Abstract: An improved talking poster is disclosed. The present invention involves an improved speaker enclosure for a talking poster. The speaker enclosure includes an inner circle in which the speaker is located. It also includes an outer circle which, in conjunction with the inner circle, forms a chamber providing increased sound volume and quality for the talking poster. An improved method for making a talking poster is also disclosed. The method involves inverse printing the art work on the back of the module cover to protect it from scratching and wear.

Abstract: A self-contained, electronic message-emitting device for providing a recorded message and having an illuminated framed picture or photograph or transparency contained therein, that includes a housing unit having a frame member, a sound compartment, an electronic compartment, and a plug-in power component. The frame member includes a top wall having an elongated slot opening for receiving a picture or photograph or transparency therein; a shield for protecting the picture or photograph or transparency; and members for diffusing light to illuminate the picture or photograph or transparency. The sound compartment includes a plurality of speaker members, a recording microphone, and a plurality of speaker openings for emitting the sound of a recorded message from the speaker members.

Abstract: Accordingly, the object of the present invention is a decorative plate with dynamic phenomenon having a plate body and decorative card on the plate surface of the plate body, wherein a driven mechanism driven by a music box is provided by a plate body, and a vibrating rod and an auxiliary rod of the driven mechanism are installed on the external side of the plate surface, the ends of the vibrating rod and the auxiliary rod are pivotally connected with the positioning holes of the vibrating block; and the gap between the positioning holes is larger than that between the bases of the vibrating rod and the auxiliary rod; therefore, the decorative card on the plate surface is swung as a swing chair.

Abstract: A voice interactive sportscard, which through the use of an electronic microchip speech recognition, synthesis, and control processing device, actively draws the attention of the user by generating an interactive and changing conversation with the user, or the user may participate and be in audience between a set of voice interactive sportscards having their own group conversation. Generate physical interaction with the user by the use of a micro-vibrator and protect the voice interactive sportscard artwork from wear by the use of a non-mechanical touch sensitive activation/mode switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novelty device for use in connection with inflatable balloons. The device includes a housing that has been adapted to be affixed to a balloon and which provides a graphical display portion. The housing also contains a sound emitting device that is capable of either playing a preselected musical composition or recorded message.

Abstract: The present invention provides a melodic novelty party-favor article comprising a housing and an electronic circuit assembly. The housing contains the electronic circuit assembly, which comprises a power source, an integrated circuit unit, a sound production means and a switch mechanism. The switching mechanism comprises two electrically conductive ends and a resistor, wherein the conductive ends are contiguously placed on an outer surface portion of the housing and are not in contact with each other, whereby the circuit assembly is activated by simultaneously contacting the two electrically conductive ends with an electrically conductive article.

Abstract: A trading card capable of generating sounds comprises a thin housing having front and back surfaces, flexible sheets affixed to the front surface and to the back surface of the housing, a voice chip located in the housing for generating patterns of sounds, a battery located in the housing for supplying electrical power to the voice chip, and a switch located in the housing for activating the voice chip. The trading card preferably has a piezoelectric driver coupled to a foam sound board for increasing the volume of sound. The subject trading card may be activated by squeezing the flexible sheets between the thumb and forefinger at a selected switch location.

Abstract: A display apparatus capable of displaying a plurality of still images having an audio subsystem for selectively storing and playing back audio information corresponding to at least one displayed still image. According to the invention, the audio subsystem can alternatively be releasably attached, such as to a camera to selectively store audio information, or to an album displaying the images.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display device for commercial advertisement and science museum displays is disclosed. Three-dimensional elements are stacked horizontally or vertically along a stationary shaft around which they rotate, and are coupled together in such a way that they perform as a torsional wave medium and chaotic system. Display surfaces can be attached to the three-dimensional rotatable elements such that mirrors, text, imagery, and products can be viewed as the elements rotate. The rotatable elements can be spun by hand. Alternatively, servo motors and computer control permit the device to be choreographed and synchronized to an accompanying audio track.

Abstract: A talking poster is disclosed. The present invention is a novel method and apparatus for providing a material piece for housing the sound components, that incorporates the poster artwork. The material piece is painted with a portion of the artwork from the poster and lithographed in solid white on the reverse of the material piece. The material piece is then vacuum formed to the desired shape and adhered to the poster at the proper location with the hardware concealed within it.

Abstract: A picture frame includes a frame body fastened with an open mounting frame to hold a glass and a picture, a back cover covered on the open mounting frame, a mounting plate covered on the back cover and retained between the back cover and the open mounting frame, a back board supported on springs on the mounting plate and having two electrically connected metal contact strips, and a sound generating circuit assembly installed in the back cover and having two opposite terminals connected to metal contact pins on the mounting plate, wherein when the glass is pressed against the back board to compress the springs, the metal contact pins become electrically connected by the metal contact strips causing the sound producing circuit assembly triggered to produce sound.

Abstract: Disclosed is a music box including a first mechanism driven by a clock-work and a gear on a pinned barrel actuated by the clock-work to swing or rotate a first set of ornamental moving elements, and a second moving mechanism driven by the shaft of the pinned barrel to swing, rock, reciprocate, oscillate, push and pull, or rotate a second set of ornamental moving elements.

Abstract: A picture or photo album is provided with an audio module for recording (optionally), storing and playing back audio messages associated with the pictures contained thereby. The audio module responds to predetermined control signals indicating that the album has been opened to a particular page to automatically play back a prerecorded message associated with the information displayed on that page. Such control signals are produced by different combinations or codes of output signals provided by a plurality of photodetectors mounted in the album cover. Radiant energy emitted by one or more light sources, also mounted in the album cover, is optically coupled to the photodetectors by light pipes mounted on or integral with each album page. As each album page is turned, the light pipe on that page de-couples the light source from a photodetector, thereby changing the output code of the photodetectors.

Abstract: A sound producing control circuit assembly includes a box covered with a fixed supporting board and fastened to a picture frame at the back to hold a sound producing circuit. A movable conductive board is supported on springs above the fixed supporting board and is urged against the glass of the picture frame to hold down a picture. The fixed supporting board has a first contact metal plate and a second contact metal plate with contact legs spaced above the first contact metal plate for controlling the operation of the sound producing circuit. When the glass is pressed against the movable conductive plate, at least one contact leg of the second contact metal plate is forced to contact the first contact metal plate causing the sound producing circuit to be electrically connected to thereby produce sound.

Abstract: An improved doll driving mechanism for use in a music box is equipped with an eccentric shaft having a linkage arm engaged with the output shaft of a music playing unit of the music box. The eccentric shaft provided with at least a journalled section is in driving engagement with an open-ended slot of a main linkage plate having an extended driving rod at one end. Three secondary linkage plates are engaged with each other or with the main linkage plate respectively and the linkage plates are associated with pivotal arms, legs and head and an openable chin of a doll mounted onto the music box by rigid wires so that those moving parts of the doll or an article of the like can be pivotally actuated in synchronism with played music.

Abstract: A talking picture frame includes a pressure-sensitive switch which, when activated, e.g., by lifting the frame from a frame-supporting surface, electrically energizes an audio system housed within the frame to playback a prerecorded personal message which augments the visual information represented by a framed picture. Preferably, the switch includes a plunger-type switch actuator which normally extends downwardly from the bottom edge of the frame. When the bottom edge of the frame is resting on a supporting surface, e.g. a table top, the weight of the frame, in cooperation with the supporting surface, moves the actuator, against a spring force, to a retracted position in which no electrical power is provided to the audio system. When the frame is lifted, the switch actuator moves through a position in which a control signal is produced which initiates playback of the recorded message.

Abstract: A trading card capable of generating sounds comprises a thin housing having front and back surfaces, flexible sheets affixed to the front surface and to the back surface of the housing, a voice chip located in the housing for generating patterns of sounds, a battery located in the housing for supplying electrical power to the voice chip, and a switch located in the housing for activating the voice chip. The subject trading card may be activated by squeezing the flexible sheets between the thumb and forefinger at a selected switch location.

Abstract: A music box ornament transmission mechanism includes a crankshaft having one end coupled to the output shaft of a driving mechanism of a music box and an opposite end coupled with a crankpin. A rocker has a supporting end turned in a hole on a rib above the bottom cover of the music box and a free end hung on the crankpin and linked to a tappet rod at the bottom of an ornament, wherein when the crank shaft is rotated by the driving mechanism of the music box, the rocker is driven to impart alternating vertical movements to the ornament.

Abstract: A talking contribution box for receipt of charitable contributions having a visual display of the cause for contribution. The apparatus includes a pedestal with a annular volume for housing a programmable voice driver and a transparent hollow enclosure coupled to the pedestal defining an interior for location of the visual display and further acting as a contribution receiving chamber. Placement of money through a slot provided in the enclosure operates the programmable voice or video driver for acknowledging receipt thereof.

Abstract: A laterally disposed winding device for music boxes including an extended shaft, a driving gear, an idle gear, a crown gear, a securing frame and linking-up assembly. By turning a handle of the extended shaft, the driving gear brings the crown gear to rotate in a same direction via the idle gear, thereby tightening a spiral spring of the music box. When the spiral spring is released and a revolving axle thereof turns, the crown gear brings a cam on the idle gear to rotate so that a driven element and a reciprocating mechanism of the linking-up assembly respectively bring one of the figures on the music box to move up and down and the other to move backwards and forwards.

Abstract: A sound-activated playback device which generally includes a sound-activated circuit and an electrically driven playback device which plays a recording on a selected prerecorded medium. The sound-activated circuit includes a noise sensor for sensing the sound of a crying child and activating the playback device. The sound-activated circuit also includes a timer for selecting and limiting the duration of playback of the recording, a timer override switch for overriding the timer, and a prerecorded medium reset for resetting the prerecorded medium after the playback device stops playing. Further, the sound-activated circuit includes a means for turning off the noise sensor until the playback device has finished playing and the prerecorded medium is reset.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recording and delivering personalized audio messages are provided. The system includes a central facility computer system (CF), a store front programming system (SFS), and a portable playback device (PPD). When a customer desires to send a personalized message to another person, the customer communicates via a telecommunications channel with the CF. Under control of a CF processor, a outgoing message module of the CF provides instructions to the customer, who enters required information and provides the personalized audio message. The personalized audio message is digitized by a CF voice digitizer and transmitted from the CF via a data interface to the SFS. The SFS receives the digitized personalized audio message data from the CF and uses its playback device programmer to program data representing the audio message onto the PPD. The PPD is an audio chip having a nonvolatile memory, an external switch, a battery and a speaker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel and unique entertainment card device such as a baseball trading card or a music rock star trading card comprising a flat, rectangular card including a touch sensitive element for sound activation. Replaceable electrical power batteries are mounted within the card. The touch sensitive element is activated by simply touching a surface area of the front side of the flat rectangular card. The entertainment card device further includes entertainment pictures such as of sports figures or music rock star images.

Abstract: A motion generating mechanism particularly adapted for use in a music box is equipped with a vertical rod which can be actuated to swing back and forth and a pair of follower rods which are driven to rotate and repeatedly move up and down simultaneously. A shaft having one end engaged with the spring actuated rolling wheel of a music box is provided with an elliptic cam plate at each end thereof; and the bottom end of the follower rods having an abutment plate in contact with the elliptic cam plate are urged to move up and down and circularly. A rotation arm driven by the rolling wheel by way of a gear member and engaged with a swing follower having the vertical rod secured at one end is used to produce a pivotal swing motion of the vertical rod. Each abutment plate is provided with a recess which can be selectively engaged with a stop rod so as to restrain the follower rod from spinning and limit to move up and down only.

Abstract: A musical article of furniture, here jewelry chest (10) which includes at least one slidable drawer (12) for storage of articles and for activating and deactivating a musical movement (19). Mechanical spring wound musical movement (19) is attached to a supporting surface (14) of the housing (11) of chest (10) and has a rotating shaft, also serving as the winding shaft (21), protruding through an outside surface of chest housing (11). An ornament (34) is affixed to the shaft and the shaft is decoratively finished. Musical movement (19) is provided with a stop-and-start mechanism which includes a control arm (22) being positioned and configured to interfere with the back (13) of upper drawer (12) such that the mechanism will be activated when the drawer is opened and will shut off when the drawer is closed.

Abstract: A toppling tone-producing toy apparatus for producing a plurality of tones comprising a plurality of tiles, each tile having a front face, a back face, and a peripheral edge; a plurality of striker bars, each striker bar coupled to the back face of a tile; a note mechanism coupled to each tile for producing a tone when struck by a striker bar on another tile; a support mechanism for holding the tiles thereon; and a plurality of hinges, each hinge coupling the peripheral edge of each tile to the support mechanism for allowing pivotal movement of the tile, the coupling of the tiles with the support mechanism creating a generally aligned configuration where the front faces of the tiles are directionally aligned and each tile is offset from adjacent tiles by a distance less than its height such that when a tile is toppled towards an adjacent tile, its striker bar contacts the note mechanism of the adjacent tile, whereby toppling the adjacent tile, producing a tone, and creating a toppling effect that ripples thro

Abstract: A marker such as a grave stone or tombstone for visually identifying the resting place of the remains of a once living entity, with the marker preferably having a location for written information to be applied thereto for specifically identifying the remains. The marker includes an audio system which can audibly broadcast information relevant to or regarding the identified remains. The audible broadcast may be an epitaph, music, poems, favorite sayings, stories, voice messages to the world or loved ones, combinations thereof, and or anything which can be broadcast by an audio speaker in audible tones or voice(s). The audio system includes capabilities for electronically retrieving the information for audible broadcast from digital information stored within semiconductor electronics, and thereby electrical power consumption is kept low, as is the number of moving parts in the audio system. An electrical power supply, preferably including a photovoltaic panel, is used for electrically powering the audio system.

Abstract: A novelty device includes an inflatable element fixed to a nipple which is normally covered. Adding fluid to a chamber which includes a fluid-reactive element causes a pressure increase to be imparted to the inflated element which then expands under the action of the pressure. Normally the nipple and the inflatable element are covered so as to be hidden from view prior to the addition of a fluid.

Abstract: A display device and recorder/playback system combination including a panel for displaying photographs, posters, etc. and having an integrated circuit memory chip embedded therein, and a recorder/playback system that connects to the integrated circuit memory chip. The embedded integrated circuit memory chip is disconnectable from the recorder/playback system whereby different display panels with different messages can be connected to the recorder/playback system and the messages stored in the memory chips are not destroyed by being disconnected from a power source.

Abstract: A durable, lightweight sign or display device having a desired three-dimensional, contoured surface and a self-sticking backing to facilitate easy mounting is disclosed. The sign has a rigid plastic display sheet which is formed into the desired three-dimensional, contoured surface and formed with a peripheral flange. A plastic backing is heat-sealed to the display sheet along its peripheral flange. Pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the backing and a removable protective layer is used to cover the adhesive to prevent contamination thereof prior to use. The sign is relatively inexpensive to fabricate and mass-produce. The sign is ideally suited for temporary display purposes such as sales, promotions, or seasonal decorations.

Abstract: In a sound playback apparatus, by attaching thereto a medium in which sound data are recorded in each area thereof and a print in each frame of which a code indicating a sound recording area is recorded, the sound playback apparatus can play back sound data corresponding to the photographed frames of the film respectively from the medium.

Abstract: An electroacoustic novelty, particularly to the brim on an article of headware, or to a flag, containing a piezoelectric polymer film, where means are electrically coupled with electrodes on the film for applying an audio-frequency signal voltage across the film to cause the film to vibrate and emit sound waves.

Abstract: A display device has a housing in which sound (a music IC), light (light strings), and power (light string AC motors) elements are combined. At least one master light string is used as the power source, supplying the AC motor necessary power so that the motor can drive a transmission mechanism. Ornaments connected to the transmission mechanism are then movable in the display device providing an attractive and lovely scene. Separate toy figures having an independent light string AC motor may be directly connected to the light string which provides power required for the toy figures to move in a designed manner.

Abstract: A display device wherein decorative objects are immersed in a liquid-filled housing which is rotatably mounted on a base and driven by a windup music box mechanism through a transmission assembly so that rotation of the housing relative to the base in a first direction winds up the music box mechanism which, during unwinding and the production of music, causes the housing to rotate in a second opposite direction.

Abstract: A business card holder, which can be used to hold business cards and actively draw the attention of a recipient to the card by emitting sounds upon the unfolding of the business card holder. The business card is held inside the holder and a sound emitting device is incorporated within the holder. When the business card holder is opened and unfolded the sound emitting device is activated to provide an audio signal to the recipient.

Abstract: A musical picture frame for generating music for a picture frame and creates an elegant and romantic atmosphere for the memory. The picture frame can be inserted into a musical structure which is composed of a pressure seat, a rubber conductor, a PC board and a base seat. With fingers pressing on the pressure seat, the rubber conductor will be forced to contact with the PC board circuit and proper music will then generated.

Abstract: A magnet for posting notes or the like on a refrigerator wall or similar metal surface in which the magnet, in one exemplary embodiment, has a battery-operated sound-emitting device which, for added play value, is activated to produce its sound, but only when the magnet is manually removed from its support surface and otherwise, as when it is held by magnetic attraction against a support surface, a disabling switch is held open to correspondingly deactivate the sound-playing mode of the magnet.

Abstract: An artificial window comprises a box having a rear wall, and walls bounding an interior space which faces longitudinally forwardly; sheet structure extending laterally crosswise of the space, and a viewable pattern associated with the sheet structure to be illuminated by light passing forwardly from the box interior; first and second light sources in the box; a reflector structure in the box to reflect light from the first source in a direction toward the sheet structure for effecting illumination of the viewable pattern; and there being control structure for controlling the illumination of the viewable pattern to independently, differentially, and progressively change the illumination of the viewable pattern.

Abstract: A mailing piece comprising the usual envelope enclosing a legible text. To induce the recipient to open the envelope and read the text, the envelope has a window (18) at which there is a manually operable actuator for a device which generates an audible message.

Abstract: A hand held two-way mirror assembly 10 having one or more hidden images 26 mounted behind the back surface of a two-way mirror 20, one of which images can be seen when a light 36 behind the image is lit. The mirror assembly includes a frame 12, 14, 16, there being a cavity 30 behind the mirror 20, which cavity receives the lights 36 and a circuit board 48. A speaker 50 is mounted on the board. One or more digitized voices is stored in a memory chip 54 mounted on the board. Electronic switches 52 and 56 select a lamp 36 to be lit when a manually engageable switch is operated, and also cause one of the digitized voice tracks to be broadcast through the speaker, the particular voice track being associated with the illuminated image, the lights and voices preferably being selected in a predetermined manner to follow a script.

Abstract: A sound producing control switch for a picture-frame, includes a control circuit which is fastened in the back cover of a picture-frame. The control circuit includes a music IC, a battery power supply and a speaker, a conductive strip fastened in the picture-frame at the inside, two leaf springs mounted on the window glass of the picture-frame, which leaf springs are respectively connected to the two opposite terminals of the control circuit and constantly forced to contact the conductive strip by two spring means. The control circuit is triggered to produce the sound of "I Love You" twice when the picture-frame is touched to produce a short circuit signal. The spring means automatically force the leaf springs to contact the conductive strip immediately after the leaf springs have been forced to disconnect from the conductive strip.

Abstract: A rubber stamp is disclosed which produces a special effect when the stamp is pressed against a medium to be imprinted therewith. The special effects generated by the stamp can include audible (sound and/or music), light (patterns and/or sequences), and/or aromas. A cavity in the wood block of the rubber stamp contains the electronic circuitry necessary to provide the special effects messages. A sensor is affixed within the wood block, such as a pressure sensitive switch between the block and the rubber stamp, so as to trigger the electronic cicuitry to issue the special effects message simultaneously with the imprinting of a visual image from the rubber stamp upon the desired medium.

Abstract: A musical pull string toy having a pull string extending from the head through the body that is displaceable under tension between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position. The music box emits sound when the string is recoiled from a second position to the first position. The toy body is defined by at least two accordion pleats forming a bellows region. The accordion pleats have a substantially symmetric shape and each pleat is substantially concentric around the pull string when the pull string is extended to the second position. Accordingly, the appearance of the pleats is not distorted at all positions of the pull string.

Abstract: Electroacoustic novelties are disclosed having a piezoelectric polymer film which functions as a speaker or microphone. The novelties include flags, banners, posters or articles of headwear. The piezoelectric polymer film may be attached to a portion of the flexible substrate forming the novelty, or it may be used as an integral part of the novelty structure. An audio output or recording device is electrically coupled to the piezoelectric polymer film. Both the piezoelectric polymer film and the electrodes may be transparent so that the adjoining portion of the novelty is visible.

Abstract: A display device wherein decorative objects are immersed in a liquid-filled housing which is rotatably mounted on a base and driven by a windup music box mechanism through a transmission assembly so that rotation of the housing relative to the base in a first direction winds up the music box mechanism which, during unwinding and the production of music, causes the housing to rotate in a second opposite direction.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the personalized greeting card includes an independent, detachable, electronic memory device that stores electronic signals, a mechanism for retrieving the electronic signals from the memory device, a voice synthesizer which obtains these electronic signals and produces audible sounds representative of the personalized message, and a switch that controls the retrieving device and the voice synthesizer. Prior to incorporating the memory device in the card, an EPROM translation machine converts the personalized message obtained from the sender of the card into appropriate electronic signals and stores those representative electronic signals in the memory device. The memory device is then detached from the EPROM and mounted in the circuitry disposed in the greeting card.

Abstract: In an artificial-flower toy apparatus operative in response to sensing of external sound, a sound-sensing operational unit is contained within a container and includes a motor which has a driving shaft. The sound-sensing operational unit senses the external sound to drive the motor. An artificial-flower dancing unit is contained within the container and includes an angularly movable shaft and at least one artificial flower which has a stem and a core rod inserted in the stem. The core rod of the artificial flower has a lower end portion which is connected to the angularly movable shaft for angular movement therewith about an axis of the angularly movable shaft. The artificial flower is mounted on the container in an upstanding manner. The angularly movable shaft is interlocked with the driving shaft of the motor for angular movement about the axis of the angularly movable shaft, so that the artificial flower is danced by the motor of the sound-sensing operational unit.

Abstract: A decorative hanging device is provided and consists of a plurality of suspension members secured to and projecting from the top portion of a basket frame structure so as to be hung from a ceiling or the like. A plurality of silk flowers are arranged about a macrame fabric structure which covers the basket frame structure. Decor paint is applied to the macrame fabric structure so as to make an aesthetically pleasing structure.

Abstract: A modular electronic message badge has a detachable lamp unit which contains a light bulb associated with an interchangeable lens cover. A power pack unit provides one protected enclosure for receipt of electronic components or circuitry, and another portion defining a chamber, which opens to the exterior of the power pack unit for receipt of a battery. Introduction and removal of a battery from the chamber automatically switches on and off the electronic circuitry protectively enclosed within the power pack unit without requiring that such unit be opened. The lamp unit is physically attached to the power pack unit for support thereon and electrically connected therewith so that the light bulb is powered by an output of the electronic circuitry. The lens cover may be partially transparent and provided with a selected message or design. The cover is backlighted by the lamp to display the message intermittently, under the control of the power pack unit.

Abstract: A talking book including a power source, switches, voice chips and speaker, all of which are mounted within the book and act together to "read" the words written on pages of the book. The switches are pressure-sensitive types, and marked areas on the pages are pressed in order to activate the switches and the chips in order to produce words or other sounds.