# US 10,864,450 B2 · Sequentially operated modules

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- Number: US 10,864,450 B2
- Document ID: US10864450B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/427,183
- Filed: 2017-02-08
- Published: 2017-05-25
- Granted: 2020-12-15
- Earliest claimed: 2009-07-15
- Assignees: May Patents Ltd.
- Applicants: May Patents Ltd.
- Inventors: Yehuda Binder
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10864450B2

## CPC

- A63F 9/24: Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
- A63F 13/211: using inertial sensors, e.g. accelerometers or gyroscopes
- A63F 13/235: using a wireless connection, e.g. infrared or piconet
- A63F 13/30: Interconnection arrangements between game servers and game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game devices; Interconnection arrangements between game servers
- A63F 13/332: using wireless networks, e.g. cellular phone networks
- A63F 13/35: Details of game servers
- A63F 13/54: involving acoustic signals, e.g. for simulating revolutions per minute [RPM] dependent engine sounds in a driving game or reverberation against a virtual wall
- A63H 3/28: Arrangements of sound-producing means in dolls; Means in dolls for producing sounds
- A63H 5/00: Musical or noise- producing devices for additional toy effects other than acoustical (musical tops A63H1/28; {sound-producing dolls A63H3/28; musical toy vehicles A63H17/268; acoustical vehicle-signalling devices A63H17/32; whistling toy locomotive arrangements A63H19/14}; music, sound or noise production in general G10)
- A63H 33/042: {Mechanical, electrical, optical, pneumatic or hydraulic arrangements; Motors}
- A63H 33/08: provided with complementary holes, grooves, or protuberances, e.g. dovetails
- A63H 33/26: Magnetic or electric toys (electric drives A63H29/22 {; indoor games played with small balls using magnetic power A63F7/0088, A63F7/068})
- B25J 9/1656: {characterised by programming, planning systems for manipulators}
- B25J 9/1694: {characterised by use of sensors other than normal servo-feedback from position, speed or acceleration sensors, perception control, multi-sensor controlled systems, sensor fusion}
- G05B 15/02: electric
- G09B 5/06: with both visual and audible presentation of the material to be studied
- G09B 17/003: {electrically operated apparatus or devices}
- G09B 19/00: Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass (teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying F41G3/26)
- G09B 19/0023: {Colour matching, recognition, analysis, mixture or the like}
- G09B 19/025: {with electrically operated apparatus or devices}
- H01R 9/16: Fastening of connecting parts to base or case; Insulating connecting parts from base or case
- H01R 13/6691: {with built-in signalling means (H01R13/717 takes precedence)}
- H01R 13/7175: {Light emitting diodes (LEDs)}
- H01R 13/7177: {filament or neon bulb}
- H01R 24/64: for high frequency, e.g. RJ 45
- H02J 1/00: Circuit arrangements for DC mains or DC distribution networks
- H02J 1/001: {Hot plugging or unplugging of load or power modules to or from power distribution networks}
- H02J 3/00: Circuit arrangements for AC mains or AC distribution networks
- H02J 13/00: Circuit arrangements for providing remote monitoring or remote control of equipment in a power distribution network
- H04L 5/14: Two-way operation using the same type of signal, i.e. duplex
- H04L 12/2803: {Home automation networks}
- H04R 1/028: {associated with devices performing functions other than acoustics, e.g. electric candles}
- H04R 3/00: Circuits for transducers (arrangements for producing a reverberation or echo sound G10K15/08; amplifiers H03F)
- H04R 17/00: Piezoelectric transducers; Electrostrictive transducers (piezoelectric or electrostrictive elements in general H10N30/00; details of piezoelectric or electrostrictive motors, generators or positioners {H10N30/00})
- H04W 4/80: Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
- A63F 2009/247: {audible, e.g. using a loudspeaker}
- A63F 2250/50: Construction set or kit
- H01R 2107/00: Four or more poles
- H04W 84/042: {Public Land Mobile systems, e.g. cellular systems}
- H04W 84/12: WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
- Y10S 901/09: Closed loop, sensor feedback controls arm movement
- A63F: CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63H: TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- B25J: MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES ({manipulators specially adapted for use in surgery A61B34/70; manipulators used in cleaning hollow articles B08B9/04}; manipulators associated with rolling mills B21B39/20; manipulators associated with forging machines B21J13/10; {manipulators associated with picking-up and placing mechanisms B23P19/007}; means for holding wheels or parts thereof B60B30/00; {vehicles with ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. walking members B62D57/02, B62D57/032; devices for picking-up and depositing articles or materials between conveyors B65G47/90, B65G47/91; manipulators with gripping or holding means for transferring packages B65H67/065}; cranes B66C; {manipulators used in the protection or supervision of pipe-line installations F17D5/00; walking equipment adapted for nuclear steam-generators F22B37/006}; manipulators specially adapted for, or associated with, nuclear reactors G21C; {apparatus used for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor H10P72/50})
- G05B: CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS (systems for controlling or regulating non-electric variables G05D; systems for regulating electric or magnetic variables G05F; control devices or systems insofar as characterised by mechanical features only G05G)
- G09B: EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS (devices for psychotechnics or for testing reaction times A61B5/16; games, sports, amusements A63; projectors, projector screens G03B)
- H01R: ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H02J: ELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H04L: TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M)
- H04R: LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS (producing sounds with frequency not determined by supply frequency G10K)
- H04W: WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS (broadcast communication H04H; communication systems using wireless links for non-selective communication, e.g. wireless extensions H04M1/72)
- Y10S: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS

## 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. The system may use remote powering wherein few or all of the modules are powered from the same power source connected to the system in a single point. The power may be carried over dedicated wires or concurrently with the conductors carrying the activation signal. The payload may be a visual or an audible signaling device, and can be integrated within a module or external to it. The payload may be powered by a module or using a dedicated power source, and can involve randomness associated with its activation such as the delay, payload control or payload activation.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A first device for electrically connecting and detachably attaching to a second device identical to the first device, the first device having first and second ends and comprising:
a first connector at the first end;
a second connector at the second end of the first device, the second connector being physically structured to be electrically connectable and detachably mechanically couplable to a first connector of the second device; and
an annunciator coupled to be electrically powered from power contacts in the first connector;
a switch connected for switching power from the first connector to the annunciator and coupled for activating the annunciator in response to a digital signal received from a contact different from the power contacts in the first connector;
wherein at least part of the power received from the first connector is passed to the second connector, and wherein the first device is configured to pass digital data between the connectors of the first device,
wherein, when the first device is mechanically connected to the second device, power and digital data are passed by the respective connectors between the connected devices, and
wherein the annunciator comprises an audible sound generator and a visible light emitter for respectively emitting audible sound and visible light.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A modular game set apparatus comprising multiple devices, each according to claim 1.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the first device is opposite to the first end of the first device, and the first connector is opposite to the second connector.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, further comprising a wheel for supporting the device.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, further comprising a delay circuit having an input coupled to one of the connectors of the first device, the delay circuit having an output, and wherein the annunciator is coupled to the output of the delay circuit.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the second connector of the first device comprises a male connector and the first connector of the second device comprises a female connector.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, further operative to perform a physical movement.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the visible light emitter comprises a semiconductor device, an incandescent lamp, or a fluorescent lamp.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the task of the annunciator comprises blinking by the visible light emitter.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the audible sound generator is configured to produce music.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the audible sound generator is configured to produce spoken words.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the audible sound generator comprises an electromechanical or piezoelectric sound generator.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The device according to claim 12, wherein the audible sound generator comprises an electromechanical sound generator that is a buzzer, a chime, or a ringer.

### Claim 14 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the audible sound generator comprises a loudspeaker and a digital/analog converter coupled to the loudspeaker.

### Claim 15 (depends on 14)

The device according to claim 14, wherein the audible sound generator is operative to generate a single tone or multiple tones.

### Claim 16 (depends on 14)

The device according to claim 14, wherein the audible sound generator is operative to generate a characteristic sound of a household appliance; a vehicle; an emergency vehicle; an animal; or a musical instrument.

### Claim 17 (depends on 14)

The device according to claim 14, wherein the audible sound generator is operative to generate a song, a melody, or a human talking voice.

### Claim 18 (depends on 17)

The device according to claim 17, wherein the human talking voice speaks a syllable, a word, a phrase, a sentence, a short story, or a long story.

### Claim 19 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the appearance of the first device or the task that the annunciator is adapted to perform, relates to a common theme.

### Claim 20 (depends on 19)

The device according to claim 19, wherein the appearance of the first device and the task that the annunciator is adapted to perform, relate to a common theme.

### Claim 21 (depends on 19)

The device according to claim 19, the first device has a color, type, or shape associated with the common theme.

### Claim 22 (depends on 19)

The device according to claim 19, wherein the theme is a specific type of animal.

### Claim 23 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein each of the connectors of the first device is rectangular, square, or circular shaped.

### Claim 24 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein each of the connectors of the first device comprises a USB connector.

### Claim 25 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the first device attachment with the identical second device uses interlocking, friction fit, or shaped lugs and mating cut-outs.

### Claim 26 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is detachably connectable to the identical second device using protrusions in one of the devices and cavities in the other device adapted to receive the protrusions in a frictional engagement.

### Claim 27 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein the connectors of the first device are physically structured to electrically connect one of the connectors of the first device to one of the connectors of the second device when the second device is mechanically attached and adjacent to the first device, and each of the connectors of the first device and one of the connectors of the second device comprises two contacts for carrying both DC power and digital data between the first device and the second device.

### Claim 28 (depends on 1)

The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the connectors of the first device and at least one of the connectors of the second device are connectable together and each comprises at least two contacts for carrying DC power and at least two contacts for carrying bi-directional digital data.