Abstract: The invention is directed to a toy comprised of a vehicle that is capable of generating electrical energy and a body that can be physically and electrically connected to and disconnected from the vehicle. In one embodiment, the body comprises a light and a capacitor that stores electrical energy produced by the generator when the body is connected to the vehicle and the vehicle is used to produced electrical energy. After separation of the body from the vehicle, the capacitor provides electrical energy to the light that allows a child to separately use the body as a torch or flashlight. In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a speaker and the body includes a memory device that stores a signal that can be played over the speaker when the body is connected to the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrostatic toy has a levitating object; and an electrostatic wand which causes levitation of the object and is provided with an electrostatic generator that charges the wand and is operatable by one hand of a user.

Abstract: Pose and play dolls that will stand on a platform by magnetic attraction and dance with lifelike animation, but which may be removed from the stand for ordinary play. The dolls include animation powered from the platform through the legs of the doll. A motor in the doll animates the doll body, arms and head, with proportional feedback allowing control by a controller in coordination with music being played. The doll head may rotate or gyrate, and the arms swing as a unit or with the lower arms bending as the arms swing. In one form of platform simply rotates through controlled angles, again in coordination with the music being played. In another form of doll, the hips are configured to swing back and forth, and another form of platform controls the hip movement, again in coordination with the music being played. Various other features and capabilities are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an interactive intelligent toy that provides the appearance and experience of a toy hamster moving in, and interacting with, its environment and habitat. In an exemplary embodiment, the interactive intelligent toy comprises an intelligent motive and control component enclosed by a cover resembling a hamster, with fur coat, eyes, ears, mouth, nose, and whiskers. The motive component includes a drive mechanism and circuitry operable to control the drive mechanism, monitor and detect user and event inputs, and detect and decode embedded codes from a pathway and perform predetermined actions or generate predetermined sounds in response. The motive component moves along and through a pathway component having one or more embedded codes detectable by the motive component, the embedded codes providing information to the motive component to direct desired action of the motive component.

Abstract: A multi-media interactive play system has a number of play elements situated in a variety of play environments or play media. The play elements are linked to a common record of participant performance, progress, character attributes, etc. The participant's performance in the play elements determines the play elements to which the participant may proceed as well as the play parameters of the play element in which the participant is currently involved. The play elements are thus interlinked to define a sequence or path network along which the participant advances. By advancing through the play elements the participant carries out a plot, story, theme, etc. that attaches a significance to the successful completion of a given play element or elements. Also disclosed in a variety of play elements suitable for use in the system, an example of a plot or theme that may be carried out by the system, and a send/receive radio frequency network that may be used to track play participants in a play center.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an interactive figure with a head, body and waist cavities, arms, legs and two motorized wheelbases. The body and waist cavities include a gear mechanism. The motorized wheelbases control the movements of the interactive figure via a relationship between the gear mechanism and motors housed within the motorized wheelbases by distributing power to the motors based on a user's input or a preprogrammed response.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device with connecting member having an elastic ring, and the device includes a body having at least one accommodating cavity on the body and an exhaust opening on the internal periphery of each accommodating cavity; and at least one connecting member having an insert unit at an end of each connecting member, at least one positioning block at the periphery of the insert unit and at least one elastic ring sheathed onto the periphery of the insert unit, such that if the connecting member is inserted into the accommodating cavity, the shape of the accommodating cavity can accommodate the insert unit and each positioning block precisely.

Abstract: A computerized interactor system uses physical, three-dimensional objects as metaphors for input of user intent to a computer system. When one or more interactors are engaged with a detection field, the detection field reads an identifier associated with the object and communicates the identifier to a computer system. The computer system determines the meaning of the interactor based upon its identifier and upon a semantic context in which the computer system is operating.

Abstract: The present invention is referred to an electrically propelled display device with simulated hovering and/or flying patterns, comprising a driving unit; said driving unit includes a base, a central hollow body and a rotatable head. A power source is connected to the driving unit, a flexible support is attached to the rotatable head of the driving unit and a display pattern is attached to the flexible support. Said driving unit includes in the central hollow body an oscillator electronic circuit and an electric motor. Said oscillator electronic circuit is connected to the power source and to the electric motor which includes a driving motor shaft attached to the rotatable head. This device simulates the movement of some flying objects and aliforms, such as birds, bats, butterflies, dragonflies, fairies, or the like. The oscillator circuit sends pulses at a certain frequency to the motor, generating an intermittent, rotational movement.

Abstract: A toy building system with function bricks adapted to perform a function in response to a mechanical trigger action; sensor bricks with a sensor adapted to produce an output in response to a mechanical trigger action; and logic bricks with an input responsive to a sensor brick output and adapted to perform a logic function on the sensor brick output and to produce a logic output. The sensor brick output and the logic brick output are arranged in a first uniform manner relative to the coupling means, and the sensor output action and the logic output action are of uniform physical nature. The logic brick input and the function brick input are arranged in a second uniform manner relative to the coupling means. The function brick input is responsive to a logic brick output and adapted to perform the function in response to a logic brick output.

Abstract: A smoke generating unit for a model vehicle controls and varies the rate at which smoke is generated by controlling power to a heater. The model vehicle is electrically driven, and the smoke-generating unit is configured to emit smoke so as to mimic varying emission from a traditionally-fueled vehicle, such as a steam-driven or diesel-driven vehicle. Smoke is generated in proportion to power supplied to the heater. A controller controls the power as a function of various control inputs, such as vehicle engine load, vehicle speed, or user input. Temperature or power feedback may be used as input for a closed-loop control process. A blower for the fan may be controlled via an analog circuit in response to velocity or load input to simulate a steam or diesel locomotive.

Abstract: Electronic toys and methods of interacting with electronic toys are provided, in which the electronic toys include a body defining an interior and an opening into the interior plus a prize removably located in the interior and accessible through the opening. A controller is configured to: make the prize inaccessible through the opening; output instructions to make the prize accessible; receive input in response to the instructions; determine whether the input satisfies a predetermined criterion; and make the prize accessible again through the opening when the input satisfies the predetermined criterion.

Abstract: The present invention is a totally new children‘s’ toy unlike any of its predecessors; and is based on a novel structural relationship and unique pairing of a replenishable power supply cache of direct electric current in the toy construct with an independent supporting assembly having a hand-operable mechanical dynamo and commutator structure. This relationship and pairing is able to provide newly generated electrical energy at will mechanically, by electrical induction; convert the newly generated electrical energy into direct current; and then transfer the newly generated direct current of the supporting assembly on-demand as replenishment energy to the power supply cache of the toy construct for storage. The replenishment direct current stored within the power supply cache is the immediate and sole reservoir of electric energy for powering and operating the functional component(s) of the toy.

Abstract: A gaming device for enhancing sporting event on television including an assembled unit loaded with a number of pins/flags and a remote control through which the unit receives radio/infrared signals in order to actuate the device. A right arm of the figurine is connected to a stepper motor and can be placed on top of the assembled unit. When the user depresses the button on the remote control the stepper motor makes one revolution and the hand portion of the arm makes contact with the pin/flag and ejects the pin/flag out of the assembled unit in order to signal rule infractions associated with a game. The device simply gives users the satisfaction of calling their own penalties, and or counts the number of actual penalties in the game.

Abstract: A life-size Halloween novelty item used for entertainment standing at 5?5?, designed to contain a reservoir of fluid inside the head, so it can be expelled through the mouth into a metal bucket via gravity when someone comes close to trigger the front sensor. Hands connect to the metel bucket's handle using hooks, further the arms connect to the hooks using chain link surrounded by pipe insulation, this combination coupled with the detachable metal bucket that slides on and off allows for the easiest disconnection of the arms from the metal bucket and the bucket from the body. There are four sensors, the sensor located in the right front of the invention controls the valve, the other three sensors facing forward, left, and right control messages. A switch on the invention controls what three messages will play. The invention contains three latches and one-hinge for folding.

Abstract: A breath-sensitive toy responding with interesting behavior to human breath such as caused by whispering, speaking, singing, or blowing. A processor monitors sensors for detecting humidity or temperature variations due to the proximity of human breath. When the presence of breath is detected, the processor actuates one or more output devices capable of producing sound, light, or movement. The toy can have the form of a figure such as a doll or stuffed toy, or the form of a child's musical toy, such as a pan flute or harmonica.

Abstract: An electronic toy with alterable features. The toy includes a body having a sensor adapted to detect at least a first orientation of the body and a second orientation of the body, and provide a corresponding sensor output. In some embodiments, the toy includes a controller configured to select a set of toy outputs from a library of toy outputs in response to the sensor output. The toy outputs may include a play mode and/or a persona. In some embodiments, the toy includes one or more movable portions coupled to the body and adapted to move in response to changes in the orientation of the body.

Abstract: Hobby mechanical kits are provided. Kits illustratively include a hobby servo motor having a rotatable output shaft. The output shaft has gear teeth distributed around an outer diameter of the shaft. Certain embodiments of kits also include a hobby servo horn and a channel. The hobby servo horn has an inner diameter with gear teeth that correspond to the hobby servo output shaft gear teeth. The channel has a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel. The hobby servo horn and one of the panels of the channel include a star-shaped connection point.

Abstract: An articulated action figure, in conjunction with a battery pack, is adapted for providing power to electrical accessories that may be removably attached to the figure. The battery pack, fashioned as an appropriately scaled accessory, provides for removable, electrically conductive attachment to a cooperating receiving area of the action figure. The action figure conducts current internally from the battery pack receiving area to conductive surfaces disposed on specific areas of the figure, such as extremities, fashioned for removable retention of accessories. Advantageously, the present invention provides a means of conducting current through the figure at its points of articulation without requiring flexing of conductors. Suitably fashioned electrical accessories, such as simulated laser guns, removably retained by the figure at the aforesaid specific areas, may be provided electrical power through cooperating points in electrical contact with the conductive surfaces of the figure.

Abstract: An electrostatic toy has a levitating object; and an electrostatic wand which causes levitation of the object and is provided with an electrostatic generator that charges the wand and is operatable by one hand of a user.

Abstract: A motorized fan with a whimsical figure appearance that has an electric fan and a body member, and it may also have appendages and a support base. The body member is connected to the electric fan such that the electric fan is generally located within the body member. The appendage may represent the arm, leg, tail, neck, wing, head, tongue, quill, antenna, or other body part that is connected to the body of the whimsical figure. There may be a plurality of appendages. An appendage may further contain additional embellishments to represent other features of the whimsical figure's body, such as the brush at the end of a tail, feet, hooves, the figure's head, fins, flippers, hands, ears, horns, feathers, or whiskers. Preferably, the whimsical figure is the characterization of an animal.

Abstract: An audio signal reception type vocalizing toy is worn and used by a user as a visitor in a customer attraction facility. A light receiving unit having a light receiving element for receiving visible light through a condensing lens is attached to the front of a wear type toy body. An amplifier and filter circuit are provided in the wear type toy body, the amplifier amplifying a signal output from the light receiving unit, and the filter circuit integrating a digital signal output from the amplifier into an analog audio signal and outputting it to a speaker(s). The speaker(s) is (are) attached into the wear type toy body.

Abstract: A plurality of individual toys, at least a first one of which generates acoustic signals and at least a second one of which receives acoustic signals. When the second toy receives acoustic signals from the first toy, it responds, for example, by generating a sound and/or controlling its motion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the toys flock and/or form a procession of toys which follow a leader toy, for example a mother goose and a plurality of following and preferably quacking goslings.

Abstract: A method for transferring data from a display device to an electronic device includes displaying a visual pattern on the display device. The visual pattern represents the data being transferred. In the electronic device, the visual pattern is received and processed to obtain the data represented by the visual pattern. The visual pattern may be formed by an array of data elements, each data element representing at least one bit of data being transferred to the electronic device. A series of such arrays may be sequentially displayed on the display device. The visual pattern may alternatively be formed by a bar code that represents bits of data being transferred to the electronic device. A series of bar codes may be sequentially displayed on the display device.

Abstract: A toy includes electronics which generates a plurality of routines and is configured to operate in a first mode and in a second mode, a first sensor and a second sensor, each sensor operably connected to the electronics. Actuation of the first sensor causes the electronics to generate a first routine with the electronics in the first mode and to generate a second routine, different from the first routine, with the electronics in the second mode. Activation of the second sensor causes the electronics to generate of a third routine, different from the first routine, and causes the electronics to be set to the second mode. The electronics is set to the first mode upon a first application of electrical power to the electronics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy bank that includes a toy or toy housing, a money bank, and a computer interface in communication with the money bank. The money bank has a storage compartment; one or more unidirectional slots for receiving coins, dollar bills, or both; a compartment door at the storage compartment; and a processor to calculate an amount of coins, dollar bills, or both. The present invention also pertains to a toy bank that includes a pet carrier and a money bank, wherein the money bank is removably attached to the pet carrier. The present invention further relates to a toy bank that includes a toy and a money bank integrated with the toy. The present invention also includes systems and methods that incorporate the toy bank.

Abstract: A cup assembly is provided. The cup assembly is interactive by providing stimuli when the cup body is pressed by a user. The cup can provide sound emitted from an electronics module in a bottom cap. The cup body can use conductive ink to create a circuit for actuation of the sound.

Abstract: A novelty device having a vibrating mechanism that is disposed at least partially within a housing. The vibrating mechanism causes the housing to vibrate when activated. A plurality of elongated elastomeric protrusions are provided that extend outwardly from the housing. The elastomeric protrusions undulate when the housing is vibrated by the vibrating mechanism. The housing can be shaped as a character having a head section. The elastomeric protrusions can be placed on the head section of the character so that the protrusions have the appearance of hair. When the vibrating mechanism is activated, the protrusions undulate wildly, thereby causing the character's hair to appear to be alive.

Abstract: An interactive toy control system is used to control an interactive toy driven by a motor module. The interactive toy control system includes a microprocessor unit, a first memory unit, a controlling module, a driving module, an acoustic processor unit and a second memory unit. The first memory unit is used to store movement information, the controlling module reads the movement information through the microprocessor unit and makes the driving module drive the motor module according to the movement information, so the interactive toy moves. The second memory unit is used to store acoustic information, the acoustic processor unit receives the signal from the microprocessor unit and translates the acoustic information into voice through a voicing apparatus. Through the co-operation of the microprocessor unit, the controlling module and the acoustic processor unit, the interactive toy can make voice and movement.

Abstract: A doll that can be personalized to display a familiar image and/or play a recorded sound comprises a body, a head and a digital display in the head.

Abstract: A speed controller for toy vehicles on a toy car racetrack has a manual controller for varying an electrical driving voltage from an electric power supply for the car racetrack. The manual controller is manually displaced over a preset operating path so the driving voltage derived by the electric power supply varies from zero to a first preset maximum value below the voltage that is derived by the electric power supply. An additional controller responds to manual operation to set the driving voltage applied to the car racetrack, to a second preset value above the maximum driving voltage that is derived by the controller for varying the electrical driving voltage.

Abstract: The invention provides a unique interactive play experience carried out utilizing a toy “wand” and/or other actuation/tracking device. In one embodiment the wand incorporates a wireless transmitter and motion-sensitive circuitry adapted to actuate the transmitter in response to particular learned wand motions. The wand allows play participants to electronically and “magically” interact with their surrounding play environment simply by pointing, touching and/or using their wands in a particular manner to achieve desired goals or produce desired effects. Various wireless receivers or actuators are distributed throughout the play facility to support such wireless interaction and to facilitate full immersion in a fantasy experience in which participants can enjoy the realistic illusion of practicing, performing and mastering “real” magic.

Abstract: A motion sensor activated interactive device that moves away from the object when any object moves in the vicinity of the device. Device comprises of: at least two optical motion sensor, two motors, four large wheels, four small wheels mounted on rotating pivot, integrated control circuit, memory units, display, speaker, battery. When optical motion sensor detects the movement in the vicinity of the device, the integrated control circuit activates electric motor and the device moves away from the approaching object in opposite direction. The distance and/or speed of movement of device is proportional to the speed of the object at which device is approached. The control circuit is pre-programmed to turn the motor on for particular time depending on speed and distance of the object.

Abstract: A stuffed toy is disclosed that provides a user with a storage pouch. For example, the stuffed toy may comprise a pouch located near the abdomen of the stuffed toy and this pouch may further comprise a locking opening. A user may then store toys or other objects in the pouch securely.

Abstract: A toy sword device and game is disclosed that provides an enhanced user play experience. For example, the sword device may comprise a point sensor and game controller. A user may then play various sword point games managed by the game controller.

Abstract: A portable infant playyard including cladded legs, a central hub on the lower frame, an integrated electronic device, upper frame hinge mechanisms, and bag hooks.

Abstract: The power source of a toy is disguised as a character or other aspect of the toy itself such that the character appears to operate the toy. Batteries are wrapped in a thin material with graphical artwork disposed thereon. The graphical artwork may disguise the power source (e.g., a battery) as toy characters, a fuel tank, or the like. Corresponding battery operated toys are designed such that the location of one or more batteries used to operate the toy is where a character would naturally sit when operating the toy such as a cockpit. Batteries can be skinned individually or in groups to accommodate the needs of individual toys and various sizes of characters, teams, or toy components.

Abstract: A toy comprising a transducer to produce an output signal in response to variations in barometric pressure, a filter to filter said output signal to select a component of the output signal relating to air movement at the transducer and response means to cause said toy to create an effect in response to receipt of the filtered output signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an interactive toy for providing an audible response to an initial audio signal. The toy is comprised of a housing, a microphone, a controller having speech circuitry and Mask ROM memory, and a speaker. The housing can be in the form of a human figurine and the toy can include an on/off switch which allows for the energizing or de-energizing of the toy. The controller is preferably a microprocessor. In addition, the controller is operable to run in different modes, for example a demo mode and a play mode. The microphone can receive an audio signal from a user and relay the audio signal to the controller. The audio signal can be in the form of a verbal question provided by the user. The controller receives the audio signal from the microphone and selects a message stored in the Mask ROM memory and provides the message to the speaker. The speaker transmits the message to the user in an audible form.

Abstract: An entertainment device that includes an output generator that produces audible outputs is disclosed. The output generator produces outputs in response to user inputs. In one embodiment, the entertainment device includes several actuators that can be activated by a user. The output generator produces different outputs in response to different user inputs.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for figurines to form and join a network of figurines by setting them near other figurines, by activating them via a power switch, or by placing them in communication with a central hub. A communications path using radio or IR frequency is used to form the network, such that only one figurine can transmit data while the others receive data at any time. Once the network has been formed, the figurines can formulate behaviors based on the attributes, requests, and actions of the others. These behaviors are based on the data transpired between the figurines and can include meaning of spoken words, current state, etc. Each figurine has a personality controlled by its internal data, which also controls its relationships with others. Each figurine can spontaneously create a speech or action based on the reply given by another coupled with data stored within its databank.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for providing a soft-start for a toy vehicle configured to be operated by a person. The method includes receiving a throttle signal operable to induce motion via a motor operating as a drive mechanism of the toy vehicle. A transition signal may be generated based on the throttle signal. The transition signal may be applied to effect operation of the motor. The transition signal may be a pulse width modulated signal having a duty cycle between 20 and 100 percent to provide for an acceleration that avoids the problems of conventional control systems. The transition signal may be ramped in a linear or non-linear fashion. The system may couple the soft-start control circuit between a ground terminal of a battery of the toy vehicle and motor(s), thereby allowing the soft-start control circuit to operate on a low voltage (i.e., not the high voltage of the battery).

Abstract: A bubble generating assembly has a housing, a bubble solution supply, a bubble generating frame, and a tubing that couples the bubble solution supply with the bubble generating frame. The bubble generating frame has two separate portions, the portions being pivotably coupled to each other in a manner such that the portions can be pivoted between a closed position where the front surface of the portions contact each other, and an opened position where the portions are positioned in the same plane to form the bubble generating frame.

Abstract: An apparatus having a support arm, a base coupled to the support arm to maintain the support arm in upright orientation and moveable between a first orientation in which the base is coupleable to a vertical surface, and a second orientation in which the base can rest on a horizontal surface. A light source is coupled to the support arm and a mobile coupled to said support arm, whereby when the base is in the first orientation, the apparatus can be coupled to a crib rail to function as a crib mobile, and when the base is in the second orientation, the apparatus can rest on a horizontal surface to function as a lamp.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amusement device having a body, wherein the body has features, at least one motor for powering the device and at least some of the features, and an information receiving structure for receiving information from an information carrying item that is separate or discrete from the amusement device.

Abstract: A playmate toy or similar children's toy is provided having associated wireless, batteryless ID tag that can be read from and/or written to using a radio-frequency communication protocol. The tag is mounted internally within a cavity of the toy and thereby provides wireless communication of stored information without requiring removal and reinsertion of the tag. In this manner, a stuffed animal or other toy can be quickly and easily identified non-invasively, without damaging the toy. Additional information (e.g., unique personality traits, special powers, skill levels, etc.) can also be stored on the ID tag, thus providing further personality enhancement, input/output programming, simulated intelligence and/or interactive gaming possibilities.

Abstract: In the case where the user's approach is always the same, a robot device performs the same actions and shows the same growth, and there is a problem that the user gets tired of the robot device. In an editing apparatus and an editing method, the action of the robot device which acts in accordance with the predetermined behavioral model is visibly displayed, and the behavioral model which is visibly displayed is edited by the user's operation. Also, in an editing apparatus and an editing method, the growth of the robot device which grows up in accordance with the predetermined growth model is visibly displayed, and the growth model which is visibly displayed is edited by the user's operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the provision of a play area of a toy, typically a model, said play area provided for the selective placement of toy articles thereon, at least one of which has a function which is activated by the provision of electrical power to the article. The play area is provided with electrically conductive material on at least a portion thereof which is connected to a power supply such that when the article, which has electrical contacts thereon, is placed on the play area portion, power is supplied to the article and the function activated.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a interactive ball includes (a) a plurality of indicia, (b) a processor and memory unit operatively coupled to the plurality of indicia, (c) an audio output unit operatively coupled to the processor and memory unit, (d) a first outer surface; and (e) a second outer surface that is recessed with respect to the first outer surface, wherein the plurality of indicia are present at the second outer surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amusement device having a body, wherein the body has features, at least one motor for powering the device and at least some of the features, and an information receiving structure for receiving information from an information carrying item that is separate or discrete from the amusement device.