Abstract: An aquarium water heater having a heater element energized by first and second silicon-controlled rectifiers connected in parallel in opposing conductive relation, one rectifier providing energy to the heater element on one-half cycle of alternating current while simultaneouly charging a capacitor which is connected to the gate electrode of the second rectifier for rendering the second rectifier conductive on the other half cycle of alternating current to supply energy to the heater element. Circuit means are connected to the gate electrode of the first rectifier, the circuit means including a thermistor for sensing the water temperature and rendering the first rectifier non-conductive when the water temperature equals a set point determined by a rheostat in the circuit means.

Abstract: An inertial phonograph device having a flywheel carrying a record member having a plurality of interleaved sound tracks pre-recorded to match the rundown speed of the flywheel. A constant predetermined rotational force is imparted to the flywheel by means of a sector gear selectively engaging a pinion on the shaft of the flywheel, the sector gear being pivoted under the force of a spring. The sector gear is pivoted against the force of the spring out of engagement with the pinion by means of a cocking lever, and after engagement of the sector gear with the pinion rotation is restricted by a brake shoe coacting with the flywheel until the cocking lever is fully returned.

Abstract: A toy helicopter having a hollow body member configured to simulate a helicopter with a main body portion and a tail section, the main body portion supporting a helicopter rotor on a shaft member extending through the roof thereof, the shaft being rotatably supported by a pair of bearings, with a reel portion configured in the shaft intermediate the bearings. The reel portion has encircled thereabout a flat constant torque coil spring acting as a spring clutch, the free end of the coil spring being secured to one end of a trigger member, which is pivotally secured within the housing. The main body portion is provided with a pair of aligned openings through which an operator can manipulate the trigger whereupon repeated pivoting of the trigger causes the shaft to continuously rotate in a given direction. The helicopter is also provided with a hand-operated winch and a water-squirting apparatus actuated by a second trigger.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a skateboard or the like, the wheel assembly having a cylindrical hub with a central aperture having a bearing receiving end and an internally threaded end. A tire having a central aperture with a main portion and an enlarged recess adjacent one end thereof, the main portion and the outer surface of the hub being matingly configured to prevent relative rotation therebetween with the tire mounted on the hub. A hub cap is provided with a threaded body for matingly engaging the internally threaded end of the hub, and a cap portion configured for being received within the recess of the tire, the outer periphery of the cap portion and the inner periphery of the recess being matingly configured with coacting ridges and detents so that upon securing the wheel to the hub the hub cap is prevented from loosening.

Abstract: A combination doll and accessory article wherein the doll has a body with a neck opening having a generally hollow head connected thereto by a swivel connection, the head having a weighted mass therein, the mass including an electric motor and speed reducing gears connected to a shaft extending downwardly through the neck opening, the swivel connection being configured to permit the head along with the weighted mass therein to move in an orbital path. An article adapted to be moved to and fro, such as a swing or a cradle is provided for receiving the doll in such a position that movement of the article results in response to orbital movement of the head of the doll. A switch is provided on the interior of the doll's head adjacent the mouth thereof, the switch being normally closed and being opened in response to insertion into the mouth of a simulated pacifier or the like made of an insulating material.

Abstract: A pump for use in a doll having a transparent front torso through which is viewed simulated internal organs, the pump being connected to coiled transparent tubing for passage therethrough of a liquid-air mixture. The pump has a main body portion with a generally cylindrical recess having a circular surface with a coaxial annular groove in the surface and an arcuate groove disposed radially outwardly from the annular groove. An inlet aperture is disposed radially outwardly from the annular groove and is in fluid communication therewith while an outlet aperture is in fluid communication with the arcuate groove with the two grooves being interconnected by a groove segment. A one-piece diaphragm is provided with a flange adapted to sealingly engage the surface, the diaphragm having a deformable dome-shaped portion extending outwardly from the surfce to form a chamber, the diaphragm having a skirt portion fitting within the annular groove with the skirt having a cutaway portion in proximity to the groove segment.

Abstract: A launching and starting apparatus for use with toy racing cars or the like, the starting apparatus having a pathway for passage thereon of a toy vehicle, the pathway including a resettable trigger engageable by a toy vehicle with a flag selectively raised by the trigger. A gravity operated timer is provided and is operable from a raised to a lower position, actuation of the trigger prior to the timer being at its lower position resulting in raising of the flag. An audible signalling device is actuated in response to the timer reaching its lower position to initiate a "start" signal to the user of the apparatus.

Abstract: A mechanical spring-powered hand-held digital stopwatch having a gear-operated decade counter display assembly, a spring-powered windup mechanism adapted to reset the counter during winding and a cam adjustable timing escapement mechanism, the escapement mechanism including an escapement gear actuating a balance through a limited pivotal angle, the angle of pivoting being governed by cam means interposed between a pair of arms carried by the balance.

Abstract: An electrically operated chain stitch sewing maching having a cartridge carrying a spool of thread and a pre-threaded needle mounted in the side of the head, the needle being normally biased in a retracted position within the cartridge and being actuated by a crank arm provided with means for rendering an electrical switch inoperative until the needle is retracted into the cartridge. The bed of the machine is provided with a thread looping subassembly actuated by the needle.

Abstract: A mechanical spring-powered hand-held digital stopwatch having a gear-operated decade counter display assembly, a spring-powered windup mechanism adapted to reset the counter during winding by means of a unidirectionally activated ratchet assembly, and a cam adjustable timing escapement mechanism, the escapement mechanism including an escapement gear actuating a balance through a limited pivotal angle, the angle of pivoting being governed by cam means interposed between a pair of arms carried by the balance.

Abstract: A toy escalator for use with a doll, the escalator having an inclined base with side rails along opposite edges thereof and a stair member slidable the length of the base between the rails, the stair member being provided with a doll leg engaging fixture to retain the doll in a substantially upright position during operation of the escalator. Manual means are provided by having a string connected to the stair member, the string being operable through an aperture in the upper end of the base for moving the stair member.

Abstract: A doll having internal organs of the chest and stomach cavities viewable through a transparent structure forming a part of the front of the torso, the torso being hollow and having a transverse partition therein supporting an inflatable one-piece member configured to simulate a heart and a pair of lungs, the partition also supporting coiled transparent tubing simulating abdominal cavity organs. The reverse side of the partition contains a bellows for inflating the one-piece member and pump means connected in closed-loop fluid relation with the tubing, the bellows and pump means being operable simultaneously by a depressible portion of the back of the doll torso to inflate the heart and lungs and pass fluid through the tubing.

Abstract: A toy vehicle having an inertia motor and a wheel adapted to be driven thereby, the vehicle having a drive gear operatively connected to the inertia motor, the periphery of the gear extending partially below the surface of the vehicle. A housing in the form of a fire station or the like is provided with a simulated chimney, which has a rack on the surface thereof within the housing, the chimney being depressible to operate a pinion carrying an enlarged diameter drum, having one end of a strap secured thereto for winding around the drum. The housing is provided with a ramp surface adapted for supporting the vehicle, the ramp being provided with a rotatably mounted hollow shaft having a power gear for engaging the drive gear within the vehicle, the power gear having a coil spring wound about a rod on the axis thereof with the outer end of the hollow shaft being configured to provide a small diameter drum having the other end of the strap means secured thereto.

Abstract: An animated toy is disclosed containing, in combination, a toy figurine, decorated as a scuba swimmer, adapted to be placed in a belly down prone position atop a carriage. The figurine includes a torso and first and second legs pivotally coupled to said torso. A wheel is rotatably coupled to the carriage and rotates responsive to movement of the carriage along a supporting surface. And a leg pivoting means is supported by the carriage, for engaging the front side of said figurine's legs for alternately forcing each of said legs to pivot upwardly responsive to the rotation of said wheel. The figurine's legs alternately move up and down to simulate a swimmer's kick as the user moves the toy figurine and carriage along a supporting surface.

Abstract: A novel integrated aquarium is disclosed wherein all of the necessary mechanical functions (air pump, lighting, heating) are located in a compartment provided as part of the aquarium base and those components particularly subject to mechanical failure are mounted in a slide-out drawer provided as part of said base so that they may be more easily repaired or replaced. In the preferred embodiment disclosed, an incandescent light bulb located in said base furnishes both light and heat to the aquarium and is controlled by a thermal sensor with a manual lamp socket over-ride switch provided. To facilitate removal of the air pump for maintenance and possible replacement, the air supply tube leading from the air pump to a sparger/riser tube assembly associated with an undergravel filter is removably connectable to a passageway communicating with said sparger/riser tube by means of a rubber air cup.

Abstract: A sewing machine having a cartridge containing a spool of thread and a pre-threaded needle mounted inside of the head, the cartridge having the lower end thereof terminating in proximity to the fabric to be worked upon. The cartridge is provided with integral means for receiving a spool carrying ribbon-like material, the cartridge having a channel means integral therewith adjacent the aperture of the cartridge through which the needle passes, the spool of ribbon being so mounted, and the channel so configured, that the natural unwinding tendency of the ribbon automatically positions the ribbon on the fabric in the path of the needle.

Abstract: A toy simulating a calculator having a visual display read-out by providing a housing having a display window with a continuous loop of strip material viewable therein, the strip having a plurality of stations with indicia thereon, the stations being preselectable by a child using the toy. A keyboard is provided, the keyboard having an actuating key and a plurality of indicating keys, each of the indicating keys having indicia thereon corresponding to a predetermined one of the stations. The mechanism includes a spring-biased disc having a plurality of projections thereon for coacting with a depressed indicating key, the mechanism being operated by a pull string which removes the stations from view, the strip then being moved under force of the spring upon sequential activation of an indicating key and the actuating key to permit the preselected one of the stations to appear at a predetermined location in a display window.

Abstract: A machine for performing needlepoint or the like wherein successive loops of a single strand of yarn or the like are inserted through fabric, the machine including a carriage mounted for slidable movement in a given direction, the carriage having an indexable open framework roller mounted thereon, the roller being adapted to support a fabric for receiving the yarn. First and second members are pivotally mounted about a common axis within the machine, each of the members having arm portions extending toward the roller and adapted for insertion through the fabric carried thereby. The arm of the first member is configured in the shape of a needle having an eye adapted to receive the yarn therethrough, the needle arm being channel-shaped in cross section for selectively receiving the arm of the other member in abutting sliding relation, the free end of the arm of the second member being notched.

Abstract: A skateboard truck having a cup-shaped housing with the axis thereof transverse to a mounting plate member secured adjacent the housing opening, the bottom of the housing having pivotally secured thereto a trunnion supporting a transversely extending axle and wheel assembly. An annular rubber cushion fits within the cup in alignment with the axis thereof, the inner surface of the cup and the cushion being matingly configured to restrain the cushion from rotating. A member is received within the cushion, the member having diametrically opposed outwardly extending flanges received within splits within the cushion, the member being secured for rotation with the trunnion whereby the surfaces of the flanges apply circumferential compressive forces to the adjacent surfaces of the cushion during pivoting of the triunnion. Means are provided for axially varying the volume or density of the cushion whereby to vary the circumferential compressive forces resulting from pivoting of the trunnion.

Abstract: An animal habitat includes an exercise wheel simulating the drive wheel on a steam-powered locomotive; protuberances on the exercise wheel strike a trip wire which swings a locomotive bell and an idler disc connects the exercise wheel to simulate locomotive running wheels which may be suitably decorated to produce an effect pleasing to the eye when the running wheels are rotated by the exercise wheel which, in turn, may be rotated by an animal housed in the habitat.