Abstract: A bubble generating assembly has a housing, a container coupled to the housing and retaining bubble solution, a trigger mechanism, a bubble generating device, a tubing that couples the interior of the container with the bubble generating device, a stationary wiping bar that is fixed to the housing, and a link assembly housed inside the housing. The link assembly couples the trigger mechanism and the bubble generating device in a manner in which actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the bubble generating device to move past the wiping bar and to contact the wiping bar, so as to create a film of bubble solution across the bubble generating device.

Abstract: A wind propelled vehicle. The wind propelled vehicle has a frame. A plurality of wheels is connected to the frame. A mast is connected to the frame and a boom is connected to the mast. A sail is connected to the mast. A motor is operably connected to the boom via a string. The string has a boom end and a motor end. The string is connected to the boom at the boom end and the string is connected to the motor at the motor end. The motor is remotely controlled via a remote control unit. To propel the wind propelled vehicle the motor manipulates the boom in response to control signals generated by the remote control unit to adjust the sail relative to wind. In a preferred embodiment the sail is a rigid wing sail.

Abstract: A frictional-type game calling apparatus, wherein a striking plate is adapted to be frictionally contacted by a striker for reproducing the mating, gathering, and feeding calls of wild turkeys. The present apparatus and method allows for easy, one-handed operation, wherein the striker is held in constant contact with the striking plate, thereby allowing unrestricted use of the game call in any physical orientation.

Abstract: A water turbine includes a casing, a rotor, a primary drive shaft, a speed-reduction gear set, and an output drive unit. The casing confines a water compartment, and is formed with a water inlet for admitting pressurized water into the water compartment, and a water outlet for discharging the pressurized water from the water compartment. The rotor is mounted rotatably in the water compartment, and is driven rotatably by flow of the pressurized water from the water inlet through the water outlet. The primary drive shaft is coupled to and is co-rotatable with the rotor. The speed-reduction gear set is coupled to and is driven rotatably by the primary drive shaft. The output drive unit is coupled to and is driven rotatably by the speed-reduction gear set.

Abstract: A aerial toy comprises a hollow sleeve member and a base member to receive and accommodate the hollow sleeve member longitudinally for sliding movement, the base member having a cap provided with a plurality of holes permit air entrance into the base member when it is pulled and an air insulation member bendably placed thereof inside the cap in a position opposite to the holes to prevent air exit from the base member when it is pushed to permit easy sliding of the base member along the hollow sleeve member while maintaining sufficient compressed air thereof. The aerial toy apparatus further comprises an air chamber into which the hollow sleeve member fits securely and a launch tube into which the air chamber fits securely to receive the compressed air from the hollow sleeve member and a flying member mountable onto an upper end of the launch tube to be pushed off of the apparatus by the compressed air released from the launch tube.

Abstract: An inflatable doll action figure having a telescopically extendable endoskeleton surrounded by an inflatable skin, associated with a manually operated air pump and release valve for selectively expanding and contracting individual air chambers, which form the doll's torso and limbs to simulate growth into a physically developed figure, and return to its original undeveloped state. The doll and its individual parts are protected from over-expansion by limit stops on axial movement of individual limbs of the telescopic skeleton, and circumferential limits on the individual inflatable chambers forming the limbs and muscles of the doll. The limits can be either molded into the inflatable skin, or incorporated into a separate fabric covering simulating clothing for the doll.

Abstract: A diaphragm actuated toy water gun is provided which includes a housing having a handle with a trigger as well as a barrel with a water ejection nozzle located thereon. A water supply tank is connected to the main housing which can be filled with water. A pump is located on the housing for pumping water from the supply tank to at least one diaphragm chamber located on the housing. The diaphragm chamber is formed between a fixed wall and a flexible diaphragm, which can be deflected and expanded from its neutral position into a diaphragm housing. A release valve C the diaphragm assembly. Actuation of the release valve allows a stream of water to be ejected from the diaphragm water gun.

Abstract: A motion-generating illuminated inflatable decoration includes an inflatable body with an inner space mounted on the mounting base, an air pump and a dynamic controlling device. The air pump is mounted in the inner space to pump ambient air into the inner space. The dynamic controlling device is mounted in the inflatable body and includes a pulling cord, a cord driving motor, multiple illuminating elements, a controller and a sensor. The pulling cord interconnects the inflatable body with the cord driving motor and will cause a motion of the inflatable body as the cord driving motor is rotated to change its length. The illuminating elements are mounted on the inflatable body to produce lights. The controller controls the cord driving motor and the illuminating elements to work as the sensor detects a person going through the inflatable decoration to attract the person's attention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind operated device in the shape of a fish or the like. The device comprises at least two generally planar or segmented constructions of a lightweight material, each of the segments being flexibly connected to the other and a support rod connected to one of the segments by means of a bearing for supporting of the said device. When the device is subjected to an air-stream the segments move in a generally sinuous pattern in imitation of motion of a fish or the like while at the same time indicating wind direction.

Abstract: A pneumatic material delivery gun with removable material cartridge attached (100) is used with a high-pressure air source (not shown) which is coupled to mechanical fitting (202). The removable material cartridge (300) can be easily and rapidly attached and detached to the pneumatic material delivery gun (200) in only a few seconds.

Abstract: A bubble generating assembly has a housing, a container coupled to the housing and retaining bubble solution, a trigger mechanism, a bubble generating device, a tubing that couples the interior of the container with the bubble generating device, a stationary wiping bar that is fixed to the housing, and a link assembly housed inside the housing. The link assembly couples the trigger mechanism and the bubble generating device in a manner in which actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the bubble generating device to move past the wiping bar and to contact the wiping bar, so as to create a film of bubble solution across the bubble generating device.

Abstract: Sound producing apparatus (20) is disclosed which simulates a fire cracker. The apparatus comprises a selectively actuatable aerosol (24) which fills a chamber (35) with compressed fluid which, when a certain pressure is reached, blows off a cap (38) creating a shower of confetti (39) and a loud bang. In other embodiments, a plurality of elastomeric members filled with compressed air which are ruptured or a selectively operable compressed fluid container formed by the apparatus housing, art used to create a similar effect.

Abstract: A wind propelled vehicle. The wind propelled vehicle has a frame. A plurality of wheels is connected to the frame. A mast is connected to the frame and a boom is connected to the mast. A sail is connected to the mast. A motor is operably connected to the boom via a string. The string has a boom end and a motor end. The string is connected to the boom at the boom end and the string is connected to the motor at the motor end. The motor is remotely controlled via a remote control unit. To propel the wind propelled vehicle the motor manipulates the boom in response to control signals generated by the remote control unit to adjust the sail relative to wind. In a preferred embodiment the sail is a rigid wing sail.

Abstract: A diaphragm actuated toy water gun is provided which includes a housing having a handle with a trigger as well as a barrel with a water ejection nozzle located thereon. A water supply tank is connected to the main housing which can be filled with water. A pump is located on the housing for pumping water from the supply tank to at least one diaphragm chamber located on the housing. The diaphragm chamber is formed between a fixed wall and a flexible diaphragm, which can be deflected and expanded from its neutral position into a diaphragm housing. A release valve C the diaphragm assembly. Actuation of the release valve allows a stream of water to be ejected from the diaphragm water gun.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method that can provide a group of individuals with an experiential exercise. The apparatus can comprise a source of fluid flow and a channel formation connected to the source of fluid flow at at least two regions of the channel formation. The source of fluid flow can be a vacuum suction provided from, for example, a single vacuum source. The fluid flow can be airflow. The channel formation is adapted to receive at least one projectile therein, and the projectile is displaceable within the channel formation as a result of the fluid flow. The projectile can be, for example, a ball. A gate is located at each region and is movable between an open position and a closed position. When the gate is in the closed position it at least partially obstructs the fluid flow with the channel formation in that region. Further, at least one fluid flow regulator is provided in the channel formation to adjust the fluid flow in the channel formation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating and replacing a cap from a shank of a tip of a welding electrode. The cap and the shank form a peripheral hollow joint that is defined by a recessed end surface of the shank and a back surface of the cap. The apparatus includes a guide frame having a recessed portion sized for receiving the tip of the welding electrode. The apparatus also includes a cap withdrawing tool movably mounted on the guide frame. The tool has two facing wall sections each having a wedge that is inserted in the peripheral hollow joint. The wedge is forced against the back surface of the cap and removes the cap from the shank by means of a driving mechanism that moves the cap withdrawing tool toward the tip of the welding electrode that is engaged in the recessed portion of the guide frame.

Abstract: A wind propelled vehicle defining a center of gravity. The wind propelled vehicle has a frame. A rear axle is connected to the frame at its rear portion and two rear wheels are rotatably connected to the rear axle. The center of gravity of the wind propelled vehicle is forward of the rear axle. A front wheel is rotatably connected to the frame at its forward portion. A mast is connected to the frame and a boom is connected to the mast. A sail is connected to the mast and boom. A motor is operably connected to the boom and to the front wheel. The motor is also physically connected to the boom. The motor is remotely controlled via a remote control unit. To propel the wind propelled vehicle the position of the sail is adjusted relative to the wind. Sail position adjustment is achieved by the motor turning the front wheel and manipulating the position of the boom in response to control signals generated by the remote control unit.

Abstract: A bubble generating assembly has a housing, a container coupled to the housing and retaining bubble solution, a trigger mechanism, a bubble generating device, a tubing that couples the interior of the container with the bubble generating device, a stationary wiping bar that is fixed to the housing, and a link assembly housed inside the housing. The link assembly couples the trigger mechanism and the bubble generating device in a manner in which actuation of the trigger mechanism causes the bubble generating device to move past the wiping bar and to contact the wiping bar, so as to create a film of bubble solution across the bubble generating device.

Abstract: A toy figurine 10 is disclosed having a torso 13, a right arm 14, a left arm 15, a right leg 16, a left leg 17 and a head 18. Each arm 14 has a right shoulder portion (22, 29), an elbow portion (23, 30) and a wrist portion (24 31). The shoulder portions are coupled to the elbow portions by upper arm pneumatic cylinders (25, 32). The elbow portions 23 are coupled to the wrist portions by lower arm pneumatic cylinders (26, 33). Each leg (16, 17) has a thigh portion (36, 43), a knee portion (37, 44) and a foot portion (38, 45). The thigh portions are coupled to the knee portions by upper leg pneumatic cylinders (39, 46). The knee portions are coupled to the foot portions by a lower leg pneumatic cylinder (40, 47). The figurine also includes an internally mounted manual air pump (50) positioned within an internally mounted pressure tank (51).

Abstract: An aerial toy includes a hollow sleeve member which is open at both ends and a base member which acts as a pump into which the sleeve fits longitudinally in a sliding arrangement, wherein movement of the base member from a first extended position to a second position along the hollow sleeve member results in air moving out the upper end of the sleeve. A launch tube portion fits onto an upper end of the hollow sleeve member. A flying member which is made from a compressible foam is mountable on the launch tube, the flying member having at least one constriction along its length, wherein the internal diameter of a body portion of the flying member is slightly decreased at the constriction, providing a tighter fit between the flying member and the launch tube without significantly increasing the force necessary to mount the flying member on the launch tube.

Abstract: A display assembly intended primarily but not exclusively for use in the advertisement of any of a variety of different products or services structured to visually simulate the presence of moving liquid representative of an effervescent or bubbling liquid in the advertisement or display. An ornamental display, in the form of a pictorial representation, indicia, or other visual representation includes a light transmittable material aligned with an illumination assembly and a chamber through which a pattern of fluid flow passes. The pattern of fluid flow comprises a plurality of air streams of bubbles and provides the appearance of moving liquid to an exterior observer.

Abstract: The subject invention provides an amusement device and method of play using the device, wherein the device includes a gun for shooting a liquid and/or a light beam, wherein the gun comprises a generally elongated barrel, a tank for containing a liquid, a source of power, a pump for pressurizing the tank, valve structures suitable for controlling the flow of the liquid, at least one light source, and a trigger mechanism which may selectively cause a stream of liquid to be discharged and one or more of the light sources to be activated.

Abstract: A miniature car kite. The device includes an aero-resistant shape, such a disc, airplane, kite or figure; and a semi-rigid tether attached to the shape. In the preferred embodiment, the tether includes a pre-determined length of a semi-rigid material and a mounting platform at one end for mounting the miniature car kite to the tether. A clip for attaching the miniature car kite to the grill of an air vent is attached to the distal end of the tether.

Abstract: A novelty item includes a deformable hollow body having an air intake opening and an air exhaust opening. A scented article is contained in the hollow body between the intake and exhaust openings. A noise maker is attached to the body, and cooperates with a discharge of air through the exhaust opening upon deformation of the hollow body to produce a noise. The discharge of air has a scent corresponding to that of the scented article contained in the hollow body.

Abstract: A combination miniature toy vehicle and squirt gun. In one embodiment, the toy vehicle includes a hand grip which, when pivotally extended downwardly from the vehicle bottom, also serves as a water pump. Each time the grip is manually actuated by squeezing, a supply of water is drawn from a tank within the toy vehicle and pumped through suitable concealed conduit for discharge as streams of water through discharge nozzles located in each headlight of the model car. When the grip is in its stored position within a cavity in the bottom of the model car, a separate button shaped actuator in the top of the model car may be depressed to actuate the stored grip and thusly to discharge water streams from the headlights. In an alternate embodiment, a depressable button or body panel area directly activates a water pump in fluid communication between the water tank and the headlight water discharge nozzles.

Abstract: An adaptive toy system including a multiplicity of interactive toys, each of which is connected to a computer network and adaptive toy operation software which is supplied to the multiplicity of interactive toys via the computer network, the adaptive toy operation software being operative to provide feedback, based on play experience with at least some of the multiplicity of interactive toys, via the computer network and to employ the feedback in adapting itself so as to change the play experience provided thereby.

Abstract: A ground-engaging toy vehicle powered by water flowing from a garden hose. The hose is connected to a stationary portion of a stake that serves as a center of revolution for the tethered vehicle. The water leaves the stationary portion of the stake into a rotary portion, traversing through a plastic tube that serves as a tether into an impeller housing. The impeller is attached to the drive shaft that is, in turn, attached through a reduction gear box and a series of pulleys and drive belt to the four wheels of the vehicle. After the water stream of the hose has partially exhausted its energy driving the wheels, it is discharged from the impeller housing to a plurality of fluid exhaust ports to provide one or more water sprays for kids to run through. In the preferred embodiment, the toy vehicle is configured as a fire truck.

Abstract: A soft-shelled crystal ball having an improved baffle is provided. The baffle is positioned in a soft shell of the crystal ball for forming a reduced neck portion of the crystal ball. The baffle is provided with a downward projected filling port, an upper part of which defines a stepped inner hole sealed with a first stepped plug and a lower part of which is a tube portion sealed with a second plug. The baffle is also provided along a lower outer periphery with a plurality of stubs. The soft shell extended downward from the neck portion is tightened around the tube portion of the filling port and is supported by the stubs to provide a lower space below the baffle. The soft shell extended beyond the tube portion is tightened again to ensure that the crystal ball is absolutely leakproof. The space below the baffle is communicable with the crystal ball through holes provided on the baffle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for discharging a fluid under pressure comprising: an intake port for receiving fluid from a source of receiving fluid; a pressurizable tank for fluid storage; a discharge port; a pump assembly having a first passageway in fluid communication with the intake port and the tank and a second passageway in fluid communication with the tank and the discharge port, the pump assembly being operable to pressurize the fluid in the tank; and an actuator associated with the discharge port to allow pressurized fluid to be discharged selectively through the discharge port. Preferably, the discharge device is in the form of a toy water gun having one or two discharge ports.

Abstract: The present invention is a waterslide toy block construction system. The present invention includes a plurality of toy construction blocks that can be arranged to create a variety of multi-block structures. Some of the construction blocks have a plurality of elongated projections extending from said top surface, and the undersurface of such blocks defines recesses therein for frictionally engaging the elongated projections of other such blocks. Other construction blocks have conduits for water flow (hereinafter groves) which can be assembled to create continuous, extendable and generally horizontal and vertical paths for the travel of water thereon. The top surface of such blocks defines at least one groove thereon for the routing of water. When a user correctly arranges the blocks to form a multi-block structure, these grooves form a path thereon for the travel of water throughout such a multi-block structure.

Abstract: A toy gun (10) is provided having a housing (11), a barrel (12), a trigger (13), and a manual air pump (14). The manual air pump is coupled to both a water pressure tank (15) and an air pressure chamber (30). The water pressure tank is coupled to a quick release water nozzle or valve (24). The air pressure chamber is coupled to a quick release air valve (32). The trigger is coupled to a movable switch (40) which selectively engages either the quick release water nozzle to release a stream of water with actuation of the trigger or the quick release air valve to release a burst of compressed air with actuation of the trigger.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a dynamic gas-inflated object such as a figure with legs, a torso and head, and a pair of arms. The figure performs generally repetitive movements such as dance-like undulations in a manner that appears to keep time with music. The figure is hollow and connected to a continuous generally constant input flow of air or other gas under pressure. The figure is provided with at least two spaced-apart outlets or vents to allow a continuous discharge of generally all of the air being introduced into the figure. In operation, the figure tends to cycle between extending generally upright, then, as more air is discharged, destabilizing and moving to a contorted or bent position, then, as more air flows in, to extending, etc. The figure may be designed for extensive movement e.g., dancing, or for a narrower range of movements. In a preferred form, the outlets are generally at the top of the head and at the ends of the arms.

Abstract: A novelty drinking straw designed to play an electronically recorded voice or other sound when a liquid passes through the straw is disclosed having improved safety and entertainment value. The novelty drinking straw has a detachable sound module and an improved sealing member to prevent damage to the electronic circuitry in the sound module.

Abstract: A wind driven flying toy comprising a single guideline and an aerodynamic body slidably secured to the guideline, the aerodynamic body being capable of traversing the entire length single guideline in both directions by reacting with the action of wind power member even when the wind power is in a constant wind direction. The direction of the travel of the aerodynamic body can be modified by adjusting the orientation of the aerodynamic body and is not dependent upon a change in the direction of the wind. In addition, the direction of travel of the aerodynamic body along the single guideline can be reversed by rotation of a handle connected to the end of the guideline when the aerodynamic body is in contact with the handle.

Abstract: A medical device comprises a model of a male child with a urination-simulating mechanism including a removable reservoir disposed interiorly of the model for holding a liquid and a pumping mechanism for expelling the liquid from the reservoir into a passage upon actuation of the pumping mechanism. A penis member on the model has an opening simulating the urethral opening in a human penis, and the passage is in communication with the opening. The arms of the model are movable and Velcro.RTM. fastening material on the penis member and on the hands of the model attach the hands to the penis member in a manner that illustrates how an adult male grasps his penis during urination. The model is placed in front of a toilet with the opening in the penis member pointed toward the toilet bowl and with the hands attached to the penis member, and the adult performing the demonstration actuates the pumping mechanism to expel liquid from the opening and simulate urination.

Abstract: An animated toy with an extendible tongue appendage that can be retracted back towards the opened mouth of the toy creature. In the first preferred embodiment an inner spring and outer spring are used, respectively, to propel the tongue away from the creature's body and to retract the extended tongue. In another second embodiment, the body of the creature is hollow, deformable and resilient with an internal air chamber. Air pressure in this chamber is used in place of the springs to extend and retract the hollow tongue. In a third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment in operation, pressurized air is supplied by an external bellows to extend the creature's tongue before it is retracted by an internal spring.

Abstract: The invention is a water powered wheeled toy which is constrained to travel in circular orbits. A coupling at the top of a stationary pylon connects a water hose to a swivel coupling. A hose is connected from the swivel coupling to a balance point on a wheeled vehicle. Water is delivered from the hose to the wheeled vehicle where it is delivered to a turbine wheel which drives the wheeled vehicle. The vehicle thus travels in a constrained circular orbit.

Abstract: A vehicle for entertainment includes a chassis with several support wheels, where at least one of support wheels is a drive wheel, an electric motor drivably connected to the drive wheel, an electric power source, a power supply circuit interconnecting the power source and the motor, for selectively delivering electric power from the power source to the motor, including power circuit first and second terminals, and an activation duration limiting module within the power supply circuit and timed by liquid draining from a drain vessel, where the presence of a sufficient quantity of the liquid in the vessel causes the power circuit terminals to make electrical contact with each other and thereby completes the power circuit, activating the motor, and where the circuit remains complete and the motor activated until enough of the liquid has drained from the vessel to decrease the quantity of the liquid to a level below the sufficient quantity, and thereby causes the power circuit terminals to electrically disconnec

Abstract: An amusement device for propelling water either from a self contained reservoir or from a standing body of water. The amusement device is a type of toy whip that uses a whipping action to propel water toward a target. The amusement device contains a tubular handle and at least one flexible tubular element that extends from one end of the tubular handle, thereby forming an overall tubular structure having a rigid section and a flexible section. By partially submerging the tubular handle in a body of water and manipulating the overall tubular structure with a whipping action, water is drawn up into the tubular structure. The flexible tubular element extending from the handle tapers toward a small exit aperture. As the whipping motion of the overall tubular structure forces water toward the exit aperture, the water becomes compressed by the taper of the flexible tubular element. As a result, the water is propelled from the exit aperture at a high rate of speed.

Abstract: A toy vehicle includes an inner body having a plurality of apertures formed therein and having an interior cavity. A plurality of body panels are formed to be received upon the inner body to form an outer body and are releasibly secured thereto in a snap-fit attachment. A pressure tank and pump are supported within the inner body to provide a reservoir of compressed air secured by a releasible trigger latch. The trigger latch is operated in response to impact against the vehicle front whereupon the latch is released and the pressurized air within the pressure tank rapidly pressurizes the inner body driving the body panels from it in all directions and creating a loud bang.

Abstract: A flying toy having a first and a second guideline support, each guideline having two ends and a handle member respectively secured at each end. A body member for operating aerodynamically may include a frame and sail, or alternatively, the frame and sail may be replaced by a one-piece or composite sail frameless structure. In an alternative embodiment, a single guideline replaces the two guidelines. Support elements are slideably secured to the body member and to the fasteners for supporting the body in a desired orientation between the first and second guidelines. Alternatively, the support elements may be included as a part of the frame of the body member or some embodiments eliminated.

Abstract: A projectile launching and recirculating display apparatus and method are provided which preferably include a collector extending in a generally horizontal plane, and having an opening positioned in a medial portion thereof for collecting a plurality of projectiles, such as balloons, therein. A blower has an output positioned to underlie the collector opening for blowing a gas upwardly through the opening and thereby blowing the plurality of projectiles upwardly when overlying the collector opening.

Abstract: This is a unit or structure that can be used to easily convert a foot pedal operated toy vehicle to other than foot operation. This is to provide children who do not have the use of their legs the ability to still enjoy playing with this type toy. The unit has relatively low cost components that are readily accessible and easy to install.

Abstract: A heat-activated amusement display disposed within the walls of a cup or other vessel.

Abstract: A confetti launching device is disclosed which comprises an elongated tube or cannon filled with confetti, streamers or the like, and the tube is connected to a source of compressed gas such as a CO.sub.2 cartridge. In one embodiment, a female quick-disconnect fitting is connected to the compressed gas source, and a male quick-disconnect fitting is connected to the elongated tube whereby the tube may be quickly and easily connected to and disconnected from the source of compressed gas.

Abstract: A packaged balloon and greeting card are disclosed comprising a balloon having an uninflated body, a filler neck extending from said body, and a first image displayed on said body; a greeting card having a face displaying a second image matching the first image; a tether line having a first end attached to the filler neck and a second end attached to the greeting card; and a packaging envelope receiving the uninflated balloon body, the greeting card, and at least a portion of the tether line. A third image, matching the first and second image, can be displayed on the envelope. The packaging envelope can also include an opening through which the balloon filler neck extends outside the envelope for communication to a source of inflating gas to permit in-situ inflation of the balloon body in the envelope. The envelope can also be constructed so as to be burst by inflation of the uninflated balloon body while it resides in the envelope to facilitate unpackaging of the balloon for use.

Abstract: A flexible, low friction, rideable sliding toy is disclosed that slides over relatively smooth, firm surfaces with very low friction. The toy is comprised of a bag of flexible, air impermeable material having one or more relatively large holes cut out of the bottom of the bag where the bag contacts the floor when in use. The bag is inflated by allowing it to drop onto the floor, trapping air inside it as it lands. The outer edges of the hole form a relatively airtight seal allowing the bag to retain its inflated state when laid upon by a user, thus permitting a user to propel himself over fiat surfaces in a low friction manner. A flap of material may be affixed inside the bag positioned so that it lies loosely over the large holes, providing a seal when the bag leaks unduly.

Abstract: A rocket launcher (18) is disclosed having a pressure chamber (74) coupled to a pump (66) through a pressure tube (67) and a release valve assembly (87) having a manifold (78) in fluid communication with the pressure chamber. The manifold has a plunger (79) therein which is slidable between a first position storing pressurized air within the pressure chamber and a second position releasing pressurized air from the pressure chamber and into a launch tube (76).

Abstract: Cannons for launching confetti into the air are disclosed in which readily removable connectors secure the elongated hollow tubes filled with confetti to a source of compressed gas. The elongated hollow tubes may be composed of plastic or cardboard, and the readily removable connectors include threaded joints, bayonet joints and quick-disconnect couplings.

Abstract: A fanciful animal (12) which emits a purring sound when petted. A sensor, comprising an enclosure of a fanciful animal (18), pressure transducer (14) and cushion material (16) is arranged so as to permit at least a portion of said cushioning material to move freely over said pressure transducer when said enclosure is rubbed, producing an output signal of sufficient magnitude to be detected by an electronics assembly (20). The electronics assembly produces a waveform of predetermined form which when applied to a speaker (SP1) simulates a purr.