Patents Assigned to Link Group International
  • Publication number: 20060266295
    Abstract: An apparatus for attracting wild birds comprises a bird accommodation for use by wild birds and an audio device. The audio device is programmed to emit at least one birdcall for attracting wild birds to the accommodation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Applicant: LINK GROUP INTERNATIONAL, LLP
    Inventor: Robert McDarren
  • Patent number: 5637996
    Abstract: A toy speed measuring and voice reporting system is disclosed. The system measures the speed of a toy car and reports the speed contemporaneously in audible speech. The system employs optical detectors and timing circuitry to compute the speed, and a voice synthesizer to sound the speed values and other messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Link Group International
    Inventors: Robert S. McDarren, Thomas L. Simmel
  • Patent number: 5501628
    Abstract: A unique, visually enhancing and exciting entertainment system is obtained by providing an elongated path or track, along which a plurality of objects automatically advance, with the objects constructed to perform independent animated movements in direct synchronization with each other. In addition to the coordinated, synchronized, independent movement of each of the objects as the objects movably advance along the track or pathway, the present invention is also constructed to enable each object to perform a separate and unique activity, completely distinguishable from the normal animated movement being performed by the object as the object moves along the path. In this way, further excitement and visual stimulation is provided and an entertainment system is attained which provides long-term benefits and interest to the viewers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Link Group International
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Deborah J. McDarren
  • Patent number: 5487925
    Abstract: A decorative, action oriented ornament/display system is attained by providing an attention-attracting member which cooperates with a support platform or plate which is removably mounted to any limb or branch of a tree. By employing this construction, an ornament display system is realized which is quickly and easily mounted to a tree, whenever desired, or removed therefrom for display on any other surface. In the preferred embodiment, the ornament/display member incorporates interlock means formed on the support plate for removably affixing the ornament/display member to the support plate whenever desired. Furthermore, the ornament/display member also preferably incorporates a stowable hook or ring member cooperatively associated with the upper portion of the ornament/display member for enabling the ornament/display member to be affixed to a supporting branch or limb independently of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Link Group International
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Robert S. McDarren, Joseph Truchsess
  • Patent number: 5442869
    Abstract: A unique, visually exciting, fully animated crystal ball or globe display system is attained by providing a dual chamber globe assembly, with one chamber substantially peripherally surrounding the second chamber and incorporating any desired fluid therein. With the animated scene in the second chamber, the resulting crystal ball or globe display system provides the visual impression of being fully animated and fluid-filled. In the preferred embodiment, the fluid comprises any desired liquid and contains particles therein for further visual enhancement. In addition, the liquid and particles are continuously recirculated throughout the chamber to enable both the liquid and particles to be continuously swirling, thereby providing additional visual enhancements and entertainment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Link Group International
    Inventors: Deborah J. McDarren, James Dahl
  • Patent number: 5330380
    Abstract: A unique audible message or information delivery system particularly suited for toys is realized by providing each model or type of toy in a particular group or class with a unique identification code and also providing a message delivery and handling assembly which incorporates a plurality of independent messages, each of which are specifically related to one particular toy model and are constructed for being delivered by the message delivery assembly upon receipt of the particular identification code. In this way, whenever a toy model interfaces with the information/message delivery assembly, the unique, identifying code associated with the model is received by the information/message delivery assembly and is processed for activating the audible presentation of the specifically designated message associated with that particular model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Link Group International
    Inventors: Robert McDarren, Joseph Truchsess
  • Patent number: 5145443
    Abstract: A hoop type toy is provided having a sound generating system for generating a tone, a steady simple beat, a rhythmic beat, or a tune. In certain embodiments, sound generation only occurs when the hoop is in motion. In other embodiments, the rate, pitch, speed, and/or loudness of the tone, beat or tune varies with the rate of rotation of the hoop. In the preferred embodiments, the sound generating system includes a speaker and a circuit board having an IC chip and integral motion detector. In this way, ruggedness, low cost, and small size are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignees: Cygnet, Inc., Link Group International
    Inventors: Gintaras A. Vaisnys, Philip C. Black, Barry Y. Piels, Robert S. McDarren
  • Patent number: 4937207
    Abstract: A portable toy vehicle racing set for use with at least one toy vehicle having a motor includes a case having a first section with inner and outer surfaces and a second section with inner and outer surfaces. The case sections are pivotally coupled together to permit movement between opened and closed positions. In the closed position, the set simulates a carrying case. In opened condition, a flat track surface is presented. The first and second sections of the case include predetermined track layouts which provide a closed loop track. The closed loop track defines at least one lane in which the toy vehicle can ride with the at least one lane including contact rails for supplying power to the toy vehicle motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Link Group International
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmell, Robert McDarren, David Auerbach
  • Patent number: D363043
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Link Group International
    Inventors: William A. Merklein, Sally Bhandhugravi
  • Patent number: D366075
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Link Group International
    Inventors: Sally Bhandhugravi, Mary Butcher
  • Patent number: D393017
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Link Group International
    Inventors: Sally Bhandhugravi, Mary Butcher