Abstract: A smart block can include a plurality of displays and configurable magnet components to selectively attract or repel other smart blocks. The smart block can include proximity sensors to identify a surface of another smart block close to the smart block to determine if the smart blocks are correctly oriented based on an application or game associated with the operation of the smart blocks. A plurality of smart blocks can be configured to display a portion of a picture (as a puzzle), such that when the smart blocks are oriented correctly they collectively display the complete picture. The smart blocks can be used in conjunction with a smart mat that is configured to move the smart blocks in response to commands received from a remote computing device. The smart blocks and the smart mat can facilitate interactivity with other, remote users, such as between a caregiver and a child.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for use on a toy car includes a roller defining an axis of rotation, a wheel portion connected to the roller. The periphery of the wheel portion an at least partially sticky surface, which includes a blank portion without a tendency to stick.

Abstract: A levitation device that includes a housing, an adjustable launch platform, a base magnet, an adjustable attractor or repeller magnet, a leveling mechanism, and a spinning top incorporating a magnet.

Abstract: An actuator that has two or more degrees of freedom that moves a payload are described. The actuator may have two members, an actuator stator and an actuator armature, with the ability to move relative to each other in two or more degrees of freedom.

Abstract: This method of converting a displacement of a magnetic object into a signal directly perceptible by a human being, comprises: —the acquisition (32) of a temporal succession of measurements of a magnetic field modified by the displacements of the object during a sliding time window of predetermined duration, —the construction (34) on the basis of this acquired temporal succession of measurements of several signals each representing a characteristic of the measured magnetic field dependent on a corresponding characteristic of the displacement of the object, and —the adjustment (50) of several parameters of the directly perceptible signal as a function of the signals so as to render these characteristics directly perceptible.

Abstract: One embodiment may take the form of a flexible creation animated by magnets or electromagnets brought near the flexible creation. Iron particles blended with a flexible material of the flexible creation may interact with the magnetic fields generated by the magnets, causing the object or portions of the object to move toward or away from the controlling magnets, thereby animating the object.

Abstract: A magnetic toy having two separate parts: a first part comprising a single magnet and a second part comprising a plurality of magnets held in fixed configuration to one another, and the relative strengths of the magnets being such that as the first part is moved towards the second part the magnetic force between the two parts will initially result in attraction of the two parts but at some point as the two parts become closer the direction of the magnetic force between the parts will reverse resulting in the two parts repelling one-another.

Abstract: The present invention is such that a doll equipped with a plurality of auxiliary magnetic poles is inserted into a hermetically-sealed container filled with liquid and the container is circumferentially arranged with variable magnetic poles whose polarities are determined by electromagnets, whereby attraction or repulsion is applied on each portion of the doll. The polarity of each variable magnetic pole can be arbitrarily controlled by adjustment of direction of current flowing in the electromagnets to enable the doll in the container to be driven in various types of motions. Therefore, the motions of the doll can be expressed in various interesting types including dancing to the accompaniment of music without recourse to making the doll in a complicated robotic shape.

Abstract: One particular implementation of the present invention may involve a flexible material infused with fine iron particles to form at least a portion of a flexible character or object. The flexible creation may be animated by one or more magnets or electromagnets brought near the flexible creation such that the iron particles blended with the flexible material may interact with the magnetic fields generated by the magnets. The infused iron particles may be attracted to the magnets, causing the object or portions of the object to move toward or away from the controlling magnets, thereby animating the object or portions of the object. Another implementation may use a magnetic field of a magnet to create an iron-infused flexible plant-like object that may be animated by a magnet. The object may be constructed of a flexible iron-infused material that is introduced into the magnetic field while the material is in a liquid or semi-liquid state.

Abstract: A toy top which encases a plurality of repelled magnets and a magnetic controller which encases a controlling magnet. The repelled magnets in the top direct a magnetic field away from their embodiment with an opposing polarity to the magnetic field directed by the magnetic controller and away from its embodiment. Contact of the two opposing magnetic fields results in a magnetic force which repels the top away from the magnetic controller while the top is spinning. The top is put into a rotational spin by pulling a rip cord through a handle and turning a spinning gear fit into the top's gear fitting.

Abstract: A play system includes a toy vehicle and a playset for use therewith. A toy vehicle includes a chassis having a bottom surface that is at least partially magnetic and a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the chassis. A playset includes a base, a launch ramp mounted to the base and having an upper end and a lower end that includes an upwardly-inclined section terminating in a jump lip, and a magnetic element selectively positionable within a predefined range of positions relative to the jump lip.

Abstract: A method for the locomotion of devices on opposite sides of a surface, one or more of which are mobile robots. Devices on opposing sides of the surface are coupled by an attractive force, which helps generate enough friction between said devices and the surface to allow devices to move across the surface.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated amusement device includes a supporting structure having a fulcrum which pivotally supports rigid suspending elements each having a permanent magnet at its outer end. The magnetic swinging elements are arranged in an arc, sharing a common fulcrum, such that they will repel neighboring swinging elements in the arc, the motion of the swinging elements being constricted to swinging in the plane containing the arc.

Abstract: A boot for covering a steering knuckle of an amphibious vehicle comprising a flexible tube having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a molded groove for seating a first clamp, and wherein the second end comprises a straight cuff for clamping with a second clamp onto a flange of the steering mechanism of the amphibious vehicle.

Abstract: A moving toy utilizing a magnetic force movable by itself without exposing the presence of a moving force by using an interaction force by the magnetic force without relying on natural fall so that a user can take more enjoyment by the strangeness and sustaining of its movement. The moving toy comprises a moving toy body (11) having a drive belt (13) on which magnetic poles (12) are disposed at prescribed intervals, a drive means (14), and magnetic poles (15) installed on the outer surfaces of the moving toy body. A moving road surface (16) formed in a channel-shaped gutter-like body in cross section comprises magnetic poles (17) installed on the inside bottom surface thereof at prescribed intervals, and magnetic poles (18) installed on the side parts (161) of the moving road surface at prescribed intervals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a traveling device for moving toys.

Abstract: A combination doll and toy puppy include interacting magnetic elements therein which mimic a face-licking action by the puppy. The doll includes a partially hollow head within which one or more magnets are movably supported behind the cheek portions of the doll's face. A battery-powered electric motor driven gear drive mechanism is operative within the doll's head to move the one or more magnets behind the doll's cheeks. The puppy includes a flexible extending tongue having a magnetic element supported in the end portion thereof. When the puppy is brought sufficiently close to the doll's face, the magnet in the puppy's tongue is attracted to the moving magnet within the doll's cheek area to mimic the face-licking action.

Abstract: In a racing game machine, a traveling field, on which platen dots are provided, extends below a racing track. A plurality of self-propelled members are provided on the traveling field. Each self-propelled member includes a first linear motor a second linear motor for propelling the self-propelled member in an arbitrary direction on the traveling field, and includes a first magnet provided in an upper portion thereof. A plurality of miniature members are provided on the racing track to be raced with each other, while being associated with the respective self-propelled members. Each miniature member includes front wheels and rear wheels provided on a bottom face thereof for supporting the miniature member on the racing track. The front wheels are provided as caster wheels. A second magnet is provided in a front side of the caster wheels while being magnetically coupled with the first magnet.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing magnetically induced movement of a second member in relation to a first member. The apparatus includes a first member having at least one perimeter magnet disposed thereon. The first member and at least one perimeter magnet are pivotable in relation to an axial member central of the first member. A second magnet is disposed central of the at least one perimeter magnet, with the second magnet disposed on a second member that is reciprocatable in relation to the first member as the second magnet is alternately attracted and repelled by magnetic forces of the at least one first magnet, and is also moved by gravitational force. Additional perimeter magnets and axial magnets are disposed in relation to the at least one perimeter magnet and the second magnet to convert motion of the first member into movement of the second member for recreational and energy conversion applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic suspension device with mechanical stabilization, for use especially with models, toys or desingn objects. The aim of the invention is to provide a simple end economical device which allows for an object to be suspended at a relatively great height in a permanent and stationary manner and without apparent support. To this end the weight (4) of an object (1) is overcome by uncontrolled magnetic repulsion (5) and the position of the suspended object (1) is stabilized by means of mechanical tensile forces (6) which are transmitted from the suspended object (1) downwards to the lower body (2) by, for example, thin threads (7). This invention allows for the magnetic suspension of, for example, model airplanes or design objects.

Abstract: An asymmetric object, such as a lighter and ashtray, a clock and a base, a model airplane, etc has a base and the object levitates from the base. The base defines an interior space housing a base magnet. A support plate extends perpendicular to the base. The base also defines an interior space housing at least one base magnet. The base magnet is a permanent magnet having a north pole and a south pole. The lighter has an interior space, a base end, a levitating end, and a midpoint. The lighter has a conventional mechanism to create a flame. The lighter has at least one lighter magnet connected thereto. Lighter magnet is a permanent magnet having a north pole and a south pole and the lighter is selectively levitated from the base. Another group of levitated objects are selected from the group comprised of a toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, razor, lipstick, ruler, calculator, calendar, photograph frame, notepad and flashlight.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of a toy which comprises at least one article which is movable with respect to a play base and objects on the playbase. The article can have at least one part which is movable with respect to the remainder of the article and the movement is achieved via a magnetic arrangement which involves at least one magnet in the movable part of the article and at least one magnet in a movement means such that as the movement means and/or article move in sufficient proximity, the magnetic forces and field created cause movement of the said part of the article to provide an animated feature to the article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic suspension device with mechanical stabilization, for use especially with models, toys or desingn objects. The aim of the invention is to provide a simple end economical device which allows for an object to be suspended at a relatively great height in a permanent and stationary manner and without apparent support. To this end the weight (4) of an object (1) is overcome by uncontrolled magnetic repulsion (5) and the position of the suspended object (1) is stabilized by means of mechanical tensile forces (6) which are transmitted from the suspended object (1) downwards to the lower body (2) by, for example, thin threads (7). This invention allows for the magnetic suspension of, for example, model airplanes or design objects.

Abstract: A driving mechanism is located below a transparent hollow casing of a liquid-containing ornament and includes a coupling member that engages with and rotates along with a rotary shaft of a movement of a music box located below the mechanism, stationary magnets that have a fixed polarity and are fixedly mounted at two ends of the coupling member, and rotary magnets that are rotatably mounted on the coupling member in the vicinity of the stationary magnets to freely change their polarities while rotating. The stationary and the rotary magnets alternately magnetically attract and repulse a plurality of magnet-attached floating ornamental items in the casing, causing the ornamental items to move just like something real.

Abstract: An enhanced structure of an animated ornament composed of a globular shell, a hollow ball, a piece of non-magnetic, high-density material (such as copper, tin, plastic etc.), an inner magnet and an outer magnet. The hollow ball, having decorative figures, is smaller than the globular shell and is included in the globular shell. The space in between the globular shell and the hollow ball is filled up with liquid so that the hollow ball floats in the liquid and, when being shaken, turns around in all directions. Inside the lower part of the hollow ball attached a piece of non-magnetic, high-density material, such as plastic, copper and tin, and an inner magnet is fixed on the top of the non-magnetic material.

Abstract: The present invention is a guidance apparatus for movable toy vehicles that includes a track, or roadway, on which the toy vehicles move. The truck has an intersection. The intersection has a magnetic guidance mechanism for steering the toy vehicles in alternate directions through the intersection. An intersection magnetic sensing mechanism, i.e., electromagnets at the intersection and magnets in the vehicles, stops the vehicles prior to entering the intersection. Additionally, the vehicles stopped at the intersection can be actuated by a timing mechanism after passage of a predetermined time period. Furthermore, the vehicles stopped at the intersection can be actuated only after a mechanism for sensing vehicle presence in the intersection senses no vehicles in the intersection.

Abstract: A perpetual calendar has a free standing or wall hung structure supporting an anchor point and a number of concealed magnets. A pointer magnet is attached by a line to the anchor point. Attraction between the pointer magnet and a selected one of the concealed magnets can support the pointer magnet and line in levitation against gravitational pull. The concealed magnets may be arranged in an arc on the calendar structure, with day, month or year data indicated along the arc at locations corresponding to the concealed magnet locations, so that the line and pointer magnet serve as a visual indicator of selected calendar data. Multiple displays of calendar data may be provided on a calendar structure, including multiple levitated pointer displays or combinations of levitated displays and sliding pointer displays.

Abstract: A transmission structure to provide an ornament with a rotary and swinging motion in a water globe, which mainly comprises a rotary and swinging ornament in the water globe; the bottom of the rotary and swinging ornament has a cylindrical hole having a suitable depth; the opening of the cylindrical hole is closed with a base member, of which the bottom is glued with a magnet; the hollow space of the rotary and swinging ornament is filled with water. The neck part of the water globe is fixedly mounted on a base member, of which the inner space is mounted with a music drum assembly; a rotary member is fastened on the music drum assembly; the fixed frame of the rotary member is fastened with two magnets having different polarity. The diameter of the magnets each are smaller than that of a magnet mounted in the base member on the bottom of the rotary and swinging ornament.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns an article of manufacture, which can be in various shapes and forms as disclosed herein, based on the principle of magnetic levitation. When motion is applied to the article of manufacture, there results a body moving through the air without mechanical support. This invention can be used for many purposes including entertainment and educational uses.

Abstract: A device for displaying the loose coupling between magnetic fields is provided, comprising a first disk having a plurality of magnetic elements attached to the first disk so that the magnetic field of said magnets extend radially from an outer edge of the first disk, a second disk having a plurality of magnetic elements attached to the second disk so that the magnetic field of said magnets extend radially from an outer edge of the second disk so that the magnets on the disks are loosely coupled to each other, the strength of the loose coupling depending on the orientation of the magnets with respect to each other, and a rotatable control member having a magnetic element attached to an end of the control member, the control member magnet being rotated to a first position such that a predetermined pole of the control member magnet is located adjacent to the magnets on said first disk causing a magnetic coupling of the magnet on said control member to the magnets on said first so that loose coupling and the chao

Abstract: A wall mounted figure that has swinging legs and arms and a swaying head that continuously moves in dancing movements is constructed with two pendulums with permanent magnets influenced by electromagnetic fields generated by two current-carrying coils. The pendulums operate independently so that the legs and the head and arms swing at different rates to give an appearance of a person dancing the twist.

Abstract: A magnetic propulsion toy system is provided having a track (11), a boost station (12) and a car (14) made of magnetic material. The boost station has control circuit (18) with a battery (19), a wire coil (21), a capacitor (22), a manual triggering switch (24), an automatic triggering switch (27) and a manual delay triggering switch (29). An infrared emitter/detector (28) is coupled to the automatic triggering switch and manual delay triggering switch.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns an article of manufacture, which can be in various shapes and forms as disclosed herein, based on the principle of magnetic levitation. When motion is applied to the article of manufacture, there results a body moving through the air without mechanical support. This invention can be used for many purposes including entertainment and educational uses.

Abstract: A device for displaying the loose coupling between magnetic fields is provided, comprising a first disk having a plurality of magnetic elements attached to the first disk so that the magnetic field of the magnets extend radially from an outer edge of the first disk, a second disk having a plurality of magnetic elements attached to the second disk so that the magnetic field of the magnets extend radially from an outer edge of the second disk so that the magnets on the disks are loosely coupled to each other, the strength of the loose coupling depending on the orientation of the magnets with respect to each other, and a rotatable control member having a magnetic element attached to an end of the control member, the control member magnet being rotated to a first position such that a predetermined pole of the control member magnet is located adjacent to the magnets on the first disk causing a magnetic coupling of the magnet on the control member to the magnets on the first disk so that loose coupling and the chao

Abstract: Permanent magnets affixed to one structure produce a repelling force to magnets affixed to a larger structure that encloses the one structure to suspend and hold the one structure entirely within the larger structure, without physical contact therebetween.

Abstract: A musical toy in which tappers on the ends of swinging bodies can be swung up and kept upswung without using any springs; space for spring mounting is thereby made unnecessary and the toy can be made small; the manufacturing process can be simplified and resulting mass production benefits and cost reductions can be achieved, and which can operate stably over a long period of time. There are provided a toy body 7, a sound producing body 5 and a control device 54, and the toy body 7 comprises first permanent magnets 23a and 23b and swinging bodies 9a and 9b mounted in the vicinity of the first permanent magnets 23a and 23b.

Abstract: A motorized mechanical doll for positioning within miniaturized vehicles capable of actuating body portions separate from any mechanical workings of the vehicle. The doll has a plurality of gears for engaging one another for turning a rotating head from side to side. There is a rotation means comprising a set of three magnets having the same polarity. The magnets are mounted to one of the gears and to a rotatable shaft for repelling one another and rotating the rotatable shaft which in turn communicates with the head portion. An alternate embodiment further includes a pivoting hand portion wherein a first end of a lever attaches to the pivoting hand and at a second end attaches to one of the gears slightly off-set from a center portion of the gear. Rotation of the gear causes the lever to move actuating the pivoting hand up and down.

Abstract: A magnetically balanced spinning apparatus having an upright rotating shaft assembly that is balanced by circumscribing magnets is disclosed. The rotating shaft assembly is constructed from a single shaft with at least two magnets mounted thereon in a spaced apart relationship. The rotating shaft assembly is balanced on a pivot point at the bottom and spins on a weight bearing surface. A frame having side support magnets generally circumscribes the rotating shaft assembly wherein the support magnets and the rotating magnets of the rotating shaft assembly react to repel each other thereby balancing the rotating shaft assembly in a vertical orientation, and simultaneously levitating the rotating shaft assembly to minimize the effects of gravity thereon.

Abstract: A magnetic induction toy includes a casing cowered with a cover to hold a battery, a holder frame fixed within the casing to hold an electromagnet and a rocker arm by a pivot pin, the electromagnet being connected to the battery, the rocker arm having a top permanent magnet repulsed or attracted by a permanent magnet placed above the cover and two lateral permanent magnets to repulse against the electromagnet, and round ornaments placed above the cover, each round ornament having at least one permanent magnet respectively reacted with the top permanent magnet on the rocker arm such that said rocker arm is induced to oscillate on the pivot pin by placing the operation control permanent magnet on the cover with one pole facing toward the permanent magnet on the base of the rocker arm to produce a magnetic repulsion and then moving the operation control permanent magnet along a course guide sign, the rocker arm being stopped by placing the other pole of the operation control permanent magnet on the cover toward

Abstract: A voice-controlled ornamental toy includes a rocker supported on a mount above a base by a pivot axle to hold reversed permanent magnets, an electromagnet controlled by a voice actuated control circuit to repulse or attract the reversed permanent magnets causing the rocker to swing an ornament being coupled to the pivot axle by a transmission rod, and a tension spring connected between the rocker and the base to pull the rocker back to its former position when the electromagnet is deenergized.

Abstract: An improved turntable structure for a moving wooden horse toy, which comprises a rotation structure mounted between a turntable and a base disk; the rotation structure includes a round niche under the turntable, and a music box assembly mounted in the round niche; the center of the music box is connected with the supporting shaft in the center of the bearing base on the base disk. Between the turntable and the base disk, there is a roller bearing assembly to provide a rotary connection between the turntable and the base disk; a vertical-driving mechanism is mounted between the edge portions of the turntable and the base disk; when the turntable is driven with the driving power of the music box, the vertical-moving rods mounted on the edge portion of the turntable will jump up and down simultaneously as a result of a repelling force between the upper magnets under the turntable and the lower magnets on the base disk.

Abstract: A magnetic novelty item is disclosed for use as a plaything, toy, amusement, diversion, game piece, or instructional aid. The item includes an enclosed container having magnets secured at opposite ends thereof with opposite magnetic poles facing the interior of the container (north at one end and south at the other). At least one additional magnet is received in the container in such a way that its magnetic poles are always oriented toward like magnetic poles of the magnets at the ends of the container while yet remaining movable in the space between the ends.

Abstract: The invention is a liquid swing decoration having a partially liquid filled hollow bar which pivots at a central portion on a base stand. Magnets are attached at both ends of the bar and magnets are also located in the base stand. The base stand magnets are connected to supporting racks at one end while cam rods are connected to the other end of the supporting rods. Springs dampen the movement of the supporting rods. The effects of the magnets allows the liquid filled hollow bar to wag for long periods of time after it has been set in motion, so that the liquid inside the hollow bar can either shake vigorously or mildly to produce a gentle wave-like motion for decoration and visual pleasure.

Abstract: A magnetic spinner toy includes a plurality of spinner bodies mounted one adjacent another on a support base for independent rotation. A plurality of permanent spinner magnets are mounted on each spinner body at circumferentially spaced positions for rotation closely adjacent the spinner magnets of the adjacent spinner body. The magnetic poles of the confronting surfaces of the spinner magnets of adjacent spinner bodies are either of like polarity, whereby to repel each other, or of unlike polarity, whereby they attract each other. A pair of permanent levitating magnets are mounted one on each spinner body and the other on the support base with the confronting faces of the pair being of the same polarity, whereby to repel each other and thus maintain the spinner body spaced from the support base to eliminate frictional engagement between them.

Abstract: A magnetically actuated amusement device includes a supporting structure having side pieces which pivotally support rigid suspending elements each having a permanent magnet at its lower end. The magnets are arranged in a row, such that they will repel the next magnet in the row, the motion of the magnets being constricted to swinging in the vertical plane containing the row.

Abstract: A children's toy car playset contains at least two toy cars, suitably containing low friction wheel and axle structures. Each of the cars contains an anti-collision device that in normal play prevents collisions between the cars, irrespective of the angle of approach at which one of the cars moves toward an other. Suitably the anti-collision device is formed by a permanent magnet with the magnetic fields oriented so that the field lines extend downwardly at least about the periphery of the car.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved novelty device resembling a ladder. The device includes a base having rung guides located thereon. Spaced between the rung guides and above the base are a plurality of rungs having magnets located in the ends of each rung. The magnets and rung guides are arranged such that the rungs may freely travel between the rung guides, the rungs being separated by the repulsive forces of the magnets.

Abstract: A magnetically operated rotative amusement device or unit of a substantially self-starting nature has a see-through or transparent container or bowl-like support base provided with a lower, centrally disposed, pivot-receiving socket. A spinner has a pivot pin adapted to rest in the socket and to extend upwardly towards an open mouth portion of the support base. The support base has either an inner collar or a relatively narrow bowl to support the spinner in an upright, slightly tilted position in a ready-to-operate relation therein. A dome-shaped lid is used to close-off an open mouth portion of the support base and has a centrally, downwardly extending, permanent magnet supported in a vertically adjustable relation in which it is slightly spaced from and aligned with a second and opposing magnet carried by an upper end of the spinner.

Abstract: A magnetic alignment toy comprising a central rotatable wheel having at least two pair of magnets disposed on its circumference, as many peripheral rotatable wheels as there are magnets on the central wheel evenly spaced around the central wheel, each of the peripheral wheels having as many magnets disposed around their circumference as the central wheel has, and a strong master magnet movable around the outside periphery of the peripheral wheels along a path bringing the master magnet into periodic magnetic interactive adjacency to the outermost magnet disposed on each peripheral wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pendulum means with a symmetrical post carrying two fixed magnets, each of which faces a movable magnet. The two movable magnets are coupled together by a rocker, so that alternately one assumes the minimum distance and the other the maximum distance with respect to the facing fixed magnet. A diaphragm movable at right angles to the magnetic field is associated with the pair of magnets, so that it alternately blocks one field and frees the other.The rocker and linkage systems carrying the magnets and the locking device are coupled together by a weight, e.g. a ball movable downwards along the sloping surface of a rocker.