I don't really understand why you're giving us question which you answer yourself.
That aside, you either need an ability, which shows the effect on the unit (e.g. check Devotion Aura to find out where it has the aura special effect set up) and you give the item this ability. Once unit acquires the item, it automatically shows the effect.
Through triggers, you simply create and destroy the special effect.
In case of Invoker, I would say they actually use a special effect variable set to array. And they cycle through the first 3 indexes when creating the special effect above hero. That way they also know which attachment to use as well as which orb is the "oldest".
Also, use the EDIT button instead of double posting.