Electric Patents (Class 446/484)
  • Patent number: 11498014
    Abstract: A smart block can include a plurality of displays and configurable magnet components to selectively attract or repel other smart blocks. The smart block can include proximity sensors to identify a surface of another smart block close to the smart block to determine if the smart blocks are correctly oriented based on an application or game associated with the operation of the smart blocks. A plurality of smart blocks can be configured to display a portion of a picture (as a puzzle), such that when the smart blocks are oriented correctly they collectively display the complete picture. The smart blocks can be used in conjunction with a smart mat that is configured to move the smart blocks in response to commands received from a remote computing device. The smart blocks and the smart mat can facilitate interactivity with other, remote users, such as between a caregiver and a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Peter Aalund, Jiayi Liang, Babak Amir Parviz, Kevin Charles Flick, James Merton Tidman
  • Patent number: 11149719
    Abstract: The invention is a method and system for electric-powered propellantless propulsion in space. In addition to its breakthrough methods to produce thrust, the invention is also incorporated into propellantless velocity control and propellantless direction control systems. Disclosed herein are multiple embodiments of a mechanical propulsion system that do not require a propellant and do not violate Newton's Laws of Motion. The invention produces a significant amount of thrust solely in the intended direction of the propulsion system, with the main elements needed for the invention's successful operation successfully tested using multiple prototypes. Due to the Law of Conservation of Momentum, propellantless propulsion by mechanical means is generally considered not possible by propulsion experts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Edward Von Bargen
  • Patent number: 11045738
    Abstract: A wearable player body attachment having a master processor, an acceleration detecting motion subsystem for associated motions, a tag reader/antenna subsystem input to recognize unique play object identifiers of toy objects held at the player's hand, and an audio subsystem issuing verbal announcements and sound effects outputs associated with sequences of detected motions. The body attachment queries a database with the toy identity and recognized motions and produces sensory detectible outputs. The database is stored as a matrix table for many figures or vehicles, detects and recognizes specific motions for associated sounds with the action figures toy vehicles, and accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Hasbro, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Unruh, Samuel Bowditch Smith
  • Patent number: 11027211
    Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Binder
  • Patent number: 10969884
    Abstract: There is provided a handheld device for an interactive system. The handheld device identifies the timing that a user operates the handheld device to determine whether to turn on an indicating light for optical sensing to avoid the unnecessary power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INC.
    Inventor: Yi-Hsien Ko
  • Patent number: 10739876
    Abstract: There is provided a handheld device for an interactive system. The handheld device identifies the timing that a user operates the handheld device to determine whether to turn on an indicating light for optical sensing to avoid the unnecessary power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INC.
    Inventor: Yi-Hsien Ko
  • Patent number: 10724506
    Abstract: A mechanism with a base; a pendulum mounted pivotally relative to the base about a pendulum axis; first/second eccentric elements generating first/second moments of gravitational force about first/second axes; and a synchronization system of the first/second eccentric elements according to a synchronized counter-rotating rotational movement. The pendulum axis and eccentric elements' axes are parallel and arranged in the plane integral to the pendulum. The eccentric elements' axes are supported by the pendulum, above and below the pendulum axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Maurice Granger
  • Patent number: 10688403
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: INNOVATION FIRST, INC.
    Inventors: David Anthony Norman, Robert H. Mimlitch, III, Douglas Michael Galletti
  • Patent number: 10667468
    Abstract: A spike light is provided, including: a rod body, a light body and a lifting mechanism. The rod body includes an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a base portion. The light body includes at least one lightening unit, a plant growth sensor and a processor. The lightening unit and the plant growth sensor are electrically connected with the processor. The lifting mechanism includes a first lifting unit and a second lifting unit, and one of the first lifting unit and the second lifting unit is drivable by a power source. The processor drives the power source to drive at least one of the light body and the lifting mechanism when the processor determines that at least one plant height signal is different from a predetermined height signal. A spike light assembly is further provided, including a plurality of said spike lights described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Yi-Wen Tang
  • Patent number: 10653971
    Abstract: A first grounded portion is at least one of portions of an apparatus that are grounded, and vibrates in accordance with a vibration of at least a first vibration unit. A second grounded portion is at least one of the portions of the apparatus that are grounded, and vibrates in accordance with a vibration of at least a second vibration unit. Then, a first control signal for controlling the vibration of the first vibration unit and a second control signal for controlling the vibration of the second vibration unit are generated, whereby, in a state where the apparatus is on a certain surface, the apparatus moves on the certain surface by a vibration of the first grounded portion grounded on the certain surface and/or a vibration of the second grounded portion grounded on the certain surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akio Terui, Yoko Fukuda, Kenji Iwata, Shinichi Kasuno, Hitoshi Tsuchiya, Kazuhiko Koriyama
  • Patent number: 10185296
    Abstract: A control system to locate a motorized entity on a display having an electronic device with a display is provided. The electronic device may include a microphone and an electronic device integrated circuit with a set of entity locating software instructions with a capability to generate and display a sequence of pixels in a location pattern, and to further receive an audio output detection signal from the microphone. The entity may include a speaker and one or more sensors in communication with an entity integrated circuit including a set of entity control software instructions. The one or more sensors may be capable of detecting pixels and to send a pixel detection signal to the entity integrated circuit upon detection thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Rehco, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Rehkemper, Steven Rehkemper, Michael Kadile, John Peach
  • Patent number: 9914066
    Abstract: A building block is described which has a plurality of faces each with an associated coupling element, such that a first coupling element is adjacent to a first face and a second coupling element is adjacent to a second face, etc. An RF switch in the block is arranged to selectively couple two of the coupling elements together under the control of a processor. The processor controls the RF switch in response to signals received from a transceiver module. A sensing and switching arrangement within the building block selectively connects the processor to one of the coupling elements based on a detected orientation of the block (e.g. so that power harvested from the transceiver module can be used to power the processor). The coupling elements are either all antennas or all electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Cletheroe, Greg Saul, Nicolas Villar, Oscar Salandin, Haiyan Zhang
  • Patent number: 9861906
    Abstract: An electrical toy block apparatus, system, and a method for making the same are provided. The electrical toy block has a housing block with a power supply housed within and an external terminal assembly for forming an electrical circuit within the electrical toy block. The electrical toy block is constructed by forming a pocket within the housing block, inserting the power supply within the pocket, securing the external terminal assembly to the housing, and connecting the external terminal assembly to the power supply in an electrically conductive relationship. The external terminal assembly of the electrical block is magnetic so that additional toy blocks can be attached to the housing block to form electrical circuits made up of various arrangements of toy blocks. An external device may then be connected to the circuit to power the external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Graham Calvert
  • Patent number: 9435820
    Abstract: A rotation-rate detector detects a rotation rate of a spinning top and is fixed to or detachably attached to a launcher. The launcher applies a rotational force to the spinning top to launch the spinning top. The rotation-rate detector includes a detachment detector that detects detachment and attachment of the spinning top. The rotation rate of the spinning top is detected after the detachment detector detects attachment of the spinning top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: TOMY COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Muraki, Takeaki Maeda
  • Patent number: 9164432
    Abstract: A developing device includes a magnetic roller, a developing roller, a cover, a first magnetic force generator, a second magnetic force generator with a different polarity, and a movement controller. A roller surface of the magnetic roller holds toner and magnetic carrier, the toner being adhered to the magnetic carrier. The developing roller is arranged to face the magnetic roller. The first magnetic force generator is provided inside the magnetic roller such that a magnetic pole face thereof faces the developing roller. The second magnetic force generator is provided inside the developing roller so as to be able to move between a first position and a second position. A magnetic pole face of the second magnetic force generator faces the magnetic roller at the first position and faces the cover at the second position. The movement controller causes the second magnetic force generator to move between positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Kiyotaka Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9159206
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for more-quickly locating an individual during a man-down situation is provided herein. During operation a light source on an officer's vehicle will be directed towards the downed officer when a man-down situation has been identified. Since a light source will be pointed at the downed individual, respondents responding to the man-down situation may more-quickly locate any downed individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Fong Min Luei, Dennis Keat Jeen Lim, Intan Mazlina Mohd Mohdi, Syed Isa Syed Idrus, Ting Fook Tang
  • Patent number: 9039482
    Abstract: A toy apparatus and method for interactive communication between a cellphone and a toy apparatus is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided, the method including: transmitting by the cellphone at least one signal; receiving by the toy apparatus the at least one signal; analyzing by the toy apparatus the at least one signal; determining by the toy apparatus at least one response to the at least one signal; and producing by the toy apparatus the at least one response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: DIALWARE INC.
    Inventors: Moshe Cohen, Alan Sege
  • Publication number: 20150140896
    Abstract: A system and method enabling users to connect toys with other users and their toys over a network, said system comprising: at least one toy connected to a social network; said social network having profiles of said toys and said users respectively; a web-server having a web-services module and a database connected to said social network, said toys and said users; an update server connected to said social network, said toys and said users; and a messaging server connected to said social network, said toys and said users.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Sandip Maiti, Amit Deshpande
  • Publication number: 20150133025
    Abstract: An interactive toy plaything, method, and computer program product, monitor input signals from input devices such as an audio input device, a visual image input device, and a haptic detector, to determine that the interactive toy plaything is being interacted with and that interaction-related information corresponding to the interaction with the interactive toy plaything is to be communicated with at least one remote entity. The availability of the at least one remote entity to communicate with the interactive toy plaything over a wireless communication network is determined. If it is available, wirelessly transmitting the interaction-related information to the at least one remote entity over the wireless communication network. A remote entity can be a mobile phone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: MERA SOFTWARE SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Dmitrii Maximovich PONOMAREV, Nikolay Nikolaevich MIKHAYLOV, James Allen HYMEL
  • Publication number: 20150118935
    Abstract: A toy has one or more LED light sources positioned on the toy so the light source illuminates beyond the toy. A toy to be worn on the human finger comprises a body includes an anchoring portion for receiving or locating a finger or fingers. A finger puppet toy permits for at least one of a reading tool and a light source or an enhancement of other toys or writings. A LED or other light source is operated on the toy to interact with photo-luminescent ink and other inks. A photo-luminescent ink and other inks are pre-printed or included in a decoration on the surface of another item such as a book or other toy. The toy is a reading tool or a light source or an enhancement of other toys or writings. The LED light sources include a black light and may include other LED lights of other colors. The lights are connected to a circuit board and an integrated power source, which are connected to a switch encased on the toy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Hannah Faith Silver
  • Publication number: 20150111465
    Abstract: There is provided a toy including a processor; a memory coupled to said processor; an output coupled to said processor; and means for establishing a network connection with at least one further such toy, where the processor includes means for controlling the output of each toy with which a network connection has been established. Furthermore, the controlling means is adapted to transmit, over said network connection, instructions to control a plurality of the outputs (preferably all of the outputs) of each toy with which a network connection has been established.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Steven LIPMAN, Robert Frederick Kilbride-Newman, Ian Green, Jeffrey Heine, Alon Shmuel
  • Patent number: 9011194
    Abstract: The system described in this disclosure may be configured to read information stored on toy objects that indicates whether the toy objects have been used and/or are being used with other toy objects, gaming systems, and/or other devices. The system described in this disclosure may be configured to facilitate an association of the information stored on the toy objects with virtual entities in a virtual space, update virtual content associated with the virtual entities, determine relationships between users, and/or other perform other functions based on the information stored on the toy objects. The information stored on the toy objects may be updated responsive to the toy objects being used by users with other toy objects, gaming systems, and/or other devices. The use of the toy objects by users may include two or more users playing together with toy objects and/or playing with gaming systems associated with the toy objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Tyler James Colbert
  • Publication number: 20150104997
    Abstract: An infant development toy that comprises a body configured to be held by a person and a light source located on or with the body. The light source being configured to be energized by motion of the body and deactivated automatically after a period of time of inactivity but then re-energized when motion reoccurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Marcia L. Haut
  • Patent number: 8998671
    Abstract: Systems and associated methods for providing a play device capable of capturing an image stream through a camera module and process the images through computer vision software. Embodiments provide interactive toys that recognize a set of pre-programmed images and provide responses to images presented by a user. For example, embodiments provide for a toy that requests a certain image and provides a response based upon whether the user presents the correct image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Heatherly, Kenlip Ong, Scott Traylor, Christine Donadio, Liane Czirjak, Leah Osterman, Jordan Bach
  • Patent number: 8982541
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a protective enclosure comprising a base comprising a first continuous mating surface and at least one conveyance aperture, a cover comprising a second continuous mating surface, wherein the second continuous mating surface is configured to form a seal with the first continuous mating surface, and a clamp, wherein at least a portion of the clamp is coupleable to the base, wherein a mouth of the clamp is configured to be offset from the aperture when the clamp is coupled to the base, wherein the clamp comprises a first sealing layer, and wherein the clamp is configured to seal the aperture against contaminants. The protective enclosure may be configured for use in a remotely controllable model vehicle to protect a control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Traxxas LP
    Inventors: Timothy E. Roberts, Jon Kenneth Lampert, Otto Karl Allmendinger
  • Patent number: 8976511
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a protective enclosure comprising a base comprising a first continuous mating surface and at least one conveyance aperture, a cover comprising a second continuous mating surface, wherein the second continuous mating surface is configured to form a seal with the first continuous mating surface, and a clamp, wherein at least a portion of the clamp is coupleable to the base, wherein a mouth of the clamp is configured to be offset from the aperture when the clamp is coupled to the base, wherein the clamp comprises a first sealing layer, and wherein the clamp is configured to seal the aperture against contaminants. The protective enclosure may be configured for use in a remotely controllable model vehicle to protect a control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Traxxas LP
    Inventors: Timothy E. Roberts, Jon Kenneth Lampert, Otto Karl Allmendinger
  • Patent number: 8961260
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a children's toy, such as a doll, an action figure or a stuffed toy, having an associated wireless, batteryless RFID tag that can be read from and/or written to using a radio-frequency communication protocol. The RFID tag may be located within an internal cavity of the toy so as to provide wireless communication of stored information without requiring physical access to the tag. RFID-tagged toys can be quickly and easily identified using one or more RFID reader devices. Additional information (e.g., unique personality traits, special powers, skill levels, etc.) can also be stored on the RFID tag, thus providing further personality enhancement, input/output programming, simulated intelligence and/or interactive gaming possibilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: MQ Gaming, LLC
    Inventor: Denise Chapman Weston
  • Patent number: 8939813
    Abstract: Electronic toys have now been around for years and are powered through mechanisms that require a toy to be tethered to a cable or utilize conventional batteries. Such toys are inconvenient because they consume a user's time to re-charge them, which in turn also limits the utility of these toys. Embodiments of this invention implement toys using an inductively coupled power transfer system, which is a wireless mechanism that is convenient to use and provides a faster way for the user to re-charge the toy. Some embodiments include an electronic device comprising an inductive charging plate, and a toy comprising an internal charge pad, a storage capacitor set to a predetermined voltage level, and a discharging device that discharges a function to implement the toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: The Marketing Store Woldwide, LP
    Inventors: Warren Kronberger, Benjamin Poate, Francis Ng
  • Patent number: 8939814
    Abstract: A smart toy driving system for a mobile terminal connected to the mobile terminal such that a reaction generated by an interaction between a certain character and a mobile terminal user upon the execution of an application installed in the mobile terminal is expressed in a motion of the character. The smart toy driving system includes a mobile terminal provided with an audio signal generating part which generates an audio signal having a predetermined pattern and then outputs it through a terminal part for outputting a sound; and a character which is detachably coupled to the terminal part of the mobile terminal so as to receive the audio signal, wherein the character comprises a signal converting part which converts the received audio signal into a driving signal preset according to a predetermined patterned waveform, and a mechanism part which takes a predetermined mechanical action according to the converted driving signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Hysonic. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gi Tae Kweon, Hyun Wook Lee, Hye Kyoung Ji, He Won Jung
  • Publication number: 20150017876
    Abstract: A gear mechanism having a shuttle gear adjacent both an auxiliary gear and an action gear and a cam plate, having a shuttle lock adjacent the shuttle gear and including a cam follower riding back and forth along a first cam pathway with an action element in mechanical communication with the action gear. A motor operates the shuttle gear with rotation of the motor in a first direction rotating the shuttle gear into engagement with the auxiliary gear, activating the shuttle lock to maintain the engagement throughout a predetermined rotational range of the cam plate and rotating the cam plate back and forth driving controlled back and forth movement of the auxiliary elements, with rotation of the motor in a second direction rotating the cam plate beyond the predetermined range releasing the shuttle lock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: John J. Russo, Richard J. Maddocks, Paul Nicholas Paulson
  • Patent number: 8926395
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for interactive play is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, an interactive toy is provided. The interactive toy is configured to store a plurality of codes and display codes on a display on the toy. The codes can authenticate the toy and unlock functionality within a virtual world. In one embodiment, the interactive toy is configured to communicate with a user computer. Another embodiment provides methods for interactive play with an interactive toy and a virtual world. A further embodiment provides a computing device configured to participate in the interactive play system. This Abstract is provided for the purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu “Brian” Zheng
  • Patent number: 8905814
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for programming an electronic speed controller for a radio controlled model including a programmer for interfacing a personal computer to the RX port of the electronic speed controller. The electronic speed controller software may be updated, modified or replaced through the RX port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Castle Creations, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick D. Del Castillo
  • Publication number: 20140357373
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item such as a toy from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase that provides virtual play via computer animation. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use and improve the physical gaming item to help achieve one or more special effects or complete one or more adventures and/or quests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
  • Patent number: 8894461
    Abstract: A system and method for interactive play that includes an object having a visible characteristic such as a color pattern that is recognizable in an image. The color pattern may be associated with an instruction. An imager in a toy captures an image of the object that is processed by a processor in the toy. The processor identifies the visible characteristic and finds the instruction associated with the visible characteristic. The processor may signal an output device of the toy to take an action in accordance with the instruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Eyecue Vision Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Ronen Horovitz
  • Publication number: 20140342635
    Abstract: An electric toy gun includes a first gun body and a second gun body detachably attached together, and a power unit including an electric motor mounted in the first gun body, a battery pack mounted in the second gun body, and an electric wire unit for conducting the battery pack to the electric motor. The electric wire unit includes a first electric wire set having two first metal contacts fixedly mounted in a first holder block in the first gun body and two first electric wires electrically connected between the electric motor and the first metal contacts, and a second electric wire set having two second metal contacts fixedly mounted in a second holder block in the second gun body and respectively connectable to the first metal contacts by a plug joint and two second electric wires electrically connected between the battery pack and the second metal contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: SHIH-CHE HU
  • Patent number: 8882561
    Abstract: An electronic toy memory device is disclosed which may include memory, a processor and may depict a character on the housing. The memory device may store audio files and network addresses. Connecting the memory device to a computer may launch a software application with content associated with the character depicted on the memory device housing. Connecting to a server over the internet may launch additional software applications stored on the server with additional content associated with the character depicted on the housing. The character may be depicted on a shell which is frictionally attached to the housing and further includes accessories such as clothes which may be frictionally attached to the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Dyer, Paul King, Joy Burns, Kislap Ongchangco, Emily Kelly, Carrie Buse, Kenneth Heimann, Christopher Goff
  • Publication number: 20140323013
    Abstract: A system including at least one monitor and a toy is disclosed. The at least one monitor may be communicatively coupled to at least one sensor configured to measure at least one physical parameter of an operator. The at least one monitor receives at least one measurement from the at least one sensor indicative of the at least one physical parameter of the operator. The at least one monitor may determine whether the operator is in an elevated emotional state based, at least in part, on the at least one measurement. The toy may be capable of being operated by at least one operator and may comprise a control system in communication with the at least one monitor. The control system may be configured to affect at least one behavior of the toy to cause the toy to be more difficult to use when the monitor indicates that the operator is in an elevated emotional state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph Gonzalez-Heydrich, Jason Kahn, Peter Ducharme, Alexander Rotenberg
  • Patent number: 8851953
    Abstract: The invention relates to a building block system having modules that can be plugged together, wherein electronic and mechanical components required for motion and control are provided in the modules. The object of the invention is to provide a building block system, which facilitates constructing mobile models from simple building blocks. According to the invention, the object is achieved by a building block system having movable modules, wherein the building block system includes at least one energy module, at least one control module having a micro-controller, at least one movement module having an integrated servo motor, and a plurality of connection modules that can be randomly connected with each other, wherein the modules are connectable through plug connections enabling current flow between adjacent modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Kinematics GmbH
    Inventors: Leonhard Oschuetz, Wolfgang Sattler
  • Patent number: 8845384
    Abstract: An interactive intelligent play set, method and apparatus, is disclosed which includes a principle toy, a plurality of action figures, and/or play accessories. An intelligent play set identifies and tracks action figures and/or play accessories used by a player during a play session, provides interactions based on the specific action figures, accessories, or combinations thereof, used by a player during game play, provides interactions based on the history of how a player has interacted with the set during previous play sessions, and/or enables a player to construct new interactions between the various play pieces of the play set, using basic interactions as building blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Inventor: Nabil N. Ghaly
  • Publication number: 20140273730
    Abstract: An element having a holding mechanism, adapted for interacting with a functionally aligned holding mechanism of a similar element, and including a holding state and a released state. The holding mechanism in the holding state is engaged with the aligned holding mechanism of the similar element for holding the element positioned with respect to the similar element. The holding element in the released state is disengaged with the aligned holding mechanism. The element also includes a sensing mechanism for providing grab-detection, the grab-detection including detection of an action leading to a grip of the element, having a grip on the element, an action of releasing a grip of the element, and a combination thereof. The sensing mechanism is functionally coupled to the holding mechanism for upon the grab-detection actuating at least one of the functionally aligned holding mechanism between the holding state and the released state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: A.Q.B. Venture Capital B.V.
    Inventor: Arie Arie Quirinus Bastiaan BRANDWIJK
  • Publication number: 20140273729
    Abstract: The system described in this disclosure may be configured to read information stored on toy objects that indicates whether the toy objects have been used and/or are being used with other toy objects, gaming systems, and/or other devices. The system described in this disclosure may be configured to facilitate an association of the information stored on the toy objects with virtual entities in a virtual space, update virtual content associated with the virtual entities, determine relationships between users, and/or other perform other functions based on the information stored on the toy objects. The information stored on the toy objects may be updated responsive to the toy objects being used by users with other toy objects, gaming systems, and/or other devices. The use of the toy objects by users may include two or more users playing together with toy objects and/or playing with gaming systems associated with the toy objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8821208
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for interacting amusement. The apparatus includes an acoustic receiver, a decoder and an interaction generating apparatus. The acoustic receiver receives an external acoustic wave signal and transfers the external acoustic wave signal into an acoustic signal. The decoder receives the acoustic signal. When the external acoustic wave signal has a high-frequency modulation signal, the decoder decodes the high-frequency modulation signal into a complete packet message according to a specific decoding procedure. The interaction generating apparatus receives the complete packet message, and generates an interaction according to the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Generalplus Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Chia-Sheng Hsu
  • Patent number: 8814627
    Abstract: A toy set that enables communication between a game device and a toy without changing a hardware configuration of the game device includes a program stored in a storage medium that when executed causes the game device to detect a sequence of single frequency sounds, output a voice corresponding to a combination of the detected sounds, generate a plurality of single frequency sound and generate a control signal by a combination of the sounds. The toy incorporates a sound generation means, a voice input means, a control means and a sensing means. The control means includes a generation means for generating a control signal as a sequence of plurality of single frequency sounds sent out from the sound generation means of the toy. When the control signal is inputted from the game device, the toy performs a predetermined action which corresponds to the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Sega Toys Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 8814625
    Abstract: A tactile, visual and aural toy for entertainment and learning includes a base with receptacles for receiving a corresponding three dimensional shapes. Each shape is provided with lights and sounds which are energized when motion of the shape is detected. The placing of the first shape in its corresponding receptacle determines which musical rendition will be played by the base when all of the receptacles have been filled by their correct corresponding three dimensional shape. The three dimensional shapes may be coordinated with sections of the base related to a particular receptacle by color or animal. The base also provides a light show visible through a translucent dome on the base. The particular light show which occurs is determined in the same manner as the determination of which musical rendition is played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Pamela Long
  • Patent number: 8814688
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item such as a toy from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase that provides virtual play via computer animation. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use and improve the physical gaming item to help achieve one or more special effects or complete one or more adventures and/or quests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Creative Kingdoms, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Barney, Denise Chapman Weston
  • Publication number: 20140235136
    Abstract: A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the mobile agent and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the mobile agent, whereupon the microcontroller of the mobile agent controls detailed movement of the mobile agent on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the mobile agent to implement the action on the drivable surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Anki, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Sofman, Hanns W. Tappeiner, Mark Palatucci
  • Publication number: 20140235138
    Abstract: A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the mobile agent and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the mobile agent, whereupon the microcontroller of the mobile agent controls detailed movement of the mobile agent on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the mobile agent to implement the action on the drivable surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Anki, Inc.
    Inventors: Boris Sofman, Hanns W. Tappeiner, Mark Palatucci
  • Patent number: 8811002
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a protective enclosure comprising a base comprising a first continuous mating surface and at least one conveyance aperture, a cover comprising a second continuous mating surface, wherein the second continuous mating surface is configured to form a seal with the first continuous mating surface, and a clamp, wherein at least a portion of the clamp is coupleable to the base, wherein a mouth of the clamp is configured to be offset from the aperture when the clamp is coupled to the base, wherein the clamp comprises a first sealing layer, and wherein the clamp is configured to seal the aperture against contaminants. The protective enclosure may be configured for use in a remotely controllable model vehicle to protect a control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Traxxas LP
    Inventors: Timothy E. Roberts, Jon Kenneth Lampert, Otto Karl Allmendinger
  • Patent number: 8764510
    Abstract: A toy comprises two robots. There is a lever with a shaft connecting at least one robot to a handle. The robot is responsive to movement of the handle through a physical mechanical connection with the handle whereby movement of the handle moves the robot. The movement of the handle by a player controls at least one of swing or turn movement of the robot. A supply of electricity to the robot is provided so that a motor with each robot permits making robot motions in response to movement from the motor. The motor movement is responsive to a signal from the player. The robots are for interaction with each other. An effective engagement between the robots is at least one of recorded or indicated. There is a control base, and a fighting stage. There is a lever system with a shaft connecting each respective robot to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Silverlit Limited
    Inventor: Kwok Leung Wong
  • Patent number: 8758077
    Abstract: A fighter robot system that supplies power to two fighter robots, which have a match against each other, through respective power lines and prevents the power lines from becoming entangled even when the robots are moving. The fighter robot system includes two fighter robots, a power supply providing power to the fighter robots, and a rotary member located above or below the fighter robots, the rotary member having a predetermined length and rotatable around a central axis formed at a predetermined portion. The power supply provides the power to the fighter robots through power lines. Each power line starts from the power supply, extends from the central axis to either end of the rotary member in the lengthwise direction, and is connected at that end to each fighter robot. The rotary member rotates around the central axis following the movement of the fighter robots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Robobuilder Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Min Jang, Seong-Hoon Lee