r Imaging apparatus, flash device, and control method thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An imaging apparatus for performing wireless communication with an external device. An instruction transmitting unit transmits an operation instruction to the external device. A response signal receiving unit receives a response signal from the external device. A first controlling unit starts a first operation relating to an imaging process in a case that a first time passes from a point of receiving the response signal by the response signal receiving unit. The external device executes a second operation relating to the imaging process in a case that a second time passes from a point of transmitting the response signal from the external device to the imaging apparatus. Full Article
r Wireless camera apparatus and wireless camera device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A wireless camera apparatus includes a power supply track and a wireless camera device detachably installed on the power supply track. The wireless camera device has a camera module and a linking module fixed on the camera module. The linking module has a connecting unit and a conductive unit electrically connected to the camera module. When the wireless camera device is installed on the power supply track, the connecting unit is coupled to the power supply track, and the conductive unit is electrically connected to the power supply track. Thus, the instant disclosure provides the wireless camera apparatus, which is adjustable to any position of the power supply track according to the user's demand. Besides, the instant disclosure further provides a wireless camera device. Full Article
r Camera with hot shoe unit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A camera includes a body and a hot shoe unit on which a strobe light is detachably installable. The hot shoe unit is rotatably installed on the body. Full Article
r Convertible flash bag By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A modifiable enclosure that can be used to house an object and can be adapted and connected to the object to aid in directing a stream of light emanating from the object. The modifiable enclosure can include a first panel with a connecting element extending substantially about a periphery thereof and a second panel with connecting element extending substantially about a periphery thereof that is releasably fastenable to the connecting element extending substantially about a periphery of the first panel. Full Article
r Viewfinder and imaging apparatus including the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A viewfinder 3 includes a finder optical system S2 including first and second lens groups L1, L2; a zoom frame 6 provided with first and second cam grooves 63, 64 configured to rotate about an optical axis A2 to move the first and second lens groups L1, L2 in the optical axis direction in accordance with the shapes of the first and second cam grooves 63, 64; and a diopter adjuster 9 configured to adjust the diopter of the finder optical system S2. The diopter adjuster 9 changes the position of the zoom frame 6 in the optical axis direction to adjust the diopter of the finder optical system S2, and adjusts, during rotation of the zoom frame 6, the position of the zoom frame 6 in the optical axis direction such that the diopter of the finder optical system S2 is maintained. Full Article
r Ophthalmologic imaging apparatus and ophthalmologic imaging method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus includes an observation light source configured to generate infrared light for illuminating a subject's eye via an illumination optical system, an imaging unit configured to receive light returned from the subject's eye via an imaging optical system, and an electronic shutter control unit configured to refresh charge generated caused by light received by the imaging unit in response to turning off of the observation light source. Full Article
r Frame and insert for mounting a mobile device to a tripod By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for mounting a mobile device on a tripod includes a frame with a rigid peripheral member defining an opening therethrough. The peripheral member includes a mount configured to releasably couple the frame to the tripod. An insert is sized and shaped to be placed into the opening of the frame and releasably engage at least a portion of the peripheral member in an assembled configuration. The insert has a membrane in the form of a cavity configured to releasably receive and support the mobile device. The membrane extends over at least a portion of the opening of the frame in the assembled configuration and includes at least one camera hole extending therethrough that is aligned with a camera lens of the mobile device when the mobile device is mounted in the cavity. Full Article
r Camera mount vibration dampener By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vibration dampener for a camera mount is structured to reduce the movement of a first mount component relative to a second mount component. An upper camera mount component securing a camera couples to a lower camera mount component, which in turn couples to a base mount component configured to couple to a user, a sports board, a helmet, a vehicle, and the like. The vibration dampener is compressibly inserted between the lower mount component and the base mount component, causing the vibration dampener to exert an outward force on the lower mount component, and securing the lower mount component against a portion of the base mount component. The movement of the lower mount component relative to the base mount component is accordingly reduced by the vibration dampener. Full Article
r Camera lens front cover and the monitoring camera having the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A camera lens front cover and the monitoring camera having the same are disclosed. The monitoring camera may comprise a main body, a lens module and a camera lens front cover. The lens module may be disposed on the main body and comprise a lens holder and a camera lens, wherein the camera lens may protrude from the lens holder. The camera lens front cover may comprise a cylindrical casing and a glass cap, wherein the cylindrical casing may be hollow, and there are two openings at both sides of the cylindrical casing, and the lens module may be disposed inside the cylindrical casing. The glass cap may be disposed on one of the openings of the cylindrical casing and one side of the glass cap may be disposed with a protrusion part for accommodating the camera lens protruding from the lens holder. Full Article
r Motion control device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Described herein is a motion control apparatus for a camera and methods of use of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a camera attachment and a linear movement assembly operatively associated with a drive mechanism. This configuration causes linear movement of the drive mechanism and the camera attachment in a linear direction along a line or pathway. The apparatus is used for capturing time delay sequences and allows for operation over any desired path length along the line. Further, the apparatus is portable and can be used with other camera accessories. Full Article
r Imaging apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An imaging apparatus includes a shooting lens having a focus lens for adjusting a degree of focus on an imaging plane; an image sensor converting an optical image of a photographic subject to an electric image signal and outputting it; a confirmation image creator creating a focus state confirmation image in which a part, or a whole of an image expressed by the image signal is enlarged; a display displaying the focus state confirmation image; and a focus evaluation value calculator calculating a focus evaluation value based on the image signal; wherein when a state of an inclination of change in a focus evaluation value calculated at a plurality of positions of the focus lens while moving the focus lens is different from a state of an inclination of change in a focus evaluation value calculated immediately before, the focus state confirmation image is displayed on the display. Full Article
r Reducing light damage in shutterless imaging devices By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of reducing light damage in a shutterless imaging device includes receiving a signal from a hardware device. The signal from the hardware devices is analyzed. In response to the analysis of the signal from the hardware device, a lens of the shutterless imaging device is adjusted. Adjusting the lens spreads out energy of far-field image light incident on an image sensor of the shutterless imaging device. Full Article
r ***WITHDRAWN PATENT AS PER THE LATEST USPTO WITHDRAWN LIST***Image sensing and printing device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An image sensing and printing digital camera device includes a housing defining a slot for receiving a printed instruction card having printed thereon an array of dots representing a programming script, the housing further storing therein a roll of print media; an area image sensor for sensing an image and generating pixel data representing the image; a linear image sensor for scanning the array of dots on the card and converting the array of dots into a data signal; a microcontroller provided in the housing, the microcontroller for decoding the data signal into the programming script and applying the programming script on the pixel data; and a printing mechanism for printing the pixel data, having applied thereto the programming script, on the roll of print media. The microcontroller integrates on a single chip a VLIW processor, a printhead interface, and an output buffer effecting communication between the VLIW processor and the printhead interface. Full Article
r Lens holder driving device capable of avoiding deleterious effect on hall elements By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An AF unit of a lens holder driving device includes a lens holder, a focusing coil, a permanent magnet having a plurality of permanent magnet pieces having first surfaces opposed to the focusing coil, a magnet holder holding the permanent magnet, and first and second leaf springs supporting the lens holder in a direction of an optical axis shiftably. An image stabilizer portion includes a fixed portion disposed near the second leaf spring, a supporting member swingably supporting the AF unit with respect to the fixed portion, an image stabilizer coil having a plurality of image stabilizer coil portions disposed so as to oppose to second surfaces of the plurality of permanent magnet pieces that are perpendicular to the first surfaces, and a plurality of Hall elements. Each Hall element is disposed at a position where the image stabilizer coil portion is separated into a plurality of coil parts. Full Article
r Bufferless nonblocking networks on chip By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Network on Chips (NoC)s with a bufferless and nonblocking architecture are described. Core processors are communicatively coupled together on a substrate with a set of routing nodes based on nonblocking process. A network component routes data packets through the routing nodes and the core processors via communication links. A bufferless cross bar switch facilitates the communication of the data packets and/or path setup packets through the communication links among source processors and destination processors. The communication links include one or more channels, in which a channel comprises a data sub-channel, an acknowledgement sub-channel and a release sub-channel. Full Article
r Electronic apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An electronic apparatus is disclosed. The electronic apparatus includes: an imaging device which converts light into an image signal; a lens unit positioned in front of the imaging device to form an image on the imaging device from light incident from an object; a shutter unit interposed between the lens unit and the imaging device to expose the imaging device to the light incident from the object based on a predetermined exposure time and that includes a shutter curtain that regulates the light incident from the object; and a measurement unit which measures an actual exposure time of the shutter unit. The measurement unit is positioned behind the shutter curtain and includes a light-receiving sensor which receives light incident on the measurement unit from the light incident from the object other than the light of the effective image area incident on the imaging device. Full Article
r Camera By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A mirror holder includes a cam portion, and a rotating member includes a follower portion arranged to be able to trace the cam portion. When the mirror holder is at a mirror-down position, the follower portion traces a first region of the cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-down position by an urging force of an urging member. When the mirror holder is at a mirror-up position, the follower portion traces a second region of the cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-up position by the urging force of the urging member. When the mirror holder is at an intermediate position between the mirror-down position and the mirror-up position, a contact portion is contacted with an edge of a hole by the urging force of the urging member. Full Article
r Continuous film and camera and method thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The dual camera allows continuous wireless transmission of image data through radio waves to outside picture processing devices and continuous capture of images on frames of camera film rolls. A radio wave transmission attachment transmits image data though radio waves to outside picture processing devices. Several housing compartments of the dual camera receive camera film rolls. When images are captured on all frames of one camera film roll, a detachable housing compartment door is operable so that the camera film roll may be removed. While the camera film roll is being removed, the dual camera may simultaneously capture images on a remaining camera film roll in a filming position and the radio wave transmission attachment may transmit image data to outside picture processing devices without exposing the camera film roll in the filming position. Alternatively, a cable transmits radio wave image data to outside picture processing devices. An image radio wave converter of the dual camera converts photograph image data into radio wave image data. Full Article
r Holding device for a camera By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention pertains to a device which allows a person to hold a camera with a first arm (10) which extends longitudinally in the first extension direction (E). The first arm (10) is designed to be attached to or detached from the camera (2) and features a first free end (100) and a chin rest surface (21) provided on that first free end (100). The chin rest surface (21) is designed to rest on the chin (K) of the person (P) holding the camera (2). A second arm (30) extends from the first arm (10) along the second extension direction (E') and features a free end (31) where a grip area (32) is provided. This grip area (32) is designed to allow a person (P) to grasp the camera with one hand (H) using the device (1) and is kept separate from the chin rest surface (21) along the first extension direction (E). Full Article
r Focal plane shutter and optical device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A focal plane shutter includes: first, second, and third boards respectively including openings through which light enters an image pickup element from an object side, and arranged in this order from the object side toward the image pickup element side; a blade arranged between the first and second boards and capable of opening and closing the openings; and a holding member arranged between the second and third boards, not coupled to the blade, and holding the second board from the image pickup element side. Full Article
r Exchangeable lens and camera body By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An exchangeable lens includes: a mount unit at which a camera body is detachably engaged; a plurality of drive target members, conditions of which change as a drive force is applied thereto; an initialization unit that executes initialization processing for each of the plurality of drive target members; an initialization status transmission unit that transmits initialization statuses, each indicating a status of the initialization processing executed for one of the drive target members, to the camera body via a first transmission path over predetermined first cycles; and a drive condition transmission unit that transmits a drive condition of at least one drive target member among the plurality of drive target members to the camera body via a second transmission path different from the first transmission path over predetermined second cycles different from the predetermined first cycles. Full Article
r Periphery monitoring apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A periphery monitoring apparatus capable of photographing a vicinity of a vehicle without impairing the outer appearance of the vehicle includes a light source configured to be provided in the vehicle for illuminating the periphery of the vehicle, and a camera photographing a condition of the periphery of the vehicle with an optical axis changed by a mirror toward the underside of the circumferential edge of the vehicle illuminated by at least a portion of light irradiated from the light source reflected by the mirror configured to be disposed on the outer side of the circumferential edge of the vehicle. Full Article
r Method and apparatus for self camera shooting By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method enables self-camera shooting in a mobile terminal. In the method, whether a first user input is detected is determined. When the first user input is detected, a half shutter mode is entered. Whether a second user input is detected is determined. When the second user input is detected, self-camera shooting is performed. Full Article
r Interchangeable lens camera, camera body, lens unit, and busy signal control method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An aspect of the present invention provides an interchangeable lens camera having a camera body and a lens unit that is freely attachable and detachable to the camera body. In the interchangeable lens camera, a communications unit in the camera body sends via communications terminals (MT_MOSI and MT_MISO) an INTR_BUSY control instruction that instructs whether to make notification with a busy signal (INTR_BUSY signal) for any operation out of a plurality of types of operations that can be executed, and the lens unit or camera body communications unit sets the busy signal (INTR_BUSY) to an ON state (low level) only during the period of operation of the type indicated by the INTR_BUSY control instruction. Full Article
r Image photographing apparatus having a slidable shutter assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An image photographing apparatus capable of maintaining the size of a sensor plate even in a case when the size of a shutter assembly is increased, the image photographing apparatus including a shutter assembly configured to control an amount of light entered, an image sensor disposed at a rear of the shutter assembly to change the light to an electrical signal, a sensor plate configured to support the image sensor, and a main frame configured such that the shutter assembly and the sensor plate are be mounted thereon, wherein the main frame includes a frame base, and a shutter mounting portion protrudedly formed from the frame base such that the shutter assembly is mounted in a sliding manner on the shutter mounting portion. Full Article
r Component cover having variable light transmissivity By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In a broad aspect, embodiments described herein are generally directed to an electronic device comprising: a housing; a component mounted within the housing; a component cover in fixed relation to the housing; wherein the component cover is configurable between at least a first state and a second state; and wherein light transmissivity through the component cover is greater when in the second state than when in the first state. In some implementations, in the first state the component cover is substantially opaque, or in the second state the component cover is substantially transparent. Full Article
r System and method for storing images captured from a booth By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for capturing images in a booth. The system includes a network, a server communicatively coupled to the network, the server comprising a database operable to store images. The system further includes a booth communicatively coupled to the network, the booth comprising an input device operable to receive one or more inputs from a user, a camera operable to capture one or more images of the user, a display operable to present the one or more images, and a booth computer operable to transmit the one or more images to the server. Full Article
r Dome-shape camera By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A dome-shaped camera comprising: a camera body including a focus adjustment ring for manually performing focus adjustment; a base part which supports the camera body and includes a tilt mechanism which changes an angle of a tilt direction for supporting the camera body; a dome cover which covers the camera body; a mount device which mounts the dome cover on the base part so that the dome cover is rotatable about a center axis of the dome cover; and a power transmitting device which transmits a rotating force in a direction about the center axis added to the dome cover as a rotating force of a focus adjustment ring of the camera supported at any angle in the tilt direction via a power transmission member placed on a tilt axis. Full Article
r Interchangeable lens and camera system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An interchangeable lens attachable to a camera body includes an image pickup optical system configured to form an optical image of an object, and a controller configured to start initializing an optical element included in the image pickup optical system so as to move the optical element to a predetermined position when the controller receives a first signal that commands a start of an initialization from the camera body, and configured to start initializing the optical element after the controller receives identification information from the camera body and a period elapses for which the camera body consumes more than a predetermined amount of power when the controller does not receive the first signal from the camera body. Full Article
r Method and apparatus for determining linear position using multiple magnetic field sensors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The linear position of an object is estimated using multiple magnetic field sensors and a magnet. The multiple magnetic field sensors are held in fixed relation to one another and in moving relation with respect to the magnet. Readings of the first and second magnetic field sensors and the fixed distance between the first and second magnetic field sensors may be used to estimate the linear position. In some embodiments, an estimated frequency of an approximately sinusoidal field versus position characteristic is also used as part of the estimation. Full Article
r Camera system with rotating mirror By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An image system configured to record a scanned image of an area. The system includes a single two-dimensional (2D) imager and a rotatable mirror. The 2D imager is formed of a two-dimensional (2D) array of light detectors. The 2D imager is operable in a line-scan mode effective to individually sequence an activated line of light detectors at a time. The rotatable mirror is configured to rotate about an axis parallel to a plane defined by the rotatable mirror. The rotation is effective to vary an angle of the rotatable mirror to pan a projected image of the area across the 2D imager. The angle of the rotatable mirror and the activated line of the 2D imager are synchronized such that the scanned image recorded by the 2D imager is inverted with respect to the projected image. Full Article
r Imaging apparatus with display and image display apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A digital camera is provided with a vertically long camera body having an approximately rectangular solid shape. An LCD panel provided in a rear surface of the camera body is arranged such that longitudinal directions of the display screen and the camera body correspond to each other. The digital camera is operated through a touch panel provided in a lower portion of the display screen. In a taking mode, an image is displayed in a small size on an upper portion of the display screen. In reproducing, the camera body is rotated sideways by 90 degree. In a reproducing mode, display posture of the image is also rotated by 90 degree, and the image is displayed in a large size on the entire display screen. Full Article
r Magnetic lens filters and adapter assemblies for a camera By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided herein are devices and system to magnetically, rotably secure a lens filter to a camera. Generally the devices and systems comprise a magnet assembly and a lens filter assembly threadably engageable. Also provided are magnetic lens filter systems comprising the engaged magnet and lens filter assemblies and an attachment assembly securable around a camera lens and magnetically attachable to the magnet comprising the magnetic lens filter, magnetic adapter assembly or magnetic adapter. Further provided are camera systems comprising the magnetic lens filter systems rotatably affixed thereto. Full Article
r Camera By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT A camera includes a positioning member arranged to determine a mirror-down position of a mirror holder, a rotating member rotatably mounted to the positioning member, and an urging member arranged to urge the rotating member. The mirror holder includes a cam portion. The rotating member includes a follower portion arranged to be able to trace the cam portion. When the mirror holder is at the mirror-down position, the follower portion traces a first region of the cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-down position by an urging force of the urging member. When the mirror holder is at the mirror-up position, the follower portion traces a second region of the cam portion to urge the mirror holder toward the mirror-up position by the urging force of the urging member. Full Article
r Toy projectile launching system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A toy projectile launching system including at least one launchable toy projectile, including at least one RFID tag, and a toy projectile launching apparatus, including a housing, a projectile launching mechanism, a projectile receptacle, and an RFID writer adapted to write tag data to the at least one RFID tag, wherein the toy projectile is adapted to be loaded into the projectile receptacle and launched by the projectile launching mechanism. Full Article
r Auxiliary user interface for a transmit controller By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT In an embodiment, a transmit controller compatible with an auxiliary user interface device is provided. The transmit controller has a memory with operational parameters, a control user interface, an auxiliary user interface connector, and a transmit controller processor. The transmit controller processor is configured to transmit the operational parameters to the auxiliary user interface device and modify the operational parameters in accordance with a parameter instruction from the auxiliary user interface device. The transmit controller processor is further configured to receive a control instruction from the control user interface, determine an output signal based on the control instruction and the one or more operational parameters, and transmit the output signal to the model vehicle. Full Article
r Swinging bob toy with reversibly separable bobs By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A swinging bob toy having three bobs constrained on a string, the middle bob being slideably constrained between the two end bobs, and at least one of the bobs being reversibly separable into two partial bobs. A wide variety of new tricks and maneuvers are made possible by the separability of the bobs. The two partial bobs have roughly the same weight thereby providing balanced orbits. Each of the two partial bobs slides less easily along the string than a non-separated bob. The two partial bobs have roughly the same diameter along at least one axis thereby allowing visual illusions to be performed. Full Article
r Apparatus for a throwing game By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A throwing disc, goal apparatus, and game are provided. A disc includes a central hub with blades projecting equiangularly from the hub. The blades are circumscribed by and joined to an outer perimeter ring that aids in throwing. The blades of the disc act as airfoils and impart unique flight characteristics to the disc. A goalpost is comprised of two vertical sections, joined by a horizontal cross-bar located above the midline of the vertical sections, and supported by a rectangular frame oriented perpendicularly to the vertical sections. A scoring pad is included. The game is played by tossing the disc and attempting to pass the disc while in flight between the vertical posts and above the horizontal cross-bar of the goalpost, and landing the disc on the scoring pad. Full Article
r Building blocks and building block fasteners By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A building block (100) comprises a first mating portion and a second mating portion which are complementary. The first mating portion comprises a mating protrusion (140) which defines an axially extending through bore (144) and the second mating portion comprises an axially extending mating receptacle (180) which is complementary to the mating protrusion (140). The mating protrusion (140) and the mating receptacle (180) are in communication via the through bore (144), and a fastener anchoring device (146) adapted for engaging with an engagement means (920) of a fastener (900) is formed inside the through bore (144). The through bore (144) is adapted to permit axial insertion of the engagement means (920) of the fastener (900) into the mating protrusion (140). The fastener anchoring device (146) is adapted to obstruct axial passage of the engagement means (920) until the engagement means (920) overcomes the obstruction by negotiating rotationally with the fastener anchoring device (146) to thereby gain axial advancement and enter into engagement with the fastener anchoring device (146). Full Article
r Gravity-slowing self propelling game device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The game device for a user including a flexible closure for receiving impacts from the user, one or more filler placed inside the flexible closure for reducing recoiling of the flexible closure from the surface on receiving impacts, a mechanical unit attached to the inner walls of the flexible closure and a gravity slowing unit attached to the mechanical unit for reducing the gravitational pull acting on the flexible closure. The mechanical unit includes an electric motor for providing torque, an impact sensor for sensing the impacts received from the user, and a power source for energizing the electric motor and the impact sensor. The gravity slowing unit includes a spring-loaded hinge for stabilizing the flexible closure from impacts projected by the user, a spring-loaded shaft connected to the electric motor through the spring-loaded hinge for rotating to rotate on receiving torque from the electric motor and at least one set of propellers connected to the spring-loaded shaft for the receiving torque and providing thrust against gravitational pull acting on the flexible closure. Full Article
r Managing virtual content based on information associated with toy objects By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT 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. Full Article
r Collapsible balloon cup with attachable inflation air tube By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A balloon assembly including a balloon pedestal having a cup attached to a collar and an air tube that can be fixedly attached to a one-way balloon valve. The balloon cup is configured with a plurality of creases that allow it to be folded or otherwise reduced in shape for more economical packaging. The collar and air stem are also oval in shape to further reduce the overall volume of the balloon assembly. The balloon cup can be placed over and secured to the air tube, with the cup supporting the base of the balloon. A rod or similar support can also be placed in the end of the air tube to allow the balloon to be more visible. Full Article
r Developmental activity gym for babies By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A developmental toy for infants including an infant support surface having an open and a folded operative orientation, a first pair of circumferential elements associated therewith and having an open and a folded operative orientation and a second pair of elements, generally similar in configuration to the first pair of circumferential elements, arranged to support toy objects above the infant support surface and having an open and a folded operative orientation and a locking assembly for selectably locking the first and second pairs of circumferential elements in their respective open operative orientations, the open operative orientation of the infant support surface being an angular separation of 180 degrees, the open operative orientation of the first pair of circumferential elements being an angular separation of 180 degrees and the open operative orientation of the first pair of circumferential elements being an angular separation of substantially less than 180 degrees. Full Article
r Robotic marionettes on magnetically-supported and highly mobile puppeteer platforms By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus for suspending and positioning marionettes. The apparatus includes a thin, planar support membrane such as a plastic sheet. A tender vehicle is positioned on the upper side of the support membrane. A motor or other drive mechanism selectively positions the tender vehicle relative to the support membrane. The apparatus includes a puppeteer vehicle from which a marionette is suspended. The puppeteer vehicle is positioned proximate to the lower side of the support membrane opposite the tender vehicle. To support the puppeteer vehicle, one or both of the vehicles includes one or more rotatable magnetic elements such that the attractive forces support the weight of the puppeteer vehicle and the marionette. Typically, the puppeteer vehicle is a passive follower, and the drive mechanism of the tender vehicle includes motors to move the magnetic elements and position the tender and following puppeteer vehicle with its marionette to provide a show. Full Article
r Modular blow molded shed with connectors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides a system, or kit, of blow molded panels having integrally formed connectors which combine to form an enclosure, commonly in the form of a utility shed. The corner sections, roof, wall and floor panels are formed of blow molded plastic with integrally formed connectors to interlock with one another. In one embodiment, the ends of the wall panels have locking plugs that are constructed and arranged to fit into corresponding sockets and slide to an engaged position for interlocking cooperative engagement rigidly connecting the components together. Full Article
r Head structure of robot, and driving method for the head By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A head structure of a robot according to the invention includes a first motor and a second motor so supported side by side within a head of the robot that output shafts are positioned coaxially with each other; a left elastic frame that is so driven by the first motor and one end of which is so fitted as to be rotatable around the output shaft and the other end of which extending in a perpendicular direction from the output shaft is supported by a trunk of the robot; and a right elastic frame that is so driven by the second motor and one end of which is so fitted as to be rotatable around the output shaft and the other end of which extending side by side with the left elastic frame from the output shaft is supported by the trunk. Full Article
r Floating squirting toy By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A squirting toy is comprised of a cylindrical housing and a piston that slides within to force water into or out of the housing via a hole therein. The housing is encased within a shell creating a water impervious volume sufficient for the toy to float in water. The shell is soft, so that the gun is not a safety hazard when left floating in a swimming pool. Handles associated with one or both actuating portions of the squirting toy are provided for gripping and operating the squirting toy more effectively. Full Article
r Flapping flying robot By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A flapping flying robot including a body with a longitudinal side extending in a front to back direction, a left wing and a right wing respectively including a left front frame and a right front frame, base ends of the left and right front frames rotatably attached to a front side of the body, and a flapping structure mounted on an upper side of the body, the flapping structure powered by a rotary drive source, the flapping structure rotating the left and right front frames and thereby flapping the left and right wings and a duration of an upstroke of the left and right wings flapped by the flapping structure is shorter than a duration of a downstroke of the left and right wings to generate a lift force. Full Article
r Hand manipulated construction vehicle toy By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT This invention relates to hand manipulated toy construction equipment such as backhoes, trucks, etc. In one embodiment, the truck body is hollow at one end so that the truck may be manipulated by inserting one's arm into the truck body and grasping and manipulating a transverse dowel handle. Spring-loaded means are provided within the truck body and are coupled to the dumper to control the motion of the equipment. A sound module is also provided to simulate construction sounds. Full Article
r Simplified modularized contact type of conductive building block By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A simplified modularized contact type of conductive building block includes: a brick, at least one pair of conductive pieces, a circuit board and a base. The brick includes at least one pair of studs projected from a top thereof. The conductive piece has an insertion electrode and a connection electrode respectively disposed at two ends thereof and a contact electrode disposed between the insertion electrode and the connection electrode. The conductive pieces are inserted through the insertion through holes of the circuit board. The circuit board includes a positive electrode circuit and a negative electrode circuit respectively contacted with the at least one pair of the conductive pieces. The conductive pieces are further inserted through the through holes of the base. The circuit board and the base are fixed in the brick. Full Article