Abstract: A system and method for rotating an ornament, so that the ornament can be easily decorated. The decorating device has a housing that defines an interior compartment. Within the interior compartment, a mount receives and engages the neck of the ornament, therein temporarily connecting the ornament neck to the mount. The ornament is passed into the housing through an access opening in the housing. When connected to the mount in the housing, at least some of the ornament extends out of the housing through the access opening. A motor is used to rotate the mount and ornament. As the ornament rotates, the section of the ornament that extends out of the access opening can be contacted with marking devices. In this manner, the ornament can be decorated as it spins.

Abstract: A toy building block robot and a main control box thereof are disclosed. The main control box comprises a toy building-block robot main control housing, a toy building-block robot main control board, and a battery. The toy building-block robot main control board is installed in the toy building-block robot main control housing. The battery is connected to the toy building-block robot main control board, so as to supply power to the toy building-block robot main control board. A plurality of connection mechanisms are disposed on the toy building-block robot main control housing for engaging the toy building-block robot main control housing with other components of the toy building block robot. In the present disclosure, whether the assembly of the components in the main control box, or the engagement between the main control box and other components of the toy building block robot, can both be realized through a connection mechanism.

Abstract: An electronic greeting card containing a recordable audio module with a pre-recorded audio or music clip which allows a user to sing along with the pre-recorded audio or music clip and record it within the audio module in the card. The card also contains a preview function that allows a consumer to try the recording function before purchasing the greeting card. In preview mode, the recorded message is played back, simultaneously with the pre-recorded clip, only once and then erased. Once a consumer has purchased the card, the preview function can be disabled whereby the user-recorded sound clip is saved, and whereby the user-recorded sound clip is played back simultaneously with the pre-recorded sound clip.

Abstract: An electronic greeting card containing a recordable audio module with a pre-recorded audio or music clip which allows a user to sing along with the pre-recorded audio or music clip and record it within the audio module in the card. The greeting card contains a slide trigger that activates the pre-recorded sound clip upon opening the greeting card. A second push-button trigger controls playback of the pre-recorded music clip while simultaneously recording the user singing along to the pre-recorded music. The card also contains a preview function that allows a consumer to try the recording function before purchasing the greeting card. In preview mode, the recorded message is played back, simultaneously with the pre-recorded clip, only once and then erased. Once a consumer has purchased the card, the preview function can be disabled whereby the user-recorded sound clip is saved, and whereby the user-recorded sound clip is played back simultaneously with the pre-recorded sound clip.

Abstract: The illumination of a display of a religious, meditative, or ceremonial image is coordinated with sound produced and associated with the use of the image, such as a chant associated with the image. The sound can be produced by the device of the invention in which case the device coordinates the illumination with the sound produced by the device, or the sound can be produced by a user of the device in which case the device coordinates the illumination with the sound produced by the user. The device includes a display for illuminating and displaying the visual image and circuitry for coordinating the illumination of the visual image and the sound associated with use of the image.

Abstract: There is provided a method and an apparatus for marketing an object. The apparatus includes a display with a first mode and a second mode; and a housing for containing the object adjacent to the display. The display may preferably be coupled to a controller circuit for activating transition of the display between the first mode and the second mode, with the object being viewable through the display in the second mode. The method includes carrying out activities to create an association between the apparatus and the object; using the apparatus for containment of items; and causing an increase in awareness in the object through use of the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for repetitively lifting and lowering objects to create visual patterns having a plurality of units each with a motor, a rotary member, a cord attached at its distal end to the circumferential edge of the rotary member, an attaching mechanism affixed to the proximal end of the cord, and an object removably connected to the attaching mechanism. A computer or microprocessor is provided and programmed to selectively rotate the rotary members to move the objects between selected pre-determined positions along a generally vertical path of travel to establish a geometric pattern of repetitive elements.

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: The illumination of a display of a religious, meditative, or ceremonial image is coordinated with sound produced and associated with the use of the image, such as a chant associated with the image. The sound can be produced by the device of the invention in which case the device coordinates the illumination with the sound produced by the device, or the sound can be produced by a user of the device in which case the device coordinates the illumination with the sound produced by the user. The device includes a display for illuminating and displaying the visual image and circuitry for coordinating the illumination of the visual image and the sound associated with use of the image.

Abstract: An inflatable toy may include a housing, a balloon-like structure, a blower mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a motor. The balloon-like structure may include a base, an inflatable portion, and an inlet. The base and the inflatable portion may define an air storage area. The blower mechanism may be fluidly connected to the inlet of the balloon-like structure, and the drive mechanism may be operatively connected to the base. The motor may be operatively connected to the blower mechanism and the drive mechanism, wherein upon activation of the motor the blower mechanism may inflate the balloon-like structure and the drive mechanism may cause the balloon-like structure to move.

Abstract: An informational carton with integrated circuitry to enable an audio advertisement for multiple items contained in the carton and displayed for sale. The carton preferably houses a sound card that is activated by pressing a button. Once activated, an audio message will play in order to inform the consumer about the product or service being offered. Printed graphics on the side of the carton attract attention to the button.

Abstract: A photo album includes a CPU that records audio and control buttons located adjacent to each of a plurality of photograph-accommodating pockets on leaves of the photo album. A microphone unit is used to record audio sound bites for each photograph stored in the album and a control button is pressed to activate a playback circuit, which includes a speaker on the album, to play back the audio recorded for the selected photograph.

Abstract: A swimming element enjoying system capable of applying an external stimulus to a swimming element moved at a predetermined rhythm, to thereby permit the swimming element to carry out different motion, to thereby provide an observer with a fresh surprise, so that the observer may be soothed or healed. A swimming element made in imitation of an aquatic life and a drive unit for driving the swimming element each are provided with a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet of the drive unit is rotated, to thereby permit an attracting/repulsing action to be carried out between the permanent magnets, leading to random vertical motion of said swimming element. Motion of the swimming element is randomly varied when a sensor detects an external stimulus.

Abstract: A medical identification charm bracelet including a housing for housing an electronic circuit that includes an audible output device and a visual output device that is activatable to draw attention to the I.D. bracelet and the information inscribed on the various bracelet charm attachments to notify medical personnel of various medical conditions of the wearer.

Abstract: A closure-sensitive signalling device with a cantilever switch responsive to the opening of a folded article such as a business card holder, greeting card, folder, or other article having panels foldable with respect to each other along a fold line. The cantilever switch has a stationary electrical contact and a conductive cantilever arm engageable therewith, and is mounted along with a battery-powered signal generator IC on a low-profile printed circuit board adapted for mounting on one panel of the folded article with the cantilever switch adjacent to the fold line. The cantilever arm's free end is engageable with another panel of the folded article such that the switch is held open when the article is closed and is closed when the article is open. The signalling device generates an audible or visible signal in response to a signal from the signal generator IC.

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: An talking poster is disclosed. A sound module is attached to the back of the poster. The sound module includes a speaker, which is preferably covered by a speaker cover. A portion of the poster is folded over and sealed to the back of the poster, concealing the sound module. A method of making the poster is also disclosed.

Abstract: A talking trading card playing system consists of a portable card player and a plurality of trading cards. Each card includes a card body having front and back surfaces, flexible sheets affixed to the front surface and to the back surface of the housing, and a voice chip for storing and generating sound patterns. The portable player comprises a power source located in the housing for supplying electrical power to the voice chip, and sound generation components. The subject trading card and player may be activated by inserting the card into the player, thereby establishing electrical contact between the card and the player.

Abstract: The present invention provides an actuating assembly of a musical box, in which a cluster gear is driven by a motor through a worm gear set, and the cluster gear employs a master gear connecting a driving gear in center portion, and mesh with epicyclical gears, coordinating with different linkages and the swing links with spin axle on the epicyclical gears, the dolls secured to the top portion of the spin axle can swivel and swing sidelong driving by the motor. A sensor is utilized to control the music in a standby or in a replay states.

Abstract: A mobile music-producing ornament which mainly includes a hollow housing to accommodate a base board, a music-producing device, a swing mechanism and a reciprocation mechanism therein. With gear sets provided among the music-producing device, the swing mechanism, and the reciprocation mechanism, the rotating music-producing device shall bring the other two mechanisms to swing leftward and rightward and to reciprocate back and forth, respectively, permitting small decorative figures and the like on the ornament to laterally swing or to move back and forth along with the rhythm of pleasant music, giving the ornament more funs.

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 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 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: 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: An audio-visual dummy including a rigid anthropomorphic structure with, instead of a head, a monitor for delivering an audiovisual message. The monitor is connected to a message reader system. The rigid structures can be placed on a base. The base includes a storage space. The power cords to the monitor are positioned in the lower part of the monitor so as to be concealed from observers. The rigid structure is made of a plastic or resinous material.

Abstract: A display arrangement comprises a dancing body torso of plastics material. The lower and upper display halves of the torso are spaced apart. The upper display half is pivotally supported by a support carried by the lower display half. A motor secured to the support is coupled to the upper display half to cause it to oscillate about is pivotal axis. A support bracket secured to the support and the lower display half has a pair of feet which can be secured to a ground engaging member.

Abstract: A figure moving article capable of accomplishing unique and unexpected movement sufficient to exhibit unexpected movements. The figure moving article includes a cylindrical container having a peripheral wall formed of a flexible material. In the container is arranged a bending structure which is actuated to cause the container to carry out bending motion. Also, a motor is received in the container in a manner to be operatively connected to the bending structure to actuate the bending structure and a motor drive circuit for driving the motor is arranged in the container. The bending structure is operatively connected to the container so as to transmit the actuation of the bending structure to the container, resulting in the container exhibiting bending movement.

Abstract: A flashing alarm device responsive to audible signals produced by a smoke detector when the smoke detector senses a smoke condition, the alarm device including a circuit with a microphone portion for responding to audible signals produced by the smoke detector and an amplifier circuit portion for amplifying signals produced by the microphone, a switch circuit portion having a control input connected to the output of the amplifier circuit portion, and another circuit portion including a battery, a timer circuit, and a light bulb, the battery having a connection to the amplifier circuit and to the timer circuit, the timer circuit and the light bulb being connected in series with the switch circuit portion for energizing and de-engergizing the light bulb whenever the switch circuit portion is in its conducting condition. The device may also include a housing for the components and the device may optionally be constructed to operate on transmitted and received radio frequency signals.

Abstract: A figure moving article capable of accomplishing unique and unexpected movement sufficient to exhibit unexpected variation in figure. The figure moving article includes a cylindrical container having a peripheral wall formed of a flexible material. In the container is arranged a bending structure which is actuated to cause the container to carry out bending motion. Also, a motor is received in the container in a manner to be operatively connected to the bending structure to actuate the bending structure and a motor drive circuit for driving the motor is arranged in the container. The bending structure is operatively connected to the container so as to transmit the actuation of the bending structure to the container, resulting in the container exhibiting bending movement.

Abstract: A toy musical box having an electronic musical sound reproduction circuit and an electric motor drive for an endless band carrying a continuous picture past a window, so that the musical box can resemble a television set. The operation of the sound reproduction circuit and the motor are remotely controlled by sound impulses from a separate hand-held device, the musical box having a microphone and a discriminator to provide an output signal upon receipt of the sound impulses. Preferably a double sound impulse is acquired to operate the musical box, eg. two clicks one immediately following the other, for differentiation from other extraneous sounds.

Abstract: An animated telephone annunicator apparatus provides realistic movements so that a user of the apparatus appears to converse with the apparatus. The apparatus receives telephone signals, and in response to these received signals moves portions of the apparatus in synchronism with the signals. As a result, the apparatus appears to realistically speak the words of a calling party.

Abstract: A cassette player and slide assembly adapted to play back a pre-recorded magnetic tape cassette having a voice recording of a performer whose facial image appears on a transparency slide receivable in a holder attached to the player and provided with a window so that as one hears the performance, one also sees the performer. The player includes an audio amplifier whose output is applied both to a sound reproducer and to a light bulb producing light pulses in synchronism with the reproduced sounds. The slide holder includes a ground glass screen that supports the inserted slide and is back illuminated by the light bulb. The rear surface of the slide is masked to expose only the eyes and mouth of the image whereby only these are intermittently illuminated by the light pulses to impart realistic animation to the performer's image in the course of the played-back performance.

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 telephone annunicator apparatus provides realistic movements so that a user of the apparatus appears to converse with the apparatus. The apparatus receives telephone signals, and in response to these received signals moves portions of the apparatus in synchronism with the signals. As a result, the apparatus appears to realistically speak the words of a calling party.

Abstract: A controller including a servo to time movement of an animated character with audible sounds reproduced in synchronism with control signals for the servo. A slippable friction drive also makes it permissible to interrupt movement of the character for any period of time. After such an interruption is terminated, the servo and friction drive return the movement of the character to a normal phase and amplitude.

Abstract: An animated display in the form of a representation of a face, is controlled by an associated audio tape player and a microprocessor-controlled liquid crystal display. The facial features are variable responsively to the audio signals of the tape player as controlled by the microprocessor.

Abstract: A communication display device for simulating a humanoid or other animal structure. Fiber optic light elements are included with the device to simulate movement of various parts such as the joints, eyes or mouth for purposes of communication. Sound synchronization is also provided with the fiber optic light simulated body movements. The display device is effective in reaching the conscious and subconscious states of individuals with both vocal and non-vocal communications.

Abstract: Improvements to visual display units for producing aesthetically pleasing abstract lighting effects which employ light baffles to produce compartments which contain at least three light sources of different colors are disclosed. The benefits of a baffle arrangement defining compartments forming isoceles triangles with adjacent hypotenuses is described. Color range and fidelity are improved by employing four light sources with a combination of relatively broadband pigmented filters of red, yellow, and green and a relatively narrowband interference-type filter of blue. Improvements to the control system for visual display units of this type are also disclosed. A memory means if provided to record desired color values for each compartment in each of a number of patterns. A single arbitrary color number and a separate intensity value are recorded and at least one conversion table is employed to convert the color number and intensity to average power levels for the sources in the display.

Abstract: A radio toy having a plastic toy structure with a body portion erectly fixed on the top of a hollow base and a head portion with a movable lower jaw disposed on the top of the body portion, includes a radio set installed in the hollow base and a magnetic device provided in the mouth of the toy structure in connection with the radio set; thereby, opening and closing of the toy mouth will be automatically effected along with the amplitude of the audio frequency produced by the radio set so as to increase the amusing actions of the radio toy and to stimulate the intelligence of the player.

Abstract: The invention relates to a viewer for reading and/or displaying information recorded on written or printed tape.The viewer includes a supporting housing formed with two seats for removably accommodating two motor-driven rotatable spools or reels, one of which carries a roll of written or printed tape material, e.g. paper, wound thereon, the other being adapted to rewind the tape as it unwinds from the first reel. The tape winding/unwinding on/from the reels is controlled by a drive circuitry for operation by the user, e.g. through a push-button control. Above the tape portion extending between the two reels, there is arranged a magnifying lens for reading the information on the tape. Advantageously, the reel-accommodating seats are located on a drawer structure, which facilitates removal and replacement of the reels.The viewer may be connected to a recorder to create an audio-visual didactic aid therewith.

Abstract: A home alarm system for mounting on a retractable window shade includes a display for summoning outside help in an emergency situation. The system includes a sound sensor, such as a microphone, for detecting audible noises in a room of the home and for generating electrical signals in response thereto. A driver circuit is responsive to the electrical signals generated by the microphone for actuating a visual display only when a predetermined sound, such as the alarm signal from a conventional fire, smoke, or intruder alarm, is detected. The visual display is attached to the outwardly facing surface of the window shade such that it can be viewed from outside the home. The display can be formed with any small or flexible device capable of being rolled up with the window shade during periods of nonuse. Types of display disclosed include light emitting diodes, liquid crystal displays, and electro-luminescent strips.

Abstract: A movable model of an animal is described in which a driving mechanism adapted to operate synchronously with generation of a sound by a control circuit is incorporated in a simulated animal-like body portion formed of a soft foamed urethane block which has been shaped to the external configuration of a human or animal, and an operating end of said driving mechanism is joined to a part of said soft foamed urethane block forming the body portion of the model so as to induce movement of the moving parts of said body portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a mobile. The apparatus has a drive means and a sound activated switch, operatively connected to the drive means for activating the latter in response to sound.

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.

Abstract: An electronic version of a ventriloquism vent (popularly known as `dummy`). It is a real time talking apparatus capable of simulating a live debate with a human ventriloquist. The electroventriloquist comprises a microphone, an amplifier, a loudspeaker, a voice controlled circuit and plurality of lights and moving members. The microphone is worn on the throat, which is activated by a foot switch which creates the illusion that the sound is coming from the electroventriloquist. The voice also modulates lights and moving parts in synchronization with the sound intensity. The eyes and lips of the electroventriloquist are electronic lights which blink in harmony with the voice being generated by the loudspeaker. A plurality of gadgets to suit the personality of the electroventriloquist for a given application are added.

Abstract: A multiplicity of preferably coherent light sources are disposed along a common axis and are separated from one another by interposed opaque shields in the form of disks of progressively increasing diameters transverse to that axis. Each source confronts an associated screen with an annular light-receiving zone, which (except in the case of the last screen) may be integral with the respective shields, illuminated by light from all the preceding sources. The light sources may be individually modulated by external signals, e.g. oscillations derived from sound waves, to provide a visual pattern thereof.