Abstract: An enhanced structure of an animated ornament composed of a globular shell, a hollow ball, a piece of non-magnetic, high-density material (such as copper, tin, plastic etc.), an inner magnet and an outer magnet. The hollow ball, having decorative figures, is smaller than the globular shell and is included in the globular shell. The space in between the globular shell and the hollow ball is filled up with liquid so that the hollow ball floats in the liquid and, when being shaken, turns around in all directions. Inside the lower part of the hollow ball attached a piece of non-magnetic, high-density material, such as plastic, copper and tin, and an inner magnet is fixed on the top of the non-magnetic material.

Abstract: A liquid-filled ornament includes a body having a transparent casing having an opening and filled with liquid, a display object in the liquid, and a sealing wall extending across and sealing the opening. The ornament includes a driving mechanism having rotatable magnets and located on an outer side of the sealing wall, and a driven mechanism having rotatable magnets and located on an inner side of the sealing wall and immersed in the liquid. The magnets of the driven mechanism are rotated by the magnets of the driving mechanism through magnetic interaction. The driven mechanism includes a first stationary disc on which the display object is mounted and a second disc supported on the first disc and rotated by the magnetic interaction. A ball bearing is disposed between the two discs. The second disc includes paddles that stir bits of a solid material, resembling snow, dispersing the bits throughout the liquid.

Abstract: A fluid filled novelty amusement device with a magnetic impeller 9 driven by an electric motor 16, through a magnetic couple created between a magnetic rotor 15 and the magnetic impeller 9, that provides forced circulating fluid 3 flow that entrains and disperses ornamental particles 2 throughout a transparent enclosure 1 to provide viewing entertainment.

Abstract: An intriguing and educational display structure (2) includes a translucent earth globe body (3) suspended by energy derived from solar cells (14) integral to the globe. The globe is suspended by magnetic forces between magnets within the support assembly (10) which is controlled by a servo system substantially integral to the globe and powered by the solar cells (14). The servo mechanism can be made to launch and land the suspended globe in response to changing levels of illumination. Energy can be stored within the globe to power occasional periods of suspension, even in very low light levels.

Abstract: A perpetual calendar has a free standing or wall hung structure supporting an anchor point and a number of concealed magnets. A pointer magnet is attached by a line to the anchor point. Attraction between the pointer magnet and a selected one of the concealed magnets can support the pointer magnet and line in levitation against gravitational pull. The concealed magnets may be arranged in an arc on the calendar structure, with day, month or year data indicated along the arc at locations corresponding to the concealed magnet locations, so that the line and pointer magnet serve as a visual indicator of selected calendar data. Multiple displays of calendar data may be provided on a calendar structure, including multiple levitated pointer displays or combinations of levitated displays and sliding pointer displays.

Abstract: An aquatic ornamental landscape device includes a main portion provided in a water tank and made of a soft material with its specific weight not larger than that of the water so as to float in the water tank, and connected with a down leading member to stay at a certain location without hampering the main portion from swinging or wriggling, a magnetic member provided in the main portion, and a magnetic inducing base provided at the outer side of the water tank and containing a hollow housing to accommodate a motor and a gear set driven by the motor while an axial of the gear set is connected also to a magnetic member which is driven and rotates to generate changed magnetic field against the water tank for the main portion to stay in its place and naturally swing or wriggle when subject to the alternative magnetic force of attraction and repulsion between the magnetic members in the main portion and the magnetic inductive base.

Abstract: A transmission structure to provide an ornament with a rotary and swinging motion in a water globe, which mainly comprises a rotary and swinging ornament in the water globe; the bottom of the rotary and swinging ornament has a cylindrical hole having a suitable depth; the opening of the cylindrical hole is closed with a base member, of which the bottom is glued with a magnet; the hollow space of the rotary and swinging ornament is filled with water. The neck part of the water globe is fixedly mounted on a base member, of which the inner space is mounted with a music drum assembly; a rotary member is fastened on the music drum assembly; the fixed frame of the rotary member is fastened with two magnets having different polarity. The diameter of the magnets each are smaller than that of a magnet mounted in the base member on the bottom of the rotary and swinging ornament.

Abstract: An aquarium toy structure includes a back body and a front body with an observation window. A transparent water tank is inserted in the observation window and toy fish having magnets are placed in the water tank. A motor and a rotary shaft having magnets are disposed in the back body. The motor rotates the rotary shaft through belts, so that the toy fish are magnetically attracted and repelled by the magnets of the rotary shaft to freely swing back and forth in the water to mimic the swimming of real fish.

Abstract: An animated display for use with magnetically-attractable, movable figurines includes a display surface and a magnet for attracting one of the figurines across the display surface. A drive mechanism is provided for intermittently moving the magnet in a closed path below the display surface. The figurines can pivot to simulate motion as they move across the display surface.

Abstract: A device for displaying the loose coupling between magnetic fields is provided, comprising a first disk having a plurality of magnetic elements attached to the first disk so that the magnetic field of said magnets extend radially from an outer edge of the first disk, a second disk having a plurality of magnetic elements attached to the second disk so that the magnetic field of said magnets extend radially from an outer edge of the second disk so that the magnets on the disks are loosely coupled to each other, the strength of the loose coupling depending on the orientation of the magnets with respect to each other, and a rotatable control member having a magnetic element attached to an end of the control member, the control member magnet being rotated to a first position such that a predetermined pole of the control member magnet is located adjacent to the magnets on said first disk causing a magnetic coupling of the magnet on said control member to the magnets on said first so that loose coupling and the chao

Abstract: At least one liquid exhibiting variable visual effects is disposed in a transparent chamber and is moved in variable, turbulent flow patterns by a magnetic member freely movably disposed on the bottom of the chamber. A magnet is mounted on a rotatable output shaft of a drive motor disposed adjacent to the bottom of the chamber and is magnetically coupled to the movable member to move the movable member in a chaotic, variable pattern to generate variable liquid flow within the chamber. The speed of rotation and the direction of rotation of the motor output shaft at a selected speed are variably selectible.

Abstract: A wall mounted figure that has swinging legs and arms and a swaying head that continuously moves in dancing movements is constructed with two pendulums with permanent magnets influenced by electromagnetic fields generated by two current-carrying coils. The pendulums operate independently so that the legs and the head and arms swing at different rates to give an appearance of a person dancing the twist.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for an animated display includes a plurality of planetary gears supported on a rotatable planetary gear support. Each planetary gear meshes with a stationary sun gear and is affixed to a multi-finger magnet support. Rotation of the planetary gear support causes the magnet support to revolve about the sun gear and also to rotate about its own central axis. One magnet from a first set of magnets is supported in each finger of the magnet support and travels in a first orbit about the rotational axis of its respective magnet support and in a second orbit around the sun gear. The rotatable planetary gear support can also support a second set of magnets for orbital movement about the sun gear. An optional auxiliary magnet support rotates about a center axis of the sun gear and supports a third set of magnets for orbital movement.

Abstract: A sphere toy which includes an inner spherical shell floating in a liquid inside a transparent outer spherical shell, the inner spherical shell having two contrary designs at two opposite sides and a magnetic weight at the bottom, and a rotation control device mounted on the outer spherical shell and holding a rotary knob and a magnet at the bottom of the rotary knob, the inner spherical shell being rotated with the rotary knob when the rotary knob is rotated by hand.

Abstract: A device for displaying the loose coupling between magnetic fields is provided, comprising a first disk having a plurality of magnetic elements attached to the first disk so that the magnetic field of the magnets extend radially from an outer edge of the first disk, a second disk having a plurality of magnetic elements attached to the second disk so that the magnetic field of the magnets extend radially from an outer edge of the second disk so that the magnets on the disks are loosely coupled to each other, the strength of the loose coupling depending on the orientation of the magnets with respect to each other, and a rotatable control member having a magnetic element attached to an end of the control member, the control member magnet being rotated to a first position such that a predetermined pole of the control member magnet is located adjacent to the magnets on the first disk causing a magnetic coupling of the magnet on the control member to the magnets on the first disk so that loose coupling and the chao

Abstract: An electromagnetic drive apparatus and method are operative to rotate a magnetically levitated object for an indefinite period of time. The object, such as a spinning magnetic top with a spindle, is levitated over a base magnet and a horizontal component of a pulsed magnetic field is applied at the region of the spinning magnetic top to maintain the top spinning and levitating indefinitely. The pulsed magnetic field is generated by applying a pulsed dc voltage or an ac current to a coil situated in proximity to the top. The coil may have a cylindrical or oblong shape and a core may be provided in the coil. Levitation stability and duration are improved by positioning a loosely fitting washer on the spindle of the spinning magnet so as to permit relative rotation therebetween during application of the pulsed magnetic field.

Abstract: A rotary mechanism is disposed in a hollow shell. The shape of the hollow shell is a toy spectacle or a terrestrial globe. Two rotary articles are disposed on the hollow shell. The rotary mechanism has a motor to drive a gear device. The gear device has a pinion engaged with a gear. A follower shaft connects the center of the gear and a follower plate. At least two rings are disposed on the follower plate. Each ring encircles a magnet. Each rotary article has a magnet thereunder.

Abstract: A toy fish drive causes one or more toy fish to swim in a natural fashion in a transparent aquarium (viewing tank). A magnetic drive is connected to the external side of the wall or bottom portion of the aquarium and is supported from the side. The drive has two opposite sets of magnets which are rotated to exert magnetic drive forces on a swimming toy fish in the tank, the toy fish containing a magnet and swimming at a selected sinking rate. By means of the attracting force of the magnet in the toy fish, and the action of the magnetic drive forces of the rotating magnets, multiple toy fish are made to swim separately and in different directions simultaneously.

Abstract: A miniature animated display that operates by driving a steel bar with a motor. The steel bar causes the animation motion by means of the swing base and the U-shaped pedestal installed on the hinged assembled end formed by the two ends of the elastic steel bar. The orientation of the U-shaped pedestal is adjusted according to the position of the inner surface of the sliding path so that the circular magnet thereon is affixed on the inner surface of the sliding path.

Abstract: An analog or digital clock having a ferromagnetic pendulum that is magnetically levitated under feeedback-control and that, alternatively, may be (1) driven at a forced oscillation frequency which is decoupled from and asynchronous with the clock's time control element (e.g., a quartz crystal), (2) driven at a forced oscillation frequency which is coupled to and synchronous with the clock's time control element or (3) oscillated at the resonant frequency of the levitated pendulum and this resonant frequency is used as a time control for determining the clock's timing. Such a levitated pendulum clock is useful for both ornamental and educational purposes.

Abstract: Magnetic paint additives are formulated from ferromagnetic particles having a mixed particle range of from about 0.01.mu. to about 74.mu., preferably from about 0.01.mu. to about 37 to 44.mu.. Iron powder is preferred. Preferred additives are formulated by blending the particles with a surfactant or surfactant mixture, or a surfactant and alcohol mixture, in amounts sufficient to suspend the particles. The additive may be blended with any oil-, latex-, or lacquer-based paint or coating to form a magnetic paint or coating having a viscosity substantially similar to the paint containing no particles and/or additive. Some embodiments employ from about 500 to about 2000 grams of particles per gallon of paint. One preferred additive embodiment comprises 2 to 3 parts 6 to 9 micron iron powder and 1 part surfactant. Surfaces such as wood, wall board, sheet rock, foam, plywood, plastic, fiberboard and the like so coated may be cut with conventional woodworking tools to form magnetic signs.

Abstract: A movable decoration assembly comprises a hollow globe, a seat and a driving device. The seat has an upper casing and a lower casing to define a hollow chamber for receiving a driving device. The globe is disposed on the upper casing. The driving device has a motor to drive the first and the second shafts to rotate in the opposite directions. The first magnet is connected and driven by the first shaft. The second magnet is connected and driven by the second shaft. A cell is disposed in the cell chamber inside the lower casing. A switch is inside the lower casing. The switch and the cell control the rotation of the motor. The movable article has two symmetric parts adhered together. An air chamber is defined by the symmetric parts of the article. A magnetic body is disposed in the air chamber.

Abstract: A display apparatus utilizes magnetic interaction to achieve suspension and electromagnetic interaction to maintain continuous motion. The display apparatus has a base assembly including an anchoring point, and a plurality of spaced first magnets disposed in spaced relation relative to the anchoring point; a suspension member including a longitudinal axis, opposite two ends, a second magnet, and a radially disposed third magnet member, and wherein the first magnets are operable to magnetically support the suspension member in a suspended state; a tether for tethering the suspension member to the anchoring point; and an electromagnet for electromagnetically impelling the third magnet member when the suspension member is rotated about its longitudinal axis thereby maintaining the rotation of the suspension member.

Abstract: A structure of a viewing bottle, especially one which uses the mutual rejection force of those having the same polarity to generate a flying and dancing scene of figurines of insects, the bottle has on its bottom a layer of magnetic iron and a lot of flowers and grasses a cover which covers the bottle has suspended from a lower surface many figurines. The figurines are suspended from lines of differing lengths, and have differing weights. These figurines posses the same polarity as that of the magnetic iron of the bottle, hence when the cover and the bottle body are assembled, the figurines create a flying and dancing scene above the flowers and grasses due to the repulsing forces created by the polarity of the magnetic elements.

Abstract: A marine display device include a liquid vessel containing one or more toy fish, each fish containing an air chamber to impart buoyancy to the fish and a magnetic member. A pair of spaced apart chambers project upwardly from the base of the vessel, and a rotatable magnetic field-producing member is disposed in each of said chambers, and is operatively connected to a rotatable shaft which is rotatably driven by a motor.

Abstract: A magnetic induction toy includes a casing cowered with a cover to hold a battery, a holder frame fixed within the casing to hold an electromagnet and a rocker arm by a pivot pin, the electromagnet being connected to the battery, the rocker arm having a top permanent magnet repulsed or attracted by a permanent magnet placed above the cover and two lateral permanent magnets to repulse against the electromagnet, and round ornaments placed above the cover, each round ornament having at least one permanent magnet respectively reacted with the top permanent magnet on the rocker arm such that said rocker arm is induced to oscillate on the pivot pin by placing the operation control permanent magnet on the cover with one pole facing toward the permanent magnet on the base of the rocker arm to produce a magnetic repulsion and then moving the operation control permanent magnet along a course guide sign, the rocker arm being stopped by placing the other pole of the operation control permanent magnet on the cover toward

Abstract: A miniature telltale module which combines a plurality of telltale functions into one unit and provides reduced cost per function. The module uses a miniature rotary actuator, a series of interconnected images and a single light source. The actuator allows a wide tolerances at the inputs while still precisely selecting the image positions. The actuator has a unique locking device (or brake) which automatically engages when power is removed. This feature allows the control circuitry to select an image with a momentary pulse and then remove the power from the actuator. Power consumption is thereby minimized since no power is required by the device except when changing the image to be displayed.

Abstract: A revolving and self-rotating liquid-containing decoration comprising a freely shaped transparent container containing a liquid, a concave driving disk made of magnetic material and disposed in the liquid, a freely shaped decorative article disposed on the driving disk, a hollow base disposed under a smooth and plane bottom board of the container and a power assembly disposed in the base, wherein the power assembly drives the driving disk to revolve in the liquid contained in the container and when revolving, the driving disk and the decorative article simultaneously self-rotate due to velocity difference between a peripheral portion and a central portion of the driving disk.

Abstract: A toy with a dancing figure on a stage. The toy includes a housing, a dancing stage mounted on the housing with a friction causing upper surface, a dancing figure on the stage a turntable mounted in the housing below the dancing stage, the turntable rotating about its centre in a plane parallel to the plane of the stage, and a few relatively heavy pieces distributed on the upper surface of the turntable so that the centrifugal forces of the turntable am balanced about the its centre of rotation. One of the pieces attached to the turntable is a first magnet having its poles oriented perpendicularly to the plane of the stage. The dancing figure has a second magnet at its base. The second magnet's poles are oriented at right angles to the plane of the dancing stage when the figure is upright, and the polarity of the second magnet is oriented relative to the polarity of the first magnet so that the first and second magnets attract each other. The turntable can be activated in response to sounds or by a switch.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a magnetic toy fish. The method comprises conformally joining two premolded plastic half-shell sections containing a magnetic member and a counterweight, and applying sonar energy across the joints to permanently join the half-shell sections together and form the fish.

Abstract: A voice-controlled ornamental toy includes a rocker supported on a mount above a base by a pivot axle to hold reversed permanent magnets, an electromagnet controlled by a voice actuated control circuit to repulse or attract the reversed permanent magnets causing the rocker to swing an ornament being coupled to the pivot axle by a transmission rod, and a tension spring connected between the rocker and the base to pull the rocker back to its former position when the electromagnet is deenergized.

Abstract: A marine display is provided having a housing and a transparent vessel at least partially filled with liquid. A magnetic animated marine life such as a toy fish is freely suspended in the liquid and at least one rotating magnet in the housing generate magnetic fields which co-act with the magnetic toy fish to cause the fish to move in all directions to simulate the swimming action of a natural fish in a liquid habitat. A background plate in the housing behind the liquid vessel imparts aesthetic marine-like appearance to the display.

Abstract: Apparatus for levitating a magnetic body. The apparatus includes a structure (10) comprised of a material that is superconductive below a critical temperature. The structure includes at least one Josephson junction device (14) for passing a variable current therethrough for controlling an amount of magnetic flux penetration into the structure. At a first current flow magnetic flux generated by a magnetic body (12) is excluded from the structure and the magnetic body is levitated above a surface of the structure. At a second current flow the magnetic flux penetrates the structure, causing he levitating magnetic body to approach a surface of the structure. Controllably applying a current to an array (30) of superconductive tiles (34), forming Josephson tunnel junctions (38), is shown to provide a lateral motion of, or a rotation of, the magnetic body relative to the surface.

Abstract: An elementary cell combinable to form dot matrix displays, in which a plurality of plates of non-magnetic insulating material, at least one of which is in contact with a plate of high magnetic permeability, define a seat for housing a polychrome sphere provided internally with a permanent magnet. In the plates of non-magnetic material there are arranged magnetic poles, which can be energized selectively to cause the sphere to rotate into predetermined positions.

Abstract: Waves are imparted to liquids of different specific gravities having an ornament floating therein by a movable diaphragm provided with a magnet alternatively exposed to additional magnets of different polarities to alternatively attract and repulse the magnet, thereby causing the diaphragm to create waves in the liquids.

Abstract: A magnetic display device having a case in which a magnetic display panel is fixedly mounted. To erase the magnetic display on the display panel, an eraser magnet mounted on a vertically elongated eraser mounting member is moved horizontally along the rear surface of the display panel, by means of a knob projecting forwardly from the mounting member. The case has a rear frame on the forward side of which are provided a pair of parallel horizontal racks. The eraser mounting member has on the rear surface thereof a pair of rotatable pinions which mesh with the racks, respectively. As the mounting member is manipulated horizontally by means of the knob, the pinions rotate along the respective racks and the mounting member is moved smoothly in the horizontal direction.

Abstract: An article of manufacture, comprising a pair of superimposed pliable sheets. The sheets are interconnected along at least their peripheral edges. A liquid-containing chamber is provided at the center of the article, and this chamber is formed with the pair of superimposed, pliable sheets. A generally flat figurine within the chamber floats within the liquid, and a point of the figurine is secured to at least one of the pliable sheets to enable the figurine to float securely within and pivot about in the liquid.

Abstract: A fishing toy being magnetic, differently constructed and simplified in structure is provided. The toy includes a base plate mounting thereon rotating magnetic pieces, a vessel containing therein buoied fishes each of which connects thereto a connecting line, and a housing having recesses respectively disposing therein magnetic counterparts each of which will rotate when the respective magnetic piece rotates and secures thereto the connecting line in the manner that when rotated, each magnetic counterpart can repeatedly wind therearound and unwind therefrom the connecting line.

Abstract: A protective serving mat is disclosed comprising generally flat first and second chambers superimposed on each other. The first chamber is transparent and is adapted to embody fluid media and objects suspended therein for amusement. The first chamber includes a resealable opening so that a user may access the first chamber to alter the contents as desired. The second chamber is visible through the first chamber and is used to protect and display generally flat items such as papers with sealing decorative or amusing indicia or menus. The second chamber includes an opening to allow access to the chamber so that the menus or indicia bearing papers can be varied as desired by a user.

Abstract: A doll support apparatus including a ferromagnetic base having an upwardly facing support surface for receiving the bottom surface of a doll foot device incorporating a magnetic insert which, when supported on such surface, is disposed in close proximity to the ferromagnetic base to thereby maintain the doll in an erect position. The foot device may be in the form of a foot having a magnetic insert embedded directly there into or may be in the form of a removable shoe having the magnetic insert embedded therein. The foot or shoe may incorporate a hinge element which incorporates a releasable lock for locking the shoe or foot in selected different positions.

Abstract: A plurality of ornaments are supported on a base within which a wind-up music box mechanism is housed for imparting rotational movement to a first ornament in driving engagement with a wind-up shaft of the mechanism, and alternating vertical movements to second and third ornaments supported on tappet rods engaged by a pair of offset eccentric cam members mounted on a drive shaft driven by the mechanism.

Abstract: A door sign device includes an actuator mounted on the inner door surface of a door that has inner and outer door surfaces so that a user can move the actuator between first and second actuator positions, and a follower mounted on the outer door surface so that the follower can be move between first and second follower positions that each correspond to a respective one of the first and second actuator positions. Coupling components are included for coupling the actuator to the follower magnetically so that the follower follows actuator movement, and indicator components responsive to the follower being in the first follower position indicate that a predetermined sign applies. Roller-type actuator and follower components may be employed that are mounted for rotation about axes that are parallel to the inner and outer door surfaces.

Abstract: A door sign device includes an actuator mounted on the inner door surface of a door that has inner and outer door surfaces so that a user can move the actuator between first and second actuator positions, and a follower mounted on the outer door surface so that the follower can be move between first and second follower positions that each correspond to a respective one of the first and second actuator positions. Coupling components are included for coupling the actuator to the follower magnetically so that the follower follows actuator movement, and indicator components responsive to the follower being in the first follower position indicate that a predetermined sign applies.

Abstract: A display device includes: a base, a crystal ball mounted on the base, an inner cylinder plugged in an opening of the crystal ball, a musical base driving a lower disk having a plurality of magnets fixed thereon, a creature mounted on an upper disk rotatably mounted on an upper portion of the inner cylinder having ferrous plates formed in the upper disk, so that upon a driving of a shaft of the musical box, the creature mounted on the upper disk will be rotated as magnetically attracted by the lower disk to vividly pose like a sportsman's action.

Abstract: A toy assembly utilizing the force produced by magnets to move models for the user's enjoyment. The toy has a base with a motor and magnets as a power source. A rotary plate with shafts freely disposed through the plate for upward and downward movement, the shafts are provided with magnets for altering the field of magnetism when the rotary plate is rotated. A shell covers the rotary plate and is provided with a display disk having implements and human models that move in response to the fields of magnetism.

Abstract: The device wherein the second, minute or hour stem of the conventional quartz clock movement is used to provide a motive force for continuous rotation, for use in ornamental or advertising displays and the like. The quartz movement mechanism is housed in a base structure or frame. A system of counterpart magnets, one counterpart being attached to the stem of the clock movement within the base structure or frame, the other counterpart magnet attached to the rotatable display structure which is caused to pivot such that the magnets are situated sufficiently close to one another so that rotation of the stem is communicated to the display structure.

Abstract: A magnetic marker is provided for maps comprising a marking unit of predetermined shape for the front surface of the map and including a magnetic material such as a sheet of soft iron. A magnet is provided for the rear surface of the map to attract the marker and hold it in place. The magnet is a double-faced magnet having north and south poles on an active face.

Abstract: Large scale information display panels made up of basic picture elements running to hundreds, even up several thousand color elements, are useful for being viewed for advertising, transportation information, traffic control, news, weather, finanical data and other information normally generated by computers. The system has capability in alphanumeric and also for color graphics designs in four colors with use of a basic display element with two intersecting planes rotational about an axis at the intersection of the two planes. A three plane element provides for designs in six colors. The basic two plane display has each face of each of the two plane surfaces coated or impregnated with a different color and a single permanent bar magnet is enclosed in one of the plane forms perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kind of the structural improvement of the motion type solid water ball. The major improvement is to place permanent magnets respectively on the upper movable plate and the lower fixed plate in a form of combination arrangement. The center of lower fixed plate is fixed on the driving pole of the musical bell; and the upper movable plate is mounted on a movable plate with a rotuberant pillar standing in its center.

Abstract: A display or other type device having intrinsic attention attracting properties and eye appeal is provided in the form of a pendulum type device arranged so the pendulum has an arrhythmic movement in time and/or in space and time. The pendulum may be deviated to one side in its oscillations, and/or temporarily halted at the end of some or all of its oscillations, such unexpected deviations in space and/or in time serving to catch and hold the observer's attention or otherwise amuse onlookers. The arrhythmic movements of the pendulum are controlled by electromagnetic means positioned near the end of the oscillation trajectory of the pendulum.