Abstract: A gyroscope includes first and second rings positioned orthogonally concentric to one another, an axle mounted for free rotation extending diametrically through the first ring, a rotary disk fixedly attached to the axle, and an engagement structure coaxially aligned with the axle which is fixedly attached to the axle. An apparatus for spinning a gyroscope includes a housing, a compartment within the housing for receiving at least a portion of the gyroscope, and a motor within the housing for transmitting rotational energy to the gyroscope. The apparatus can include a lid having an open position and a closed position, and an electrical contact disposed in the compartment. The electrical contact can be switchable between open and closed conditions. The lid can be configured to urge the gyroscope downwardly into the receptacle and switch the electrical contact to the closed condition when the lid is in the closed position.

Abstract: A kaleidoscope in a housing includes inner and outer object wheels with transparent portions and visible patterns, mounted to turn in opposite directions when a crank extending from a side of the housing is manually turned. A diffusion filter is mounted at an end of the housing to project diffuse illumination through the wheels when this end is held toward a light source. Elongated, inward directed reflective surfaces extend between the inner object wheel and a viewing hole in an end of the housing opposite to the filter. A shaft extends inward, within the housing, from the outer object wheel to an attached outer wheel drive gear. An inner wheel drive gear, turns on the shaft in engagement with the inner object wheel. The crank engages a crank drive gear engaging the inner and outer wheel drive gears on opposite sides of the crank drive gear, so that the inner and outer object wheels are rotated in opposite directions.