Abstract: Electronic toy receives control information via an input interface and stores the received control information in memory. The electronic toy includes at least one sensor for detecting an external stimulus applied to the toy, and control information is read out from the memory in response to an external stimulus detection signal generated by the sensor so that the electronic toy is controlled to perform a predetermined operation in accordance with the read-out control information. It is possible to readily renew operations that can be performed by the electronic toy, by, for example, downloading desired control information from a server via a communication line and then storing the desired control information in an internal memory of the toy.

Abstract: An articulated and animated toy capable of recognizing human users and interacting therewith includes a computer-based device storing encoded first human fingerprint data, a fingerprint sensor for acquirin data representative of a second human fingerprint, and software for fingerprint verification. The apparatus can further include software for recognizing speech, generating speech and controlling animation of the articulated toy. In addition, the toy is capable of learning and storing information pertaining to each of said human users such as name, age, sex, favorite color, etc., and to interact with each of said human users on an individual basis, providing entertainment tailored specifically to each of said human users.

Abstract: A toy gun that shoots glowing projectiles and the method of providing glowing projectiles to a toy gun. The toy gun having a body, at least one black light responsive projectile, a cartridge for supplying the projectiles to the body, at least one black light source within the body for exposing the projectile to black light, a triggering mechanism for engaging the exposed projectile and a launching mechanism for expelling the exposed projectile from the toy gun, such that the projectiles expelled from the toy gun has a glowing effect as if internally lit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining the identification of selected objects for use in connection with an electronic children's toy, which apparatus includes a plurality of objects, each of the objects including several object contact elements, and an identification member, including several member contact elements. The identification member is configured such that at least two of the member contact elements come into electrical contact with at least two of the object contact elements when the identification member is engaged with one of the objects, forming a complete electrical circuit. A processing unit associated with the identification member then is able to uniquely identify the particular object which is engaged with the identification member by means of an electrical signal generated by the processing unit. The processing unit then provides feedback to the user by audio, visual and/or tactile means corresponding to the particular object selected by the user.

Abstract: A bubble generating assembly has a housing, a container coupled to the housing and retaining bubble solution, a trigger mechanism, a pair of bubble generating rings, a tubing that couples the interior of the container with the rings, and a link assembly that couples the trigger mechanism and the rings in a manner in which actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the rings to be pivoted. Each ring is pivotably coupled to each other in a manner such that the rings can be pivoted between a closed position where the front surfaces of the rings contact each other, and an opened position where the rings are positioned side-by-side in the same plane.

Abstract: A top includes a hollow body, a lighting received disposed in the hollow body, a conductor moved received in the hollow body and a cover mounted to a top of the hollow body for closing the hollow body. The conductor is moved to operate the lighting device due to a centrifugal force of rotating top.

Abstract: A child's infant-care play center includes a table having a recessed bath tub and a changing-table/bed removably disposed over the tub. Upstanding dividers and a headboard demarcate respective bathing/changing/sleeping and washing-sink/eating areas on the table. A flexible conduit having a faucet attached at one end is extractible from and retractable into one of the dividers, and an electronic element selectably to generate and couple the sound of running water through the conduit and out the faucet. A mobile mounted over the bathing/changing/sleeping area may be selectably actuated to rotate conjointly with an accompanying melody. A baby monitor includes a portion fixed to the upper surface of the table, a portable portion, and elements for selectably generating and projecting one of a variety of baby sounds through the fixed portion. A free-standing booster chair that converts to a potty can be removably supported on an edge of the table.

Abstract: A bubble blower and a bubble blower equipped vehicle includes: a case; a discharge hole adapted to discharge bubbles, the discharge hole being arranged in a front portion of the case; a detachable cartridge filled with a bubble producing liquid and affixed to a lower portion of the case; a supply path arranged between the detachable cartridge and the discharge hole and adapted to transfer the bubble producing liquid from the detachable cartridge; a blower fan arranged within an inner portion of the case and adapted to produce a stream of air, the bubble producing liquid being sprayed into the stream of air from the supply path to produce bubbles; a handle arranged on a lower portion of the case; a switch arranged on one side of an outer face of the case and adapted to operate the fan; a reflector plate arranged to encircle the discharge hole; and a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) arranged on the reflector plate.

Abstract: A “magic mirror” wand toy has a body having a mirror element that is partially transparent. An image illuminating apparatus is mounted rearward of the mirror element. An image transport apparatus has a plurality of images that can be positioned selectively and alternately in front of the illuminating apparatus. When an image is stationary, it is lit up and an audible message associated with the image may be played. The wand can be operated in sampling mode, in which each of the set of images is displayed in sequence, and in an individual selection mode.

Abstract: An amusement device has a body, wherein the body has features, at least one motor for powering the device and at least some of the features, and an information receiving structure for receiving information from an information carrying item that is separate or discrete from the amusement device.

Abstract: A toy sword having at least one visual or auditory indicator for signaling a user when the sword contacts a target is provided. In one preferred embodiment the visual indicator is a filament disposed within the body of the sword and positioned to extend outward through an opening in the body when the tip of the sword is depressed.

Abstract: This invention allows for an electronic doll-house to be constructed at a reasonable cost that provides the ability to identify the location of a number of figures that a child may manipulate in a play space. By use of IR communications and the characteristics of such a communications link, a doll-house is provided that combines the ability to be built at a relatively low cost with the advantages of not requiring physical contacts, special purpose RFID chips and transceiving arrangements, or other expensive sensing methods. In brief, the invention makes use of an IR transmitter that sends a unique ID code upon user activation which allows for power savings, the elimination of contact points or RF components, the localization of the signal to a room in a doll-house, and by use of reflecting paths, allows relative independence of orientation.

Abstract: A system for molding a jointed linkage support system with joints that allow movement and bending in many directions and degrees of freedom. A chain-like linkage system made up of a series of joints is molded in a single step from materials having different melting temperatures in a series of alternating communicating mold cavities. The jointed linkage support system emerges from the mold fully assembled. An electrical switch may be provided within one of the joints between sleeves and rods whereby movement of the rod relative to the sleeve actuates the switch.

Abstract: A solar-powered transmission device includes a casing, a cover, a drive unit, and a solar collecting panel. The casing is formed with a hole unit. The cover cooperates with the casing so as to confine a component receiving space, and has a transparent portion that permits entry of light into the component receiving space. The drive unit is mounted in the component receiving space, and includes a motor, a speed-reduction gear set coupled to and driven rotatably by the motor, and an output shaft unit coupled to and driven rotatably by the speed-reduction gear set. The output shaft unit extends through the hole unit in the casing. The solar collecting panel is disposed in the component receiving space and is coupled electrically to the motor.

Abstract: A mobile toy is described. The mobile toy includes a wheel assembly having a hubcap for removably engaging a wheel of the wheel assembly. The mobile toy may also include a transmitter having a charging pad for charging of a radio-controlled embodiment of the toy. The transmitter comprises an indicator showing certain states of the toy as well as a storage compartment for housing items associated with the toy. Additional embodiments include an assembly for retaining the toy on the charging pad during charging of the toy. A kit for storing the components of the radio-controlled embodiment of the toy is also described.

Abstract: A bubble generating assembly has a housing, a bubble solution supply, a bubble generating frame, and a tubing that couples the bubble solution supply with the bubble generating frame. The bubble generating frame has two separate portions, the portions being pivotably coupled to each other in a manner such that the portions can be pivoted between a closed position where the front surface of the portions contact each other, and an opened position where the portions are positioned in the same plane to form the bubble generating frame.

Abstract: An animated workout simulating figurine for simulating a workout routine as an example that can be followed by a user. The animated workout simulating figurine includes a jointed figurine that performs a workout routine that may then be followed as an example. Optionally, the animated figurine may have multiple selectable pre-programmed routines for variety or working particular muscle groups.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for dispensing chocolate. Solid chocolate is heated to its melting point within a chamber in order to form a liquid chocolate that is viscous and can flow out an opening in a nozzle at one end when pressure is exerted at another end. The chocolate dispenser is portable and has a housing or case that holds a heating chamber and a heater. The heater heats solid chocolate in the heating chamber into liquid chocolate. A nozzle is snapped or screwed into a dispensing end of the dispenser. A plunger has a piston inserted into the heating chamber to apply pressure to liquid chocolate in order for it to flow out of an opening in the nozzle. A children's playset for use with the chocolate dispenser includes a support structure to support the chocolate dispenser over a dispensing area. One embodiment of the playset includes a turn table and a tapper. A cooling tray may be included in the playset to cool the melted chocolate to its solid form.

Abstract: A beach wave playset for simulating an approach of a wave toward a shoreline. The playset can have a beach member, a wave member, and a pivot axle for enabling the wave member to pivot into and out of proximity with the beach member. Decorative elements, such as surfboards, dolls, and inner tubes, can be retained relative to the wave member and can be moved, such as by a drive wheel and motion conversion assembly combination, during a pivoting of the wave member to enable a realistic wave riding simulation. A plurality of water panels can simulate an underlying water surface. The wave member could be moved manually or by a motor arrangement, and electronic play effects could be induced in response to a movement of the wave member.

Abstract: A universal chassis which may be assembled with modular componentry allowing for a play pattern with the user in which modification of the overall construction of the vehicle is encouraged. The modularity is purposely built in to allow users to modify their Battlebot chassis. In operating the configured vehicle, two motors, i.e., left and right, are provided with pulsed controlled operation to facilitate two-speed performance. The ability to transmit/receive IR signals modulated on one or more of multiple carriers facilitates the play pattern with simultaneous operation of multiple vehicles. An impact sensor or the like provides for detecting impacts, and processor control may be used for counting impacts in order to modify the functionality accorded to the user with the universal chassis.

Abstract: An electrically conductive block component and method of producing such a block component are disclosed. The electrically conductive block component includes a main block section having first and second faces opposed to one another and a first channel extending through the main block section from the first face to the second face. The electrically conductive block component also includes a first conductive pin positioned within the first channel and having first and second end portions proximate the first and second faces, respectively. The first and second end portions of the first conductive pin are configured so that the electrically conductive block component can be both physically assembled with and electrically coupled to another electrically conductive block component.

Abstract: An articulated and animated toy capable of recognizing human users and interacting therewith which includes a computer-based device having stored thereon encoded first human fingerprint data, a fingerprint sensor for acquiring data representative of a second human fingerprint, and software resident within said computer-based device for fingerprint verification, which includes minutiae analysis, neural networks, or another equivalent algorithm for comparing said first human fingerprint data with said second human fingerprint data and producing an output signal therefrom for use in identifying said human users. The apparatus can further include software for recognizing speech, generating speech and controlling animation of the articulated toy. In addition, said computer-based device is capable of learning and storing information pertaining to each of said human users such as name, age, sex, favorite color, etc.

Abstract: A toy includes a display component and an arrangement of opaque walls defining together with the display component a plurality of illuminable cavities separated from one another by the opaque walls. The opaque walls are disposed directly behind the display component. The illuminable cavities have associated light sources also disposed behind the display component and capable of illuminating the associated cavity to produce a corresponding visual effect visible from in front of the display component. At least two of the illuminable cavities are arranged to form multiple states of a single facial feature visible from in front of the display component with illumination states of the light sources of the cavities corresponding with the states of the facial feature that cooperate with other visible facial features to form a selection of discrete facial expressions.

Abstract: An interactive toy has a microphone, a speaker, a memory for storing a toy identifier, and an interface to provide communications with a computer system. The computer system connects to a server on a network. The interactive toy provides electrical signals from the microphone, as well as the toy identifier, to the computer system via the interface. The interface enables the computer system to control the speaker to generate audible information according to data received from the server. Alternatively, a processor and memory with networking capabilities may be embedded within the toy to eliminate the need for a computer system.

Abstract: A toy includes a base, a character figure, a simulated chair, and a simulated razor. The simulated chair is positioned on top of the base and is shaped to receive the character figure. The character figure includes simulated hair made from a deformable modeling compound. The simulated razor includes a simulated razor blade and two contacts positioned at the blade. Circuitry connected to these contacts provides a sound simulating the cutting of hair when a portion of the simulated hair provides a conductive path between the two contacts.

Abstract: A charging system for a mobile robot includes the mobile robot that is battery-driven and moves in a self-controlled way within a work space, and a charging station for accommodating the mobile robot for a battery charging operation. The charging system includes visible recognition data arranged in a predetermined location of the charging station, an image pickup unit mounted on the mobile robot, a calculating unit for calculating a range and a bearing from the mobile robot to the charging station, based on an image picked up by the image pickup unit, and a searching unit for causing the mobile robot to search for the charging station, based on the calculation result provided by the calculating unit. Since the mobile robot searches for the charging station using a camera for recognizing the visible recognition data, a charging operation is automated.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a interactive ball includes (a) a plurality of indicia, (b) a processor and memory unit operatively coupled to the plurality of indicia, (c) an audio output unit operatively coupled to the processor and memory unit, (d) a first outer surface; and (e) a second outer surface that is recessed with respect to the first outer surface, wherein the plurality of indicia are present at the second outer surface.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a toothbrush supporting brushing behavior reinforcement means. A simple motion sensing means is electrically connected to a brushing logic means, which determines generalized brushing action of a user preferably a child. After the logic requirements of motion sensing are complete, the logic means directs a digital output display means to output to a small LCD screen or speaker a visual and/or audible reward to the user, preferably in the form of an enjoyable game or congratulatory message. A grid of electrical contacts may be used to determine motion or direction when connected with logic means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dynamic toy device, which can extend and shrink vertically, turn horizontally, and can be used as a framework of a Christmas tree model. It includes a bottom basin, a drive part in the bottom basin, and a dynamic part on the drive part. The dynamic part includes an inner sleeve group in the center and an outer sleeve group outside the inner sleeve group. The outer sleeve group is composed of several outer sleeves coupling one another. A circle protruding inward is set on the inner side at the top of the outer sleeve. A circle protrudes outwardly and is positioned at the outer side at the bottom of the outer sleeve. On the side of the circle at the top of the outer sleeve, there is a protruding block, while on the outer side of the outer sleeve, there is positioned a rising groove of a curve shape. The block on the outside outer sleeve lies in the groove on the abutting inside outer sleeve.

Abstract: An interactive dress-up toy comprises removable clothing and accessories, sensor means to detect the specific item of clothing or the specific accessory worn by the toy, and communication means to communicate to the user the status of the clothing and accessories worn by the toy or missing from the toy. The sensor means may be adapted to detect a form of electromagnetic energy, and to detect the specific item of clothing worn by the toy. The material of the clothing is selected to be reflective or non-reflective of the form of energy to be detected by the sensor means, and may be fitted with a material to selectively trigger the sensor means.

Abstract: An electronic amusement device includes a housing having an outer side presented to a consumer using the device; an electronic timer in the housing and a controller. The timer is configured to track time to an end of an extended time period having a length of at least a plurality of weeks and preset in the device before the device is released to the consumer. The timer is further configured to output a signal at the end of the extended period to the controller. The controller is configured to perform at least one task in an initial mode of operation available to the consumer using the device and to respond to the signal from the timer to enable, for a first time, the performance of at least one new additional mode of operation the controller did not perform before receipt of the timer signal or to disable a mode of operation it had performed or to exchange a new mode of operation for a previously performed mode of operation.

Abstract: A timer activated toy that has a “run time” which correlates to the time interval of a user input. The toy may include both a button which can be depressed for a time interval and a switch that can be switched to an on position. The toy may have a motor or electronic sound circuit that is activated when the switch is turned on and a counter that counts to a count value after the button is depressed. The motor is deactivated when the counter reaches the count value. The toy will thus be activated for an interval that corresponds to the time the button is depressed. This correlation simulates filling a “gas tank” of the toy.

Abstract: A bubble generating assembly has a housing having a front opening, with a bubble generating ring and a nozzle positioned adjacent the front opening. The assembly has a first container coupled to the housing and retaining bubble solution, and a second container coupled to the housing and retaining a liquid (e.g., water). The first and second containers can be positioned next to each other. The assembly also has a first trigger, and a second trigger positioned next to the first trigger so that a user can simultaneously actuate the first and second triggers.

Abstract: An electronic toy with at least one moving part, comprising a pre-programmed integrated circuit and at least one electric motor, is adapted to perform actions. Multiple such toys may be inter-connected in different combinations and programmed to interact in groups of two or more.

Abstract: An illuminated throwing toy is provided which is adapted to be thrown by a user for a flight through the air. The toy includes a hollow, inflatable, football-shaped head portion made of a flexible, translucent material, that is centered about a longitudinal axis, an elongate tail portion with fins that extend axially rearward from the head portion along the longitudinal axis, and a coupling, which interconnects the head and tail portions and allows the portions to be movable relative to each other, particularly to be rotatably movable about the longitudinal axis. The tail portion has a front section that is permanently affixed to rear of the football-shaped head portion and a rear section that comprises fins. The front section is permanently attached to the rear of the head portion and the rear section is removably attached to the front section.

Abstract: An figure data input device is provided, by which prompt and accurate simulation learning is realized by automatically reading out type identifying data and location data of a figure piece when the piece figure is placed on a mounting board. The educational figure data input device includes a figure piece composed of a figure portion replicating the outward appearance of an object and a storage unit for storing the type of the figure portion, which are combined into one body; a mounting board provided with a plurality of sectional mounting planes in such a manner that one figure piece is placed on only one of the plurality of sectional mounting planes; and a reading device, incorporated in the mounting board, for reading out type identifying data stored in the storage unit of the figure piece placed on the mounting board.

Abstract: An interactive toy in accordance with the present invention includes two pair of legs extending outwardly and downwardly from either side of a body to be in contact with a surface. Each pair of legs is rotatably attached to a motor. The toy also includes a sound activation device in communication with an integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is further in communication and control of the motors such that when the sound activation device is activated, the integrated circuit controls the motors to rotate the legs. The direction of the rotation of the legs will cause the toy to move along the surface in a predefined direction, defined as forward, reverse, or spinning to the right of left.

Abstract: A doll and a doll activity center are adapted to communicate with each other with respect to the status of the doll or the activity center, and either the doll or the activity center is adapted to generate an audible comment respecting said status.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a plug to recognize a keyed accessory of the toy vehicle, circuitry connected to the plug and operable to select a functional feature in response to recognition of the keyed accessory, and a feature generator to produce the selected functional feature.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is configured for itinerant maneuvers and is programmed by manually drawing a path on an exposed surface of a mechanical touch screen assembly on the vehicle. A microprocessor, coupled with the touch screen assembly, reads the manually drawn path and controls movement of the vehicle to follow the manually drawn path. In one embodiment, the drawn path is erased to enter a new path by pivoting the first sheet of the assembly away from the second sheet and, in another embodiment, by separating the first and second sheets by sliding a horizontal plate between the sheets. A sensor on the vehicle detects the presence of a stylus in a holder. The microprocessor responds to the presence to initiate the itinerant movement and/or activate a visual indicator or an audio generator or both in the toy vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is an interactive pinata, equipped with an electronic recording/playback system. The recording system can either play previously recorded messages, or in an alternative embodiment, the system can record and play back original messages from a person such as the owner. In either embodiment, the pinata can respond to being struck (or missed) by playing a message. The present invention may be embodied with cartoon or celebrity voices being prerecorded. Finally, the recording system could be operated via a type of remote control, ranging from simple pushbuttons to a karaoke-like arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy wand that is activated and controlled by a sequence of motions of the wand while in the hand of an operator. When moved through a specific sequence of motions (herein termed a “spell”, the wand will produce an appealing display of lights whose purpose is to amuse or entertain the wand operator or others in the viewing area.

Abstract: A bubble generating assembly has a housing, a container coupled to the housing and retaining bubble solution, a trigger mechanism, a pair of bubble generating rings, a tubing that couples the interior of the container with the rings, and a link assembly that couples the trigger mechanism and the rings in a manner in which actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the rings to be pivoted. Each ring is pivotably coupled to each other in a manner such that the rings can be pivoted between a closed position where the front surfaces of the rings contact each other, and an opened position where the rings are positioned side-by-side in the same plane.

Abstract: A toy with electronic sensing mechanism is disclosed. Specifically, the toy can detect the presence of an electrically conductive material and respond accordingly. Particularly disclosed is the use of modeling dough as the conductive material which allows a broad flexibility of play and response.

Abstract: A toy with electronic sensing mechanism is disclosed. Specifically, the toy can detect the presence of an electrically conductive material and respond accordingly. Particularly disclosed is the use of modeling dough as the conductive material which allows a broad flexibility of play and response.

Abstract: An electronic toy adapted to receive a toy figure comprises a source of electrical power, an integrated circuit chip programmed with pre-recorded sounds, sound reproduction means under the control of the integrated circuit chip, switch means adapted to open or close an electrical circuit to control the flow of electrical power from the source of electrical power to the integrated circuit and sound reproduction means, and trigger means adapted to activate the switch means, such that when the toy figure is placed into contact with the trigger means, the switch means is closed to create an electrical circuit and sounds are generated by the sound reproduction means under the control of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: An activity center is disclosed that includes a first section and a second section. In one embodiment, a removable connection between the first section and the second section enables detection of infant activity by an actuator in the first section to produce sensible output in the second section. In another embodiment, a connection between a first section that includes a support frame capable of supporting an infant enables detection of infant activity by an actuator in one of the sections to produce sensible output in the other section.

Abstract: An electronic amusement device includes a housing having an outer side presented to a consumer using the device; an electronic timer in the housing and a controller. The timer is configured to track time to an end of an extended time period having a length of at least a plurality of weeks and preset in the device before the device is released to the consumer. The timer is further configured to output a signal at the end of the extended period to the controller. The controller is configured to perform at least one task in an initial mode of operation available to the consumer using the device and to respond to the signal from the timer to enable, for a first time, the performance of at least one new additional mode of operation the controller did not perform before receipt of the timer signal or to disable a mode of operation it had performed or to exchange a new mode of operation for a previously performed mode of operation.

Abstract: An interactive toy has a microphone, a speaker, a memory for storing a toy identifier, and an interface to provide communications with a computer system. The computer system connects to a server on a network. The interactive toy provides electrical signals from the microphone, as well as the toy identifier, to the computer system via the interface. The interface enables the computer system to control the speaker to generate audible information according to data received from the server. Alternatively, a processor and memory with networking capabilities may be embedded within the toy to eliminate the need for a computer system.

Abstract: A toy building set with interconnectible building elements and comprising an energy source, an energy accumulator and a consumer of energy as separate units which may be built together with the building elements, wherein the energy accumulator may be coupled to the energy source so that energy from the energy source is transferred to and accumulated to the energy accumulator, and the energy accumulator may be coupled to the consumer to supply energy accumulated in the energy accumulator to the consumer.