Abstract: A mechanical toy apparatus operated by a lever structure transforming a removable symbolic structure in a way that is simple yet unique and exciting for a user. A symbolic structure having a plurality of sections is configured to shift between a first collapsing position and a second rising position and is mounted at a base including a mounting portion for receiving the symbolic structure at the base. A support structure is mounted at the base for contacting and shifting the symbolic structure to the rising position and a lever structure is affixed to the base to traverse between an engaging position and a non-engaging position at the support structure. A guide structure including a cam and a slider linkage is mounted at the base with the symbolic structure contacting with the cam to move the slider linkage, the support structure is positioned into contact with the lever structure to shift the symbolic structure to the second rising position.

Abstract: A storage VBS with opposing side walls, a top, a bottom, a back with an open or openable front, houses moveable upper and lower adjustable shelving boxes. The shelving boxes are moveably motorized and controlled sequentially. An upper shelf is made accessible by driving an upper shelving box out of the VBS and then adjusting the shelf height for storage or retrieval of an item.

Abstract: A storage VBS with opposing side walls, a top, a bottom, a back with an open or openable front, houses moveable upper and lower adjustable shelving boxes. The shelving boxes are moveably motorized and controlled sequentially. An upper shelf is made accessible by driving an upper shelving box out of the VBS and then adjusting the shelf height for storage or retrieval of an item. The upper shelving box must be returned to the VBS prior to operating the lower shelving.

Abstract: A display system comprising a plurality of display panels (1-5) connected together serially, each panel including a planar support member (10) having a plurality of parallel first bars (12) connected to a plurality of parallel second bars (14) at intersections (20) to form an open mesh having a front surface (16), a rear surface (17), and a plurality of openings (18) extending between the surfaces (16, 17). A plurality of LED's (30) are mounted in apertures (21) at respective intersections (20), each LED (30) being covered with a translucent cap (33) on the front surface (16) and having a pair of terminals (32) connected to a grid of mutually isolated wires (54, 58) located in channels (13, 15) in the rear surface (17). The panels (1-5) are connected by hinge members (40, 41, 44, 45) which permit the panels to be folded into a stack.

Abstract: An electronic engine for generating acoustic musical notes for simulating a music box. The engine includes a memory for storing data, and an electronic controller connected to the memory for producing a control signal in accordance with said data. A plurality of tone generating members, such as tines from a comb are provided, with each tine generating a corresponding musical note when the tine is placed in motion. One or more actuators in communication with the controller generate a temporary magnetic field in response to the control signal for resonantly adding energy to the tines without requiring physical contact between the tines and the actuators to produce the corresponding musical notes.

Abstract: A controller for controlling decorative light displays includes plural outlet ports for providing power to a plurality of decorative light strings. The controller alternately illuminates and dims the different lights strings according to a variety of synchronized patterns.

Abstract: An electronic engine for generating acoustic musical notes for simulating a music box. The engine includes a memory for storing data, and an electronic controller connected to the memory for producing a control signal in accordance with said data. A plurality of tone generating members, such as tines from a comb are provided, with each tine generating a corresponding musical note when the tine is placed in motion. One or more actuators in communication with the controller generate a temporary magnetic field in response to the control signal for resonantly adding energy to the tines without requiring physical contact between the tines and the actuators to produce the corresponding musical notes.

Abstract: An amusement device includes a housing (21), a drive disk (30) which is mounted for rotation in the housing (21), a target disk (40) which is mounted for rotation with respect to the drive disk (30), targets (50) which are mounted for rotation on the target disk (40), and a drive unit (20) which can drive the drive disk (30) in either of two rational directions. The target disk (40) is connected to the drive disk (30) so that the target disk (40) rotates synchronously with the drive disk (30) during steady-state rotation of the drive disk (30), and so that the target disk undergoes limited rotation with respect to the drive disk when the direction of the rotation of the drive disk (30) is reversed, ans so that targets (50) rotate with respect to the target disk (40) when the target disk (40) rotates with respect to the drive disk (30).

Abstract: A controller for controlling decorative light displays includes plural outlet ports for providing power to a plurality of decorative light strings. The controller alternately illuminates and dims the different lights strings according to a variety of synchronized patterns.

Abstract: A display device for displaying to a viewer a message or a story, preferably accompanied by synchronized sound. The display device comprises a plurality of multi-sided, rotatable display elements, each side or panel bearing a visual image. The display elements are selectively rotated, preferably in groups, according to a predetermined sequence such that a message or story unfolds, step by step, to the viewer as different panels are displayed.

Abstract: A display device for displaying to a viewer a message or a story, preferably accompanied by synchronized sound. The display device comprises a plurality of multi-sided, rotatable display elements, each side or panel bearing a visual image. The display elements are selectively rotated, preferably in groups, according to a predetermined sequence such that a message or story unfolds, step by step, to the viewer as different panels are displayed.

Abstract: A display device for displaying to a viewer a message or a story, preferably accompanied by synchronized sound. The display device comprises a plurality of multi-sided, rotatable display elements, each side or panel bearing a visual image. The display elements are selectively rotated, preferably in groups, according to a predetermined sequence such that a message or story unfolds, step by step, to the viewer as different panels are displayed.

Abstract: A yo-yo has a recess in one of its faces accommodating a timepiece. The yo-yo is be releasably accommodated in a base, and the base may be worn on a user's person by various means including a wristband in the manner of a wristwatch, a fob or a watch chain in the manner of a pocket watch, a necklace in the manner of a necklace watch, or a holster.

Abstract: A modular dynamic dialogue animated display device for recreating a story that is divided into a stored sequence of storyline events which are sequentially retrieved by a processor. Each storyline event comprises at least one of playing a selected audio block or movement of a moveable display element. The processor generates sequential control signals which initiate performance of corresponding storyline events such that precise synchronization between audio and movement is provided. The display includes a universal main assembly which may be manufactured in a single tooling for use with different storylines, and sub-assemblies are mounted to the main assembly in accordance with the particular storyline being depicted. Alternatively, a plurality of individual display devices may be arranged one after another whereby a previous display device actuates performance in a next display device in order to depict different scenes from a single storyline.

Abstract: A foldable electronic percussion synthesizer assembly is disclosed that includes two fixed drum heads that are permanently mounted on the synthesizer housing and two movable drum heads that are mounted on respective movable support arms. Each support arm pivots the movable head between a folded position where its striking surface is juxtaposed to and faces the striking surface of a fixed drum head and an unfolded position where the striking surfaces of the fixed and movable head are substantially coplanar and separated from each other. The assembly includes vibration isolation means for each drum head that reduces crosstalk. A latch member is pivotably mounted to the vibration isolation means on the movable drum head to support the movable drum head in the unfolded position and secure the movable drum head on the fixed drum head in the folded position.

Abstract: A multiple-image camera providing high-density use of conventional 35 mm film is disclosed. Many more individual exposures can be made using standard film and standard film processing services, which greatly reduces the cost of children's irratic and often unproductive experiments with photography. The mechanical simplicity of the camera make it both reliable and inexpensive, also make it useful as an expendable vacation camera for adults.