Abstract: A device and method that support and animate a plant disposed in an inner plant pot having an underside including a pivoting magnet plate atop a waterproof interface relative to an outer plant pot lower housing. A follower magnet is mounted using a cam follower positioned below the waterproof interface for magnetic attraction with the pivoting magnet plate above. An electronic processor control module instantiates movement of the inner plant pot relative to the outer plant pot assembly via a single motor actuator, and a plurality of sensors in communication with the electronic processor control module collect data by the plurality of sensors upon the user touching the plant, among other inputs for interactive features, responses, gameplay, and the like.

Abstract: A device and method that support and animate a plant disposed in an inner plant pot having an inner plant pot interior volume in such a way that the inner plant pot moves relative to an outer plant pot having an outer plant pot interior volume, and a gimbal mechanism disposed within the outer plant pot interior volume, controlling and instantiating, vertical longitudinal movement and rotational movement of the inner plant pot relative to the outer plant pot, programmable to provide physical response in the form of animation of the gimbal mechanism and the inner plant pot in response to receipt of predetermined data by the electronic processor control module from a plurality of sensors in communication with the electronic processor control module providing data collected by the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A device and method that support and animate a plant disposed in an inner plant pot having an inner plant pot interior volume in such a way that the inner plant pot moves relative to an outer plant pot having an outer plant pot interior volume, and a gimbal mechanism disposed within the outer plant pot interior volume, controlling and instantiating, vertical longitudinal movement and rotational movement of the inner plant pot relative to the outer plant pot, programmable to provide physical response in the form of animation of the gimbal mechanism and the inner plant pot in response to receipt of predetermined data by the electronic processor control module from a plurality of sensors in communication with the electronic processor control module providing data collected by the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A gear mechanism having a shuttle gear adjacent both an auxiliary gear and an action gear and a cam plate, having a shuttle lock adjacent the shuttle gear and including a cam follower riding back and forth along a first cam pathway with an action element in mechanical communication with the action gear. A motor operates the shuttle gear with rotation of the motor in a first direction rotating the shuttle gear into engagement with the auxiliary gear, activating the shuttle lock to maintain the engagement throughout a predetermined rotational range of the cam plate and rotating the cam plate back and forth driving controlled back and forth movement of the auxiliary elements, with rotation of the motor in a second direction rotating the cam plate beyond the predetermined range releasing the shuttle lock.

Abstract: A gear mechanism having a shuttle gear adjacent both an auxiliary gear and an action gear and a cam plate, having a shuttle lock adjacent the shuttle gear and including a cam follower riding back and forth along a first cam pathway with an action element in mechanical communication with the action gear. A motor operates the shuttle gear with rotation of the motor in a first direction rotating the shuttle gear into engagement with the auxiliary gear, activating the shuttle lock to maintain the engagement throughout a predetermined rotational range of the cam plate and rotating the cam plate back and forth driving controlled back and forth movement of the auxiliary elements, with rotation of the motor in a second direction rotating the cam plate beyond the predetermined range releasing the shuttle lock.

Abstract: A gear mechanism having a shuttle gear adjacent both an auxiliary gear and an action gear and a cam plate, having a shuttle lock adjacent the shuttle gear and including a cam follower riding back and forth along a first cam pathway with an action element in mechanical communication with the action gear. A motor operates the shuttle gear with rotation of the motor in a first direction rotating the shuttle gear into engagement with the auxiliary gear, activating the shuttle lock to maintain the engagement throughout a predetermined rotational range of the cam plate and rotating the cam plate back and forth driving controlled back and forth movement of the auxiliary elements, with rotation of the motor in a second direction rotating the cam plate beyond the predetermined range releasing the shuttle lock.

Abstract: A toy includes a building element apparatus having coupling mechanisms on at least two exterior surfaces of a housing containing a vibration speaker that includes a permanent magnet that is moveable relative to a base; a coil positioned near the permanent magnet, moveable relative to the permanent magnet, and configured to receive the electromagnetic signal from a control system such that both the coil and the permanent magnet vibrate at the same time in manners that are based on the electromagnetic signal frequencies; and a sound producer including a diaphragm that is mechanically linked to the coil to move with the coil. The simultaneous vibration of the diaphragm and the permanent magnet causes the simultaneous vibration of the at least two exterior surfaces of the building element apparatus, movement of a toy component mechanically linked to the permanent magnet, and the production of audible sound.

Abstract: A gear mechanism having a shuttle gear adjacent both an auxiliary gear and an action gear and a cam plate, having a shuttle lock adjacent the shuttle gear and including a cam follower riding back and forth along a first cam pathway with an action element in mechanical communication with the action gear. A motor operates the shuttle gear with rotation of the motor in a first direction rotating the shuttle gear into engagement with the auxiliary gear, activating the shuttle lock to maintain the engagement throughout a predetermined rotational range of the cam plate and rotating the cam plate back and forth driving controlled back and forth movement of the auxiliary elements, with rotation of the motor in a second direction rotating the cam plate beyond the predetermined range releasing the shuttle lock.

Abstract: A toy construction system includes a plurality of interconnectable building elements; a control system that generates an electromagnetic signal; a vibration speaker including a moveable permanent magnet; and a support building element mechanically linked to the permanent magnet of the vibration speaker. The vibration speaker includes a coil that is moveable relative to the permanent magnet. One or more of the coil and the permanent magnet vibrate in a manner that is based on the electromagnetic signal. The vibration speaker also includes a sound producer that is mechanically linked to the coil to vibrate with the coil as the coil vibrates. The coil vibrates relative to the permanent magnet to produce an audible sound, and the permanent magnet vibrates to cause the support building element to vibrate and animate interconnectable building elements linked to the support building element.

Abstract: A toy includes a building element apparatus having coupling mechanisms on at least two exterior surfaces of a housing containing a vibration speaker that includes a permanent magnet that is moveable relative to a base; a coil positioned near the permanent magnet, moveable relative to the permanent magnet, and configured to receive the electromagnetic signal from a control system such that both the coil and the permanent magnet vibrate at the same time in manners that are based on the electromagnetic signal frequencies; and a sound producer including a diaphragm that is mechanically linked to the coil to move with the coil. The simultaneous vibration of the diaphragm and the permanent magnet causes the simultaneous vibration of the at least two exterior surfaces of the building element apparatus, movement of a toy component mechanically linked to the permanent magnet, and the production of audible sound.

Abstract: A toy construction system includes a plurality of interconnectable building elements; a control system that generates an electromagnetic signal; a vibration speaker including a moveable permanent magnet; and a support building element mechanically linked to the permanent magnet of the vibration speaker. The vibration speaker includes a coil that is moveable relative to the permanent magnet. One or more of the coil and the permanent magnet vibrate in a manner that is based on the electromagnetic signal. The vibration speaker also includes a sound producer that is mechanically linked to the coil to vibrate with the coil as the coil vibrates. The coil vibrates relative to the permanent magnet to produce an audible sound, and the permanent magnet vibrates to cause the support building element to vibrate and animate interconnectable building elements linked to the support building element.

Abstract: A toy employing a simple yet unique pivoting mechanism to provide back and forth and side to side pivoting movements and operable to wiggle, twist back and forth, and roll the toy over numerous times imitating a playing, cuddling and rolling over puppy or the like. The toy includes a body portion, a first pivoting portion, and a first linkage coupling the body portion to the first pivoting portion at an angled pivot point offset from a vertical axis intersecting the point at which the body and the first pivoting portions are coupled. An angled surface is included at the first pivoting portion and a gear mechanism is coupled to the body portion and operable to pivot the first pivoting portion with respect to the body portion driving the pivoting action at the angled surface of the first pivoting portion providing back and forth and side to side pivoting movements.

Abstract: A toy drive mechanism having extensions such as leg and neck members covered with a plush covering. The drive mechanism is operative to move the leg, back, and head members in coordinated movements imitating an animal tugging or pulling on a rope. The realistic movement is provided by a series of rotating devices, some on differing axes relative to the drive shaft, and an information processor activated by one or more switches located throughout the body. One switch in particular, located between the neck and head and motivated by a user pulling on the rope in the toy's mouth, will cause the toy to exert a pulling motion accompanied by sound effects.

Abstract: A realistic electro-mechanical toy that can simulate lifelike purring and other vibratory sensations of animals and other creatures by transmission of vibrations to the body of the mechanical toy providing enhanced and lifelike interaction with a user. An arm is coupled to a body and includes a finger portion at an end of the arm. The finger portion is biased against a cam which is rotatably coupled to the body and includes one or more protuberances on a surface perimeter such that when the cam is rotated a vibration is transmitted to the body simulating lifelike purring and other vibratory sensations. The cam is rotated in a back and forth motion and is synchronized with a sound element producing a purring sound occurring around the time the vibration is transmitted to the body.

Abstract: A toy includes a sensor that senses a condition, a movable region, and an actuator coupled to the movable region to move the movable region in a direction relative to the sensed condition. The movable region is coupled to a body that houses electromechanical components for sensing conditions and for moving the movable region in response to the detected conditions.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical character or figure such as a toy animal that can replicate realistic grasping and standing positions of animals and other creatures while they are supported on a surface as well as when they are perched on a bar or other supporting elements by coordinating the positioning and movement of specific body parts. To this end it is regarded that through observation of live animals, the mechanism can be seen to exhibit a grasping action around a perch to achieve a fully supported free-standing position. Birds in particular can readily be shown to exhibit a grasping action in their talons. The grasping members and support members include a front portion and a rear portion that facilitate a pivoting action on a center portion to a closed position when grasping and an open position when standing.

Abstract: A toy employing a simple yet unique pivoting mechanism to provide back and forth and side to side pivoting movements and operable to wiggle, twist back and forth, and roll the toy over numerous times imitating a playing, cuddling and rolling over puppy or the like. The toy includes a body portion, a first pivoting portion, and a first linkage coupling the body portion to the first pivoting portion at an angled pivot point offset from a vertical axis intersecting the point at which the body and the first pivoting portions are coupled. An angled surface is included at the first pivoting portion and a gear mechanism is coupled to the body portion and operable to pivot the first pivoting portion with respect to the body portion driving the pivoting action at the angled surface of the first pivoting portion providing back and forth and side to side pivoting movements.

Abstract: An artificial eye for use in animated plush toys has a one-piece eyeball and lid that are integrally molded. The eye further includes a shaped member and a retaining post. A crossplate of the shaped member is preferably curved to correspond to the curvature of the eye, and is operative to animate a portion of plush contiguous to the eye. The portion of plush to be animated has an attached elongated flap which includes a forked free end wherein each branch of the forked end includes a hole. The elongated flap is inserted into the doll's body or head cavity, and each branch is tucked under the curved crossplate of the shaped member. The retaining post engages the holes near the ends of each branch, thereby fixedly retaining the flap to the eye. When the eye is rotated the plush portion also moves thereby simulating movement of an eyelid.

Abstract: A toy includes a sensor that senses a condition, a movable region, and an actuator coupled to the movable region to move the movable region in a direction relative to the sensed condition. The movable region is coupled to a body that houses electromechanical components for sensing conditions and for moving the movable region in response to the detected conditions.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an animated plush doll such as a newborn dog or cat. The doll includes a plush covering over a housing comprising a head portion and a body portion. Disposed within the body portion is a drive mechanism including a motor and a plurality of gears. An electronic control circuit is linked to the drive mechanism for controlling the motor and producing pre-recorded songs among other things. One or more actuatable switches or sensors provide inputs to the electronic control circuit for effecting various movements of the toy. The head portion is movably coupled to the body portion and includes movable eye members. The drive mechanism is operative to move the eye members in a coordinated manner with the head portion so that the toy simulates the movements of a newborn animal such as awakening and falling asleep.