Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080217493 | SUCTION CUP FOR ROUGH SURFACES - A suction cup adapted to couple objects to rough surfaces includes a flexible sealing member, a backing member and a release mechanism. The sealing member is placed flush against a rough surface to form a low pressure region therebetween. The backing member is coupled to the sealing member and pulls a central portion of the sealing member away from the rough surface to create a suction hold. The release mechanism diminishes this suction hold when activated by a user. The sealing member material has a durometer rating of less than about 50, shore A. A rigid outer shell disposed above the sealing and backing members includes a rim to facilitate seal creation between the sealing member and the rough surface, and houses a portion of the release mechanism, which can include a button or lever adapted to push or pull the backing member toward or away from the rough surface. | 09-11-2008 |
20090080683 | Wireless headset with microphone boom with new bending properties - A headset utilizing an extendable microphone boom that positions the microphone closer to the user's mouth when deployed. A wireless headset that is adjustable to the user's face and ear geometry through the use of a flexible joint between the headset housing and the earpiece. A wireless headset which uses a deployable microphone boom that deploys into a curved position. A wireless headset which utilizes a boom with material properties such that the boom may be easily placed into a position within a range, yet at the edges of this range have elastic properties. | 03-26-2009 |
20090095863 | Support arm with reversed elastic and inelastic ranges - A support arm which utilizes a material with material properties such that the support arm may be easily placed into a position within a range, yet at the edges of this range have elastic properties. | 04-16-2009 |
20090101772 | Level indicator clip for tripods and other structures - The present invention is directed to a mounting clips and structures to support the mounting clips. The mounting clips may use a bubble level or other device to allow the user to level the item supported, such as a camera. The mounting clips may be used with a tripod or a monopod, and in some embodiments a tripod with flexible legs utilizing ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. The use of flexible mounting apparatus allows the user to mount an item such as a camera in a variety of locations, but this in turn may make it difficult for the user to level the view from the camera. A clip with a level device within it allows for such leveling. | 04-23-2009 |
20090116678 | Headset with fit adjustments and magnetic accessories - A headset which includes a metal or metallic housing to which various accessory components can be attached. These components can include an ear loop, a necklace for the holding of the headset while not being worn on the ear, an external mount, and other components. The components include a magnet which facilitates mounting to the headset. The components are not restricted to a particular attach point, which enhances the ability of the user to adjust the geometry for better fit. An earloop with an inelastic central range allowing for better fit. | 05-07-2009 |
20090314515 | Folding cord with rigid sections and magnets - An apparatus for the compact and neat storage of electrical cords, such as power extension cords and cords for earplugs and other devices. The cord may have repeating rigid sections which allow for the easy folding and grouping of the sections to allow for organized collection of portions of the cable which are not needed to be extended while in use, as well as for the organized collection of the entire cable when not in use. The rigid sections may have magnets which promote the organized grouping of the sections when collected together. | 12-24-2009 |
20100026007 | Apparatus and method for harvesting wind power using tethered airfoil - A wind energy generator for employment in the jet stream or other wind conditions is described herein. The craft comprises a “kite” configured with an airfoil and tethered to a ground based power generator. The craft and tether are configured to pull on the tether during a flight pattern calculated to pull on the tether that is connected to the generator to enable power generation. Also, an aerodynamically stable tether configuration is used and can be supplemented with a number of periodically spaced control surfaces arranged at various points along the tether. These control surfaces can be selectively actuated to stabilize and position the tether. The tether can comprise a two-stage tether having an inelastic portion attached to a pool and an elastic portion that connects with the kite. Also, the invention contemplates a system of wind detection devices that identify the local wind variations and through control systems enable the optimal positioning of the kite. | 02-04-2010 |
20100032947 | Apparatus for generating power using jet stream wind power - A wind energy generator for employment in the jet stream or other wind conditions is described herein. The craft includes an airfoil and at least one wind energy generating device. The craft further includes a variable geometry tail boom unit whose orientation relative to the rest of the craft can be adjusted in accordance with the needs of the user. The craft is tethered to the ground. The wind energy generating devices transferring generated electrical power back to the ground using a conductive transfer line or alternative energy transfer means. The can craft further include an airframe onto which the wind energy generating devices can be mounted the airframe can include an open structured airframe. The invention further describes method of putting an energy generating craft into the air. The method comprises becoming airborne in a vertical configuration, transitioning a tail boom into an orientation parallel to plane of the airfoil and entering a horizontal flight configuration. | 02-11-2010 |
20100032948 | Method and apparatus for operating and controlling airborne wind energy generation craft and the generation of electrical energy using such craft - The invention described herein relates generally to wind power generation. In particular, the invention relates to devices and methods used for launching and retrieving wind energy generating craft as well as novel constructions of such craft. Additionally, novel structures for tethers and tether operation is disclosed. Also, methods and apparatus for power generation are described. The craft described herein are intended for electrical power generation utilizing the wind energy collected from air currents. | 02-11-2010 |
20100041300 | Modular multi-piece figures from rearrangeable elements and kits allowing construction of same - Toy figures assembled from components including ball and socket attributes which allow for movement between the components, which allows the user to position the various portions of the figures into desired positions. A kit of components including ball and socket attributes which allow for assembly into a large number of different types of figures or structures of vastly different types and shapes. | 02-18-2010 |
20100220992 | Miniature Mounting Apparatus - The present invention is directed towards a miniature tripod assembly adapted to mount to the bottom of a camera, or other device, and to be small enough to fit within the profile of the device. The miniature tripod assembly may use ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping. In some embodiments, device may use flexible and extendable legs. | 09-02-2010 |
20100221062 | Ball and Socket Connectors With Substructure - A ball and socket connector with a contact surface of a material selected for a first property, such as a frictional property, with a substructure of a second material selected for a second property, such as its elastic property. A chain of ball and socket connectors of connectors with a substructure. | 09-02-2010 |
20100221112 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AIRBORNE CYCLICALLY CONTROLLED POWER GENERATION USING AUTOROTATION - An airborne centrifugally stiffened and cyclically controlled system which uses airfoils which rotate around a central hub, similar to the mechanics of an autogyro. The airfoils may achieve speeds significantly above the wind speed feeding the system. The airfoils may be linked to the central hub by flexible radial tethers which stiffen considerably as the speed of the airfoil increases, or may be linked to the central hub by rigid radial links. The central hub may be linked to the ground with an extendible main tether. Power generation turbines may reside on the airfoils and utilize the high apparent wind speed for power generation. The generated power may travel down the radial tethers and across a rotating power conduit to the main tether and to the ground. The system may use autorotation, similar to the mechanics of an autogyro. Power generation turbines may reside on the blades and utilize the high apparent wind speed for power generation with little or no need for gearing between the generator blades and the generator. | 09-02-2010 |
20100230546 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD FOR AIRBORNE FLIGHT - A control system and method for control of a cyclical flying system which uses lift segments, which may be airfoils, which rotate around a central hub, similar to the mechanics of an autogyro. The airfoils may achieve speeds significantly above the wind speed feeding the system. The airfoils may be linked to the central hub by flexible radial tethers which stiffen considerably as the speed of the airfoil increases. The central hub may be linked to the ground with an extendible main tether. Power generation turbines may reside on the airfoils and utilize the high apparent wind speed for power generation. The generated power may travel down the radial tethers and across a rotating power conduit to the main tether and to the ground. The airborne assembly may have the rotational speed of the airfoils, its altitude, and its attitude controlled by using control surfaces linked to the airfoils, or by control of the angle of attack of the airfoils relative to a central hub, or relative to each other. The attitude and altitude sensors and the control system may be airborne and may be part of the rotating assembly. The airborne assembly can be moved to areas of appropriate wind speed for the system using these controls. | 09-16-2010 |
20100259144 | DEVICE CASE AND APPARATUS USING SAME - A case for an electronic device, such as a cellular telephone. The case may be adapted to be supported by a flexible support apparatus, such as a tripod. The flexible tripod may include ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. The flexible support apparatus allows the user to view the device in a variety of locations with enhanced ease, comfort, and allows for a variety of viewing or use angles. | 10-14-2010 |
20100264281 | Gripping Clip and Mounting Apparatus Using Same - A clamp clip adapted to grip an item, such as a planar sheet. The clamp clip may have pincers adapted to open and close in a scissors like fashion. The clamp may be used with a tripod or a monopod, and in some embodiments a tripod with flexible legs utilizing ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. The ball and socket joint connectors may utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping when wrapped around objects. | 10-21-2010 |
20100283253 | Tethered Airborne Power Generation System With Vertical Take-Off and Landing Capability - A tethered airborne electrical power generation system which may utilize a strutted frame structure with airfoils built into the frame to keep wind turbine driven generators which are within the structure airborne. The primary rotors utilize the prevailing wind to generate rotational velocity. Electrical power generated is returned to ground using a tether that is also adapted to fasten the flying system to the ground. The flying system is adapted to be able to use electrical energy to provide power to the primary turbines which are used as motors to raise the system from the ground, or mounting support, into the air. The system may then be raised into a prevailing wind and use airfoils in the system to provide lift while the system is tethered to the ground. The motors may then resume operation as turbines for electrical power generation. The system may be somewhat planar in that many turbines may have their rotors substantially in one or more planes or planar regions. The system may also be adapted to be assembled of modular components such that a variety of different numbers of turbines may be flown, yet the system may be substantially constructed from multiple similar members. | 11-11-2010 |
20100295320 | Airborne Power Generation System With Modular Electrical Elements - A tethered airborne electrical power generation system which may utilize a strutted frame structure with airfoils built into the frame to keep wind turbine driven generators which are within the structure airborne. The primary rotors utilize the prevailing wind to generate rotational velocity. Electrical power generated is returned to ground using a tether that is also adapted to fasten the flying system to the ground. The flying system is adapted to be able to use electrical energy to provide power to the primary turbines which are used as motors to raise the system from the ground, or mounting support, into the air. The system may then be raised into a prevailing wind and use airfoils in the system to provide lift while the system is tethered to the ground. The motors may then resume operation as turbines for electrical power generation. The system may be somewhat planar in that many turbines may have their rotors substantially in one or more planes or planar regions. The system may also be adapted to be assembled of modular components such that a variety of different numbers of turbines may be flown, yet the system may be substantially constructed from multiple similar members. | 11-25-2010 |
20100295321 | Method for Generating Electrical Power Using a Tethered Airborne Power Generation System - A tethered airborne electrical power generation system which may utilize a strutted frame structure with airfoils built into the frame to keep wind turbine driven generators which are within the structure airborne. The primary rotors utilize the prevailing wind to generate rotational velocity. Electrical power generated is returned to ground using a tether that is also adapted to fasten the flying system to the ground. The flying system is adapted to be able to use electrical energy to provide power to the primary turbines which are used as motors to raise the system from the ground, or mounting support, into the air. The system may then be raised into a prevailing wind and use airfoils in the system to provide lift while the system is tethered to the ground. The motors may then resume operation as turbines for electrical power generation. The system may be somewhat planar in that many turbines may have their rotors substantially in one or more planes or planar regions. The system may also be adapted to be assembled of modular components such that a variety of different numbers of turbines may be flown, yet the system may be substantially constructed from multiple similar members. | 11-25-2010 |
20100308198 | Mounting Apparatus Using Flexible Joints With Magnetic Atachment - The present invention is directed towards flexible assemblies, and in some embodiments, ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping. In an exemplary embodiment utilizing the aforementioned ball and socket joint connectors, a mounting apparatus uses a leg or legs comprising flexible joints and magnetic attachments for support. | 12-09-2010 |
20100314508 | Apparatus with flexible tripod and electronic device - A flexible support apparatus, such as a tripod, supporting an electronic device, such as a personal video player. The flexible tripod may include ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. The flexible support apparatus allows the user to view the device in a variety of locations with enhanced ease, comfort, and allows for a variety of viewing angles. | 12-16-2010 |
20110042508 | CONTROLLED TAKE-OFF AND FLIGHT SYSTEM USING THRUST DIFFERENTIALS - A manned/unmanned aerial vehicle adapted for vertical takeoff and landing using the same set of engines for takeoff and landing as well as for forward flight. An aerial vehicle which is adapted to takeoff with the wings in a vertical as opposed to horizontal flight attitude which takes off in this vertical attitude and then transitions to a horizontal flight path. An aerial vehicle which controls the attitude of the vehicle during takeoff and landing by alternating the thrust of engines, which are separated in least two dimensions relative to the horizontal during takeoff. An aerial vehicle which uses a rotating platform of engines in fixed relationship to each other and which rotates relative to the wings of the vehicle for takeoff and landing. | 02-24-2011 |
20110042509 | Lightweight Vertical Take-Off and Landing Aircraft and Flight Control Paradigm Using Thrust Differentials - An aerial vehicle adapted for vertical takeoff and landing using the same set of engines for takeoff and landing as well as for forward flight. An aerial vehicle which is adapted to takeoff with the wings in a vertical as opposed to horizontal flight attitude which takes off in this vertical attitude and then transitions to a horizontal flight path. An aerial vehicle which controls the attitude of the vehicle during takeoff and landing by alternating the thrust of engines, which are separated in at least two dimensions relative to the horizontal during takeoff, and which may also control regular flight in some aspects by the use of differential thrust of the engines. | 02-24-2011 |
20110042510 | Lightweight Vertical Take-Off and Landing Aircraft and Flight Control Paradigm Using Thrust Differentials - An aerial vehicle adapted for vertical takeoff and landing using the same set of engines for takeoff and landing as well as for forward flight. An aerial vehicle which uses a rotating platform of engines in fixed relationship to each other and which rotates relative to the main body of the vehicle for takeoff and landing. An aerial vehicle which is adapted to takeoff with the wings in a vertical as opposed to horizontal flight attitude which takes off in this vertical attitude and then transitions to a horizontal flight path. An aerial vehicle which controls the attitude of the vehicle during takeoff and landing by alternating the thrust of engines, which are separated in at least two dimensions relative to the horizontal during takeoff, and which may also control regular flight in some aspects by the use of differential thrust of the engines. | 02-24-2011 |
20110108683 | Mounting Apparatus Using Ball And Socket Joints With Gripping Features - The present invention is directed towards ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors are designed and constructed such that the interference fit of the ball and socket causes creep in the material resulting in more even frictions in the various ball and socket joints. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping. In an exemplary embodiment utilizing the aforementioned ball and socket joint connectors, a tripod apparatus uses legs comprising the ball and socket joint connectors for support and for gripping objects. | 05-12-2011 |
20110121570 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A TETHERED FLYING CRAFT USING TETHER ATTACHMENT POINT MANIPULATION - A tethered airborne electrical power generation system which may utilize a strutted frame structure with airfoils built into the frame to keep wind turbine driven generators which are within the structure airborne. The primary rotors utilize the prevailing wind to generate rotational velocity. Electrical power generated is returned to ground using a tether that is also adapted to fasten the flying system to the ground. The flying system is adapted to be able to use electrical energy to provide power to the primary turbines which are used as motors to raise the system from the ground, or mounting support, into the air. The system may use an attachment mechanism for the tether adapted to move the tether attachment point relative to the flying craft. | 05-26-2011 |
20110127775 | Airborne Power Generation System With Modular Structural Elements - A tethered airborne electrical power generation system which may utilize a strutted frame structure with airfoils built into the frame to keep wind turbine driven generators which are within the structure airborne. The primary rotors utilize the prevailing wind to generate rotational velocity. Electrical power generated is returned to ground using a tether that is also adapted to fasten the flying system to the ground. The flying system is adapted to be able to use electrical energy to provide power to the primary turbines which are used as motors to raise the system from the ground, or mounting support, into the air. The system may then be raised into a prevailing wind and use airfoils in the system to provide lift while the system is tethered to the ground. The motors may then resume operation as turbines for electrical power generation. The system may be somewhat planar in that many turbines may have their rotors substantially in one or more planes or planar regions. The system may also be adapted to be assembled of modular components such that a variety of different numbers of turbines may be flown, yet the system may be substantially constructed from multiple similar members. | 06-02-2011 |
20110199759 | Flashlight With Mounting Apparatus - A light and support structure apparatus, wherein the light may have beam width adjustment such that the beam may be easily adjusted from a wide beam to more of a spot beam. The light may also be able to switch to a different color beam. The light may utilize standard cylindrical batteries which are inserted into a battery compartment side by side with their positive and negative ends in the same orientation. The light may be mounted upon a tripod or a monopod, and in some embodiments a tripod with flexible legs utilizing ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. Each connector may include a body with a first and second end portion. An external socket engaging surface is provided at one end of the body. The other end of the body has an internal cavity. The socket engaging surface of one connector is snapped into the internal cavity of another to interconnect the connectors. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping. | 08-18-2011 |
20110266395 | TETHER SHEATHS AND AERODYNAMIC TETHER ASSEMBLIES - The invention described herein relates generally to wind power generation. In particular, the invention relates to novel structures for tethers and tether operation. Also, methods and apparatus for power generation are described. The craft described herein are intended for electrical power generation utilizing the wind energy collected from air currents. | 11-03-2011 |
20120091305 | Attachment Clips for Support Structures - A mounting clip and structures to support the mounting clips. A clip may narrow in width and thickness to facilitate firmer mounting and to facilitate ease of clipping into a mating receiver. The clip may have different sections along its outer rail of different thicknesses and different widths. | 04-19-2012 |
20120286102 | REMOTELY CONTROLLED VTOL AIRCRAFT, CONTROL SYSTEM FOR CONTROL OF TAILLESS AIRCRAFT, AND SYSTEM USING SAME - A manned/unmanned aerial vehicle adapted for vertical takeoff and landing using the same set of engines for takeoff and landing as well as for forward flight. An aerial vehicle which is adapted to takeoff with the wings in a vertical as opposed to horizontal flight attitude which takes off in this vertical attitude and then transitions to a horizontal flight path. An aerial vehicle which controls the attitude of the vehicle during takeoff and landing by alternating the thrust of engines, which are separated in at least two dimensions relative to the horizontal during takeoff, and which may also control regular flight in some aspects by the use of differential thrust of the engines. A tailless airplane which uses a control system that takes inputs for a traditional tailed airplane and translates those inputs to provide control utilizing non-traditional control methods. | 11-15-2012 |
20120287274 | Tracking of Dynamic Object of Interest and Active Stabilization of an Autonomous Airborne Platform Mounted Camera - A system for tracking and video surveillance using an aerial videographic platform. The system may be adapted to follow a user possessing a GPS device with a transmitter, such as an advanced cellular telephone. The aerial platform may be commanded by the user to follow the user during a course of time, such as during the completion of an outdoor activity. The aerial platform may use a video camera to record the user while the user is engaged in the activity. | 11-15-2012 |
20120288268 | Miniature Mounting Apparatus - A miniature tripod assembly adapted to mount to the bottom of a camera, or other device, and to be small enough to fit within the profile of the device. The miniature tripod assembly may use ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping. In some embodiments, device may use flexible and extendable legs. | 11-15-2012 |
20130168512 | Mounting Apparatus Using Ball and Socket Joints With Composite Connectors - The present invention is directed towards ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. Each connector includes a body with a first and second end portion. An external socket engaging surface is provided at one end of the body. The other end of the body has an internal cavity. The socket engaging surface of one connector is snapped into the internal cavity of another to interconnect the connectors. The internal cavity end portion may be of a material that is less subject to creep, and which may have high stiffness. The socket end portion may be made of a softer material that allows for sufficient deflection to allow for mating but is not as subject to creep as this portion is predominantly in compression. | 07-04-2013 |
20130170239 | Flashlight With Mounting Apparatus - A light and support structure apparatus, wherein the light may have beam width adjustment such that the beam may be easily adjusted from a wide beam to more of a spot beam. The light may be mounted upon a tripod or a monopod, and in some embodiments a tripod with flexible legs utilizing ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. Each connector may include a body with a first and second end portion. An external socket engaging surface is provided at one end of the body. The other end of the body has an internal cavity. The socket engaging surface of one connector is snapped into the internal cavity of another to interconnect the connectors. | 07-04-2013 |
20130229569 | POSITIONING APPARATUS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC AND VIDEO IMAGING AND RECORDING AND SYSTEM UTILIZING SAME - A multi-axis positioning device adapted to hold and position an electronic device such as a smart phone. A system using the positioning device and a smart phone adapted to utilize the smart phone to provide positioning commands to the positioning device. The system may provide positioning commands based upon pre-programmed instructions, or may position based upon analysis of the images being taken in real time. | 09-05-2013 |
20140135062 | POSITIONING APPARATUS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC AND VIDEO IMAGING AND RECORDING AND SYSTEM UTILIZING SAME - A multi-axis positioning device adapted to hold and position an electronic device such as a smart phone. A system using the positioning device and a smart phone adapted to utilize the smart phone to provide positioning commands to the positioning device. The system may provide positioning commands based upon pre-programmed instructions, or may position based upon analysis of the images being taken in real time. | 05-15-2014 |
20150028151 | Aerodynamically Efficient Lightweight Vertical Take-Off And Landing Aircraft With Multi-Configuration Wing Tip Mounted Rotors - An aerial vehicle adapted for vertical takeoff and landing using a set of wing tip mounted thrust producing elements for takeoff and landing. An aerial vehicle which is adapted to vertical takeoff with the wings in a horizontal flight attitude then transitions to a horizontal flight path. An aerial vehicle which uses different configurations of its wing tip mounted, VTOL enabling rotors to reduce drag in all flight modes. | 01-29-2015 |