Abstract: The systems and methods utilize thermal energy linked to certain colors vehicles may be manufactured in a single color and changed to a specific color at a dealership before customer purchase and/or throughout the lifetime of the vehicle. A system for modulating vehicle paint of a vehicle includes a paint layer disposed on an exterior surface of the vehicle and a color modulator configured to radiate a light such that the paint layer reacts when the paint layer is exposed to the light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-powered toy comprising a power generation unit and a display unit electrically connected to the power generation unit, the power generation unit comprising a first electrode located on a first support layer; a first structure including a charge acquisition layer located on the first electrode; a second structure including a second electrode located on a second support layer; and a gap between the charge acquisition layer of the first structure and the second electrode of the second structure, which at least partially face each other. The gap is removed by an external force directly or indirectly applied to the first structure, the second structure, or both thereof and is formed again when the external force is removed, and the display unit is driven by power generated by the power generation unit according to the removal and formation of the gap.

Abstract: The figure system includes: a plurality of drive units each including an actuator that generates rotative force; and a figure including a plurality of movable mechanisms and a plurality of flexible wires. The movable mechanisms each include a movable body that operates by the rotative force and an operation amount detector that detects an amount of operation of the movable body. The flexible wires include their respective first ends that are coupled to the movable bodies. The rotative force generated by one of the actuators is transmitted to corresponding one of the movable bodies through one of the flexible wires.

Abstract: A body can be configured to be selectively morphable. The body can be at least partially hollow. The body can include a surface. A shape memory material member, such as a shape memory alloy wire, can extend along the surface. The shape memory material member can include a first region, a second region, and a central region located between the first region and the second region. The first and second regions of the shape memory material member can be constrained on the surface, such as by stitches. The central region of the shape memory material member can be unconstrained on the surface. When activated, the shape memory material member can contact, causing the body to bend in the central region due being constrained in the first and second regions. Thus, the body can be morphed into an activated configuration.

Abstract: The Gripedo device is a portable and multifunctional exercise apparatus that can be used alone or together with a variety of existing equipment. The Gripedo device includes a handle, a shaft and a plurality of fins. The handle, in various shapes and configurations, allows wrenching and twisting like motions of the supination and pronation of the hands, wrists, forearms, and internal and external rotation of shoulders. The user can also grip the shaft and conduct a variety of sport specific hold training. The user can also grip the shaft to perform wrist extensions and flexions or the handle to perform wrist extensions, wrist flexions, wrist ulnar deviation and wrist radial deviation. The plurality of fins on the shaft can be mounted to an existing apparatus or a weight.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hinge mechanism for a door of a model car, including: a pivot element made of metal, wherein the pivot element has a pivot axis and a base that could be mounted to a body of the model car; a lever arm made of metal, wherein the lever arm could be mounted to an inner surface of the door of the model car, and wherein the lever arm has at least one slot configured to receive the pivot axis of the pivot element; and a tension plate made of metal, wherein the tension plate is mounted to the lever arm and configured to press the pivot axis of the pivot element into the at least one slot of the lever arm.

Abstract: In an aspect, a toy character assembly is provided, and includes a housing, a toy character, at least one sensor and a controller. The toy character is positioned inside the housing and includes a breakout mechanism that is operable to break the housing to expose the toy character. The at least one sensor detects interaction with a user. The controller is configured to determine whether a selected condition has been met based on at least one interaction with the user, and to operate the breakout mechanism to break the housing to expose the toy character if the condition is met. Optionally, the condition is met based upon having a selected number of interactions with the user.

Abstract: An acousto-optical baby toy includes a cantilever control unit, an acousto-optical unit connected with the cantilever control unit, and a support unit connected with the cantilever control unit. The acousto-optical baby toy further comprises a remote controller connected with the circuit board of the cantilever control unit in a wireless manner. Thus, the acousto-optical baby toy presents the sound and image messages of the baby cot in a wireless manner so that the parents can operate the acousto-optical baby toy in a remote control manner to watch the instant condition of the baby placed in the baby cot. In addition, the acousto-optical baby toy indicates the environmental messages, functions as a night lamp, has an interactive acousto-optical effect and provides a vibrating function, thereby facilitating the parents taking care of the baby in the baby cot.

Abstract: A thermochromic writing instrument 1 including a writing body 9, storing a thermochromic ink therein, stored in a barrel 2; an operation body provided in the barrel 2 to be operated to longitudinally move the writing body 9; a nib 91 of the writing body 9 configured to be capable of appearing from a front end of the writing instrument, wherein the writing instrument 1 further includes a friction unit 10, for rubbing handwriting in the thermochromic ink and capable of thermally changing the color of the handwriting by frictional heat generated at that time, and at least one clip body 7 as the operation body, the friction unit 10 is provided at a rear end of the barrel 2, and the clip body 7 is provided in an area other than the rear end of the barrel 2.

Abstract: A pop action toy assembly having a disc with a top surface, a bottom surface, a peripheral edge. The disc is formed to have a first stable configuration and a second stable configuration, wherein the disc can be inverted between the two stable configurations. The disc assumes the first stable configuration when symmetrically bent around a first axis so that its top surface is concave. The disc assumes its second stable configuration when symmetrically bent around a second axis so that the top surface is convex. The first axis and second axis are in the same plane and are generally perpendicular to each other. The invertible pop action toy is manually set into its second stable configuration. The invertible pop action toy is then dropped against a hard surface. Upon impact with the surface, the invertible pop action toy snaps back into its first stable configuration.

Abstract: In some examples, a toy vehicle playset for a toy vehicle is provided with a track assembly including a vehicle launcher operatively connected to a track. The track defines a travel path, and there is a dispensing assembly including a release mechanism positioned adjacent a portion of the track. A trigger assembly is operably connected to the vehicle launcher and the release mechanism so that activation of the trigger assembly may simultaneously activate the vehicle launcher and the release mechanism.

Abstract: A toy vehicle playset having a toy vehicle and a vessel holding a body of water is provided. The toy vehicle traverses a gap above the vessel when a toy creature is in a first position and the toy vehicle is launched from one of first and second track segments into a gap. The toy vehicle is captured by the toy creature and subsequently lowered into the vessel and the body of water when the toy creature is in a second position and the toy vehicle is launched from one of the first and second track segments into the gap. A thermochromic paint on the toy vehicle changes from a first color to a second color when it is lowered into the body of water by the toy creature.

Abstract: An actuator assembly including a resilient substrate having one or more shape memory alloys secured to the substrate. The shape memory alloys are configured to move a portion or all of the actuator assembly between an at-rest configuration and an actuated configuration. The shape memory alloys are elastically bendable and can be contracted from an elongated length to a contracted length in response to transmission of an electrical current therethrough. The electrical current is of a magnitude sufficient to heat the shape memory alloys from a first temperature to a second temperature so that a portion of or the entire actuator assembly can move from the at-rest configuration to the actuated configuration. Termination or reduction of the electrical current allows the shape memory alloy to cool and thereby elongate from the contracted length to the elongated length.

Abstract: A toy car wash play set includes a toy vehicle having a thermochromic material, a track configured for receiving the toy vehicle, and a bubble producing device located proximate to the track. The bubble producing device generates and directs bubbles toward the toy vehicle located on the track. The toy vehicle changes color when contacted by the bubbles from the bubble producing device. In one embodiment, the play set includes a dump tank containing liquid that can be dumped onto the toy vehicle.

Abstract: A toy vehicle playset having a toy vehicle and a vessel holding a body of water is provided. The toy vehicle traverses a gap above the vessel when a toy creature is in a first position and the toy vehicle is launched from one of first and second track segments into a gap. The toy vehicle is captured by the toy creature and subsequently lowered into the vessel and the body of water when the toy creature is in a second position and the toy vehicle is launched from one of the first and second track segments into the gap. A thermochromic paint on the toy vehicle changes from a first color to a second color when it is lowered into the body of water by the toy creature.

Abstract: A product, comprising a reconfigurable toy assembly, said assembly being reversibly reconfigurable between at least a first configuration and a second configuration; and the toy including at least one body surface with an integral thermochromic layer covering at least a portion of the body, where the integral thermochromic layer exhibits a visual change in response to temperature is provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, thin bodies of plastic, such as sheets or strands, with substantially different thermal coefficients of expansion are laminated together to make plastic bodies which move in response to heat. The movable plastic bodies can be secured to a suitable base to make a variety of devices for amusement, temperature monitoring and display. Applications for amusement include a thermally blooming flower, a solar activated butterfly, and curling hair for a doll. Applications for temperature monitoring include safety lids for drinking cups, sunlight blockers and ventilators.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, thin bodies of plastic, such as sheets or strands, with substantially different thermal coefficients of expansion are laminated together to make plastic bodies which move in response to heat. The movable plastic bodies can be secured to a suitable base to make a variety of devices for amusement, temperature monitoring and display. Applications for amusement include a thermally blooming flower, a solar activated butterfly, and curling hair for a doll. Applications for temperature monitoring include safety lids for drinking cups, sunlight blockers and ventilators.

Abstract: A layered device 1 is configured to be disposed on a side wall or base of a device for receiving urine from a user. The layered device 1 comprises a backing layer 3 configured to adhere to the side wall or base of the device for receiving urine. A printing layer 4 disposed over part or all of the backing layer 3. The printing layer 4 is configured to provide predetermined text and/or graphical images. The layered device 1 further comprises a printed heat activated screening layer disposed over the printing layer and configured to be transparent or substantially transparent in response to exposure to urine of at least a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A reversibly metachromatic toy having a platelike resin foamed substrate, a resin layer provided on both the outer side surfaces of the foamed substrate, and a reversibly metachromatic layer provided on at least one-side resin layer partly or all over the surface.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, thin bodies of plastic, such as sheets or strands, with substantially different thermal coefficients of expansion are laminated together to make plastic bodies which move in response to heat. The movable plastic bodies can be secured to a suitable base to make a variety of devices for amusement, temperature monitoring and display. Applications for amusement include a thermally blooming flower, a solar activated butterfly, and curling hair for a doll. Applications for temperature monitoring include safety lids for drinking cups, sunlight blockers and ventilators.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, thin bodies of plastic, such as sheets or strands, with substantially different thermal coefficients of expansion are laminated together to make plastic bodies which move in response to heat. The movable plastic bodies can be secured to a suitable base to make a variety of devices for amusement, temperature monitoring and display. Applications for amusement include a thermally blooming flower, a solar activated butterfly, and curling hair for a doll. Applications for temperature monitoring include safety lids for drinking cups, sunlight blockers and ventilators.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuator comprising a body (1) connected through an arm (5) with an activating member (15), the body (1) being arranged for rotation around a pivot (2) and connected to a first wire (9) and a second wire (10) of a shape memory alloy such as nitinol and to a biasing means such as a tension spring (6) such that heating and therefore shortening of the wire (10) rotates the body (1) counter-clockwise such that the tension spring (6) is in its cocked position while heating (shortening) of the wire (9) and cooling (lengthening) of the wire (10) to the position shown in 10a rotates the body (1) clockwise past a balance point for the tension spring (16) whereafter the body (1) rotates further clockwise under the influence of the tension spring (6), thereby exerting a relatively powerful actuation of the activating member (15), the whole cyclus being repeated by heating wire (10) causing it to shorten and rotate the body (1) counter-clockwise until the spring (6) is cocked again.

Abstract: A thermally activated toy includes a toy body having a cheek part having an insulating material connected thereto in a manner which substantially prevents thermal migration to a surrounding head part of the body. A thermally activated material is connected to the cheek part and is characterized to be of a first color in a first temperature range and of a second color in a second temperature range and which changes color upon temperature with the temperature moving between the ranges. The toy further includes a thermally activated animation device which is operably connected to the toy.

Abstract: A color changing water toy generally includes a porous absorbent core that absorbs water, typically made from a soft open cell foam. The porous core is covered with colorful graphics, at least some of which are printed with thermochromically sensitive paint or dye. The absorbent core is preferably covered with a porous skin typically made with fabric that has been printed with the colorful graphics. At least some of the graphics are printed with thermochromically sensitive paint or dye. Thus, the color changing water toy absorbs water that is readily released upon the water toy striking an object and also changes color depending upon the temperature of its environment.

Abstract: A color-changeable toy having a toy body to which a quasi-reversible thermochromic material is applied in a pattern. This material stably holds either of two colored states in a range of ordinary room temperatures. However, the material reversibly changes to one of the states above this range and to the other below this range. Thereby, by using commonly available heat and chilling sources such as ice, hot water or breath, one of the colors can be selected. A breath blow pipe can be used in conjunction with the toy and have an external appearance associated with that of the toy, e.g., gun and soldier.

Abstract: This invention provides a toy vehicle incorporating actuators made from a shape memory alloy material. These actuators may be in the form of a spring, wire or similar form that has a mechanical response upon the application or removal of heat. In particular, wires may be connected about hinges for doors, hoods, convertible roofs and other such items which, upon the application of heat to the wire of shape memory ally, causes contraction of the wire and rotation about the hinged joint of the body part. As such shape memory ally actuators are generally only operable in a single direction, they may be provided in pairs or in opposition to another biasing means to cause the opposed rotation about the joint when desired. The preferred source of heat to the shape memory alloy actuators is through the provision of electrical energy to the wire to create heat through the resistance of the shape memory alloy actuator itself.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, thin bodies of plastic, such as sheets or strands, with substantially different thermal coefficients of expansion are laminated together to make plastic bodies which move in response to heat. The movable plastic bodies can be secured to a suitable base to make a variety of devices for amusement, temperature monitoring and display. Applications for amusement include a thermally blooming flower, a solar activated butterfly, and curling hair for a doll. Applications for temperature monitoring include safety lids for drinking cups, sunlight blockers and ventilators.

Abstract: This invention provides a toy vehicle incorporating actuators made from a shape memory alloy material. These actuators may be in the form of a spring, wire or similar form that has a mechanical response upon the application or removal of heat. In particular, wires may be connected about hinges for doors, hoods, convertible roofs and other such items which, upon the application of heat to the wire of shape memory alloy, causes contraction of the wire and rotation about the hinged joint of the body part. As such shape memory alloy actuators are generally only operably in a single direction, they may be provided in pairs or in opposition to another biasing means to cause the opposed rotation about the joint when desired. The preferred source of heat to the shape memory alloy actuators is through the provision of electrical energy to the wire to create heat through the resistance of the shape memory alloy actuator itself.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, thin bodies of plastic, such as sheets or strands, with substantially different thermal coefficients of expansion are laminated together to make plastic bodies which move in response to heat. The movable plastic bodies can be secured to a suitable base to make a variety of devices for amusement, temperature monitoring and display. Applications for amusement include a thermally blooming flower, a solar activated butterfly, and curling hair for a doll. Applications for temperature monitoring include safety lids for drinking cups, sunlight blockers and ventilators.

Abstract: A thermally erasable bath toy for enabling a user to create and erase drawing figures in a wet environment. The bath toy includes a drawing desk with a drawing surface that incorporates thermochromic material. A user can draw on the drawing surface by inducing the thermochromic material to enter its active temperature range, and the user can erase the drawing surface by inducing the thermochromic material to leave its active temperature range. The drawing desk can be caused to float atop a volume of water by incorporating or being formed of buoyant material or by housing an open inner volume. The color change in the thermochromic material can be induced by a temperature-operated drawing implement with a temperature applicator of heat transmissible material. The temperature applicator can include an elongate shaft that will act as a skeleton for a volume of insulative material.

Abstract: Provided is an audio or image processing system capable of realizing virtual cooking such that a child may comprehensively enjoy and learn cooking in general while following the cooking steps. The audio or image processing system to be used for playing a game of virtual cooking comprises a plurality of input devices for respectively conducting different forms of virtual cooking, and an audio or image processing device for performing audio or image processing corresponding to the respective input devices based on data input therefrom and outputting the result thereof to an output playback device.

Abstract: A heat-sensitive toy consisting of variously shaped mylar polyolefin strips prepared by being forcibly drawn across a straight edge so as to assume curved curly shapes and then assembled to form a simulated object such as a serpent, snake or flower. When exposed to a heat source, these simulated objects change the curvature of their parts, curling or uncurling, and conversely return to their original shape when the heat source is removed. Each simulated object is attached to a self-supporting member, designed to display the heat-sensitive toy to advantage.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a hollow, gas-containing diving body is disposed in a partially shaded transparent column partially-filled with a clear liquid. The diver is weighted for near-neutral buoyancy. The upper portion of the column is shaded, and the lower portion is subjected to thermal radiation such as sunlight. When radiation strikes the diver, it heats the gas, thereby increasing the gas volume, displacing liquid and increasing the buoyancy of the diver. The diver therefore rises to the shaded region where the gas cools, causing the diver to sink. The cycle repeats.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a solar rocking device comprises a pair of chambers coupled by a conduit, which assembly is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis. Liquid partially fills the lower chamber above the conduit opening, and an absorber facilitates selective heating of the lower chamber. With sufficient heating, enough liquid is forced into the upper chamber to rotate the device, thereby reversing the positions of the chambers. The cycle repeats. Sunlight provides sufficient energy to rotate exemplary devices at least once every few minutes.

Abstract: A detonator for exploding amusement balloons is disclosed in which the detonator comprises a pair of electrical lead wires electrically connected at their ends by a small-gage filament, which filament may be a standard office-type staple, and the detonator may be covered by an intermediate layer of material between the detonator and the balloon wall through which layer heat passes from the heated filament to the balloon wall to cause the balloon to explodes.

Abstract: A method for making thermochromic writing instruments using topically applied thermochromic pigments includes the steps of: providing a water-based or solvent-based lacquer having a predetermined viscosity; dispersing a predetermined concentration of thermochromic pigment in the gasket lacquer; applying the resulting thermochromic lacquer to writing instruments; removing the excess thermochromic lacquer from the coated writing instruments; and curing the coated thermochromic writing instruments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a thermally color-changeable toy constituted by a thermally color-changeable article, and a color-changing device in which the color-changeable article is stored in a air cooling chamber so that the color of the thermally color-changeable article is thermally changed by cool air. The color-changing device is constituted by a cooling source chamber for storing therein a plurality of piled up cool blocks, the air Cooling chamber communicating with the cooling source chamber so as to circulate air, and an air blower disposed in a communication path between the cooling source chamber and the air cooling chamber. Air flow gaps are formed among the cool blocks so as to improve the cooling efficiency.

Abstract: A beverage stirrer having a pop out item such as figurine, logo or product replica is provided. The stirrer includes a hollow, tubular casing with a sliding mechanism formed therein. The sliding mechanism can comprise a buoyant member actuated by fluid pressure from a beverage being stirred. Alternately, the sliding mechanism can comprise a temperature sensitive spring actuated by a temperature differential created by the beverage. The pop out item can be mounted to an end of the sliding mechanism and can be configured to extend out of an open end of the casing as the beverage is stirred. The stirrer can also include a handle/display member wherein indicia such as advertising or a logo can be printed.

Abstract: A method for making thermochromic writing instruments including the steps of: coating the writing instruments with liquid crystals; curing the coated writing instruments; coating the writing instruments with an acrylic polymer emulsion; curing the coated writing instruments; coating the writing instruments with a colloidal lacquer; curing the coated writing instruments; coating the writing instruments with a nitrocellulose lacquer; and curing the coated writing instruments.

Abstract: A method for making liquid crystal-coated thermochromic writing instruments includes the steps of: coating the writing instruments with liquid crystals; curing the coated writing instruments; coating the writing instruments with a colloidal lacquer; curing the coated writing instruments; coating the writing instruments with a nitrocellulose lacquer; and curing the coated writing instruments.

Abstract: A heat-activated amusement display disposed within the walls of a cup or other vessel.

Abstract: A method for making thermochromic writing instruments having a reptilian texture includes the steps of: coating the writing instruments with liquid crystals; curing the coated writing instruments; coating the writing instruments with an acrylic polymer emulsion; curing the coated writing instruments; coating the writing instruments with a colloidal lacquer; curing the coated writing instruments; coating the writing instruments with a nitrocellulose lacquer; and curing the coated writing instruments.

Abstract: A toy vehicle playset includes a trackway having a vehicle launcher coupled to a looped track portion and a dual tank unit positioned within the travel path of the toy vehicle through the trackway. The trackway further includes an exit ramp on the opposite side of the dual tank unit from the track loop which is coupled to a toy vehicle catcher and a display area. The dual tank unit includes a pair of tank portions separated by an intervening wall. The dual tank unit is supported within the trackway travel path such that either tank portion is alternatively positionable within the travel path of the toy vehicle. The playset further includes a multiply articulated robot arm supporting one or more thermally conductive tools or stamps which are immersible within the proximate one of the dual water tanks and appliable to the surface of the toy vehicle when resting in the toy vehicle catcher.

Abstract: A detonator for exploding toy balloons without the use of explosive or flammable materials is disclosed which comprises an electrically conductive filament which becomes electrically heated and explodes the balloon.

Abstract: A toy jewel ornament includes a body having one or more articulated elements which are hingedly movable upon the body to assume a closed position covering a toy jewel also supported upon the body or an open position exposing the toy jewel. In one embodiment, the ornament is configured as a pendent and resembles an Aladdin's lamp having a jewel at its center and a generally hemispherical hollow jewel cover coupled to the pendent body by an integrally molded hinge. In an alternate embodiment, the ornament is formed in a flower-like shape having a plurality of radially extending petals and is securable to the wrist of a toy figure. The petals are movable between an open bloomed position exposing the jewel and a closed bud-like position fully enclosing the jewel. The ornaments are thermally set in the closed position by manually forcing the ornament to the closed position after warming and temporarily immersing the ornament in a cold water bath.

Abstract: A toy painted with paint containing thermochromic material which changes color as the temperature of the toy varies. Selected portions of the toy may be painted with the thermochromic material to provide a variety of patterns, designs, numbers, letters or other indicia which change color in response to temperature variations. In addition, different portions of the toy may be painted with different paints containing different colored thermochromic materials.

Abstract: An electrothermal color-varying instrument for inducing color change in a color-varying layer includes a heat generating element composed of a sintered barium titanate thermistor in face-to face contact with a heat transmitting member having a heating end portion for transmitting heat to the thermal color-varying layer. The thermistor has:(i) a positive temperature coefficient on the electrical resistance within a temperature range from 25.degree. C. to 70.degree. C.;(ii) a volume resistivity at 25.degree. C. (.rho..sub.25) within a range of 9.8.times.10.sup.-3 to 2.97.times.10.sup.5 .OMEGA..multidot.cm; and(iii) a ratio (.rho..sub.70 /.rho..sub.25) of the volume resistivity at 70.degree. C. to that at 25.degree. C. within a range of 5.ltoreq.(.rho..sub.70 /.rho..sub.25).ltoreq.400.The electrothermal heat generating element generates heat under the application of a voltage in the range of 0.8 to 40 volts and maintains a saturated heating temperature within a range of 30 to 100 degrees C.

Abstract: A set of dice, each die being a transparent, six-sided cube. A number of extrusions or marking indicia are located on each of the outer surfaces of the dice and are numbered, lettered or otherwise designated. The interior of each die is hollow, with small impressions on the inner surfaces located directly opposite the extrusions. A ball is disposed inside each die and is free to move around the hollow interior. The interior impressions are sized so that the ball will settle in one of the impressions when the die comes to rest after being thrown. Each of the impressions lies directly beneath a an extrusion or marking indicia on the upwardly facing outer surface of the die, which is read to determine the outcome of the toss. Thus, each toss of the dice will generate different numbers for use in games of chance such as lotteries and the like.

Abstract: A toy bird capable of drinking water and producing sound is composed of a base and a hollow tubular body. The base is provided with two limbs having a support hole located at the top thereof. The hollow tubular body comprises a head located at the top thereof, a spherical container located at the bottom thereof, and a middle tube located between the head and the spherical container. The middle tube is provided centrally and horizontally with an electrically conductive support rod having two ends received in the support holes of the two limbs. The base contains a sound device comprising a sound circuit, a speaker and batteries. The two limbs are provided respectively with a conducting element.