>Hi Mike,
>
>I probably have a copy somewhere in a real safe place.  If you have
>any sort of search capability, the inventor is Edward Sokol.  The patent
>would have issued in the mid 80's, possibly as early as 1984.  I'll
>look to see if I can find the number.

Thanks, I can search for that - no need to take up your time getting more info.

>The invention, in this case, was a rotating drum with LEDs on the rim.
>It was intended as a point-of-purchase display.  I'm not too sure how
>broad the claims are and whether they would include Bob Blick's design.
>I am in occasional contact with Ed Sokol and if I remember I'll ask him
>the next time he calls. He sold the patent a couple of years ago.

mmmm - I would suppose that if Bob's design is 'sufficiently' different, then
there would not be an infringment but, I suppose thats why we have lawyers...
I would find it very difficult to appreciate that the idea itself would be
patentable, but then life is stranger than friction.

>I did the electronic package for the original prototype - 1980 or 1981.
>We did both single and multicolor versions.  Fun project.

Interesting, Was it via a processor - Z80 type design ?

Rgds

Mike

Some say there is no magic but, all things begin with thought then it becomes
academic, then some poor slob works out a practical way to implement all that
theory, this is called Engineering - for most people another form of magic.
                                                                       Massen