By Radio Signal Patents (Class 446/456)
  • Patent number: 6786796
    Abstract: A radio-controlled two-wheeled vehicle toy in which the number of parts is reduced by simplifying the structure and traveling stability is improved. The toy includes a main body, a front fork portion rotatably mounted so that the traveling direction can be changed via an inclined caster axis by a steering control portion provided in a front side of the main body, a front wheel mounted to the front fork portion, a travel driving portion having a driving motor mounted to a rear side of the main body via a rear wheel shock absorbing portion, a rear wheel mounted to the travel driving portion of the driving portion case, a flywheel for stabilizing travel integrally provided in the rear wheel, a receiving circuit for radio-controlling the direction and speed, and a battery supplying electric power to the steering control portion and the driving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Taiyo Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shohei Suto
  • Patent number: 6780077
    Abstract: A toy vehicle combination includes a master toy vehicle and a slave toy vehicle. The master toy vehicle includes a transmitter configured to broadcast an IR tracking signal. The slave toy vehicle includes at least first and second directional IR receivers configured to receive the tracking signal from different directions around the slave toy vehicle and is configured to follow or evade the master toy vehicle, which is conventionally remotely controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris T. Baumgartner, Joseph T. Moll, Truman J. Gilbert, Stephen N. Weiss, Nathan Bloch, David V. Helmlinger, Gregory Nungester
  • Patent number: 6758719
    Abstract: A radio controlled toy vehicle having a frame comprised of a first frame portion and a transmission assembly portion. The transmission assembly portion having two wheels connected to an axle to support the transmission assembly and an electric motor and gear system for moving the toy vehicle in a forward or reverse direction. The toy vehicle has a gear box with an electric motor a first and second rotatable cam. A rod connected to the transmission assembly and rotatably mounted on a pin and engaging a rod from on of the first rotatable cam to act as a cam follower moving the rod in an up and down direction when the first rotatable cam rotates thereby extending the transmission assembly. A second rod connected to a third wheel and engaging a rod located on the second rotatable cam distal to the wheel and acting as a cam follower wherein the rod moves in an up and down direction when the second rotatable cam rotates, thereby extending the wheel attached at the distal end of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Rudy Nava
  • Patent number: 6752684
    Abstract: A radio controlled toy vehicle that has the ability to transform from a compact (narrow wheel track) configuration to an expanded (wide wheel track) configuration. The toy vehicle includes at least one driving wheel. Left and right main transformation arms are attached to left and right chassis bodies. A transformation drive is adapted to cause the main transformation arms to move towards or away from each other when the transformation drive is actuated, thereby causing the left and right chassis bodies to move towards or away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Jason C. Lee
  • Patent number: 6746304
    Abstract: A remote-control toy car set includes a toy car, and a remote-control device. The toy car includes a body, a driving device, a stabilizer, a camera system, a sensor, and a first radio module. The remote-control device includes a servo device, a display, a remote-control interface, and a second radio module. Thus, the level indication image is directed toward the inclined direction of the toy car, so that the user can manipulate the toy car to roll in the direction opposite to the inclined direction of the toy car to compensate inclination of the inclined level indication image, so as to guide the toy car to return to the level stable state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Shu-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 6739942
    Abstract: An ultrasonic remote aeroplane for playing air-battle game includes a wing, a cockpit, a propeller, a tail pole, a fin, a rudder, a main remote circuit for receiving the propeller rotation controlling signal and rudder motion controlling signal carried high frequency carrier transmitted from a remote transmitter, and a driving system thereof. The remote aeroplane further includes an air-battle box including at least an ultrasonic transmitting tube, an ultrasonic receiving sensor, an attachment structure for fixing to the aeroplane, and a control circuit corresponding to them. The remote transmitter further transmits a high frequency carrier carrying a signal F3 for instructing the ultrasonic transmitting tube to transmit ultrasonic waves. The main remote circuit further includes a circuit for receiving the high frequency carrier carrying the signal F3 and separating out the signal F3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventors: Yu Tian, Wenyan Jiang
  • Patent number: 6733361
    Abstract: A wireless toy playset. The playset includes a small size vehicle that moves about a track. Movement of the vehicle is controlled by a wireless transmitter. At the discretion of a parent or end user the transmitter can either be structurally coupled to the track or physically separated from the track. By way of example, the transmitter may be docked into a docking station of the track. Structurally coupling the wireless transmitter to the track reduces the likelihood of separation, and possibly misplacement, of the transmitter from the playset. For example, when the playset is operated by a small child it may be desirable to structurally couple the wireless transmitter to the track to prevent the child from removing and losing the transmitter. When the child is older the transmitter may be removed from the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Elliot Rudell
  • Patent number: 6732015
    Abstract: A robot system includes a plurality of segments 3, joints 4 for linking the segments together, drive units 5 for actuating the joints, and a controller 8 for controlling the drive units. Further, the robot system has bladders 2 filled with a fluid being of lower specific gravity than the outside environment. A center of buoyancy differs from a center of gravity, and the robot system has a specific gravity of greater than 1 relative to the outside environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Maeda
  • Publication number: 20040082269
    Abstract: Radio control model aircraft achieve trim by an offset to the transmitted signal. The offset is generally set by a slider control. A remote control transmitter, is disclosed having a first input device for providing an input signal to which the transmitter is responsive to provide a control signal to control proportionally an operating parameter of a controlled apparatus. The input device has a neutral state, in which the input signal has a value of zero, corresponding to a desired neutral value of the operating parameter. Operation of a second input device causes the transmitter to provide an offset to the control signal in the same sense as any input to the first input device. The offset increases in value until the first input device is in its neutral state when the operating parameter has the neutral value. In the exemplary application, when the aircraft is flying straight and level, the second input device, which may be a push button, is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Elliot D H Wright
  • Patent number: 6705873
    Abstract: A controller for use with an operated object such as a model vehicle contains therein a memory. The movement of the model vehicle is stored in advance into the memory with each of push buttons in a keyboard unit of the controller. Once a “GO” button is pushed even during a manual operation, a signal to cause to perform the procedure stored in the memory is transmitted from an antenna which is provided in the controller. In this arrangement, the model vehicle can be subject to complicated operations even by an unskilled operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Thermal Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mitsuru Higashida
  • Publication number: 20040046686
    Abstract: A speed control system for a utility vehicle that includes a motor driven drive system. The control system comprises a controller associated with the motor to control the speed of the vehicle up to a set maximum speed. The maximum speed is set to one of at least two different maximum speed values, including a default lower-speed and a high-speed. An input device is associated with the controller and is configured to change the set maximum speed value to the high-speed value only upon entry of a preset passcode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: James R. Kerlin, Russell W. King, Alan E. Oester, William E. Shank
  • Patent number: 6692329
    Abstract: A guided toy vehicle may be operated with an onboard video camera. The video from the video camera may be transmitted to a control station for display by the user. In some embodiments of the present invention, the video may be transmitted from the vehicle to the control station over the same track that guides the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey W. Peters
  • Patent number: 6688936
    Abstract: The rotating toy in accordance with the present invention includes a hub having an outer portion rotatably connected to an inner portion. At least three rods extending outwardly from the hub to connect to an outer ring. A motor operably connected to a propeller is further disposed on each rob between the hub and the outer ring. In addition the rods are positioned such that each is offset by the same predetermined angle. When operating, the propellers spin in a first direction exerting a reaction torque in the opposite direction causing the outer portion to rotate in the opposite direction. The inner portion includes a plurality of legs with vanes that protruded outwardly such that the downward moving air is deflected causing the inner portion not to rotate. A tether attached to a control box and the rotating toy communicates a drive voltage to each motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Steven Davis
  • Patent number: 6682394
    Abstract: A radio controlled two wheeled vehicle incorporates flywheel technology in addition to a unique disposition of motors, gears and electronics provides superior stability and mobility during operation. A flywheel is disposed in the at the lowest central point of the vehicle and is independently driven by an motor independent from the drive motor. The independent operation of the flywheel from the drive system of the two-wheeled vehicle provides increased stability at slower speeds and eliminates the need for complex transmission systems between the drive system motor and the flywheel. In the bicycle embodiment, an action figure having movable joints is releasably attachable to the bike and provides realistic animation during the bike operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Leynian Ltd. Co.
    Inventors: Neil Tilbor, Michael G. Hetman
  • Patent number: 6679753
    Abstract: A wireless control miniature low-profile toy car comprising a chassis for supporting front and rear wheels, a front wheel steering mechanism, a covered control circuit board therefor, a drive motor and a battery. A shell miniature car body is attached to and substantially covers the chassis. The circuit board is positioned and secured atop a bottom panel of the chassis, while the battery is positioned and secured above the circuit board and at least partially within a central raised portion of the car body whereby the height of the central raised portion of the car body is substantially reduced. The front steering includes an upright pivot shaft connected at an upper end thereof to a mating cavity or aperture formed on a front hood of said car body which allows a further reduction in profile height of the hood of the toy car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Stephen J. Motosko
  • Patent number: 6666746
    Abstract: Each of first vehicles has an individual address dependent upon an insertion of a selective one of different keys into a socket in the vehicle. Each vehicle is movable in any desired direction on a first support structure formed by intercoupling male detents on first beams and female detents on other beams and on blocks. The first support structure may be, but does not have to be, intercoupled with a second support structure. The second structure may define a track on which an additional vehicle (e.g., a monorail) is movable in first and second opposite directions. Each of a plurality of manually operated pads generates signals for addressing any unaddressed vehicle and for providing movements of, and the performance of functions in, the vehicle when addressed. Each pad communicates the pad-generated signals to a connected central station. The central station communicates these signals by wireless to the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Rokenbok Toy Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Aldred, William H. Barton, Jr., Peter C. DeAngelis, Paul Eichen
  • Patent number: 6661351
    Abstract: The same ID is assigned to a pair of a plurality of transmitters 100 and RC cars 200. The transmitter 100 transmits a radio wave signal embodying command signal defining movement of a target RC car 200, and ID indicating the target RC car 200. The RC car 200 receives the radio wave signal, and is driven in accordance with the command signal embodied in the received radio wave signal when the ID in the received radio wave signal coincides with the receiver's ID.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: CCP Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukio Matsushiro
  • Patent number: 6652352
    Abstract: A radio controlled robotic toy having a main body chassis with at least two middle legs and at least two corner legs attached to the chassis, the legs being interconnected and driven by a linkage drive arm which is, in turn, operated by a radio-controlled electric motor which has computer electronics and software to control and cause movement of the legs for propelling the toy forward and backward. A six-legged walking animatronic robot toy is one of the preferred embodiments, including a moving head with jaw pincers, six moving legs, which yields a versatile, durable, speedy robot toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: William C. MacArthur, Michael S. Campbell, James C. Barnes, James A. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6620023
    Abstract: A model vehicle that operates to emulate “hydraulics” in a full size vehicle is taught. A suspension lift function and a suspension tilt function are produced though implementation of suspension apparatus. A wheel carriage is coupled to a chassis and the movement therebetween is controlled by one or more actuators. Either lift or tilt, or both, movement may be employed. In an illustrative embodiment, rotational movement is employed to effect lift and tilt, along perpendicular axis defined by a sub-chassis. A first actuator works between the chassis and sub-chassis, and a second actuator works between the sub-chassis and a wheel carriage. Control may be remote, utilizing wired, radio, sonic, or infrared remote control schemes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Radio Shack, Corp.
    Inventor: Bill Yeung
  • Patent number: 6609945
    Abstract: The remote-controlled air, land or water borne toy vehicle comprises: a body; a printed circuit board mounted in or to the body; a receiver connected to the printed circuit board for receiving commands; hardware on the printed circuit board including control circuitry for manipulating the toy vehicle in response to commands received by the receiver; and a motor drive mechanism mounted on or to the toy vehicle for moving or propelling the toy vehicle in response to control signals from the control circuitry. Preferably at least one of several infrared emitting simulated weapons are mounted on the toy vehicle and are selected from the group including a machine gun, a cannon and a missile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Plexus, Inc.
    Inventors: Oscar Jimenez, Francisco Jose Barreras, Sr., Roberto Echarri, Guillermo Echarri
  • Publication number: 20030148703
    Abstract: A radio control system for a single or multi-controller, single or multi-receiver independently controlled system providing digital and proportional control without mutual interference, especially suited for a miniature toy vehicle. The controller may operate on multiple frequencies (channels) selected by the user. The receivers may receive on multiple frequencies (channels) selected by the user. When the receiver is first turned on, it reads the channel select switch and sets its receiver accordingly then normal remote control signals may be received such as speed, steering and digital commands. Commands are sent in bursts with an error checking protocol implemented. Commands are not executed by the receiver unless they are received error free. If the receiver fails to receive error-free command bursts within a short period of time (less than one second), it shuts off all motors and controls and go into a dormant state awaiting an error-free command burst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Applicant: XXAP DESIGN, INC.
    Inventors: Ken Scott, Ron Clements, David Berkowitz, John Montgomery
  • Patent number: 6582275
    Abstract: A structure for quickly turning up a car shell of a remotely controllable car, including two fixing boards connected with the car body for fixing the car shell. Each fixing board has a projecting column having a stop section at top end. The car shell is formed with a through hole for the column and the stop section to pass therethrough. A seat body is disposed on inner face of the car shell. A clip disposed on outer face of the car shell is connected with the seat body. The clip has a clip section and a press section. The clip section clips the column of the fixing board and is stopped by the stop section to fix the car shell. When turning up the car shell, the press section is compressed to stretch open the clip section and release the clip section from the stop of the stop section. Then the press section of the clip can be lifted to turn up the car shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Thunder Tiger Corporation
    Inventor: Aling Lai
  • Publication number: 20030114075
    Abstract: A toy vehicle remote control transmitter unit wirelessly controls the movements of a programmable toy vehicle. The toy vehicle includes a motive chassis having a plurality of steering positions. A microprocessor in the transmitter unit emulates manual transmission operation of the toy vehicle by being in any one of a plurality of different gear states selected by an operation of manual input elements on the transmitter unit. Forward propulsion control signals representing different toy vehicle speed ratios associated with each of the gear states are transmitted from the transmitter unit to the toy vehicle. The motive chassis has a steering feedback sensor with a plurality of defined steering positions to vary rate of steering position change to avoid overshoot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph T. Moll, James M. Dickinson, Frank W. Winkler, David V. Helmlinger, Charles S. McCall, Stephen N. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20030112149
    Abstract: A security alarm device is replicated in a toy vehicle. The security device includes a remote control which also can control vehicle functions. The remote control may control alarm arm and disarm, alarm and vehicle sounds such as arm, disarm, alarm set off, engine rev'ing and tire screeching; motor drive; and vehicle lights. The security alarm device includes an LED which indicates whether the alarm is armed or unarmed, and a motion sensor which sets the arm off (e.g., emitting a siren sound) when the toy vehicle is moved in its armed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Russell Jarvors
  • Patent number: 6579146
    Abstract: A wind propelled vehicle defining a center of gravity. The wind propelled vehicle has a frame. A rear axle is connected to the frame at its rear portion and two rear wheels are rotatably connected to the rear axle. The center of gravity of the wind propelled vehicle is forward of the rear axle. A front wheel is rotatably connected to the frame at its forward portion. A mast is connected to the frame and a boom is connected to the mast. A sail is connected to the mast and boom. A motor is operably connected to the boom and to the front wheel. The motor is also physically connected to the boom. The motor is remotely controlled via a remote control unit. To propel the wind propelled vehicle the position of the sail is adjusted relative to the wind. Sail position adjustment is achieved by the motor turning the front wheel and manipulating the position of the boom in response to control signals generated by the remote control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: RoboDesign International, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Ganz
  • Patent number: 6568983
    Abstract: A guided toy vehicle may be operated with an onboard video camera. The video from the video camera may be transmitted to a control station for display by the user. In some embodiments of the present invention, the video may be transmitted from the vehicle to the control station over the same track that guides the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey W. Peters
  • Patent number: 6551169
    Abstract: A radio controlled toy vehicle has a central chassis, a front end mounting a pair of front wheels which is rotatably coupled to the front of the chassis and a pair of rear wheels rotatingly mounted to the chassis. A single reversible electric motor is provided in the chassis to selectively rotate the front end with the front wheels about a generally longitudinal axis through a partial rotation for steering or through as many complete rotations as desired for stunts. The electric motor is also drivingly coupled to the rear wheels to provide propulsion power to the vehicle. A power take-off from the motor includes a one-way clutch which rotates the front end when the motor is propelling the vehicle in a reverse direction. A stop is provided to limit the free rotation of the front end. The stop releasably engages a collar around a shaft rotating the front end and is overcome by providing sufficient torque to the shaft or the front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan A. Jaffe
  • Patent number: 6540583
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a chassis having front and rear portions with a wheel supporting the front portion of the chassis. The toy vehicle further includes spaced-apart swing arms connected to the rear portion of the chassis. Rear wheels are rotatably mounted to each end of the swing arms. The swing arms are independently movable with respect to the chassis between first and second positions. Two separate propulsion drives are operatively associated with the chassis and are drivingly coupled to respective rear wheels. Each propulsion drive is adapted to independently drive the respective rear wheels in either a first direction or a second opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventors: Michael G. Hoeting, Sean T. Mullaney
  • Patent number: 6529139
    Abstract: Enclosed antenna for use in toy remote control assemblies. In one aspect the antenna is a flexible antenna which can be flexed to fit within housings of remote control devices and toys (e.g., toy vehicles). The flexible antenna may include an electrically conductive layer coupled to a flexible substrate, wherein the electrically conductive layer is in the shape of an antenna pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Catherine H. Behun, Kaileen Chen, Janelle D. Hildebrandt, Robert A. Sainati, Gregory D. Allen
  • Patent number: 6527612
    Abstract: A remote controller for a toy vehicle includes a toggle switch on a hand controller for selectively enabling one of two sets of vehicle functions, and a reduced signal set integrated circuit for transmitting control signals to the vehicles. A group of function keys on the hand controller activates a function from each function set. The combined settings of the toggle switch and function key cause a unique combination of toggle switch signal and function key signal to be transmitted to the vehicle. The vehicle decodes the toggle switch and function key signal to determine which control function is to be performed. In addition, the vehicle may have a center steering controller which automatically sets a center steering course for the vehicle when no turn signal is being received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: New Bright Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yau Wah Wong
  • Patent number: 6497608
    Abstract: A remote control toy car set comprising a toy car with a housing having a driving device, a camera system, and a first radio module. The camera system is fixed on the housing for taking images of the toy car in motion and generating corresponding image signals, and the first radio module is fixed on the housing and electrically connects with both the driving device and the camera system. The first radio module transfers the image signals from the camera system and receives radio control signals in order to control the operations of the driving device. The remote control toy car set also includes a remote control device for controlling the toy car. The remote control device includes a display for displaying images, a remote control interface for generating control signals, and a second radio module for transferring both the image signals from the toy car to the display and the control signals from the remote control interface to the toy car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Sampo Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Heng-Chun Ho, Shu-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 6482069
    Abstract: A radio controlled bicycle incorporates flywheel technology in addition to a unique disposition of motors, gears and electronics provides superior stability and mobility during operation. A flywheel is disposed in the crankshaft area of the bike and is separately driven by an motor independent from the drive motor. The independent operation of the flywheel from the drive system of the bicycle provides increased stability at slower speeds and eliminates the need for complex transmission systems between the drive system motor and the flywheel. An action figure having movable joints is releasably attachable to the bike and provides realistic animation during the bike operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Leynian Ltd. Co.
    Inventors: Neil Tilbor, Michael G. Hetman
  • Patent number: 6478655
    Abstract: A remote control model car includes a rear suspension mechanism mounted in either side of the chassis. The chassis has a suspension body. The rear suspension mechanism includes a pivotal adjustment rod coupled to the lug of the suspension body, a pivotal arm mechanism, a hub mechanism, and a shock absorber pivotably secured to the arm mechanism and the suspension body. This arrangement allows for a smooth, simple, and reliable wheel angle adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Chao-Chung Wu
  • Patent number: 6475059
    Abstract: A radio controlled toy vehicle having a single driving wheel. First and second chassis bodies are located on opposite sides of the driving wheel, and the driving wheel and chassis bodies rotatably attached to a primary axle. Support wheels are rotatably attached to the chassis bodies at a location distal to the point of attachment of the chassis bodies to the primary axle. First and second reversible electric motors are drivingly connected to the driving wheel by drive train means. A radio control receiver is attached to one of the chassis bodies, and is adapted to independently actuate the electric motors in a forward or reverse direction in response to control signals sent by a radio control transmitter. When both of the electric motors are operating in the forward or reverse direction, the driving wheel propels the vehicle in that direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Jason C. Lee
  • Publication number: 20020132556
    Abstract: A toy car radio controller has a housing 10 with an open compartment 13 in one side A radio controllable car 14 fits into the compartment for storage when not in use. Electrical contacts connect a battery of the controller to a battery of the car when the car is stored in the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: May Cheong Toy Products Factory Limited.
    Inventor: Moon-Lam So
  • Publication number: 20020125844
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively controlling an electrical component is claimed. The system contains an audio detector, such as a microphone, that receives sound energy and converts the sound energy into a corresponding electrical signal. The content of the sound energy is irrelevant. Rather, it is the volume of the sound energy that is to be represented by the electrical signal. To produce an electrical signal that corresponds to noise volume, the amplitude of the electrical signal is amplified. The amplified signal is then rectified and filtered, thereby producing a D/C electrical signal that is representative of the volume of the sound energy detected. The D/C electrical signal is used to selectively regulate a current flow controller. The current flow controller controls the flow of current to the electronic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: L. Taylor Arnold, Richard Michelli
  • Publication number: 20020111117
    Abstract: A remote control toy car set comprising a toy car with a housing having a driving device, a camera system, and a first radio module. The camera system is fixed on the housing for taking images of the toy car in motion and generating corresponding image signals, and the first radio module is fixed on the housing and electrically connects with both the driving device and the camera system. The first radio module transfers the image signals from the camera system and receives radio control signals in order to control the operations of the driving device. The remote control toy car set also includes a remote control device for controlling the toy car. The remote control device includes a display for displaying images, a remote control interface for generating control signals, and a second radio module for transferring both the image signals from the toy car to the display and the control signals from the remote control interface to the toy car.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Heng-Chun Ho, Shu-Ming Liu
  • Patent number: 6417780
    Abstract: A radio control device is provided that has the D/R function wherein the rate can be switched by a simple operation without impairing the operability of a stick. The adjustment value (rate) determining a relationship between stick operation amount and servo motor operation amount is switched at the changeover point arbitrarily set within a range of stick operation amounts. The rate 1 is 100% while the rate 2 is 60%. The point 1 is set to the position corresponding to about 65% of the maximum value of the stick operation amount in the right direction (or down direction). The point 2 is set to the position corresponding to about 85% of the maximum value of the stick operation amount in the left direction (or up direction). In the rate 2, the rudder does not effectively work over the range where the operation amount of the stick is relatively small. When the adjustment value exceeds the point, the mode enters the rate 1, so that the rudder works effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Futaba Corporation
    Inventors: Giichi Naruke, Youichi Konno, Masahiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6390883
    Abstract: A programmable device such as a toy or novelty item has a keyboard which can be activated by a user to set up any one of multiple different motions of the toy. Sounds and lights can be activated to coordinate with the movement. The toy can be a car or other device capable of moving in the environment. The toy is also controllable by remote control through a receiver and transmitter system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Silverlit Toys Manufactory, Ltd
    Inventor: Kei Fung Choi
  • Patent number: 6383054
    Abstract: A model vehicle having a normal low-rider configuration is provided with independently repositionable roadway wheels that may be deployed separately and in various combinations, using a manually-switched, battery-powered control, into temporary roadway wheel “hop” positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Russell J. Rauch
  • 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: 6354842
    Abstract: A rolling device in the form of a two-wheeled toy can record and play back physical motion. In a “training mode,” the user grasps the device and draws it along a surface on a desired path. The motion is sensed and recorded in an internal memory. In a “playback mode,” the previously imparted motion is repeated—i.e., executed by internal circuitry based on the recorded motion, preferably over and over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Philipp A. Frei
  • Patent number: 6338664
    Abstract: A remote controller for a toy vehicle includes a toggle switch on a hand controller for selectively enabling one of two sets of vehicle functions, and a reduced signal set integrated circuit for transmitting control signals to the vehicles. A group of function keys on the hand controller activates a function from each function set. The combined settings of the toggle switch and function key cause a unique combination of toggle switch signal and function key signal to be transmitted to the vehicle. The vehicle decodes the toggle switch and function key signal to determine which control function is to be performed. In addition, the vehicle may have a center steering controller which automatically sets a center steering course for the vehicle when no turn signal is being received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: New Bright Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yau Wah Wong
  • Publication number: 20010053653
    Abstract: A remote control running toy comprises a pair of uprights (24), each having a kingpin (22) for steerably supporting the wheels (20); and a steering mechanism (32) which is coupled through steering rods (30) with the uprights (24); wherein the running toy comprises a coil-shaped spring member (40) for absorbing a shock transmitted via the uprights (22) to the steering rods (28). Thereby, the remote control running toy is provided, which is able to prevent the steering rods from being damaged, even if a strong shock acts onto the front wheels, thus improving the reliability of the running toy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: Nikko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuyoshi Harada
  • Patent number: 6328304
    Abstract: The invention provides a game apparatus which is in the nature of a vehicle or an attachment for a vehicle, the vehicle being operated by a driver, who travels with the vehicle. The idea is that the apparatus is equipped to receive from a play surface, hold and propel over the play surface a play member, in particular a ball. The apparatus can be described as a motorized version of football. The apparatus has an inlet by which the ball is received, and either the ball is propelled back out of the inlet or out of either of one or more separate outlets in the apparatus. When the ball enters the inlet it is held by a holding plate which rests, by gravity, on the top of the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Econ Engineering Limited
    Inventor: William George Lupton
  • Patent number: 6293798
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for a computer to perform a vehicle operation proficiency test and based upon the results, to transfer performance features upgrade data to a vehicle controller. The vehicle controller combines the functionality of an RC controller with that of a “joystick” within the same device by controlling an RC vehicle when used as an RC controller and controlling a computer virtual vehicle game when used as a “joystick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Skyline Products
    Inventors: Brendan J. Boyle, Jeff Grant, Steven J. Olefsky
  • Patent number: 6287167
    Abstract: The invention relates to a speed controller able to change a pulse frequency and a pulse width of a pulse signal to control a driving motor. This device is able to change the pulse frequency during the run of the toy car which adjusts the torque of the driving motor in response to the revolution number of the driving motor. The speed controller adjusts the pulse frequency to be large when the pulse width is small, while the pulse frequency is small when the pulse width is large.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Kondo kagaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirotoshi Kondo
  • Publication number: 20010010993
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for open-loop control of the speed of an electrically driven toy car on a lane-guided racetrack. By means of a hand-actuatable closed-loop control device, the speed of the toy car can be adjusted to at least two speed levels. To adjust the magnitude of the first speed level as a fraction of the second speed level, the closed-loop control device is preferably programmable so that via the open-loop control device, the speed of the toy car is adjusted between a zero position and the first speed level and, after actuation of a selection switch, the speed of the traveling toy is adjustable between the zero position and the second speed level. The invention permits the adjustment of partial speeds of a toy car on a racetrack without using a transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: STS Racing GmbH
    Inventor: Hubertus Maleika
  • Patent number: 6264528
    Abstract: The instant invention is directed toward a toy trash truck. More specifically, it relates to a remote-controlled toy trash truck capable of forward motion and realistic operation. The toy vehicle includes a propulsion system, including a plurality of tires, operably affixed to a frame member. There is also a trash-holding bin mounted on the frame member, and a load-lifting arm operably connected to the frame member and capable of lifting items (e.g., actual or simulated trash) for placement into the trash-holding bin. A signal receiver that receives and interprets signals from a remote-control device may be mounted on the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventors: Steve D. Doan, James R. Barker
  • Patent number: 6254486
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gaming system which utilizes successively transmitted infra-red signals. The system includes two user controlled components which interact with one another. In the preferred embodiment, each component is made up of a hand-held controller and a robot. The controller has both directional controls and a fire control. When a fire control signal is initiated a signal is transmitted to the robot. Upon its reception, a new signal is generated and transmitted by the robot. In this manner, weapons fire is simulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Michael Mathieu, Michael Sivan