Patents by Inventor Gary W. Schnuckle
Gary W. Schnuckle has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8727569Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
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Patent number: 8721118Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Douglas M. Patton, Gary W. Schnuckle
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Patent number: 8696166Abstract: An apparatus for creating flickering flame effects. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Douglas M. Patton, Gary W. Schnuckle
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Patent number: 8668545Abstract: An apparatus for creating a flying effect. The apparatus includes a mounting assembly on a body and a wing assembly attached to the mounting assembly. The wing assembly includes right and left wings and a span member extending between the wings. A drive assembly is provided with a reciprocal drive shaft and a drive for reciprocating the shaft. A contact member extending from an end of the reciprocating shaft contacts the span member to apply a drive force at a drive frequency. The mounting assembly includes a recessed surface, and the span member is positioned over the recessed surface such that the span member is urged toward the recessed surface when the drive force is applied. The span member is formed of flexible material, and the wings move with the spring-like span member as it is urged toward the recessed surface and as it returns to its at-rest position.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
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Patent number: 8651916Abstract: Realistic electronically controlled eyes for a figure such as a doll, toy, animatronic being, robot, etc., are provided by displaying a sequence of images simulating eye movement on an electronic display screen mounted to a portion of the figure. A convex lens, which serves to simulate the figure's eye, is mounted substantially in contact with a surface of the display screen system from which the light defining the sequence of images is emitted. To an observer looking at the convex surface of the lens, the lens appears as an eye characterized by realistic eye movement.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2010Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Holger Irmler, Alfredo M. Ayala, Frank Mezzatesta, Gary W. Schnuckle, Lanny S. Smoot, Philip J. Jackson, Ronit Slyper
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Patent number: 8646946Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2013Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
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Publication number: 20140009948Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Gary W. SCHNUCKLE, Douglas M. PATTON
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Publication number: 20130335971Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, LLCInventors: Gary W. SCHNUCKLE, Douglas M. PATTON
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Patent number: 8550660Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2013Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Douglas M. Patton, Gary W. Schnuckle
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Publication number: 20130242579Abstract: An apparatus for creating flickering flame effects. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: DOUGLAS M. PATTON, GARY W. SCHNUCKLE
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Patent number: 8534869Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2013Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Douglas M. Patton, Gary W. Schnuckle
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Patent number: 8342712Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Douglas M. Patton, Gary W. Schnuckle
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Patent number: 8258663Abstract: An apparatus for animating a magnetically levitated object. The apparatus includes a display with an overhead housing. A magnetic levitation and oscillation assembly is included with an electromagnet in the overhead housing. A levitated object with a body in which a magnetic element is embedded is positioned proximate to the electromagnet and levitated within the display. The levitation and oscillation assembly includes a levitation actuator driving the electromagnet with a control signal to generate a levitating magnetic field. The assembly includes an oscillating signal generator that oscillates the levitating magnetic field at an oscillating frequency.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Lanny S. Smoot, Gary W. Schnuckle
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Patent number: 8132936Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Douglas M. Patton, Gary W. Schnuckle
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Patent number: 8122626Abstract: An optical illusion device such as a drinking glass/cup for providing a multi-dimensional visual display. The device includes a body with tubular sidewalls extending from an opening at a first end to an opening at a second end. A base assembly is provided at the second end. The base assembly includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall that together form or define an inner chamber. A visual display assembly is provided with a mirror element with a convex reflective surface or mirror positioned within the chamber with the reflective surface facing the top wall of the base assembly. A primary image element is provided proximate to the reflective surface such that the primary image and mirror element can be observed via the opening in the body. A framing element is included proximate to the top wall of the base assembly including background images facing the reflective surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
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Patent number: 8070319Abstract: An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Gary W. Schnuckle, Douglas M. Patton
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Patent number: 8051590Abstract: An optical illusion device such as a drinking glass/cup for providing a multi-dimensional visual display. The device includes a body with tubular sidewalls extending from an opening at a first end to an opening at a second end. A base assembly is provided at the second end. The base assembly includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall that together form or define an inner chamber. A visual display assembly is provided with a mirror element with a convex reflective surface or mirror positioned within the chamber with the reflective surface facing the top wall of the base assembly. A primary image element is provided proximate to the reflective surface such that the primary image and mirror element can be observed via the opening in the body. A framing element is included proximate to the top wall of the base assembly including background images facing the reflective surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
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Patent number: 8046941Abstract: An optical illusion device such as a drinking glass/cup for providing a multi-dimensional visual display. The device includes a body with tubular sidewalls extending from an opening at a first end to an opening at a second end. A base assembly is provided at the second end. The base assembly includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall that together form or define an inner chamber. A visual display assembly is provided with a mirror element with a convex reflective surface or mirror positioned within the chamber with the reflective surface facing the top wall of the base assembly. A primary image element is provided proximate to the reflective surface such that the primary image and mirror element can be observed via the opening in the body. A framing element is included proximate to the top wall of the base assembly including background images facing the reflective surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
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Patent number: 7992331Abstract: An optical illusion device such as a drinking glass/cup for providing a multi-dimensional visual display. The device includes a body with tubular sidewalls extending from an opening at a first end to an opening at a second end. A base assembly is provided at the second end. The base assembly includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a sidewall that together form or define an inner chamber. A visual display assembly is provided with a mirror element with a convex reflective surface or mirror positioned within the chamber with the reflective surface facing the top wall of the base assembly. A primary image element is provided proximate to the reflective surface such that the primary image and mirror element can be observed via the opening in the body. A framing element is included proximate to the top wall of the base assembly including background images facing the reflective surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Gary W. Schnuckle
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Publication number: 20110177753Abstract: Realistic electronically controlled eyes for a figure such as a doll, toy, animatronic being, robot, etc., are provided by displaying a sequence of images simulating eye movement on an electronic display screen mounted to a portion of the figure. A convex lens, which serves to simulate the figure's eye, is mounted substantially in contact with a surface of the display screen system from which the light defining the sequence of images is emitted. To an observer looking at the convex surface of the lens, the lens appears as an eye characterized by realistic eye movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Holger Irmler, Alfredo M. Ayala, Frank Mezzatesta, Gary W. Schnuckle, Lanny S. Smoot, Philip J. Jackson, Ronit Slyper