Including Means Creating, Storing, Or Operated By Statically Induced Charge Patents (Class 446/140)
  • Patent number: 8915790
    Abstract: A system for electrostatically levitating an object with a body adapted for receiving a static charge. The system includes an array of at least three electrostatic generators, with each of the electrostatic generators including an exposed element that becomes statically charged during operation of the array. The system also includes a controller operating to generate control signals to the array to independently operate each of the electrostatic generators to provide the static charge at first, second, and third voltages. When positioned in a flight space above the array, the object is levitated above the array of the electrostatic generators by an electrostatic lifting force(s). Each of the electrostatic generators is a high voltage Van de Graaff generator. The first, second, and third voltages are in the range of 0 to 300,000 volts and are varied over time to direct the levitated object along a flight path by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Lanny S. Smoot
  • Patent number: 7815484
    Abstract: An electrostatic toy has a levitating object; and an electrostatic wand which causes levitation of the object and is provided with an electrostatic generator that charges the wand and is operatable by one hand of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventors: Boris Kriman, Ravil Nasyrov
  • Patent number: 7793953
    Abstract: A boot for covering a steering knuckle of an amphibious vehicle comprising a flexible tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a molded groove for seating a first clamp, and wherein the second end comprises a straight cuff for clamping with a second clamp onto a flange of the steering mechanism of the amphibious vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ride the Ducks International, LLC
    Inventor: Robert McDowell
  • Patent number: 7450910
    Abstract: A power supply system capable of supplying power from a power transmitter to a power receiver in an electrically non-contact manner, in which a power transmission module is attached to the power transmitter and a power reception module is attached to the power receiver. The power transmission module has a plurality of transmission-side coils for transmitting power and a plurality of transmission-side switches for turning on/off operation of the transmission-side coils. The power reception module has a plurality of reception-side coils for receiving power, a plurality of reception-side switches for turning on/off operation of the reception-side coils and, further, has a determination circuit for performing control so as to operate any of the transmission-side coils and any of the reception-side coils in a combination realizing highest power transmission efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Fumihiko Aoki
  • Patent number: 6524161
    Abstract: A luminous toy capable of emitting light at any time anywhere without having to worry about a power shortage and failing to turn off a switch and capable of preventing environmental pollution. The luminous toy includes a toy body provided with a piezoelectric element which induces a voltage when it is strained, a rectifying circuit for rectifying the voltage generated from the piezoelectric element, a capacitor for smoothing the voltage rectified by the rectifying circuit and a luminous element connected in parallel to the capacitor. The luminous toy also includes a strain generating mechanism for generating strain for straining the piezoelectric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignees: Shine Co., Ltd., Sega Toys, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukihiro Asami
  • Patent number: 4993986
    Abstract: The fuzz blower power tube of the present invention disclosed herein agitates floats in generally non laminar fluid flow to cause the floats to acquire a static charge. The charged floats repel each other and may cling to portions of the tube of opposite charge. The fuzz blower power tube includes as principal components a ventilated container, fluid, fan, motor and floats. The ventilatd container has an intake for receiving fluid within the container and an exhaust for expelling the fluid which flows through at least one of the means. The fan, causes the fluid to flow and transport the floats from a upstream to a downstream position and collide with each other and other portions of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: Steven L. Bloomfield
  • Patent number: 4553748
    Abstract: An electrostatic enhancement apparatus for a video arcade or other game, including an electrostatic generator for generating a high voltage low current electrostatic charge, an electrode coupled to the generator for providing the electrostatic charge to a player, and control circuitry responsive to a control signal from the game for actuating the electrostatic generator to provide the electrostatic charge to the player upon the occurrence of a predetermined event in the game. The preferred embodiment includes an isolation booth for surrounding and electrically isolating the player during the electrostatic charging and preventing accidental discharge. Also included is a discharge arm mounted for electrical engagement with the electrode for removing charge from the electrode and the player under certain circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Inventors: Ray L. Allen, N. Cole Harrison