Patents by Inventor Michael O. Hirtle

Michael O. Hirtle 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).

  • Patent number: 4318245
    Abstract: Vocalizing apparatus for use in a doll which has a synthesizer for producing speech sounds. The synthesizer is controlled by a digital controller having a memory which stores information representing a vocabulary of infant-like sounds. A motion detector, which may be in the form of a gravity-actuated switch, activates the controller so as to cause the synthesizer to produce a pattern of sound simulating happy infant sounds when the doll is moved and when it is cuddled, and fussing or crying sounds when it is thereafter not moved for a time. The electronic apparatus is shut down if the doll is left unmoved for a time after it no longer emits the fussing sounds but is automatically activated when again it is moved. The vocalizing apparatus is provided in a self-contained package, removable for laundering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventors: Roger H. Stowell, Michael O. Hirtle, Russell W. Brown, Arthur D. Moore
  • Patent number: 4223472
    Abstract: A toy projectile launching device having a main tubular member in fluid communication with an air pump, an air storage tank and a projectile launching housing rotatably coupled to the main tubular member. A valve member manually operable within the main tubular member, and with the valve member in a first position air from the air pump passes into the air storage tank; in a second position of the valve member, the pressurized air within the tank is released to propel a projectile within the housing. A third position of the valve member permits air from the air tank to be released in minute quantities to actuate an air-operated sounding device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ferenc Fekete, Wayne R. Halford, Michael O. Hirtle
  • Patent number: 4155194
    Abstract: A toy launcher is provided for launching airplanes, missiles or the like, the launcher being provided with a base having a drum member pivotally mounted within the base, the periphery of the drum having a bearing for receiving the axis of a joy stick handle which is pivotally mounted with respect to the drum member. A gimbal mechanism within the drum is operatively connected to the handle and to a launch arm extending out from the drum, the launch arm containing a launch mechanism for releasably receiving airplanes or the like for launching the same in response to actuation of a trigger mechanism in the handle. Manipulation of the joy stick angularly displaces the surface of the launch arm to permit pre-positioning of the intended flight path and bank angle of the projectiles to a given attitude prior to launching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1979
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth I. Amamoto, Ferenc Fekete, Wayne R. Halford, Eugene J. Kilroy, Michael O. Hirtle
  • Patent number: D281262
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Tyco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Leo S. Volpe, Michael O. Hirtle
  • Patent number: D281263
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Tyco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Leo S. Volpe, Michael O. Hirtle