Abstract: Magnetic joints for toy figurines are provided. In one embodiment, the magnetic joint comprises a socket which is formed in a first figurine component and includes a ring magnet, and a ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a second figurine component, wherein the ring magnet receives and is magnetically coupled to the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion. In another embodiment, the magnetic joint comprises a socket which is formed in a first figurine component and includes a magnet having a recess, a ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a second figurine component, and an O-ring positioned between the magnet and the ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion. In another embodiment, the magnetic joint comprises a flexible socket attached to a first figurine component and having a magnet positioned therein, and a ferromagnetic, hemispherical portion attached to a second figurine component and magnetically coupled with the flexible socket.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a toy construction kit comprising a light element and a construction element. The light element comprises a housing having a first end and a second end, the housing defining a compartment, a magnet disposed in the compartment at the first end, and a printed circuit board disposed at the second end of the housing, the printed circuit board having an illumination device mounted on its side opposite to the compartment. The construction element is held to the light element by a magnetic attractive force between the magnet at the first end of the light element and the construction element.

Abstract: Three-dimensional assemblies include substantially planar structural components having various two-dimensional generally polygonal shapes. Each such structural component includes a plurality of magnets positioned immediately adjacent the polygonal corners of the structural component and in other locations for use in connecting multiple instances of such structural components together, e.g., via the use of interconnecting ferromagnetic balls. Such structural components can also include one or more slots extending peripherally inward from the component edge for use in assembling corresponding structural components together in an interlocking fashion.

Abstract: A magnetic construction kit is provided for connecting base blocks with a variety of connecting rods. The construction kit includes a base block and a connecting rod having at least one magnetic connector suitable for cooperating with another magnet and/or for holding a spherical object. A stud connector can be included for attachment of the connecting rod to a stud of the base block. The stud connector may mechanically connect onto a stud extending from an exposed surface of the base block. Alternatively, the stud and stud connector may also have a magnetic attachment by providing a magnet in the stud connector and providing a stud made of, or coated with, a ferromagnetic material. The construction kit may also include different connecting rod structures that are suitable for achieving mechanical and/or magnetic connections to different sized base blocks.

Abstract: A movable magnetic construction kit that is suitable for creating a variety of different construction profiles and including at least one primary connecting element that can be operatively associated with one or more secondary connecting elements via magnetic and/or mechanical connections. The primary connecting element has at least one aperture therein and a plurality of magnets operatively associated with an edge thereof. The primary connecting element in combination with the secondary connecting elements provides for a movable construction kit for enhanced construction and design capabilities.

Abstract: Magnetic structural components utilized to permit construction of a wide variety of structural profiles and to thereby increase design and/or construction flexibility and choice. The structural components each include a number of magnets operatively associated with a periphery thereof to provide a number of points of magnetic connection. In addition, each structural component has at least one mechanical connector operatively associated therewith to provide at least one point of mechanical connection. The structural components can be magnetically and/or mechanically interconnected to form a variety of different two or three-dimensional structural profiles of varying complexities.

Abstract: A magnetic construction module that is suitable for creating a variety of different construction profiles and lengths and that permits the construction of modules where at least some of the members are adapted to be flexible. A rod is attachable to a holder adapted for retaining a magnet. The magnet is retained in a pocket of the holder. The holder can be attached in rods of various lengths, curves, rigidities to conform to the shape desired by the user. An outer surface of the magnet is adapted to provide a magnetic connection to a magnetizeable element such as a metal sphere with which the rod and holder can be operatively associated for a particular construction profile. Moreover, the holder may also be securely, selectively connected to the rod via a male-female connection in order to provide greater construction flexibility.

Abstract: A combination pen and walkie-talkie device includes a walkie-talkie incorporated within the housing of a writing pen such that the walkie-talkie function of the device is well concealed. The antenna of the walkie-talkie is concealed by being entirely enclosed within the pen housing. Examples include a combination pen and walkie-talkie device in which the walkie-talkie circuitry operates at a transmit/receive frequency within a range of from about 462 MHz to about 467 MHz, and/or in which the transmit/receive antenna is a half-wavelength antenna having a free length greater than one foot.

Abstract: The cotton candy machine includes a base and a bowl attached thereto. A spinner is included for rotating sugar as well as a heating assembly for heating sugar which falls on a plate of the spinner. A cap is also provided and is attached to the spinner. The cotton candy machine is also equipped with various safety devices. For example, an interlock safety switch is used to indicate whether the bowl has been removed from the cotton candy machine while the cotton candy machine is in operation. A reed switch/magnet arrangement is utilized to detect whether the cap has been removed from the cotton candy machine. Sensors are provided to detect mechanical malfunctions. Thermostats are also employed to monitor and to sense an overheat condition in the cotton candy machine.

Abstract: Gelatin capsules containing oil field chemicals, preferably weighted with a heavy metal compound, are made more stable under certain conditions by the incorporation of a strong chelating agent. The microcapsules can provide an extended treatment period since many materials that would damage the microcapsules are controlled by the chelating agent.

Abstract: A disposable ear piercing device includes a first disposable cartridge containing an earring head of a stud or straight post configuration. An inner slidable capsule and a slidable spacer within the capsule hold the decorative earring head and post within the cartridge. A second clutch cartridge spaced from the slidable capsule holds a closed end clutch. A spring biased plunger controlled by a trigger release actuates the slidable spacer and capsule within the first cartridge to project the earring head through the earlobe in an open saddle area. The clutch at the opposing saddle area receives and engages the earring stud or post. Release mechanisms on the capsule and clutch cartridge permit removal of the earlobe with the earring away from the instrument.

Abstract: A disposable Ear Piercing device consists of an outer cartridge which is inserted into the piercing instrument. The outer cartridge contains a slideable inner capsule retaining an earring with a slideable spacer therein. By applying force to the instrument handle, an internal driving rod advances the inner capsule and slideable spacer forward, forcing the earring post through the ear and into a closed bottom retaining clutch. At such time, the earring is released from the inner capsule by spring arms which are integral with the spacer, opening hinged doors or door on the inner capsule, clearing the outer cartridge and allowing the earring and clutch to be released from the capsule onto the ear. The design of such inner capsule and spacer allows unsymmetrical decorative heads of varying thickness to be utilized.

Abstract: Gelatin capsules containing oil field chemicals, preferably weighted with a heavy metal compound, are made more stable under certain conditions by the incorporation of a strong chelating agent. The microcapsules can provide an extended treatment period since many materials that would damage the microcapsules are controlled by the chelating agent.