Patents Assigned to California R & D Center
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Patent number: 4247107Abstract: An electronically controlled roadrace system with a sound generator for penetrating a variety of audible signals is disclosed. The system includes facilities for starting the race, counting and displaying laps completed for each car, computing and displaying fastest lap times and last lap times for each car, calculating and displaying the remaining fuel for each car, introducing random failures for each car, and randomly determining one of several failure modes. Apparatus for selectively powering and depowering each track, upon signal from a controller, is shown. Also shown is a novel apparatus for sensing completion of another lap by each car, and a track section of each car track which is selectively decoupled from the track power for performance of pit functions.Other features and functions are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1979Date of Patent: January 27, 1981Assignee: California R & D CenterInventors: Jay Smith, III, Lawrence T. Jones, Gerald S. Karr, Thomas H. Grimm
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Patent number: 4214674Abstract: A toy water gun assembly capable of ejecting water in bursts or in a continuous manner, is disclosed. A separate, pressurizable water container is connected by a flexible hose, to a pistal shaped member. A section of the flexible hose, mounted in the pistol shaped member, is continuously clamped by a lever. A spring biases the lever to prevent the release of a water stream through a nozzle which is mounted on the front of the pistol shaped member. A trigger member having a pointed pawl pivotably mounted thereto, is operatively connected to the lever. An initial movement of the pawl member caused by a quick pull on the trigger member momentarily removes the lever from its position clamping the hose. Additional movement of the pawl causes it to slide off the lever, thereby allowing the lever to return to its regular position wherein the hose is clamped.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1978Date of Patent: July 29, 1980Assignee: California R & D CenterInventors: Lawrence T. Jones, Anson Sims, Ashley G. Howden
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Patent number: 4176492Abstract: An articulated magnetized toy having removable appendages is provided for young children. A body member can be subjectively configured to simulate the body of a humanoid, animal, vehicle, etc. The body member contains at least one magnet and armature plates for removably retaining one or more articulated appendages. Preferably, the side surfaces of the body member are flat and parallel. An articulated appendage has a U-shaped configuration which includes a base member and pair of upright members extending on either side of the housing member. The upright members can be configured and positioned on the body member to represent legs or arms. A spherical joint is mounted on the base member for interconnection with arcuate joints on the armature plates.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1977Date of Patent: December 4, 1979Assignee: California R & D CenterInventors: Anson Sims, Lawrence T. Jones
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Patent number: 4163341Abstract: Miniature vehicles operable on a slotless track have their front wheels disposed on a tie bar assembly mounting a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet is disposed to be attracted to either the right or left pole piece of a solenoid. First and second operator applied steering voltages activate a zener diode to switch current through the solenoid to effect right or left steering and lane changing by the vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1977Date of Patent: August 7, 1979Assignee: California R & D CenterInventors: Lawrence T. Jones, Anson Sims, Ashley G. Howden, Michael J. Geery
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Patent number: 4157826Abstract: The present invention provides a sound producing device that can be combined with a toy hobby horse. A whinny or neigh sound can be produced by child operated movement of reins to stress and subsequently release a weight loaded spring lever. A coil spring is positioned to contact the spring lever for the generation of the noise. A one-way stop mechanism can retain the weighted spring lever until it is placed under sufficient stress by the operator to effectuate its release.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1977Date of Patent: June 12, 1979Assignee: California R & D CenterInventors: Anson Sims, Lawrence T. Jones
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Patent number: 4136485Abstract: A toy vehicle including a chassis member mounting an electric motor and rear wheels driven by the motor is provided. A unitary steering block is pivotally and floatably mounted at a hitching point on the front of the chassis and bears the vehicle front wheels and receptacles for floatably mounting electrical pickups. Mounted within the pick-ups are small springs which insure electrical contact to the track.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1976Date of Patent: January 30, 1979Assignee: California R&D CenterInventors: Lawrence T. Jones, Anson Sims, Ashley G. Howden
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Patent number: 4105210Abstract: The present invention is an action game apparatus for two or more players and includes a disc, or puck, capable of simulating a mouse and a shell housing enclosing a playing surface and having a plurality of apertures creating an appearance of a Swiss cheese cake. An L-shaped stick is utilized by the respective players for insertion through the apertures to strike the game disc. A plurality of goal openings are mounted about the periphery of the shell housing and a player scores when a disc is propelled through a goal. A scoring device including a peg and a plurality of holes can also be mounted adjacent the shell housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1976Date of Patent: August 8, 1978Assignee: California R & D CenterInventors: Lawrence T. Jones, William Jacobs
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Patent number: 4052082Abstract: A toy three wheeled vehicle includes a retroflex articulated handle. The vehicle comprises a body member having a trapezoidal configuration with two rear wheels mounted on an axle and a front swivel wheel. The articulated handle includes two parts that are pivotally mounted together with one of the parts being, in turn, pivotally mounted to the body member within a recessed storage channel. The articulated handle, when in the retroflexion state, can be stored flush with the surface of the body member. The body member further includes a floor board having a pivotable portion which can be folded back upon itself to provide both an opening for an operator's legs and a seat for the operator.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1976Date of Patent: October 4, 1977Assignee: California R & D CenterInventors: Lawrence T. Jones, Anson Sims
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Patent number: D252522Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1978Date of Patent: July 31, 1979Assignee: California R & D CenterInventors: Lawrence T. Jones, Anson Sims
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Patent number: D256932Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1979Date of Patent: September 16, 1980Assignee: California R & D CenterInventors: Lawrence T. Jones, Robert S. Lee
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Patent number: D256933Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1979Date of Patent: September 16, 1980Assignee: California R & D CenterInventors: Lawrence T. Jones, Robert S. Lee
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Patent number: D256934Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1979Date of Patent: September 16, 1980Assignee: California R & D CenterInventors: Lawrence T. Jones, Robert S. Lee
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Patent number: D257275Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1979Date of Patent: October 7, 1980Assignee: California R & D CenterInventors: Lawrence T. Jones, Robert S. Lee