Abstract: A robotic platform associated with one or more software services enables remote users to interact with an environment and other humans physically and visually through a robotic surrogate over any distance utilizing the internet. The robotic surrogate is controlled through a non-technical user interface which responds to user control inputs made through natural user arm movements which are tracked in three dimensional space.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a toy puppet that is supportable on a manipulator's torso. In particular, a torso-supporting means typically takes the form of a sling in which the puppet figure is supported. The sling can be tied about the user or have two ends which are attachable. Typically, the ends are attached via velcro. Thus, the torso-supportable puppet has a slit into which the user can insert their hands to manipulate the puppet. The torso supportable means also comprises a slit into which the user can insert their hand. When the puppet is manipulated, the inserted hand is hidden by the puppet which gives the operation of the puppet a life-like feel.

Abstract: A puppet includes a hollow outer shaft having a first end and a second end, an inner shaft disposed substantially within the outer shaft and slidable in a longitudinal direction relative to the outer shaft. The inner shaft includes a first end and an opposing second end. The puppet further includes a first puppet piece attached to the outer shaft near the first end thereof, a second puppet piece attached to the inner shaft near the first end thereof, and a lever connected to the inner shaft and extending outward therefrom through a first slot formed in the outer shaft. The second end of the inner shaft extends outside of the outer shaft. One of the first and second puppet pieces is movable relative to the other by sliding the lever longitudinally relative to the outer shaft or by moving the second end of the inner shaft away from the outer shaft.

Abstract: A light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a lip moving device for use in robots are provided. A lip moving device has first and second lip members. The first and second lip members are made from a flexible material. First and second driving parts apply torques to both ends of the first lip member, while third and fourth driving parts apply torques to both ends of the second lip member. The first and third driving parts are mounted in a first frame. The second and fourth driving parts are mounted in a second frame. The first and second frames are pivotally coupled to a supporting part. An adjusting part pivots the first and second frames relative to the supporting part to adjust a distance between the first and second frames.

Abstract: An improved mouth construction for a ventriloquial figure comprises a movable jaw assembly operatively connected to the head of the figure and including a rigidly cast lower jaw member pivotally connected within the head and a pliable lip member formed to fit upon and cover the upper surface of the lower jaw member. The lip member is cast from a rubberlike synthetic polymer, such as silicone rubber, that is first cured in an associated mold and then secured firmly upon the surface of the cast lower jaw member while curing using specially fabricated dual T-shaped bar fasteners embedded between the separate members to mechanically lock them together during the casting process. The resultant mouth construction provides a quite impact between the movable jaw assembly and the upper lip surface of the stationary upper jaw portion of the head and makes the ventriloquial figure more life-like in its operation.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand-manipulated puppet of the type simulating an animal that is manipulated by placement of the hand and forearm into a cavity. The body is cast of a first flexible polymeric foam and the legs of the puppet made a denser flexible polymeric foam so that the puppeteer can rest the forearm on the legs without crushing the legs yet leave a body that is flexible and manipulates easily.

Abstract: An aquatic amusing toy is adapted for an aquatic game combining dive and amusement and includes a holding element and at least a sinking object. The holding element has a holding portion and a hollow portion defining an opening therein. In an aquatic game, the sinking object is pre-stored in water. The swimmer dives into water with the holding element. The sinking object is clamped in the opening and is taken out of water. The aquatic amusing toy has a shape like an aquatic animal biting a quarry, making the aquatic game more amusing.

Abstract: A manipulative tool for demonstrating the relative positions and configurations of articulators and other oral structures, when making phonetic sounds. The tool comprises a tongue, upper and lower palate, and upper and lower teeth, as well as, adjustable and positional lips, any one of which may be manipulated and posed so as to retain placement once released by a user. In this regard, the manipulative tool is used to demonstrate proper formation of certain phonetic sounds to assist in speech therapy or training of persons who are affected by speech impediments, or to assist in the training of future clinicians.

Abstract: A book has two covers and a set of book pages contained between the covers. The covers close to form a shape which has an external appearance resembling the head of a creature, with two eyes and a mouth. The two covers are joined to one another along a minor portion of the circumference, and are connected along the remaining portion of the said circumference by a releasable fastener such as a zip such that the fastener (the zip) forms the mouth. The pages of the book can be accessed by releasing the fastener and hinging open the two covers about the minor portion of the circumference.

Abstract: An amusement toy including a head having at least a partial facial image, and an elastically deformable mouth associated with the head. The mouth has an undeformed dimension in the absence of a deforming force and is capable of deforming such that a deformed dimension of the mouth is at least 20% greater than the undeformed dimension of the mouth. The deformation of the mouth of the toy alters the facial image presented by the head, making a “scary face.” The removal of the force causes the mouth to return to substantially its undeformed dimension. A body of the amusement toy is preferably attached to the head such that the center of gravity of the toy is below the elastically deformable mouth.

Abstract: A puppet (10) or other character representation includes an inner tube (11), an outer tube (12) and an extra tube (13) located within the inner tube (11). The upper ends of the inner and outer tubes (11 and 12) are connected by a sleeve (23) of simulation hair. A moulding (16) is secured to the outer tube (12) and has the appropriate facial characteristics including an opening (19) corresponding to the mouth of the character. The extra tube (13) has an upper edge which is connected to the part of the moulding (16) which provides the lower jaw of the character.

Abstract: A robot system including a robot, an operator control center and having a communication system connecting the robot and control center wherein an operator in the control center responds with natural movements to stimulus signals from the robot environment by issuing commands that control the robot. In one embodiment, the operator occupies a command chair with an exoskeletal arm that is secured to the "shoulder" (backrest) of the chair. The operator slides his hand into a glove of the invention attached to the end of the exoskeletal arm. He views the robot environment through a video screen and exerts control in response to views presented on the screen. The communication system sends signals to the operator glove in response to conditions at the robot site prompting the operator to take appropriate action.

Abstract: A hand-held and manipulated eating toy for simulating eating, chewing, swallowing and discharge of objects by finger and thumb manipulation of a fabric mouth and throat, comprises a toy figure, which may be an animal, dinosaur, imaginary type figure, or the like, includes a mouth forming area with an introducing aperture and a discharge forming area with a discharge aperture. An inner fabric pouch is secured within the toy figure and has a first opening at a top end and a second opening at a bottom end. The first opening is positioned in the mouth forming area of the toy figure and the second opening is positioned in the discharge forming area of the toy figure. The second opening has mating pieces of hook and loop fastening material secured thereto for closure of the second opening. The inner fabric pouch is irregularly configured and has a bottom tapered base portion and a broadened portion secured to the bottom tapered base portion.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive combination grasping tool and puppet is disclosed in the form of a sheet with distal ends. The tool comprises a single sheet of pliable material with finger-lock `x` slits that provide a custom locked fit around a user's fingers that have been pushed through the slits, thus freeing the user from the requirement of holding onto the tool. After the user has inserted and locked his index finger and thumb into the `x` slits, the device then takes advantage of the user's own dexterous use of his finger and hand muscles and joints to open and close the device while picking up small food items. The distal ends of the device that fold around the inserted fingers serve to: 1) provide an outwardly facing printable display area, and 2) provide a continuous protective barrier for the fingers being used from the small food items being grasped.

Abstract: A toy bank has a body part having a mouth-forming area provided with an introducing slot, the mouth-forming area having an immovable portion and a movable portion which is movable relative to the immovable portion between an open position in which the mouth-forming area imitates an open mouth and the introducing slot is exposed for introducing money, and a closed position in which the mouth-forming area imitates a closed mouth and the introducing slot is not exposed.

Abstract: A garment having an amusement device in the form of a puppet, design being integrally a part thereof and attached to the sleeves of the garment. The puppet is formed from the sleeve of a garment having two distinct layers of material which are attached at one end. A first outer layer extends into a second inner layer wherein the first layer is attached to the second layer at the distal end of the sleeve. The interior end of the second inner layer is attached to the outer layer only by a pair of axially extending seams thereby forming an upper and a lower cavity between the two layers of material. The fingers of the hand may be placed in the upper and lower cavities for manipulating the end of the sleeve and forming a puppet. When desired, the inside layer can be folded outwardly to form a cuff such that the puppet design is hidden from view. Upon unfolding the cuff, the puppet is exposed.

Abstract: A hand puppet includes: a puppet glove to be worn by a player hand, a mouth-manipulating device secured in a head portion of the puppet glove having a mandible plate embedded in a lower-jaw sheath of a mouth portion of the puppet glove and a maxilla plate embedded in an upper-jaw sheath of the mouth portion of the puppet glove, and a sound generator mounted in the mouth-manipulating device, whereby upon pivoting of the maxilla plate about the mandible plate to open the upper-jaw sheath to actuate the sound generator, a sound may be produced from the sound generator for imitating an animal or man's cry or singing for increasing a player's interest.

Abstract: An amusement toy including a head having at least a partial facial image, and an elastically deformable mouth associated with the head. The mouth has an undeformed dimension in the absence of a deforming force and is capable of deforming such that a deformed dimension of the mouth is at least 20% greater than the undeformed dimension of the mouth. The deformation of the mouth of the toy alters the facial image presented by the head, making a "scary face." The removal of the force causes the mouth to return to substantially its undeformed dimension. A body of the amusement toy is preferably attached to the head such that the center of gravity of the toy is below the elastically deformable mouth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a puppet which is manipulated by both arms of a user primarily as a form of cheering for a person or entity during sporting and similar events. The puppet comprises a first member including a first elongated sleeve into which a first arm of the user may be inserted. A second member is secured to the first member and includes a second elongated sleeve into which a second arm of the user may be inserted. The first and second members cooperate to provide a puppet in the shape of a mascot or character identified with the person or entity being cheered. The first and second members are secured together in a manner which permits the user to impart relative motion through arm movements.

Abstract: A garment having an amusement device in the form of a puppet being integrally a part thereof and attached to the sleeves of the garment. The puppet is formed from the sleeve of a garment having two distinct layers of material which are attached at one end. A first layer extends into a second layer wherein the first layer is attached to the second layer at the end of the sleeve through which the hand extends. The interior end of the second inner layer is substantially unattached to the outer layer. Because of the substantially unattached interior end, an upper and a lower cavity is formed within the sleeve between the two layers of material. Accordingly, the fingers of the hand may be placed in the upper and lower cavities for manipulating the end of the sleeve and forming a puppet. When desired, the inside layer can be folded outwardly to form a cuff such that the puppet is hidden from view. Upon unfolding the cuff, the puppet is exposed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to animate and impart life-like qualities and actions to an animal-type puppet. The apparatus having a tail which when pulled or released causes, via a linkage, one or more appendages, such as arms, legs or wings, of the puppet to become remotely animated. The appendage comprises a remotely actuated, cantilevered lever or pivotal rocker arm which moves through a generally curved path or pivotal arch in response to longitudinal movement of the tail.

Abstract: This invention discloses a device for use in a puppet to effect theatrical motion of the mouth and head by pivoting up the top part of the head while simultaneously lowering the jaw. This method of actuating both parts of the head to simulate mouth movement also allows for rotation, tilting and exchange of the head in a glove type hand puppet.

Abstract: A shirt-like garment having an upper body torso merging into a sleeve portion wherein a figure is applied to the torso portion and to the sleeve portion to appear as an integrated image. The sleeve preferably terminates in an puppet head at its distal end so that a wearer may insert a hand into the puppet head for manipulation as a convention puppet. The mouth of the puppet head is preferably formed with upper and lower inner mouth pieces defining a slot through which a hand of a wearer may extend free from the puppet head. When so extended, the puppet head will be fastened about the wrist of the wearer by suitable fasteners.

Abstract: A puppet of the type having a flexible elongated neck manipulated through movement from within by the puppeteer's forearm, and the puppet having depending legs adapted to serve as a rest or support for the forearm as well as the puppet's appearance.

Abstract: A shirt-like garment having an upper body torso merging into a sleeve portion wherein a figure is applied to the torso portion and to the sleeve portion to appear as an integrated image. The sleeve preferably terminates in a puppet head at its distal end so that a wearer may insert a hand into the puppet head for manipulation as a convention puppet. The mouth of the puppet head is preferably formed with upper and lower inner mouth pieces defining a slot through which a hand of a wearer may extend free from the puppet head. When so extended, the puppet head will be fastened about the wrist of the wearer by suitable fasteners.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design of a modular puppet construction system which allows the user to achieve a broadly variable configuration, thereby permitting the user to add and remove modular body parts, features, clothing, other articles of usage, and control elements. The body and attachable parts may preferably be fabricated from a loop type material. The attachable parts and control elements may have hook type material permanently affixed to allow universal placement on the loop fabricated elements. The hook type material may also advantageously be a free standing part in a back to back configuration and used as an intermediate element to attach two loop fabricated parts. Additionally, elements not fabricated from loop or hook type materials may be affixed to the loop or hook type material to facilitate use.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a mouth for a puppet capable of being hand operated and the method for forming the same. A pair of identical semi-rigid pieces having a lip region periphery have separate layers of fabric sewn to the pieces adjacent the lip periphery and one of the fabric layers is slit and pulled over the periphery to enclose the edge. The pieces are sewn together to define a hinge, and the assembly is mounted upon plates within a puppet mouth opening.

Abstract: A puppet which can be operated by single hand finger manipulation is derived from a single piece of flat sheet stock. The puppet, which presents the appearance of the face of a person or animal, or an object or symbol, is comprised of slidably interactive upper and lower face panels and a rearwardly disposed V-shaped hinge. An elongated slot in the lower face panel creates a mouth portion that can be opened and closed with manipulation of the face panels.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a mouth for a puppet capable of being hand operated and the method for forming the same. A pair of identical semi-rigid pieces having a lip region periphery have separate layers of fabric sewn to the pieces adjacent the lip periphery and one of the fabric layers is slit and pulled over the periphery to enclose the edge. The pieces are sewn together to define a hinge, and the assembly is mounted upon plates within a puppet mouth opening.

Abstract: A hand actuated puppet, useful for entertainment, instructional and demonstration purposes has a grasping capability easily mastered by children. The puppet is fabricated from a single piece of sheet stock cut and folded so as to have an upper face panel, a lower panel, and a connecting hinge panel. The upper and lower panels are equipped with finger engaging loops which facilitate manipulation.

Abstract: A puppeteer's kit includes a puppet and a disguise with a mustache for concealing the puppeteer's lip movements during a performance. The puppet has an internally located actuator lever which is movable in a horizontal direction to turn the head from side-to-side and in a vertical direction to move the mouth or another facial feature of the puppet. The puppeteer's thumb extends upwardly through an opening in the lower wall of the puppet body to the rear end of the actuator lever. The rear end of this lever has two surfaces which face toward each other and are spaced apart to receive a puppeteer's thumb. These surfaces are inclined downwardly and rearwardly to enable the puppeteer's thumb to engage the lever effectively during head movements, both when the lever is at its center position and at positions which are rotationally displaced therefrom.

Abstract: A hand-held puppet of the type configured to represent a living being, and having hand-controllable moving parts to simulate some form of animation, is provided with sound-generating apparatus operable in response to the hand-controlled animation simulation. The sound-generating apparatus includes a sensor that produces a signal in response to animation-producing movement of the hand-controllable parts, a circuit for producing a tone having a pseudo-randomly varying audio frequency, and a modulator that modulates the sensor-produced signal with the varying frequency tone to produce a sound signal that, when applied to a speaker mechanism, provides sound coordinated to hand-controlled animation of the puppet.

Abstract: A hand held puppet comprised of a hinged body having jointed arms and legs, and a head with actuators for each which are positioned to be engaged by each of the user's fingers for controlling movement thereof with the arms being formed by "V" shaped members pivoted at their respective bases. Actuating wires are also provided for moving the forearms and the jaw of the puppet.

Abstract: A glove puppet assembly, in the form of a spider-like creature, has a tail or abdomen portion which can be articulated by wrist action. It may also have an articulated, finger-operated head component, and utilizes a gripping ring holder and a glove member which facilitate movement of its parts while, in the case of the glove member, also contributing to the aesthetic effect. A plush covering may be provided upon a section of the body member, particularly the tail portion.

Abstract: A hand puppet figure has head components which can be moved, by manipulation of the operator's finger, relative to a body which is held substantially immobile on the operator's hand. The puppet figure may have wings capable of simulating flapping movement, while producing an audible sound, and the glove employed is both functional and contributes to aesthetic appeal.

Abstract: A hand-actuated puppet is fabricated of resilient thin flat sheet material which permits the puppet to be compacted to a flat storage configuration amenable to packaging within the cover of a book. The puppet is comprised of upper and lower panels interconnected by a W-shaped hinge which permits the forward extremities of the panels to be brought together and flexibly deformed so as to meet in a coplanar abutment site. The abutment site is capable of gripping flat objects.Flat objects, having an appearance associated with the appearance of the puppet, may be packaged with the puppet as a kit. Still another kit encompasses the combination of the puppet with related literary material such as a book.

Abstract: A puppet constructed from a hamburger container having a hinged lid.Finger-receiving means are provided as holes in the container or as cylindrical portions to be attached to it. Face portions may be drawn or constructed and attached to the container. A string may be attached to the lower portion, passed out through the upper portion and attached to a wall by means of tape to hang the puppet. An attachment may be attached to the container as a puppet body. Movable arms on the body may be made to move by means of string running from the arms to the lid. The attachments may be provided as cutout portions on a placemat.