Abstract: A game of the type having a playing surface enclosed in a housing and including a launching mechanism for propelling an object across the playing surface is improved by locating a target on the playing surface distal from the object launcher and interspacing between the target and the object launcher an interference member. The game includes an actuation device which continually moves the interference member reciprocally back and forth in the path of the object. The interference member is capable of assuming at least one position wherein it can interfere with the movement of the object and at least one position wherein it does not interfere with movement of the object rendering it possible for the object to travel from the object launcher to the target.The interference member includes a first sliding member having a plurality of projections which move through channels in the playing surface as the first sliding member slides in the housing.

Abstract: A fluid engine for use in pneumatically operated toys such as wheeled vehicles or airplanes. The engine housing has a fluid input cavity which is in continuous fluid communication with a source of compressed air, a fluid delivery cavity which is in continuous communication with a piston cavity bounded by a movable piston mounted in a cylinder member and which is separated from the fluid input cavity by a wall having a valve opening therein, and an open-ended exhaust cavity which is separated from the fluid delivery cavity by a wall having an exhaust opening therein. A valve rod with a tapered end is movably housed in the exhaust cavity to open the valve opening and close the exhaust opening during the piston's power stroke, and to close the valve opening and open the exhaust opening during the piston's exhaust stroke. The valve rod can be operatively connected to the piston to act in synchronism with it either by use of a cam or by use of a network of connecting links.

Abstract: A toy game includes a housing having a plurality of target members positioned in a side by side manner near one end of the housing. An attack object can move from a central position in the housing toward the target members and if correctly positioned it can interact with the target members. The attack member is capable of two modes of movement, however, it can only move in one mode at a time. One of the modes of movement is a transverse movement essentially across the width of the target members. The other mode of movement is from a starting point near the central portion of the housing toward one of the objects. If the two movements are coordinated the attack object is capable of interacting with one of the targets. A drive motor moves the attack object in each of the modes of movement via a motion diverting mechanism which is capable of converting motion of the motor into one or the other of the modes of movement at any specific instance of time.

Abstract: A toy steam locomotive is described which includes a small electric motor which drives an apparatus for producing a sound simulating a steam locomotive, an apparatus for producing a sound simulating a steam locomotive whistle, and an apparatus for producing a visual simulation of a fire in a steam locomotive firebox. The apparatus for producing a simulated steam locomotive sound includes a resonator and a vibrating spring. A cycling member is attached to the spring and concurrently tenses and relaxes, lengthens and shortens and associates and disassociates said spring with a sound activating member. The apparatus for producing the sound simulating a steam locomotive whistle includes a housing having a fan located therein and an air inlet and air outlet. The air outlet is associated with a whistle and a sealing member seals the air inlet, but allows air to be drawn into the housing when the sealing member moves away from the air inlet.