Patents Assigned to Castle Creations, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9653863
    Abstract: When a hobby enthusiast has recharged the battery for a remote controlled vehicle, such as a scale facsimile automobile, boat, helicopter or airplane, the battery must be connected again to the vehicle drive system, to provide power. This operation is typically performed by connecting each lead of an electronic speed controller to each corresponding lead of the battery, through a removable barrel receptacle lead and a mating barrel plug lead respectively, attached to each corresponding lead. An improved connector lead is described herein that protects components that may be attached to either lead in a connection. The charge dissipates in a resistive member that is physically coupled to a conductive member to form at least in part a first lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Patrick D. Del Castillo
  • Patent number: 9625903
    Abstract: Electronic components that are operable within remote control vehicles include Electronic Speed Controllers, radio control receivers, and telemetry transmitters. Hardware and software are described that support communication between a user computer and electronic components. A data link device has analog input and output interfaces that communicate to a mobile computing device such as smartphone. The data link device communicates with an electronic component to send and receive data such as parameters or operational data over a wired bidirectional bus interface. Software for performing data link operations run for example on an electronic component, a mobile computing device, a smartphone, a data link device, or a telemetry receive radio, or a combination of the above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Feldkamp, Richard A. Hofer, Louis E. Estingoy, III
  • Patent number: 9166506
    Abstract: Control of rotational speed of a motor is provided using an apparatus and method that provides a staging and a driving mode. A processor controls speed of the motor in three different modes to provide different control that is appropriate for different situations. Control-input indications are received by a processor indicating that a stepping mode is selected. In stepping mode, a sequence of commutation states are chosen in succession at a given stepping frequency for a given control selection. In an active-holding mode, the same phase in the commutation sequence is pulsed at low power to hold a motor location. In a closed-loop motor-control mode, the commutation state is sensed and state transition time is controlled relative to neutral timing. These modes may be used to advantage to simulate a drag race. An operator controls a remote-control vehicle in a stepping mode to drive toward a first beam at a drag start line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Jonathan R. Feldcamp
  • Patent number: 9106039
    Abstract: When a hobby enthusiast has recharged the battery for a remote controlled vehicle, such as a scale facsimile automobile, boat, helicopter or airplane, the battery must be connected again to the vehicle drive system, to provide power. This operation is typically performed by connecting each lead of an electronic speed controller to each corresponding lead of the battery, through a removable barrel receptacle lead and a mating barrel plug lead respectively, attached to each corresponding lead. An improved connector lead is described herein that protects components that may be attached to either lead in a connection. The charge dissipates in a resistive member that is physically coupled to a conductive member to form at least in part a first lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Patrick D. del Castillo
  • Patent number: 9043047
    Abstract: Electronic components that are operable within remote control vehicles include Electronic Speed Controllers, radio control receivers, and telemetry transmitters. Hardware and software are described that support communication between a user computer and electronic components. A data link device has analog input and output interfaces that communicate to a mobile computing device such as smartphone. The data link device communicates with a electronic component to send and receive data such as parameters or operational data over a wired bidirectional bus interface. Software for performing data link operations run for example on an electronic component, a mobile computing device, a smartphone, a data link device, or a telemetry receive radio, or a combination of the above. Embodiments include software operable on a smartphone and a data link device that enables parameter or operational data communication between a smartphone and an electronic component using the microphone and speaker interface on the smartphone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathon R. Feldkamp, Richard A. Hofer, Louis E. Estingoy, III
  • Patent number: 8905814
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for programming an electronic speed controller for a radio controlled model including a programmer for interfacing a personal computer to the RX port of the electronic speed controller. The electronic speed controller software may be updated, modified or replaced through the RX port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Castle Creations, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick D. Del Castillo
  • Publication number: 20140170933
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for programming an electronic speed controller for a radio controlled model including a programmer for interfacing a personal computer to the RX port of the electronic speed controller. The electronic speed controller software may be updated, modified or replaced through the RX port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: PATRICK D. DEL CASTILLO
  • Patent number: 8678875
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for programming an electronic speed controller for a radio controlled model including a programmer for interfacing a personal computer to the RX port of the electronic speed controller. The electronic speed controller software may be updated, modified or replaced through the RX port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Castle Creations, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick D. del Castillo
  • Publication number: 20130111748
    Abstract: When a hobby enthusiast has recharged the battery for a remote controlled vehicle, such as a scale facsimile automobile, boat, helicopter or airplane, the battery must be connected again to the vehicle drive system, to provide power. This operation is typically performed by connecting each lead of an electronic speed controller to each corresponding lead of the battery, through a removable barrel receptacle lead and a mating barrel plug lead respectively, attached to each corresponding lead. An improved connector lead is described herein that protects components that may be attached to either lead in a connection. The charge dissipates in a resistive member that is physically coupled to a conductive member to form at least in part a first lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Castle Creations, Inc.
    Inventor: Castle Creations, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8353713
    Abstract: When a hobby enthusiast has recharged the battery for a remote controlled vehicle, such as a scale facsimile automobile, boat, helicopter or airplane, the battery must be connected again to the vehicle drive system, to provide power. This operation is typically performed by connecting each lead of an electronic speed controller to each corresponding lead of the battery, through a removable barrel receptacle lead and a mating barrel plug lead respectively, attached to each corresponding lead. An improved connector lead is described herein that protects components that may be attached to either lead in a connection. The charge dissipates in a resistive member that is physically coupled to a conductive member to form at least in part a first lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Castle Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Patrick D. del Castillo
  • Publication number: 20120330481
    Abstract: Electronic components that are operable within remote control vehicles include Electronic Speed Controllers, radio control receivers, and telemetry transmitters. Hardware and software are described that support communication between a user computer and electronic components. A data link device has analog input and output interfaces that communicate to a mobile computing device such as smartphone. The data link device communicates with a electronic component to send and receive data such as parameters or operational data over a wired bidirectional bus interface. Software for performing data link operations run for example on an electronic component, a mobile computing device, a smartphone, a data link device, or a telemetry receive radio, or a combination of the above. Embodiments include software operable on a smartphone and a data link device that enables parameter or operational data communication between a smartphone and an electronic component using the microphone and speaker interface on the smartphone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Castle Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathon R. Feldkamp, Richard A. Hofer, Louis E. Estingoy, III
  • Publication number: 20120295512
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for programming an electronic speed controller for a radio controlled model including a programmer for interfacing a personal computer to the RX port of the electronic speed controller. The electronic speed controller software may be updated, modified or replaced through the RX port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Castle Creations, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick D. del Castillo
  • Patent number: 8287328
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for programming an electronic speed controller for a radio controlled model including a programmer for interfacing a personal computer to the RX port of the electronic speed controller. The electronic speed controller software may be updated, modified or replaced through the RX port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Castle Creations, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick D. del Castillo
  • Publication number: 20120058675
    Abstract: When a hobby enthusiast has recharged the battery for a remote controlled vehicle, such as a scale facsimile automobile, boat, helicopter or airplane, the battery must be connected again to the vehicle drive system, to provide power. This operation is typically performed by connecting each lead of an electronic speed controller to each corresponding lead of the battery, through a removable barrel receptacle lead and a mating barrel plug lead respectively, attached to each corresponding lead. An improved connector lead is described herein that protects components that may be attached to either lead in a connection. The charge dissipates in a resistive member that is physically coupled to a conductive member to form at least in part a first lead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Patrick D. del Castillo
  • Patent number: 8049601
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling one or more servos coupled to a model vehicle. An input signal having a series of input pulses encoded at an input pulse repetition frequency is received at a receiver coupled to a model vehicle having one or more servos. The input signal is decoded at the receiver. A servo control pulse is generated using at least one of the input pulses at the receiver. The servo control pulse is outputted to at least one of the servos at an output pulse repetition frequency that is different from the input pulse repetition frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Castle Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Jonathan R. Feldkamp
  • Patent number: 7831351
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing control inputs at a receiver for one or more servos coupled to a vehicle. A signal containing a plurality of control inputs generated in response to an activation of at least one control element on a transmitter is received at a receiver mounted on a vehicle. The plurality of control inputs is mapped to a vehicle-specific set of servo control signals at the receiver using operations such as reversing, shifting, scaling, delaying, and mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Castle Creations, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Hofer, Jonathan R. Feldkamp
  • Patent number: 7740516
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for programming an electronic speed controller for a radio controlled model including a programmer for interfacing a personal computer to the RX port of the electronic speed controller. The electronic speed controller software may be updated, modified or replaced through the RX port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Castle Creations, Inc
    Inventor: Patrick D. del Castillo
  • Patent number: 7579796
    Abstract: Control of rotational speed of a direct current multi-phase brushless motor is provided using an apparatus and method that works at low speed but does not depend upon Hall effect sensors. An apparatus for accelerating rotation of the motor shaft has a power stage circuit coupled to a back Electromotive Force (EMF) sensor circuit and a microprocessor. The power stage pulses at a duty cycle less than 100% under control of the microprocessor. The back EMF sensor circuit measures an order with respect to voltage of at least one phase relative to one or more other phases during off-time. The microprocessor determines one or more phases to be pulsed, and the polarity of the pulses based on the measured order. A method for sustaining rotation pulses the phases, measures order with respect to voltage of at least one phase relative to one or more other phases, and updates commutation state based on the measured order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Castle Creations, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard A. Hofer
  • Patent number: D740753
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Jacob Christopher Vanbecelaere
  • Patent number: D741264
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: CASTLE CREATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Jacob Christopher Vanbecelaere