Remotely Controlled Patents (Class 446/454)
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Patent number: 7927170Abstract: A portable device comprises a motor for providing vibration, a power source for powering the motor, a switching device for controlling the direction of the motor, propelling means for engaging a surface and for propelling the device when the motor is vibrating, the propelling means extending downwardly at an angle to the vertical, and an input device connected to the switching device, the switching device arranged to switch the direction of the motor when the input device receives a predetermined signal. Advantageously, the propelling means comprise a set of bristles. By using angled bristles, this increases friction in the backwards direction and so causes the device to move forwards when vibrating. The bristles dig into surface when vibration tries to move the object backwards, and the bristles slide over surface when vibration tries to move object forwards.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: JKID LimitedInventors: Matthew James Bickerton, Michael Lee Simpson
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Publication number: 20110065351Abstract: A remote controlled transformable toy vehicle that is remotely transformable from a standing position to a flying position, where the toy performs like a helicopter and also to a driving position, where the toy performs like a wheeled vehicle. Transformations are carried out on-the-fly by remote control and the toy vehicle has the ability to maintain proper center of gravity for stable flight, takeoff and landing. Also provided is a remotely controlled toy vehicle that is driven by a rotating blade system so as to both drive over the ground and hover or fly in the air.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: Spin Master Ltd.Inventors: Jeff CORSIGLIA, Charles SINK, Mark LADISLAO
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Patent number: 7905761Abstract: A vehicle toy combination includes a wireless controlled toy vehicle having a mobile platform configured to move over a surface. A central controller on the platform is configured to control at least one aspect of the toy vehicle. A hand-held manually actuable wireless controller is configured to remotely control user selected movement of the toy vehicle. Multiple vehicles can be controlled simultaneously with multiple wireless, manually operated controllers operating at the same frequency by initially synchronizing the controllers to transmit in non-overlapping windows.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Nicholas Weiss, LaVonne Erick Strand, Joseph T. Moll, Vikas Kumar Sinha, Justin Discoe, David Vincent Helmlinger, Gregory Nungester, Frank William Winkler, Charles Stewart McCall, Jesse Dorogusker
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Publication number: 20110053457Abstract: A toy vehicle is provided with front and rear wheelbase mechanisms. Both are movably secured to a chassis, but the front mechanism moves two front segments positioned within two channels on the chassis and the rear mechanism moves a rear segment with a rear axle pivotally secured to a lower portion of the rear segment. The segments include rotatable wheels. There is also provided a motor and a clutch. The clutch is in communication with the front and rear wheelbase mechanisms. The motor when moved in a first direction engages the clutch to direct the front wheelbase mechanism to raise and lower the front segments. The motor when moved in a second direction engages the clutch to direct the rear wheelbase mechanism to raise and lower the rear segment and rear axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: Steven Rehkemper, Ryan Kratz, Phillip Fensil
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Patent number: 7896725Abstract: A radio controlled two wheeled vehicle incorporates a disposition of two motors, a gear system and electronics to provide a balancing and mobility during operation. There is a low center of gravity provided by relatively heavy wheels. The two-wheeled vehicle provides increased balancing at slower speeds between the drive system motors. In the motorbike, and a figurine having movable joints is attachable to the bike and provides for tilting of the bike and steering effects during the bike operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Silverlit LimitedInventor: Wai Chiu Lo
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Patent number: 7895301Abstract: A hypertext document containing a selection criterion for a desired codeset is transmitted from a web server to a web client on the computer of a user of an electronic consumer device. The user selects a desired codeset and sends a designation of the selection criterion from the web client on his computer back to the web server. The designation of the selection criterion is used to select the desired codeset from a central database of codesets. The desired codeset is then transmitted from the web server to the web client on the user's computer. A pin of an integrated circuit in the user's remote control device is coupled to a single-wire communication bus. The user's remote control device is coupled to the user's computer via the single-wire communication bus. The desired codeset is then transmitted from the user's computer over the single-wire communication bus to the remote control device.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: UEI Cayman Inc.Inventors: Daniel SauFu Mui, Joshua J. Nekl
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Patent number: 7880414Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is further configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Lionel L.L.C.Inventors: Dennis J. Denen, Neil P. Young, Gary L. Moreau, Martin Pierson, Robert Grubba
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Patent number: 7862400Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Justin Discoe, Joseph T. Moll, Kevin Pasko, Paulo Kang, Steven Verbera
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Publication number: 20100330875Abstract: A model train and layout control system based on on-board sound and locomotive modules, new signaling methods, bi-directional communication, environmental sound, turnout control, train location methods, computer interaction and accessory control, by adding components to existing technology. AC power signal waveforms are variously altered to convey digital command words.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: QS Industries, Inc.Inventor: Frederick E. Severson
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Publication number: 20100323578Abstract: A system and method is provided for selectively directing smoke in a model train or other model vehicle. In one embodiment, a directional fan is used to guide smoke to one of at least two output ports. When the fan is rotated in a first direction, air is drawn in through a first port and smoke is directed out of a second port. When the fan is reversed, the flow of air is reversed to draw air in through the second port and to direct smoke out through the first port. In another embodiment, multiple blower units are connected to a common smoke generating unit and can be selectively operated to direct smoke to plural locations within a model vehicle. The volume an speed of smoke can be variably controlled, and audio effects can be synchronized with smoke visual effects for added realism.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2009Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: BRUCE R. KOBALL, Richard James Mosher, John T. Ricks, Tyler R. Brooks
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Patent number: 7833080Abstract: The invention relates to a control system and method for electric toy vehicles. The invention is suitable for vehicles which are controlled using a control element, which are actuated by an electric micromotor and which move on tracks comprising a guide groove which is flanked by electronductive tracks. Moreover, each vehicle is provided with a dynamic current collector and guide assembly comprising a guide flange which keeps the vehicle on the track. The inventive system comprises a transmitting control device which is associated with the above-mentioned control element in order to transmit signals in the form of digital waves which control the operation of the vehicle, a control device which receives the aforementioned signals and which is built into the vehicle, and actuation means which are connected to said receiving device. According to the invention, the signals are applied to at least one electronductive track which can be shared temporarily by at least two vehicles equipped with respective receivers.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Winkler International, SAInventors: Luis M. Arnaumanresa, Ignacio Domingo Garcia, Rafael Ortiz Ontoria, Andrés Lopez Saiz
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Patent number: 7803032Abstract: A remote-control toy is provided that includes: a controller that transmits a control signal containing an operating instruction based on an operation instruction by a user; a driving device that is driven and controlled based on the control signal; and an extension unit that is capable of receiving the control signal. The extension unit includes: a unit main body and a signal processing device that can be detachably connected to the unit main body. In the unit main body, the received control signal is output to the signal processing device, and processing according to an instruction signal output from the signal processing device is performed. In the signal processing device, the contents of the operating instruction contained in the control signal that is output from the unit main body are discriminated, and an instruction signal based on the operation corresponding to the contents is output to the unit main body.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2004Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Yamaguchi, Yasuhiro Kajihara
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Patent number: 7794302Abstract: A rotating flying vehicle in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention includes a hub having an outer perimeter, an outer ring having a diameter greater than the outer perimeter, a plurality of blades extending outwardly and downwardly connecting the hub to the outer ring, and a plurality of rotor assemblies. Each rotor assembly further includes a motor to spin a propeller, where the propellers are positioned beneath the plurality of blades. The propellers when spinning will cause the hub, blades, and outer ring to sufficiently rotate and generate lift such that the vehicle will fly. The vehicle also includes a system for determining a directional point of reference for the rotor assemblies when the vehicle is rotating and includes a control system to fly the vehicle in a specified direction relative to a remote controller.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Inventor: Steven Davis
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Patent number: 7780498Abstract: A remote controlled aircraft may include a deployable main parachute, deployable paratroopers stored in the coils of helical spring actuator and moved into deployment position by rotation of the actuator. The actuator may be operated within a storage compartment configured to fit the actuator and to maintain alignment of the paratroopers before deployment. The remote control may include individual engine boost buttons and selectable, preprogrammed engine speeds. A secondary remote controlled aircraft may also be mounted for deployment on the main aircraft. Various configurations and combinations of elements and features are disclosed and may be claimed.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: MGA Entertainment, Inc.Inventors: Yuval Caspi, Chung Ming Leung
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Patent number: 7758399Abstract: A vehicle toy combination includes a wireless controlled toy vehicle having a mobile platform configured to move over a surface. A central controller on the platform is configured to control at least one aspect of the toy vehicle. A hand-held manually actuable wireless controller is configured to remotely control user selected movement of the toy vehicle. An optical receiver is attached to the platform to look downward on the surface and is coupled to the central controller. The receiver is configured to read a predetermined reflective pattern located on the surface over which the toy vehicle moves. Multiple vehicles can be controlled simultaneously with multiple wireless, manually operated controllers operating at the same frequency by initially synchronizing the controllers to transmit in non-overlapping windows.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Nicholas Weiss, LaVonne Erick Strand, Joseph T. Moll, Vikas Kumar Parkhie Sinha, Justin Discoe, David Vincent Helmlinger, Gregory Nungester, Frank William Winkler, Charles Stewart McCall, Jesse Dorogusker
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Patent number: 7753755Abstract: A motorized toy vehicle or Wall Racer that is capable of operating on vertical and inverted horizontal surfaces such as walls and ceilings, while being manufacturable at reasonable cost and operable on batteries having sufficient lifetime as to be enjoyable. One or more battery-powered fans draw air from around all or defined portions of the periphery of the interior volume of the Wall Racer through a carefully-shaped duct, so that the air in the portion of the duct immediately adjacent the surface flows at high velocity and low pressure; the relatively greater pressure of the surrounding air urges the vehicle against the surface, allowing it to adhere to vertical surfaces, such as walls, or operated inverted on horizontal surfaces, such as ceilings.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Inventors: Leonard R. Clark, Jr., H. Peter Greene, Jr.
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Patent number: 7753756Abstract: An external positioning data linked radio controlled system and method for radio controlled vehicle (RCV) racing emulation including an infield RCV control device for receiving externally generated positional data from remote race vehicles on a remote race course, receiving locally input control signals from a user, an electronically reproduced racecourse map of the remote racecourse in a memory used to compute an electronic boundary for RCV devices, and error correction signals generated from feedback from an RCV. The infield RCV control device transmits wireless local control RCV signals containing RCV position, speed and direction data to each of a plurality RCVs responsive to the wireless local control RCV signals. The wireless local control RCV signals containing RCV position, speed and direction data based on processing the externally generated positional data, the locally input control signals, the electronically reproduced racecourse map, and error correction signals.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2005Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: MT Remote Systems, LLCInventors: Bryan R. McDermott, Walter L. Toney, Aron Z. Kain
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Patent number: 7749045Abstract: A system and method of conditioning acceleration signals and/or preventing “glitch” actions due to spurious signals, and/or causing termination a competition, and/or disabling a specific contestant in a competition involving remote controlled miniature race vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Inventors: Kerry T. Namanny, Keith E. Namanny, Kenneth D. Namanny, Barrett D. Moser
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Publication number: 20100167625Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for controlling a toy ATV comprising: a motorized toy ATV, where said ATV is ridable by a child; and an adult operated remote control, where said remote control controls the functions of the ATV and enables an adult to actively control the movement of the ATV while the child rides the ATV. The remote control may include a means to toggle the control of the ATV between the adult remote control and child-operated controls on the ATV. The functions controlled the remote control may include forward, reverse, turning, stopping, starting and speed of the ATV. The remote control includes a mechanism to toggle between the adult controlled remote control and child operated controls on the ATV. In one exemplary embodiment, the remote control has a control radius of at least twenty feet.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventor: TREMOND CONWAY
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Patent number: 7731588Abstract: An apparatus for remotely controlling the movements of a vehicle includes a user input means, such as a gamepad with a plurality of joystick-controlled and button-controlled outputs, a tracker, and optional sliding foot pedals; a processor for running a control mapping algorithm; and a remote vehicle controller. A control mapping algorithm maps the outputs to the remote-controlled vehicle's course, heading, displacement, and camera view, with the joysticks mapped to provide open loop directional control over the vehicle's course and heading, the tracker providing open loop control over the camera view, and the optional sliding foot pedals providing open loop control over the vehicle's displacement. The remote vehicle controller sends commands to on-board controls to direct the vehicle's movement. A video stream from an on-board camera is transmitted back to the operator station for viewing on a computer desktop display or a head mountable display.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: James N Templeman
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Publication number: 20100112897Abstract: Methods of establishing a fully operable remotely controlled model vehicle system for a model vehicle. The method includes the steps of transferring a model vehicle, including a receiver for receiving a control signal from a remote control signal source to control operation of the model vehicle, the transfer being from a first party to a second party, and the transfer taking place without the remote control signal source, and the second party providing the remote control signal source following transfer of the model vehicle to the second party to complete the fully operable remotely controlled model vehicle system. The transfer from the first party to the second party may be a sale of the model vehicle with the receiver, but without the remote control signal source.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventor: David Ribbe
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Patent number: 7704119Abstract: A remote control game system comprises two or more game sets, each game set having one or more remote control vehicles and an associated control console. Each of the remote control vehicles comprises: a vehicle body; one or more offensive components mounted with the vehicle body; each of the offensive components operable to communicate at least one offensive signal; one or more sensors mounted with the vehicle body, each of the sensors operable to detect the offensive signal, and in response, to generate a hit signal; and one or more drive components. The drive components are (a) responsive to commands from the control console, to move the vehicle body and operate the offensive components, and (b) responsive to the hit signal to degrade operation of one or both of the vehicle body and offensive components.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Inventor: Janet E. Evans
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Patent number: 7695338Abstract: A toy construction set comprising a first toy construction element configured to resemble a toy construction element and toy construction elements which contains electronic units controllable from said first element, wherein the elements form an integrated toy structure when incorporated therein. The first toy construction element has means, integrated within it, for programming the element by means of a user interface and for storing a program to provide controlled actions of the structure within which it is incorporated. Additionally, the first toy construction element is configured to transmit the program as a download program to a second construction toy.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Lego ASInventors: Mike Dooley, Gaute Munch, Jesper Rasmussen
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Patent number: 7694705Abstract: Both a “grip” run and a drift run of a remote control car are achieved by fitting rings to an outer peripheral surface of a tire or tires. In a drift tire, at least one annular groove is formed on an outer surface of an annular body of a tire main body in a circumferential direction, at least one ring made of a different material and/or shape from that of the annular body is fitted to the annular groove, and the ring is level with or protrudes from the outer surface of the annular body.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Yokomo Ltd.Inventor: Tomoaki Yokobori
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Publication number: 20100062817Abstract: The invention relates to a method of defining a common frame of reference for a video game system. The system comprises at least two remotely-controlled vehicles (1), a first vehicle and a second vehicle, each comprising a video sensor (19), and a reference element (69) with recognizable zones (71). The method comprises the following steps: positioning the first vehicle relative to the reference element (69) in such a manner that the recognizable zones (71) are in the field of view of the video sensor (19) of the first vehicle; processing the image delivered by the video sensor (19) of the positioned first vehicle in order to identify the recognizable zones (71) in the image; deducing the position of the first vehicle relative to the reference element (69) by identifying the recognizable zones (71); and transmitting the position of the first vehicle to the second vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2007Publication date: March 11, 2010Applicant: PARROTInventor: Henri Seydoux
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Patent number: 7662017Abstract: A toy vehicle comprises a lift mechanism which allows the toy vehicle to be lifted from a support surface in a lifting motion and roll end over end over end. The lift mechanism includes a lift arm pivotally mounted to a housing of the toy vehicle. A lift arm actuating motor is coupled to a lift arm drive screw that is in threaded engagement with a lift arm drive nut. A strut is coupled between the drive nut and the lift arm. In operation, the lift arm actuating motor drives the lift arm drive screw and causes the lift arm drive nut to drive the strut and move the lift arm into an extended position, causing the lift arm to engage a support surface to lift the toy vehicle. In the extended position, the toy vehicle is sufficiently rounded to permit the vehicle to roll end over end over end.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2006Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Joseph T. Moll, Justin Discoe, Vladimir Leonov, Nathan Bloch, John M. Clements, Gregory Garneau
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Patent number: 7658663Abstract: Toys and toy components are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The percentage by weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination thereof is between about 20% and 50% of the weight of the conductive loaded resin-based material. The micron conductive powders are metals or conductive non-metals or metal plated non-metals. The micron conductive fibers may be metal fiber or metal plated fiber. Further, the metal plated fiber may be formed by plating metal onto a metal fiber or by plating metal onto a non-metal fiber. Any platable fiber may be used as the core for a non-metal fiber. Superconductor metals may also be used as micron conductive fibers and/or as metal plating onto fibers in the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Integral Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Aisenbrey
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Patent number: 7607961Abstract: Various degradation features are disclosed for a remotely controlled vehicle. Translatable body components are disclosed for simulating damage to a vehicle. Impact sensors may be provided for detecting an impact to the vehicle and modifying operation of the vehicle in response to an impact. A timer may be provided for hampering operations of the vehicle as a function of time for simulating real life conditions. Controls, and methods associated with these features are disclosed as well as games for utilizing the degradation features.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2006Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Inventors: Marc Lorelli, Michael D. Turner
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Publication number: 20090233521Abstract: The control of a plurality of toy vehicles (10, 12) using a plurality of operating devices (14, 15) is effected in such a manner that the speed of the toy vehicles (10, 12) is controlled by means of a tappet (26). Each operating device (14, 16) is uniquely assigned to a toy vehicle (10, 12). The operating devices (14, 16) are connected to a control center (18). The latter converts the positions of the actuating elements (26, 28) of each operating device (14, 16) into digitally coded signals and adds a digital address, which identifies a particular operating device (14, 16), to each digitally coded signal or data packet. The control center (18) sends the data packets via the bus bars of the motor racing track, as symbolized with arrows (30), with the result that said data packets are picked up in each toy vehicle (10, 12) using the current collectors 922) and are forwarded to the respective digital decoder (24).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2007Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: STADLBAUER SPIEL- UND FREIZEITARTIKEL GMBHInventors: Uwe Haass, Roman Missler
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Publication number: 20090203292Abstract: A motorized toy vehicle or Wall Racer that is capable of operating on vertical and inverted horizontal surfaces such as walls and ceilings, while being manufacturable at reasonable cost and operable on batteries having sufficient lifetime as to be enjoyable. One or more battery-powered fans draw air from around all or defined portions of the periphery of the chassis of the Wall Racer through a carefully-shaped duct, so that the air in the portion of the duct immediately adjacent the surface flows at high velocity and low pressure; the relatively greater pressure of the surrounding air urges the vehicle against the surface, allowing it to operate on vertical surfaces, such as walls, or inverted on horizontal surfaces, such as ceilings.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventors: Leonard R. Clark, JR., H. Peter Greene, JR.
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Patent number: 7568538Abstract: Battery charging assemblies for children's ride-on vehicles, and children's ride-on vehicles that include the same. The charging assemblies may include a power adapter that is adapted to be electrically connected to a power source, a charger cord, and a charging connector that is adapted to electrically interconnect with the rechargeable battery of the ride-on vehicle. The battery charging assemblies further include at least one protective element to prevent or significantly reduce backflow current from the battery into the battery charging assembly. The protective element may be located in the charging probe or at any point along the charger cord of the battery charging assembly. The protective element may include any suitable current-limiting or current-interrupting device. Examples of such current limiting devices include, without limitation, a fuse, a circuit breaker, an anti-backflow diode, and a resettable fuse such as a positive temperature coefficient resistor (PTC resistor).Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Steven Robert Drosendahl, Stephen J. Michalak, Jeffrey W. Reynolds
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Publication number: 20090183708Abstract: A starting module assembly of a remote control car includes an engine mount and a starter. A seat cover and a fixed base are installed outside the engine mount. A transmission gear cylinder is installed between assembling holes of the seat cover and the fixed base. An actuation gear is engaged between two transmission gear cylinders and sheathed into a spindle bearing of the engine mount for switching the direction of directly installing the engine mount. The starter has a penetrating ventilation hole at the front end of the upper half portion for dissipating heat produced by the electric motor. An external cover for fixing the rechargeable battery is pivotally coupled for preventing the external cover from being separated or fallen off when the cover is lifted. Further, a space is reserved at the front end of the upper half portion for installing an electric motor of different sizes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2008Publication date: July 23, 2009Inventor: Jung-Yuang Liu
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Patent number: 7563150Abstract: A remote control toy system includes a plurality of sets each including a transmitter and a movable machine controlled on the basis of a control signal transmitted from the transmitter. An attack signal is transmitted from the movable machine on the basis of an attack order contained in the control signal and transmitted from the transmitter in response to an attack operation of a user. Damages due to an attack are processed and executed on a movable machine that has received the attack signal. Each of the movable machines includes a device for storing own offensive power information, a device for generating the attack signal that contains the offensive power information, a device for transmitting the attack signal, and a device for executing processing to make a degree of damage different, according to the offensive power discriminated from the received attack signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Yamaguchi, Ryoji Hayashi
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Patent number: 7553211Abstract: A system and method for controlling toy vehicles has a plurality of pads coupled to a central station. Switches in the pads may be closed to select toy vehicles and the operation of motors for moving the vehicles forwardly, rearwardly, to the left and to the right and moving upwardly and downwardly a receptacle or bin for holding transportable elements (e.g. marbles). The pads may be set in a mode to allow sharing of a vehicle by more than one pad. The pads are connected by wires to the central station, and may be interrogated selectively, sequentially or simultaneously by the central station. The central station forms packets of signals representative of the switch closures of the interrogated pads, and transmits the packets over a modulated carrier frequency to receivers in the vehicles. Each of the packets includes a binary signal addressing the vehicle selected by the pad whose switch closures are represented by the packet of data.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1997Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Inventor: Peter C. DeAngelis
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Publication number: 20090149113Abstract: A remotely controlled four-wheeled toy vehicle has first and second parallel rotational axes with a first pair of wheels disposed and rotational about the first rotational axis in first and second opposing directions, and a second pair of wheels disposed and rotational about the second rotational axis in first and second opposing directions. Each of the wheels has a circular periphery and a flap disposable in inboard and outboard positions. A remote control causes rotation of the first and/or second pairs, together or independently. The flaps are all disposed substantially on or within the circular peripheries of their associated wheels during their inboard positions and all extend external to the circular peripheries during their outboard positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2007Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: Lund and Company Invention, L.L.C.Inventors: Bruce Lund, Cesar Ramirez
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Publication number: 20090124164Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: MATTEL, INC.Inventor: William Willett
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Patent number: 7507140Abstract: A play facility for a remote-control system including a transmitter 2 and a drive device 1 remote-controlled by drive data transmitted by the transmitter. The play facility includes a scramble signal generating device 106 which generates scramble signals to interfere with the remote control of the drive device by the transmitter, a scramble signal outputting device 55 which outputs the scramble signals to the play field, and a scramble signal control devices 100, 104 which switches between output and termination of the scramble signals from the scramble signal outputting device according to predetermined conditions.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Yamaguchi
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Publication number: 20090068925Abstract: A smart remote control system includes a remote controller and a remote control moving device. The remote controller includes a casing, a first direction finding unit, a signal transmission unit, and an operating unit that controls the advancing direction of the car. The remote control moving device includes a signal receiving unit to receive a control signal and a directional signal transmitted from the remote controller, a main control unit to receive the signal transmitted from the remote controller to control advancing speed and direction of the body, and a second direction finding unit detecting a relative direction between the remote controller and the moving device for the moving device to identify direction and move towards that direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Applicant: SOUTHERN TAIWAN UNIVERSITYInventor: YIH-RAN SHEU
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Patent number: 7497759Abstract: A rotating flying vehicle in accordance to an embodiment of the present invention includes a hub having an outer perimeter, an outer ring having a diameter greater than the outer perimeter, a plurality of blades extending outwardly and downwardly connecting the hub to the outer ring, and a plurality of rotor assemblies. Each rotor assembly further includes a motor to spin a propeller, where the propellers are positioned beneath the plurality of blades. The propellers when spinning will cause the hub, blades, and outer ring to sufficiently rotate and generate lift such that the vehicle will fly. The vehicle also includes a system for determining a directional point of reference for the rotor assemblies when the vehicle is rotating and includes a control system to fly the vehicle in a specified direction relative to a remote controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Inventor: Steven Davis
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Publication number: 20090053974Abstract: A retail store providing a customer with the opportunity to design, build and assemble your own customized vehicle and then race it on an in-store race track.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: David J. Domm, Blake E. Harper, Rocky Jones, Joel Blumberg, Abhinov Singh, Michael Wilks, Daniel Gott, Ryan McGlothlin
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Patent number: 7494398Abstract: A dual-wheel remotely controlled (RC) vehicle with two independently-controlled detachably attachable wheels is described. The RC vehicle comprises a body member having a right wheel and left wheel rotationally mounted proximate the body member. Each of the right and left wheels are drivably coupled with their own motors, such that each of the right and left wheels are independently controlled. Additionally, a quick release apparatus is included to provide for quick release of the wheels. Through use of the quick release apparatus, the wheels are interchangeable wheels and may be easily replaced with other interchangeable wheels. Furthermore, a stabilization apparatus is attached with the body member such that when the wheels are engaged, the stabilization apparatus is forced against a supporting surface, thereby preventing the body member from continuously spinning in place. Additionally, the detachably attachable wheels are formed to be used with devices other than a remotely controlled vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Jakks Pacific, Inc.Inventor: Dominic Laurienzo
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Patent number: 7496094Abstract: A method for arbitrating use of wireless medium for transmission of wireless signals within a selected local geographic region. The selected local geographic region comprises a first set of a plurality of devices to be allowed to transmit wireless signals and a second set of one or more devices to be substantially restricted from transmitting wireless signals. The method includes providing identity information associated with the first set of wireless devices. The method includes transmitting over a wireless medium at least one packet for each of the wireless devices in the first set. The at least one packet for each of the wireless devices includes an identity information, including an address, associated with that wireless device. That wireless device is a recipient of the one packet on the wireless medium. The at least one packet also has a selected value in a duration field of at least the one packet.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: AirTight Networks, Inc.Inventors: Krishnamurthy N. Gopinath, Pravin Bhagwat
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Patent number: 7491112Abstract: A mobile robotic device capable of collision detection includes a base frame, two connecting rods pivotably mounted to the base frame for contact with the switches, two gearboxes slidably mounted at bilateral sides of the base frame respectively, two driving mechanisms connected with the gearboxes, two switches mounted to the base frame for generating signals, two springy members connected with the base frame and the connecting rods for keeping the gearboxes rebounding backward, two wheels mounted to the two gearboxes respectively, and a control system mounted to the base frame for receiving the signals from the switches and driving the driving mechanisms and thus driving clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of the wheels.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: E-Supply Insternational Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hung-Kai Chen
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Patent number: 7481694Abstract: A remote control armored personnel carrier toy with trailer. The carrier and trailer feature multiple armaments, operational lights and rotatable cannons. Servos are used to control the functions of the carrier and trailer via the remote control dictations through airwaves. Both combustible fuel and electrically driven carriers are offered.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Inventor: Jonathan W. Benbow
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Patent number: 7479055Abstract: In a running device for a model (6) comprising a pair of motors (7), a pair of left and right wheels (8) which are independently driven by the pair of motors (7), and a control device (20) which controls operations of the pair of motors (7) based on instructions concerning speed and direction, the control device (20) controls the pair of motors (7) such that the pair of motors (7) are alternately rotated in an instructed direction when the instructed speed (Vm) is in a low speed range (L, M), and the pair of motors (7) are rotated in the instructed direction simultaneously when the instructed speed is in a high speed range (H) which is higher than the low speed range.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2004Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Konami CorporationInventor: Kazuyuki Saeki
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Publication number: 20080290598Abstract: A vehicle toy combination includes a wireless controlled toy vehicle having a mobile platform configured to move over a surface. A central controller on the platform is configured to control at least one aspect of the toy vehicle. A hand-held manually actuable wireless controller is configured to remotely control user selected movement of the toy vehicle. Multiple vehicles can be controlled simultaneously with multiple wireless, manually operated controllers operating at the same frequency by initially synchronizing the controllers to transmit in non-overlapping windows.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Applicant: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Nicholas Weiss, LaVonne Erick Strand, Joseph T. Moll, Vikas Kumar Parkhie Sinha, Justin Discoe, David Vincent Helmlinger, Gregory Nungester, Charles Stewart McCall, Jesse Dorogusker
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Publication number: 20080285628Abstract: A remote controller and a remotely controlled vehicle employ, at least in part, frequency hopping spread spectrum communications to communicate information between them. The remote controller transmits information for controlling the remotely controlled vehicle on substantially all of the frequencies of a hop sequence established by the two devices, but only transmits information indicative of the established communications between the devices on a subset of the frequencies of the sequence, the subset of frequencies comprising less than substantially all of the frequencies of the sequence. Additionally, the remote controller continues to transmit the information for controlling the remotely controlled vehicle on substantially all of the frequencies of the sequence even if the remotely controlled vehicle loses communication with the remote controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Alexander C. Gizis, Francis Charles Szczerba, SR., Joseph Paul Kopanic, III
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Patent number: 7429204Abstract: A toy vehicle with an electric drive is provided that is suitable for operation on a racetrack, and has a chassis with a rear-axle unit, including an electric motor, and a front-axle unit. In order to optimize the toy vehicle with respect to the type of construction and driving characteristics, the chassis has a center frame device extending between the rear-axle unit carrying the electric motor and the front-axle unit, on which center frame part, the rear-axle unit and the front-axle unit constructed in the manner of modules are held in position.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Uwe Reuter, Thomas Weidner, Ralf Kroener, Cong-Uan Doan
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Publication number: 20080220692Abstract: A toy vehicle has first, second and third wheels for movement over a surface. Each of the first, second and third wheels has a respective first, second and third axis of rotation that lies between the remaining two other axes of rotation such that the three axes of rotation are mutually adjoining. Each of the three axes of rotation crosses over the other two axes of rotation such that an angle is formed between each adjoining crossing pair of the axes of rotation where each angle is other than a multiple of 90 degrees. Each wheel is individually powered so that the toy vehicle can translate in any horizontal direction regardless of its facing direction. Two of the wheels can be realigned so their axes of rotation are collinear for conventional movement.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2007Publication date: September 11, 2008Applicant: MATTEL, INC.Inventors: Ronald L. Torres, Christopher J. Hardouin, Mark S. Mayer, Tin Hung Ngai, Chun Wing Wong
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Publication number: 20080207079Abstract: A remotely controlled transformable toy vehicle that is remotely transformable from a standing position to a flying position, where the toy performs like a helicopter and also to a driving position, where the toy performs like a wheeled vehicle. Transformations are carried out on-the-fly by remote control and the toy vehicle has the ability to maintain proper center of gravity for stable flight, takeoff and landing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Jeff Corsiglia, Charles Sink, James E. Elson