Object Propelled By Impact, Projection, Or Reaction Force (e.g., Spring, Fluid Jet, Wind, Etc.) Patents (Class 463/64)
  • Patent number: 11046182
    Abstract: The disclosure describes methods and systems for controlling a rotary dial input device. A dial of the rotary dial input device has a specific mass that, in conjunction with a low-friction rotational bearing system, provides a momentum scrolling effect when physically spun and released. Upon spinning the dial freely, without subsequent user contact, the mass and velocity of the rotating dial provides momentum that causes the dial to continue to rotate for one or more revolutions. During this rotation a corresponding effect is provided, or dynamically rendered, to a user interface display device. Such an effect scrolls a list of objects displayed at the same, or a substantially similar, rate of speed to that of the dial rotating under momentum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: NIO USA, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Chion, Timothy J. Meador, Pierluigi Dalla Rosa, Robin Bigio
  • Patent number: 8974264
    Abstract: A figurine launcher is described. The figurine launcher includes at least two shell components. The shell components are hingedly attached with one another to move between an open position and a closed position. An open mechanism is attached with at least one of the shell components and is adapted to allow a user to selectively separate the shell components when in the closed position. A launch positioning mechanism is attached with at least one of the shell components. The launch positioning mechanism is adapted to engage with a figurine and conceal the figurine within the housing when the shell components are in a closed position. Alternatively, when the shell components are in an open position, the launch positioning mechanism is adapted to move the figurine into a launch position. When in the launch position, the user can compress the shell components to force the figurine from the launcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim McCafferty, Greg Leong, Dominic Laurienzo, Rip Lopusnak
  • Patent number: 8308565
    Abstract: A game device calculates a shift angle A based on a magnitude of a velocity vector S of a moving object MO and inclination information that indicates an inclination of a controller, calculates a direction D of the moving object on a slope based on a direction of the velocity vector S of the moving object and the shift angle A, calculates a first force vector P1 in the direction intersecting at right angles on the slope with the direction D of the moving object on the slope based on the inclination information, calculates a second force vector P2 based on a slope angle of the slope, calculates a resultant force vector PS by combining the first force vector P1 and the second force vector P2, updates the velocity vector S of the moving object based on the resultant force vector PS, and updates a position of the moving object MO based on the updated velocity vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Namco Bandai Games Inc.
    Inventors: Kensuke Nakanishi, Tomoaki Yasuda, Kenichi Shimada, Hisashi Kawamura
  • Patent number: 7857679
    Abstract: A relay segment for a toy track set is provided, the relay segment having a trigger moveably secured to the relay segment proximate to a first vehicle track segment pivotally mounted to the relay segment for adjustable movement with respect to the relay segment, the trigger being capable of movement between a first position and a second position; and a launching element for launching a vehicle from the relay segment when the trigger is moved from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacy Lynn O'Connor, Michael W. Nuttall
  • Patent number: 7235013
    Abstract: In a game machine, platen dots are provided on a traveling field. A plurality of self-propelled members are provided on the traveling field. Each self-propelled member includes a first linear motor and a second linear motor for respectively propelling the self-propelled member in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other. A miniature member is coupled with a motor so as to be rotatably supported on each self-propelled member. A controller controls the motor such that a rotated angle of the miniature member is determined in accordance with a propelling direction of the self-propelled member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Konami Corporation
    Inventor: Yusuke Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7201628
    Abstract: A car has a front and a back with a chamber there within. The back of the car includes a fan with a motor. The back of the car also includes a hinged fin extending rearwardly with a driver and a linkage. A source of power is located in the chamber and is coupled to the motor and the driver. A control assembly includes a receiver within the chamber coupled to the motor and the driver. The control assembly also includes a hand held transmitter having a plurality of dials to control the car. Lastly, a race track has an upper plate with apertures with a pump for creating an air flow upwardly through the apertures for supporting the car there above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Evan Spenneberg
  • Patent number: 6752720
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a gaming system includes a mobile remote control vehicle. The mobile remote control vehicle communicates wirelessly with a control unit, and may be operated outside a line-of-sight (LOS) of the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Edward O. Clapper, Greg E. Scott
  • Patent number: 6499409
    Abstract: An apparatus for propelling an object by pneumatic air flow along one or more individual track sections utilizing a unique air controller providing a conduit for entrance of the object thereinto and an exit as well as a switching means for moving the object from one track to another and for maintaining uniform flow such that the object continuously moves through the tracks and the tunnel defined in the air controller therefore. The design includes a unique directional flow tapered air inlet for receiving air under pressure from an air pressure chamber for the main powering pneumatically of an object through the propulsion track. Also included is a uniquely configured object which may include a decorative body externally thereon for aesthetics. An air recycling chamber is included for minimizing the effects of back pressure and maximizing efficiency of operation of the object. This device could be used for amusement purposes or commercial purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventors: Eric Niederer, Lee Niederer
  • Patent number: 6227967
    Abstract: A prize redemption game apparatus includes an elongated runway, an elastic abutment member at the second end of the runway, and a rollable object disposed for rolling travel along the runway between the first end and the second end. The playing is disposed within an enclosure to prevent player interference with the object. The rollable object is adapted to be initially propelled in one direction from a starting position toward the abutment member and if the object engages with the abutment member it is propelled in an opposite direction by a rebounding force of the abutment member. The rollable object adapted to stop rolling while moving in either direction at a final position along the runway between the first end and the second end. An electronic game controller determines the position of the stopped object and determines a winning value associated with the final position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: David Peretz
  • Patent number: 5658198
    Abstract: A pneumatic toy including a board provided with a runway, a body for running along the runway, an air chamber formed within the board, a blower for supplying air to the air chamber, a plurality of holes associated with the board which communicate with the air chamber and which are inclined relative to the board to direct air against the running body to propel same along the runway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignees: Imagic, Inc., Tomy Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshizou Nagasaka, Katsumi Kakizaki
  • Patent number: 5651736
    Abstract: A racer toy in which a pair of flat-bottomed boats each having an interior chamber which terminates in an opening at the aft end of the boat are launched onto respective side-by-side tracks from a launching tower having two water passages each extending from a source of water under pressure, such as a garden hose, to a respective nozzle dimensioned to be releasably held in sealing engagement within the aft opening of a respective boat. Each water passage is initially closed by a hand-operated valve which when opened allows pressurized water to flow into the interior chamber of a respective boat and thereby propel it along the track. The tracks are lubricated with water to reduce friction and to cause the boats to hydroplane as they speed along the tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Jeff D. Myers