includes a bead transport control subsystem, the system may also include a damper system 232 used in conjunction with an additional airflow control device 331 including one or more bead transport fans 936 , 937 .

[0062] Fig.11 Is further reference Figure 2-Figure 5 The bottom fan 12 is used in combination with Fig.10 The bottom fan 12, for example, can help increase the flow of fan 926 and also help prevent backflow through those fans that are running slowly or have been turned off.

[0063] Fig.12An embodiment of the system 100 is depicted in which the honeycomb filter 22 is disposed between the fan system 321 and the airflow angle controller 522. The airflow angle controller 522 changes at least a portion of the airflow through the screen opening 44 at the bottom 34 of the chamber 41 to an angle different from the screen opening 44 perpendicular to the bottom 34 of the chamber 41. Here, the airflow angle controller includes one or more damper devices 928 with controllable blades to change the angle of the airflow through the airflow angle controller 522. Each damper or airflow angle control device 928 can be individually controlled by the controller 801 to statically set a separate airflow angle or can dynamically control the angle of the airflow to form various effects similar to a fountain display, which can change and swing the angle of the water jet shooting upward into the air in synchronization with the music.

[0064] In some embodiments, one or more of the three or more array sections of the variable flow air array generating device 104 further includes channels 621, 622 in fluid communication with the array section to provide better definition of the airflow leaving the array section. Examples of these channels 621, 622 can be found in Figure 13-Figure 19 Seen in Fig.13 In the example, channel 621 is set Figure 8-Figure 9 The fan system 321 is shown between the honeycomb filter 22, and the channel 622 is provided between the honeycomb filter 22 and the screen portion 44 of the bottom 34 of the chamber 41. Fig.14 In, channel 621 is disposed between a fan system 321 and a honeycomb filter 22, the fan system including a controllable bidirectional array fan or a bidirectional array fan system having two fluidically connected controllable array fans 926, 927, the two controllable array fans being oriented toward or away from each other, and channel 622 is disposed between the honeycomb filter 22 and the screened portion 44 of the bottom 34 of the chamber 41. Having channels 621 and 622 used in conjunction with the bidirectional fans helps prevent short-circuiting of airflow within a base assembly 2 containing the fans, particularly where some fans in a variable flow air array generating device 104 move air in one direction and other fans in the variable flow air array generating device 104 simultaneously move airflow in the opposite direction. In Fig.15 In the example, channel 621 is set Figure 8-Figure 9 The fan system 321 is shown between the honeycomb filter 22, while the channels 623 are arranged in a single array along the middle of the screened portion between the honeycomb filter 22 and the screened portion 44 of the bottom 34 of the chamber 41, allowing the light sources 421 to be arranged along the front and rear edges. Fig.16 In the example, channel 621 is set Fig. 9The fan system 321 shown is provided between the honeycomb filter 22, while the channels 622 are provided in an alternating pattern between the honeycomb filter 22 and the screened portion 44 of the bottom 34 of the chamber 41, which still provides for the containment of the airflow of each fan, but each fan does not have its own channel 622. Fig.17 In the example, channel 621 is set Fig.10 The fan system 321 including the fan 926 and the damper 922 is shown between the honeycomb filter 22, and the channel 622 is provided in an intermittent mode between the honeycomb filter 22 and the screen portion 44 of the bottom 34 of the chamber 41. Fig.18 In the embodiment, the passage 621 is disposed between the fan system 321 and the honeycomb filter 22, the fan system having fans 926, 929 of different sizes and / or configurations to match the different degrees of control and resolution of the airflow required, possibly using fewer fans or damper elements or fans or damper elements that better suit the geometry of the desired variable flow air array 106, and the passage 622 is disposed between the honeycomb filter 22 and the screened portion 44 of the bottom 34 of the chamber 41. Fig.19 , channel 621 is disposed between the fan system 321 having fans 926, 929 of different sizes and / or configurations and the honeycomb filter 22, while channels 624, 625, and 626 are disposed between the honeycomb filter 22 and the screen portion 44 of the bottom 34 of the chamber 41. Channel 624 is configured to reduce the velocity of the airflow passing through channel 624. Channels 625 and 626 are configured to increase the velocity of the airflow passing through channels 625 and 626. Channel 626 is further configured to redirect the airflow passing through channel 626.

[0065] In a visual display system 100 that further includes a bead transport control subsystem, system 100 may also include a channel 631 configured in a similar manner to channels 621 and 622 .

[0066] In certain embodiments, at least a portion of one of channels 621 and 622 is lined with a sound-deadening material as would be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to help reduce the level of noise from the fan that is heard external to the visual display device.

[0067] Fig. 20 and Fig.21 An alternative configuration of three or more array sections of the variable flow air array generating device 104 is depicted. Fig. 20 In FIG. 1 , the variable flow air array generating device 104 has a series of six fans 926 arranged in a two by three (2×3) array that occupy 40% of the total area of ​​the bottom 34 having the screen openings 44 therethrough. Fig.21, the variable flow air array generating device 104 has a series of eight fans 929 in a circular configuration that occupy 53% of the total area of ​​the bottom 34 having the screen openings 44 therethrough.

[0068] It should be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein may be modified and combined in any number of combinations. For example, one or more of the three or more array sections of the variable flow air array generating device 104 may have a size or configuration different from other array sections of the variable flow air array generating device. Other possible configurations and implementations will be apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

[0069] As used herein, the terms "include" and "comprise" are intended to be interpreted as inclusive, not exclusive. As used herein, the terms "exemplary", "example" and "illustrative" are intended to mean "used as an example, instance or illustration", and should not be interpreted as indicating or not indicating a configuration that is preferred or advantageous relative to other configurations. As used herein, the terms "approximately", "roughly" and "approximately" are intended to cover the changes that may exist in the upper and lower limits of the range of subjective or objective values, such as changes in characteristics, parameters, sizes and dimensions. In a non-limiting example, the terms "approximately", "roughly" and "approximately" mean equal to or plus 10% or less, or minus 10% or less. In a non-limiting example, the terms "approximately", "roughly" and "approximately" mean close enough to be considered to be included by a person skilled in the relevant art. As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to the complete or nearly complete range or degree of an action, feature, characteristic, state, structure, project or result, as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, a "substantially" circular object would mean that the object is completely a circle with a mathematically determinable limit or close to a circle that a person skilled in the art would recognize or understand. In some cases, the exact degree of permissible deviation from absolute completeness may depend on the particular context. Generally speaking, however, near completion will have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were achieved or obtained. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the use of "substantially" when used in a negative connotation is equally applicable to referring to the complete or nearly complete absence of an action, feature, characteristic, state, structure, item, or result.

[0070] In view of the above description, many modifications and alternative embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this description is to be interpreted as illustrative only, and is intended to teach those skilled in the art to implement the best mode of the present invention. Without departing from the spirit of the present invention, the details of the structure may be significantly changed, and the exclusive use of all modifications within the scope of the appended claims is retained. In this specification, the embodiments have been described in a manner that enables a clear and concise description to be written, but it is intended and will be understood that, without departing from the present invention, the embodiments may be combined or separated differently without departing from the present invention. The present invention is intended to be limited only to the scope required by the appended claims and applicable legal rules.

[0071] It is also to be understood that the appended claims are to cover all generic and specific features of the invention described herein, together with all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Claims

1. A visual display system for forming various visual and auditory effects using a plurality of beads, the visual display system include: A chamber comprising: a bottom portion having a screen opening therethrough; a top portion, which is opposite to the bottom portion; and at least one side wall extending between the bottom and the top and defining an interior volume, the at least one side wall having a viewing portion providing a view of the interior of the chamber from an environment external to the chamber; a plurality of beads disposed within the interior volume of the chamber; and a variable flow air array generating device that facilitates forming a variable flow air array, the device being in fluid communication with a screened opening located in the bottom of the chamber, and the device comprising: three or more array sections each contributing a different but coordinated airflow within the chamber that merge with one another to form the variable flow air array, the total combined area of ​​the three or more array sections being a major portion of the total area of ​​the base having screen openings therethrough; and a controller in electronic communication with each of the three or more array sections of the device and controlling each of the three or more array sections to provide each of the different but coordinated air flows; wherein the variable flow air array generated by the device agitates, fluidizes, suspends or floats at least some of the plurality of beads, thereby forming a dynamic display of beads within the chamber.

2. The visual display system according to claim 1, in, The total combined area of ​​the three or more array sections is at least 40% of the total area of ​​the base having screening openings therethrough.

3. The visual display system according to claim 1, in, The viewing portion of the at least one side wall comprises a substantially transparent or substantially translucent material.

4. The visual display system according to claim 1, in, The controller of the variable flow air array generating device includes an analog controller, a processor or a microcontroller.

5. The visual display system according to claim 1, in, The controller of the variable flow air array generating device individually provides a variable signal to each of the three or more array sections.

6. The visual display system according to claim 1, in, The three or more array sections of the variable flow air array generating device are substantially continuous.

7. The visual display system according to claim 1, in, The three or more array sections of the variable flow air array generating device are arranged in a grid, a one-dimensional array, a plurality of spaced-apart one-dimensional arrays, or a ring configuration.

8. The visual display system according to claim 1, in, One or more of the three or more array sections of the variable flow air array generating device has a different size or configuration than other array sections of the variable flow air array generating device.

9. The visual display system according to claim 1, in, The top of the chamber includes a screened opening, and one or more controllable top fans are disposed at the top of the chamber, the one or more controllable top fans being configured to draw airflow through the interior volume of the chamber and exhaust through the screened opening at the top.

10. The visual display system of claim 1, further comprising one or more controllable bottom fans in fluid communication with the chamber and providing a source of airflow within the chamber.

11. The visual display system according to claim 10, in, The three or more array sections of the variable flow air array generating device are disposed between the one or more controllable bottom fans and the screen opening at the bottom of the chamber.

12. The visual display system according to claim 1, in, One or more of the three or more array sections of the variable flow air array generating device includes a controllable damper system.

13. The visual display system according to claim 12, in, The controllable damper system includes two controllable dampers in fluid communication.

14. The visual display system according to claim 1, in, The three or more array sections of the variable flow air array generating device include a controllable array fan system.

15. The visual display system according to claim 14, in, The controllable array fan system includes a controllable array fan in fluid communication with an inverting device or a controllable damper.

16. The visual display system according to claim 14, in, The controllable array fan system includes a controllable bidirectional array fan or a bidirectional array fan system having two controllable array fans in fluid communication facing each other or away from each other.

17. The visual display system according to claim 14, in, The controllable array fan system includes variable pitch fan blades.

18. The visual display system according to claim 1, in, One or more of the three or more array sections of the variable flow air array generating device further includes an airflow angle controller, wherein the airflow angle controller changes at least a portion of the airflow passing through the screen opening at the bottom of the chamber to an angle different from the screen opening perpendicular to the bottom of the chamber.

19. The visual display system according to claim 18, in, One or more of the airflow angle controllers may include a damper device having controllable blades to change the angle of airflow passing through the airflow angle controller.

20. The visual display system of claim 1, further comprising a honeycomb airflow straightener or a fine mesh screen, the honeycomb airflow straightener or the fine mesh screen being disposed between a screen opening at the bottom of the chamber and one or more of the three or more array segments of the variable flow air array generating device and being fluidly connected thereto.

21. The visual display system according to claim 1, in, One or more of the three or more array sections of the variable flow air array generating device further includes a channel in fluid communication with the array section to provide definition for airflow leaving the array section.

22. The visual display system according to claim 21, in, At least one of the channels is shaped and configured to increase a velocity of airflow through the channel.

23. The visual display system according to claim 21, in, At least one of the channels is shaped and configured to reduce a velocity of airflow through the channel.

24. The visual display system according to claim 21, in, At least a portion of one of the passages is lined with a sound-deadening material.

25. The visual display system of claim 1, further comprising one or more light sources.

26. The visual display system according to claim 25, in, At least one of the one or more light sources is disposed between the screen opening at the bottom of the chamber and one or more of the three or more array sections of the variable flow air array generating device.

27. The visual display system according to claim 26, in, At least one of the one or more light sources is disposed in at least one of the three or more array sections.

28. The visual display system of claim 1, in, The plurality of beads comprises lightweight expanded polystyrene plastic beads.

29. The visual display system of claim 1, further comprising a bead transport control subsystem, the bead transport control subsystem include: at least one conduit connecting the first region of the chamber with the second region of the chamber and having a screened opening disposed at an end or in an end or wall of the conduit; wherein at least a portion of the plurality of beads is controlled by an additional gas flow through the at least one conduit via the screen opening; and Wherein, the additional airflow is controlled at least partially independently of the variable flow air array.

30. The visual display system of claim 29, in, The bead transport control subsystem further includes one or more bead transport fans configured to vary at least the volume of the additional airflow.

31. The visual display system of claim 29, in, The bead transport control subsystem further includes one or more dampers configured to vary at least the volume of the additional airflow.

32. The visual display system of claim 29, in, The bead transport control subsystem further comprises: A supplementary airflow control device configured to control at least the volume of the supplementary airflow, wherein the supplementary airflow flows out of the at least one conduit through the screen opening, wherein a first subset of the plurality of beads is attracted against the screen opening or is frozen in place near the screen opening so that the first subset of the plurality of beads stops or restricts the flow of a second subset of the plurality of beads through the at least one conduit.

33. The visual display system of claim 29, in, The bead transport control subsystem further comprises: a supplemental airflow control device configured to control at least a volume of the supplemental airflow, wherein the supplemental airflow flows through the screened opening into the at least one conduit; Wherein, the additional gas flow is configured to fluidize the plurality of beads or to move the plurality of beads through the at least one conduit.

34. The visual display system of claim 29, in, The bead transport control subsystem further comprises: An airflow control device configured to control the additional airflow into or out of the at least one conduit through the screen opening, wherein the airflow control device comprises: a first damper having a first end connected to the at least partially enclosed space and further connected to one or more bottom fans, wherein a second end of the first damper is configured to blow at least a portion of an outlet airflow of the one or more bottom fans as the additional airflow through the screened opening into the at least one duct; and a second damper having a first end connected to the at least partially enclosed second space and also connected to an inlet of the one or more bottom fans, wherein the second end of the second damper is configured to draw the additional airflow out of the at least one duct through the screen opening and into the inlet of the one or more bottom fans.

35. A visual display system according to claim 34, in, The bead transport control system further includes a second variable flow air array generating device that facilitates forming a variable flow air array, the second variable flow air array generating device being in fluid communication with the screened openings located in the conduit, the second variable flow air array generating device comprising: A plurality of array sections contribute different but coordinated air flows within the duct that merge with each other into a variable flow air array.

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