Abstract: A wristwatch mounting an animated head of a figure and including a moveable nose overlying a watch face and formed by one end of a moveable member, the opposite end forming an armature. The moveable member is mounted on a laterally extending pivot pin such that magnitude of the torque due by the gravitational pull on such centers of mass on the opposite sides of such pivot pin are equal. An electrical circuit is provided with an actuation switch that may be pressed to actuate an audio speaker which emits a simulated time indicating voice in synchronism with intermittent energization of such armature to selectively move such nose between mouth open and mouth closed positions.

Abstract: A high hat cymbals device is automatically actuated to hold the cymbals locked in place. The presence or absence of the drummer's foot on or above the foot pedal for actuating the high hat is sensed, and the cymbals held together if the drummer's foot is not sensed. Sensing is accomplished utilizing an infrared LED or other source of light, preferably one that is pulsed and frequency modulated, and a photodiode or other light sensing device. The signal from the photodiode is filtered and amplified and ultimately operates a solenoid to either allow normal operation of the high hat, or move the high hat cymbals together. The light source and sensor are mounted on the bottom of the foot pedal and cooperate with an opening in the foot pedal so that the light is reflected to the photodiode if the drummer's foot is present on or above the foot pedal, but passes through the opening if it is not.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling lamp flash interval and duration which comprises an NE555 integrated circuit in combination with resistances and capacitances. In the circuit, a resistor and a capacitive switch in series therewith govern flash interval. The capacitive switch includes a normally closed centrifugal switch which, when closed, presents a given capacitance in series with the resistor and when open presents a reduced capacitance in series with the resistor. The capacitance is provided by two capacitors. In one embodiment, when the switch is closed, one capacitor is in series with the resistor and the other is bypassed and when the switch is open, both capacitors are in series with each other and with the resistor. In the other embodiment, when the switch is closed, the two capacitors are parallel with each other and in series with the resistor and when the switch is open, one of said parallel capacitors is bypassed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an illuminated flying saucer toy is which incandescent lamps are pulsed on and off by an astable multivibrator circuit. The circuit is arranged to pulse at a relatively slow rate when the toy is at rest and at a relatively increased rate when the toy spins at a rate above a predetermined minimum. The increased flash rate is provided through a normally open switch that closes upon rotation of the toy to insert additional resistance into the circuit in parallel with existing resistance thereby to reduce the resistance by which flash interval is determined.