Abstract: A radio controlled skateboarding toy is provided comprising a multi-jointed moveable figurine attached to a motorized skateboard for which steering is controlled through the pivotal movements of the figurine allowing for dramatic realism and high performance stunts. It also features moveable battery packs, changeable motor positions, and interchangeable wheel weights to provide different centers of balance necessary to perform a wide range of maneuvers.

Abstract: A remote control movable ball amusement device includes a plurality of shell parts so as to result in a non-spherical ball. Preferably each shell part is driven independently of the other. An antenna is provided which extends externally of the shell parts to increase the range of operability of the device.

Abstract: A security alarm device is replicated in a toy vehicle. The security device includes a remote control which also can control vehicle functions. The remote control may control alarm arm and disarm, alarm and vehicle sounds such as arm, disarm, alarm set off, engine revving, tire screeching, motor drive, and vehicle lights. The security alarm device includes an LED which indicates whether the alarm is armed or unarmed, and a motion sensor which sets the alarm off (e.g., emitting a siren sound) when the toy vehicle is moved in its armed state.

Abstract: A "try me" feature for remotely controlled devices such as remotely controlled toys for point of sale demonstration or sampling. A secondary link is provided between the remote control device and the remotely controlled device. When the secondary link is selected or present, activation of a control on the remote control device will cause the remotely control device to react the same or similar to the way it reacts under wireless remote control, but via the secondary link. In the preferred embodiment, the secondary link includes a disconnectable wired coupling. The remotely controlled device and the remote control device may be contained in a point of sale package or configured in a point of sale display. In one embodiment, the remotely controlled device has a switch by which the secondary coupling and "try me" operation, or normal wireless remote control operation is selected.

Abstract: The present invention is a control apparatus for guiding toy vehicles on a roadway. Preferably, a remote control hand unit is employed that is most preferably optoelectric. The hand unit includes a plurality of direction keys that transmit signals from the hand unit based on their electronic interconnection with an infrared LED and a laser transmitter in the hand unit. The hand unit transmits directional commands to control movement of a toy vehicle through the intersection of a roadway. These control commands are transmitted via a modulated infrared signal that is received by an infrared sensor adjacent the roadway. Additionally, the hand unit transmits a location laser signal to one of many reception points, i.e., laser detectors, located adjacent each road at an intersection.

Abstract: A remotely-controllable motorized toy vehicle having a highly-maneuverable skid steering system driven by single or dual motors, having a separately motorized scoop loading device pivotally secured to the chassis of the vehicle operative to load transportable elements into a automatically dumpable hopper mounted on the vehicle, having an automatic tow hitch mechanism with both the hopper and the hitching mechanism coupled to a motorized scoop gear train. The mechanical arrangement of the scoop gear train provides for the sequential actuation of the scoop for loading transportable elements into the hopper and both the hopper for dumping and the hitch mechanism for hitching and unhitching towed vehicles or trailers. The mechanisms and gear trains have proper ratios and dimensions preventing interference between the scoop and the hopper during forward and reverse actuation.

Abstract: When manually closed, switches in pads select toy vehicles and the operation of motors for moving the vehicles in different directions and moving in different directions a receptacle for holding transportable elements (e.g. marbles). When interrogated by a central station, each pad sends through wires to the station signals indicating the switch closures in such pad. Such station produces first binary signals addressing the vehicle selected by such pad and second binary signals identifying the motor control operations in such vehicle. Thereafter the switches identifying in such pad the motor control operations in such selected vehicle can be closed without closing the switches identifying such vehicle. The first and second signals for each vehicle are transmitted by wireless to all of the vehicles at a common carrier frequency modulated by the first and second binary signals.

Abstract: When manually closed, switches in pads select toy vehicles and the operation of motors for moving the vehicles in different directions and moving upwardly and downwardly (and rightwardly and leftwardly) a receptacle for holding transportable elements (e.g. marbles). When interrogated by a central station, each pad sends through wires to the station signals indicating the switch closures in such pad. Such station produces first binary signals addressing the vehicle selected by such pad and second binary signals identifying the motor control operations in such vehicle. Thereafter the switches identifying in such pad the motor control operations in such selected vehicle can be closed without closing the switches identifying such vehicle. The first and second signals for each vehicle are transmitted by wireless to all of the vehicles at a common carrier frequency modulated by the first and second binary signals.

Abstract: A self-propelled model vehicle adapted for use on a closed loop raceway having a guide slot coextensive therewith is provided with a guide arm including a downwardly depending guide pin that engages with the guide slot of the raceway. The guide slot defines the boundary between two adjacent lanes of the raceway. The guide arm is controlled by a motor for lateral movement. The lateral movement of the guide arm forces the guide pin against a side of the guide slot to effect the lateral displacement of the model vehicle into the adjacent lane of the raceway. Also provided is a raceway layout comprising a plurality of modular sections each section having an integral guide slot therein. In the assembled mode the guide slot defines a closed loop guide way for engaging a slot car.

Abstract: A mobile object self-moving system self-moves mobile objects 14 in a set field. The system comprises charging means 32 for charging batteries 52 of the mobile objects 14 is disposed at a set charging position in the field plate 12, position detecting means 24, 25 for detecting positions of the mobile objects 14 in the field plate 12, and moving course storing means 26 for storing moving courses which are routed via the charging position every a prescribed period of time. Movement control means 28 controls the mobile objects 14 to move along the moving courses, based on positions of the mobile objects 14 detected by the position detecting means 24, 25. The mobile objects 14 are positioned at the charging position 16 every the prescribed period of time to have the batteries thereof charged by the charging means 32. The system is easy to maintain for adjustment, repairs, etc., and can be produced at low costs.

Abstract: A key in a vehicle socket closes contacts to reset a vehicle microcontroller to a neutral state. Ribs disposed in a particular pattern in the key operate switches in a particular pattern in the vehicle to provide an address for the vehicle with the vehicle inactive but powered. When the vehicle receives such individual address from a pad within a first particular time period thereafter, the vehicle is operated by commands from the pad. The pad operates the vehicle as long as the vehicle receives commands from the pad within the first particular period after the previous command from the pad. During this period, the vehicle has a first illumination to indicate that it is being operated. When the pad fails to provide commands to the vehicle within such first particular time period, the vehicle becomes inactive but powered and provides a second illumination. While inactive but powered, the vehicle can be addressed and subsequently commanded by any of the pads including the pad previously addressing the vehicle.

Abstract: Pads remotely control the operation of vehicles. In each pad, (a) at least a first control provides for the addressing of one of the vehicles, (b) second controls provide for the movement of the addressed vehicle and (c) third controls provide for the operation of members (e.g. pivotable bins) in the selected vehicle. Each pad provides a carrier signal, preferably common with the carrier signals from the other pads. Each pad modulates the carrier signal in accordance with the operation of the pad controls. The first control in each pad provides an address distinctive to the addressed vehicle and modulates the carrier signal in accordance with such address. Each pad sends the modulated carrier signals to the vehicles in a pseudo random pattern, different for each pad, with respect to time. Each vehicle demodulates the carrier signals to recover the address such vehicle.

Abstract: A radio controlled toy vehicle has a central chassis, a front end mounting a pair of front wheels which is rotatably coupled to the front of the chassis and a rear end mounting a pair of rear wheels. An electric motor is provided in the chassis to selectively rotate the front end with the front wheels about a generally longitudinal axis through a partial rotation for steering or through as many complete rotations as desired for stunts. In one embodiment, the front end includes a yoke pivotally supporting a pivot body mounting the front wheels. The rear end contains a propulsion drive coupled to the rear wheels and is pivotally coupled with the chassis so that both rear wheels remain grounded as the chassis pivots in reaction to rotation of the front end for steering. In another embodiment, a stop is provided to limit the rotation of the front end. The stop releasably engages a collar around a shaft rotating the front end and is disengaged by providing more torque to the shaft.

Abstract: A model rotary wing aircraft is provided that includes a fuselage, a power plant, a main rotor, a tail rotor, and a drive apparatus. The power plant includes a passive cooling system to transfer heat produced by the power plant to the atmosphere. The passive cooling system consumes less than about five percent of the power produced by the power plant. The main rotor is driven by the power plant at a main rotor speed of rotation and the tail rotor is driven by the power plant at a tail rotor speed of rotation. The drive apparatus transfers power from the power plant to the main rotor and tail rotor to rotate the tail rotor at a tail rotor speed of rotation that is about three times greater than the main rotor speed of rotation to minimize the amount of power used by the tail rotor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic detector for a control device for controlling the flying state of a remote-control toy airplane, which can provide automatic correction to maintain the remote-control toy airplane in a flying state in a level or horizontal manner. The detector is a digital or analogic device located at a proper position within the housing of the airplane. The detector includes a device locating plate, fixing racks, a suspension cord, a movable light-obstructing sheet or a movable light-permeable sheet, light emitting element, and one or more detecting elements the light-obstruction sheet is swingingly mounted on the suspension that in turn is connected to the cord fixing racks. When light emitting element emits light and the airplane maintains a horizontal or level attitude, the effect of gravity on light-obstruction sheet will cause it to obstruct light.

Abstract: A ceiling fan and light assembly control method and circuit that uses a single-throw switch or clapping of hands to control the fan speed or light intensity of a ceiling fan and light assembly. The control circuit obtains a 60 Hz square wave with a cycle of 16.67 ms from alternating current city power supply so that when the single-throw switch is switched off and then switched on immediately, a triggering signal is produced to drive a microprocessor, causing it to regulate the fan speed or light intensity of the ceiling fan and light assembly. Alternatively, when two or three continuous claps are received by a microphone, the microprocessor will be triggered to regulate the fan speed or light intensity of the ceiling fan and light assembly.

Abstract: A remote controllable toy including a plurality of passive toy units, a plurality of transmitters for remotely controlling the passive toy units, and synchronizing signal transmitting means for transmitting a synchronizing signal to the passive toy units and the transmitters. Each of the transmitters of the passive toy units transmits a control signal for controlling the corresponding passive toy unit when identifying a transmission timing allocated thereto by referring to the synchronizing signal. Each of the passive toy units receives both the synchronizing signal and the control signal, and identifies the timing allocated thereto by referring to the received synchronizing signal, so that it is actuated in accordance with the control signal received within the timing allocated thereto.

Abstract: A child's toy vehicle having a safety device includes a vehicle having a receiver circuit which may be enabled by an electromagnetic signal emitted by a remote control, handled by an adult, and a pushbutton, in series with a motor, to be depressed by the child driving the vehicle. A switch breaks the supply to the receiver circuit thereby disabling it at the same time as it makes a bridge across the power supply and the child operated pushbutton. The invention is applicable to children's toy vehicles driven by very young children, so that an adult located remotely can break the motor supply to stop the vehicle at any given time, for safety purposes.

Abstract: A proximity responsive toy includes a motor-driven drive unit for propelling the toy, and a variable frequency oscillator unit including a capacitor plate for sensing approach of a capacitive body and having a frequency output that decreases in response to proximity of the capacitive body from the toy. A programmable frequency divider receives and divides the frequency output by a predetermined factor.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a stream or burst of air through a vehicle mounted bubble dispensing nozzle and controlled by a remote transmitter which generates signals for receipt by a receiver mounted on the vehicle for controlling the generation of the bubbles and movement of the vehicle is disclosed.

Abstract: A remotely controlled vehicle toy is provided with an internal actuator to temporarily secure the vehicle body close to the chassis, thereby substantially or essentially covering lateral sides and an upper side of the vehicle beneath the body, and to remotely release the body from the secured position, permitting the body to move to an elevated position spaced above the chassis thereby permitting off-road movement and revealing internal automotive detailing on the remaining portion of the vehicle previously covered and hidden by the body.

Abstract: A radio controlled toy has a transmitter and a model vehicle as a counterpart receiver. The model vehicle has a built-in rechargeable battery, and the transmitter is equipped with a device for recharging the vehicle battery. Also, a resonator mounted in the model vehicle can be replaced directly from outside. Consequently, the invention allows recharging of the battery of the model vehicle and replacement of the resonator to be performed easily at a site where the model vehicle is used.

Abstract: A motor drive circuit for a radio-controlled model capable of readily varying any desired part of inclination of the input-output characteristics with a highly simplified circuit arrangement. The motor drive circuit includes an element for converting a signal corresponding to control condition into a digital signal and subjecting the digital signal to weighing processing for every bit thereof.

Abstract: A remote control device for an installation of electrical toys on a circuit comprises a radio emitter (400) for emitting different radio-electric signals (b) selected by the user and a fixed radio receiver (450) for detecting and transmiting the radio-electric signals to an electronic device (270) which interprets the signals and triggers a control device (275). Specifically, the radio signal (b), which is emitted by the radio emitter, comprises a repetition of a word composed of a series of presences or absences of electric pulses. The word is formed according to an associated coded signal (a) and in accordance with the user's selection.

Abstract: A remote control toy vehicle system includes a toy vehicle and a remote control. The toy vehicle includes a motor for selectively driving the toy vehicle. The remote control is electrically coupled to the toy vehicle and includes a manually actuatable first control switch for controlling the motor. The remote control also includes a sound producing circuit for selectively producing sounds related to the toy vehicle. Manually actuatable second control switches on the remote control the sounds producible by the sound producing circuitry.

Abstract: A trainee station in a tractor-trailer training apparatus includes dummy controls simulating those of a tractor, and a display screen visible from the trainee station. At a remote diorama or terrain model a miniature tractor-trailer is moved atop the diorama in accordance with the operation of the trainee's dummy controls. A plurality of video cameras mounted within the cab of the miniature tractor provide video signals which are displayed on the mentioned screen. The fields-of-view of two of the video cameras embrace miniature rearview mirrors on the miniature tractor, providing realistic views of portions of the trailer as trainee operation of the controls moves the minature tractor-trailer about the diorama.

Abstract: An infrared remote control toy which needs a small amount of motor starting current includes a logic IC and a motor drive circuit consisting of four transistors connected in the form of a bridge, in which the bases of the third and fourth transistors are connected to the first and second junctions of the bridge.

Abstract: A multi-vehicle interactive combat type game is disclosed. The game includes first and second controllers each of which communicates with at least one vehicle. Each controller is capable of selectively generating control signals comprising at least a first command signal and a movement command signal and for conveying the control signal to the vehicle controlled thereby. Each vehicle includes a receiver for receiving the control signals, a transmitter for transmitting an electromagnetic signal in a substantially straight line path when the fire command signal is present, a motor for moving the vehicle when the movement command signal is present, a sensor for detecting impingement of an electromagnetic signal fired by another vehicle, and an indicator for providing an indication that the sensor has detected the impingement of the electromagnetic signal.

Abstract: In a toy vehicle with its own motor drive, in particular a toy vehicle for toy race track systems with a a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels arranged on an undercarriage and a vehicle superstructure connected with the undercarriage, provision is made for two axially arranged undercarriage parts (2, 5) with a common plane of separation between the front wheels (6) and the rear wheels (3) for enhancing and maintaining the contact with trackways, such undercarriage parts being undisplaceably, but freely rotatably connected with one another by a connecting element. Furthermore, one part (2) of the undercarriage solidly engages the superstructure (1) of the vehicle and the other part (5) of the undercarriage is separated from the superstructure (1) of the vehicle.

Abstract: The sail toy land vehicle includes a generally rod-like elongated frame or central body, having a raised forward portion, an elongated rigid rear wheel axle structure includes a pair of rear outrigger wheels to help support the vehicle rollably along the ground. An aerodynamic upright sail structure has a sail positioned such that its center of gravity is disposed approximately over the rear axle structure of the vehicle, and positioned in a rearwardly inclined manner.

Abstract: A rotary-type electromagnetic actuator for a toy includes a cylindrical magnetic stator fixedly mounted within a housing, a rotor arranged concentrically within the stator and rotatably supported by a shaft within the housing, a coil wound on the rotor for causing the rotor to rotate back and forth by being energized and deenergized, a commutator fixedly secured to the shaft of the rotor for supplying current to the coil, a rotor position-correcting member turnably provided inside the housing in opposition to the commutator and in concentric relation with respect to the housing, and a pair of current feeding brushes embracing the commutator from both sides thereof, each of the current brushes having one end secured to the position-correcting member and another end in pressing contact with a respective commutator bar of the commutator. The coil is energized by dc power supplied through the brushes and commutator.

Abstract: A self-propelled table for carrying and/or lifting/lowering objects for invalid people having a hollow plastic upper enclosure which is padded at the edges and upon the surface of which contains anti-slip recesses and a joystring assembly. The lower portion of this assemblage is attached to a vertically mounted, telescoping tubular assembly which may be either fixed or supplemented with a motor-power assembly with which to adjust the height-away-from-the-floor of the uppermost serving surface. The bottom of the tubular assembly is attached to the upper portion of a hollow plastic lower enclosure which contains wheels, motors, batteries, and electronic circuits to translate the electronic signals from the joystring into meaningful wheel motions. Pulling the free end of the joystring causes the invention to propell itself and it's load in the same direction that the joystring was pulled; thereby providing handicapped people with the ability to perform simple tasks unassisted.

Abstract: An interface receives a high and low voltage signal from a single contact or pin of an output port of a multipurpose microcomputer and uses such signal to control the electrically-powered movement or action of a robot as determined by the programming of the microcomputer. The robot has a sensor connected to the interface and detecting whether or not a preselected condition exists at the robot. The interface sends a high and low voltage input signal to a second single contact or pin of the microcomputer port to communicate the condition of the robot sensed by the sensor. The robot is designed and constructed by the user from interchangeable parts, and the user writes essentially all of the computer programming in a simplified language. By a series of experiments, the student learns computer terminology and programming and robotic technology.

Abstract: A microphone senses a sound generated by the user clapping his hands and converts the sound into an electric signal which is applied to a flip-flop circuit to set the latter. The output of the flip-flop circuit is supplied through a time constant circuit to a drive and control circuit for operating a sound generating device having a reproducing stylus and a recorded disk. A reset signal producing circuit is provided to produce a reset signal for the flip-flop circuit when a second sound is sensed by the microphone within a predetermined time period set by the time constant circuit, thereby stopping the operation of the sound generating device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a starting device for a toy motor using an ultrasonic wave signal. The starting device comprises a transmitter external to the toy which generates an ultrasonic wave signal and a receiving and starting element disposed within the toy for receiving the transmitted ultrasonic wave signal and starting the toy motor. In a preferred embodiment, the motor drives a sound reproducing device. The ultrasonic wave signal from the transmitter is received, amplified, and detected, and when the detected output reaches a predetermined level, a switching transistor forming an energization path to the motor is turned on to start the motor. Once the motor is started, a self-holding switch associated with the switching transistor causes the switching transistor to supply continuous current to the motor even when the transmission of the ultrasonic wave signal has been terminated.

Abstract: A steerable electric toy car includes a steering mechanism including a weight body with an electrically conductive activating finger and a weight at two ends thereof, suspended on a grip member. Two pairs of contacts are fixed on the grip member in a position that the activating finger does not abut them when the grip member is held upright, but that the activating finger does abut them when the grip member is rotated and the weight maintains the original position of the weight body relative to the ground. The toy car further includes a gearing for turning the wheels of the car which has a frictional arrangement for preventing damage to the powering motor when the wheels can be turned no further.

Abstract: An operable toy utilizes a metal sensing apparatus which includes a tuned circuit which includes a pick-up coil. The resonance frequency of the resonance circuit shifts when the pick-up coil senses a metal or magnetic object. A motor is normally driven in the absence of the sensing of a metal or magnetic object. When the metal or magnetic object is sensed, the frequency shift of the tuned circuit including the pick-up coil attenuates the frequency produced by an oscillator and as the voltage of the signal produced by the oscillator is attenuated, a level detection circuit produces a low output to thereby disconnect the power from the motor. Alternatively, the power to the motor may be reversed. Two metal sensing apparatuses may be utilized in an operable toy to cause the toy to follow a track of metallic or magnetic material.

Abstract: A steering and drive system for toy vehicles is disclosed. Independent gear trains for wheels on opposite sides of the toy vehicle are utilized in combination with a single reversible motor to either rotate all wheels in the same direction to move the vehicle in a straight line or, by reversing the direction of the motor, to rotate wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle in opposite directions causing the vehicle to turn. Wheels on one side of the vehicle are connected to a main gear and the direction of rotation of such wheels is completely dependent upon the polarity of an electric power source applied to the motor. Wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle are indirectly connected to the main gear by a movable control gear which is urged to engage either an auxiliary gear or a second side drive gear so that the wheels rotate in only a single direction regardless of the direction of the motor.

Abstract: A remote control toy includes a remote housing and a main housing. The remote housing has a transmitter and a signal generator associated with the transmitter. A plurality of function switches govern the signal generator. The transmitter outputs a signal which is encoded by the signal generator to reflect which switch or switches is activated on the remote housing. The main module includes a receiver to receive the signal from the transmitter. The receiver removes the encoded signal and outputs it to a decoder. Depending upon the signal received, the decoder outputs to one or more of its output ports which are connected to appropriate output devices located on the main module. One of these includes a tape drive which carries a tape therein, and which is capable of recording a sequence of control functions transmitted by the remote module to the main module.

Abstract: A remote control toy has a main housing and a remote housing. A radio receiver is located in the main housing for receiving transmitted radio signals. The main housing includes a plurality of elements moveably mounted thereon which are set in motion by a motor in response to receipt of transmitted radio signals by the radio receiver. The remote housing incorporates a radio transmitter. The transmitter includes an electrical circuit having an antenna, a piezoelectric element for generating a current and an electrical component which is capable of generating a radio frequency signal in response to current flow through the electrical circuit. The remote housing further includes a moving member which is moved by the operator of the toy. The moving member is associated with the piezoelectric element to impact a mechanical force on the piezoelectric element for generation of an electrical current in the electrical circuit.

Abstract: Toy helicopter with a control unit which can be removed from the body of the helicopter and placed in one of several positions. The helicopter has a rotor blade which is powered by a motor connected to it via compound gears and a rotary driving shaft. The motor is controlled by a removable control unit which is inserted into the helicopter body and which has an activating switch. When the activating switch is pushed, the switch contact is moved into position to complete the circuit with the battery contact and the resulting electricity from the battery travels to the motor.The control unit is a self-contained unit which is connected to the driving mechanism of the helicopter by a wire cord which may be stored in the helicopter's body.

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

Abstract: A four-wheeled toy vehicle provided with a driver's cab and a steering post therebehind which extends above the body of the vehicle and makes it possible for a player to steer the vehicle from its exterior. Each front wheel has a short axle which extends transversely through a bearing that is pivotally supported on a vertical axis at right angles to the axle whereby the wheel is steerable. The steering post passes through the chassis and terminates in a crank at right angles to the post at the underside of the vehicle. The crank is pivotally connected to the leg of a T-shaped lever having arms extending outwardly from opposite sides of the leg, the lever fulcrum being at the junction of the leg and the arms whereby rotation of the crank in one direction by the steering post causes the arms to swing in the opposite direction. Each arm is pivotally connected to the bearing of a respective front wheel to effect steering thereof as the arms swing.

Abstract: A rechargeable wireless-control toy racer is disclosed which includes a wireless transmitter, a control signal from which is received by a wireless receiver for controlling the toy racer. In accordance with the invention the toy racer contains a battery as a power source and is provided with a recharging connector terminal therefor, and that the wireless transmitter is provided with another recharging connector terminal to be connected to another power source and connectable to the first-said recharging connector terminal.

Abstract: A remote-controllable toy car is disclosed in which a car body is connected to an operating device through a single or a plurality of optical fibers. The toy car may be controlled in a simple optical communication system and is suitable for a small child.

Abstract: A mobile device to be connected to a home microcomputer is arranged to facilitate and encourage experimentation by the user. The device is largely made from construction kit ports, facilitating modifications and additions to its structure. Drive is provided by stepper motors, with one digital output pulse from the computer causing one increment of motor rotation. This simplifies programming by the user, especially if one pulse is arranged to cause a turn through an integer fraction of a right angle. The device carries a circuit board to which sensors on the device are connected by individual plugs and sockets, enabling one to be disconnected without disturbing the others. An interface board intermediately between the mobile device and the computer collates several cables from the computer parts into one cable leading to the mobile device.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for self-powered vehicles and vehicles employing this mechanism are disclosed. The steering mechanism is characterized by a yoke pivotably attached to the vehicle frame which carries one of the vehicle's axles. A crown gear is provided on the axle which engages a spur gear mounted on the yoke in a position substantially perpendicular to the crown gear. The spur gear is connected through a drive train to a reversible motor. Stops are provided on the frame or yoke which hold the axle substantially parallel to the vehicle's other axle when the motor is turning in a given direction. Then the axle is positioned so that the vehicle will travel in a straight line. When the motor is reversed the stops will allow the yoke and attached axle to pivot to a postion where the axles are no longer parallel and the vehicle will turn.

Abstract: A remote control toy vehicle having a chassis with a pair of wheels respectively adjacent opposite ends thereof, a pair of electric motors of reversible polarity, drive mechanism respectively between said motors and the fore and aft wheels on opposite sides of the chassis, a battery, electric circuitry between the battery and said motors, separate switches in the circuitry of which one is operable to cause the motors to have the polarity reversed selectively to effect forward or rearward movement of the vehicle, and the other switch is operable to connect a resistance selectively into the circuitry of one or the other motors, whereby the motor having the resistance in the circuit runs slower than the other and the faster running other motor drives the wheels on one side of the vehicle faster than the wheels on the other side and thereby effects turning of the vehicle selectively in one direction or the opposite direction.

Abstract: A drawing device having a platform from which a marking instrument is suspended and wheels for moving the instrument over the surface of a drawing medium, a pair of these wheels being mounted equidistantly on opposite sides of the instrument, each of the pair of wheels being mounted to rotate freely, another of these wheels being a drive wheel depending from the platform and separated from the instrument on a line therefrom perpendicular to a line connecting the pair of wheels and the instrument. The device has an arrangement for moving the drive wheel to cause the drawing device to move and for varying the angle at which the drive wheel moves.

Abstract: A remotely piloted vehicle control and interface system is provided. A penal computer equipped with an RS232 serial communication port passes an ASCII character(s) as a serial data stream. A shift register device converts the serial data stream to a parallel data character and continuously generates a status signal indicating one of the presence or absence of the parallel data character. A central processing unit, responsive to the status signal, compares the parallel data character with a set of valid control characters to generate a control signal when a match occurs therebetween. A transmitter, responsive to the control signal, transmits a radio frequency control signal to the remotely piloted vehicle.