Patents Assigned to Jack Hou
  • Patent number: 5161420
    Abstract: A cam mechanism that converts unidirectional rotary motion into substantially uniform oscillating motion is disclosed. The mechanism includes a cam having a cam surface of generally cardioid configuration having a first point of minimum distance from a rotational axis and a second point of maximum distance from the rotational axis such that an angle measured from a first line connecting the axis and the first point to a second line connecting the axis and the second point is less than 180.degree. measured in the direction of cam rotation. The cam may be driven from a power source having unidirectional rotary motion, such as the output shaft of a music box mechanism. A crank or rocker arm may be pivotally attached to oscillate about an oscillating axis and have a cam follower associated with the cam such that rotary motion of the cam causes the crank or rocker arm to oscillate about its oscillating axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Jack Hou
    Inventor: I-Pin Feng
  • Patent number: 5157217
    Abstract: An ornamental display assembly includes mechanical and electrical displays designed so that the electrical circuit that energizes the electrical display is opened by a mechanical plunger that operates under the influence of the mechanical display drive. A wind-up drive mechanism drives the mechanical display when a dual mechanical/electrical switch is turned to the "on" position to simultaneously energize the electrical display circuit. When the wind-up drive mechanism winds out sufficiently to cause the plunger to extend a desired distance, the plunger forces open an electrical switch to break the electrical circuit, thus extinguishing the electrical display when the mechanical display ceases to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Jack Hou
    Inventor: I-Pin Feng
  • Patent number: 5081899
    Abstract: An ornamental display assembly is disclosed wherein ornamental objects, are reciprocated in a generally vertical path relative to a stationary base. A wind-up music box, which supplies music to entertain the user as the ornamental objects undergo their reciprocating motion, also provides the sole power source to cause such movement. A music box mechanism includes a rotating drum provided with a rotating output shaft. A crank mechanism having an eccentric cam member is attached to the output shaft such that it rotates with the music box drum. The eccentric cam engages a follower member such that the follower member undergoes reciprocating movement as the drum rotates. A rocker arm, pivotally supported on a base member, is caused to oscillate about its pivot axis by the motion of the follower member. A second follower member is operatively associated with the opposite end of the rocker arm on the opposite side of the pivot axis from the first follower member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Jack Hou
    Inventors: Jack Hou, I-Pin Feng
  • Patent number: 5078386
    Abstract: An ornamental carousel assembly is disclosed which simulates the movements of a full-size carousel by supporting various carousel figures that both reciprocate vertically and revolve around a central vertical support column along with a canopy. The rotating and reciprocating ornaments are supported on a central support assembly by a bearing arrangement which minimizes the friction developed during movement of the ornamental elements so as to permit a miniature wind-up music box mechanism to drive the carousel. The drive assembly from the miniature wind-up music box mechanism includes a gear drive assembly for transferring drive from an output shaft of the miniature wind-up music box mechanism to rotate and reciprocate the various ornamental figures and a spring which is used to impart the necessary rotary drive force to the canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Jack Hou
    Inventors: Jack Hou, I-Pin Feng