Abstract: An articulating object is provided, including first and second body portions, a first cable segment and a cable drive system. The second body portion has a neutral axis and is articulatable. The first cable segment is of a push-pull cable type and extends along the second body portion on a first side of the neutral axis. The cable drive system can move the first cable segment in a first direction so as to generate a first moment on the second body portion in a first moment direction, thereby driving articulation of the second body portion in a first articulation direction. The cable drive system can move the first cable segment in a second direction for the first cable segment so as to generate a first moment on the second body portion in a second moment direction, thereby driving articulation of the second body portion in a second articulation direction.

Abstract: In one embodiment there is provided a toy car that includes four wheels which have a weight that is at least 40%, 50%, 70% or 80% of the total weight of the car. In another aspect each wheel has a center point, with a combined weight such that a horizontally planar center of gravity defined by the car and measured from a lowest point on an outer edge of the four wheels towards a center of the body is positioned substantially about the center point of the four wheels. In either embodiment, the body may include an upper outer portion and the upper outer portion includes a finger detent.

Abstract: A projectile and a compact carrying and launching case in combination. The projectile includes foldable wings which when unfolded resemble a plane. The compact carrying and launching case includes a two piece housing that is pivotally attached to each other about a hinge/launching mechanism. When closed, the two piece housing encloses the plane in its folded position. When opened, the hinge/launching mechanism can be pulled to a cocked position and then released forcibly moves the projectile such that it releases from the launching mechanism and is capable of flying.

Abstract: A hand-held glow writing apparatus constructed for use with an ultraviolet sensitive surface to produce images that glow in the dark and will fade over a time period. The device including a plurality of LED lights arrange in a parallel line. The device includes a selector switch for electively choosing an image pattern stored on a memory. The LED lights when activated, turn on and off in accordance with a predetermined sequence timed for a movement of the writing apparatus across ultraviolet sensitive surface whereby the selected image pattern will imprint an image on the ultraviolet sensitive surface that fades over the time period.

Abstract: A projectile and a compact carrying and launching case in combination. The projectile includes foldable wings which when unfolded resemble a plane. The compact carrying and launching case includes a two piece housing that is pivotally attached to each other about a hinge/launching mechanism. When closed, the two piece housing encloses the plane in its folded position. When opened, the hinge/launching mechanism can be pulled to a cocked position and then released forcibly moves the projectile such that it releases from the launching mechanism and is capable of flying.

Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis and motor. An electronic controller and receiver for receiving control signals from a remote control. A pair of ground-engaging front and rear wheels mounted to a front and rear portions of the chassis, and being freely rotatably mounted to the chassis. A ground-engaging center drive wheel operably coupled to the drive motor, the center drive wheel being mounted on a rotatable platform positioned on the chassis within a perimeter defined by the front and rear wheels, the rotatable platform rotating with respect to the chassis to allow the central drive wheel to steer the vehicle in different directions, the central drive wheel having a coefficient of friction higher than the front and rear wheels to aid in driving the vehicle in different direction.

Abstract: A hand-held ink jet device constructed for use with insertable ink jet print/cartridges to produce ink droplet streams is provided. The device includes a memory capable of storing at least one image pattern. A driver coupled to the inkjet jets and being selectively actuatable for providing ink jetting electrical energy pulses. A selector switch for electively choosing one of the at least one image patterns stored on the memory. In addition, a spray switch is provided for selectively actuating the driver to provide electrical energy pulses to energize the respective jets in order to spray ink from the self-contained ink supply in the shape of the selected image pattern.

Abstract: A hand-held glow writing apparatus constructed for use with an ultraviolet sensitive surface to produce images that glow in the dark and will fade over a time period. The device including a plurality of LED lights arrange in a parallel line. The device includes a selector switch for electively choosing an image pattern stored on a memory. The LED lights when activated, turn on and off in accordance with a predetermined sequence timed for a movement of the writing apparatus across ultraviolet sensitive surface whereby the selected image pattern will imprint an image on the ultraviolet sensitive surface that fades over the time period.