Patents Examined by Vance Y. Hum
  • Patent number: 4516939
    Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for utilizing finger control switches connected to a binary code receiver for the purpose of driving a printer and/or a visual and/or audible readout device. The device is made up of a number of switches normally in the open position which can be depressed to a closed position. The input from the switches is communicated to a binary code receiver, which activates a printer, a visual readout or an audible device. The apparatus is used both for communication to other equipment and as a teaching device for physically demonstrating the combination of switch positions required to produce a given command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Quill Licensing
    Inventor: Arthur G. Crimmins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4492582
    Abstract: A teaching and entertainment device includes a desk-top console which supports a keyboard, an LCD display matrix, and a plug-in cartridge recepticle. A quartet of LCD drivers each control a quadrant of the display under the control of a first microprocessor. A plug-in cartridge is insertable into the console and contains a second microprocessor. Apparatus are provided for establishing a master/servant relationship of the second microprocessor over the first whenever the plug-in cartridge is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard S. Chang, John Y. Ling, Daniel J. Shoff
  • Patent number: 4487583
    Abstract: A weapons engagement simulation system includes a weapon simulator having a laser transmitter for transmitting pulses of directed coherent light in a characteristic temporal pattern and a receiver garment. A plurality of photosensitive detectors distributed over each of a plurality of discrete zones on the outside of the garment respond to light from the laser transmitter by producing electrical detection pulses systematically related thereto. Comparators compare the electrical detection pulses from the photosensitive detectors in a respective zone with a predetermined threshold level and produce discriminated detection pulses when said electrical detection pulses are greater than the threshold level. A decoder compares the temporal patterns of the discriminated detection pulses with a temporal pattern characteristic of the laser transmitter and produces a hit signal corresponding to a respective corresponding zone when the compared patterns correspond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1984
    Assignee: Jaycor
    Inventors: Stephen E. Brucker, Larry K. Blankenship
  • Patent number: 4482326
    Abstract: A pair of flight training glasses having improved position sensor comprised of a pair of non-parallel photocells for preventing monitoring error. An improved lens in the glasse has a plurality of segmented portions independently controllable for affecting view sizing and for simulating various cloud conditions during aircraft flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: Instrument Flight Research Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Witt
  • Patent number: 4464117
    Abstract: Apparatus for vehicle driving simulation including a cabin capable of being swivelled and having therewith a screen, control devices and the driver's seat, from where the road picture can be observed and controlled. The cabin is capable of being swivelled around an axis which is parallel to the viewing direction and above the center of gravity of the driver. The cabin is driven by a power drive dependent upon the signal of the centrifugal acceleration via a control amplifier and by use of a measuring device, a tipable back which is driven by a power drive dependent upon the acceleration signal via a control amplifier, elastic buffers which support the driver's seat and a vibrator which is intermittingly switched on dependent upon the rotation signal via a frequency divider and a control amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1984
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. Reiner Foerst GmbH
    Inventor: Reiner Foerst
  • Patent number: 4457716
    Abstract: In an optical sight display for a fighter aircraft pilot training simulator, a performance monitor system is described as having a visual display for providing a pictorial representation (10) to a trainee's eye view (11) of real-time information. Electronic apparatus (31) such as a TV camera generates electrical signals responsive to visual images developed on a combining glass (13), and by means of a particularly described optical arrangement (lens 24, 27 & 30) when used with a fiber-optic bundle (29), the camera (31) is positioned remotely, out of the trainee's normal field-of-view. Due to the limited space in a fighter aircraft, this disclosed arrangement of component parts permit the generation of a substantially duplicate pictorial representation at an instructor's station for monitoring the performance of a trainee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1984
    Assignee: The Singer Company
    Inventors: Eldon D. Eserhaut, Donald E. Gutridge, Ray F. McNally, Adolph P. Stumpf
  • Patent number: 4447213
    Abstract: An electronic learning aid of the type having a keyboard, a display at which problems are posed, a circuit for posing problems at the display, and a circuit for comparing proposed answers entered at the keyboard with correct answers, is provided with a timing circuit for measuring elapsed time while a set of problems is being posed to an operator of the learning aid. The timing circuit is preferably arranged to actuate different segments of a timing character in the display when the timing circuit is performing its timing function. The timing circuit is also preferably arranged to actuate, at the conclusion of a set of problems, the display to provide an indication to the operator of the learning aid the total elapsed time taken in solving the set of problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1984
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Bobby G. Culley
  • Patent number: 4443008
    Abstract: A running type health promoting device, in which a running vehicle having at least one front wheel and one rear wheel to be driven by pedalling, the vehicle being incorporated with; a microprocessing unit which sets a period of time for training and a proper number of pulses during the training so as to obtain a proper quantity of exercise; a pulse detector for detecting the pulse of a driver who drives the vehicle; a measuring instrument for measuring the time period for training; an indicator for displaying a finish of the time period for training; and a source of electric energy; so that the driver can take proper exercise with interest correspondingly to his age or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Assignee: Shimano Industrial Company Limited
    Inventor: Keizo Shimano
  • Patent number: 4439161
    Abstract: An electronic learning aid in which the student supplies a problem to which the learning aid supplies a response. The response of the learning aid is sometimes correct and at other times incorrect, thus requiring the operator/student to respond as an educator of the learning aid. This educating of the learning aid by the student requires the ability to recognize the correct answer. Preferably, if the student recognizes the correct response, praise is given; otherwise, either the problem is explained to the student or the learning aid ventures another guess. This "educating" of the learning aid through the posing of problems from the operator allows the student to proceed at his own pace and yet tries the limits of his knowledge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard H. Wiggins, George Doddington, Craig J. Cato
  • Patent number: 4438926
    Abstract: A timepiece having a game function preferably includes a single display having a figure displaying region and a numerical value displaying region. A game mode is established upon operation of a game start switch. The figure displaying region includes an arrangement of a plurality of figure displaying segments and a predetermined one or a certain number of segments out of the plurality of segments is selectively activated for a display responsive to an operation of a game operation switch in the game mode, whereby a figure representation on the display is changeable in response to the operation of the game operation switch. A score counter evaluates a score of the game in response to the change of the figure representation. Upon operation of the game start switch, the content in the score counter is displayed by the numerical value displaying region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gunpei Yokoi, Satoru Okada
  • Patent number: 4439158
    Abstract: Driving aid apparatus for use with a motor vehicle having a manual gearshift transmission and clutch, and providing the driver with guidance for the correct upshift or downshift timing which can contribute to fuel savings and less mechanical abuse of the vehicle's drive train. The exact upshift or downshift indication is computed from engine speed, gear combination, engine loading, and other influential factors including engine temperature, vehicle speed, vehicle loading, and transmission temperature. The driver is provided with a manual adjustment, in the form of a dashboard mounted control, which enables the selection of driving conditions which best suit the driver's individual needs. Through this adjustable control, the driver can establish a shift timing sequence which leads to maximum fuel economy, or alternatively he can optimize the vehicle's performance in the sense of acceleration and speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Inventor: Harold J. Weber
  • Patent number: 4438932
    Abstract: Apparatus for an electronic word game in which is displayed a word selected by the actuation of letter keys by one player. Also displayed is a pictorial illustration of the anatomy of a person on gallows. The selected word is blanked out so as not to be observed by another player, although the other player can observe the number of letters in the selected word. The other player selects successively letters to arrive at the spelling of the selected word. Letter keys are actuated in accordance with the letters selected by the other player. Each incorrect selection of a letter by the other player results in a different part of the anatomy being sequentially lighted, i.e. neck, arms, torso and legs. Should the entire anatomy be lighted, the other player has lost the game. Should all the letters of the selected word be correctly selected, the other player has won the game. A clear key is actuated for the start of a new word selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Inventor: Herbert Finkel
  • Patent number: 4437671
    Abstract: A hit indicating system for a multiple target shooting range including individual normally closed impact sensor switches associated with each target and a conductor connecting each of the impact sensors in a series array. Discrimination and logic circuitry are provided for discriminating between hits and "friend" and "foe" targets and for indicating which one of several "friend" or "foe" targets has been struck when the system is used in a night fight simulation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1984
    Assignee: Caswell International Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore N. Busch
  • Patent number: 4436308
    Abstract: A bingo game display including a display unit having a plurality of lights arranged in a matrix form corresponding to a bingo card, and a control unit coupled to the display unit. The control includes a memory storing information corresponding to a plurality of patterns desired to be displayed, and a pattern selector switch for providing an output for application to the memory corresponding to a desired pattern to be displayed. The memory is responsive at least to the output of the pattern selector switch for supplying an output to the lights in accordance with the pattern selected for enabling energization of the lights according to the pattern selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1984
    Inventors: William Rose, David M. Rose
  • Patent number: 4435163
    Abstract: An educational device for teaching dental hygiene is disclosed. The device consists of a model of a human head having a mouth with teeth, moveable jaw and sensors imbedded in the teeth. A microprocessor is provided and the sensors are connected to the microprocessor. A probe and a toothbrush are connected to the microprocessor and may be held in the hand of an operator adjacent the teeth to simulate brushing, flossing, and other dental activities. Light emitting diodes of different colors are imbedded in the teeth and connected to the microprocessor to indicate conditions of the teeth. A speaker and a memory device are connected to the microprocessor to audibly discuss the procedures carried out with the information fed to the microprocessor from the teeth, and a command unit is provided to actuate the jaw to open and close the mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Inventors: Oscar A. Schmitt, Robert J. Nedreski, Eskil Karlson
  • Patent number: 4433844
    Abstract: A drive mechanism for a game device of the type that has a number of rotatable reels having symbols or other indicia on the outer surface thereof, which reels are rotated and subsequently preferably sequentially stopped during each play. The game device has an operating handle that is pulled through its operating stroke by a player and the reels are rotating at a speed that is directly proportional to the speed with which the handle is pulled. Electrical circuitry detects the speed of movement of the handle and varies the strength of an electrical signal that is applied to a drive mechanism which accordingly drivingly rotates the reels at a speed that is proportional to the strength of the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Assignee: Bally Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Donald E. Hooker, Roman A. Tojza
  • Patent number: 4431189
    Abstract: In electronic random die, where a device electronically determines a simulated roll of a six-sided die (or two-sided dice), the circuit consists of a multi-position switch and related circuitry which allows the device to also simulate a roll of a die other than six-sided, namely four-sided, eight-sided, twelve-sided, twenty-sided, or one hundred sided. All of these die rolls are available on this one device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1984
    Inventors: Donald C. Wiencek, Robert B. Zajeski
  • Patent number: 4427199
    Abstract: A system for scoring targets with a control module and plurality of timer modules connected thereto. The control module generates start and stop signals and the timer modules count the number of hits on one or more targets and the time required to make an adjustable number of hits. Each hit is detected by an electrooptic sensor. The start signal can be generated by a sound, by a pseudo-random generator or by manual switch operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Inventor: Donald L. Faith
  • Patent number: 4425096
    Abstract: Externally placed cards with covert embedments trigger, by radio frequency energy variables, electronic switching systems within a decoder box. Indicia displayed on differing cards present clues which, if properly interpreted and acted upon, result in positive motivational awards. If improper actions result negative motivational effects can be displayed or, by selection, the negative motivational display can be blanked out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Inventor: William O. Schwake
  • Patent number: 4424967
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display in a timepiece apparatus comprises a figure displaying region and a numerical value displaying region. The figure displaying region is utilized for displaying a game pattern in a game mode and the numerical value displaying region is utilized for displaying the current time in a current time display mode. The timepiece apparatus comprises a setting switch for setting a desired alarming time so that an alarm is raised at the set time. An alarm is raised in terms of a sound audibly discernible or in terms of a visible indication visibly discernible. An alarm is raised in a different manner depending on whether an alarm is raised in the timepiece mode or the game mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gunpei Yokoi, Satoru Okada