Abstract: Method for controlling heat transfer between two objects. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a first current through a first electromagnet disposed about a container holding magnetorheological fluid to generate a first magnetic field such that particles in the magnetorheological fluid align with the first magnetic field to conductively couple a first conductive element to a second conductive element; and providing a second current through a second electromagnet disposed perpendicular to the first electromagnet to generate a second magnetic field perpendicular to the first magnetic field such that the particles in the magnetorheological fluid align with the second magnetic field to conductively uncouple the first conductive member from the second conductive member.

Abstract: A device including a housing, a rechargeable battery disposed within the housing, a micro-USB receptacle positioned in the housing, a recharger disposed within the housing and configured to recharge the rechargeable battery, wherein the recharger is configured to be powered through the micro-USB receptacle, wherein the micro-USB receptacle is configured to be waterproof, and includes a metal shell having an exterior surface and a front face extending forwardly from the exterior surface of the metal shell, a layer of plastic overmolded onto the exterior surface of the metal shell, a front face in the layer of plastic that extends around a periphery of the front face of the metal shell, and a seal positioned between the front face of the layer of plastic and an inner surface of the housing.

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 traveling toy system is provided, in which it is immediately confirmed where a self-driven towing vehicle is located under an upper track member. Two annular light permeable regions (5B, 5C) are disposed in the upper track member (5). A light emitting means (47) is attached to the self-driven towing vehicle (21). The two light permeable regions (5B, 5C) transmit light emitted from the light emitting means (47) of the self-driven towing vehicle (21). It is recognizable where the light emitting means (47) emits light under the light permeable regions (5B, 5C), as viewed from above the upper track member (5). Thus, it is easy to find where the self-driven towing vehicle (21) is by locating the light-emitting place.

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 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: 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 four-legged model racing machine 150 that drives, for example, models 20 of horses for racing can make the legs of the models swing up and kick up. The models 20 each having a body and plural legs supporting the body move on a partition board 5 serving as a racetrack board. Each model 20 is driven for motions by a mobile drive unit 160 disposed under the partition board 5. The plural legs of the model 20 can swing back and forth. Magnets Mfl, Mfr, Mrl and Mrr are embedded in the leg tips of the plural legs, respectively, with one of the magnetic poles of each of the magnets Mfl, Mfr, Mrl and Mrr facing the underside of the leg tip (facing down). The drive unit 160 is provided with adjacently arranged plural magnet pairs mfl, mfr, mrl and mrr respectively corresponding to the leg tips of the legs and capable of reciprocating parallel to a running direction along the lower surface of the partition board 5.

Abstract: A toy includes a toy member and one or more articles for detachable attachment to said toy member. Movement apparatus is provided for moving the articles between a first position, wherein the articles are detached from and a spaced distance apart from the toy member, and a second position, wherein the articles are engaged with with the toy member.

Abstract: A toy system that utilizes a vehicle that rides upon a track using a unique propulsion system. The track used by the toy has an external surface upon which the toy rides. The track also defines an internal conduit that extends the length of the track. A primary magnet is provided that is free moving within the internal conduit. The primary magnet is moved by a flow of fluid. The toy that rides along the track contains a secondary magnet. The secondary magnet and the primary magnet attract through the structure of the track, thereby causing the secondary magnet and the toy to move along the exterior surface of the track as the primary magnet travels through the conduit.

Abstract: In a game machine, platen dots are provided on a traveling field. A plurality of self-propelled members are provided on the traveling field. Each self-propelled member includes a first linear motor and a second linear motor for respectively propelling the self-propelled member in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to each other. A miniature member is coupled with a motor so as to be rotatably supported on each self-propelled member. A controller controls the motor such that a rotated angle of the miniature member is determined in accordance with a propelling direction of the self-propelled member.

Abstract: A substrate is printed with areas of magnetizable ink. The magnetizable ink is compressed into the surface of the substrate, and overprinted to hide it. Suitable inks for the purpose are disclosed. The ink may be permanently magnetized in any of a variety of patterns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toy comprising a surface along which an article is moved, in one embodiment, by the use of magnetic attraction between a movable magnet or magnetic material under the surface, and the article. The invention relates to the provision on the article of a movable portion, such as, a leg or a wheel the movement of which is driven by the movement of the article along the surface. The movable portions can be utilized to add to the realism and/or control of the article as it moves along the surface and/or can be used to move a component or portion of the article as the same moves along the surface, or, by the use of stored energy device the component can be moved when the article has stopped moving along the surface and the movement of the component adds to the appeal of the article.

Abstract: A magnetically interactive substrate is provided for a book. The book includes a plurality of interactive substrates in the form of a sheet or a panel of material. Each of the interactive substrates includes magnetizable areas or portions printed thereon. The magnetizable areas are printed using a magnetic ink formulated by magnetizable particles added to an ink formulated for a preselected printing process. The magnetizable particles are shaped and sized to be compatible with the preselected printing process. A plurality of removable play pieces are adapted to be attracted to the magnetizable areas on the substrate. Each of the removable play pieces includes a substrate or support member on which magnetic material is applied. The magnetic material allows the play piece to be selectively positioned on the magnetizable areas.

Abstract: A magnetic display system is disclosed, including a first screen having a front surface for contacting a magnetic display device and a second screen having a rear surface for contacting a magnetic device controller. The first screen and the second screen define therebetween a scenery receiving space for receiving at least one scenery sheet. The scenery sheet may be advanced and/or replaced while magnetic display devices are displayed on the system, without having to hold the displayed devices in place.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multipurpose advertisement device, with a carrier frame (1) comprising one or more border parts (2, 2′) with an information carrying outer surface (2c) and with a primary information carrying means (4) for the displaying of characters and/or figures and/or other symbols for attracting attention. The primary information carrying means (4) have magnetic first connecting means (4a). Within the device there is a movable, rotating second connecting means (5b), with an attracting magnetic force between the first and second connecting means (4a, 5b). The primary information carrying means (4) is movably positioned on the outer surface (2a) of the device, and the second connecting means (5b) is positioned within the device in the proximity of the first connecting means (4a).

Abstract: A magnetic display system is disclosed, including a first screen having a front surface for contacting a magnetic display device and a second screen having a rear surface for contacting a magnetic device controller. The first screen and the second screen define therebetween a scenery receiving space for receiving at least one scenery sheet. The scenery sheet may be advanced and/or replaced while magnetic display devices are displayed on the system, without having to hold the displayed devices in place.

Abstract: A magnetically interactive substrate is provided for a book. The book includes a plurality of interactive substrates in the form of a sheet or a panel of material. Each of the interactive substrates includes magnetizable areas or portions printed thereon. The magnetizable areas are printed using a magnetic ink formulated by magnetizable particles added to an ink formulated for a preselected printing process. The magnetizable particles are shaped and sized to be compatible with the preselected printing process. A plurality of removable play pieces are adapted to be attracted to the magnetizable areas on the substrate. Each of the removable play pieces includes a substrate or support member on which magnetic material is applied. The magnetic material allows the play piece to be selectively positioned on the magnetizable areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toy comprising an article which is movable along a surface, the improvement of the article determined by a control, mounted under the surface. The control and article include magnetic materials to form a magnetic field between the two through the surface and which is sufficiently strong such that movement of the control exerts a moving influence on the article along, the surface. The control is provided with articulated joints which allow the control to follow and exert the moving influence on the article as it moves along different planes and levels of the surface, which was not previously possible. The control can also include particular lever arrangements which allow the proportion of the surface area upon which the control can exert the moving influence to be increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toy comprising an article which is movable along a surface, the movement of the article determined by a control, mounted under the surface. The control and article include magnetic materials to form a magnetic field between the two through the surface and which is sufficiently strong such that movement of the control exerts a moving influence on the article along the surface. The control is provided with articulated joints which allow the control to follow and exert the moving influence on the article as it moves along different planes and levels of the surface, which was not previously possible. The control can also include particular lever arrangements which allow the proportion of the surface area upon which the control can exert the moving influence to be increased.

Abstract: The toy and movable article which are the subject of this application provide for the article to be moved along a playbase by mechanical assembly and/or variable magnetic field which are remote from and not in physical contact with the article thereby giving the article the effect of being independently movable. The exertion of the movement is via a magnetic arrangement between the mechanical assembly and/or variable magnetic field and article and which, if the article is a scale model of a human character can be arranged in conjunction with the shape of the article, to impart a walking effect on the article as it moves thereby adding to the realism of the toy and article.

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 moving model device for use in a racing game machine having a racing field, the moving model device includes a base member provided with a rollable body rollable over the racing field, an animal model body disposed above the base member and a rotary shaft provided between the base member and the animal model. The rotary shaft is rotatable with the rollable body. The animal model body is provided with a motion conversion mechanism which converts a rotary motion of the rotary shaft into a reciprocating motion and an oscillating mechanism which swings the foreleg and hind leg members in accordance with the converted reciprocating motion.

Abstract: The toy and movable article which are the subject of this application provide for the article to be moved along a playbase by mechanical assembly and/or variable magnetic field which are remote from and not in physical contact with the article thereby giving the article the effect of being independently movable. The exertion of the movement is via a magnetic arrangement between the mechanical assembly and/or variable magnetic field and article and which, if the article is a scale model of a human character can be arranged in conjunction with the shape of the article, to impart a walking effect on the article as it moves thereby adding to the realism of the toy and article.

Abstract: A miniature animated display that operates by driving a steel bar with a motor. The steel bar causes the animation motion by means of the swing base and the U-shaped pedestal installed on the hinged assembled end formed by the two ends of the elastic steel bar. The orientation of the U-shaped pedestal is adjusted according to the position of the inner surface of the sliding path so that the circular magnet thereon is affixed on the inner surface of the sliding path.

Abstract: A liquid ball capable of providing dynamic view. The liquid ball includes a ball portion containing liquid and a magnet-containing ornament, and a base portion supporting the ball portion and defining an inner space for accommodating a driving mechanism. The driving mechanism includes a main spring barrel or a motor and a gearset. Two gears of the gearset mesh with toothed surfaces of two decorative ring members on an outer surface of the base portion and rotate the ring members. A central gear of the gearset closely below the ball portion is connected at a top end of its rotary shaft with a radially extending arm member. Two magnets are attached to two ends of the arm member, with different magnetic poles at their top side. When the arm member rotates along with the gearset, the two magnets produce a changeable magnetic field to revolve and rotate the magnet-containing ornament in the liquid inside the ball portion.

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 magnetic conveyance system uses magnetic drivers within a tube having pressurized fluid moving therethrough. The magnetic drivers have magnets mounted at an angle other than 90 degrees to the central axis of the tube. Outside of the tube, a cart has a magnet thereon and is moved by magnetic force interaction when the driver is moved by pressure of the fluid, preferably a liquid such as water. A number of balls flow in the tube and keep the magnetic drivers spaced apart. The balls also serve to push the magnetic drivers as the balls are more directly pushed by the pressure of the fluid. A water wheel is connected by gears to an index wheel and serves to keep the balls, and thus the magnetic drivers and associated carts, moving in the proper direction. The carts may be configured as model cars, trucks, and other such vehicles which move on a board having a simulated road surface with the pressurized fluid tube mounted thereunder.

Abstract: A magnet painter toy includes a nonmagnetic plate for supporting a painting sheet on its upper surface, a magnet that is manually moved over the lower surface of the plate by a user, and a figure positioned on the painting sheet in registration with the magnet. One or more drops of paint are applied to the painting sheet. The figure is at least in part magnetic such that as the magnet is moved under the lower surface of the plate by the user, the figure moves through the drops of paint and produces a desired design on the painting sheet.

Abstract: An audio educational game includes a housing having a peripheral circuit provided with a power source, a speaker or buzzer, and a plurality of trigger switches disposed on a fixed figure board on the housing with each trigger switch terminated at an access path on the fixed board; at least a replaceable recording insert having a talking integrated circuit mounted in the insert electrically connectable with the power source and the speaker of the peripheral circuit on the housing and having a plurality of trigger pins operatively connectable to the plurality of trigger switches provided on the housing when replaceably engaging the insert with a socket recessed in the housing, and a replaceable figure board adhered on the insert having a plurality of target figures drawn or printed on the replaceable figure board with each target figure correspondingly facing, or abutting to each access path formed or printed on the fixed figure board on the housing; and a magnetically attractive slide slidably movable on the f

Abstract: Novelty dishware for serving food to children and implements associated with the dishware which function not only as eating utensils but also as play pieces, so that the eating process becomes a play activity which encourages eating. The dishware, which may be in bowl, plate or any other receptacle form adapted to accommodate food, includes a rim constituted by an annular, transparent duct filled with liquid having glitter particles dispersed therein, as well as a permanent-magnet piston. The piston is slidable in the duct to force the liquid to circulate and thereby animate the particles to create a dynamic display. Each implement is provided with a transparent handle that is filled with liquid having glitter particles dispersed therein, the free end of the handle having a permanent magnet actuator attached thereto.

Abstract: A magnetic device that may be used for storing and dispensing paper clips, and the like, and which may also be used as an amusement or novelty product. A plastic housing houses a bar magnet with the poles arranged vertically. The bar magnet is positioned near but spaced from the upper surface of the housing by a spacer disc made of magnetizable material. The spacer disc has a central opening, above which opening, on the housing's upper surface, magnetic lines of induction are produced that tend to orient a paper clip, or the like, vertically on end and which also allow for prolonged gyratory motion of the paper clip about the end. A plastic, transparent casing may be provided housing iron powder or tiny magnet bits of different shape, which casing is slidably and rotatably mounted with respect to the upper surface of the housing, so that, as the casing is slid or rotated, different patterns are formed in kaleidoscope-fashion.

Abstract: In a game having magnetically operable pieces (3) there are below a game board (2) several operating magnets (4) for operating the pieces, the operating magnets being separated by intermediate layers (7) that are parallel to the game board. The intermediate layers are thin and easily flexible and rest on top of each other, the game board resting on top of the top intermediate layer. A specially designed piece is included in the game.

Abstract: An opening and closing device for double doors for use in a toy, including: a base plate mounted with a housing formed with two openings and including two adjacent elongated holes; a pair of rotary plates receiving the lower ends of the doors; a spring normally biased the doors closed; a rotary lever engageable with edges of the rotary plates and provided with a magnet and an integral gear loosely fitted with and supported by a support shaft; and an operating lever, including a first end projecting from an opening formed at the side of the base plate, pivoted at its center portion and formed at a second end thereof with an arc-shaped edge including a rack engageable with the gear. When a separate doll including a magnetic substance is placed on the base plate over the rotary lever, the lever is moved upwardly and the gear engages the rack, whereupon the doors can be opened by the operating lever. When the doll is not so placed, the operating lever cannot operate the doors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic top running toy wherein a spinning top is run along a running path. The magnetic top running toy includes a top having a magnetic shaft and a running path having a magnetic attraction wall adapted to contact with the magnetic shaft of the top when the top runs along the running path. The running path is constructed as a reciprocative running path permitting the top to turn at both ends thereof. A starting station and a jumping station are attached to the running path. The starting station has a guide surface for guiding the top onto the running path. The jumping station is adapted to allow the top guided from the running path to fly therefrom while keeping the top to spin.

Abstract: A toy wherein remote objects are moved in response to the rotation of a steering wheel. A first embodiment has a pulley keyed to the shaft of the steering wheel, a second pulley journaled in the base of the toy and a belt therebetween. A drive arm arranged to snap into a slot on the side of a toy vehicle is affixed to the second pulley whereby its rotation will cause the drive arm and the vehicle to rotate. The drive arm includes a hinged center portion to permit vertical movement of its end in addition to the horizontal movement.In a second embodiment a ninety degree sector is secured at one apex to the steering wheel shaft, the sector being restrained to rotate only about ninety degrees before being returned to its original position. A rigid link has one end attached to a further apex of the sector and the other to a ratchet arm secured to a center post in the base of the toy. Also secured to the center post for rotation thereon is a ratchet wheel to which the drive arm is fixed.

Abstract: A wrist watch type container for a toy robot or the like is provided for securely accommodating a toy robot. The wrist watch type container for a toy robot or the like comprises a casing member, strapping means, and cooperating means. The casing member comprises a hollow base portion and an edge portion extending upwardly of the peripheral margin of the hollow base portion. The strapping means is coupled to the casing member for wearing on the wrist. The cooperating means is provided in the toy robot or the like to be held in the casing member for coupling with the engaging means, whereby the toy robot or the like is suitably accommodated within the space surrounded by the edge portion. The engaging means may be a hook member, magnets, or any other suitable clamping device.