Sounding Patents (Class 446/397)
  • Patent number: 11179651
    Abstract: A model toy includes: a tray support configured to support a supported portion of a tray including first and second opposite placement portions; a housing supporting the tray support rotatably around a first axis and having an opening; a door supported rotatably around a second axis and provided at the opening. The door includes a main body and a regulated portion which are provided at symmetrical positions with respect to the second axis. When the tray support is in an intermediate angle range between a first angle posture and a second angle posture reversed from the first angle posture, at least part of the tray support is located closer to the regulated portion than that in the first and second angle postures such that the tray support regulates an opening operation of the door and supports the door in a closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: EPOCH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Kei Kamiyama
  • Patent number: 10939675
    Abstract: A turkey call device is disclosed in this invention. The turkey call device includes a striker that has a wedge-shape taper ending in a flat striking tip and a counter-balancer. The tip is made of a harder material than some of the materials in rest of the striker. The combination of elements enables this turkey call device to be easier to use and produce more consistent turkey-like sounds than conventional turkey call devices in the market today.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Terry Franklin Betker
  • Patent number: 10897888
    Abstract: A turkey call system includes a pot, a sound board and a striking surface which is held together with magnets. A striker contacts the pot to produce a sound that is capable of attracting turkeys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Inventor: Robert E. Walker
  • Patent number: 10888775
    Abstract: A controller for use in an interactive gaming system is described. The controller comprising a player mounting means, a motion detector that provides a means for determining the motion of the controller and an audio code communication module. The audio code communication module provides a means for generating an audio code signal in response to a detected, predetermined motion of the controller. The audio code signals for the controller can be embedded within normal audio output of a gaming system and thereafter be employed to activate a multitude of features within the games. The gaming system may comprise an opponent based on an electronic game running on a computer device or a second controller worn by a second player. The gaming system may further comprise one or more power up toys that provide additional combat moves for the one or more participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: China Industries Limited
    Inventors: Mark Neil Gasson, Graeme John Taylor, James Edward Alexander Wyatt
  • Patent number: 10674718
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-voiced game call device comprising a box and striker arrangement. Embodiments of the multi-voiced game call device comprise a slate box that is rectangular in shape and comprises a thin bottom surface with a sound hole offset from center of the bottom surface. A slate top plate configured to interface with the slate box closes in the box such that a sound chamber is defined between the top plate and the bottom surface. A striker that has a body and two or more striker components extending through the body is configured such that a user may grasp the body and pull at least one of the striker components across the slate top plate to generate pressure waves within the sound chamber. The two or more striker components may be of different sizes and/or materials in order to generate different tone and pitch qualities, i.e. multiple voices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Inventor: Chris Stendardi
  • Patent number: 10649920
    Abstract: A data store for a modular assembly system is described. The data store comprises a number of records, each record relating to a physical module in the modular assembly system and comprising a module ID, an owner ID for the module and one or more properties fields. The properties field(s) define any property of the module and different records may define different properties. At least one of the fields in each data record (e.g. the module ID or owner ID) is verified by an authentication service. A user assembles two or more modules into a coherent physical whole object to act as a user input device to an interactive software experience. The data store communicates with the interactive software experience and causes a change in behavior of the interactive software experience in response to a check of the data records for each of the modules in the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Nicolas Villar, Haiyan Zhang, James William Scott, Greg Saul, Alexandra Keeley Bunting, Lee Jason Schuneman, Philip Robert Harrison
  • Patent number: 10639544
    Abstract: An interactive computer game is described which works in conjunction with a number of physical modules that a user can connect together in different ways to form a coherent physical whole object. The game receives data from the object via a wireless link, the data identifying at least which modules form part of the object and updates game play based on the data received. At some point within the game play, the game presents an objective or goal to the user which the user can only achieve by interacting with the physical object formed from the modules. In an embodiment, this interaction comprises re-arranging the modules or swapping modules to form an object with a different visual appearance, moving all or part of the object and/or interacting with a sensor on a module in the object. The game may receive further data from the object during the user interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: James William Scott, Haiyan Zhang, Nicolas Villar, Greg Saul, Alexandra Keeley Bunting, Lee Jason Schuneman, Philip Robert Harrison, Jonathan Steven Robinson, Sabina Lopez-Moreno, Simone Rita Thomas, Patrizio Spadoni, Alex Hall, Tariq Adaci, Levi Naess, Sebastien Vandenberghe, Alma Coyolxauhqui Salinas Lopez, Simon Jay Carter
  • Patent number: 10448629
    Abstract: An animal call is provided that has a main body having an upper member, and an open end, the upper member having an upper surface and a lower surface; a cavity in the main body that is open to an environment outside of the main body through the open end of the main body; an opening in the upper member of the main body; and a sound generating member having an upper surface and a lower surface, a first portion of the upper surface of the sound generating member being attached to the lower surface of the upper member of the main body, and a second portion of the sound generating member is a striking surface that is accessible through the opening in the upper member of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: Charles Koch
  • Patent number: 10384114
    Abstract: A training apparatus includes adjustable resistance means; means for continuously determining an actual configuration of the training apparatus during exercise; means for generating a control signal for an audio device, the control signal being at least partially based on the actual configuration of the training apparatus; and means for outputting the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Fritz, John Dylan Haynes, Carlo Crovato
  • Patent number: 10357028
    Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-voiced game call device comprising a box and striker arrangement. Embodiments of the multi-voiced game call device comprise a slate box that is rectangular in shape and comprises a thin bottom surface with a sound hole offset from center of the bottom surface. A slate top plate configured to interface with the slate box closes in the box such that a sound chamber is defined between the top plate and the bottom surface. A striker that has a body and two or more striker components extending through the body is configured such that a user may grasp the body and pull at least one of the striker components across the slate top plate to generate pressure waves within the sound chamber. The two or more striker components may be of different sizes and/or materials in order to generate different tone and pitch qualities, i.e. multiple voices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventor: Chris Stendardi
  • Patent number: 10238101
    Abstract: A single box call having a plurality of replaceable soundboard inserts and a plurality of replaceable lids having different sound characteristics, selectively used in combination together for producing distinctly different sounds that imitate turkey calls. The box call includes a housing having two receiving slots for receiving soundboard inserts, and a sound adjuster engageable with one or both soundboard inserts to vary the sound. There is a connecting means for releasably connecting the lid to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventor: Thomas J. Michel
  • Patent number: 10209949
    Abstract: In one example, a method includes determining, by one or more processors of a computing system included in a vehicle, whether one or more events have occurred that are likely to increase a stress level of an operator of the vehicle, and determining, by the one or more processors, whether the operator is the only person in the vehicle. In this example, the method includes, responsive to determining that one or more events have occurred that are likely to increase the stress level of the operator of the vehicle and that the operator is the only person in the vehicle, outputting, by the one or more processors and for playback by one or more output devices included in the vehicle, media data likely to reduce the stress level of the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventor: Ertan Dogrultan
  • Patent number: 10172767
    Abstract: A teething mitt, including a glove portion and a teething cap portion. The glove portion is made of fabric, is flexible, and is adapted to fit over the hand of a child. The teething cap portion is made of silicone and extends over and is secured to the glove portion. A securing strap extends around the glove portion and is used to secure the glove portion near the wrist of the child. The teething cap has protuberances that may be safely chewed upon by the child while teething.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Inventor: Melissa Hyslop
  • Patent number: 9968862
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an interactive doll, and an interactive doll control method, wherein, the method includes the following operations: monitoring a control mode selected by a user for controlling the interactive doll; if the selected control mode being a voice control mode, obtaining a voice control instruction, wherein the voice control instruction contains one or more keyword voice segment as input control command to control the interactive doll; obtaining voice control information corresponding to the keyword voice segment, and executing an operation corresponding to the voice control information. The controlling method and the interactive doll may provide more responsiveness and improved user's experience in virtual reality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Tencent Technology (Shenzhen) Company Limited
    Inventor: Yanni Feng
  • Patent number: 9775338
    Abstract: A turkey call device and assembly for simulating multiple calls of a wild turkey hen. The turkey call device and assembly comprises a housing with a plurality of striker plates and at least one striker member. In one embodiment, the housing comprises two striker plates on the top thereof and a third striker plate on the bottom thereof. The bottom striker plate is capable of producing a locator call. The locator call has a hearing range of up to one half of a mile so as to eliminate the need for a user to travel long distances for the device to be heard from afar. Each striker plate and striker member can be formed from different materials. In this way, the turkey call device and assembly enables a user to reproduce multiple sounds, such as yelps, cuts, cackles, kee kees, runs, purrs, clucks, and other turkey hen sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventor: Floyd Arnold Patton
  • Patent number: 9703896
    Abstract: A system for generating custom modular objects is described. The custom modules form part of a modular construction set from which an object can be created by a user. The object acts as a user input device for an interactive software experience. To generate a custom (i.e. non-standard) module, a virtual 3D shape is received by a module generation service. The service converts this shape into a derived 3D shape for the module, for example, ensuring that the module is shaped such that it is compatible with other modules from the modular construction set to which it will be connected for form an object and/or by adding an aperture for receiving a connector and/or electronics core. Once generated, the derived 3D shape is sent to the user in physical form or virtual form and a virtual representation of the module is provided to the interactive software experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Haiyan Zhang, James William Scott, Nicolas Villar, Greg Saul, Alexandra Keeley Bunting, Lee Jason Schuneman, Philip Robert Harrison, Thomas James Mejias Stott
  • Patent number: 9578870
    Abstract: A single box call having a plurality of replaceable soundboard inserts and a plurality of replaceable striker members, selectively used in combination together for producing distinctly different sounds that imitate turkey calls. The box call includes a housing having two receiving slots for receiving two soundboard inserts and a fastening means for fastening the soundboard inserts to the housing; and a lid assembly having a lid, a handle, a connecting means for connecting the lid assembly to the housing, a replaceable striker member, and an attachment means for attaching the striker member to the bottom of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas J. Michel
  • Patent number: 9555326
    Abstract: An interactive computer game is described which works in conjunction with a number of physical modules that a user can connect together in different ways to form a coherent physical whole object. The game receives data from the object via a wireless link, the data identifying at least which modules form part of the object and updates game play based on the data received. At some point within the game play, the game presents an objective or goal to the user which the user can only achieve by interacting with the physical object formed from the modules. In an embodiment, this interaction comprises re-arranging the modules or swapping modules to form an object with a different visual appearance, moving all or part of the object and/or interacting with a sensor on a module in the object. The game may receive further data from the object during the user interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: James William Scott, Haiyan Zhang, Nicolas Villar, Greg Saul, Alexandra Keeley Bunting, Lee Jason Schuneman, Philip Robert Harrison, Jonathan Steven Robinson, Sabina Lopez-Moreno, Simone Rita Thomas, Patrizio Spadoni, Alex Hall, Tariq Adaci, Levi Naess, SĂ©bastien Vandenberghe, Alma Coyolxauhqui Salinas Lopez, Simon Jay Carter
  • Patent number: 9526979
    Abstract: A modular assembly system is described in which each module comprises a storage element which stores an identifier for the module and data relating to the module. At least some of the module data is variable and is updated based on user interaction with an interactive software experience (e.g. state data). Each module also comprises one or more connectors for connecting to other modules to form a coherent physical whole object. In an embodiment, the system further comprises the interactive software experience which provides user objectives which can only be satisfied by the user interacting with the object or with modules that form the object. At least one of the modules in the object comprises a communication module which passes identifiers and module data to the interactive software experience and receives updated module data from the interactive software experience for storing in one of the modules in the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: James William Scott, Nicolas Villar, Haiyan Zhang, Greg Saul, Alexandra Keeley Bunting, Lee Jason Schuneman, Philip Robert Harrison
  • Patent number: 9485558
    Abstract: A flying disc is disclosed that can be used in recreational activities. The flying disc includes a body having an aerodynamic design. A sound reproduction device housing is attached to the body. A sound reproduction device is positioned in the sound reproduction device housing that is configured to generate audible music via an audio transducer when the sound reproduction device is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Grant Alan Balbach
  • Patent number: 9456597
    Abstract: A game call that includes a push rod, a friction plate, a striker, first and second biasing members, and a locking sleeve. The push rod includes distal and proximal end portions. The friction plate is mounted to the push rod. The first biasing member is configured to bias the push rod in a proximal direction. The second biasing member is configured to rotate the friction plate into contact with the striker. The locking sleeve is connected to the push rod and configured to fix an axial position of the friction plate relative to the striker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: PRIMOS, INC.
    Inventors: Justin Ebarb, Anthony Foster
  • Patent number: 9414582
    Abstract: A box-type game call having a striking portion that can be moved between a plurality of striking positions is provided. The game call may incorporate a plurality of sound rails, whereby the striking portion may be pivotally connected relative to the plurality of sound rails, along at least two axes of rotation, so as to be movable to operatively engage each sound rail separately from a variety of striking positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Inventor: Eric Wayne Steinmetz
  • Patent number: 9318912
    Abstract: An inductive power supply system to identify remote devices using unique identification frequencies. The system can inductively provide power to a remote device at different frequencies, and can sense reflected impedance of the remote device. The system further includes a plurality of different remote devices, each having a unique resonance frequency. In operation, the AIPS is capable of identifying the type of remote device present in the inductive field by applying power to a remote device at a plurality of unique identification frequencies until the remote device establishes resonance in response to one of the identification frequencies. The AIPS can recognize when resonance has been established by evaluating sensor data, which is representative of the reflected impedance of the remote device. The AIPS may pull operating parameters for the remove device from memory to ensure efficient operation and to assist in recognizing fault conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema
  • Patent number: 9155296
    Abstract: A striker for game calling including a body portion, a releasable locking device located at one end of the body portion, and a peg extending from the body portion and held to the body portion by the releasable locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: EVERGREEN HUNTING LLC
    Inventor: James P. Moss
  • Patent number: 9149734
    Abstract: A toy barber shop assembly allows a user to imitate cutting and styling hair within the setting of a simulated barber shop environment. The assembly includes a playhouse having a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending between the top wall and the bottom wall. Each of the top wall, the bottom wall and the perimeter wall define an interior of the playhouse. A chair and at least one hairstyling implement are provided and are sized for positioning within the interior of the playhouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventors: Bryan Edwards, Crystal Edwards
  • Patent number: 9101830
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a motion-responsive entertainment garment, including apparatuses and methods, for wearing and hands-free use by a user in connection with the playing of a game and that detects and identifies pre-defined movements, or pre-defined patterns of movements, of the user's arms and/or hands associated with the game and produces corresponding pre-defined sound and/or lighting effects in response thereto. According to an example embodiment, the motion-responsive garment comprises a garment having an electronic controller with a speaker for producing pre-defined sound effects, one or more accelerometers communicatively connected to the controller and configured to produce output data in response to and representative of movement of the garment user's arms and/or hands, and one or more light emitting devices configured to produce pre-defined lighting effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Geeknet, Inc.
    Inventors: Hilary Hoops, Tyson Liotta
  • Patent number: 9021989
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an ultrasonic stimulating pet toy and, more specifically, to a mouse-like pet toy comprising a sound chip assembly that emits ultrasonic vocalizations that replicate those studied in mice. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Steven Tsengas
  • Publication number: 20150097349
    Abstract: As one implementation example, an apparatus is described which comprises a base, the base comprising a plurality of wheels which enable the base to be moveable. The apparatus further comprises a frame, wherein the frame is removably engaged with the base, a handle engaged with a top portion or a back side of the frame, an interactive element engaged with at least a front side of the frame, and an attachment means engaged with the back side of the frame, thereby enabling the frame to be engaged with a different apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Sybil Michelle Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150093959
    Abstract: A harmonica-style goose call is described. A user assumes a blow position and by blowing through a blow space onto a diaphragm which vibrates and emits a tone. The blow space is made from interior profiles of varying depth on engaged housings. This permits the user to alter the pitch of the tone by selectively altering the blow position. In this way, the user can imitate the sound of a goose by altering the blowing three and the blow position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Kelly OVAYUAK
  • Patent number: 8983088
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a set of interactive coasters. Specifically, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a set of musically interacting coasters which harmonize when placed in proximity to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20150050861
    Abstract: Noise-making assemblies are presented including: a self-recovering stretchable element; and at least one noise-making element mechanically coupled with and along the self-recovering stretchable element at a number of attachment points, where the at least one noise-making element forms slack portions between the number of attachment points when the self-recovering stretchable element is in a relaxed position, where the slack portions are flattened when the self-recovering stretchable element is in an extended position, and where when the self-recovering stretchable element extends from the relaxed position to the extended position, the at least one noise-making elements emits a noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Charles W. Lamprey, JR.
  • Patent number: 8956197
    Abstract: A foot-operated antler rattling simulator device having a base and a moveable pedal moving a pair of sound plates having a plurality of protuberances extending therefrom to simulate the sound of antlers smashing together and rattling while engaged. The sound plates are selectively removable to tailor the antler sound to specific species of antlered animals. An optional embodiment includes a deer grunt, also actuated by the foot apparatus independent of operation of the antler rattle, allowing a hunter to simulate antler noises and grunting of two bucks fighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Deane Owen Elliott
  • Patent number: 8944879
    Abstract: A game call device includes a game caller having a game caller box with a sound chamber, a petrified wood strike plate carried by the game caller box and a striker adapted for scraping against the strike plate of the game caller to produce simulated game sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventors: Keith Williams, Tad Hobbs
  • Publication number: 20140370780
    Abstract: The Deer Cutter is a hand held friction device that replicates the sound of a squirrel cutting/feeding on a nut. This invention creates a cutting sound that deer and other wild animals listen for to ensure the area is free from danger or threats. The Deer Cutter has been field tested for two years and has shown success in luring in deer, turkeys, coyotes and squirrels. The device consists of a spear/arrowhead shaped device with a stainless steel grate in the center that create the desired cutting sound when stricken with the brass striker stick. The Deer Cutter is the only device that creates a false environment by creating the cutting sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Leroy Cologie
  • Patent number: 8911277
    Abstract: An interactive toy for interacting with a user while a story is being read aloud from a book or played from a movie/video. The toy includes a speech recognition unit that receives and detects certain triggering phrases as they are read aloud or played from a companion literary work. The triggering phrase read aloud from the book or played in the movie/video may have independent significance or may only have significance when combined with other phrases read aloud from the book or played in the movie/video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jennifer R. Garbos, Timothy G. Bodendistel, Peter B. Friedmann
  • Publication number: 20140357153
    Abstract: Apparatus for use with a bottle or other tube structure including a wall which extends from a first end to a second end. A cover piece is attachable to the tube structure along one end about a tube opening. One end of a rod member is attached to the cover piece. With a mass attached to a second end of the rod member, when the second rod member end and the mass are positioned within the tube, the rod member and the mass can be swung within the tube, causing the mass to hit the wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Geoffrey Porter Carroll
  • Publication number: 20140357154
    Abstract: A device which uses air to produce olfactory auditory convergence includes a compressible body which has an internal cavity which contains the air. A noise making mechanism is connected to the compressible body. An odor producing material is disposed within the internal cavity. When the compressible body is compressed, the air is expelled from the internal cavity and passes through the noise making mechanism causing it to make noise, the expelled air contains an odor from the odor producing material. In an embodiment, the device is connected to a target article such as a toy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Ashley Richmond
  • Patent number: 8827761
    Abstract: There is provided a toy (A) adapted to have an interaction with at least one other such toy (B), comprising: a processor (1700) and a memory (1702) coupled to said processor; wherein said processor comprises: means (1704) for generating an output signal representative of an action to be performed; and means for generating a trigger (1706) signal, for reception at least one other such toy, to trigger said other such toy to perform an action before the said toy has completed its own action. Furthermore, the trigger signal is generated at pre-determined time interval after said toy has initiated its own action, or the trigger signal is generated at a pre-determined time interval before said toy has completed its own action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hydrae Limited
    Inventors: Steven Lipman, Robert Frederick Kilbride-Newman, Alon Shmuel
  • Patent number: 8821209
    Abstract: An interactive amusement device and a method therefor are disclosed. The device plays a musical soundtrack in a first game iteration. A sequence of user input actions received during this learning mode is detected, and an output signal is generated in response. Timestamps for each of the user input actions is stored into memory. Additionally, the output signal is generated on at least one interval of the user input actions based on the stored timestamps, and is coordinated with the play back of a second musical soundtrack during a second game iteration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Peter Sui Lun Fong
    Inventors: Peter Sui Lun Fong, Xi-Song Zhu, Kelvin Yat-Kit Fong
  • Publication number: 20140235136
    Abstract: A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the mobile agent and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the mobile agent, whereupon the microcontroller of the mobile agent controls detailed movement of the mobile agent on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the mobile agent to implement the action on the drivable surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Anki, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Sofman, Hanns W. Tappeiner, Mark Palatucci
  • Publication number: 20140187119
    Abstract: An electronic toy with synchronized sound and lighting system that utilizes projectiles, and method, including a base, a projectile, pre-recorded sounds, a speaker, LED lights, and various circuitry. The invention can be programmed to operate in standby mode at all times, and will power-on when the user locks the projectile into the locking unit. The invention is programmed to initiate synchronized sequences of lights and sounds based on the user's locking and loading of a projectile into the invention, rather than through the use of unnecessary buttons or an on/off switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: 1-Star Entertainment LLC
    Inventors: Martin Barry Abrams, Joel Resenzweig
  • Publication number: 20140179197
    Abstract: The invention comprises a toy or toy vehicle with an electronic device, including a small portable electronic device, capable of playing audio-visual images to simulate a face, and integrated into the toy or toy vehicle. The electronic device has or is connected to an LCD screen that serves as the face of a toy or toy vehicle so as to simulate the appearance of being alive. Images of live, recorded or pre-recorded talking faces stored on software would play on the LCD screen. The toy can be a simulated head, simulated toy vehicle, doll, toy vehicle, or computer monitor with fasteners for accessories to make the toy look like a person, animal, cartoon character, insect, dinosaur, robot, plant, or thing with living characteristics, such as a clock with hands and feet. The toy vehicle can be a plane, train, automobile, flying saucer, bicycle, tricycle, wagon, bus, truck, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Dyana BRADLEY
  • Patent number: 8684787
    Abstract: A rattle call for use in luring an antler-bearing game animal to a desired location includes a rib bearing sound member and a knob bearing sound member. The rib bearing sound member includes a rib plate with an upper side and a lower side, a receiving handle or sound chamber connected to the lower side of the plate, and a plurality of ribs extending from the upper side of the first plate. The knob bearing member includes a knob plate with an upper side and a lower side, an engaging handle connected to the first side of the knob plate, and a plurality of knobs extending from the upper side of the knob plate in a position complementary to the plurality of ribs on the first plate for generating a rattle sound when the ribs contact the knobs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: EBSCO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Burcham, John Woller, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8672725
    Abstract: A scent-free game call mouthpiece section, with a photographic camouflaged or photographic decorative image displayed thereon, in a manner such that paint fragments and VOCs from the camouflaged or decorative image are restrained from contacting the mouth of the game call user, or otherwise being released into the atmosphere around the game call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher R. Betts
  • Patent number: 8662983
    Abstract: An electronic game system (100, FIG. 1) displays game element images (246, FIG. 2) within multiple game element areas (240). If a triggering event occurs (312, FIG. 3), a set of video images (402, FIG. 4) is overlayed over one or more of the game element images. Portions of the game element images may be visible during at least a portion of the duration of the set of video images. Various game element images (504, FIG. 5) can be replaced with altered images (608, FIG. 6) and/or other game element images (702, FIG. 7) while the set of video images is being displayed, thus causing the appearance that the set of video images is interacting with the game elements. Embodiments are incorporated into a wagering game system, such as an electronic slot machine game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: WMS Gaming Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Wadleigh
  • Publication number: 20140051325
    Abstract: A toy system having two toy vehicles and a figurine for enhanced play value. One toy vehicle is large, has three actuators and front and rear ramps. The first actuator causes the large vehicle to open its sides to form a playset. The second actuator is located on a risible ladder with a platform having a trap door floor and enables the figurine to drop from the platform to the small toy vehicle. The third actuator launches the small toy vehicle down the front ramp from a storage compartment in the large toy vehicle after the small toy vehicle had been loaded into the storage compartment by opening the rear ramp. The small vehicle is transformable between a vehicle configuration and a robot configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: William M. Paukert, Dan Judkins, Eric Listenberger, Hiroyuki Nagasu
  • Patent number: 8641474
    Abstract: A toy play set comprising a master toy member and two or more accessory toy members. The master toy member comprises a power source, an audio driving circuit and an audio transducer. Each of said accessory toy member is configured to receive power from said master toy member by contact and to provide visual response and/or an audio sound through a speaker located at said master toy member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Ar-Fu Lam
  • Publication number: 20140017974
    Abstract: A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that is capable of assuming a plurality of different lateral positions while traveling along the surface. The mobile agent includes a drive motor, an imaging system, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller. The mobile agent is adapted to detect the markings as the mobile agent travels along the surface, to ascertain a current lateral position of the mobile agent with respect to the surface, and to maintain a substantially consistent lateral position of the mobile agent with respect to the surface (for example to follow a lane). A basestation may be provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. An action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and wirelessly communicated to the mobile agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Anki, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Sofman, Hanns W. Tappeiner, Mark Palatucci
  • Patent number: 8602836
    Abstract: A prank apparatus includes a base unit, a driving device and a decorative unit. The base unit includes a housing, a support rack, a sounder, a sensor, a power supply, and a control board. The driving includes a mounting seat a drive wheel, a drive motor, a driven wheel, a support bar, and two torsion springs. The decorative unit includes an extension shank having a first end connected with the support bar and a second end provided with a guide slot, a movable pin movably mounted in the guide slot, a first link having a first end pivotally connected with the movable pin, a decorative body connected with a second end of the first link, and a second link having a first end pivotally connected with the support rack and a second end pivotally connected with the first link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Jamie Wirt
  • Publication number: 20130324009
    Abstract: The device includes an accelerometer for sensing movement in more than one direction, a sound chip for generating a pre-recorded sound in response to the sensed movement and a circuit for controlling the speed at which the pre-recorded sound is generated in response to the sensed movement, as a function of the direction of the sensed movement. The accelerometer senses the magnitude of movement. The sound chip generates sound in response to movement of a magnitude exceeding a pre-set level. The accelerator senses movement in at least two, preferably three directions. The sound chip includes an oscillator which determines the speed at which a pre-recorded sound is processed. The control means provides a control signal which sets the sound chip to generate the sound signal with a speed which is a function of the number of directions of sensed movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: SynCon InVentures, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Pascale