Abstract: A doll containing an endless loop tape deck having multiple tracks speaking in a normal tone and volume when a switch in its hand is closed and in a whisper tone and volume when a switch in its chest is closed. Certain tracks of the tape are for whispered message. Other tracks are for normal voice messages. Each of the multiple message segments recorded on the tape may vary in length between segments and between the tracks in a segment. A buffer zone between segments allows all tracks in each segment to que up regardless of the varying length of the messages on each track within the previous segment. A low frequency signal of 40 Hz equalizes the length of the messages on each track within each segment. The low frequency signal overlays the signals on the whisper track. The system will shut off whenever there is more than a short duration of blank space on the track. The 40-Hz signal keeps the tape mechanism active during vocal phrases and during reproduction of the whisper segments.

Abstract: An interactive, articulated talking toy talks and moves certain of its body parts (eyes, mouth, head and arms) under microprocessor control on the basis of the program material selected from a tape storage device incorporated in the body of the toy. The material selected is determined by a human's response to questions asked by the toy. The material stored on tape contains both audio and data. The processor chooses a particular one of a possible three audio tracks stored on tape on the basis of the specific response or nonresponse made by a human. The data track provides data to the processor which causes it to control the toy's body parts in concert with the audio program being reproduced. The toy has limited word recognition capabilities. The result is the appearance of interaction between the toy and a human by the toy's movement of its body parts and its speech seeming to respond to the human's input.

Abstract: A mechanism for animating a doll's jaw, eyes and eyelids. A single motor powers all three movements. The eyes and jaw are connected to the motor such that they continually move while the motor is in operation, while the eylids are connected to the motor such that reversal of the direction of rotation of the motor causes the eyelids to blink once. All movements are therefore controlled by controlling the speed and direction of rotation of the motor. Thus, movement of the jaw can be synchronized with a sound track, the eyes move in an apparently random path, and the eyelids blink at random intervals independent of the other facial features' position or movements.

Abstract: A compact magnetic tape transport system employing a novel interchangeable tape cartridge and tape drive unit is described. All modes of transport, including forward, fast forward, rewind and pause are accomplished by simply controlling the speed and direction of rotation of a single motor. All access for reading and transporting the tape is provided at the peripheral edges of the tape cartridge. A protective door is automatically placed about the peripheral edges of the tape cartridge upon its removal from the tape drive unit.