Abstract: A method of controlling a two-phase stepping motor to operate in one of a plurality of operating modes in which output of the motor behaves differently upon encountering obstacle, comprises the steps of: generating an electrical driving current comprising a repeating series of a positive active driving region, a first inactive driving region, a negative active driving region and a second inactive driving region; determining one of the duration of the active driving regions and the duration of the inactive driving regions relative to the other of the durations to thereby cause the motor to operate in a corresponding mode of the operating modes; and applying the driving current to the motor.

Abstract: A method of controlling a two-phase stepping motor to operate in one of a plurality of operating modes in which output of the motor behaves differently upon encountering obstacle, comprises the steps of: generating an electrical driving current comprising a repeating series of a positive active driving region, a first inactive driving region, a negative active driving region and a second inactive driving region; determining one of the duration of the active driving regions and the duration of the inactive driving regions relative to the other of the durations to thereby cause the motor to operate in a corresponding mode of the operating modes; and applying the driving current to the motor.

Abstract: An article of motion such as a toy has moving parts that are motivated slowly and with low torque by an electronic timepiece movement.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for making a hollow doll's head by injection molding a thermoplastic elastomer around a removable mold core. The major dimension of the mold core is larger than the opening in the doll's head through which the core is to be removed after the injection molding is complete. For large mold cores and relatively small openings, the invention provides a multiple piece core section which is designed to be removed piece by piece through the opening in the doll's head and then reassembled for reuse.

Abstract: This patent disclosure teaches a moving, vehicle toy having a hand operable selector knob that determines the direction of single guide wheel that is steered by the action of a pivotally mounted steering arm that is rotated by means of a lever arm that engages with any one of several cam surfaces of a powered cam shaft.

Abstract: An edible shell/thermoplastic container system consists of a first substantially hemispherical edible shell and a second substantially hemispherical edible shell. The thermoplastic container preferably consists of a first substantially non-hemispherical shell and a second substantially non-hemispherical shell that differs from the first non-hemispherical shell. The first non-hemispherical thermoplastic shell and second non-hemispherical thermoplastic shell are held together by a fastening system that can be easily unfastened to gain access to a novelty item that may be stored in said thermoplastic container.

Abstract: A speed indicating ball includes a timer, which is activated upon throwing of the ball, and deactivated upon catching of the ball, for measuring the ball's time of flight. The timer is connected to a display which provides a direct read out which is inversely proportional to the time of flight of the ball, and which corresponds to the relative velocity of the ball.

Abstract: An animated wind up toy, that is safe, durable, lightweight, compact and includes a wind up motor that drives a cam actuated mechanism that causes the toy to move. The wind up toy has an outward contour and coloring that resembles a food item, such as a milk shake, fries or hamburger.

Abstract: A toy vehicle (10) is provided having a configuration to simulate any desired vehicle. The toy vehicle includes a base (12) with a unitary spring-powered motor assembly (16) having a rear drive wheel assembly (18, 20), pivotably mounted within the base. The axle of the rear drive wheel assembly includes a detent (32) which coacts with an integral arm (36) formed in the base to lock the unitary spring-powered motor and drive wheel assembly in the wound position. Upon tapping of a finger against the top of the housing, the housing rotates downwardly to release the motor and allow the vehicle to accelerate forwardly.

Abstract: The upwardly-extending reproducing stylus (100) is shielded within opening (24) in phonograph (16) when recorded-message carrier (12) is not in playing position by a cover member (246). A cam (256) unshields stylus (100) and exposes it in an arcuate slot (244) when a pin (274) on recorded-message carrier (12) exerts a downward force on cam (256) during the coupling of carrier (12) to opening (24) by engaging annular groove (290) with detents (44, 46, 48).

Abstract: A toy casting machine including a base which has mounted thereon a crucible into which plastic materials may be placed for melting. The crucible is rotatably mounted to a sidewall and may be duped by an actuating mechanism which also moves a predesigned mold into position below the crucible. The crucible and machinery are entirely covered by transparent material to allow viewing the operation and to protect a child operating the machine. An isolating loading apparatus is provided to allow the machine to be loaded with raw material and molds without endangering the operator.

Abstract: A toy projectile launching device having a main tubular member in fluid communication with an air pump, an air storage tank and a projectile launching housing rotatably coupled to the main tubular member. A valve member manually operable within the main tubular member, and with the valve member in a first position air from the air pump passes into the air storage tank; in a second position of the valve member, the pressurized air within the tank is released to propel a projectile within the housing. A third position of the valve member permits air from the air tank to be released in minute quantities to actuate an air-operated sounding device.

Abstract: A toy launcher is provided for launching airplanes, missiles or the like, the launcher being provided with a base having a drum member pivotally mounted within the base, the periphery of the drum having a bearing for receiving the axis of a joy stick handle which is pivotally mounted with respect to the drum member. A gimbal mechanism within the drum is operatively connected to the handle and to a launch arm extending out from the drum, the launch arm containing a launch mechanism for releasably receiving airplanes or the like for launching the same in response to actuation of a trigger mechanism in the handle. Manipulation of the joy stick angularly displaces the surface of the launch arm to permit pre-positioning of the intended flight path and bank angle of the projectiles to a given attitude prior to launching.