Abstract: A stuffed toy has a main body, including an interior cavity, for accepting a projection night-light therein. The night-light includes a light box housing having an integrally coupled concave grated top cover, which includes a plurality of openings and a sensor button. The night-light includes an exterior casing and top and bottom brackets for accepting the light box housing therein and securing the night-light within the interior cavity of the toy. An illumination source, including at least one LED, is housed within the housing underneath the grated top cover. A power source and circuit means are arranged within the housing to actuate and deactivate the LED.

Abstract: A method for operating a driven output device provided in an articulated head, mobile prop, or other object worn by a performer. The method includes providing a wearable control system, the control system including a driver for the output device, a control module, a wireless receiver, and memory. The method includes storing a set of show control commands for the output device in the memory, and receiving a show control signal with the wireless receiver from a wayside controller. The method includes operating the control module to process the show control signal, to retrieve the show control commands, and to signal the driver to drive the output device based on the commands. The commands are selected based on a character identifier stored in memory associated with the output device such as in a character head junction box, and this memory stores tuning or configuration data for the output device.

Abstract: A toy includes electronics which generates a plurality of routines and is configured to operate in a first mode and in a second mode, a first sensor and a second sensor, each sensor operably connected to the electronics. Actuation of the first sensor causes the electronics to generate a first routine with the electronics in the first mode and to generate a second routine, different from the first routine, with the electronics in the second mode. Activation of the second sensor causes the electronics to generate of a third routine, different from the first routine, and causes the electronics to be set to the second mode. The electronics is set to the first mode upon a first application of electrical power to the electronics.

Abstract: An interactive toy comprises a body having a non-reactive portion and a reactive portion. There is a CMOS image sensor with the body for capturing an image in the vicinity of the body. A microprocessor processes the captured image and generates instructions in response to the processed image. The instructions cause operation of the reactive portion of the body. The toy can be a doll including a plush, soft or hard plastic head and body; and the CMOS image sensor has a resolution of about or selectively less than 1M pixels.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer programs for controlling behavior of an electronic device are presented. A method includes an operation for operating the electronic device in a first mode of operation, and an operation for tracking the gaze of a user interfacing with the electronic device. The electronic device is maintained in a first mode of operation as long as the gaze is directed towards a predetermined target. In another operation, when the gaze is not detected to be directed towards the predetermined target, the electronic device is operated in a second mode of operation, which is different from the first mode of operation.

Abstract: A toy is provided that has a dynamo for converting manual movement into an electrical charge for the dynamo located within a housing. A miniature vehicle is induced to locomote through receipt of the electrical charge. A dock is provided for selectively creating an electrical coupling of the vehicle to the dynamo to transfer the electrical charge and decoupling to allow the vehicle to locomote. A charge storage device and an electrical motor in the vehicle allow for prolonged vehicle locomotion separate from the charge transfer by the dynamo. A toy is also provided that has a dynamo for converting manual movement into an electrical charge, the dynamo located within a housing. The dynamo transfers an electrical charge to a wheeled miniature vehicle through an electrically conductive circuit about which the vehicle travels. Additional amusement functions of LED light output or speaker auditory output are optionally provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a protective enclosure comprising a base comprising a first continuous mating surface and at least one conveyance aperture, a cover comprising a second continuous mating surface, wherein the second continuous mating surface is configured to form a seal with the first continuous mating surface, and a clamp, wherein at least a portion of the clamp is coupleable to the base, wherein a mouth of the clamp is configured to be offset from the aperture when the clamp is coupled to the base, wherein the clamp comprises a first sealing layer, and wherein the clamp is configured to seal the aperture against contaminants. The protective enclosure may be configured for use in a remotely controllable model vehicle to protect a control module.

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided with enhancements and other features that impart additional utility or amusement value to the basic underlying structure. The collapsible structure has at least one foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, and with a fabric material covering portions of the frame member to form a panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation. An electrical component can attached to the fabric material, and an electrical coupling connected to the electrical component. Alternatively, a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object can be attached to the fabric material.

Abstract: A dynamo powered amusement device is provided that has multiple amusement functions integrated into a housing. The amusement functions include two or more of a movement, a light emitting diode illumination, an auditory output and a video presentation. The electrical power source for the amusement functions is a manually powered dynamo. The direct current generated by a dynamo is provided to a printed circuit board in electrical communication with the amusement functions so as to provide power directly from the manually powered dynamo or, if a chargeable battery is present, to supply power from the chargeable battery. The amusement device provides enhanced performance relative to mechanical amusement devices while avoiding costs and environment problems associated with disposable battery containing amusement devices.

Abstract: A vibration-powered device adapted for flotation and propulsion on an upper surface in a liquid. The device having a body with a top side adapted to be at least partially disposed above the surface of the liquid, and a bottom side adapted to be at least partially submerged below the surface of the liquid. A vibration mechanism is disposed in the body. A propulsion fin is connected to the body. The fin includes a top side adapted to be disposed at least partially above the liquid surface, a bottom side adapted to be disposed at least partially below the surface. The vibration mechanism is adapted to oscillate the free distal end of the propulsion fin upward and downward.

Abstract: An interactive device having time synchronization capability is provided. In one embodiment, the interactive device has a computer processor that stores an internal clock. The computer processor may be preprogrammed to generate announcements based on a particular time of the internal clock. A user may input and adjust the time of the internal clock. In another embodiment, a setup module is provided which includes a computer processor that stores a setup time. The setup module establishes a connection with an interactive device, and time synchronizes the interactive device such that the internal clock of the interactive device is running the same time as the setup module. The setup module is capable of synchronizing the internal clock of multiple interactive devices, despite the interactive devices being programmed on separate occasions. The interactive device may be synchronized by the setup module via a hard-wired connection or wireless means.

Abstract: Electronic toys have now been around for years and are powered through mechanisms that require a toy to be tethered to a cable or utilize conventional batteries. Such toys are inconvenient because they consume a user's time to re-charge them, which in turn also limits the utility of these toys. Embodiments of this invention implement toys using an inductively coupled power transfer system, which is a wireless mechanism that is convenient to use and provides a faster way for the user to re-charge the toy. Some embodiments include an electronic device comprising an inductive charging plate, and a toy comprising an internal charge pad, a storage capacitor set to a predetermined voltage level, and a discharging device that discharges a function to implement the toy.

Abstract: This invention shows it is possible to use broadcast media to significantly enhance interactive learning or to entertain users while they play with toys or other games or play components. Signal sequences broadcast via the Internet, cable, satellite, or other media can invoke functions in toys while they are being used. These media broadcasts include shows, quizzes, educational or training movies, entertaining or scientific footages, and even broadcasts from radio stations. As interactivity requires feedback, this will be provided by the user playing with the toys or other game devices either by forcing a reaction in the toys themselves or via communication lines into a network. This innovative manner of educating users while they play is provided by the invention's Interactive Play System (IPS). This system consists of hardware and software components and is able to mix “signal-2-function sequences” into any kind of broadcasting media content, whether it is live, streaming, or recorded.

Abstract: The invention provides an intellectual training toy with more elaborate idea which comprises disks 12 having an identification portion 20 and a toy main body 40 into which the disks 12 are inserted for use, the toy main body 40 comprising an insertion port switch 44 for detecting the insertion of the disks 12, an identification unit 70 for identifying the identification portions 20 of the disks 12, a sound storage unit for storing a plurality of voice signals which produce a voiced question and a voiced answer and music, a sound output unit for outputting voiced information and music, a disk discharge unit 54 for discharging the disks from the toy main body 40, a discharge port switch 62 for outputting a discharge signal when the disk discharge unit 54 is activated, and a control unit for reading out corresponding voice signals to output the voice signals so readout to the sound output unit.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an appendage rotatably coupled to a body of a device adapted to move based on internally induced vibration of the device. The appendage can be attached directly to the body of the device or to a frame that is adapted to releasably attach to the device. The appendage is adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation as vibration induces motion of the device. The device can include a body, an eccentric load, a rotational motor coupled to the body and adapted to rotate the eccentric load, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. At least one driving leg configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an appendage rotatably coupled to a body of a device adapted to move based on internally induced vibration of the device. The appendage can be attached directly to the body of the device or to a frame that is adapted to releasably attach to the device. The appendage is adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation as vibration induces motion of the device. The device can include a body, an eccentric load, a rotational motor coupled to the body and adapted to rotate the eccentric load, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. At least one driving leg configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.

Abstract: A method of remote-control combined with personal communication device includes an emitter having an exposed plug which is inserted into a reception hole of a personal communication device; a remote-control application program downloaded from pre-set or remote servos and stored in the personal communication device; the remote-control application program being activated via the personal communication device and the personal communication device sending a user interface sub-program to a touch panel of the personal communication device, and the user interface program being activated and the emitter emitting control signals to remote-control toys. By using the personal communication device, the users conveniently play and control the remote-control toys.

Abstract: A toy with sound-activated motion is provided. The toy comprises a toy body, a single motor within the body, adapted to turn in opposite directions in response to changes in electrical polarity, and control means to automatically reverse the polarity of an electrical current being supplied to the motor in response to an acoustical or electromagnetic input signal. The control means is adapted to automatically reverse the polarity in response to a changing acoustical or electromagnetic input signal.

Abstract: Enhanced devices, processes, and systems provide measurement of electrical resistance as a means for determining the intensity with which stress is applied to an object, such as but not limited to a toy, e.g. a stuffed toy. The induced strain resulting from such an applied stress may also be determined from the measurement of electrical resistance. One or more actions may preferably be taken in response to the determined stress or the resulting strain, such as but not limited to providing any of visual feedback, auditory feedback, haptic feedback, or a numerical readout.

Abstract: An adaptive remote control unit that automatically reads the changing real-time physical orientation of its remote controlled object, or other of its momentary features, and henceforth transmits commands to the remote controlled object that are a function of such reading as well as a function of user's own input control, for the purpose of achieving a unique pre-defined movement pattern, or otherwise adjust the behavior of the object in relations to its real time situation.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a children's entertainment device having a stepper motor drive system configured to drive a rotatable entertaining element. In certain embodiments, the stepper motor is configured to rotate a drive shaft operatively connected to a damper, which is configured to damp the intermittent rotational motion output by the stepper motor in order to smoothly and continuously rotate an entertaining element, such as in a children's mobile.

Abstract: The present invention is a totally new children‘s’ toy unlike any of its predecessors; and is based on a novel structural relationship and unique pairing of a replenishable power supply cache of direct electric current in the toy construct with an independent supporting assembly having a hand-operable mechanical dynamo and commutator structure. This relationship and pairing is able to provide newly generated electrical energy at will mechanically, by electrical induction; convert the newly generated electrical energy into direct current; and then transfer the newly generated direct current of the supporting assembly on-demand as replenishment energy to the power supply cache of the toy construct for storage. The replenishment direct current stored within the power supply cache is the immediate and sole reservoir of electric energy for powering and operating the functional component(s) of the toy.

Abstract: An electronic banking toy is provided. The toy may include a housing defining a storage compartment with an adjoining slot for depositing coins. A controller may display graphical and auditory representations of activities on a display screen based on the sensed location of an icon moveably mounted in a track.

Abstract: A hydrogen generator, operative to provide molecular hydrogen to an anode of a fuel cell, including a catalyst and employing a water-based fuel including one of salts, bases and acids, as well as at least one of zinc, magnesium, iron and aluminum and a method for electrical power generation using a fuel cell and a hydrogen generator.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electronic water toy and techniques to protect electrical components of the toy from water. The toy may include a plurality of waterproof electronics modules, a non waterproof outer housing, and a plurality of insulated wires. Each waterproof electronics module may include an electrical component, and a waterproof compartment to house the electrical component and to protect the electrical component from water. The non waterproof outer housing may physically interconnect the plurality of waterproof electronics modules. The waterproof compartment may include counterbore through holes to permit wires through the waterproof compartment and a counterbore leak test port to permit pressure testing of the waterproof compartment.

Abstract: A video toy is provided with a video screen and multiple selectable dioramas positioned behind the video screen. The dioramas may be fixed to a shaft so that rotation of a handle of the shaft moves a first diorama to a position behind the screen and visible through the screen. Rotating the handle and shaft again may sequentially move a second diorama to a position behind the screen replacing the first diorama. The video toy may display characters and objects on the screen that engage in activities and appear to interact with objects in the diorama visible through the video display. Virtual characters may be programmed to exhibit development and modify their activities and interactions with the player based on type and frequency of inputs. The video toy may respond to signals from a computer by accessing additional game play modes or options.

Abstract: A plurality of individual toys, at least a first one of which generates acoustic signals and at least a second one of which receives acoustic signals. When the second toy receives acoustic signals from the first toy, it responds, for example, by generating a sound and/or controlling its motion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the toys flock and/or form a procession of toys which follow a leader toy, for example a mother goose and a plurality of following and preferably quacking goslings.

Abstract: An electronic wildlife call has a housing and electronics. The housing has a main body and a pistol type handle extending from the main body. The electronics includes memory with a library of electronic sound calls, a sound generator, a speaker and a user interface. The user interface is at a rear end of the main body and the speaker is at a front end. A pistol-style trigger adjacent the handle sounds the selected call when pulled. The calls are stored according to animal type, with each animal having plural calls. A user can scroll through the calls by animal type. The main body has front and rear portions that are rotatably coupled together. An electrical coupling between the two portions has concentric rings in one portion and pins in the other portion, which pins are in contact with the rings.

Abstract: A plant imitating device includes a body having a compartment and an opening in communication with the compartment. A driving unit is mounted in the compartment and includes a transmission member. A plant imitating unit is mounted in the compartment and includes an end facing the opening of the body. The plant imitating unit is engaged with the transmission member by a mounting portion. The plant imitating unit is movable relative to the transmission member. A control unit is electrically connected to the driving unit. The control unit controls the driving unit to cause the end of the plant imitating unit to move beyond the body via the opening. Thus, the end of the plant imitating unit gradually extends beyond the opening to imitate the growth of a plant.

Abstract: A light source module includes a base, a supporter, and a light source fixed by the supporter. The base includes a top surface, a first side surface connected with the top surface, a second side surface connected with the top surface, a protrusion projecting from the first side surface, and a recess defined in the second side surface. The protrusion is for inserting into a recess of another light source module. The recess is configured for coupling with a protrusion of still another light source module. The supporter is mounted on the top surface of the base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a powered hub device for use with a motorized toy, such as an interactive intelligent toy. The powered hub includes a drive bar positioned to frictionally engage with a moving component of a motorized toy, such as a spinning tire. The drive bar, driven by the moving component, in tune powers a drive mechanism to cause movement of various elements on the powered hub device. In a preferred embodiment, the powered hub includes a coupler that allows accessory event hubs to be connected to the powered hub so that motion is transferred to the accessory event hub. Various exemplary embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An interactive device having time synchronization capability is provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, the interactive device has a computer processor that stores an internal clock. The computer processor may be preprogrammed to generate announcements based on a particular time of the internal clock. A user may input and adjust the time of the internal clock. In another embodiment of the present invention a setup module is provided. A setup module is an operative device that includes a computer processor that stores a setup time. The setup module establishes a connection with an interactive device, and time synchronizes the interactive device such that the internal clock of the interactive device is running the same time as the setup module. The setup module is capable of synchronizing the internal clock of multiple interactive devices, despite the interactive devices being programmed on separate occasions.

Abstract: A child's learning device includes a housing, a countdown timer and a driving mechanism. The housing includes a main body and an appendage attached to the main body, the appendage pivoting between a first orientation and a second orientation. The countdown timer includes a control mechanism for designating one of a plurality of designated time periods. The driving mechanism is connected between the countdown timer and the appendage. The driving mechanism and countdown timer are configured such that manually pivoting the appendage from the first orientation to the second orientation sets the countdown timer for the designated time period, and the appendage is driven back from the second orientation to the first orientation over the course of the designated time period by mechanical force provided by countdown timer to the driving mechanism.

Abstract: A fun meter is provided with a meter body and a remote hand controller. The meter body has a visible sweep face, a back wall, and a sidewall. The back wall includes a fastener for attaching the back wall to an article of clothing. The sweep face includes a visible indicator region and a visible indicator for indicating a relative position of the indicator along the sweep face. The remote hand controller is electrically connected to the meter body for operation of the visible indicator with a pressure sensitive switch. A direct current circuit includes an adjustable resistance and a voltage source electrically connected to the switch and the visible indicator so that the visible indicator registers a relative position on the indicator region of the sweep face in proportion to operation of the switch by hand.

Abstract: An interactive toy for audio output is provided having a speaker contained within a housing, connected to an electrical signal defining an audio output to be generated by the speaker. The housing may include a humanoid face defined at least in part by lights contained within the housing; and an information processor that measures a variable audio characteristic of the electrical signal, prompts a user to change the variable audio characteristic and controls a pattern scheme for the lights. A pattern scheme for the lights may include a first pattern scheme in which the lights illuminate in multiple ascending groups and a second pattern scheme in which the lights illuminate in multiple descending groups.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for providing a soft-start for a toy vehicle configured to be operated by a person. The method includes receiving a throttle signal operable to induce motion via a motor operating as a drive mechanism of the toy vehicle. A transition signal may be generated based on the throttle signal. The transition signal may be applied to effect operation of the motor. The transition signal may be a pulse width modulated signal having a duty cycle between 20 and 100 percent to provide for an acceleration that avoids the problems of conventional control systems. The transition signal may be ramped in a linear or non-linear fashion. The system may couple the soft-start control circuit between a ground terminal of a battery of the toy vehicle and motor(s), thereby allowing the soft-start control circuit to operate on a low voltage (i.e., not the high voltage of the battery).

Abstract: A playset system for autonomous devices includes a communal area including a substantially horizontal and substantially planar area bounded by a plurality of side walls, a plurality of connectors, and a plurality of ports. Each port is disposed in a side wall, each port is situated adjacent to one of the connectors, and each port includes a gate adapted to open and close, to impede movement of the autonomous devices when closed, and to allow passage of the autonomous devices when open.

Abstract: A rotatable device configured to support an infant in a prone position and to rotate upon a force applied by the infant. The device includes a pedestal and a support assembly. The pedestal includes a cradle and a header coupled to the support assembly. The support assembly includes a base, a plate, a bearing ring, a plurality of ball bearings, and a coupler ring. The plate and the coupler ring are coupled together sandwiching the bearing ring, the ball bearings, and the base between them. The pedestal is also coupled to the coupler ring. The pedestal, coupler ring, and plate rotate with respect to the base. The rotatable device is position on an exploration mat enabling a child placed in the pedestal to rotate herself to explore different areas of the exploration mat.

Abstract: A toothbrushing entertainment center is disclosed having a pivotable harness member for storing a toothbrush, which harness member activates or deactivates a switch which, in turn, triggers the initiation or ceasing of an internet-based audio and/or visual signal of pre-determined duration for effectuating or enhancing the brushing of teeth.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a toy construction kit comprising a light element and a construction element. The light element comprises a housing having a first end and a second end, the housing defining a compartment, a magnet disposed in the compartment at the first end, and a printed circuit board disposed at the second end of the housing, the printed circuit board having an illumination device mounted on its side opposite to the compartment. The construction element is held to the light element by a magnetic attractive force between the magnet at the first end of the light element and the construction element.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a rotational motor situated within the housing, an eccentric load adapted to be rotated by the rotational motor, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. The legs are coupled to the housing at the leg base and include at least one driving leg constructed from a flexible material and configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.

Abstract: A dreidel has a flasher that visually enhances the experience of play. The dreidel can include a rotatable body having four sides, the rotatable body including at least one flashing device; each of the four sides having a transparent or translucent window, each window being marked with a Hebrew letter selected from ?(Nun), ?(Gimel), ?(Hei), ?(Shin) or ?(Pei); and a handle protruding from the rotatable body, the handle being configured to turn the flashing device on and off.

Abstract: A vehicle toy combination includes a wireless controlled toy vehicle having a mobile platform configured to move over a surface. A central controller on the platform is configured to control at least one aspect of the toy vehicle. A hand-held manually actuable wireless controller is configured to remotely control user selected movement of the toy vehicle. Multiple vehicles can be controlled simultaneously with multiple wireless, manually operated controllers operating at the same frequency by initially synchronizing the controllers to transmit in non-overlapping windows.

Abstract: An active system that can be pre-programmed to operate at a specific, emotionally significant moment. The system includes a meaningful sculpture (such as a heart, Star of David, cross, and so on), which in normal position is in a disassembled and non-harmonious state and which only when the preprogrammed moment arrives, is activated so that the sculpture is reassembled, becomes complete and harmonious. The system includes a casing, a motor, an internal clock, a transmission system, and a device that connects the sculpture parts to the transmission system. The system also includes display screens and a command and control panel.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel device having a sensing system to detect physical variance of a user, a responsive instrument to receive a signal matching the detected physical variance and correspondingly generate effect to interact with the user, and an attaching mechanism as well as an energy source to power the device. The physical variance can be the user's motion and the sensing system may include an accelerometer to detect the user's directions and accelerations.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, an eccentric load, a rotational motor coupled to the body and adapted to rotate the eccentric load, and a plurality of legs each having a leg base and a leg tip at a distal end relative to the leg base. At least a portion of the plurality of legs are constructed from a flexible material, are injection molded, are integrally coupled to the body at the leg base, and include at least one driving leg configured to cause the apparatus to move in a direction generally defined by an offset between the leg base and the leg tip as the rotational motor rotates the eccentric load.

Abstract: A Halloween novelty item used for entertainment consisting of a removable reservoir of fluid and a timed electromagnetic valve inside a head that is activated by a motion sensor whereby allowing fluid to expel intermittently out of orifices attached to a tongue when the Halloween novelty item is approached. The expelled fluid is caught by a bucket attached to a slide bracket which is attached to a body panel whereby allowing the bucket to be removable. An assembly attached to a bucket handle consisting of a pair of hooks attached to a pair of hands connected to a pair of flexible arms allows the assembly to detach from the bucket's handle. A stabilization board keeps the novelty item stable. Motion sensors facing different directions are attached to a voice recorder and a speaker allowing messages to play. A hinge and latches attached to the body allows the invention to condense.

Abstract: A gaming device for enhancing sporting event on television including an assembled unit loaded with a number of pins/flags and a remote control through which the unit receives radio/infrared signals in order to actuate the device. A right arm of the figurine is connected to a stepper motor and can be placed on top of the assembled unit. When the user depresses the button on the remote control the stepper motor makes one revolution and the hand portion of the arm makes contact with the pin/flag and ejects the pin/flag out of the assembled unit in order to signal rule infractions associated with a game. The device simply gives users the satisfaction of calling their own penalties, and or counts the number of actual penalties in the game.