Abstract: A toy having changing facial features. Upon using the toy, its facial features change from a first configuration that appears “nice” to a second configuration that appears “mean” or “scary” in a way that is designed to cause an emotional reaction in a person that sees the change. To cause the change, an activator engages the transmission such that the transmission causes the eye features of the toy to rotate and the mouth to open in a coordinated fashion.

Abstract: A novelty chomping device includes a skull having an upper jaw, a lower jaw and a pair of eyes that are embedded with LED's. The skull is positioned on a pedestal control box that includes a radio and speakers. An actuation unit is positioned within the control box and imparts a linear movement to the upper jaw to create a chomping motion. One or more lights are also positioned along the control box to produce an audiovisual effect.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for animating an image imprinted or otherwise disposed on a substantially flat surface, such as a photograph or a card. The image should include at least one element suitable for animation, such as the eyes and mouth of a face. The image is animated using an animation mechanism disposed behind the flat surface, which mechanism is connected by a solenoid to an element that is physically separate from the flat surface. The visible portion of the movable element is inserted from the back of the flat surface through a slit in the flat surface such that at least a portion of it is visible above the image. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of solenoids is utilized to move the element back and forth so as to create the illusion of animation to the picture. Also in the preferred embodiment, a device for playing an audio file associated with the image is provided, which device may be synchronized with the animation of the image so as to create a more lifelike appearance.

Abstract: A transaction card includes a base member, an auxiliary member and an account identifier. The base member defines a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and a slot extending therethrough. The auxiliary member includes a first section and a handle section and is coupled with the base member such that the first section is disposed on the first surface of the base member. The handle section extends from the first surface, through the slot and to the second surface of the base member such that movement of the handle section causes movement of the auxiliary member relative to the base member. The account identifier is included on one of the base member and the auxiliary member and links the transaction card to at least one of an account and a record.

Abstract: A versatile, animated cake decoration that can be used with a cake to celebrate various occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and the like. The cake decoration can be partially embedded in the upper surface of the cake so as to simulate a face that has moving eyes and a moving mouth. The apparatus includes a battery that powers a mechanism that moves the eyes and the mouth and also powers a sound generator that can play a number of different songs and greetings to fit the celebration. The apparatus is safe and is constructed from non-toxic materials so it can safely be used on food products such as cake.

Abstract: There is provided a control mechanism for use with a puppet and puppets adapted for control thereby. One or more single-strand, sheathed cables are adapted for imparting motion to at least one movable part of a puppet. Both longitudinal (i.e., in-and-out) and rotary motions may be imparted to the cables, thereby allowing a wide range of resulting movements of the attached puppet part. In one embodiment, longitudinal movement of the cable strand imparts a flapping motion to the wings of a puppet while rotary motion of the same cable imparts a wagging motion to the puppet's tail. Regardless of whether one or two cables are used, the actuation of the cables may be performed discreetly and out of view of the audience of the puppeteer's show.

Abstract: A system comprising a plurality of three dimensional artificially animated portraits for performing preprogrammed animations of voice and facial expressions in the form of a scripted dialogue orchestrated by a central source. The system is operable to prepare animations of recorded voice and selected depictions of facial expressions to be transferred to the animated portraits and performed by the animated portraits. The system is operable to combine prepared animations in a scripted dialogue to be performed so as to mimic an interactive conversation.

Abstract: An illuminated image night light comprised of a frame for mounting an image such as a picture or a photograph and a receptacle attached to the back of the frame for installing a high-intensity, low heat light source. The light source is preferably a rope light mounted in a serpentine fashion in the receptacle and spaced a short distance in the receptacle behind the image. The image is produced on a heat-resistant material such as cotton canvas or a polyester film. In an optional embodiment, illumination is provided by a plurality of LEDs in series mounted on a board attached to the inside back wall of the receptacle mounted on the back of the frame. The advantages of this illuminated image night light is that any picture, photograph or other type of image can be mounted in the frame and illuminated to provide an attractive display in a night light without fear of damage to the image.

Abstract: This invention relates to a toy's eyebrow and mouth moving mechanism, involving a base on which is fixed a stand and a main unit that accommodates the integral mechanism of this invention, on one side of the main unit is a motor which rotation can be switched on and off by a control circuit that is installed inside the base, the motor driving an eyebrow unit that is located at the upper part of the main unit, through a medium gear, an upper reducing gear and an upper activating gear, the motor also driving a lower jaw unit that is located at the lower part of the main unit, in such a construction, when the power of this invention is switched on, the control circuit will activate melodic music and flashing light (the lamp installed inside the eyeball), on the other hand the motor will activate the eyebrows and mouth to blink and move according to the music and rhythms, thus providing lively and amusing effects, and because of its more simplified construction than the prior art of the same category, this i

Abstract: A decorative tree includes a trunk and a transmission structure fixedly mounted the trunk and including a pair of eyeballs, a pair of eyelids, a mouth plate and an electric motor. The transmission structure can make the decorative tree blink eyes and move mouth as desired thereby making the decorative tree look very interesting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a movable Christmas tree moving mechanism, particularly to one comprising a foundation, a connecting rod set, a U-shaped support, a cover plate, a mouth movement and an eye movement, whereby the coordination of an overlapped round cam on the foundation, and a short rod, low rod and a high rod in the connecting rod set, along with the configuration of a moving block of a U-shaped support, a mouth movement and an eye movement enables the movement of the jaw, eyes and head on a toy face.

Abstract: An audio-visual work and method of its creation which work has writings placed on the pictures of the work so that as each word or other utterance is heard a writing to be associated with the hearing is coordinated with seeing of the writing such that the future presentation of either the utterance or the writing shall evoke the other in the mind of the original viewer-listener. Each word will when appropriate appear in a legible perspective adjacent to the mouth of the utterer. The work can be displayed linearly or under computer control of the viewer/listener along with additional educational materials.

Abstract: A toy bird capable of carrying out movement like a real bird. A body section is arranged so as to be longitudinally moved with respect to a leg section and a head section is arranged so as to be laterally moved with respect to the body section. In the body section is provided a driving unit for carrying out openable operation of a bill as well as the above-described movement of each of the body and head sections. Also, the toy body is constructed so as to generate sound like a song of a real bird. The toy bird can be actuated by an external stimulus sensor that can respond to sound, light, and the like.

Abstract: A voice track is recorded on one track of a dual track recording device, typically a tape recorder. On a second track of the recorder an animation signal is recorded characterized by the signal having a frequency at any given time indicative of the then currently desired animation condition. A character is provided having a tape playback unit therein for playing back such pre-recorded dual track tapes, the character having an amplifier and speaker for reproducing the audio information, and a servo motor having a drive system for driving the character mouth elements and eyes with the desired animation, the drive system having a feedback device thereon for providing a feedback signal to the servo motor control. The electronics in the character which is responsive to the animation control signal provided by the playback unit to provide the servo motor drive signal effectively updates the servo motor drive signal on each cycle of the animation control signal received from the playback unit.

Abstract: Motion transmission apparatus for driving a plurality of objects along relative paths alternately in the same direction and in an opposite direction includes a plurality of toothed drive members constrained to moved in unison and intermesh respectively with a corresponding number of driven gears. Each driven gear is eccentrically connected to an associated rocker arm by a connecting rod. The rocker arms carry the objects to be moved.

Abstract: A novelty statue includes a figure that is adapted to move in response to a noise or in response to a sensed temperature. The figure is in the shape of either a human eye which blinks or in the shape of a letter I which moves into and out of a base.

Abstract: A means of animating the features of a doll or mannequin responsive to an audio signal. The invention utilizes an open loop electromechanical drive mechanism that is actuated by electronic drive signals derived from an audio signal. The electronic drive signals are of a simplified on-off characteristic based upon thresholding of the audio signal. When combined with the spring rate and drive ratio of the mechanism and the electrical characteristics of the motor, realistic animation of speech or other movements is created.

Abstract: An animated mannequin head for simulating human facial expressions. A rigid substrate in the form of a head is partially covered with elongated, pressurized fluid filled tubes. The tubes, termed tube motor elements, are either covered by or are embedded in a deformable layer/stratum, the outer surface of which is textured and tinted to simulate facial skin, the layer/stratum positioned on the head to simulate a face. Upon variation of the fluid pressure within various groups of the tube motor elements, various facial expressions may be simulated. In a first embodiment, helical coil springs are used instead of pressurized tubes, passage of direct current through the coils causing them to contract, the coils being embedded in a deformable layer/stratum. In a second embodiment, a grid of parallel wires is embedded in the simulated skin, passage of direct current through selected segments of selected pairs of wires causes them to move together, at right angles to their length, thus distorting the skin.

Abstract: In conjunction with a vending machine, a device for attracting attention of the public and entertaining the user of the machine, said device having mechanism for performing eye-catching animated multiple motions for a predetermined period of time upon actuating the selling cycle of the vending machine. The device may also include coupled sound and light generating mechanisms.

Abstract: A pliable appendage secured to a book page, or other supporting surface, having an illustration thereon with the appendage contributing to the illustration. The appendage is of a pliable nature and shaped to permit entry of the fingertips for the purpose of manipulation to provide an animated illustration. A stiffener in the appendage contributes to lifelike movement of the appendage. The appendage is displaceable from one side of a supporting member to the other to enable use of a single appendage with two different illustrations. The appendage may be of multiple plies of fabric.

Abstract: An artificially animated face with three-dimensional facial features formed of a flexible material is provided with remotely actuable concealed mechanisms for manipulating the jaw, rounding the mouth, and drawing the lower lip inward relative to the upper lip. The face is operated by an audio input either from a microphone or from an audio tape. The audio input is fed both through an audio amplification system to a speaker located proximate to the face, and also to an audio encoder which senses the major frequencies of the spoken sounds of the audio input and produces one or more digital signals in response thereto. If an "F" sound is detected, the lower lip of the figure is drawn inward to a slight degree, thus simulating human lip movement in sounding the consonant "F". If the decoder detects an "O" sound, the mouth is rounded in response thereto. If the decoder detects an "A" sound, the mouth is drawn into a line.