Abstract: To provide an expression-variable robot capable of stably showing a variety of expressions by a simple configuration. An expression-variable robot includes a simulated face and an eyebrow body that is disposed on the surface of the simulated face, the eyebrow body having flexibility. The expression-variable robot further includes a first support part that supports an outer end of the eyebrow body, a second support part that supports an inner end of the eyebrow body, and drive parts that rotate the outer end.

Abstract: A toy figure system having a toy figure head, and a top headwear item wherein the toy figure head includes a first central coupling member, the first coupling member having a tubular wall with an internal space; wherein the top headwear item includes a second central coupling member configured for cooperating with said internal space of the first coupling member; and wherein the toy figure system includes an intermediate headwear item, comprising a connector ring configured for coupling to an outer surface of said first coupling member.

Abstract: A toy figure with a changeable face comprising: a head; a facial area located on the head; a torso attached to the head; a pair of arms attached to the torso; a pair of legs attached to the torso; changeable markings located on the facial area, the changeable markings will change when the changeable markings receive a stimuli. A toy figure backpack comprising: a container, the container comprising a front side configured to abut against a toy figure, and a rear side; attachment means located on the container, and configured to removeably attach to the toy figure; a pair of electrically conductive contacts located on the front side; a pc board in communication with the pair of electrically conductive contacts, the pc board located within the container; a power supply located within the container and in communication with the pc board.

Abstract: A removable device for control of a hand puppet is described. A hand puppet includes a head having a superior cavity and an inferior cavity that corresponds to the jaw of the hand puppet. A first appendage of the removable device is configured to be inserted into the superior cavity, and a second appendage of the removable device is configured to be inserted into the inferior cavity. Further, a control of the removable device is configured to control rotation of the second appendage such that the second appendage causes the hand puppet's mouth to open and close by moving the jaw.

Abstract: An electronic device for providing feedback corresponding to an input for a housing may include a housing comprising a flexible material, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) positioned within the housing, at least one distance measurement sensor operatively coupled to the FPCB, and configured to transmit a signal to at least some area of the housing at given periods and further configured to receive a signal reflected by the some area, and at least one processor operatively coupled to the FPCB and the at least one distance measurement sensor. The at least one processor may be configured to control the electronic device to: receive data from the at least one distance measurement sensor, identify an external input for at least some area of the housing based on the received data, and provide feedback corresponding to the identified external input.

Abstract: An actuator includes a stack including: an elastomer layer; and an elastic electrode disposed on each surface of the elastomer layer, in which the stack is subjected to a pre-strain of 50% or more at least in one direction. The stack may have a round tubular shape with the elastic electrodes disposed on opposite surfaces of the elastomer layer in a radial direction of the stack.

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: Various embodiments of the present invention describe an expression mechanism that can be used to display facial expressions for a doll. This facial expression mechanism can be used with a wide array of toys, including dolls and other items that include a face. The facial expression mechanism includes a flexible cord that can be adjusted to form various shapes that represent different emotions of a doll.

Abstract: A toy doll that is operable to receive and display human infant teeth once they have been discharged from a human child. The toy doll further includes a body that is manufactured to resemble the anatomy of a human. The body further includes a head having an aperture that is formed to be shaped as an open human mouth. Disposed within the head accessible through the aperture are jaw members. The jaw members include an upper jaw member and a lower jaw member. The jaw members are independently removable and include a plurality of sockets that are operable to have human teeth releasably secured therein.

Abstract: A toy figure is disclosed. In some embodiments, the toy figure may include a head; plural facial-expression structures movably mounted to the head and configured to move independent of each other; plural cams configured to rotate about a first axis and to move the plural facial-expression structures; and an elongate cam drive configured to rotate about a second axis spaced from the first axis, and to contact and rotate the plural cams about the first axis, the elongate cam drive having a constant outer diameter.

Abstract: An illuminated display device with a base member with a plurality of cavities therein. Illumination devices illuminate the cavities and emit light through an opening of the cavities in a pattern, and a speaker can emit sounds in synchronization with the pattern. A panel with translucent portions can overly the base member and the cavities. An animated talking character can have an animated mouth cavity complex with multiple predetermined mouth lighting configurations simulative of human utterances. The cavities can be open, or optical waveguide material or positive members can be disposed therein. Reflective material can enhance internal reflectance and light emission.

Abstract: A simulated eye assembly capable of being changeable from an opened state to a closed state and vice versa. The simulated eye assembly includes an eye portion, and a driving device assembly. The eye portion includes at least one eyelid, and at least one eyeball. The at least one eyelid is coverable on the at least one eyeball. The at least one eyelid is coupled to and driven to rotate with the driving device assembly. When the at least one eyelid is driven by the driving device assembly to rotate relative to the at least one eyeball to the closed state, the at least one eyeball is substantially hidden by the at least one eyelid. When the at least one eyelid is driven by the driving device to rotate relative to the at least one eyeball to the opened state, the at least one eyeball is exposed and viewable.

Abstract: An artificial eye structure rotates an artificial upper eyelid via the attraction between a number of electromagnetic elements disposed in a line and a magnet. The rotation angle of the artificial upper eyelid can be controlled by selectively magnetizing the electromagnetic elements.

Abstract: Interactive devices for detecting, characterizing, and acting upon tactile inputs are disclosed. An example embodiment may include a doll configured to produce audible outputs, visible outputs, and/or movement based at least in part upon its characterization of a tactile input. For example, the doll may characterize a tactile input as a slap, a tickle, a rub, a pinch, etc., and the doll may cry, smile, giggle, or move based upon its characterization of the tactile input.

Abstract: An interactive toy doll is described for performing and displaying realistic facial expressions and ordered sequences of visual and aural effects upon activation. The doll includes at least one sensor disposed thereon, a position orientation switch, at least one motor and at least one pair of contact switches functionally connected with a controller. Upon initial activation of a sensor, the doll is responsive to subsequent re-orientation thereafter for a pre-determined amount of time.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for animating an image imprinted or otherwise disposed on a substantially flat surface, such as a photograph or a card. The image should include at least one element suitable for animation, such as the eyes and mouth of a face. The image is animated using an animation mechanism disposed behind the flat surface, which mechanism is connected by a solenoid to an element that is physically separate from the flat surface. The visible portion of the movable element is inserted from the back of the flat surface through a slit in the flat surface such that at least a portion of it is visible above the image. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of solenoids is utilized to move the element back and forth so as to create the illusion of animation to the picture. Also in the preferred embodiment, a device for playing an audio file associated with the image is provided, which device may be synchronized with the animation of the image so as to create a more lifelike appearance.

Abstract: Toy dolls include a head having a face having an alterable appearance and a mechanism for altering the appearance of the face. The mechanism may include a first element configured to pivot about a first axis between a first position and a second position, a second element operatively coupled to the first element and configured to pivot about a second axis between a third position and a fourth position in response to the first element pivoting from the first position to the second position, and a third element operatively coupled to the first element and configured to pivot about a third axis between a fifth position and a sixth position in response to the first element pivoting from the first position to the second position. Pivoting the second element may alter a first aspect of the appearance of the face, and pivoting the third element may alter a second aspect of the appearance of the face.

Abstract: An artificial skin system for use with a robotic assembly such as to provide an animated robot head with realistic skin movement. The skin system includes a receiving component for contacting the manipulator mechanism of the robotic assembly and also includes an exterior skin component that extends over the receiving component. An inner surface of the exterior skin component is integrally bonded to the receiving component such that the exterior skin component moves with the receiving component when a manipulator mechanism or robotics anchored to the receiving component moves or applies a force. The exterior skin component is formed of an elastic material with a second hardness that differs from a first hardness of elastic material of the receiving component, e.g., is less than the first hardness. The skin system includes a backing component bonded to the other components with a third hardness less than the first and second hardnesses.

Abstract: A simulated eye capable of being changed between a normal and a dilated state. The simulated eye includes a simulated pupil, a circuit board, and at least one cylindrical portion. The circuit board is configured for supplying the at least one cylindrical portion with power. The at least one cylindrical portion is electrically connected to the circuit board. When the circuit board is operated to power on or power off the at least one cylindrical portion, the at least one cylindrical portion is driven to move toward or away from the eyeball, such that a size of a colored area consisting of the simulated pupil is changed between a normal state and a dilated state.

Abstract: A simulative eye is capable of being operated between a normal state and a dilated state. The simulative eye includes an eyeball, a pupil disposed on the eyeball, an iris surrounding the pupil, and a light source. When the simulative eye is in a normal state, a color of the iris is different from that of the pupil when the iris is not irradiated by the light emitted from the light source. When the iris is irradiated by the light emitted from the light source, the color of the iris is almost the same as that of the pupil. As a result, the simulative eye is changed from the normal state to the dilated state.

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

Abstract: A human figure toy is provided. The toy includes a storage unit and two pressure sensors. The storage unit stores media files for providing audio questions and storing alternative answer options to each of the audio questions. Each of the two pressure sensors is associated with one of the alternative answer options to an audio question. The toy includes a head with an aperture that includes a light conductive portion. A motor and a light source are secured within the head. A nose assembly driven by the motor extends through the aperture. A processor controls the light source to emit light after a media file finishes playing, prompting a user to respond to the audio question by initiating one pressure sensor. The processor also controls the reversible motor to rotate in response to signals from one of the two pressure sensors, driving the nose assembly to move back and forth.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a human figure toy. The toy includes a head with an aperture. A support member is placed within the head and a motor is secured to the support member. The motor includes a threaded motor shaft. A nose assembly, which is attached to the motor shaft, includes a first rod, an attachment means, a second rod, and a shock absorbing means. The first rod includes a threaded bore for engaging with the motor shaft. The second nose extends through the aperture on the head. The attachment means is used for slidably attaching the second rod to the first rod. The shock absorbing means is placed between the first rod and the second rod. Additionally, the toy includes rotation stop means on the attachment means and the support member for limiting a rotation of the first rod. The toy also includes a sensor means and a controller.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a human figure toy. The toy includes a head with an aperture. A support member is placed within the head and a reversible motor with a threaded motor shaft is secured to the support member. A nose assembly, which is attached to the motor shaft, includes a first rod, an attachment means, a second rod, and a shock absorbing means. The first rod includes a threaded bore for engaging with the motor shaft. The second nose extends through the aperture. The attachment means is used for slidably attaching the second rod to the first rod. The shock absorbing means is placed between the first rod and the second rod and biases the second rod to a furthest position relative to the first rod. The toy also includes rotation stop means on the attachment means and the support member for limiting a rotation of the first rod.

Abstract: The invention discloses a device for animating facial expression. The device includes at least one resilient member and at least one actuator. The resilient member is regarded as a facial feature on a face, and the resilient member has a first end and a second end. The first end of the resilient member is rotatably and/or movably attached onto the face. The actuator is used for actuating the first end of the resilient member to rotate, so that the facial feature is capable of exhibiting various facial expressions on the face, wherein the facial feature can be eyebrow, upper eyelid, lower eyelid, upper lip or lower lip.

Abstract: An expression mechanism for a toy having a lower lip, a cheek and an eye, includes a support frame, a lip lever pivotally connected to the support frame for engaging the lower lip of a toy, a cheek lever pivotally connected to the support frame for engaging a cheek of the toy, an eye linkage for opening or closing the eye of the toy, and a motor for actuating one of the lip and cheek levers to cause the toy to simulate a facial expression. The lip and cheek levers are interconnected in a manner that when the cheek lever pivots in one direction, the lip lever pivots in a generally opposite direction. The expression mechanism causes the toy to assume various facial expressions, including, but not limited to, smile, frown, and neutral.

Abstract: A mechanism effectively mimics human facial expressions for use in animated characters. On the front surface of the mechanism, four gears, meshed in pairs, provide rotational surfaces for a series of cranks and pins. As the gears rotate, the cranks and pins engage a loop of elastomeric material. As pin distance from each other, the loop stretches. As pins approach each other, the loop contracts. Other pins located on the cranks or gears cause an inflection or deflection of the loop as the gears rotate. The resulting stretch or bending of the loop more accurately and efficiently mimics facial expressions.

Abstract: A mechanism for animated characters capable of visually communicating facial expressions is provided. The mechanism (10) has two mesh gears per upper or lower lip (FIG. 1b). One gear of each pair is rotated by a single drive (20, 22). Each gear has two guidance devices (60, 62, 56, 58). Rotation of any gear to which the elastomeric material (80) is connected via a guidance device results in the stretch or ability to retract the elastomeric material. Secondary guidance devices (64, 66, 68, 70) on a gear, when in contact with the elastomeric material, cause an inflection or deflection of the elastomeric material. Resulting stretch or bending of the elastomeric material mimics facial expressions.

Abstract: An expression-varying device is disclosed. The device includes a supporting member that supports two eyeball bodies so that the eyeball bodies are free to pivot. The device also includes a connecting member that connects the two eyeball bodies, and that supports the eyeball bodies so that the eyeball bodies can pivot in synchronization in a side to side or left to right direction. The device includes a swinging mechanism that causes the connecting member to swing upward and downward and to the left and right. The swinging mechanism includes a disk in which a recessed groove is formed in a side surface of the disk and runs in a circumferential direction. The depth of the groove and distance of the groove from the center of the disk vary according to relative positions on the disk. The swinging mechanism includes a motor that causes the disk to rotate. An engaging shaft which engages with the recessed groove of the disk is formed on and protrudes from and to the side of the arm member.

Abstract: A tiny articulation eye and mouth (facial-expression structures) opening and closing structure installable in the hollow interior of a doll head, and utilizing a single, upright-axis motor, and a rotary, co-axial, stepped-diameter drive drum which is rotated by the motor. Circumferential drive tracks formed on the outside of the drum drive followers and actuation which directly impart opening and closing motions in the doll head's eyes and mouth.

Abstract: A toy for teaching sign language includes a body with a thoracic portion and a lower limb portion that are movable between rotated and stationary positions. The present invention further includes metacarpals provided with a wire frame passing therethrough, which makes them flexible for defining various sign language movements. The present invention further includes a facial section with an oral section that is adaptable to provide various expressions via a wire frame. The facial section further includes eyebrow sections that are adaptable to a corresponding position as the oral section changes shape. The present invention may further include a simulated hearing aid and fastener for removably affixing the hearing aid to the facial section.

Abstract: A doll including a head, a torso and limbs in the form of arms and legs. The doll includes a face having particular facial elements such as eyes, a mouth and a pair of antennae. Each eye includes a eye rim. The eye rim is formed from an elongate member of an endless loop configuration. The eye rim is stitch the face at four locations and is constructed from a core material about which a decorative liner is disposed. The core material may be a light gauge rod of a plastically deformable material such as wire. Thus the eye rims and other facial features can be manipulated by hand to vary their shapes and thus the facial expression of the doll.

Abstract: A skin application structure for bodies that gives a sense of closeness to human, does not cause damage to the surrounding environment, is easily maintained, and does not exert any load to the movable portion is provided. A flexible skin is detachably applied on the surface of the casings of the body including movable portions and immovable portions.

Abstract: A tiny articulation eye and mouth (facial-expression structures) opening and closing structure installable in the hollow interior of a doll head, and utilizing a single, upright-axis motor, and a rotary, co-axial, stepped-diameter drive drum which is rotated by the motor. Circumferential drive tracks formed on the outside of the drum drive followers and actuation which directly impart opening and closing motions in the doll head's eyes and mouth.

Abstract: A tiny articulation eye and mouth (facial-expression structures) opening and closing structure installable in the hollow interior of a doll head, and utilizing a single, upright-axis motor, and a rotary, co-axial, stepped-diameter drive drum which is rotated by the motor. Circumferential drive tracks formed on the outside of the drum drive followers and actuation which directly impart opening and closing motions in the doll head's eyes and mouth.

Abstract: An animated doll having an enlarged head and enlarged feet relative to its body, and including a combination of independent, interactive features. The interactive features include a head position assembly, which controls rotation of the head, and an eye assembly mechanism, which drives and controls the opening and closing of eyelids on the doll. The doll may also include a communication port to receive removable external components, which are associated with a pre-recorded response.

Abstract: A doll head defines a pair of eye apertures and a pair of outwardly extending ears. A mask also having eye apertures and ear portions is removably attached to the doll head to overlie the facial portions thereof. The mask includes a snap fit attachment which engages the ear portions of the doll head. The apertures of the mask generally align with the eye apertures of the doll head when the mask is attached. An eye change mechanism supportive within the doll head provides alternative eye images viewed through the respective eye apertures of the head and mask.

Abstract: A mechanical dog has a head and a tongue having at least one channel which opens into a first opening in the tip of the tongue and a second opening at an end of the tongue facing away from the tip of the tongue. The dog has a tank and a suction pump connected to the channel via the first opening. A drive moves the tongue toward or away from the head.

Abstract: A toy includes a body that has a fixed part, a movable part secured to the fixed part, and a flexible elastomer skin. The flexible elastomer skin covers at least a portion of the fixed part and couples to the movable part. The flexible skin moves in response to movement of the movable part.

Abstract: An educational system for teaching individuals their emotions employs a multiplicity of sets of faces. Each set of faces expresses a different emotion experienced by individuals from time to time. The sets of faces have facial expressions correlated to the different emotions. There are a plurality of states of the particular emotion that are expressed in the facial expressions of each set of faces. The states defined for each of the different emotions are subdued, normal and exaggerated states. The facial expressions on the faces employ certain facial features to express the particular emotions, namely, eyes, eyebrows, a mouth and a nose. These facial features are enclosed in a facial circle. The sizes of these facial features relative to the facial circle change from one state of a particular emotion to another and are smallest in the subdued state, largest in the exaggerated state and inbetween and balanced in the normal state.

Abstract: A very compact interactive toy is provided that provides highly life-like and intelligent seeming interaction with the user thereof. The toy can take the form of a small animal-like creature having a variety of moving body parts that have very precisely controlled and coordinated movements thereof so as to provide the toy with life-like mannerisms. The toy utilizes sensors for detecting sensory inputs which dictate the movements of the body parts in response to the sensed inputs. The sensors also allow several of the toys to interact with each other. The body parts are driven for movement by a single motor which is relatively small in terms of its power requirements given the large number of different movements that it powers. In addition, the motor is reversible so that the body parts can be moved in a non-cyclic life-like manner.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a motion expressible toy featuring an animal character, and more particularly to a motion expressible toy which is capable of expressing emotion or intention by taking the various kinds of body gesture characterized by the independent and the combined mechanism of a mouth, a head, arms and a main body as a whole body, and to thereby characterize a real gesture as a really living character such as a gesture of approval, denial or hesitation related to the communication circumstance, to thereby provide familiarity and curiosity to the children.

Abstract: A doll is provided that is custom designed to resemble a specific person, either living or dead. These characteristics of sex, hair color and style, eye color and the like are selected from a group of various characteristics. A tape-recording mechanism provides for the recording of the represented person's voice, if still living, or for the recording of voices by friends or relatives, if deceased.

Abstract: Multiple component activatable mechanism and toy animals containing such mechanisms. The mechanism that is contained in the animal works mechanically through a series of linkages that control the animal's head and lower jaw to create a forward lunge of the animal and an audible snapping noise from the jaws. In addition, the toy animals can be equipped with a sound module to provide appropriate sounds for the animal, which sound module can be activated anywhere along the linkage of the activatable mechanism.

Abstract: A plush toy animal figure defines a shape corresponding to a fanciful four-legged animal having a pair of elongated ears and a large head and nose. A movement mechanism supported within the plush animal figure includes a battery-powered motor drive and gear apparatus which is operatively coupled to a pair of elongated rigid ear paddles within each of the figures ears. A third paddle is supported within the head and nose of the figure and is operatively coupled to the gear drive. A pair of cams are moved by the drive mechanism and are used to actuate a pair of reversing switches. The reversing switches produce a reversal of drive motor direction each time they are actuated. The cams are positioned such that they alternate the actuation of their respective reversing switches. As a result, the motor is reversed when the ears and nose of the figure reach their upper and lower points of pivotal movement.

Abstract: A character (2) capable of forming facial expressions is provided. The character includes a hollow head (4) with a face defining a mouth (6) thereon. The mouth has a length and includes a first end portion (6A), a second end portion (6B), and a central portion (6C). The character further includes, externally or within the hollow head, a mechanism (7) for causing various facial expressions. The mechanism includes a main frame plate (8), a mouth assembly (10) fixedly mounted on the main frame plate, and a drive assembly (12) also mounted on the main frame plate. The mouth assembly includes an upper lip chain (14), which is formed from a plurality of links (16) and has a first end (14A), a second end (14B), and a center portion (14C). The upper lip chain is disposed to underlie the mouth.

Abstract: An expression-varying device is disclosed. The device includes a supporting member that supports two eyeball bodies so that the eyeball bodies are free to pivot. The device also includes a connecting member that connects the two eyeball bodies, and that supports the eyeball bodies so that the eyeball bodies can pivot in synchronization in a side to side or left to right direction. The device includes a swinging mechanism that causes the connecting member to swing upward and downward and to the left and right. The swinging mechanism includes a disk in which a recessed groove is formed in a side surface of the disk and runs in a circumferential direction. The depth of the groove and distance of the groove from the center of the disk vary according to relative positions on the disk. The swinging mechanism includes a motor that causes the disk to rotate. An engaging shaft which engages with the recessed groove of the disk is formed on and protrudes from and to the side of the arm member.

Abstract: A morphing candy holding device including a main housing with a primary chamber and a second chamber. The primary chamber includes an aperture through which a piece of candy secured in the primary chamber can be pushed for consumption by a consumer. A lower housing includes a candy stick holder in the primary chamber which pushes the candy up through the aperture for consumption. The secondary electrical circuit includes a power source, an integrated circuit, a control switch for controlling the electrical circuitry. The electrical circuitry in addition to the integrated circuit includes four LED lights which are in a series from a bottom of the secondary chamber to an upper end of the chamber. The LED lights shine through a series of transition pictures which change from one form to another form from the lower end of the secondary chamber to the upper end of the secondary chamber. Lowering the lower housing inactivates the electrical switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to animated devices that include one or more electroactive polymer transducers. When actuated by electrical energy, an electroactive polymer produces mechanical deflection in one or more directions. This deflection may be used to produce motion of a feature included in an animated device. Electroactive polymer transducers offer customizable shapes and deflections. Combining different ways to configure and constrain a polymer, different ways to arrange active areas on a single polymer, different animated device designs, and different polymer orientations, permits a broad range of animated devices that use an electroactive polymer transducer to produce motion. These animated devices find use in a wide range of animated device applications.

Abstract: A cathode structure of an electron gun includes a rectangular insulating substrate made of an anisotropically heat decomposable boron nitride, a cathode base mounted on one surface of the insulating substrate with a conductive layer interposed therebetween, and a heater prepared by patterning an anisotropically heat decomposable graphite film formed on the other surface of the insulating substrate. A slit is formed in each of the end portions of the insulating substrate, and the end portions of the insulating substrate are fixed to support members of a holder by ribbons wound on the end portion so the insulating substrate with being passed through the slits.