Abstract: Various arrangements for performing wireless sensor device activation are presented. A sensor device may be manufactured such that a function of the sensor device is disabled and the sensor device is activated for passive near-field communication (NFC). A housing of the sensor device may be sealed such that only wireless communication with the sensor device is available. An NFC carrier field and a wake message can be received from an activation device. In response to validating the wake message, a sensor device identifier may be transmitted by modulating the NFC carrier field and the disabled function of the sensor device may be enabled.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an interactive system for teaching sequencing and programming to children. In some embodiments, the interactive system comprises a plurality of tiles organisable to form a structural pattern, wherein each tile comprises an RFID tag storing at least a pre-defined command corresponding to a first action and an identifier associated with a second set of actions, and an interactive robot. In some embodiments, the interactive robot when placed on the tile is configured for, receiving a voice command from a user, reading at least the pre-defined command and the identifier from the RFID tag associated with the tile, comparing the command received from the user and the pre-defined command, and performing one or more actions from among a third set of actions based on a result of comparison.

Abstract: Disclosed are an assembly information providing system and a module assembly including a module assembly including at least one control module including a functional unit including an assembly information management unit generating assembly information; and a user terminal and an assembly information providing server connected to the module assembly through a network and an assembly information providing method including: receiving, by the user terminal or the assembly information providing server, the assembly information from the control module; and storing, by the user terminal or the assembly information providing server, the assembly information and determining whether an assembly error of the module assembly occurs based on the assembly information and transmitting assembly error information to the module assembly, and the assembly error information includes module unique information of at least one module with an error.

Abstract: Technologies for physical programming include a model compute system to determine one or more physical blocks assembled in a constructed model. The model compute system determines rules associated with the one or more physical blocks in which at least one rule defines a behavior of the constructed model and determines a program stack for execution by the model compute system based on the rules associated with the one or more physical blocks.

Abstract: A toy apparatus includes a base piece having a distal end, a movable elongated member having a first end and a second end, and a tether coupled to the first end of the movable elongated member. Tension applied to the tether moves the movable elongated member from an open first position to a closed second position. The toy apparatus is configured to freely slide on a surface due to momentum generated when an initial pushing force is applied to the toy apparatus. The tension applied to the tether causes the tether to become taut, without other human contact to the toy apparatus. In the closed second position, the second end of the movable elongated member is closer to the distal end of the base elongated member, and the base elongated member and the movable elongated member are capable of retaining a target piece.

Abstract: A user of a device may interact with a character presented by the device. A session between the user and the character may be started by a user, may be triggered by an event, or may be started in other ways. The user of the of the device may be associated with one or more trigger events. Information about the trigger events may be obtained and processed to determine when a trigger event has occurred. When a trigger event has occurred, a session may be started on the device with the character. A segment may be selected to be presented during the session, and an interaction corresponding to the segment may be presented by the character to the user. For example, the character may speak a phrase using a text-to-speech voice.

Abstract: An articulating toy figurine comprises a body, a member coupled to the body via a shaft and an actuator pivotally coupled to the member. The shaft may comprise opposing first and second ends disposed within the member and body, respectively. The first end may comprise a bevel gear. The actuator may be pivotally coupled to the member to drive a gear assembly disposed in an internal cavity of the member. The gear assembly may be operably coupled to the bevel gear of the shaft to rotate the body around a rotation axis defined by the shaft. The rotation axis defines an angle ?1 that is less than 90 degrees, preferably 30 degrees to 60 degrees, relative to an axis defined by the member. The actuator may be movable from a first position to a second position to cause the body to rotate 360 degrees around the rotation axis.

Abstract: A squeezable face-covering toy includes a toy figure having a face, left and right arms and a squeeze mechanism mounted inside the toy figure. The squeeze mechanism includes four curved panels connected end-to-end by four hinges, and left and right arm supports configured to support the left and right arms respectively. A spring is fastened between two opposite hinges whereby squeezing the squeeze mechanism moves the arms from an initial face-covering position to a face-revealing position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mini-figure that may be used with existing and standard toy block systems and also have the appearance of a sports figure. Improvements over traditional mini-figures include additional separate components in the arms and feet, an optional variation in torso shape, accessories which create visual impression of sports figures in natural use, unique markings identifiable by specific player or production, and a unique method of marketing and distribution.

Abstract: An agricultural security assembly includes a housing that has a head portion, a body portion and a leg portion. The head portion is movably coupled to the body portion. A sensor is coupled to the housing. The sensor senses movement. A processor is coupled to the housing. The processor is operationally coupled to the sensor. The processor is actuated when the sensor senses movement. A speaker is coupled to the housing. The speaker is operationally coupled to the processor. A motor is coupled to the head portion of the housing. The motor is operationally coupled to the processor. The motor moves the head portion of the housing when the processor is actuated. A power supply is coupled to the housing. The power supply is operationally coupled to the processor.

Abstract: A facial expression control device is provided. The facial expression control device of the present invention provides multiple structures and links, wherein the links are connected to the linking assembly; therefore varies facial expressions are expressed according to the combination of the structures and links. In this way, the facial expression is changed by means of the least actuators under the condition of maintaining the number of facial expression and imitation.

Abstract: A plush toy having electronics therein for interacting with a user includes a non-rigid electrical component for detecting deformation thereof. The component, also referred to as a hug sensor, has an electrically conductive and compressible material and is movable from a rest, non-compressed position towards a compressed position by way of the application of an external force thereon (e.g., a hug or squeeze). The hug sensor has a resistance there across that is monitored by a microprocessor. Compression of the hug sensor causes changes in the resistance across the hug sensor. Changes in the detected resistance across the hug sensor result in activation of responses (e.g., playing of audio and/or movement). Varying responses may be activated as a result of varying changes in resistance.

Abstract: A toy having a humanoid body and a jet pack is provided. The toy includes a first fabric portion partially ejected from a first aperture in the jet pack in response to a lever being moved from a first position to a second position. The toy further includes a fan disposed in the body that blow airs across the first fabric portion. The toy further includes a first light emitting diode that illuminates the first fabric portion when the first fabric portion is partially ejected from the first aperture such that the first fabric portion simulates flames being emitted from the jet pack.

Abstract: Animated toy figures including a torso having a neck and an interior body cavity, a head that is pivotally coupled to the neck, a vertically oriented lifting structure, where an upward movement of the lifting structure results in a backward pivoting of the head, first and second arm members disposed on opposing sides of the torso, a cross-connector rotatably disposed within the interior body cavity connected to and extending between the first and second arm members and configured to drive the lifting structure upward upon rotation of the cross-connector, and an activating member disposed on the torso that is operatively coupled to the cross-connector. Activation of the activating member rotates the cross-connector, thereby rotating the first and second arm members and vertically displacing the lifting structure, so that the upward movement of the arm members is coupled to a backward pivoting of the head.

Abstract: A toy appendage assembly includes an elongated member, an offset shaft having a first end coupled to a coupling end of the elongated member, and a wheel coupled to a second end of the offset shaft. The offset shaft is coupled to the wheel at a location away from the center of the wheel. The coupling end of the elongated member is at least partially spherical in shape and is capable of rotating within a support structure. The elongated member has a first axis, and the offset shaft has a second axis, where the first axis is angularly offset from the second axis. The coupling end serves as a pivot point for the elongated member and the offset shaft.

Abstract: A toy figure, with an upper torso; a shoulder flange rotatably mounted on the upper torso; and an extendable arm pivotally mounted to the shoulder flange. The extendable arm may pivot with respect to both the shoulder flange and the upper torso to extend away from the upper torso, and includes an elbow that allows the extendable arm to straighten and bend. The toy figure includes an actuating mechanism disposed within the upper torso that forces the extendable arm to pivot and extend away from the upper torso. A tie rod may interconnect the shoulder flange to a portion of the extendable arm through the elbow so that so that pivotal movement of the arm around the shoulder flange causes the extendable arm to straighten.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reciprocating mechanism. In particular, the invention relates to a reciprocating mechanism suitable for use in a robot, wherein the robot is capable of performing a drumming action. In specific embodiments, the mechanism includes: (i) a substantially fan (triangular)- or wedge-shaped member having a pivot, a follower end and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes a plurality of teeth; (ii) a guide cylinder having a serpentine guide means around a curved surface of the guide cylinder, wherein the follower end engages with the serpentine guide means such that as the guide cylinder is rotated the follower end traverses the curved surface; and (iii) a central pulley member having teeth that mesh with the teeth of the distal end; wherein movement of the follower end is translated into movement of a distal end via the pivot of the fan (triangular)-shaped member, and wherein movement of the distal end causes movement of the central pulley member via their meshed teeth.

Abstract: A rocking inflatable figure has a hollow inflatable body, a rocking mechanism and an air pump. The inflatable body has an air inlet, a movable portion and two partition diaphragms securely mounted on an inner wall inside the movable portion. The rocking mechanism is mounted between the two partition diaphragms and has a housing and an oscillating lever pivotally mounted on the housing. An electric motor and a transmission mechanism are mounted inside the housing. When the electric motor and the transmission mechanism drive the oscillating lever to keep oscillating, the two partition diaphragms on the movable portion rock relative to each other. Accordingly, the rocking inflatable figure can exhibit a continuously rocking form to increase the viewing fun and animated effect.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an action piece for a toy play set is provided, the action piece being configured to have at least three separate engagement features configured to retain and subsequently release a portion of an action figure. In another embodiment a play set is provided, the play set having: a ring structure, at least one action figure and an action piece for securement to a portion of the ring structure. In still another embodiment, a method of launching an action figure from a play set in order to cause the action figure to fly through the air in a predetermined fashion is provided.

Abstract: A hexapod robot device includes a main body and six legs coupled thereto. Each leg has a first connecting rod pivotally connected with the main body, a first driver electrically pivotally connected between the main body and the first connecting rod, with the first driver controllably driving the first connecting rod to move forward and backward along a longitudinal direction, a second connecting rod pivotally connected with the first connecting rod, and a second driver pivotally connected between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod, with the second driver controllably driving the second connecting rod to move upward and downward along a vertical direction. The second connecting rod further has an end to engage with the ground.

Abstract: A toy action figure includes a cape and a spring-loaded arm. The upper torso of the toy action figure includes two pivotally coupled arms. The first pivotally coupled arm is configured to retract the cape. An actuator button may be provided on the front of the torso to actuate the cape into an extended position with the assistance of a spring. The second pivotally coupled arm may include a spring-loaded arm to launch a projective therefrom.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device, method, and means for creating a particular motion towards the rear end of an automobile. In some embodiments the device is incorporated with the auto's trailer hitch, the motion is a wagging motion and the visible parts of the device displaying the motion resemble an animal's tail and move in a substantially side to side manner. In other embodiments the motion may be vertical, circular, or constitute extension. The device may attached to any surface or structure towards the rear of the automobile and powered by numerous methods.

Abstract: A robot toy includes a body and a controller. The body includes right and left arms, legs, arm-actuating mechanisms, thrust mechanisms, and a driving unit. The arms can be extended forward and back, and are pulled back by a predetermined biasing force in a normal condition. The arm-actuating mechanisms are provided at the respective arms and allow the corresponding arms to be extended and pulled back. The thrust mechanisms are provided at the respective legs and allow the corresponding legs to move forward. The driving unit drives one of a pair of the left arm-actuating mechanism and the left thrust mechanism and a pair of the right arm-actuating mechanism and the right thrust mechanism. The driving unit simultaneously drives the arm-actuating mechanism and the thrust mechanism in the same pair.

Abstract: A toy figure is disclosed herein, the toy figure having a main body portion; a pair of appendages movably secured to the main body portion for movement from a first position to a second position and back to the first position; and a removably body portion removably secured to the main body portion, wherein the pair of appendages grasp the removably body portion when they are moved to the second position and the removably body portion is removably secured to the main body portion, wherein the removably body portion is subsequently removed from the main body portion by the pair of appendages as they are moved back towards the first position from the second position.

Abstract: An interactive talking toy with moveable and detachable body parts has the ability to talk, sing, move and dance in response to voice input from the user. Various motors, actuators, microphones, speakers and integrated circuit means are used to control and customize the movement of the toy and the accompanying sounds, based on a combination of pre-programmed parameters and real-time input from various sensors. The toy provides the user a high degree of interactivity, as well as humour, spontaneity and unpredictability.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating a flying effect. The apparatus includes a mounting assembly on a body and a wing assembly attached to the mounting assembly. The wing assembly includes right and left wings and a span member extending between the wings. A drive assembly is provided with a reciprocal drive shaft and a drive for reciprocating the shaft. A contact member extending from an end of the reciprocating shaft contacts the span member to apply a drive force at a drive frequency. The mounting assembly includes a recessed surface, and the span member is positioned over the recessed surface such that the span member is urged toward the recessed surface when the drive force is applied. The span member is formed of flexible material, and the wings move with the spring-like span member as it is urged toward the recessed surface and as it returns to its at-rest position.

Abstract: An entertainment system comprises an entertainment device and an interactive toy. The entertainment device comprises a wireless receiver arranged in operation to receive data descriptive of the physical capabilities of an interactive toy from an interactive toy, processing means to generate interaction signals, and a wireless transmitter arranged in operation to transmit interaction signals to the interactive toy, and in which the generated interaction signals are responsive to the data descriptive of the physical capabilities of the interactive toy. The interactive toy comprises a wireless receiver arranged in operation to receive a query signal requesting information about physical capabilities of the interactive toy, data provision means for providing data descriptive of the capabilities of the interactive toy, and a wireless transmitter arranged in operation to transmit the data descriptive of the physical capabilities of the interactive toy in response to the query signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a play system representing a character, including multiple distinct physical play units for representing the same character simultaneously, while establishing and preserving the impression that, independent of the physical play units, the character itself has a genuine and unique existence of its own. The invention provides for this property of the play system by permitting only a single play unit to fully represent the dynamic components of the character at any given time. Enabled status can be reversibly transferred from one play unit to another by user command.

Abstract: An action figure with a unitary construction, including a spine, upper torso, rib plates, pelvis, legs, shoulders, arms and a head. The action figure is formed from a flexible material to enhance the natural movement of the action figure.

Abstract: Disclosed are vibratory devices for inducing movement to a bobble toy, such as a bobble head, without user interaction. The vibratory device has a platform upon which the bobble toy rests, a base supporting the platform, springs and/or bearings supporting the platform, and magnetic vibration means. The magnetic vibration means include electromagnets, permanent magnets, and/or ferromagnetic materials. The electromagnetics can be controlled by hardware, software, and user inputs, and may be programmable or controllable by a computer, a mobile phone, or a remote. Multiple vibratory devices may be programmed or coupled to provide synchronized vibratory motion.

Abstract: Animated toy figures including a torso having a neck and an interior body cavity, a head that is pivotally coupled to the neck, a vertically oriented lifting structure, where an upward movement of the lifting structure results in a backward pivoting of the head, first and second arm members disposed on opposing sides of the torso, a cross-connector rotatably disposed within the interior body cavity connected to and extending between the first and second arm members and configured to drive the lifting structure upward upon rotation of the cross-connector, and an activating member disposed on the torso that is operatively coupled to the cross-connector. Activation of the activating member rotates the cross-connector, thereby rotating the first and second arm members and vertically displacing the lifting structure, so that the upward movement of the arm members is coupled to a backward pivoting of the head.

Abstract: Toys according to the present disclosure include a body, at least one pivotal member that is coupled to the body and biased toward a first position from a second position, and a user release mechanism configured to release the at least one pivotal member from the second position to the first position. In some embodiments, the toys include more than one pivotal member. In some embodiments, a pivotal member is configured to resemble different elements of the toy when in the first position than when in the second position.

Abstract: A winged toy is described. The winged toy includes a wing mechanism and a doll. The wing mechanism includes a first wing arm and a second wing arm (each with wings). Each of the two wing arms are connected with one another via gears to allow the wings to flap in unison. The gears include teeth that are engaged with one another such that rotation of one gear causes the other gear to rotate at an equal rate and in a direction opposite to that of the first gear, thereby causing the wings to flap in unison. Additionally, the wing mechanism includes a plug having a distinct pattern. Finally, the doll has a rear side with a receptacle. The receptacle is formed in a distinct pattern that matches the distinct pattern of the plug, thereby allowing a user to selectively plug the wing mechanism into the doll.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a core body, a rotational spring motor and several flexible limbs. One of the flexible limbs is the, “the drive arm” and connects to the motor inside the body. The drive arm has a connection point at the other end (hand) that allows it to connect to other like toys.

Abstract: One or more methods, apparatuses, and/or systems are disclosed herein for selectively grasping one or more target objects. The apparatus includes a string and a winding mechanism. The winding mechanism is configured to selectively unwind and wind the string, wherein a first portion of the apparatus is configured to be separated from a second portion of the apparatus when the string is unwound and wherein the first and second portions are configured to be adjacent to one another when the string is wound. A plurality of members are pivotally mounted to the apparatus and operably coupled to the winding mechanism, wherein the plurality of members are configured to grasp an object responsive to actuation of a button that is located within an area defined by the plurality of members.

Abstract: A toy figurine is disclosed. The toy figurine includes a body to which one or more plates are coupled. The toy figurine includes a launching mechanism that is used to launch a projectile from the toy figurine. The plates cover the launching mechanism when the plates are mounted to the body.

Abstract: A method for operating a driven output device provided in an articulated head, mobile prop, or other object worn by a performer. The method includes providing a wearable control system, the control system including a driver for the output device, a control module, a wireless receiver, and memory. The method includes storing a set of show control commands for the output device in the memory, and receiving a show control signal with the wireless receiver from a wayside controller. The method includes operating the control module to process the show control signal, to retrieve the show control commands, and to signal the driver to drive the output device based on the commands. The commands are selected based on a character identifier stored in memory associated with the output device such as in a character head junction box, and this memory stores tuning or configuration data for the output device.

Abstract: A toy figure with controlled motorized movements is provided having a head, two arms two legs and a tail which are pivotally and/or rotatably attached to a chassis. Mechanisms and electronics are included to move the head, arms, legs and tail in a variety of play patterns and movements.

Abstract: A toy figure is provided that incorporates a torso, rotatably mounted on a spine, a pelvis fixed to the spine separate from the torso, a movable leg mounted on the pelvis, and a movable arm movably mounted to the torso. A lever extending from the movable leg into the torso rotates the torso on the spine as a result of the motion of the leg. The movable arm, attached to the spine by a linkage, is moved as a result of the relative motion of the rotating torso and the spine. The linkage may be attached within the movable arm near the shoulder or near the elbow.

Abstract: An action figure with a unitary construction, including a spine, upper torso, rib plates, pelvis, legs, shoulders, arms and a head. The action figure is formed from a flexible material to enhance the natural movement of the action figure.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base, a drive mechanism attached to the base for causing the base to move across a support surface, a bobble head rotatably coupled to the base and rotatable about at least one axis, and a vibrating mechanism adapted to cause the bobble head to oscillate about at least one axis.

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: A multi-directional radio controlled toy, having a main vehicle with housing configured as a creature-like head containing propulsion and control components including two drive motors with controller, drive wheels coupled with the motors, power supply and wireless signal receiver coupled with the controller. An unpowered body portion trails the main vehicle and body members movably connected together by articulated couplings to permit body articulation throughout substantially the entire body portion of the creature-like device. A jaw moving mechanism in the main vehicle is powered by the motors to raise an upper jaw portion of the head until tripped by contact of a trigger at the front end of the main vehicle.

Abstract: A method for operating a driven output device provided in an articulated head, mobile prop, or other object worn by a performer. The method includes providing a wearable control system, the control system including a driver for the output device, a control module, a wireless receiver, and memory. The method includes storing a set of show control commands for the output device in the memory, and receiving a show control signal with the wireless receiver from a wayside controller. The method includes operating the control module to process the show control signal, to retrieve the show control commands, and to signal the driver to drive the output device based on the commands. The commands are selected based on a character identifier stored in memory associated with the output device such as in a character head junction box, and this memory stores tuning or configuration data for the output device.

Abstract: An interactive intelligent play set, method and apparatus, is provided which includes a principle toy, a plurality of action figures, and/or play accessories. An intelligent play set identifies and tracks action figures and/or play accessories used by a player during a play session, provides interactions based on the specific action figures, accessories, or combinations thereof, used by a player during game play, provides interactions based on the history of how a player has interacted with the set during previous play sessions, and/or enables a player to construct new interactions between the various play pieces of the play set, using basic interactions as building blocks.

Abstract: An animated novelty device for mounting on a ball of a trailer hitch on a vehicle, the device including an electric motor for imparting motion to selected elements of the device. The motor is electrically connected to the vehicle braking system whereby the device is set in motion by energizing the vehicle brakes.

Abstract: A simulation tail swinging installment includes a base plate, an electromagnetic coil disposed on the base plate, a battery module configured for supplying power to the electromagnetic coil, and a control circuit coupled to the battery module. The simulation tail swinging installment further includes a furcated component having two arms disposed with respect to the electromagnetic coil, with the two arms located on opposite sides of the electromagnetic coil, respectively. Each of the arms includes a permanent magnet positioned in correspondence with the electromagnetic coil. The furcated component is mounted to the base plate through a pivot connected to the base plate. A first driving cable and a second driving cable are attached to the two arms, respectively. The first driving cable and the second driving cable extend through and along two side portions of a simulation tail and secured to a distal end of the simulation tail.

Abstract: A lights and sounds mechanism for use in a toy is provided. The lights and sounds mechanism may be connected to a product test switch switch. One or more components of the toy may be disassembled for packaging. The disassembled components may include one or more lights or speakers. When the product test switch is triggered, the lights and/or speakers in the disassembled components may properly function.

Abstract: A low cost cam mechanism facilitating an automatic shut off mechanism preserving battery life in a toy. A rotatable cam including a recess captures an internal actuator and completely shuts down a motor at a defined cam rotation to preserve the battery life in the toy. A resetting biasing lever coupled, to a manually operable actuator advances the cam and is then moved from engagement so as to completely shut down the motor at the defined cam rotation even if the manually operable actuator continues to be depressed. Further Thusly the internal actuator 18 facilitates limited activations of the motor for automatically shutting off a rotating cam mechanism to prevent repetitive continued operation. Further the internal actuator may provide powering up the motor and rotating the cam for “try me” operation for limited demonstrative operations of the toy while packaged or configured in a point of sale environment.

Abstract: A toy figure includes a body, an arm movably coupled to the body, and a drive mechanism coupled to the arm. The drive mechanism moves the arm along a first path of motion between a first position and a second position during a first segment of a movement cycle, and the drive mechanism moves the arm along a second path of motion between the second position and a third position during a second segment of the movement cycle.