Having Means To Rotate Propeller Or Rotor Patents (Class 446/232)
  • Patent number: 11338912
    Abstract: A multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a central body, a plurality of branch members connected to the central body, each branch member configured to support a corresponding actuator assembly, a communication module disposed within the central body and configured to establish a communication channel between the UAV and a remote device, and an indicator light disposed on one of the plurality of branch members. The indicator light is configured to indicate whether the communication channel is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao, Shaojie Chen, Zhigang Ou
  • Patent number: 10357724
    Abstract: There is provided a transmitter for facilitating control of a flying object including an elevation control lever 22 for controlling a flight height of a helicopter 1, a cover 24 through which the elevation control lever 22 passes via an opening 26, a step 27 formed on an edge of the opening 26, and a rotation member 28, which rotates, disposed to a backside of the cover 24, where apart of the cover 24 is formed into a curved surface which overlaps a curved surface of the rotation member 28, and rotational speeds of motors 11, 12 internally mounted on the helicopter 1 are set corresponding to the step 27.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Agatsuma Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Todokoro
  • Patent number: 10189562
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with improved reliability. According to one aspect of the invention, interference experienced by onboard sensors from onboard electrical components is reduced. According to another aspect of the invention, user-configuration or assembly of electrical components is minimized to reduce user errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: SZ DJI Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tao Wang, Tao Zhao, Shaojie Chen, Zhigang Ou
  • Patent number: 9610738
    Abstract: In the method of making an aircraft a mandrel is caused to pass through frames carried by a magazine; and as it passes through, the frames are transferred onto the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Airbus Operations (S.A.S.)
    Inventors: Guillaume Gallant, Romain Delahaye
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8353199
    Abstract: The invention is a multiple degree-of-freedom test stand for unmanned air vehicles, and is particularly useful for small or micro unmanned air vehicles. The stand is gravity balanced using springs such that no weight of any part of the stand becomes a burden to the tested vehicle when it flies while constrained to the stand. A joint and a plurality of members are used to enable multiple degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Arrowhead Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Ou Ma, Carlos E. Ortega, Ken Ruble, Qi Lu
  • Publication number: 20110159776
    Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for controlling a toy helicopter in flight. The toy helicopter is powered by a first rotor and a second rotor. A target speed ratio is determined for the speed of the first rotor and the speed of the second rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Paul Mak
  • Patent number: 7798883
    Abstract: A rotary-wing toy helicopter generally comprising a transverse shaft, a plane body fixedly attached to the transverse shaft and a rotor assembly rotatably attached to the transverse shaft. The rotor assembly generally comprises a primary drive connected to a drive shaft for driving at least one set of lifting blades and a secondary drive connected to the transverse shaft for driving rotation of the transverse shaft and the plane body clockwise or counter-clockwise around the axis of transverse shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Spin Master Ltd.
    Inventors: James E. Elson, Charles Sink
  • Publication number: 20100099326
    Abstract: A toy vehicle is disclosed. It has a main vehicle body portion and a display device rotatably mounted to the main body portion, the display device being configured to create a plurality of images via a persistence of vision effect. A mechanism is also present for rotating said display device. An actuator is included and is attached to a sensor for determining when the actuator is depressed. A microcontroller is in operable communication with the sensor and the display device; the microcontroller changing the appearance of at least one of the plurality of images when the sensor determines the actuator has been depressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Gabriel De La Torre
  • Patent number: 7238078
    Abstract: A changeable model flight toy which can simulate the takeoff and landing attitudes and flight attitudes at low cost in accordance with different types of airplanes is provided. A plurality of airplane bodies having different outer appearance forms which can be maintained for a long period of time are interchangeably mounted on an inner sleeve. A changeable model flight toy 100 characterized by a flight operation unit 120 which is incorporated within airplane bodies 110, 210 is disclosed. A takeoff and landing control panel 130 hoists and lowers the flight operation unit 120 while bearing the unit 120. The airplane body 110, 210 comprises a nose side body 110A, 210A including the main wing 112, 212 and a tail assembly side body 110B, 210B including the tail assembly 115, 215.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Noboru Kimura
  • Patent number: 6948997
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for providing an elastic drive mechanism in which the compressive force and torque created by the twisting of an elastic member used to power an aircraft are isolated from the fuselage, and specifically isolated from the flight control and aerodynamics surfaces of the aircraft. By isolating the elastic drive mechanism from traditional rearward fixed contact points on the fuselage, the detrimental consequences of these elastic forces are eliminated producing longer, farther and more controlled flights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Ivan D. Gregory
  • Patent number: 6659839
    Abstract: A toy or model aircraft with motions that can reproduce the operational status and flight attitude of the corresponding real aircraft. Model aircraft include a vertical motion device for enabling the aircraft body to ascend or descend in order to reproduce changes in position from a state in which the aircraft is set at a lower position so as to copy the attitude of the corresponding real aircraft during a halt on the ground to a state in which the aircraft is set at a higher position so as to copy the attitude of the corresponding real aircraft during a flight, and an attitude control device for enabling the aircraft body to be inclined in longitudinal and lateral directions in order to reproduce longitudinal and lateral motions of the rear aircraft, the attitude control device being provided at a tip portion of the vertical motion device, so that an operation performed by the vertical motion device can be synthesized with an operation performed by the attitude control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Tokyo Marui Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuo Iwasawa
  • Patent number: 6371829
    Abstract: A toy comprising a remote control device and a remote controlled model vehicle for changing a form thereof while moving, according to a control by the remote control device. The toy comprises a remote control device (100) and a remote controlled model vehicle (200) capable of turning at least rightward and leftward according to a control signal from the remote control device, wherein the remote control device comprises: a tilt detecting unit (SW5 and SW6) for detecting rightward and leftward tilt directions thereof; and the remote controlled model vehicle comprises: a lower body part (202b); an upper body part (202a) capable of tilting rightward and leftward to the lower body part; a tilting unit (211) for tilting the upper body part in the same direction as a tilt direction of the remote control device, detected by the tilt detecting unit; and a steering unit (203) for turning in the same direction as the tilt direction of the remote control device in synchronization with a tilt of the upper body part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Tomy Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Kato, Tomohiro Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 5802751
    Abstract: A decorative aircraft has a rotatable propeller, a movable rudder, and a decorative pilot figure that also moves. The rotatable propeller is attached to a first output shaft of a motor positioned in the leading end of the fuselage of the aircraft. The motor is connected to a string of Christmas tree lights so that it is activated when the lights are turned on. A second output shaft is disposed normal to the first output shaft and oscillates an elongate control rod that extends from the motor to a rudder at the trailing end of the fuselage, and the decorative pilot figure is attached to the control rod. Motor operation causes the elongate control rod to oscillate, and the oscillation causes periodic movement of the rudder and the decorative pilot figure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Vernon V. Schwieterman
  • Patent number: 5641317
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism of a toy helicopter, including a casing disposed in a housing of the helicopter, a motor disposed in the casing and a gear set driven by the motor to drive a pair of cams. Each cam is formed with a peripheral groove within which two rocking arms are driven to regularly swing. The rocking arm simultaneously drives a linking lever and a torque spring. The torque spring drives a lifting support shaft to move up and down. The linking lever is levered about a fulcrum and has an inclined board at one end. The inclined board has an inclined side for contacting with two seat boards pulled by springs, whereby when the linking lever swings, the inclined side of the inclined board outward pushes the seat boards. When released from the pushing force, the seat boards are resiliently restored to home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Wen Ho Tsai
    Inventor: Tien Fu Huang
  • Patent number: 5571038
    Abstract: A model airplane flight simulator which enables a model airplane to be maneuvered by a remote control device through pitch, yaw and roll without movement over ground. The model airplane includes most of the attributes of a flying model such as one and preferably two, motor-driven propellers for generating airflow over control surfaces which include actuator controlled ailerons, elevator and rudder and a remote control device for selectively controlling these features from the remote location. The control device may utilize hard wiring or radio signal to activate the actuator system. No airfoil for wing lift is required in that the model airplane is supported within a rigid inner ring or hoop to which wing or fuselage extension rods coaxially extending from each wing tip or from each end of the fuselage are connected at diametrically opposing points on the inner ring for free rotation of the model airplane within the inner ring about one rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Richard Halling
  • Patent number: 5374217
    Abstract: A device for creating an illusion includes a helix and an object in an arrangement which gives the illusion that the object and helix move relative to one another as the helix is rotated. The helix can be flexible or of a stable configuration such that it can be free standing. Support for the device can include a base or a swivel arrangement for suspending the device. The device can be free to rotate in moving air and, in situations where there are lesser amounts of air flow, a fan can be attached to the helix. Where there is an absence of moving air an electric motor can be employed. Variations in the arrangement and size of the components of the device can create variations in the illusion of relative movement. The use of colors and materials which glow in the dark in situations where there is low light, along with variations in lighting, will also vary the illusion of relative movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Inventor: Richard A. Olson
  • Patent number: 5334070
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tethered controlled flying toy that is attached to a control unit by a hollow tube and a clutch assembly. A rotating cable extends from a motor within the control unit through the clutch assembly and the hollow tube to the flying toy where it attaches to the propeller of the flying toy. The rotating cable is rotated by the motor that in turn causes the propeller of the flying toy to rotate and the flying toy to become airborne. The present invention can be used in confined spaces and simulates many the aerodynamics of true flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Uni-King Toys Ltd.
    Inventors: Yiu K. Yu, Bryan K. F. Au
  • Patent number: 4923196
    Abstract: An engine-spiraled, stabilized toy football including a skeleton made up of a plurality of spaced ribs collectively configured as a truncated football. An external skin of strong, thin plastic covers the skeleton. A generally conical zone at each end of the football is not covered by the skin. The circular opening thus formed at one end accommodates an air intake pod. An engine mounting tube is disposed centrally on the interior of the football and is secured to the skeleton of the ball and opens out of the opposite end of the ball from the air intake pod. An engine is secured in the engine mounting tube and drives a propeller housed within a gyroscopic propeller ring. The propeller and gyroscopic ring turn freely within the skeleton and skin, and function to pull air through the air intake pod and force the air out the open end of the engine mounting tube at the opposite end of the ball. A system is provided within the ball for starting and fueling the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Inventor: Daniel Z. Rohring
  • Patent number: 4728311
    Abstract: A toy helicopter is provided having a rotor that gradually accelerates to simulate the start-up of a full-scale helicopter, wherein the gradual acceleration is induced by frictional interaction between the surface of a drive shaft and the surface of a bore formed in the rotor hub. Actuation is accomplished by lifting an actuating shaft which extends from the rotor hub and drive shaft to activate a motor; returning the actuating shaft to its resting position deactivates the toy. The toy also provides a flashing light and audio mechanism to further simulate the operation of a full-scale helicopter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Ronald G. Magers
  • Patent number: 4604075
    Abstract: Toy helicopter with a control unit which can be removed from the body of the helicopter and placed in one of several positions. The helicopter has a rotor blade which is powered by a motor connected to it via compound gears and a rotary driving shaft. The motor is controlled by a removable control unit which is inserted into the helicopter body and which has an activating switch. When the activating switch is pushed, the switch contact is moved into position to complete the circuit with the battery contact and the resulting electricity from the battery travels to the motor.The control unit is a self-contained unit which is connected to the driving mechanism of the helicopter by a wire cord which may be stored in the helicopter's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: Arco Industries
    Inventors: Lawrence D. Richards, Johnny S. C. Yuen
  • Patent number: 4559020
    Abstract: An inflatable toy comprises at least one external rotary assembly mounted outside the inflatable envelope and at least one internal movable object mounted inside the inflatable envelope. The external rotary assembly and the internal movable object are interconnected by a flexible hollow member which is heat-weldedly attached to the wall of the toy and has a closed end to which the external assembly and internal object are affixed. The internal object can be operated by an external means and the movement of the internal object is transmitted to the external rotary assembly. The rotary assembly is comprised of a rotatable part which is supported by an external supporting means attached to the wall of the envelope, and a rocking part attached to the closed end of the flexible hollow member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Inventor: Cheng-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 4504239
    Abstract: A self-propelled military type land vehicle with a power take-off friction coupling in the form of a rotating cannon fits into and is retained in a helicopter shell with the power coupling driving the helicopter rotor. A releasable latch carried by the helicopter retains the vehicle within the helicopter shell and in driving engagement during simulated flight. The helicopter has a hand grippable depending tail support with a trigger disposed near the support for effecting release of the land vehicle and disengagement of the power take-off coupling from the rotor without braking the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1985
    Assignee: Marvin Glass & Associates
    Inventors: Ralph J. Kulesza, Harry Disko, Dennis R. Gibbons
  • Patent number: 4496149
    Abstract: There is disclosed a game apparatus employing a container having located therein an electronic circuit capable of emitting a repetitive audio signal of a controllable volume and repetition rate. The container includes a compartment in which a prize or award is placed by the players. The container is then hidden by one of the players who selects the repetition rate and volume to thereby cause audio signals to propagate. The participants then attempt to locate the container in response to the emitted signals and the first participant who finds the container has access to the prize. The degree of difficulty is determined by the volume and repetition rate of the signal as controlled by the player hiding the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Inventor: Robert B. Schwartzberg
  • Patent number: RE31667
    Abstract: These circuits produce light, sound and similar effects in models or toys by taking advantage of current modulation produced in a commutator circuit of a two-pole motor which may be used to provide motion for at least a part of the model or toy incorporating one of the circuits. At least one additional effect-producing circuit element in addition to the motor is electrically connected to the commutator circuit. A battery or other means for applying sufficient electromotive force to the commutator for operation of the motor is electrically connected to the commutator circuit. When the additional effect-producing element is parallel to the commutator circuit, the battery supplies an insufficient amount of electromotive force to allow both the motor and the additional effect-producing circuit element to operate in their maximum current-drawing condition at the same time. A sufficient amount of electromotive force is supplied to allow either alone to operate in its maximum current-drawing condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Inventor: Robert J. Knauff
  • Patent number: RE34383
    Abstract: An engine-spiraled, stabilized toy football including a skeleton made up of a plurality of spaced ribs collectively configured as a truncated football. An external skin of strong, thin plastic covers the skeleton. A generally conical zone at each end of the football is not covered by the skin. The circular opening thus formed at one end accommodates an air intake pod. An engine mounting tube is disposed centrally on the interior of the football and is secured to the skeleton of the ball and opens out of the opposite end of the ball from the air intake pod. An engine is secured in the engine mounting tube and drives a propeller housed within a gyroscopic propeller ring. The propeller and gyroscopic ring turn freely within the skeleton and skin, and function to pull air through the air intake pod and force the air out the open end of the engine mounting tube at the opposite end of the ball. A system is provided within the ball for starting and fueling the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: Daniel Z. Rohring