Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is described. The electrical connector assembly includes a first connector body, a second connector body, a first removable cap, and a second removable cap. The first connector body has a first connector end, a first cap end, and first and second electrodes that protrude from the first cap end. The second connector body has a second connector end, a second cap end, and third and fourth electrodes that protrude from the second cap end. The first and second removable caps each have a cavity, formed by an outer wall portion that shields the corresponding electrodes, and an interior wall portion that shields at least a portion of the corresponding electrodes. Upon an engagement of the first and second connector bodies, the first connector end abuts the second connector end, the first and third electrodes are electrically connected, and the second and fourth electrodes are electrically connected.

Abstract: Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter adaptors, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed. A method of adapting an RF transmitter for using in controlling a radio controlled (R/C) device having an RF receiver includes receiving a pulse-position modulation (PPM) signal from the RF transmitter, automatically selecting a channel assignment map based on the PPM signal, and generating, from the PPM signal, an RF communication signal compatible with the RF receiver for use in controlling the R/C device based on the selected channel assignment map.

Abstract: Radio Frequency (RF) transmitter adaptors, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed. A method of adapting an RF transmitter for using in controlling a radio controlled (R/C) device having an RF receiver includes receiving a pulse-position modulation (PPM) signal from the RF transmitter, automatically selecting a channel assignment map based on the PPM signal, and generating, from the PPM signal, an RF communication signal compatible with the RF receiver for use in controlling the R/C device based on the selected channel assignment map.

Abstract: A model airplane may include a fuselage, a wing rib removably attached at a top portion of the fuselage, and a wing having two wing sections. Each of the two wing sections may include an opening at an exterior end. The model airplane may also include a connecting member removably coupled with the fuselage alternatively either at the wing rib or at a side portion of the fuselage. The connecting member may be removably inserted into the opening of a wing section to couple the wing section with the fuselage. The connecting member may include a ferromagnetic material which is magnetically attracted to a ferromagnetic material included at an end of the opening within the wing section when the connecting member is inserted into the opening to couple the wing section with the fuselage.

Abstract: A model airplane may include a fuselage, a wing rib removably attached at a top portion of the fuselage, and a wing having two wing sections. Each of the two wing sections may include an opening at an exterior end. The model airplane may also include a connecting member removably coupled with the fuselage alternatively either at the wing rib or at a side portion of the fuselage. The connecting member may be removably inserted into the opening of a wing section to couple the wing section with the fuselage. The connecting member may include a ferromagnetic material which is magnetically attracted to a ferromagnetic material included at an end of the opening within the wing section when the connecting member is inserted into the opening to couple the wing section with the fuselage.

Abstract: A three-dimensional puzzle including a lenticular lens layer having a lens surface and a flat surface. A four color ink is applied to the flat surface and a layer of opaque ink is applied to the four color ink. A white paper backing is adhered to the layer of opaque ink using an emulsion based adhesive having a viscosity of approximately 1,600 mPas at 23° C., and a backer board comprised of four layers of cardboard is applied to the white paper backing. A method of manufacturing the three-dimensional puzzle is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission capable of providing a forward and a reverse drive for a model vehicle. The transmission comprises a drive gear and at least one transfer gear which is capable of engaging the drive gear. The at least one transfer gear is contained within a gear housing. An output gear is coupled to an output shaft, and the output gear is capable of engaging the at least one transfer gear. The transmission also comprises a locker ring capable of receiving the output gear and a shift lever assembly which is coupled to the locker ring. The shift lever assembly is also capable of engaging the gear housing. The invention also provides a method of changing a direction of travel of a vehicle and a system for controlling a direction of travel of a vehicle.

Abstract: A three-dimensional puzzle including a lenticular lens layer having a lens surface and a flat surface. A four color ink is applied to the flat surface and a layer of opaque ink is applied to the four color ink. A white paper backing is adhered to the layer of opaque ink using an emulsion based adhesive having a viscosity of approximately 1,600 mPas at 23° C., and a backer board comprised of four layers of cardboard is applied to the white paper backing. A method of manufacturing the three-dimensional puzzle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanism for attaching a wing to a fuselage of a model airplane. The mechanism includes a mounting base, a wing bolt, a retaining device that holds the wing bolt in the mounting base, and a flexible support member positioned between the retaining device and the mounting base. A wing assembly for a model airplane is also disclosed. The wing assembly includes a first and second wing section and a wing rib for connecting the two sections. A means for connecting a wing assembly to a model airplane is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission capable of providing a forward and a reverse drive for a model vehicle. The transmission comprises a drive gear and at least one transfer gear which is capable of engaging the drive gear. The at least one transfer gear is contained within a gear housing. An output gear is coupled to an output shaft, and the output gear is capable of engaging the at least one transfer gear. The transmission also comprises a locker ring capable of receiving the output gear and a shift lever assembly which is coupled to the locker ring. The shift lever assembly is also capable of engaging the gear housing. The invention also provides a method of changing a direction of travel of a vehicle and a system for controlling a direction of travel of a vehicle.

Abstract: A three-dimensional puzzle including a lenticular lens layer having a lens surface and a flat surface. A four color ink is applied to the flat surface and a layer of opaque ink is applied to the four color ink. A white paper backing is adhered to the layer of opaque ink using an emulsion based adhesive having a viscosity of approximately 1,600 mPas at 23° C., and a backer board comprised of four layers of cardboard is applied to the white paper backing. A method of manufacturing the three-dimensional puzzle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for converting joystick controller generated analog and digital signals into Universal Serial Bus (USB) format, or for converting imported pulse position modulated (PPM) encoded signals from an external radio control (RC) transmitter into USB format data. The device is used, in an embodiment, for controlling simulated RC model aircraft as displayed, for example on a personal computer screen through the use of computer software. In an embodiment, the device includes a pair of two-axis gimbals, an auxiliary channel control potentiometer, and various control key switches to generate analog and digital joystick type signals as a result of direct manipulation by a user. The device also includes microcontroller circuitry for importing PPM signals, such as PPM signals generated by a commercially available model aircraft RC transmitter, to a USB port signal for interface with a computer.

Abstract: An empennage assembly for a model aircraft. The empennage assembly includes a fuselage having a bottom portion with an opening and a housing positioned in the opening in the bottom portion of the fuselage. The housing has a first end defining an opening and a second end. A rod extends from an underside of a vertical stabilizer, and a horizontal stabilizer having a hole is aligned with the opening in the bottom portion of the fuselage, the housing and the rod, whereby the rod is positioned within the opening in the first end of the housing to secure the vertical and horizontal stabilizers to the fuselage. A method and device for attaching an empennage assembly to a model aircraft are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanism for attaching a wing to a fuselage of a model airplane. The mechanism includes a mounting base, a wing bolt, a retaining device that holds the wing bolt in the mounting base, and a flexible support member positioned between the retaining device and the mounting base. A wing assembly for a model airplane is also disclosed. The wing assembly includes a first and second wing section and a wing rib for connecting the two sections. A means for connecting a wing assembly to a model airplane is also disclosed.

Abstract: An empennage assembly for a model aircraft. The empennage assembly includes a fuselage having a bottom portion with an opening and a housing positioned in the opening in the bottom portion of the fuselage. The housing has a first end defining an opening and a second end. A rod extends from an underside of a vertical stabilizer, and a horizontal stabilizer having a hole is aligned with the opening in the bottom portion of the fuselage, the housing and the rod, whereby the rod is positioned within the opening in the first end of the housing to secure the vertical and horizontal stabilizers to the fuselage. A method and device for attaching an empennage assembly to a model aircraft are also disclosed.

Abstract: An empennage assembly for a model aircraft. The empennage assembly includes a fuselage having a bottom portion with an opening and a housing positioned in the opening in the bottom portion of the fuselage. The housing has a first end defining an opening and a second end. A rod extends from an underside of a vertical stabilizer, and a horizontal stabilizer having a hole is aligned with the opening in the bottom portion of the fuselage, the housing and the rod, whereby the rod is positioned within the opening in the first end of the housing to secure the vertical and horizontal stabilizers to the fuselage. A method and device for attaching an empennage assembly to a model aircraft are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wheel assembly, in particular, a landing gear assembly for an aircraft model that includes a mounting block and a pair of landing gear struts that are capable of being attached to the mounting block without the use of any tools. The mounting block includes individual attachment points for each individual landing gear strut that makes up the pair of gear struts. A method for installing the landing gear struts is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a circuit and method for generating a tail current for a main reader amplifier (200) input stage using a scaled master differential stage (160) with a given offset to force a given output current, preceded by a balanced stage (150) to get a balanced offset. Current must be set by a feedback arrangement in the dummy master stage (160) which is a scaled version of the main reader amplifier input stage (200). The current derived in the dummy master stage (160), when appropriately scaled and used as the tail current of the main reader amplifier (200) input stage provides a precisely controlled gain.

Abstract: A device for converting joystick controller generated analog and digital signals into Universal Serial Bus (USB) format, or for converting imported pulse position modulated (PPM) encoded signals from an external radio control (RC) transmitter into USB format data. The device is used, in an embodiment, for controlling simulated RC model aircraft as displayed, for example on a personal computer screen through the use of computer software. In an embodiment, the device includes a pair of two-axis gimbals, an auxiliary channel control potentiometer, and various control key switches to generate analog and digital joystick type signals as a result of direct manipulation by a user. The device also includes microcontroller circuitry for importing PPM signals, such as PPM signals generated by a commercially available model aircraft RC transmitter, to a USB port signal for interface with a computer.