Abstract: A toy vehicle (11) having a motor drive mechanism (31) with a gear shift lever (28) actuable from a first position (A) to a second position (H) for changing the movement thereof. The vehicle has a pivotable linkage arm (35) with a gear sector (47) having a plurality of teeth (39) connected thereto coacting with a worm gear (37) rotatable in response to vehicle travel for pivoting a trigger finger (56) against the gear shift lever (28) for automatic movement of the gear shift lever from the first position (A) to the second position (H).

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a flexible track system having a number of identical track sections interconnectable to form curves, banks and slopes, as well as straight segments, each of the sections having an arcuate surface portion with a periphery of a given diameter and an arcuate edge of the same diameter, the edge being configured for proximate engagement with the periphery of the arcuate surface of an adjacent section. Depending ribs are provided at the periphery for frictionally engaging slots in proximate relation to the edge, the slots being elongate for enabling pivotal movement of one section relative to the next. Upwardly diverging sidewalls are configured for overlapping frictional engagement for assisting in maintaining interconnected sections in fixed relation. The arcuate surface portion is deflectable to enable the formation of sloping segments of roadway.

Abstract: A toy vehicle having a motor drive mechanism with a control arm actuable from a first position to a second position for changing the speed thereof, the vehicle having a pivotable linkage arm with a cam follower coacting with a cam movable in response to vehicle travel for pivoting a trigger foot against the control arm for moving it from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: The upwardly-extending reproducing stylus (100) is shielded within opening (24) in phonograph (16) when recorded-message carrier (12) is not in playing position by a cover member (246). A cam (256) unshields stylus (100) and exposes it in an arcuate slot (244) when a pin (274) on recorded-message carrier (12) exerts a downward force on cam (256) during the coupling of carrier (12) to opening (24) by engaging annular groove (290) with detents (44, 46, 48).

Abstract: A toy vehicle energizer and launcher (10) having a draw string energizing mechanism (30) with a drive spool (40) receiving a draw string (38) and a return spring (46). The drive spool (42) is connected to a toothed driving wheel (54) by a one-way clutch (67) which allows a vehicle (34) held in the launcher (10) to be energized by a number of pulls on the draw string (38). A retaining and release means (32) coacts with a drive wheel (56) of the toy vehicle (34) and a toothed driver (54) to allow the vehicle (34) to be held within the launcher (10) during energization, and to be released after energization by manual actuation of the retaining and release means (32).

Abstract: An electronic percussion synthesizer is disclosed which includes a plurality of pressure transducers, each representing a different percussive musical instrument. Each transducer is responsive to an external striking force for generating analog pulses, each pulse representing one beat of the respective musical instrument. The transducers are mounted to a synthesizer housing in a manner which mechanically isolates the transducers from each other. Each transducer is supported within a pair of housing portions by a resilient coupler maintained in compression between the interior surfaces of the housing portions.

Abstract: A unitary molding insert (24) and pin (27) of the prior art are replaced by an improved molding insert (30) which is provided with a plurality of collapsible pin assemblies (56), each including a unitary hollow, cylindrical boss (58), and a separate piston (60) having a unitary valve (62) and pin (64). Each piston (60) may be inserted in its boss (58) with its valve (62) being seated on the upper edge of the boss (58) and with its pin (64) engaging the inner surface of a mold (84) to maintain the insert (30) in a stable position during the encasing of the insert (30) with a suitable molding material. When the mold is substantially filled to capacity, the pressure created by the molding material will force the piston (60), valve (62) and pin (64) to a recessed position within the boss (58).

Abstract: An electronic toy doll including electronic control circuitry responds to selection of one of a plurality of switches on the doll housing and selects associated vocal messages. The control circuitry includes a stored program of instructions and also permits a problem-solution mode of operation where the user is given a message selected by a weighted probability of the occurrence of a problem and then the doll responds according to how the user correctly or incorrectly responds to the various switch response operations possible.

Abstract: A winking apparatus (10 ) includes a doll head (20) having an eye (38) provided on an outer surface thereof beneath an arcuate slot (40) in which an eyelid (42) is movably mounted by an eye-lid-mounting mechanism (52) pivotally mounted in head (20) and actuatable by an actuating mechanism (60) to impart winking motions to eyelid (42).

Abstract: A finger ring is provided with an endless strip of film held in a track formed within the ring. The ring includes a lens for viewing the film, a light transmitting system to apply light to the film and a film advance mechanism for moving the film a predetermined distance each time the advance mechanism is actuated.

Abstract: An electronic board game includes a playing board having a surface upon which a matrix of squares are defined. The board squares are divided into three categories. One category of squares include several groups of six contiguous squares each with each group having a group color. The second category comprises single squares spaced apart and of different colors. The remaining squares define the third category. A handheld controller includes a microprocessor which is programmed to impose a set of game rules. Player tokens are used by each player to mark each player's position on the board. Under microprocessor control and prompting, the actions and conduct of the game are carried forward.

Abstract: An electronic game utilizing a phototransducer and a plurality of input switches as inputs to a microprocessor for actuating a display and speaker for providing visual and audible clues to a user in accordance with internally generated signals. The processor estabilishes light sensitivity levels for comparison with incident light levels on the phototransducer for processing by the processor in accordance with the timing and duration of actuation of the input switches.

Abstract: A first fastener part (14) includes a flat disc (16) from which a spindle (18) extends for engagement by a hollow tubular member (24) extending from a base (22) provided with an aperture (54) through which the free end of spindle (18) is visible. A pair of resilient fingers (28, 29) are formed integrally with disc (16) and are mounted in arcuate openings (46, 48) which are of greater extent than fingers (28, 29) so that protuberances (34, 36), which extend from the free end of hollow tubular member (24), will be trapped by the free ends of fingers (28, 29) when shoulders (40, 42), on tubular member (24), and cam faces (30, 32), on spindle (18), coact to couple spindle (18) and hollow tubular member (24) together.

Abstract: An optical probe comprising an optical emitter and a detector which are directed through a cylindrical lens to be focused into an elongated pattern which is arranged for reading a printed optical code. The emitter and detector are angled relative to the central and vertical axes of the lens to produce an elongated light pattern adapted for reading an elongated bar code. A shutter may enhance the slit effect. A planar base and viewing aperture may also be provided.

Abstract: The impeller bearings in a turbocharger on an internal combustion engine are supplied with a coolant, in the form of lubricating oil from the engine's crankcase, during post-shutdown coasting of the impeller. This coolant is supplied by an accumulator including a piston having an upstream side which is subjected to oil under pressure from the crankcase during engine operation to move the piston downstream for loading a spring affixed to the downstream side of the piston. Coolant leaking downstream of the piston is returned to the crankcase through a valve seat which is closed during engine operation by a valve extending from the downstream side of the piston.