Method for an Oscillating Moving Display

Abstract

An efficient battery powered oscillating mobile comprises of a mobile, elastic cord, free standing module assembly, plurality of keeper fasteners, and external rigid anchor point. The mobile comprises of an outer shell, which comprises of a printed circuit board assembly, hole, tab, and cord. The printed circuit board assembly comprises of a printed circuit board, motor, motor shaft, metal arm, and cross beam. Each keeper fastener comprises of keeper fingers, blade screwdriver slot, keeper head, and keeper shaft. The free standing module comprises of a power source assembly, housing mechanism, motor assembly, catch, catch slot, plurality of slots, sliding guide, printed circuit board assembly, electrical contact pin, plurality of retainer holes, snap locks, switch spring system, cord adaptor, coin cells, and keeper spring.

Description

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/428,789 filed on Dec. 30, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to battery powered mobiles that can oscillate through its own mechanisms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One type of traditional mobile is designed to rotate when suspended by a cord and hung outside and exposed to a breeze. For other mobiles, it is desired to enable a decorative mobile to rotate while suspended indoors where there is not an adequate breeze to energize it. Battery powered modules containing DC motors with a reduction gear set to reduce the motor shaft from thousands of rpm down to sub-10 rpm are presently sold for this purpose. Typically, these mobiles are mounted from a ceiling or other overhead horizontal surface with the output shaft oriented vertically downward to support the mobile by a string or cord. Because of the size of and weight necessary to operate these modules, they must generally be mounted from a rather substantial supporting surface. The term mobile will be used to describe any assembly or assemblage which is suspended by either a flexible or non-flexible member whose length is greater than 100 times the square root of the cross sectional area of the suspending member and rotated by a mechanical or electromotive device.

These modules usually have an on/off switch such that, in the on position, the DC motor continuously rotates the suspended mobile. Some units even have a timing circuit that turns the motors on and off at a pre-defined duty cycle. Others have light sensing devices than only turn the module on when light is present. The disadvantage of these mechanisms is their inefficient use of electrical power. Even pairs of relatively large (i.e. D cell) batteries, wherein the modules only operate when light is present and operate on a low duty cycle, such as 25%, only have a battery life of a few weeks because the mobile only rotates when the motor is powered and most of the battery power is used to rotate the motor and drive reduction rather than rotating the mobile itself. Since these modules impart a low, fixed rotation speed in one direction only when energized, the rotation is repetitive and un-interesting, especially when displayed in groups. Because they are often ceiling mounted, changing batteries is inconvenient and the large batteries costly.

Currently, there are many Christmas tree rotating ornament devices. However, they can only be powered by being plugged into light sockets on existing strings of Christmas tree lights, which make the rotating devices awkward to use and store. These rotating ornament devices are external to the mobile or ornament being rotated thereby taking up space without providing any aesthetic value. They also suffer from running continuously at a constant speed, which becomes monotonous and uninteresting. In addition continuously running motors create an undesirable noise. Because the self-contained module, made up of a motor, batteries and on-off switch, is very efficient, it is small enough that it can reside within the ornament itself in many cases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the typical decay curve for an oscillating mobile suspended by an elastomeric cord.

FIG. 2 shows the response to periodic excitation at resonance.

FIG. 3 shows the response to periodic excitation 10% from resonance.

FIG. 4 shows the response to pseudo-random excitation.

FIG. 5 shows the effect of pseudo-random excitation.

FIG. 6 shows a side view of the mobile with a novel rotation detector.

FIG. 7 shows a top view of the mobile with novel rotation detector.

FIG. 8 is a mobile design based on a tetrahedron that is unassembled.

FIG. 9 is a mobile design based on a tetrahedron that is partially assembled.

FIG. 10 is a mobile design based on a tetrahedron that is fully assembled.

FIG. 11 is top plan view of a keeper in card stock.

FIG. 12 is a front view of a keeper in card stock.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a keeper in card stock.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a keeper.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a keeper.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a keeper.

FIG. 17 is a mobile design based on a cube.

FIG. 18 is a mobile design based on a cube that is partially assembled.

FIG. 19 is a mobile design based on a cube that is fully assembled.

FIG. 20 is a mobile design based on an octahedron.

FIG. 21 is a mobile design based on an octahedron that is partially assembled.

FIG. 22 is a mobile design based on an octahedron that is fully assembled.

FIG. 23 is a mobile design based on a dodecahedron.

FIG. 24 is a mobile design based on a dodecahedron that is fully assembled.

FIG. 25 is a mobile design based on an icosahedron.

FIG. 26 is a mobile design based on an icosahedron that is partially assembled.

FIG. 27 is a mobile design based on an icosahedron that is fully assembled.

FIG. 28 is a plan view of a free standing module.

FIG. 29 is another plan view of a free standing module being suspended by an elastic cord.

FIG. 30 is a side view of a free standing module.

FIG. 31 shows an assembled view of an embodiment of a self-contained module assembly.

FIG. 32 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a self contained module assembly.

FIG. 33 shows a wall display.

FIG. 34 shows a wall mount hanger.

FIG. 35 shows a desk display.

FIG. 36 illustrates a ceiling display.

FIG. 37 illustrates a ceiling display with a rectangular mobile.

FIG. 38 shows an orthogonal view of a free standing module.

FIG. 39 shows a free standing module assembly mounted in a foam sphere.

FIG. 40 shows the schematic for the electronic controller.

FIG. 41 illustrates how to visualize a helical path.

FIG. 42 is a top view of two strands with no twists.

FIG. 43 shows the front plan view of two strands, with no twists.

FIG. 44 shows a cross section view of the two strands in FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 shows a front plan view of one strand, with no twists

FIG. 46 illustrates how two strands of cord get shorter as they are twisted arbitrary N times.

FIG. 47 shows calculations for axial length of helices based on pitch.

FIG. 48 shows how numbers of twists change the length of a two filament cord.

FIG. 49 is graph illustrating the change in height of a twisted pair of filaments as a function of the number of twists.

FIG. 50 shows is an illustration of suspended object at different heights and windings.

FIG. 51 shows a detailed view of a pair of strands from a monofilament cord twisting with torque.

FIG. 52 shows a top view of an embodiment used to rotate heavy objects.

FIG. 53 shows a front plan view of an embodiment used to rotate heavy objects.

FIG. 54 shows a detailed view of a thrust bearing assembly.

FIG. 55 shows a detailed view of two strands of monofilament cord and a five pound steel ball.

FIG. 56 shows a section cut of the embodiment shown in FIG. 52.

FIG. 57 shows a front plan view of a hollow spherical mobile.

FIG. 58 shows a section cut of the hollow spherical mobile shown in FIG. 57.

FIG. 59 shows a detail view of a keeper shaft extension in the hollow spherical mobile shown in FIG. 58.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In the current invention, the mobile or other object to be rotated is supported by an elastomeric cord or multiple strands of filaments connected directly between the object to be rotated and the motor output shaft with or without a motor speed reduction device such as a gear box. The motor is typically pulsed on for between 10 and 1000 milliseconds (ms), depending on the motor RPM, length of the cord and the rate of rotation desired for the mobile. The assembly that includes the motor, printed circuit board, circuitry to run the motor, batteries, and may or may not also include the flexible elastic cord or multiple strands of filaments attached to the motor shaft, is called the free standing module. The standard methods of detecting rotation are relatively expensive and require relatively high power, which would shorten the battery life. The present invention uses a novel mechanical switch, which requires very little power and is inexpensive.

Another object of this invention is to provide inexpensive craft kits that include multiple free standing modules along with pre-cut, scored nets made of card stock. For example, the five Platonic solids, whose faces are congruent regular polygons and whose polyhedral angles are all congruent, & symmetrical, can be easily formed from nets. The Archimedean solids are somewhat more complex but also have high symmetry and they too can be formed into pleasing three-dimensional objects from nets as can many other solids. These nets can either be decorated by the crafter or can be supplied as pre-decorated. The free standing modules are designed to attach to the nets prior to being formed into three-dimensional objects. Also, the nets can be de-constructed for battery replacement.

The dimensions and volume of the free standing module are small compared to the volume of a typical three-inch diameter Christmas ornament. Since the craft kits are already supplied with ornaments supplied as nets, the amount of retail store shelf and warehouse space to be saved is significant.

Another objective of the invention is to provide inexpensive craft kits that include foam shapes that have been hollowed out such that the free standing modules, that are also included in the kit, can be fitted into them. The crafter can decorate the foam shapes by gluing, pinning or painting decorations on the outside of the foam shape.

Also, an objective of the invention is to provide mobiles with stands such that the mobile can be placed on a desk, table or other flat surface. Hangers will be provided for the mobile to be mounted to a wall or ceiling.

The invention also provides mobiles wherein the free standing module is a part of the hanger or stand rather than being mounted inside the mobile. It also includes a means for activating the free standing module at times specified by the user for lengths of times specified by the user as well as for some pre-determined number of cycles when motion is detected. Also, it can include a means for detecting light such that the free standing module will be activated for some pre-determined number of cycles only when the ambient light level is greater than a predetermined level, or a specific sound or ambient sound level is detected.

Another feature of the invention is to provide mobiles wherein the free standing module is a part of the hanger or stand rather than being mounted inside the mobile and includes a means for detecting sound such that the free standing module will be activated for some pre-determined number of cycles by a specific sound or ambient sound level.

Yet another objective of the invention is to provide mobiles wherein the free standing module is a part of said hanger or stand rather than being mounted inside the mobile and includes a means for detecting light, sound, motion, specified times or any combination thereof such that the free standing module will be activated for some pre-determined number of cycles.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the oscillation of a mobile system has a specific resonant period 214 and a ratio of resonant frequency to bandwidth (Q), of 14.3. An ordinate, essentially a twist of turns 10, is a plurality of arbitrary turns N 19, wherein N 19 can be any number, in an elastic cord 204 that suspends a mobile 213. Peaks of maximum positive rotation per cycle 20 are shown for 22 complete oscillations. For practical purposes, the system can be considered quiescent beyond twenty or more cycles.

FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 are examples of realistic simulations of a mobile system wherein its resonant frequency 214 has a Q that equals 14.3. The abscissa 13 is otherwise known as time. It should be understood that the principals discussed herein apply over any range of system resonant frequencies and damping factors.

In reference to FIG. 2, motor pulse excitations occur at intervals exactly equal to four times the resonant period 214. The amplitude climbs to peak values of approximately 3.7 arbitrary turns N 19, which is shown as a peak 11. However, referring to FIG. 3, where the motor pulse excitations occur with an additional 10% delay, the peak amplitude is restricted to 1.4 of any N 19 arbitrary turns, significantly lower, which is shown as lower peak amplitude 14.

The production tolerance of inexpensive components of the type used in many consumer products such as this can vary by a range of ±10% or more. In addition most of the components have additional temperature dependence. That is, in addition to manufacturing tolerances, the tolerances can vary with changes in ambient temperature and possibly changes in battery voltage as battery life decreases. Thus, the performance can vary significantly over the manufacturing component tolerances and ambient temperature conditions. However, motor pulse excitations can be made to occur after any arbitrary whole or whole plus fractional number of resonant periods and that the percentage of randomization of said periods can be either greater or lesser than ten percent, which is used only for illustrative purposes, therefore making it possible to keep the peak values close to the more desirable amplitude of 1.4 of any N 19 turns.

Referring to FIG. 4, the motor excitation pulses occur at random intervals within plus or minus ten percent of four times the resonant period 214. The peak amplitude varies randomly but never grows extremely high as shown by a peak amplitude 16, which is the maximum possible. This result is desirable, as the elastic cord 204 is never overstressed by over-winding thus shortening its life. As a desirable side effect, the irregular rotation of the mobile 213 attracts attention due to its unpredictability.

It is also found that for properly chosen motor drive duration and string wind up the mobile can be caused to rotate at a desired maximum speed. Further, the interval during which it unwinds and winds up again before reversing direction and beginning again may be controlled by the proper combination of the string elastic properties and length as well as the rotational inertia of the mobile itself. In reference to Appendix I, while the desired rotation speed and reversal interval may be found by experimentation with different string material properties, diameters and lengths to match the inertia of the particular mobile, it is nevertheless instructive to review the equations of motion controlling this interaction. The equations given are approximate but sufficient since the oscillations have only some small loss and decay slowly.

Appendix I—Basic Equations for Lossless Torsional Pendulum:

Elastic cord 204 provides a rotation torque when it is twisted T in proportion to its elastic shear modulus G, torsional moment of inertia J, length L, and angle of twist α as follows:

T=GJα/L.

Therefore the torsional stiffness K, which is the torque per angle of twist, is given by:

K=T/α=GJ/L

At the same time, the frequency f of the rotational wind up and reversal is given by:

f=ω/2π=√(K/I)/2π.

where I is the rotational moment of inertia of the hanging object, the mobile 213, about its vertical axis of rotation. Then, by substituting the full expression for torsional stiffness K we find that the rotational frequency of reversing is given by:

f=√(GJ/IL)/2π or expressed in radians/sec:

ω=2πf=√(GJ/IL).

Since the motion is periodic, an angle as a function of time θ(t) may be written as:

θ(t)=Θ sin(ωt)

where Θ is the maximum wind up and the rotational speed is given by:

θ′(t)=Θω cos(ωt)

where Θω is the peak rotational speed. Again substituting from above, the peak speed is given by:

Θω=Θ√(GJ/IL).

Thus by choosing the string elastic constant G, its diameter d (J=πd̂4/32), its length L and the mobile's rotational inertia I, the frequency of repeating may be controlled and finally by also choosing the initial wind up Θ, the peak initial speed may also be controlled once the frequency is set by:

√(GJ/IL).

Note that since the peak speed depends on the peak rotation angle Θ, as the oscillations decay and the peak rotation angle decreases, the peak speed drops in proportion. The motor 213 may rewind the string 204 before the rotations die out to re-energize the mobile 213 as desired.

The mobile 213 can be analyzed as a torsion pendulum. Referring again to Appendix I, since the losses are low, the resulting system is highly resonant, with its resonant frequency given by formulae in Appendix I. In reference to Appendix II, the ratio Q of resonant frequency to bandwidth, of practical mobiles can be quite high, limited only by the low frictional and hysteretic losses. As a result, the amplitude of oscillation is very sensitive to the period between successive motor activations.

Appendix II—Effect of Frictional Losses:

The effect of air resistance can be modeled as linearly proportional to the rotational speed of the mobile. The equation of motion becomes:

r″=−pr−qr′

where r is the angular displacement, constant p reflects the torsional stiffness of the elastic cord divided by the rotational moment of inertia, and constant q reflects the effect of air resistance.

Assuming q is small compared with p, the resulting second order system has a pole at:

−q/2+i*√(p).

Thus the resonant frequency is √(p) and the 3 dB bandwidth is q. The resulting Q (quality factor) is √(p)/q. The real part of the pole, −q/2, is the time constant for decay of the angular displacement. The period of oscillation is determined by the imaginary part of the pole, and is:

2*pi/√(p).

The rotational amplitude after one cycle is:

e^{(−q*pi/sqrt(p))}, or:

e^(−pi/Q).

So the amplitude decay per cycle depends only on Q. For the simulations used, p=1.0 (plus or minus 21%), and q=0.07 (plus or minus 10%). The resulting resonant frequency is 1.0 (plus or minus 10%). The rotational amplitude after one cycle is approximately eighty percent. The Q (quality factor) of the simulated resonance is 14.3. This Q matches the empirically measured Q of a sample mobile, and thus the simulations accurately reflect real performance.

In reference to FIG. 5, the results of simulation of resonant mobile systems under the effect of two different excitations can be examined. The first of which is under the excitation of pseudo-random time intervals, which is randomized within plus or minus ten percent of four times the nominal resonant period. The second of which being fixed time intervals, which is exactly four times the nominal resonant period. The horizontal axis indicates deviation in the resonant frequency (due to manufacturing tolerance). The vertical axis indicates amplitude as a ratio of amplitude of the excitation motor pulse. The Q of the simulated mobile is such that the amplitude decays by approximately fifty percent after four complete cycles.

The peak amplitude with psudo-random excitation curve 100 shows the peak amplitude in the case of pseudo-random excitation, and the peak amplitude with a fixed period excitation curve 101 shows the peak 11 amplitude in the case of fixed interval excitation. The peak amplitude with psudo-random excitation curve 100 shows significantly improved performance, in that the peak amplitude is roughly constant (3.3N to 3.7N) regardless of the actual resonant frequency that occurs after all the manufacturing and ambient variables are accounted for. The peak amplitude with a fixed period excitation curve 101 shows the undesired result of a widely varying peak amplitude (2.0 to 3.8N), obtained by used of fixed interval excitation. The RMS amplitude with psudo-random excitation curve 102 shows the root mean square amplitude in the case of pseudo-random excitation is roughly constant (1.01N to 1.04N), as desired. The RMS amplitude with fixed period excitation curve 103 shows the root mean square amplitude in the case of fixed period excitation, which varies undesirably (0.7N to 1.9N).

There have also been other applications for randomized excitation of resonant systems has been used to advantage in other contexts. Other prior art include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,144,172, 2,300,946, and 6,076,772. Randomized excitations of resonant systems have even led to the collapse of bridges.

In reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 31, the present invention is a novel mechanical embodiment of a rotation detector which advantageously overcomes the drawbacks of randomized excitation of resonant systems. An efficient battery powered oscillating mobile comprises of a mobile 213, an elastic cord 204, a free standing module assembly 96, a plurality of keeper fasteners 24, and an external rigid anchor point 212. It should be understood that a plurality of filaments 290 can always be substituted for the elastic cord 204.

In reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the mobile 213 contains all of the parts and assemblies inside an outer shell 201, which comprises of a printed circuit board assembly 210, a hole 209, a tab 206, and a cord 205. The printed circuit board assembly 210 comprises of a printed circuit board 200, a motor 202, a printed circuit board motor shaft 208, a metal arm 203, and a cross beam 207. Further, the printed circuit board 200 comprises of an input Vcc pin 303, a ground pin 304, and an input pin 303. In operation, the motor 202 is activated briefly causing the elastic cord 204 to twist. After the motor 202 stops, the elastic cord 204 applies a torque to the motor shaft 208. In the current embodiment, the motor 202 is a permanent magnet DC motor and is concentrically mounted to the printed circuit board 200. The printed circuit board assembly 210 also includes batteries and a micro-controller along with supporting electronics. Having a low torsional stiffness allows the cord 205 to easily suspend the outer shell 201 from the middle of the printed circuit board 200. Also, the tab 206 engages a notch 306 in the metal arm 203, which causes the metal arm 203 to freely rotate and make electrical contact with the input pin 305, which is rigidly affixed to the printed circuit board 200. The contact between the notch 306 and the tab 206 causes the outer shell 201 to rotate, which continues until the elastic cord 204 becomes reverse twisted and the amount of twist is slightly less due to frictional and hysteretic losses. Since the input Vcc pin 303 and the ground pin 304 are extended above the printed circuit 200, they can limit the motion of the metal arm 203. The motor shaft 208 of the motor 202 is attached to the elastic cord 204, which passes through the hole 209 in the outer shell 201 and is attached to the external rigid anchor point 212. Together, the motor 202 and pivoting metal arm 203 drive the outer shell 201. Depending on the direction of torque delivered by the elastic cord 204, either the input Vcc pin 303 or the ground pin 304 can make electrical contact with the metal arm 203 and therefore the input pin 305. This occurrence provides one of two possible voltage levels, which identify the direction of torque delivered by the elastic cord 204. Further, the voltage level at the input pin 305 changes the polarity at the same time the torque changes direction.

Also, it is an objective of this invention to show how a non-elastic filament or cord can be used to accomplish the same oscillatory performance as can be accomplished with an elastomeric cord or string. Again referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a typical motor shaft of an un-powered permanent magnet DC motor has a certain amount of resistance to rotation caused by the magnetic attraction between the permanent magnets and the rotor even where the motor is un-powered. When this resistance to rotation is greater than the torque contained in the elastic cord 204 after applying power to the motor 202 then no additional mechanism is required to prevent counter rotation of the motor shaft 208 by the elastic cord 204. A variety of mechanical one-way ratchet mechanisms can be added to the motor shaft 208 to prevent counter rotation when the torque in the elastic cord 204 exceeds the amount of resistance to rotation caused by the magnetic attraction between the permanent magnets and the rotor where the motor is un-powered. It is in response to this torque, the printed circuit board assembly 210 rotates, causing the metal arm 203 to pivot.

The rotation reverses direction repeatedly, each time as the metal arm 203 pivots connecting the input pin 305 to either the input Vcc pin 303 or the ground pin 304, or to neither as the metal arm 203 can move between said pins without coming into contact with either of them. The micro-controller can recognize each of these three conditions, and can thereby determine the direction of rotation and accurately infer the angular position of outer shell 201 with respect to rigid anchor point 212. From this data, the micro-controller can determine the resonant frequency and can then compute the desired time interval before re-activating the motor 202.

In reference to FIG. 6, the elastic cord 204 winds up and stores the energy of rotation because of its the low torsional stiffness and the rotational inertia of the mobile 213. After running briefly to wind up the elastic cord 204, the motor 202 drive is shut off and the mobile 213 continues to wind and unwind until the energy stored in the elastic cord 204 is dissipated by internal friction of the elastic cord 204 and the air surrounding the mobile. It is found that by choosing an elastic material for the elastic cord 204 such as, but not limited to, polyurethane or natural rubber latex that has a low hysteretic loss when twisted and untwisted in conjunction with low air friction on the rotating object, the desired rotation may be sustained for many minutes after running the motor for only a fraction of a second. Thus, the mobile 213 will be in continuous movement while the relatively high friction motor drive need only be powered for a few milliseconds every several minutes while the mobile continues to rotate pleasingly in the air in alternating directions at varying rotational speeds. In addition to being more power efficient, this allows the present invention to be substantially smaller since no gears are required. The battery life is extended by one or more orders of magnitude. It will also be shown that non-elastomeric materials can be used to accomplish this same function.

Due to variations in the diameter of the elastic cord 204, in the mechanical properties of an elastomer, and the effects and variations caused by ambient temperature on the mechanical and electrical performance, the resonant frequency 214 of identically manufactured mobiles will vary. In addition, the resonant frequency 214 will change as the mobile ages and the air temperature changes. Furthermore, if the length of the elastic cord 204 is changed after installation, the resonant frequency will also change.

If the period of time between motor activations is constant, it needs to be longer than the time it takes for the oscillations of the mobile 213 to be fully damped out. However, this means that for a large part of the time between motor activations, the mobile will be rotating at undesirably slow and uninteresting rates. However, if the time period between motor activations occurs before the rotational oscillations have damped out and if the period of time between motor activations is constant, the motor activations may deliver rotations to the elastic cord 204. These rotations may be either additive or subtractive to any residual rotation existing in the cord, depending on the time between motor activations. However, it is important to note that the elastic cord could break due to excessive twist as the resonance builds up. At a minimum, the speed of rotation would be so high as to be undesirable.

One of the many objectives of this invention is to provide a randomized period between motor activations that will result in consistent performance from mobile to mobile, as desired. The best result is obtained when the range of periods is selected to reflect the range of resonant frequencies 214, taking into account the manufacturing tolerance, temperature range, and aging characteristics.

The preferred embodiment is a pseudo-random sequence that has been selected so that its short-term frequency spectrum is spread uniformly across the range of resonant frequencies, without any peaks in narrow sub-bands. In particular, the motor activation periods should not have short patterns that repeat, which would overexcite mobiles with matching resonant frequencies and under excite mobiles with different resonant frequencies.

Another objective of this invention is to provide consistent rotational performance by the inclusion of a method to measure the resonant frequency of the system, and a micro-controller to perform analysis and calculate the optimal period between motor activations and accurately infer the angular position.

There are multiple choices for such a sensor. Photo sensors can be used to detect ambient room light changes as the mobile rotates. Alternatively, an inertial sensing integrated circuit can be used to detect the centrifugal force while the mobile rotates. Also, an electronic compass integrated circuit can be used to detect changes in direction of the Earth's magnetic field as the mobile rotates.

These standard methods of detecting rotation are relatively expensive and require relatively high power, shortening the battery life. The present invention uses a novel mechanical switch, which requires very little power, is inexpensive, and will be discussed later.

In reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 14, and FIG. 59, a tetrahedron 34 can be fabricated from a net with a self-contained module designed to mount inside the tetrahedron 34. The tetrahedron net 39 can be made from card stock or other heavy paper stock depending on the size of the finished tetrahedron 34, which can either be pre-decorated or left undecorated as a project for a crafter. To make the assembly easier, the tetrahedron net 39 can be scored with dashed score lines 33 to act as guidelines for scoring. The tetrahedron 34 is formed into the folding tetrahedron net 39 along each score line 33. The assembly flaps 44 may either have adhesive strips 23 or keeper holes 21 depending on where the flaps 44 are located. The tetrahedron closure hedra 45 and a plurality of keeper holes 21 mate when tetrahedron closure hedra 45 is pressed into position and secured with the plurality of keeper fasteners 24. This is also the case for other shapes, including, but not limited to a cube 35, octahedron 36, a dodecahedron 37, and an icosahedron 38. Relief opening 32 allows a keeper shaft extension 57 of free standing module assembly 96 to protrude from the inside of any of the constructed Platonic solids described. 24

In reference to FIG. 17, FIG. 18, and FIG. 19, the cube 35 that can be fabricated from a net and can contain a self-contained module designed to mount inside cube 35. Cube net 40 can be made from card stock or other heavy paper stock depending on the size of the finished cube 35. Cube 35 can either be pre-decorated or left undecorated as a project for a crafter. To make assembly easier cube net 40 can be scored as shown by dashed score lines 33. Cube 35 is formed folding cube net 40 along each dashed score line 33. Assembly flaps 44 either have adhesive strips 23 or keeper holes 21 depending on where they are located. Cube closure hedra 46 and keeper holes 21 that mate when cube closure hedra 46 is pressed into position are secured with keeper 24.

Referring to FIG. 20, FIG. 21, and FIG. 22 the octahedron 36 can also be fabricated from a net and can contain a self-contained module designed to mount inside octahedron 36. Octahedron net 41 can be made from card stock or other heavy paper stock depending on the size of the finished octahedron 36. Octahedron 36 can either be pre-decorated or left undecorated as a project for a crafter. To make assembly easier octahedron net 41 can be scored as shown by dashed score lines 33. Octahedron 36 is formed folding a octahedron net 41 along each dashed score line 33. Assembly flaps 44 either have adhesive strips 23 or keeper holes 21 depending on where they are located. Octahedron closure hedra 47 and keeper holes 21 that mate when octahedron closure hedra 47 is pressed into position and are secured with keeper 24.

Also, in reference to FIG. 23 and FIG. 24, the dodecahedron 37 that can be fabricated from a net and can contain a self-contained module designed to mount inside dodecahedron 37. Dodecahedron net 42 can be made from card stock or other heavy paper stock depending on the size of the finished dodecahedron 37. Dodecahedron 37 can either be pre-decorated or left undecorated as a project for a crafter. To make assembly easier dodecahedron net 42 can be scored as shown by dashed score lines 33. Dodecahedron 37 is formed folding Dodecahedron net 42 along each dashed score line 33. Assembly flaps 44 either have adhesive strips 23 or keeper holes 21 depending on where they are located. Dodecahedron closure hedra 48 and keeper holes 21 that mate when dodecahedron closure hedra 48 is pressed into position and are secured with keeper 24.

In reference to FIG. 25, FIG. 26, FIG. 27, the icosahedron 38 that can be fabricated from a net and can contain a self-contained module designed to mount inside icosahedron 38. Icosahedron net 43 can be made from card stock or other heavy paper stock depending on the size of the finished icosahedron 38. Icosahedron 38 can either be pre-decorated or left undecorated as a project for a crafter. To make assembly easier Icosahedron net 43 can be scored as shown by dashed score lines 33. Icosahedron 38 is formed folding icosahedron net 43 along each dashed score line 33. Assembly flaps 44 either have adhesive strips 23 or keeper holes 21 depending on where they are located. Icosahedron closure hedra 49 and keeper holes 21 that mate when icosahedron closure hedra 49 is pressed into position and are secured with the keeper fastener 24.

In reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16, each keeper fastener 24 comprises of a plurality of keeper fingers 25, a blade screwdriver slot 27, a keeper head 26, and a keeper shaft 28. The plurality of keeper fasteners 24 are pressed into the pairs of mated keeper holes 21. Each keeper fastener 24 is rotated ninety degrees using the blade screwdriver slot 27. The plurality of keeper fingers 25 flex when each keeper fastener 24 is rotated holding the inside card stock 30 and the outside card stock 31 securely together by binding the two components together between the keeper head 26 and the keeper fingers 25. The keeper shaft 28 rigidly supports keeper fingers 25.

It is an objective of this invention to provide a method wherein the mobile is only activated when it is suspended by its cord. This is particularly desirable for mobiles that are used seasonally, such as Christmas ornaments. More particularly, this is important when coin cells are used for the power source so that the ornament weight and size can be kept to a minimum. With the current invention, ornaments, which are considered to be a special case of mobile, eighty millimeters in diameter and weighing less than seventy grams which contain the batteries, electronic drive circuit, and motor therein have rotated continuously for four months on two LR44 coin cells. A typical LR44 coin cell will retain 80% of its power when stored for three to four years. Assuming that the ornaments would typically not be used for more than a month at Christmas, a set of batteries should last several seasons.

In reference to FIG. 35, one of the display embodiments includes a table display assembly 64, which includes a table display hanger wire 55 and a table display base 56.

In the present embodiment, a hollow spherical mobile 50 is made up of two plastic hemispheres that are snapped together along a seam 400. The hollow spherical mobile 50 is suspended by the elastic cord 204, which is attached to the table display hanger wire 55 by a cord attachment adaptor 61, which has a friction fit for a hanger wire 66 on one end and a flexible cord crimp 65 on the other end to connect the elastic cord 204 and the table display hanger wire 55.

In reference of FIG. 6, FIG. 30, FIG. 31, FIG. 32 FIG. 33, FIG. 57, FIG. 58, and FIG. 59, the free-standing module assembly 96 comprises of a free standing module 403, a keeper shaft extension 57, a keeper disk 99, and a clear opening 58. The keeper shaft extension 57 on the free-standing module assembly 96 is fitted from the inside through a protruding hole 615 in the hollow spherical mobile 50 for the keeper shaft extension 57. The keeper disk 99 is forced over the keeper shaft extension 57 to secure the complete free-standing module assembly 96 to the hollow spherical mobile 50. The clear opening 58 allows the elastic cord 204 to exit the hollow spherical mobile 50 without contacting any surfaces.

In reference to FIG. 33 and FIG. 34, a wall mount assembly 63 is a variation on the table display assembly 64 in which the hollow spherical mobile 50 is able to be suspended from a wall via a wall mount hanger wire 54 that is inserted into a strengthening boss 62, which is a part of a wall mount plate 67. The wall mount assembly 63 can be mounted to a vertical surface with screws through a plurality of mounting holes 52 or by removing the protective cover from a repositionable adhesive layer 59 and pressing it into a position against a flat vertical surface.

The present invention can be mounted on the ceiling as well. Referring to FIG. 36, the first ceiling mount assembly 68 can also attach to the hollow spherical mobile 50 and be used in the same way as described in table display assembly 64 and contains the free standing module assembly 96 inside. A support disk 60 can be used to attach the present invention to a ceiling surface. The support disk 60 has both the plurality of mounting holes 52 and the repositionable adhesive layer 59 available for varying means of attachment. The support disk 60 also has means to hold the cord attachment adaptor 61 so that hollow spherical mobile 50 can be suspended from the elastic cord 204.

Referring to FIG. 37, the second ceiling mount assembly 69 has a solid rectangular mobile 402, suspended from the elastic cord 204, which is secured with a cord crimp 401. Motion is provided by a free standing module 403, which is contained in an enclosure 53.

In reference to FIG. 28, FIG. 29, FIG. 30, FIG. 31, and FIG. 32, the free standing module assembly 96 comprises of a free standing module 403, which houses a power source assembly 500 and a motor assembly 502, a housing mechanism 501, a catch 406, a catch slot 407, a plurality of slots 404, a sliding guide 77, the printed circuit board assembly 210, an electrical contact pin 78, a plurality of retainer holes 408, a plurality of snap locks 80, a switch spring system 503, a cord adaptor 74, a plurality of coin cells 81, and a keeper spring 82. Furthermore, the power source assembly 500 comprises of a plurality of batteries 92, a battery conductor plate 91, and a battery replacement cover 95. The housing mechanism 501 comprises of a right free standing module housing 93 and a left free standing module housing 94. The motor assembly 502 comprises of a module motor 90 and a motor shaft 84. Finally, the switch spring system 503 comprises of an active weight switch spring 89 and a passive weight switch spring 83. In this embodiment, the free standing module 403 is powered with two coin cells 81. Of course, the free standing module 403 could be powered with larger batteries if desired and the free standing module assembly 96 can be any size or shape desired. This embodiment is desirable if there is no space for the free standing module 403 inside said mobile.

Another objective of this invention to provide a free standing module that can be mounted inside a plurality of mobile designs that contain the elements necessary to cause said mobile to move.

Again, in reference to FIG. 28, FIG. 29, FIG. 30, FIG. 37, FIG. 38, and FIG. 40 the free standing module 403 is the basic sub-assembly that can be used in a variety of enclosures such as the enclosure 53 for a ceiling mount assembly 69 or the complete free standing module assembly 96. The foundation for the free standing module 403 is a module printed circuit board assembly 75, which includes all of the electronics to control the module motor 90. The plurality of coin cells 81 are secured to the module printed circuit board assembly 75 via coin cell contact and the keeper spring 82. The passive weight switch spring 83 and the active weight switch spring 89 are installed in the slots 404 and soldered to the module printed circuit board assembly 75. For simplicity, the electronic components and circuitry 97, which are mounted on the module printed circuit board assembly 75, are not shown.

In reference to FIG. 28, FIG. 29, FIG. 30, and FIG. 40, the sliding guide 77 secures the module motor 90 to the module printed circuit board assembly 75 by the plurality of snap locks 80. The module motor 90 can only move freely in the vertical direction because it is restrained by sliding guide 77 for motor. When the free standing module 403 is suspended by an elastic cord 204 from a rigid surface 70 the weight of the free standing module 403, causes the passive weight switch spring 83 to move from one spring position 85 to another spring position 87. Also, it causes the active weight switch spring 89 to move from one spring position 88 to another spring position 86 where it makes electric contact with the electrical contact pin 78, thus activating electronics circuit 97.

Again in reference to FIG. 28, FIG. 29, and FIG. 30, two springs are required to balance forces so the module motor 90 does not jam to one side when the free standing module 403 is suspended by the elastic cord 204. It is important to note that the passive weight switch spring 83 is not used for making electrical contact. When the free standing module 403 is not suspended, the passive weight switch spring 83 is in the spring position 85 and the active weight switch spring 89 is in the spring position 86 so that the electrical contact pin 78 is not contacted by the active weight switch spring 89 and therefore the electronics circuit 97 receives no electrical power. When the free standing module 403 is not suspended, passive weight switch spring 83 is in spring position 85 and active weight switch spring 89 is in spring position 86 so that electrical contact pin 78 is not contacted by the active weight switch spring 89 and therefore electronics circuit 97 receives no electrical power.

Referring to FIG. 29, a plurality of spring contact guides 76 restrict movement of the springs normal to the printed circuit board assembly 75 as springs move from the spring position 85 to the spring position 87 and the spring position 86 to the spring position 88. The motor shaft 84 connects to the cord adaptor 74, which then connects to the elastic cord 204. A motor electrical connection 79 connects the module motor 90 to the module printed circuit board assembly 75.

In reference to FIG. 30 and FIG. 31, the major components for a complete free standing module assembly 96 include a free standing module 403 and battery conductor plate 91 are captured between left free standing module housing 94 and right free standing module housing 93 which are of clamshell construction. The left free standing module housing 94 and the battery replacement cover 95 can be glued together or held together by various mechanical means.

In reference to FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, after the left free standing module housing 94 and the right free standing module housing 93 have been joined, the power source, a plurality of batteries 92, which in the present embodiment are, but not limited to, AAA, can be slid into place. A plurality of nesting ribs 405 acts as a guide for the AAA batteries 92 to be slid into position. The battery replacement cover 95 snaps onto the assemblage of the right free standing module housing 93 and the left free standing module housing 94 and is secured in place by the catch 406 and the catch slot 407. The complete free standing module assembly 96 is but one embodiment of the free standing module assemblies 96 that can be used to move mobiles. Various connection methods can be used on the free end of elastic cord 204.

In reference to FIG. 28, FIG. 29, FIG. 30, and FIG. 31, the keeper shaft extension 57 is a protrusion to maintain a clear opening 58 so that complete free standing module assembly 96 can be placed inside of objects to be rotated and retained from the outside via keeper disk 99, which will be shown in its installed position later, and so that the elastic cord 204 can rotate freely. Retainer holes 408 in module printed circuit board assembly 75 receive snap locks 80 thus retaining the motor 89. The motor shaft 84 connected to cord adaptor 74 guides elastic cord 204 through the keeper shaft extension 57 to prevent rubbing the sides of an object to be rotated.

An advantage of the present invention is that use of the smaller batteries, which greatly reduce the weight and size of the invention. Therefore, the present invention can be suspended from delicate structures such as Christmas tree branches. Another advantage is that the self contained module can be placed inside a typical two and a half-inch diameter ornament so that the ornament can be suspended directly from the tree via the cord, which is part of the self contained module thus creating the illusion that the ornament is moving by itself.

An advantage of the present invention is that the smaller batteries greatly reduce the weight and size of the invention so that present invention can be suspended from delicate structures such as Christmas tree branches.

Another advantage is that the self-contained module can be placed inside a typical two and a half-inch diameter ornament so that the ornament can be suspended directly from the tree via the cord, which is part of the self-contained module thus creating the illusion that the ornament is moving by itself.

In reference to FIG. 39, the complete free standing module assembly 96 may be press fitted into a cavity 98 in foam sphere 51. A cavity 98 in a foam sphere 51 can be created with a hot wire or can be drilled. The outside of the foam sphere 51 can be decorated by various means described elsewhere. An unlimited variety of shapes and materials can be used to create mobiles.

Referring to FIG. 40, the electronics circuit 97 has a positive battery connection point 120 and a negative battery connection pad 121 that are located on the module printed circuit board assembly 75 as are positive side of on/off switch connection pad 122 and negative side of on/off switch connection pad 123. Positive motor switch pad 125 and negative motor switch pad 126 are the switch outputs from electronics circuit 97 that power the module motor 90. Since the heart of the electronics is a microprocessor, an almost unlimited variety options are available for powering the motor.

In reference to APPENDIX IV, there is a source code for the simplest version of operation, which is turning a motor on for a very short period of time out of a very long cycle. Acceptable results can be obtained with the designs shown herein with motor on times as short as fifty milliseconds and times between motor on times of at least five to six minutes. A range of motor on times between ten milliseconds and sixty seconds and motor off times between one minute and sixty minutes can be used. Generally speaking, the heavier the weight 70 suspended, the greater the moment of inertia, the longer the pulse on times must be and the longer the time between pulses can be. Other motor on pulse times and time between pulses are possible. As discussed earlier, these can be tailored to the specific performance requirement of whatever object is to be animated by this invention.

Appendix IV Software Code for Microprocessor:

Twirlee.hex

(Executable Image Programmed into the Microcontroller)

:1000000025006400030A6400050A6600000C06006F

:10001000CF0C02008306350A010C3E007F00B300BE

:100020001F020307F400B400140213014307380A47

:10003000320C31007200070C2600F90C300004006D

:10004000F0021F0A230A04000400010C3E007F0096

:10005000B1001F020307F200B200120211014307B0

:100060001D0A6600820C3300370A7300B302740065

:040070000300050A7A

:021FFE00E70FEB

:00000001FF

File io.h

(Associates and Defines Input/Output Used by twirlee.c)

/* This file was generated automatically. Edit at your own risk. */

#ifdef TARGET_PROTOTYPE

/* Sample usage:

• • B8(01010101)=85
  • B16(10101010,01010101)=43605
  • B32(10000000,11111111,10101010,01010101)=2164238933

*/

In reference to FIG. 41 a helical path can be visualized so its length can be determined using simple geometry. A helix can be thought of as a right triangle shape 265 wrapped around a cylinder 284. A right triangle hypotenuse path 263 becomes developed right triangle hypotenuse path 264 when right triangle shape 265 is unwound from cylinder 284. A right angle 267 is indexed to the bottom of cylinder 284.

When two filaments of a filament diameter 260 are twisted together, the double strand filament cylinder effective diameter 266 is the result, which is essentially still the diameter of cylinder 284. A pitch 285 is determined by angle theta 286 and the double strand filament cylinder effective diameter 266 of cylinder 284.

Again referring to FIG. 41, a cluster of strands 283, which for illustration purposes shows nineteen strands of cluster strand diameter 272, creates multiple effective cylinder diameters such as outer effective cylinder diameter 273 and inner effective cylinder diameter 288. The number and diameter of strands required depends on multiple factors and can be any quantity or diameters that are required. The diameters of the individual strands can also be different from each other. The strands are not connected to each other and therefore are free to slide laterally with respect to each other as the stand bundle is twisted. It can be seen that collections of strands with different effective cylinder diameters have different pitches. The result is an overall shortening of effective height 289 for each ring of effective cylinder diameters, as said diameters decrease. Since, the length of the strands will typically be at least one-hundred times the largest effective diameter of a bundle of strands and the pitch will be hundreds of times the effective diameter, the amount of relative rubbing of strands rotating about different effective cylinder diameters creates negligible frictional losses and can be ignored. The ratio of strand length to the cross sectional area of the effective strand diameter can be as low as 100 and the ratio of pitch to length of strand can be as high as 0.5.

In reference to FIG. 42, FIG. 43, FIG. 44, FIG. 45, and FIG. 46, illustrates how two strands of filament get shorter as they are twisted. Filament strand 290 has a filament length 279 and filament diameter 278 wherein the diameter of filament strand 290 is at least 100 times the filament length 279. Filament diameter 260 of two filaments with no twist 250 is shown. The effective cylinder diameter 291 is the diameter of one cylinder. Two filaments with no twist 250 are initially length L 256. Two strands of filaments with one twist 251, two filaments with two twists 252, two filaments with three twists 253, two filaments with four twists 254, and two filaments with five twists 255 are shown getting progressively shorter as the number twists increase. A twist is a rotation of 360 degrees. In general, strands of filaments get progressively shorter as the number of twists increases. That is, the decrease in length of two strands with three twists and two strands with four twists is greater than the decrease in length between of two strands with two twists and two strands with three twists.

In reference to FIG. 47, calculations can be made for the change in height 269 of two filaments with N twists 292 to that of two filaments with no twist 250. Length L 256 is the hypotenuse of right triangle 282 with a right angle 267. Base 271 of right triangle 282 has a length of π times N twists 292 times the effective cylinder diameter 291 and height 270. The change in height equation 268, which is based on the Pythagoras' theorem, shows change in height 269 as a function of N twists 292 and effective cylinder diameter 291.

Referring to FIG. 48, the number of twists of two filaments of filament diameter 260 changes the effective height 308 in a right triangle 310, the effective height 307 in a right triangle 312, the effective height 302 in a right triangle 313, the effective height 301 in a right triangle 314, and the effective height 300 in a right triangle 315 respectively for five triangles with the same length hypotenuse 261. Base 294 in right triangle 310, base 295 in right triangle 312, base 296 in right triangle 313, base 297 in right triangle 314, and base 298 in right triangle 315 all have widths that progressively decrease in integer steps of pi times effective cylinder diameter 291 beginning with the widest, which is base 294. Base 291 is zero when the filaments are not twisted. Since hypotenuse 261 is the same length for right triangle 310, right triangle 312, right triangle 313, right triangle 314, and right triangle 315, effective height 308, effective height 307, effective height 302, effective height 301, and effective height 300 decrease respectively in length as the length of each of the bases increases. Base 299 has zero width since the number of twists is zero. Base 294 is 5πD in width resulting in a reduction in effective height 308 by length 293.

In reference to FIG. 49, the graph illustrates the change in effective height of a twisted pair of filaments as a function of the number of twists. Curve 276 shows change in height 274 as the abscissa 13 and full rotations 275 as the ordinate 10.

Referring to FIG. 50, there are many different states of a suspended object 317 that is connected to system motor 411, which, in turn, is connected to a pair of filaments shown for three winding states. Counter-clockwise 616 wound cord 316, as determined looking down is the winding state shown on the left, cord with no twists 320 is the winding state shown in the middle, and clockwise 617 wound cord 319 is the winding state shown on the right. The suspended object 317 is shown at an object maximum height counter-clockwise 321 on the left, and an object minimum height 322 in the middle, an object maximum height clockwise 323 on the right. Change in height 318 above reference height 324 is the same for the object maximum height counter-clockwise 321 and the object maximum height clockwise 323 as they have the same number of winds. Referring to FIG. 50 and FIG. 51, it is assumed that the system starts in the state shown in the middle with object minimum height 322. Next, assume a system motor 411 quickly winds a clockwise wound cord 316 thus raising the suspended object 317 by a change in height 318. The suspended object 317, which when raised above minimum height reference 324, which is the quiescent state for the system, which now has a potential energy defined by change in height 318 and the weight of 317. Gravity 412, pulling on the suspended object 317 creates torque 413 thus causing counter-clockwise wound cord 316 to begin unwinding. Since the suspended object 317 has inertia, and since there is minimum friction loss in the cord 316, the suspended object 317 will fully unwind through object minimum height 322 where almost all of the potential energy has been converted to kinetic energy and will nearly return to the state of object maximum height 323 clockwise where it regains almost all of its potential energy. Because of friction with the air and friction in any cord, the suspended object 317 will not quite return to change in height 318. Change in height 318 will incrementally decrease every time the cord winds and unwinds until all stored energy in the system has been dissipated and oscillation stops.

This can take from seconds to minutes depending on the length of the cord, diameter and stiffness of the cord, moment of inertia of any object suspended, internal friction of the cord and rubbing friction between cord filaments and the shape of the object. All of the above being the same, the more gross symmetry an object has around the rotating axis, the longer it will oscillate for a given number of initial twists. All of the above being the same, a symmetrical object with a smooth surface will oscillate longer than an identical object with a roughened surface for a given number of initial twists.

In reference to FIG. 52, FIG. 53, FIG. 54, FIG. 55, and FIG. 56, an assembly for rotating heavy suspended objects 434 involves having a thrust bearing assembly 432, which is placed in a cavity 428. Assembly thrust bearing bottom plate 430 rests on the bottom of cavity 428 and clearance space 426 is provided between a thrust bearing motor shaft 425 and thrust bearing bottom plate 430. Motor shaft 425 is press fit 427 into thrust bearing top plate 429. Each ball bearing 419, of which, in this present embodiment, there are a total of ten, is held in position with bearing guide 431. Motor shaft 425 is driven by a planetary gear assembly 418, which, in turn, is driven by a thrust bearing motor 417. A press fit pen 424 goes through a bracket hole 421 in the motor and gear assembly bracket 420 and pressed into assembly base plate 423. Press fit pen head 422 maintains planetary gear assembly 418 in place on assembly base plate 423. The fit between the press fit pen 424 and the motor and gear assembly bracket 420 is kept purposely loose so that manufacturing tolerance variation will not bind the motor shaft 425 and installed thrust-bearing assembly 432 relative to its position cavity 428 in assembly base plate 423. This can be important when micro-sized motors are used in high volume low cost applications where costs savings can be achieved by using parts with less stringent tolerance requirements.

In reference to FIG. 53, FIG. 54, FIG. 55, and FIG. 56, a test model based on thrust bearing assembly 432 was built using uninstalled thrust bearing 433 (the test model used, but is not limited to, a McMaster Carr thrust ball bearing 6655K12), thrust bearing motor 417 and planetary gear assembly 418 (the test model used, but is not limited to, a Precision Microdrive DC Gear motor model number 210-002). Two strands of monofilament cord 436 (the test model used, but is not limited to, a 0.011-inch diameter Zebco Omniflex 8 pound test monofilament fishing line), each twelve inches long, were connected to the end of motor shaft 425 and used to suspend a five pound steel ball 435 from the installed thrust bearing assembly 432.

Referring to FIG. 53, FIG. 54, FIG. 55, and FIG. 56, a new unused alkaline D cell battery (not shown) was used to power planetary gear assembly 418 and was able to easily twist two strands of monofilament 436 a minimum of 20 turns with respect to 5 pound steel ball 435. The two strands of monofilament cord 436 were manually unwound until no turns remained. The motor was then connected to a lab power supply (not shown) set at 0.9 Volts simulating the voltage at end of life for the battery. The motor was again easily able to twist the two strands of monofilament 436 a minimum of 20 turns. It was obvious that more twists, even at 0.9 volts, could have been added if required.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A method for a moving display with a free standing module assembly comprises of the following steps:

housing the free standing module assembly inside of a mobile;

attaching one end of an elastic cord or a plurality of filaments to a cord adaptor;

attaching the cord adaptor to a motor;

traversing the elastic cord or the plurality of filaments inside of a free standing mobile assembly by way of a mobile clear opening in the mobile;

wherein the free standing module assembly comprises of a free standing module, which houses a power source and the motor, which help to create movement for the mobile; and

suspending an opposite end of the elastic cord or an opposite end of the plurality of filaments from a table display assembly, a ceiling mount assembly, or a wall mount assembly.

2. A method for a moving display with the free standing module only comprises of the following steps:

housing the free standing module in an enclosure;

wherein the free standing module includes the power source and the motor, which help to create movement of the mobile;

traversing the elastic cord or the plurality of filaments through the keeper shaft extension and an enclosure clear opening in the enclosure; and

mounting the free standing enclosure;

connecting one end of the elastic cord or the plurality of filaments to the cord adaptor;

wherein the cord adaptor is attached to the motor;

connecting the opposite end of the elastic cord or the opposite end of the plurality of filaments to the mobile; and

suspending the mobile by the opposite end of the elastic cord or the opposite end of the plurality of filaments.

3. A method for oscillation of the mobile with the elastic cord comprises of the following steps:

powering of the motor with a plurality of batteries;

twisting of the elastic cord repeatedly by the motor at a plurality of pre-determined intervals of time or for a continuous period of time;

wherein each pre-determined interval of time is longer than time of periodic, quick twisting by the motor;

storing of energy in the elastic cord by twisting of the elastic cord;

wherein the twisting for the plurality of pre-determined intervals of time is activated when triggered when a pre-determined sound level sound occurs or the twisting is activated for the plurality of pre-determined intervals of time when a pre-determined minimum ambient light level is detected or when a pre-determined rate of change of ambient light level is detected; and

oscillating of the mobile.

4. The method for oscillation of the mobile with the elastic cord as claimed in claim 3 comprises of the following steps:

randomizing the plurality of pre-determined intervals of time; and

preventing the over-twisting of the elastic cord through the randomization of the plurality of pre-determined intervals of time.

5. A method for random oscillation of the mobile with the plurality of filaments comprises of the following steps:

powering of the motor with a plurality of batteries;

twisting the plurality of filaments quickly with the motor at the plurality of pre-determined intervals of time or for a continuous period of time;

wherein each pre-determined interval of time is longer than time of periodic, quick twisting by the motor;

raising of the mobile against gravity through twisting of the plurality of filaments;

shortening length of the plurality of filaments by raising of the mobile;

storing of energy through twisting of the plurality of filaments and raising of the mobile;

wherein the twisting for the plurality of pre-determined intervals of time is activated when triggered when a pre-determined sound level sound occurs or the twisting is activated for the plurality of pre-determined intervals of time when a pre-determined minimum ambient light level is detected or when a pre-determined rate of change of light level is detected; and

oscillating of the mobile.

6. The method for oscillation of the mobile with the plurality of filaments as claimed in claim 5 comprises of the following steps:

randomizing the plurality of pre-determined intervals of time; and

preventing the over-twisting of the plurality of filaments through the randomization of the plurality of pre-determined intervals of time.

7. A method to detect change in direction of torque to calculate resonant frequency of an oscillating mobile with the elastic cord or the plurality of filaments comprises of the following steps:

housing of the printed circuit board assembly in an outer shell;

wherein the printed circuit board assembly comprises of the motor, a printed circuit board motor shaft, a metal arm, a printed circuit board, a tab, a cord, and a cross beam;

suspending of the outer shell by the elastic cord or the plurality of filaments;

pivoting of the metal arm in the printed circuit board assembly;

wherein the metal arm moves with respect to the printed circuit board as direction of torque changes;

detecting of the metal arm movement with respect to printed circuit board;

tracking of number of pulses from clock of known frequency between detection of metal arm movements;

converting pulse count into resonant frequency by a microprocessor; and

controlling operation of the motor with resonant frequency.

8. The method to detect change in direction of torque to calculate resonant frequency of an oscillating mobile with the elastic cord or the plurality of filaments as claimed in claim 7 comprises of the following steps:

engaging of the notch by the tab;

contacting electrically of the metal arm with an input pin;

wherein motion of the metal arm is restricted by the input Vcc pin and the ground pin;

rotating of the outer shell until the elastic cord or the plurality of filaments is reverse twisted; and

driving of the outer shell by the motor and the metal arm.

9. A method for rotating a heavily suspended mobile comprises of the following steps:

housing a thrust bearing assembly in a cavity of the heavily suspended mobile;

driving a thrust bearing motor shaft by a planetary gear assembly; and

wherein the planetary gear assembly is driven by a thrust bearing motor.

10. A method for activating the mobile by suspension comprises of the following steps:

attaching one end of the elastic cord or the plurality of filaments to the cord adaptor;

wherein the cord adaptor is connected to the motor shaft of the free standing mobile assembly; and

suspending the free standing module assembly by the elastic cord or the plurality of filaments.