Abstract: A compact magnetic tape transport system employing a novel interchangeable tape cartridge and tape drive unit is described. All modes of transport, including forward, fast forward, rewind and pause are accomplished by simply controlling the speed and direction of rotation of a single motor. All access for reading and transporting the tape is provided at the peripheral edges of the tape cartridge. A protective door is automatically placed about the peripheral edges of the tape cartridge upon its removal from the tape drive unit.

Abstract: An animated audio doll whose mouth can be driven by replaceable tape cartridges is provided. The doll has a head member with simulated eyes and mouth that can open and close. Uni-directional direct current motors are provided in the body of the doll and are connected to the respective eyes and mouth through flexible driven links that protect the motor if either the eyes or the mouth are held stationary. The tape cartridge can be encoded with audio signals, a base frequency and a pair of coordinated frequency timing signals. The tape player can convert the frequency timing signals into digital signal levels while a binary switch member can determine when the mouth is in a closed position. A level detector circuit can determine whether the first or second timing signals are present and a logic circuit can, in combination with the timing signals and the output from the binary switch, drive the DC motor connected to the mouth in coordination with the audio sounds.

Abstract: Racing game apparatus in which two or more inertia toy motor vehicles are released from respective ramps and travel along respective tracks to a finish gate. A starting flag assembly is located at the ramp and is released to an upright position when the release mechanism is operated simultaneously by two players. Each ramp is equipped with a trap door and a drop gate which are actuated by a release lever to start the vehicle down the ramp. Prior to the operation of the release lever, each vehicle is started so that its rear wheels are spinning, and each vehicle is placed on the ramp with its rear wheels spinning in the open trap doors and held on the ramps by the respective gates, until the trap doors are closed and the gates released. A gate provided at the finish line which swings open in one direction or the other as struck by the winning car, and which serves to indicate which car won the race.

Abstract: A toy in the form of an egg. When rolled along the floor, the egg opens and a monster or other figure within the egg springs up is held in an upright position as the egg continues to roll along the floor.

Abstract: A spotlight assembly conformed for electrical excitation through the cigarette lighter of an automobile comprises a hollow housing formed by mating a front and a rear housing halves, each half including an upper portion for receiving a bulb and a lower portion forming a handle. The bulb, preferably of the sealed beam type, is retained against outward progression by an inwardly directed lip in the upper front portion and is pressed against this lip by an annular ring in the rear upper portion, the ring being guided by axially aligned posts for compression against the bulb by helical springs on each post.

Abstract: A drawing device having a platform from which a marking instrument is suspended and wheels for moving the instrument over the surface of a drawing medium, a pair of these wheels being mounted equidistantly on opposite sides of the instrument, each of the pair of wheels being mounted to rotate freely, another of these wheels being a drive wheel depending from the platform and separated from the instrument on a line therefrom perpendicular to a line connecting the pair of wheels and the instrument. The device has an arrangement for moving the drive wheel to cause the drawing device to move and for varying the angle at which the drive wheel moves.

Abstract: A portable light assembly conformed for excitation from the cigarette lighter outlet of an automobile comprises two light housings each universally pivoted from a central handle assembly. The central assembly includes opposed pivot fittings from which two laterally disposed swivel blocks are pivoted, each swivel block in turn pivotally supporting a corresponding light. In this form the alignment of each light may be individually selected to produce any desired beam pattern, the same pivotal freedom providing for a collapsed alignment where the lens portions of each light are protected from damage.