Including Remote Control Means Or Tether Patents (Class 446/154)
  • Patent number: 11175025
    Abstract: A light display system and device for use in a body of water or other liquid is described. The light display device may be controlled remotely via a control hub and/or control panel, or controlled by internally preprogrammed commands. A plurality of light display devices may be controlled in selected, choreographed sequences to provide various unique visual displays including, for example, geometrical patterns and/or naturalistic patterns giving the impression of organic phenomena such as swarming fireflies, bioluminescent creatures and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: WET
    Inventors: Mark Fuller, Riae Yoo, Scott Winslow, EunKyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 10729125
    Abstract: A waterfowl decoy deployment system includes a hub subsystem including a casing, a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the casing, and a plurality of waterfowl decoys. At least one waterfowl decoy of the plurality of waterfowl decoys is coupled to each arm of the plurality of arms. The waterfowl decoy deployment system also includes a thrust bar system coupled to the casing and positioned below the plurality of arms and the plurality of waterfowl decoys. The thrust bar system includes a thrust bar coupled to the casing and a plurality of thrust devices coupled to the thrust bar. The plurality of thrust devices are configured to rotate the thrust bar about an axis to induce a substantially circular motion to the casing, the plurality of arms, and the plurality of waterfowl decoys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: QUICKCOYS OUTDOOR PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventor: Keith Beauchamp
  • Patent number: 10539305
    Abstract: A light display system and device for use in a body of water or other liquid is described. The light display device may be controlled remotely via a control hub and/or control panel, or controlled by internally preprogrammed commands. A plurality of light display devices may be controlled in selected, choreographed sequences to provide various unique visual displays including, for example, geometrical patterns and/or naturalistic patterns giving the impression of organic phenomena such as swarming fireflies, bioluminescent creatures and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: WET
    Inventors: Mark Fuller, Riae Yoo, Scott Winslow, EunKyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 10336420
    Abstract: The single-jointed underwater robot fish includes a casing, a main board cabin, a motion control cabin and a battery cabin. The outer contour of the casing is a bionic fish shape, one end is a front casing, and the other end is a bionic fishtail structure. The front end of the main board cabin is affixed to the inner side of the front casing, a lens group, an eccentric anti-shake mechanism and a main PCB (printed circuit board) are set in the main board cabin. The motion control cabin is connected to the rear end of the main board cabin. A triaxial linkage device and a transmission device are set in the motion control cabin. The battery cabin is located below the motion control cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: BOYA GONGDAO (BEIJING) ROBOT TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Minglei Xiong, Yang Li, Shanshan Jiang, Jie Zhang, Jian Wang
  • Patent number: 10105616
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic device, and in particular, to the input and output of data from the electronic device. An object is connected to the electronic device and configured to convert a portion of the audio signal output by the electronic device into an audible output. The object also converts a portion of the audio signal output by the electronic device into an infrared signal that is emitted to a toy vehicle. With the object connected to the electronic device, the electronic device is able to remotely control the toy vehicle while the object outputs sound effects and other audible sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Amireh
  • Patent number: 8813417
    Abstract: A water toy comprises an elongated buoyant body, a front attachment point, a weighted figurine, and a fin. The elongated buoyant body has a nose, a tail, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The top surface and the bottom surface meet at an outer edge. The front attachment point is disposed upon the bottom surface at the nose. The front attachment point comprises an aperture. The weighted figurine is disposed upon the top surface toward the nose. The fin extends from the bottom surface toward the tail. The water toy may comprise a rear attachment point for attaching a fish hook or lure and/or a water foil disposed upon the bottom surface at the tail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Reel Surf Design LLC
    Inventor: Robert Bland
  • Patent number: 8689473
    Abstract: A dioramic apparatus includes a vessel having an inferior portion and a superior portion. The vessel includes a shell and defines an interior space. The interior space is partially filled by a liquid medium. At least one dioramic scene is disposed in the interior space. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the interior space. The reservoir includes a flow plate defining at least one liquid intake and at least one liquid output port. The at least one liquid intake is configured and arranged for receiving at least a portion of the liquid medium from the interior space when the dioramic apparatus is at least partially inverted. The at least one liquid output port is configured and arranged to output at least a portion of the liquid medium from the reservoir when the vessel is placed in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: RainGlobes, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua James, Frederick Bowen Northup, Jr., Lawrence Scott Larson, Jeremy Kolenbrander, James Ladtkow
  • Patent number: 8647166
    Abstract: The present document describes an entertainment device including one or more mini-crafts provided in a fluid medium within the sides of an electromagnetic frame. Each mini-craft includes a magnet and has a different cutoff frequency. Motion of the mini-crafts may be controlled by a user using a controller such as joystick, remote control etc. A processor computes, based on the multidirectional navigation signals received from the controller, electromagnetic signals for each coil in the electromagnetic frame. The electromagnetic signals are amplified and sent to the coils to generate superimposed rotating magnetic fields which cause the mini-crafts to rotate separately within the electromagnetic frame, each mini-craft following a distinct magnetic field with a frequency that is lower than its cutoff frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Orozco
  • Patent number: 8500509
    Abstract: The present document describes an entertainment device including one or more mini-crafts provided in a fluid medium within the sides of an electromagnetic frame. Each mini-craft includes a magnet and has a different cutoff frequency. Motion of the mini-crafts may be controlled by a user using a controller such as joystick, remote control etc. A processor computes, based on the multidirectional navigation signals received from the controller, electromagnetic signals for each coil in the electromagnetic frame. The electromagnetic signals are amplified and sent to the coils to generate superimposed rotating magnetic fields which cause the mini-crafts to rotate separately within the electromagnetic frame, each mini-craft following a distinct magnetic field with a frequency that is lower than its cutoff frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Orozco
  • Publication number: 20130084768
    Abstract: The present document describes an entertainment device including one or more mini-crafts provided in a fluid medium within the sides of an electromagnetic frame. Each mini-craft includes a magnet and has a different cutoff frequency. Motion of the mini-crafts may be controlled by a user using a controller such as joystick, remote control etc. A processor computes, based on the multidirectional navigation signals received from the controller, electromagnetic signals for each coil in the electromagnetic frame. The electromagnetic signals are amplified and sent to the coils to generate superimposed rotating magnetic fields which cause the mini-crafts to rotate separately within the electromagnetic frame, each mini-craft following a distinct magnetic field with a frequency that is lower than its cutoff frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Juan Carlos OROZCO
  • Publication number: 20110189920
    Abstract: The present document describes an entertainment device including one or more mini-crafts provided in a fluid medium within the sides of an electromagnetic frame. Each mini-craft includes a magnet and has a different cutoff frequency. Motion of the mini-crafts may be controlled by a user using a controller such as joystick, remote control etc. A processor computes, based on the multidirectional navigation signals received from the controller, electromagnetic signals for each coil in the electromagnetic frame. The electromagnetic signals are amplified and sent to the coils to generate superimposed rotating magnetic fields which cause the mini-crafts to rotate separately within the electromagnetic frame, each mini-craft following a distinct magnetic field with a frequency that is lower than its cutoff frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Juan Carlos OROZCO
  • Publication number: 20110094143
    Abstract: A remote controlled decoy is provided. The remote control decoy operates using two propellers secured to a hull and remotely controlled by a radio frequency transmitter. A shell resembling a particular waterfowl is releasably coupled to a hull which serves as a watertight compartment for the receiver and the electronics associated with the propulsion of the decoy. The decoy may also be provided with strobe lights to draw attention to the decoy from passing waterfowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Brett Ware, John Iden
  • Patent number: 7862400
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a plurality of wheels and an electric motor operably coupled to rotate at least one of the wheels. At least the one wheel and preferably each rotated wheel includes a hub and a tire mounted on the hub. The tire has an interior sufficiently hollow to make the wheel buoyant in water and the wheel is sufficiently sealed to prevent water penetration of the interior of the tire with the wheel immersed in water. The tire has a central portion surrounding the hub and a plurality of hollow lobes spaced from one another about the central portion. Each lobe has a pair of opposing outer sides at least one outer side being at least partially inwardly cupped to improve thrust caused by rotation of the wheel in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Discoe, Joseph T. Moll, Kevin Pasko, Paulo Kang, Steven Verbera
  • Publication number: 20090165356
    Abstract: A fishing apparatus that utilizes a remote controlled boat to remotely deliver the hooked portion of a fishing line to the desired fishing area on the water is disclosed. The remote controlled boat includes a fishing line guide attached thereto. The fishing line guide includes a quick-release attachment portion to which a quick-release pad with fishing line is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Arlin Curtis Blum
  • Publication number: 20090124164
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a central housing having first and second oppositely disposed sides. A first wheel is rotatably mounted on the first side of the housing and a second wheel is rotatably mounted on the second side of the housing. Each of the first and second wheels has a central hub. Each hub has a center disposed along a common first axis of rotation. A plurality of vanes are attached to the hub and form the first and second wheels. An end of each vane distal to the hub forms a circumferential surface portion of one of the first and second wheels. Each vane is individually and separately manually angularly repositionable about a second axis of rotation extending transversely with respect to the first axis of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: MATTEL, INC.
    Inventor: William Willett
  • Patent number: 7261611
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an aquatic toy device that is particularly adapted for skipping upon and across the irregular surface of a body of water. The aquatic surface skipping toy device may be used for recreation, sports, or exercise either by an individual or a group of individuals. The toy device includes a buoyant body having a generally planar bottom surface and a pair of outwardly and forward mounted sponsons constructed and arranged to convert forward motion into hydrodynamic lift to raise the bottom surface of the toy device into a position above the surface of the water. As the bottom surface is extended above the surface of the water the air is channeled between the lower surface of the toy device and the upper surface of the water. Allowing the toy device to glide predominately on a thin layer of air with the sponsons alternatingly skipping across the surface of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventors: George I Smith, Doug Smith
  • Patent number: 7201628
    Abstract: A car has a front and a back with a chamber there within. The back of the car includes a fan with a motor. The back of the car also includes a hinged fin extending rearwardly with a driver and a linkage. A source of power is located in the chamber and is coupled to the motor and the driver. A control assembly includes a receiver within the chamber coupled to the motor and the driver. The control assembly also includes a hand held transmitter having a plurality of dials to control the car. Lastly, a race track has an upper plate with apertures with a pump for creating an air flow upwardly through the apertures for supporting the car there above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Evan Spenneberg
  • Patent number: 7018266
    Abstract: A tricycle-type wind-propelled toy land vehicle includes a sail with reliable tangle-free boom control. Both the disposition of the boom and the front wheel steering is actuated by a radio frequency remote control system. The vehicle further includes a skid plate surrounding the front wheel to prevent tip-over. The front wheel is steered by a worm gear drive which is self-locking. Boom control is provided by a guided cable system or, in an alternate embodiment, a direct gear drive to rotate the mast. In yet another embodiment, boom control is provided by a sliding leaf spring which passes underneath the boom and attaches to a track on the underside of the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: John J. Sinisi
  • Patent number: 6884143
    Abstract: A wind propelled vehicle. The wind propelled vehicle has a frame. A plurality of wheels is connected to the frame. A mast is connected to the frame and a boom is connected to the mast. A sail is connected to the mast. A motor is operably connected to the boom via a string. The string has a boom end and a motor end. The string is connected to the boom at the boom end and the string is connected to the motor at the motor end. The motor is remotely controlled via a remote control unit. To propel the wind propelled vehicle the motor manipulates the boom in response to control signals generated by the remote control unit to adjust the sail relative to wind. In a preferred embodiment the sail is a rigid wing sail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: RoboDesign International, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian L. Ganz
  • Patent number: 6793552
    Abstract: A radio controlled toy is provided with a robotic rider that catches waves via an electric motor and propeller, then rides waves like a real surfer, and rights itself after a wipeout comprising a novel way to rotate the robotic rider's upper torso and to disburse the motor room heat allowing for long run times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Steven J. Derrah
  • Publication number: 20040121700
    Abstract: A radio controlled toy is provided with a robotic rider that catches waves via an electric motor and propeller, then rides waves like a real surfer, and rights itself after a wipeout comprising a novel way to rotate the robotic rider's upper torso and to disburse the motor room heat allowing for long run times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventor: Steven J. Derrah
  • Patent number: 6579146
    Abstract: A wind propelled vehicle defining a center of gravity. The wind propelled vehicle has a frame. A rear axle is connected to the frame at its rear portion and two rear wheels are rotatably connected to the rear axle. The center of gravity of the wind propelled vehicle is forward of the rear axle. A front wheel is rotatably connected to the frame at its forward portion. A mast is connected to the frame and a boom is connected to the mast. A sail is connected to the mast and boom. A motor is operably connected to the boom and to the front wheel. The motor is also physically connected to the boom. The motor is remotely controlled via a remote control unit. To propel the wind propelled vehicle the position of the sail is adjusted relative to the wind. Sail position adjustment is achieved by the motor turning the front wheel and manipulating the position of the boom in response to control signals generated by the remote control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: RoboDesign International, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Ganz
  • Publication number: 20030104756
    Abstract: A work-capable, miniature vehicle includes a small-scale hydraulic system, a propulsion system, and a means for remote control. The propulsion system includes a plurality of metal tracks, which are individually controlled. The vehicle is adaptable for performing work in hazardous areas. The vehicle comprises a completed vehicle and a kit including the vehicle components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventor: Andrew W. Gordon
  • Patent number: 6558223
    Abstract: A toy device is disclosed having a base (11), a main portion (12) and an elongated supply tubing (13) extending between the base (11) and the main portion (12). The main portion (12) includes a support in the form of an inflatable ball (17) and an equatorial, annular array of water jets (18) coupled tangentially to the ball (17). Each water jet (18) has a water line (19) extending therefrom to a central hub (20) in fluid communication with tubing (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Research & Development Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Shane Matthews
  • Patent number: 6439948
    Abstract: An elongated substantially hollow body supports a pair of motor drive units, a battery power supply, and a radio frequency receiver and controller module. A pair of axles are rotatably supported near the frontal end of the elongated body and in turn support a pair of large diameter wheels. The motor drive units within the body are operatively coupled to the axles and are able to differentially drive the wheels. The position of the axles and wheels near the frontal portion of the vehicle results in the extension of a substantially greater portion of the body away from and beyond the wheels. Thus the extending portion of the body defines a trailing end. A control transmitter provides independent operational signals to each of the motor drive units to differentially drive the wheels. Each time the direction of travel of the toy vehicle is reversed, the reaction torque applied by the motors to the body causes the body to flip about the axles and invert bringing the trailing end to the opposite side of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Ostendorff, Helena Bartor, Nathan C. Proch
  • Patent number: 6183333
    Abstract: A toy surfboard or body board has a specially shaped bottom surface of the board to hold the waves in the same manner as in a full sized surfboard or body board. A figure of a surfer is positioned on the top surface to balance and maintain and bias the board to a flat running configuration. A compartment is located in the board to hold a radio receiver, controls, motor mechanisms and the batteries. A rudder is located rearwardly of the bottom mounted propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Wombarra Innovations Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Jason Grant Venables Hall
  • Patent number: 6179683
    Abstract: A swimming aquatic creature simulator having a body which propagates waves of undulation of and along that body to thereby propel the simulator through a fluid in a lifelike manner. The body is formed of an elastomeric material and may be shaped like a fish. Applying oscillating rotational motion to the body at a location forward of the center of mass of the body produces undulating movements of the body which propel the simulator. The oscillating motion input may be provided by twisting a rigid shaft or flexible cable, which is connected to the body at a point forward of the center of mass. An internal motor can also be used to provide the oscillating motion input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Nekton Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Pell, Stephen A. Wainwright
  • Patent number: 6176047
    Abstract: A bird deterring device is provided for deterring birds away from a body of water. The device includes a hollow body shaped to resemble a crocodile floating in a body water. The body includes a plurality of hollow sections having floats mounted therein for floating the device on the body of water. A pair of reflectors are mounted on the body to resemble eyes. A weight tethered to a bottom side of the body anchors the body and prevents it from flipping over in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Brendan Morningstar
  • Patent number: 6165036
    Abstract: A water tank provides an activity space for an underwater wireless remote-controlled toy. A wireless transmitter is positioned within the water tank and emits wireless remote-control signals to the toy, whereby underwater movement of the toy is controlled. The wireless transmitter may transmit either electromagnetic or infrared control signals to the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Kyosho Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Hino, Yoshinobu Nikaido, Shinji Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6097112
    Abstract: This invention provides an electronic switch for model cars to prevent incapability of the remote operation of the model cars.Keeping the manual switch 10 for a given period at ON state, a receiver 4 and a battery 5 are connected, and after a provisional OFF state of a manual switch 10, it is reset in ON state for a given period, to disconnect an electrical connection between the receiver 4 and the battery 5. For this sake, even if the manual switch 10 is abruptly changed over to OFF state upon abut to an obstacle during a run of the model car, the electrical connection between the receiver 4 and the battery 5 is not disconnected, as far as a given period continuation of the OFF state of the manual switch. With a use of the switching circuit 13, ON/OFF change over is provided without using a mechanical contact, which provides no anxiety of the disconnect of contact caused by the vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Kondo kagaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirotoshi Kondo
  • Patent number: 5947788
    Abstract: A radio controlled surfing toy is provided comprising a multi-jointed, moveable figurine pivotally attached to a jet-propelled surfboard. The surfing toy surfs similar to a real life surfing professional in waves ranging from 3" to 5' in height. The surfing toy is capable of fielding and catching waves on its own and riding a left or right breaking wave into the shore operating on a synchronized 4-way steering system controlling the figurine's body to move from one side of the board to the other and allowing dramatic realism and high performance surf stunts. A balloon recovery system is employed to right the surfboard after a wipe-out in conjunction with a righting mechanisms built-in to the surfboard's design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Steven J. Derrah
  • Patent number: 5806232
    Abstract: A radio controlled fishing bait boat for delivering a baited fishing line to a remote location. The hull has a recessed channel on the lower side in which a propeller and a rudder are mounted. A convex deck cover covers a top portion of the hull. In the interior of the hull, battery-powered electric motors for controlling the propeller and the rudder, batteries, and a controller are arranged. Pivotable hatches are provided in the stern transom for access to bait storage compartments in the interior of the hull. A baited fishing line is loaded into the bait storage compartment. The bait boat is directed to a desired fishing location by use of a hand-held radio transmitter which sends signals to the bait boat to control its speed and direction. Once the boat has reached the desired fishing location, the fishing line is tugged to pull the baited fishing line out of the bait storage compartment and into the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Clifton E. James
  • Patent number: 5581932
    Abstract: A radio-controlled trolling vessel for supporting a fishing reel and line. The vessel is a pontoon-type having good stability. All operations are controlled from a remote location (e.g., on shore) by the operator. The vessel can be powered by an electric motor or gas engine, or both. A cutter or knife can be included on the vessel for cutting the line if it should become snagged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Stanley Bell
  • Patent number: 5453035
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of retrieving a radio-controlled fuel-powered model boat is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pivot arm, with a pinion gear and an idler gear, that is attached to the shaft of a secondary motor. The idler gear in said pivot arm engages a driven gear that turns the model boat's propeller shaft by transferring the secondary motor shaft's rotation through gears to the propeller shaft. The apparatus includes a movement limiting bracket that limits the pivot arm's movement to either engage or disengage the driven gear attached to the model boat's propeller drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Jimmy R. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 5385501
    Abstract: A toy floats on the water surface of a pool. A hydraulic jet propulsion unit is connected to the bottom face of the toy. The propulsion unit includes a rigid tubular member with a straight central portion, a forward right angle elbow and a rear exhaust tube extending at an acute angle to the central portion. The forward elbow is connected by a flexible hose tether to a water source. Thee hose is anchored at an intermediate point to the pool bottom. The rigid tubular member is rotatably mounted in a housing so that it is free to rotate about the long axis of its straight portion. Water forced through the rigid tubular member is ejected from the exhaust tube, forcing the toy forward. When the elbow is vertical, the toy moves straight forward. When the elbow is rotated to the left or right by the pull of the tether, the exhaust tube also rotates to left or right causing the exhaust jet to leave the stern at an angle, turning the toy as it moves forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Richard I. Fish
  • Patent number: 5377439
    Abstract: A remotely controlled floating decoy having a buoyant body resembling a game bird and having a receiver disposed within the buoyant body. The receiver is responsive to commands from a transmitter and provides electrical control signals to a plurality of servomechanisms and associated linkages in response to the commands. The apparatus also has a propulsive device coupled to the buoyant body and electrically coupled to the receiver. The propulsive device is responsive to the electrical control signals. The apparatus also has a rudder coupled to a rear end of the buoyant body. The rudder is responsive to the electrical control signals. The propulsive device and the rudder cooperate to provide directed locomotion for the buoyant body in response to commands transmitted from the transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventors: Richard J. Roos, Richard J. Roos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5344357
    Abstract: An aquatic toy constructed of a flexible, watertight body, shaped and decorated to resemble an aquatic animal, having a head, a carcass, and a tail. The toy has a first motor constructed and arranged for driving the tail in an oscillating manner to propel the toy while in water, a second motor constructed and arranged for swinging the tail off the center line of the toy to steer the toy, and a control system constructed and arranged for switching on/off the first and second motors under certain conditions. The toy further has an air ballast container constructed and arranged for maintaining the toy almost but not completely submerged when the toy is placed in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventor: Edmund K. Lyczek
  • Patent number: 5203729
    Abstract: An auger-driven remotely controllable amphibious vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a buoyant hull in the general configuration of a speedboat. An auger is mounted for rotation along each side of the vehicle. The generally cylindrical augers with helical screws are nested closely in approximately quarter-cylinder recesses formed along the lower sides of the hull at the waterline so that a considerable portion of the water moved by the augers is contained in the narrow spaces between the augers and the hull, and is then thrust directly rearward (or forward) for increased efficiency in propulsion. A propulsion mechanism and other components are preferably mounted in the center of the vehicle for balance. The vehicle preferably includes control apparatus and signal receiving apparatus for remote operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventors: Larry D. Beller, Douglas S. Hart, Robert L. White
  • Patent number: 5154016
    Abstract: An improved angling device operable under physically autonomous, remote control by an operator, comprising an unmanned flotation platform including remotely operable propulsion and directional controls for selectively positioning the flotation platform under the remote, physically autonomous control of the operator, at a desired location on a surface of a body of water associated with fish habitat; and downward-looking sonar supported in buoyant relation on the platform and operable to provide intelligible feedback to the operator, based on sonar-sensed signals relating to that fish habitat. The combination of the improved angling device can include a terminal tackle depth control supported in buoyant relation on the platform, for selective adjustable positioning of the terminal tackle at desired depths under the remote, physically autonomous control of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Lazy Fisherman Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary W. Fedora, Douglas Sehl
  • Patent number: 5077929
    Abstract: A self-propelled fishing device is described which can be used to tow a fishing line away from shore or from a stationary fishing boat. The device may be used to carry lures or baited hooks. It can be made to turn, submerge or move to a desired position and stop by a series of tugs on the fishing line. It can be reeled in or guided along a return path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventor: Asad A. Khan
  • Patent number: 4964835
    Abstract: An air cushion vehicle toy has a body formed with an air inlet and levitation air vent holes. An expandable and contractible skirt is attached to a lower part of the body, and a centrifugal levitation air blower is arranged to both expand the skirt and to levitate the body. Propulsive air blowers are mounted on a body upper part, and a radio control unit may be provided for controlling all of these air blowers separately. The body incorporates a float unit for improving buoyancy. The skirt may be bag-like with a bottom provided with holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Taiyo Kogyo Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Shohei Suto
  • Patent number: 4902260
    Abstract: Am amphibian toy car which can be operated by a remote controller comprising a semicircular flow-control cover disposed ajacent to the upper portion of each front wheel and a buoy. By these flow-control cover and buoy, the forward propel force above the front wheels is not generated, so that the toy car can move forwardly and turn right and left under the condition that wheels are submerged in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Bando Sports, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae-Kyu Im
  • Patent number: 4886478
    Abstract: The sail toy land vehicle includes a generally rod-like elongated frame or central body, having a raised forward portion, an elongated rigid rear wheel axle structure includes a pair of rear outrigger wheels to help support the vehicle rollably along the ground. An aerodynamic upright sail structure has a sail positioned such that its center of gravity is disposed approximately over the rear axle structure of the vehicle, and positioned in a rearwardly inclined manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Inventor: Daniel R. Jones
  • Patent number: 4798157
    Abstract: The drogue (1) has a steering system (8) which may be assisted by a rudder (4). The drogue is steered by varying the towing angle by applying a longitudinal differential force to the rope (6). The drogue is highly stable. It is capable of effectively countering the heeling torque of a boat (5). It may also be used for performing experiments at a distance from acoustic interference from the towing vessel. It may also be used for steering the course of a free balloon above the waves within a downwind sector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Inventor: Jean Duret
  • Patent number: 4620385
    Abstract: A pair of rotatable wings are slidably and rotatably received and secured on the axle of a bracket carried by a water fowl decoy to extend laterally outward from the decoy body. The wings have a series of circumferentially spaced blades which are shaped to cause rotation of the wings when subjected to a slight breeze and produce an alternating visual signal upon rotation. The bracket may be releasably attached to the decoy or molded into the decoy body during manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Inventors: Thomas G. Carranza, Luis Carranza
  • Patent number: 4599819
    Abstract: A duck decoy moving device consisting of a decoy pulling line attached to an encased spring which is anchored at one end. The decoy pulling line is pulled and released, extending and retracting the spring, giving the attached duck decoys a realistic movement on the surface of the water. This also gives the appearance of movement to the surrounding unattached duck decoys due to the movement produced on the surface of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignees: Greg Voges, Alan Voges
    Inventors: Alan M. Voges, Jr., Gregory L. Voges
  • Patent number: 4551113
    Abstract: An improved radio controlled yacht of the type including servo motors, a battery and a receiver mounted thereon is disclosed, wherein the yacht is adapted to sail on water by itself under the influence of natural wind force while the extent of swing of its sail and the angle of turning of a rudder are controlled in response to signals transmitted from a sender. A sail servo for controlling the extent of swing of the sail includes an output shaft to which a sail trimmer is fixedly secured and sheets are inserted through holes which are formed on the end part of the sail trimmer. One end of the sheet is attached to a boom of the sail, whereas the other end of the sheet extends in the direction of the boom and it is anchored at a predetermined position located on the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha AG
    Inventor: Hironobu Sugihara