Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a set of playing blocks for selectively invoking a player discernible effect depending on the upwardly facing game operation displaying face of a game controller playing block and the upwardly facing indicia displaying face(s) of at least one row of one or more electrically coupled playing blocks electrically coupled to the game controller playing block on its/their juxtaposition thereagainst by a player. The set of playing blocks of the present invention is readily amenable to children of different ages ranging from toddlers to about 1st Graders for playing a number of educational games depending on a player's age for teaching numbers, letters, names of objects, basic arithmetic, word composition, and the like.

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.

Abstract: A game board structure for a construction toy set. A basic game board is formed of three generally rectangular panel assemblies of hollow construction. The panels have interengaging projections and recesses for mechanically locking the panels together to form a flat playing surface for various rolling ball games, such as pinball and speedball. Joining of the panels automatically connects the panels together electrically for scoring and control functions throughout the board. The assembled game board accommodates mounting of a score-indicating panel in different locations, for different playing modes, such as pinball, typically played by one person, and head-to-head games, such as speedball, played by two persons.

Abstract: An assemblage of robotic modules for a toy construction system includes a plurality of robotic modules, each of which contains memory capability, an actuator, communication means, and a central processor unit. The assemblage also includes a distributed control unit, which is defined at least in part by a plurality of individual central processing units, with each individual robotic module having at least one central processing unit.

Abstract: A moveable and sectional block toy, including: a main frame which has a motor operating by receiving the input of a switching signal from the external and driving gears rotating by receiving the driving force of the motor; a plurality of gears which rotate with engaging the driving gear and a plurality of wheels which operate with assembling at a selected gear among the gears; and, a plurality of connection stands for one another connecting the main frame, the gears, and the wheels, thereby shaping one unitary body.

Abstract: An assemblage of robotic modules for a toy construction system includes a plurality of robotic modules, each of which contains memory capability, an actuator, communication means, and a central processor unit. The assemblage also includes a distributed control unit, which is defined at least in part by a plurality of individual central processing units, with each individual robotic module having at least one central processing unit.

Abstract: An assemblage of robotic modules for a toy construction system includes a plurality of robotic modules, each of which contains memory capability, an actuator, communication means, and a central processor unit. The assemblage also includes a distributed control unit, which is defined at least in part by a plurality of individual central processing units, with each individual robotic module having at least one central processing unit.

Abstract: A slewing unit mounted to the upper end of a tower rotates a combination jib and counterjib which extends in a horizontal direction about a vertical axis. A first electrical drive unit powers the slewing unit to rotate the jib to a selected angular position relative to the tower. A trolley is movable longitudinally along the jib. A second electrical drive unit moves the trolley to a selected longitudinal position along the jib. A third electrical drive unit mounted on the trolley extends and retracts a rigid elongate load lifting boom in a vertical direction. A load handler, such as a hook, clam-shell bucket or load lifting platform, is connected to the lower end of the boom.

Abstract: An assemblage of robotic modules includes a plurality of robotic modules, with each robotic module having memory capability, an actuator, a joint position sensor, and communication means. The assemblage of robotic modules also includes a distributed control unit, which is defined at least in part by a plurality of individual central processing units, with each robotic joint module having at least one central processing unit.

Abstract: A child's construction set contains virtual intelligence, is interactive and smart, characteristics that may be exhibited to a player during player construction activity with the set and, thereafter, during continuing play and instills a sense of unpredictability to play. The set incorporates a programmed controller (17), a speaker (23), special (“smart”) play pieces or blocks (1,3,5,7, et cet.) and a base (15) on which to position the play pieces or blocks. Sensors (A1-C3), referred to as “hot spots”, are distributed at various positions about the base and are coupled to the controller, whereby the controller identifies special play pieces and the location of those play pieces when the respective play piece is installed at one of those positions. Some of the special play pieces may depict characters, some contain electrically operated devices, and some contain a player operated input device.

Abstract: A transmitter together with appropriate software are configured in the shape and form of a remote control unit for use with a handheld game player device. The transmitter may use a conventional radio frequency link to transmit commands to a radio controlled device such as a toy car. The remote control unit, consisting of the transmitter and a game cartridge, is inserted into the game device so that the game player device provides control input and display functionalities to and for the remote control unit. The game player may support synthesis, simulation and testing of a route to be traversed by the radio controlled device.

Abstract: An improved light transmitting peg is constructed so as to eliminate uneven brightness spots when used in a toy illuminating assembly of the type including a housing, a peg board, and a light source mounted within the housing. The light transmitting peg includes an enlarged three-dimensional head portion, and at least one shaft portion that is inserted into an aperture in the peg board of the toy illuminating assembly. The three dimensional head shapes provide added play value and creative input from the user. The light transmitting pegs further incorporate a light masking material, such as an opaque coating, disposed on the distal ends of the shaft portions to eliminate or reduce bright spots, or hot spots, which are noticeably visible on the head portion of the peg when the masking material is absent. When the masking material is disposed on the distal ends of the shafts, enough light is blocked so that the entire head portion is provided with an even glow.

Abstract: A programmable assembly toy including a multiplicity of toy elements which are joinable to define a player selectable structure including a plurality of controllable toy elements which are joinable by a player with the selectable structure, and a player programmable control system for controlling the operation of the plurality of controllable toy elements.

Abstract: An assembly block for a teaching material and a plaything ensures connection of wire lines at all possible link positions at which the assembly block is linked and in all possible link directions in which the assembly block is linked. Four link recess portions 12 are formed in a link surface 11a of an assembly block 10, and a round connector 13 is disposed at the center of the link surface 11a. Bottom plates of steel are disposed at the bottom of the link recess portions 12. Magnets are inserted inside the link recess portions 12 with the link recess portions 12 opposed with each other, whereby two assembly blocks are linked to each other. The connector 13, disposed for electrical connection with the connector 13 of another assembly block, comprises connection terminals which are disposed in a concentric arrangement on an insulation plate.

Abstract: A constructional building set has a plurality of building elements (1) with rows of coupling studs (2) arranged in modular measures (M) on one side and complementary coupling means on another side. Also included is an electric conductor (7) having a plurality of mutually insulated wires (4) to establish electric connection between a plurality of electric elements (6) incorporated in the building set. The electric conductor (7) is formed with a transverse dimension which is slighlty greater than the distance (A) between two coupling studs (2). Further, the conductor (7) with the electrically conducting wires (4) is resilient.

Abstract: A model auto racetrack with interchangeable components that are modular and used to replicate a real racetrack environment and which are interchangeable with each other and selectively positionable so as to allow the model auto racetrack to replicate any racetrack desired by a user. The model auto racetrack includes a baseboard, at least one component module, component module mounting apparatus, a track module, and track module mounting apparatus. The at least one component module is interchangeably mounted at any position on the baseboard so as to replicate a real racetrack environment and is interchangeable with each other so as to allow the model auto racetrack to replicate any racetrack desired by the user. The at least one component module is at least one of at least one grandstand module, at least one cement wail module, at least one garage module, at least one concession stand module, at least one press box module, at least one landscape module, and at least one fence module.

Abstract: A base for a modular multi-part construction toy is disclosed which has a surface which permits the assembly of a number of toy modules thereon to form an erected toy. The base further includes a number of mechanically movable elements which are used in association with various drive shaft pieces to rotate or otherwise move part or all of the erected toy. The drive shaft pieces are engaged by the movable elements which in turn are driven in movement by gearing mechanically coupled to a motor which is housed internally within the base. The base further includes a number of electrical receptacles for supplying electric power to electric light emitting toy modules, and an audio output mechanism for producing sounds associated with the erected toy. The surface of the base may further be provided with a desired contour or profile and have indicia which simulates a particular geographic location, vehicle, vessel, or other structure.

Abstract: An assembly board with a matrix of depending pegs uniformly spaced on orthogonal intersecting lines with pegs at intersections at half the distance adapted to selectively receive from a set, detachable and reusable electrical components housed in uniformly-shaped casings comprising at least 2 electrical connections uniformly spaced for interchangeability of components and stackable at the connections. Components with 2 connections are elongated with connection terminals at each end a standard distance apart. Components requiring a third connection are constructed in an equilateral triangular housing with a base having 2 terminals spaced apart the standard distance and a third connection half the standard distance from the base. Components having 4 or more connections are housed in a rectangular housing having terminals at corners with first opposing sides having terminals the standard distance apart at corners and the sides being spaced apart half the standard distance.

Abstract: A building element (10) for a constructional building set comprises a housing (11, 12) and a light source (15) mounted in it. The light source (15) is mounted on a rotatably mounted member (14) spaced from the axis of rotation (13) of the member. The housing (11, 12) includes a wall having a plurality of light exit openings (16) through which the light from the light source (15) can leave the housing (11, 12), when the light emitter (15) has been aligned with one of the light exit openings (16) by rotation of the rotatable member (14). The rotatable member (14) can be coupled with an external drive device (20) and is enclosed by the housing (11, 12). The rotatable member is freely rotatable about its axis of rotation (13) with respect to the housing (11, 12).

Abstract: An electrical system including a multi-layer conductive composition is disclosed. The multi-layer conductive composition includes at least a first composition, which may be a bottom composition layer, and a second composition, which may be a top composition layer, arranged on a substrate. The bottom composition layer has a greater level of conductivity than the top composition layer. In one preferred embodiment, the multi-layer conductive composition may be vertically conductive. In this preferred embodiment, the conductivity of the top composition layer may be selected so that electric current is permitted to flow along the z axis, but not along the x and y axes thereof. The electric current can flow along the x, y and z axes of the bottom composition layer. The top composition layer may mask the bottom composition layer. Further, the top composition may comprise a substantial amount of pigment so that multi-layer conductive composition has a desired color.

Abstract: Generally improved current related assemblies, attachment and devices have at least one current operated module with means preferably for removably affixing said at least one current operated module in a predetermined position on apparel, objects and things, battery pack means to provide electrical power for operating said at least one current operated module, control means operatively associated with said battery pack means for controlling the operation of said at least one current operated module, and an improved and modified conductive composition including, a metallic mixture having silver and a plastisol to provide high conducting and low surface resistivity, printed, screened, painted, coated on or molded into said apparel, objects and things including, connecting means for removably connecting the deposited conductive composition to the at least one current operated module and to the battery pack means and the control means to establish a current and signal flow path therebetween.

Abstract: A base unit adapted to accommodate a miniature building, having a lamp unit, and adapted to be mechanically and/or electrically connected to further, similar base units.

Abstract: The picture toy includes a housing, a first opaque plate including a first array of apertures, a second opaque plate including a second array of apertures, and a plurality of light pipes. The picture toy is assembled such that each aperture of the first array is axially aligned with a corresponding aperture of the second array. Each light pipe includes a rear section and a front section which are respectively fitted into one of the apertures of the first array and its corresponding aperture of the second array. The rear section of each light pipe further includes an opaque end surface which substantially prevents light from entering the picture toy through the rear section when the light pipe is slid into a raised position. Illuminated indicia are created by selectively depressing the light pipes so that light may enter the rear section of the light pipe and propagate therethrough.

Abstract: A kit for assembling a plurality of toy weapons includes a basic weapon having a first configuration and a first plurality of conversion adaptors for converting the basic weapon to a second plurality of different weapon configurations. The basic weapon and at least one of the adaptors are releasably securable together to form a second plurality of weapons, the second plurality being greater than the first plurality. The basic weapon may include a compartment for an electrical power supply, as well as a light generator and a sound generator associated with the power supply for providing light and a variety of different sounds when activated.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a hollow globe including a plurality of apertures which are formed substantially throughout the entire surface of the globe. Formed within the globe and disposed in laminar juxtaposition to the interior surface of the globe's sphere, a bladder means is formed of an opaque flexible material. A plurality of cross slits are formed on the bladder in substantial alignment with the globe's surface. An internal light source is disposed within said bladder at approximately the midpoint of the globe's sphere, and a plurality of luminescent pegs are provided for insertion into the apertures formed in the globe's surface. The present invention provides the user with the plurality of luminescent, differently colored pegs to design a picture or art form. The present invention may additionally serve as a night light and the luminescent pegs may be specially adapted to project light from the interior of the globe's surface to the exterior of the globe and onto surrounding walls and ceilings.

Abstract: A combined toy capable of permitting a user to enjoy play full of unexpectedness and/or novelty. The combined toy includes a toy body constituted by a trunk, and attachments including a head, arms and legs detachably combined with the trunk. Combining between the trunk and the attachments is carried out using magnetic force. Also, a sound producing unit and a light emitting unit are provided in the toy body and/or attachments so as to be actuated when the attachments each are combined with the toy body.

Abstract: A connectable toy capable of permitting a user to enjoy play full of unexpectedness and novelty. The connectable toy includes a toy body and attachments constructed so as to be detachably connectable to the toy body. The connectable toy further includes a circuit consisting of a circuit portion arranged in the toy body and a circuit portion arranged in each of the attachments. Connection and disconnection of the circuit is carried out through coupling sections of the toy body and the attachments.

Abstract: A robot system with robot specific effects. Reconstructable for other fields of activities with few manipulations by the users themselfs. This objective is achieved in accordance with the present invention by standard robot-block parts of nearly the similar design for the installation of multiblock-robots with self operating walk, drive and manipulation faculties, with horizontally and vertically fitting, rotation flange plug connections, with turntables and driving motors and with current and communication channels which are leading through the center of the rotation plug connections and which provide current and communication supply lines and current and communication control lines. These lines are leaded to inside and outside slip-ring and induction units and to equipment components, composed of accumulators, sensors and electronic boards inside the block chamber.

Abstract: An educational toy for use with children in an age range of about 4 to 12 as a mounting base with an upper surface on which various action modules are mounted. The action modules include a DC power source, and a switch. The action modules can include a number of devices capable of producing light such as light bulbs, sound such as a buzzer or bell and motion such as a DC motor and gear box and drive belts. The wire connecting the switch to the action modules are connected by realtively large alligator clamps that can be manipulated by a relatively young child. The base for the toy comprises an internal hollow cavity. During shipment from the factory to the retailer and from the retailer to home, the action modules, the battery module, batteries and the like are all stored within the cavity of the base. The cavity can be closed by paste on paper or shrink wrap or the like. This provides a cheap but intellectually challenging variable top for experimentation by the developing child.

Abstract: Building block system, magnetically held together, comprising a base plate (1) and at least one building block (2). The base plate (1) comprises a magnetizable metal core (3) and at least one building block (2) comprises at least one magnetizable metallic joining element (4) placed inside the building block. The metal core (3) of the building block system is preferably electrically magnetizable and the parts of the system have smooth surfaces.

Abstract: A toy building set of the type having elements with projections on one surface for engagement with apertures on a surface of another element is provided with detection elements for receiving light energy reflected from bar code elements. The detection elements and the bar code elements are also provided with at least one of the projections or apertures on a surface thereof to permit those elements to be mechanically coupled to other elements of the building set.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument comprises a plural number of component blocks capable of being coupled mechanically and electrically in succession and each having therein musical tone elements control means and at least one of the blocks having also musical tone signal generating means. Time range or tonal range of generated musical tones are changed according to how many blocks are connected consecutively in a predetermined or a selected order. The blocks can generate a series of musical tones in a sequence corresponding to a connecting sequence when a switch arranged on the leading block is operated, and a desired musical piece can be performed by operating performance operating means of each block. The electric musical instrument also can be used as an educational toy allowing infants to learn music while amusing and is convenient for transportation since it can be easily dismembered into each block.

Abstract: A toy construction set may utilize blocks with electrical connections, this block receives electrical power, outputs energy in the electromagnetic spectrum, receives reflected energy and outputs a result to be utilized elsewhere in the toy assembly. Though it has connectors to attach it to other like blocks, it has a bearing shaft to enable an anemometer (FIG. 5) or a tachometer. It may sense bar codes and enable an assembled vehicle to accept trackway commands.

Abstract: A building block is provided comprising a support part, two zig-zag shaped conductive tapes connecting a series of coupling pins with conductive surfaces positioned on the support part, and a cover plate. The coupling pins which extend through openings in the cover plate define two separate electrical circuits with the coupling pins arranged in two rows and the pins of one row being displaced by one pin with respect to the pins of the other row. A prong extends from each of the coupling pins to the inner sidewall of the support part. The building block may be connected to another similar building block with the electrical circuits separated in a short-circuit proof fashion.

Abstract: A fabricated toy is equipped with a plurality of toy component members having predetermined shapes, a detecting device for detecting the assembly state of these toy component members, and a sound generating device for emitting sounds in accordance with the assembly state of the toy component members detected by the detecting device so that when the toy component members are correctly assembled, a specific shape is completed. In this fabricated toy, the sound generating device generates the sounds of mutually different kinds in the cases where the toy component members are correctly assembled and incorrectly. Infants, therefore, can play at the assembly of the toy for a long period of time, without losing their interest in the toy, and the toy, which is "a horse" or "a frog", can also serve as educational stuff for assembling correctly the toy into the shape of the animal.

Abstract: A toy building block having on one face thereof at least one row of mechanical coupling pins and opposite thereto mechanical counter-coupling tubes for coupling said toy building block to a similar toy building block either with the row of said coupling pins parallel to a corresponding row of coupling pins of said similar block or perpendicular to said corresponding row. The toy building block includes first and second current paths connected to first and second contact areas respectively designed to establish electrical connection with first and second contact areas in a similar block. The first and second contact areas are disposed in first and second angular sectors about adjacent coupling pins. The angular sectors are offset from each other and do not overlap regardless of whether the building block row of coupling pins is parallel or perpendicular to the row of coupling pins of the similar block.

Abstract: A building block having side walls and a front face perpendicular to these is provided with two rows of coupling pins on one side of the front face and counter-coupling tubes on the other side for mechanically coupling two building blocks by means of a clamping action. In each row, each second coupling pin has an electrically conducting surface, while the coupling pins lying between these are electrically insulating. One row of conducting pins is displaced in the direction of the rows by one coupling pin from the adjacent row. On the other side of the front wall a contact bar is arranged which is connected electrically with the conducting coupling pins of an associated row. The bar has a contact area for producing electrical contact with a row of conducting coupling pins of an adjacent, coupled building block.

Abstract: A building block is provided having side walls and a top face with two rows of coupling pins on the one side of the top face and counter-coupling tubes on the other side for mechanically coupling two such building blocks by means of a clamping action. On their side faces, the coupling pins have electrically conducting regions, which extend over an angular range. The angular range of one row being turned by 180.degree. relative to those of the other row. All the conducting regions are connected to a contact bar, which is arranged on the side of the counter-coupling tubes along one side wall. When two building blocks are coupled arbitrarily, at least one conducting region of each row of coupling pins of the one building block makes contact with a contact bar of the other building block in such a way, that a short circuit cannot occur in the two electrical circuits assigned to each row of coupling pins or each contact bar.

Abstract: A toy for displaying an illuminated pattern has a first and second panel located in a housing, each panel including an equal number of a plurality of openings aligned with the openings of the other panel. Located between the panels are light conducting members and an opaque membrane having a plurality of apertures, both the light conducting members and the apertures equal in number to and aligned with the openings in the panels. The light conducting members are fixedly retained in the housing and are positionable in a first, or closed, position, and a second, or open, position in association with the panels. Each light conducting member is capable of being moved from its first to its second position. When the light conducting members are in the closed position, the apertures, which are closed, inhibit transmission of light through the light conducting members.