Patents by Inventor Gary W. Schnuckle

Gary W. Schnuckle has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11885467
    Abstract: An electric candle device that resembles a real was candle includes an outer shell with an uneven edge around the top of the outer shell. The device includes one or more light emitting elements positioned within a cavity inside the outer shell and that emit beams at a non-zero angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the electric lighting device to provide illumination from within the cavity in an upward direction and reaching above the top surface after passing through the opening. An optical element is positioned to receive light from the one or more light emitting elements and to direct the received light toward the top surface. The optical element has a focal point to change one or both of a size and direction of the light received prior to projecting the light in the direction of the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
  • Publication number: 20220057058
    Abstract: An electric candle device that resembles a real was candle includes an outer shell with an uneven edge around the top of the outer shell. The device includes one or more light emitting elements positioned within a cavity inside the outer shell and that emit beams at a non-zero angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the electric lighting device to provide illumination from within the cavity in an upward direction and reaching above the top surface after passing through the opening. An optical element is positioned to receive light from the one or more light emitting elements and to direct the received light toward the top surface. The optical element has a focal point to change one or both of a size and direction of the light received prior to projecting the light in the direction of the top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
  • Patent number: 11105481
    Abstract: An electric candle device that resembles a real was candle includes an outer shell with an uneven edge around the top of the outer shell. The device includes one or more light emitting elements positioned within a cavity inside the outer shell and that emit beams at a non-zero angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the electric lighting device to provide illumination from within the cavity in an upward direction and reaching above the top surface after passing through the opening. An optical element is positioned to receive light from the one or more light emitting elements and to direct the received light toward the top surface. The optical element has a focal point to change one or both of a size and direction of the light received prior to projecting the light in the direction of the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
  • Patent number: 10989381
    Abstract: An electric candle device that resembles a real was candle includes an outer shell with an uneven edge around the top of the outer shell. The device includes one or more light emitting elements positioned within a cavity inside the outer shell and that emit beams at a non-zero angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the electric lighting device to provide illumination from within the cavity in an upward direction and reaching above the top surface after passing through the opening. An optical element is positioned to receive light from the one or more light emitting elements and to direct the received light toward the top surface. The optical element has a focal point to change one or both of a size and direction of the light received prior to projecting the light in the direction of the top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
  • Patent number: 10976020
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gary W Schnuckle, Douglas M Patton
  • Publication number: 20210102676
    Abstract: An electric candle device that resembles a real was candle includes an outer shell with an uneven edge around the top of the outer shell. The device includes one or more light emitting elements positioned within a cavity inside the outer shell and that emit beams at a non-zero angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the electric lighting device to provide illumination from within the cavity in an upward direction and reaching above the top surface after passing through the opening. An optical element is positioned to receive light from the one or more light emitting elements and to direct the received light toward the top surface. The optical element has a focal point to change one or both of a size and direction of the light received prior to projecting the light in the direction of the top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
  • Publication number: 20210025558
    Abstract: An electric candle device that resembles a real was candle includes an outer shell with an uneven edge around the top of the outer shell. The device includes one or more light emitting elements positioned within a cavity inside the outer shell and that emit beams at a non-zero angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the electric lighting device to provide illumination from within the cavity in an upward direction and reaching above the top surface after passing through the opening. An optical element is positioned to receive light from the one or more light emitting elements and to direct the received light toward the top surface. The optical element has a focal point to change one or both of a size and direction of the light received prior to projecting the light in the direction of the top surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
  • Patent number: 10533721
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gary W Schnuckle, Douglas M Patton
  • Patent number: 10533719
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gary W Schnuckle, Douglas M Patton
  • Patent number: 10502377
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gary W Schnuckle, Douglas M Patton
  • Publication number: 20190346103
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
  • Publication number: 20190346104
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
  • Publication number: 20190346105
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
  • Publication number: 20190249837
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
  • Publication number: 20190011099
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
  • Patent number: 10018313
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: L&L Candle Company, LLC
    Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
  • Publication number: 20150292698
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Gary W. SCHNUCKLE, Douglas M. PATTON
  • Publication number: 20150285453
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Inventors: GARY W. SCHNUCKLE, DOUGLAS M. PATTON
  • Patent number: 9011197
    Abstract: An apparatus for suspending and positioning marionettes. The apparatus includes a thin, planar support membrane such as a plastic sheet. A tender vehicle is positioned on the upper side of the support membrane. A motor or other drive mechanism selectively positions the tender vehicle relative to the support membrane. The apparatus includes a puppeteer vehicle from which a marionette is suspended. The puppeteer vehicle is positioned proximate to the lower side of the support membrane opposite the tender vehicle. To support the puppeteer vehicle, one or both of the vehicles includes one or more rotatable magnetic elements such that the attractive forces support the weight of the puppeteer vehicle and the marionette. Typically, the puppeteer vehicle is a passive follower, and the drive mechanism of the tender vehicle includes motors to move the magnetic elements and position the tender and following puppeteer vehicle with its marionette to provide a show.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Lanny S. Smoot, Timothy Caldwell, Gary W. Schnuckle
  • Publication number: 20140218929
    Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: GARY W. SCHNUCKLE, DOUGLAS M. PATTON