Abstract: A speaker-amplified sound-making device for attachment to bicycle wheels is presented which includes a flared, horn-shaped tube, a flexible contact member and a universal mounting device for connecting the invention to a bicycle. The horn-shaped tube is specifically designed to eliminate destructive interference of sound waves generated by the flexible contact. The flexible contact is designed to be easily replaceable, even by a child.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for simulating visual depth in a concatenated image of a remote field of action. A vision system provides multiple video camera fields of view covering a visual space of a field of action. Video image fields of view are divided into clockwise and counterclockwise sub fields of view. The clockwise sub fields of view and the counterclockwise sub fields of view cover the visual space of a field of action. Sub fields of view are concatenated into clockwise and counterclockwise images of the field of action capable of simulating visual depth.

Abstract: An Infant Nurturing Device for performing parent-infant attachment comprising a pouch area (25), a proportional external pouch covering (21), means for producing simulated parental body temperature (770), means for producing simulated parental heartbeat (750), means for producing simulated parental voice (780), means for producing simulated parental breathing (760) and a controller (740). The Infant Nurturing Device of the present invention is capable of performing adequate “Kangaroo Care” parent-infant attachment in the absence of biological parents.

Abstract: A game ball is formed by molding a carcass in the final shape of the ball, spraying a mold surface with cover material, inserting the carcass into the mold, and molding the cover material onto the carcass.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a method, apparatus, and system to synchronize timers or clocks of toys. A play-set includes a first toy having a first timer and a start button. The first toy can be designated as a master when the start button is depressed. After being designated as the master, the first toy sends a synchronization signal to begin synchronization. The play-set also includes a second toy communicatively linked to the first toy. The second toy has a second timer, and synchronizes the second timer to the first timer of the first toy in response to the synchronization signal. After timer synchronization, scripts are selected and a script start signal synchronizes the beginning of script play.

Abstract: A manual system and method is disclosed for launching streamers into the air such as from a hollow tube in which the streamers are positioned in particular manners.

Abstract: A windup spring drive unit improving the operability of winding when incorporated in an apparatus such as a toy, and increasing a degree of freedom in design. The windup spring drive unit comprises: a spring 2 as a power source; a windup shaft 3 which manually winds up the spring 2; an output shaft 4; and a gear train 5 which transmits the power of the spring 2 to the output shaft 4, these members being accommodated in a casing 6. A crown gear 8 is included in the gear train 5, the crown gear 8 has its center of rotation axis being arranged in parallel with the windup shaft 3. The output shaft 4 and the windup shaft 3 are arranged to be orthogonal to each other, and the windup shaft 3 is provided to pierce in a thin direction t of the casing 6.

Abstract: The invention is a spring-driven toy vehicle having front and rear chassis portions, at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel. The front chassis portion is hingably connected to the rear chassis portion. The chassis portions are capable of a pivotal motion relative to one another from a first undeflected position to a second deflected position. A drive motor is mounted to one of the front and rear chassis portions. The motor contains a motor spring. A drive axle is operably connected with the motor spring. The drive axle is connected to at least one front wheel or one rear wheels to rotate the at least one connected wheel. A rotational coupling is configured to transfer the pivotal motion of the chassis portions relative to one another into a rotational motion to wind the motor spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a work and study station comprising an upper part and a lower part (1), said upper part (2) substantially comprising the container of the graphical and modelling instruments, and said lower part (2) substantially comprising the resting and work station.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed including a vapor dryer chamber (12) with a lid (14). A heater (16) is disposed within the vapor dryer chamber to vaporize liquid drying medium (24), preferably isopropyl alcohol, in the bottom of the vapor dryer chamber (12). Cooling coils (18) disposed within an upper portion of the vapor drying chamber (12) condense the drying medium vapor. A vapor monitor assembly (30) is disposed within the vapor dryer chamber (12) to monitor the vapor concentration within vapor dryer chamber (12). A controller (40) is associated with the vapor monitor assembly (30) and evaluates vapor concentration measurements from the vapor monitor (38).

Abstract: An entry door lock system includes an energy storage device (27) to permit unlatching if unlatching movement of a door handle occurs before the latch has been unlocked. The device (27) is passive if unlocking occurs before unlatching movement of the door handle. The invention avoids the need for repeat movement of the door handle in cases where unlocking follows initial door handle movement.

Abstract: A control method for controlling operation of an object used by a user in an environment includes the steps of: defining pseudo-emotions of the object for deciding output of the object, in relation to the user's state; formulating emotion generation algorithms to establish the relationship between the user's state and the pseudo-emotions; formulating behavior decision algorithms to establish the relationship between input, including the pseudo-emotions, and the behavior of the object; detecting the user's state; generating a pseudo-emotion of the object based on the user's state using the emotion generation algorithms; making the object behave based on the user's state and the pseudo-emotion using the behavior decision algorithms; evaluating reaction of the user in response to the behavior of the object; and if the reaction of the user does not match the pseudo-emotion of the object in the emotion generation algorithms, adjusting at least either of the emotion generation algorithms or

Abstract: A show pom provided with a first set of streamers extending from the two ends of a baton handle and a second set of retractable streamers that retract within the ends of the hollow baton handle. The second set of streamers are usually constructed of a different color than the first set of streamers and are retracted into the baton handle so that the second set of streamers are not visible until they are deployed by spring action out the two ends of the baton handle by depressing a trigger pin provided on the baton handle.

Abstract: The invention relates to chondrocytes and chondrocyte cell-lines for use especially in studying arthritic conditions and also for developing skeletal tissue for use in repair and/or replacement surgery. The use of articular chondrocyte cell-lines which mineralise calcium to determine potentially beneficial therapeutic agents is disclosed. Further, the means for producing such cell-lines is also disclosed as well as the characteristics of such cell-lines. The use of hypertrophic chondrocyte cell-lines to produce matrix tissue is also disclosed. Further means of producing hypertrophic chondrocyte cell-lines is also disclosed as well as the charateristics of such cell-lines.

Abstract: In communication units the input and/or output of data is normally performed using keypad input, voice input/output or display output. This limits the input/output of the communication unit. The claimed invention proposes a new way of inputting/outputting of data by providing a communication unit with intra-changeable elements, where the physical properties of the elements are changed by an electrical or a mechanical signal/input and that the elements are used in the user interface of the communication unit to enable flexible input and output of data from the communication unit. The user input and output is thereby including a sensory indication, including a physical and/or visual dimension.

Abstract: A system of modular artificial rocks provides aesthetic appeal to a landscape. The system comprises at least two rocks, one stacked on the other and interlocked to each other, as by a tongue and groove arrangement. The rocks have respective back ends that overhang. The back ends of all but the bottom rock of a stack are supported off the ground. In a modified embodiment, the back ends of the rocks align in vertical planes. There may be one back end, in which case the rocks can be placed flush against a fence or a building wall. In another embodiment, there are two back ends. Two or more stacks of modular rocks are placed with their back ends in flat facing contact. For example, the back ends of the rocks of each of three stacks may subtend an angle of 120 degrees. A waterfall can be incorporated into any of the stacks. The bottom rock of a stack has a depression that acts as a reservoir. Water is pumped to the top of the top rock of the stack, from where it flows back to the reservoir.

Abstract: A toy dice comprising a cubical body having six sides, and an internal electronic operating circuit including an integrated circuit configured to perform six electronic playing functions associated with the sides of the dice body respectively. A position sensor is located within the dice body and connected to the integrated circuit for sensing which side of the dice body faces up when the dice is rolled and, in response, triggering the integrated circuit to perform the corresponding playing function associated with that side.

Abstract: A packaged toy is provided in which toy egg sets of nested hollow toy eggs are held within a modular transparent egg carton. The modular transparent egg carton has a tray which holds the toy egg sets and a lid with a ceiling and a circumnavigating lip defining a depression in which the tray of a modular transparent egg carton is adapted to be located. A method of packaging a toy is provided in which plural toy egg sets are located within a modular transparent egg carton to form a matrix of packaged toys.

Abstract: The invention discloses a combined pencil sharpener and an ink stamp being able to give off light. The invention includes a pencil sharpener and a stamp which are slidably engaged together. When a pencil is inserted into an opening of the pencil sharpener, it will move the sharpener towards the stamp and then conduct a circuit contained in a housing of the stamp to allow an LED to give off light. The invention will not only increase the attractiveness of the sharpener but also be very helpful to teach a young user to sharpen a pencil.

Abstract: A novelty candy holding device including a housing to which a candy pop can be secured. The housing includes a bottom end cap which prevents a pliable putty-like material in the housing from drying out. The bottom end cap can be removed to expose the pliable putty material into which one can insert their finger or fingers in order to move the putty material around so that movement of the putty makes a noise as air within the putty is moved. The device can have an end cap with a central opening secured to the housing. A stretchable diaphragm is secured over the central aperture so that one can force the diaphragm into the pliable putty material to move the putty material about so that a noise will be made as the putty material is moved, at which time air in the putty material will make a noise.

Abstract: A device for scattering confetti includes an inverted pocket positioned within the interior of an envelope inflated by a gas inlet at an upper end region of the envelope. Confetti is contained within the pocket, and a break-away closure closes an open end of the pocket at the upper end region, and maintains the confetti within the pocket. Upon compressing the envelope, the pocket is reversed in position, the closure ruptured, and the confetti is suddenly expelled in an explosive manner with a concomitant popping sound.

Abstract: A hollow breakable object having a first shell section and a second shell section encapsulating a novelty item when the shell sections are affixed to each other. The sections are typically affixed by press-fitting, gluing, or taping the sections together. When the sections are affixed, they form a hollow shell, typically in an egg shape, having an enclosed internal chamber. The hollow shell may also have a scoring providing a convenient predefined break point on the object. Affixed to or incorporated as part of the interior of each section is an internal support structure to provide padding support to the novelty item. A coating is applied to the exterior of the affixed sections to form a breakable and dye absorptive surface of the object. The coating is made of either gypsum, limestone, silicate or a combination thereof and is advantageously capable of absorbing conventional egg dye. Additionally, the object is biodegradable.

Abstract: A practical joke device which when removably mounted onto a glass surface of user choice, will create an illusion that an object has penetrated into the glass surface and the glass has been shattered.

Abstract: A table lamp having an ornamental liquid container movably connected to a main body thereof, so that the ornamental liquid container tends to swing, rotate and/or turn upside-down under an external force applied on the ornamental liquid container. At least one type of liquid, such as a dual-liquid or a magma-like liquid, and floating ornaments are contained in the ornamental liquid container. The liquid and floating ornaments tend to create unique, changeful and dynamic scenes when the ornamental liquid container is moved by the external force applied on it. The ornamental liquid container therefore gives the table lamp novel appearances and additional decorative effect.

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: Joy device of a casing in a form of pedestal, upon a mast for hauling up a flag by means of a strand pulled by a mechanic device is fixed, all in time to a sonorous emission generated by a sound electronic chip included into the casing. According to the invention, the mast is detachable and is provided a housing for bearing a portion of the mast at the detached state. Furthermore advantages arise when the sound chip is mounted upon the outside of the housing of the feed bateries of the sound chip and when the switch for the electric feed is provided in a form of resiently deformable membrane operatively faced to the bottom end of an operation pushbutton provided on the casing.

Abstract: A pop-up toy including a housing for enclosing a plurality of interlocking elements. The housing includes an opening through which the series of interlocking elements may be individually extracted by a child. The opening in the housing is provided with a gripping mechanism for separating a leading interlocking element from an immediately following interlocking element as the leading interlocking element is extracted from the housing. After the leading interlocking element has been extracted from the housing, the immediately following interlocking element in the series of interlocking elements is positioned and held in place within the opening by the gripping mechanism for subsequent extraction.

Abstract: A toy that includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are coupled to an electrical circuit. The first electrode is also coupled to an consumable substance. The circuit is closed when an end user becomes electrically coupled to the first electrode and the consumble substance. Closing the circuit may activate one or more actuators, sound devices, etc. of the toy.

Abstract: A toy chair includes a seat member having a horizontal seat portion and a vertical backrest portion that extends upwardly from the rear edge of the seat portion. A pair of extension members extend respectively from left and right lateral sides of the seat member. Left and right connecting members are mounted respectively on the extension members of the seat member. Each of the connecting members is formed with at least two positioning recesses that are aligned in a longitudinal direction thereof. Left and right height adjustment mechanisms are mounted respectively on the connecting members so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction. Each of the height adjustment mechanisms is provided with a retainer that is operable to engage removably a selected one of the positioning recesses in the respective one of the left and right connecting members. Front and rear leg units have upper portions connected to the height adjustment mechanisms, and lower portions to be placed on a ground surface.

Abstract: A play material container includes a base having an interior cavity, a sidewall and a cookie-cutter edge defining a predetermined shape. A lid is configured to be snap-fitted upon the base to provide container closure. An extrusion die is formed in the container base sidewall which is capped by a resiliently supported cap secured to the container lid. The container lid defines an upper surface supporting a plurality of open face press molds. The cookie-cutter shape, the press mold elements, and the extrusion die aperture are preferably coordinated in accordance with a common theme such as a food article or the like.

Abstract: A toy which can be manually, easily, and repeatedly mounted on a wide range of vertical surfaces and remain fixed in place until its position is adjusted by removal and replacement. The toy can be of three dimensional extent and is supported by a unique fastening arrangement comprising a reusable, removable, adhesive putty used in conjunction with a retaining member.

Abstract: A mat toy is provided that has many soft microbubbles extending upward from its upper surface. Gas is sealed within each bubble. When jumped upon by a child, a bubble becomes compressed and bursts with a popping sound enjoyed by children. The soft upper layer is adherent to a stiff bottom layer. This provides sufficient rigidity that the mat lies flat when jumped upon and cannot wrap around and suffocate a child. The bottom surface is further provided with a high friction, slip or skid-resistant surface so that the mat will not slide out from under the jumping child to avoid injury. The upper layers may be light transmissive and indicia such as a colored cartoon animal may be provided at a lower layer that is visible to the child for enhanced appeal. An intermediate cushioning layer such as a closed cell foam may alternatively be provided.

Abstract: A novelty noise making, odor generating Apparatus is provided having a clear beaker made of glass or plastic provides visual access to an interior volume. A removable stopper seals the interior volume of the beaker, which contains a colored gas having a humorously offensive odor. A base is provided for mounting the beaker in statue form, with a nameplate mounted thereto to provide a humorously offensive description of the colored gas. A stopper for providing fluid communication between the beaker's interior and exterior volumes is included forming an interior conduit and having a reed or bendable flap extends outward from the conduit wall to create an impediment to fluid flow through the conduit. When the stopper is placed into or removed from the beaker opening, the differential pressure created across the reed or bendable flap causes a momentary vibration, thereby generating an incremental noise.

Abstract: A confetti launching wand is disclosed in which the wand comprises a relatively short barrel portion which contains the confetti, preferably in the form of a stack or bundle, and the barrel portion is connected to a relatively long handle portion. In some embodiments, the barrel portions may be separable from the handle portion and may be replaced by other barrel portions designed to launch multiple bundles of confetti in different, non-parallel trajectories, and/or the handle and barrel portions may be composed of biodegradable materials such as paper and cardboard. Tapered wands are also disclosed which may be composed of deformable materials such as thin plastic, rubber or plastic foam, or rolled cardboard or paper.

Abstract: A set of blocks cut from the limbs and trunks of small trees is shown for making natural appearing stacks (20, 60). Each block has parallel upper and lower cuts (82, 84, 170, 171) across the blocks spaced a predetermined increment "I" or a multiple of increment "I" from each other. The remaining outer surfaces (90, 92) remain in their natural states complete with bark, protrusions, and other anomalies.

Abstract: An educational toy provides a dispenser box member having an aperture or other opening it its top surface, and containing a plurality of discrete flexible fabric sheet elements. An infant is encouraged to pull one sheet element out of the dispenser box at a time, and after all the sheet elements have been removed, either the infant or an adult can reinsert the sheet elements into the dispenser box member for repeated play.

Abstract: A mesh housing defining an interior cavity and enclosing side walls and top walls is fabricated of a coarse open mesh material. The housing includes access door apertures which facilitate the storage of toy articles within the mesh housing interior cavity. A plurality of toy articles such as toy action figures or the like are readily stored and displayed upon the outer surfaces of the mesh housing by engaging the coarse mesh housing and hanging the articles thereon. A variety of mesh materials and mesh styles are utilized. Alternate embodiments are shown setting forth cylindrical and triangular mesh housing shapes as well as free standing or wall and door attachment embodiments.

Abstract: A stack of confetti is disclosed which is wrapped by a wrapper about only a portion of the circumference of the stack whereby insertion of the stack into a launcher is facilitated and the aerodynamics of the stack in the air are substantially improved.

Abstract: An ornament for hanging from a support, such as a Christmas tree. The ornament includes a body portion and a headpiece portion. The headpiece portion is supported above the body portion and both portions are suspended from a support. The headpiece can be configured to represent a helmet or a cap. Alternatively, the headpiece can resemble the face of a sports personality. The body portion comprises a torso portion and a leg portion which is suspended from the torso portion. The headpiece, torso and leg portions are connected together to allow for movement in a way that simulates human action. Additionally the headpiece, torso and leg portions can depict an athletic uniform.

Abstract: An improved candy pop holding device which includes two different spindle shafts each including a receptacle for holding a stick of a candy pop. The device includes a power supply, a switch for controlling the power supply, a motor for driving a suitable gearing system for rotating the two candy pops at a convenient rotation for consumption by a consumer. The motor and gearing system is designed to produce a desired torque and rotational speed to spin the two candy pops.

Abstract: A bubble popping device (10) includes a piece of bubble wrap (12) and a frame (14) about the perimeter of the piece of bubble wrap (12). A person can grasp the frame (14) and squeeze bubble portions of the piece of bubble wrap (12) to make popping noises when the bubble portions brake. An alternate bubble popping device (36) is also provided and consists of a roll of bubble wrap (38) with a dispenser (40) for holding the roll of bubble wrap (38) thereon. A hanger (42) extends from the dispenser (40) for retaining the dispenser (40) onto a top back portion (44) of a backrest (46) of a first stadium seat (48). A person (50) sitting on a second stadium seat (52) directly behind the first stadium seat (48) can pull the roll of bubble wrap (38) on the dispenser (40) and squeeze bubble portion of the roll of bubble wrap (38) to make popping noises when the bubble portions brake.

Abstract: A toy designed to entertain both humans and their pets. The toy is a continuous length of cord which has one end wrapped into a ball in such a way that the end is completely hidden in the ball so that the ball will not unravel. The other free end of the cord is relatively long and is used to spin the ball, throw it, tug it., etc. The toy is also made of a cord material that allows the toy to float on water.

Abstract: A novel rotating aerodynamic toy in the form of a ultra-elastic gel airfoil which is suitable for launch in light or heavy wind conditions and capable of performing various aerodynamic effects including climb, stall, return, straight-line flight and other aerobatics. The ultra-elastic properties of the airfoil allow the airfoil to transform its aerodynamic profile at launch and while in flight.

Abstract: A form of confetti is disclosed which comprises a plurality of pieces of paper, tissue paper or plastic film wherein each piece of confetti has an elongated tetragonal shape and the plurality of pieces of confetti are stacked in face-to-face relationship with their lengths parallel to each other so as to form an unwrapped stack of tetragonal-shaped confetti having a mass so as to be capable of being projected high into the air.

Abstract: A wand is disclosed for launching confetti into the air which comprises an elongated hollow tube with axially extending slits forming flexible fingers at one end of the tube such that the fingers grip and hold stacks of confetti which are projected high into the air by centrifugal force upon waiving the end of the tube in an arcuate motion.

Abstract: Streamers containing confetti rolled inside the streamer are disclosed in which the confetti is released from the streamer as the streamer unwinds in the air. The preferred embodiments include PVC film for the wound streamer, a soft cushioned core to enable cutting without jagged edges to impede unwinding of the streamer, and a high-slip coating on the film.

Abstract: A bath toy is described which consists of a small distinctive play shape suitable for play by children formed from a flexible sheet of polymer plastic material between 2 mm and 6 mm in thickness. The sheet material has a modulus of elasticity of less than 750 pounds per square inch. The weight of the play shape is less than the supporting effect of a thin layer of water spread evenly over its surface area.

Abstract: A pacifier holder for holding a pacifier on its upper surface for easy use by an infant. This pacifier holder consists of a soft lightweight elongated generally tubular member that loosely holds a pacifier on its first or upper end region. The holder is configured such that this first end region is offset by curvature from the remainder of the holder so as to position the pacifier in front of the infant's mouth when in use as the remainder of the elongated holder is placed upon the infant's chest. During use, the holder, being placed on top of the infant, will be positioned such that the pacifier is within easy reach of the infant.

Abstract: A scented ink composition and method of printing are employed in applying a scented ink image to a novelty item. The scented ink composition comprises printing ink and concentrated fragrant oils mixed and used in flexographic printing of sheeting used to make balloons or to print images on novelty items.

Abstract: The present invention is an educational computer toy for an infant or very young child, in which the computer toy provides audiovisual stimuli simulating the creation of a picture (e.g., painting a picture, fitting together the pieces of a picture puzzle, connecting a prearranged pattern of dots to form a picture, etc.) in response to input by an infant or very young child. The computer toy of the present invention requires the use of a computer (or processor), a display screen, and a keyboard (or input wand or other input device). During play, the user provides an input signal by banging on the keyboard (or shaking the input wand or activating other input devices). The computer processor in turn, responds to each input signal by presenting on the display screen another portion of the picture properly positioned, whereby an audiovisual simulation of creating a picture automatically progresses.