Abstract: The present invention includes a toy figure that is hinged at the waist. The hinged waist permits the figure to pivot or move the top half of the body relative to the bottom half. A control mechanism controls the movement such that the figure will move from a standing position through a “somersault” ending back in a standing position again. In other embodiments the control mechanism can stop the movement or pose the figure in a position, such as a “headstand” or a position prior to a headstand. When the figure stops the movement prior to a headstand, the figure can prompt a user to assist the figure in completing the headstand. When the user helps the figure in completing the headstand, the figure could continue to perform a somersault or flip over.

Abstract: An interactive microscope assembly wherein when a slide is placed on a holder a program will audibly identify the slide. A keypad is used to input the slide number and a built-in program provides relevant information. An indexing system is also provided which in conjunction with a series of buttons provides audio information relating the portion of the specimen to which the indexing system is directed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a doll defined by an upper half hingedly attached to a lower half. A spring means attached to the upper and lower halves resiliently place the halves in a substantially planar position. A locking mechanism is included for retaining the halves in a substantially non-planar position, when the locking mechanism is engaged. A motor means is also attached to the upper and lower halves for moving the halves in a substantially non-planar position. When the motor means moves the upper and lower halves a predetermined distance, the locking mechanism engages and the upper and lower halves are maintained in the substantially non-planar position. The doll may be moved from a standing position into a sitting position; from a sitting position into a laying position; a laying position into a sitting position and a laying position into a laying position with the lower half angled upwardly.

Abstract: A method of moving a figurine by attaching the figurine to a zipper that is attached to a piece of material and translationally moving the zipper along a first direction and converting the translational movement of the zipper into a separate type of movement which causes the figurine to move.