Abstract: The electronic football of the present invention is capable of calculating various throwing statistics. The electronic football includes a start switch in communication with a timer means that starts when the start switch is released approximately simultaneously when the football is thrown. Upon impact, an impact switch triggers the timer to stop, thereby providing the total flight time. The electronic football further includes a pressure sensor positioned in an opening in the forward section of the football for measuring the air pressure when the football is thrown. The pressure readings are received by a microprocessor, which calculates the various throwing statistics. The throwing statistics may further be displayed on a display screen or emitted through a speaker.

Abstract: The present invention provides a running toy system including a rechargeable running toy which can be charged in a short time and which can run at high speed. A direct current motor 14 is mounted on the center of a chassis 11, and the rotary shaft of the motor is connected to rear drive wheels 12 of a rechargeable running toy. The direct current motor 14 is enclosed with a cover 16. A rechargeable condenser 18 is mounted on the cover 16. The whole chassis 11 is covered with a body cover 20. The direct current motor 14 and the condenser 18 are electrically connected to each other by connection fixtures 22. The ends of the connection fixtures are exposed on the underside of the chassis 11 as charging terminals 24. A voltage is applied to the charging terminals 24 to charge the condenser 18.

Abstract: An illuminating toy figure for use with a conductive surface and an energy source is disclosed. The toy figure includes a structure having means for securing a battery and a first and second terminal, a light source having a third and fourth terminals, a first and second appendages, and a circuit. The circuit provides for an arrangement where the first, second, third and fourth terminals are connected to a first and second conductive plates located in the first and second appendages, respectively, such that when the first and second conductive plates are in electrical contact via the conductive surface, the light source is illuminated. The toy figure further includes magnetic properties in order to adhere to metal surfaces and a plastic structure embodying humanoid qualities.

Abstract: An assemblage of robotic modules for a toy construction system includes a plurality of robotic modules, each of which contains memory capability, an actuator, communication means, and a central processor unit. The assemblage also includes a distributed control unit, which is defined at least in part by a plurality of individual central processing units, with each individual robotic module having at least one central processing unit.

Abstract: A toy airplane includes a flying wing body having a capacitor-powered electric motor propulsion apparatus supported within the body. A charging receptacle is formed in the airplane body and supports electrical contacts which in turn are coupled to the propulsion unit. A separate battery-powered charger includes a charger head insertable into the receptacle to transfer energy from internal batteries within the charger to the capacitor power unit of the airplane. A launcher button operates a normally closed switch to decouple the motor from the propulsion unit during the charging process.

Abstract: An electronic figurine has at least one appendage, a means for displaying electronic images in relation to a virtual character, and a circuit board. The circuit board is programmed to generate images of the virtual character including facial expressions, symbols, virtual activates, games and animated sequences. The electronic figurine further includes means for activating pre-programmed responses when a user interacts with the appendages or orientation of the figurine. Moreover, the electronic figurine may also include various audible sounds and responses that may also be activated and interacted with by a user interacting with the physical figurine.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy travel clock that comprises: an input device configured to accept an estimated time of travel between a starting location and a destination; a distance travel calculator configured to compute an estimated distance traveled; and an output device configured to display an indication of the estimated distance traveled. The toy travel clock graphically displays the starting location, the destination, a hypothetical route connecting the starting location to the destination, and the indication of the distance traveled along the hypothetical route.

Abstract: An electronic toy that can be activated so as to entertain and educate a child is disclosed. The electronic toy includes a toy figure and/or an interactive member. In one embodiment, the toy figure includes a body and at least one actuator mechanism. The electronic toy can generate an audio output in response to activation by a user of an actuator mechanism. In one embodiment, the toy figure includes multiple parts that can be moved relative to each other. In one embodiment, the electronic toy includes two actuator mechanisms that can be activated by a user at any time. The electronic toy can generate audio outputs, including speech and sound effects, in response to the activation by a user of the actuator mechanisms. In one embodiment, the electronic toy can generate speech in response to the activation of a first actuator mechanism and sound effects in response to the activation of a second actuator mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heart shaped novelty device. This heart shaped novelty device contains a microprocessor, a memory, a timer, at least one switch, a noise maker and an oscilloscope display. The timer is set on a random time, wherein when the timer runs down, the microprocessor signals the noise maker to make a noise while the oscilloscope display changes its display from a heart beat display to a pure flat line. At this point a user can pick the heart shaped novelty device up and squeeze its sides to trigger the switch. Once the switch has been triggered, the noise maker will stop making noise and the oscilloscope display will change back to a heart beat display. In another embodiment of the invention, the heart shaped novelty device also contains an electronic drum beat that beats back and forth to simulate a heart beating.

Abstract: A toy includes a housing, an output device, an input device, an overlay, and a controller. The housing has a surface and the output device is mounted to the housing. The input device is mounted in a first area on the surface to receive input. The overlay is mounted on the surface to receive input. The overlay moves relative to the surface from a second area to the first area such that the overlay is disengaged from the input device when the overlay is in the second area and the input device is engaged by the overlay when the overlay is in the first area. The controller is connected to the input device and to the output device. The controller controls the output device to perform a first action when the input device receives input and the overlay is in the second area and to perform a second action when the input device receives input and the overlay is in the first area.

Abstract: An on-board battery recharger is provided for use on a toy-riding vehicle that automatically connects and disconnects the recharger to the battery of the vehicle. A power cord is also provided to connect power from a power source to the on-board recharger via a receptacle. When charging power is supplied to the toy vehicle, an electric switching means connects the battery to the recharger and disconnects the battery from drive motors that propel the toy vehicle. Likewise, when the charging power is removed from connection with the toy vehicle, the electric switching means disconnects the battery from the recharger and reconnects the battery to the drive motors for continued operation of the toy.

Abstract: An object that includes a sound chip coupled to a receiving and audio (R/A) device. The sound chip may preferably be either static or dynamic in regards to its recording capabilities in the field, i.e., outside the manufacturing environment. Through this coupling data stored on the sound chip is played back through an audio system in the R/A device. This stored data is correlated to a type of the object, e.g., a person, a color, a shape, a machine, an animal, a planet, a trading card, etc. Optionally, the R/A device can be coupled to a computer, and the stored data in the object can control the computer such that the type of object initiates playback through the computer of either data stored in the computer or related data on the Internet or Intranet. Also, an alternative R/A device has a rotating section so that the object can be seen by more people in an area. Further, the object can have LED circuits to illuminate predetermined parts and motors to move predetermined parts.

Abstract: A toy model transportation system has a track. mounted on a ceiling of a room where the system is to be installed. The track is comprised of a tubular member which has a channel which runs along a length of the track. A pair of contact strips are coupled within the tubular member. A power supply is coupled to the pair of contact strips. A caddy is positioned within the tubular member and is coupled to the contact strips and is powered by the power supply through the contact strips.

Abstract: An animated head gear assembly that features an object that simulates an animal, fowl, caricature, inanimate object, and the like, to be worn on the head of a user. The object offers motion, such as the moving parts of a bird's beak, and a light to simulate the eyes or other item of the object. The animation may be activated by a remote source, such as a remote control, or by a motion sensor that frees the hands of the wearer.

Abstract: A musical hoop toy may be provided with a hoop structure, a sensing mechanism coupled to the hoop structure and being disposed on an interior side of the hoop structure such that, when the hoop structure is spun around a person's waist, the sensing mechanism will be periodically activated by a portion of the person's waist, an audio speaker coupled to the hoop structure, and a controller operatively coupled to the sensing mechanism and the audio speaker. The controller may include a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory. The computer program may have a computer program portion that causes a music sequence to be generated and a computer program portion that causes an audio sound effect to be generated in response to each activation of the sensing mechanism.

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: 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: An interactive, animated, robotic doll including a body, a processor, terminals linked to the processor, and a removable attachment. The terminals are connected to metal snaps on the body and the removable attachment includes complimentary snaps that secure the garment to the doll body. An electric circuit is completed when the attachment is secured by the snaps to the doll.

Abstract: A wireless power control system for a motorized toy vehicle which includes a lever mechanism that physically moves a battery into and out of contact with the vehicle motor, thereby enabling selective operation of the toy without the need for electrical wiring. A spring mechanism is used at one end of the battery compartment to contact one terminal of the battery and to the bias the battery into contact with the motor housing, thereby providing electrical contact between one end of the battery and the motor. A rod element is used to contact the spring element and the other terminal of the motor to complete the electrical connection between the battery and the motor. The lever mechanism is selectively used to turn on and off the toy vehicle without the need for electrical wiring or an electrical switch.

Abstract: A toy in the form of a doll, provided with major enhancements including the incorporation of a mobile telephone of special characteristics, with the option also of having a school calculator, sound effects and even a small radio set, offering the advantage that this doll fitted with a telephone, through being primarily intended for children, may have the doll's telephone hooked up to a direct line to the telephone of the parents or any person in their charge, so that direct communication will be set up by simply pressing a button.

Abstract: A safety device for assuring safety of a user (a child) when he or she plays with the toy car and for preventing damage of an electric motor due to overload of the motor by automatically stopping the operation of the electric motor when the toy car runs into or when the toy car is under an idle conditions. The safety device includes an actuating switch adapted for maintaining or cutting-off the supply of the electric power to the electric motor and a micro switch having an actuating bar of which one end extends down to a frame of the toy car's body.

Abstract: An assemblage of robotic modules includes a plurality of robotic modules, with each robotic module having memory capability, an actuator, a joint position sensor, and communication means. The assemblage of robotic modules also includes a distributed control unit, which is defined at least in part by a plurality of individual central processing units, with each robotic joint module having at least one central processing unit.

Abstract: An amusement device has 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 child's construction set contains virtual intelligence, is interactive and smart, characteristics that may be exhibited to a player during player construction activity with the set and, thereafter, during continuing play and instills a sense of unpredictability to play. The set incorporates a programmed controller (17), a speaker (23), special (“smart”) play pieces or blocks (1,3,5,7, et cet.) and a base (15) on which to position the play pieces or blocks. Sensors (A1-C3), referred to as “hot spots”, are distributed at various positions about the base and are coupled to the controller, whereby the controller identifies special play pieces and the location of those play pieces when the respective play piece is installed at one of those positions. Some of the special play pieces may depict characters, some contain electrically operated devices, and some contain a player operated input device.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is configured for itinerant maneuvers and is programmed by manually drawing a path on an exposed surface of a mechanical touch screen assembly on the vehicle. A microprocessor, coupled with the touch screen assembly, reads the manually drawn path and controls movement of the vehicle to follow the manually drawn path. In one embodiment, the drawn path is erased to enter a new path by pivoting the first sheet of the assembly away from the second sheet and, in another embodiment, by separating the first and second sheets by sliding a horizontal plate between the sheets. A sensor on the vehicle detects the presence of a stylus in a holder. The microprocessor responds to the presence to initiate the itinerant movement and/or activate a visual indicator or an audio generator or both in the toy vehicle.

Abstract: A wrist unit includes a transmitting circuit capable of producing coded radio frequency signals. The wrist unit when worn by the user applies the encoded radio frequency signals to the users body and causes the encoded signal to propagate through the users body as a transferring medium. A cooperating device includes a receiving contact which the user touches to impart the body signal. A receiver and decoder within the cooperating device identify the user and enable a gate circuit which in turn opens access to the user of the microprocessor and cooperating circuitry within the unit. In the absence of a code match, the access to the cooperating device is refused.

Abstract: A hand-held toy that lights when spun, and which includes a rod, a head attached to, and spins with, the rod, a light source illuminates with movement of, the head, and apparatus associated with the light source, and which is grasped by the hands of a user. The head is either spherically-shaped or a pair of stacked disks. The light source includes a plurality of bulbs that are disposed on the head, a pair of battery interfaces that are in electrical communication with the plurality of bulbs and hold, and electrically communicate with, a pair of batteries, and a centrifugal switch that is electrical communication with the plurality of bulbs, and which closes when the head is spun, and when closed, illuminates the plurality of bulbs so as to allow the plurality of bulbs to illuminate when the head is spun.

Abstract: Electronic toy receives control information via an input interface and stores the received control information in memory. The electronic toy includes at least one sensor for detecting an external stimulus applied to the toy, and control information is read out from the memory in response to an external stimulus detection signal generated by the sensor so that the electronic toy is controlled to perform a predetermined operation in accordance with the read-out control information. It is possible to readily renew operations that can be performed by the electronic toy, by, for example, downloading desired control information from a server via a communication line and then storing the desired control information in an internal memory of the toy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a running toy system including a rechargeable running toy which can be charged in a short time and which can run at high speed. A direct current motor 14 is mounted on the center of a chassis 11, and the rotary shaft of the motor is connected to rear drive wheels 12 of a rechargeable running toy. The direct current motor 14 is enclosed with a cover 16. A rechargeable condenser 18 is mounted on the cover 16. The whole chassis 11 is covered with a body cover 20. The direct current motor 14 and the condenser 18 are electrically connected to each other by connection fixtures 22. The ends of the connection fixtures are exposed on the underside of the chassis 11 as charging terminals 24. A voltage is applied to the charging terminals 24 to charge the condenser 18.

Abstract: A cup with an indicating device for a cellular phone call is composed by a main body, an indicating device and a bottom cover. The main body is provided with a hollow in the bottom, and the indicating device is placed in the hollow with the circumference of the indicating device against the lower flange of the hollow. The bottom cover is provided with a flanged annulus to be inserted in the hollow and against the upper flange of the hollow so as to secure and cover the indicating device in the hollow.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a toothbrush supporting brushing behavior reinforcement means. A simple motion sensing means is electrically connected to a brushing logic means, which determines generalized brushing action of a user preferably a child. After the logic requirements of motion sensing are complete, the logic means directs a digital output display means to output to a small LCD screen or speaker a visual and/or audible reward to the user, preferably in the form of an enjoyable game or congratulatory message.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy wand that is activated and controlled by a sequence of motions of the wand while in the hand of an operator. When moved through a specific sequence of motions (herein termed a “spell”, the wand will produce an appealing display of lights whose purpose is to amuse or entertain the wand operator or others in the viewing area.

Abstract: An interactive foodstuff emits sound, light, motion or other action by the control and/or manipulation of the electrical, optical or physical conditions of or proximal to the foodstuff.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which allows one toy to identify a plurality of objects is provided. The system relies on the inductive coupling of the toy with a tank circuit contained within the object to be identified and therefore does not require physical contact between the toy and the object. The sensing circuit includes a variable frequency RF oscillator and an air wound coil to radiate a magnetic flux which couples to the air surrounding the coil. The resonant frequency of a tank circuit inductively coupled to the sensing circuit serves as the signature for the object. In one approach, the frequency of the RF oscillator is varied over a range of frequencies while the current drawn by the oscillator is monitored. The current draw provides a means of identifying an object since the current will be at a minimum when the oscillator frequency substantially corresponds to the resonant frequency of the inductively coupled tank circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which allows one toy to identify a plurality of objects is provided. The system relies on the inductive coupling of the toy with a tank circuit contained within the object to be identified and therefore does not require physical contact between the toy and the object. The sensing circuit includes a variable frequency RF oscillator and an air wound coil to radiate a magnetic flux which couples to the air surrounding the coil. The resonant frequency of a tank circuit inductively coupled to the sensing circuit serves as the signature for the object. In one approach, the frequency of the RF oscillator is varied over a range of frequencies while the current drawn by the oscillator is monitored. The current draw provides a means of identifying an object since the current will be at a minimum when the oscillator frequency substantially corresponds to the resonant frequency of the inductively coupled tank circuit.

Abstract: A lollipop holder simulative of other objects encourages sanitary behaviors with animated responses generated by use of the holder. The holder includes a storage compartment for partly used lollipops and a drawer for holding garbage, such as wrappers and sticks. An animated response is generated by opening and closing the compartment and drawer.

Abstract: A sound generator includes a memory bank storing user-selectable recorded sounds, a microprocessor that can quasi-randomly time-delay at least one of the recorded sounds, and a mixer that can combine a user-selected recorded sound and the time-delayed sound for output by speakers or earphones. The microprocessor can also cause the output sound to include a microprocessor-selected one of the recorded sounds for inclusion during playback of a user-recorded sound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a running toy system including a rechargeable running toy which can be charged in a short time and which can run at high speed. A direct current motor 14 is mounted on the center of a chassis 11, and the rotary shaft of the motor is connected to rear drive wheels 12 of a rechargeable running toy. The direct current motor 14 is enclosed with a cover 16. A rechargeable condenser 18 is mounted on the cover 16. The whole chassis 11 is covered with a body cover 20. The direct current motor 14 and the condenser 18 are electrically connected to each other by connection fixtures 22. The ends of the connection fixtures are exposed on the underside of the chassis 11 as charging terminals 24. A voltage is applied to the charging terminals 24 to charge the condenser 18.

Abstract: A toy that emits a sound when placed into contact with an end user. The toy includes a handle which has a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode is in contact with a frozen liquid that is supported by the handle. The electrodes are coupled to a sound generating device which emits a sound when the first electrode is electrically coupled to the second electrode. To operate the toy, the end user grabs the handle and makes contact with the first electrode. The end user then licks the frozen liquid. The body of the end user electrically couples the first electrode with the second electrode so that the sound generating device emits a sound. The electrodes may be coupled to a light bulb that illuminates the frozen liquid when the end user is in contact with the first electrode and licks the frozen item. Alternatively, the light bulb may be activated by depressing a button on the handle.

Abstract: A stuffed animal toy configured to replicate a peccary, which includes a small battery-powered motor within its body, a twistable snout on the face of the toy, covered in a soft, fur-like material, with moveable legs, and a pair of laser lights located on the soles of the rear hooves.

Abstract: To provide a stuffed toy which is able to be used for a long time as a necessity of life and prevent loss of or damage to a remote controller, a remote controller is unified with the stuffed toy. The flexible body 1 is sewn into a shape of an animal and a remote controller operating area 10 is built into a trunk 2 of the animal. Switches 11-16 of the remote controller operating area 10 are distributed and provided in various parts of the flexible body. An infrared irradiating plate and a battery exchange slit are provided in the back of the flexible body 1. The battery exchange slit is covered with a Velcro fastener, to enable the area to be opened or closed.

Abstract: An interface for an infant toy includes a processor coupled to an activity parameter sensor removably attached to a body portion of the infant as by a wrist cuff. Signals from the sensor are employed to detect an infant's arousal state and activity level. The processor registers a baseline and determines threshold values with respect to the sensed activity parameter and also establishes a threshold value for the sensed parameter with reference to stored values and patterns of the detected parameter for specific age groups. Thereafter, the sensed parameter is compared with the calculated threshold value and if the sensed parameter value exceeds the threshold value, a wireless activation signal is transmitted to actuate a toy. The interface includes both motion and audio sensors and infrared, light or RF transmitters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a speed controller able to change a pulse frequency and a pulse width of a pulse signal to control a driving motor. This device is able to change the pulse frequency during the run of the toy car which adjusts the torque of the driving motor in response to the revolution number of the driving motor. The speed controller adjusts the pulse frequency to be large when the pulse width is small, while the pulse frequency is small when the pulse width is large.

Abstract: An interchangeable sound effect device (1) that incorporates and plays sound effects that have been digitally recorded on interchangeable sound cartridges (4). This device (1) is designed to be used with entertainment and educational type products such as toys, dolls, figurines, books and instructional guides. The sound effect device (1) employs an infrared receiver (28) housed within a durable encasement that straps around the user's waist or is embedded within the doll, figurine, toy, or book. The receiver unit (28) contains an infrared detector (44), an electronic diving means (60), an audio speaker (52), and a sound cartridge (4) that rests within a sound cartridge chamber (32). The sound cartridge (4) contains a sound enabler chip (12) that stores, in digital form, a number of prerecorded sound effects. In addition, the user can easily remove the sound cartridge (4) and insert one of many other sound cartridges each containing a different set of sound effects.

Abstract: A child's electronic playset defines a setting or character environment (1) for various toy characters (57-62), play pieces, representing persons or fantasy characters, which the player may move about that environment. Through its electronics (90) the environment possesses built-in intelligence and defines virtual beings through spoken messages which are attributed by the player to the toy characters, creating a virtual universe. Markers (65) identify each toy character to the environment when checked by the environment's sensors (90, S1-S48) enabling the environment to know which characters are present and to call up an appropriate dialog there between to broadcast through a loudspeaker (92). The environment also keeps track of the time of day, enabling it to know the order in which toy characters are placed in the environment and possess the ability to call up a dialog appropriate to certain hours in the day.

Abstract: A simple device producing both action effect and electronic effect includes a housing, an elastic driving mechanism and an electronic control circuit with a vibration sensor. The elastic driving mechanism has an elastic member, a transmitting shaft, a power input device, an eccentric action member. The electronic cir-control circuit has a circuit board, the vibration sensor, a battery and a function device. The elastic member stores and releases energy, and a changed energy is produced in the storing and releasing process. The eccentric member is connected to the output shaft of the elastic driving mechanism and rotated by the changed energy to produce vibration or jumping phenomenon. Then the vibration sensor senses the vibration phenomenon and triggers a signal of changing its own condition and starts the electronic circuit to produce function to let the function device perform preset action or function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a running toy system including a rechargeable running toy which can be charged in a short time and which can run at high speed. A direct current motor 14 is mounted on the center of a chassis 11, and the rotary shaft of the motor is connected to rear drive wheels 12 of a rechargeable running toy. The direct current motor 14 is enclosed with a cover 16. A rechargeable condenser 18 is mounted on the cover 16. The whole chassis 11 is covered with a body cover 20. The direct current motor 14 and the condenser 18 are electrically connected to each other by connection fixtures 22. The ends of the connection fixtures are exposed on the underside of the chassis 11 as charging terminals 24. A voltage is applied to the charging terminals 24 to charge the condenser 18.

Abstract: A bridge for use in a toy racing car track system including a loop of track sections connected together, end-to-end to form at least one lane for an electric toy car, the track sections including a groove for guiding the movement of the toy car and a pair of conductive rails on opposite sides of the groove for supplying electrical power to the toy car. The bridge includes a flexible body having a series of interconnected links and a pair of supports at opposite ends of and supporting the body and connecting the body to other track sections. The body and supports have a guiding groove and pair of conductive rails.

Abstract: An expandable and changeable playset building system with at least one retained playset member, which may comprise a resiliently compressible panel, and at least one squeeze connector, which may be formed from a pair of opposed gripping surfaces, for selectively retaining the retained playset member by frictional engagement. An interactive base connector unit can be provided that simulates a structure, such as a bridge, a tree, a fence, a merry-go-round, or a parking gate, in miniature and in three dimensions. A plurality of squeeze connectors can be coupled to the interactive base connector unit for retaining a plurality of retained playset members. Also, first and second squeeze connectors could be rotatably coupled together. Further, a plurality of squeeze connectors with a plurality of different orientations could be fixedly joined to form a fixed universal connector.

Abstract: A housing supports a plurality of user depressible buttons including a question and answer button, a repeat or skip button and optionally a category select button. The housing further supports a multisegment liquid crystal display arranged in a linear arrangement. Within the housing, a microprocessor based circuit utilizes an associated memory and supporting apparatus such as display drivers to respond to the user pressing of buttons on the face of the housing to perform a series of question and answer operation. When the user presses the question and answer button, the microprocessor circuit assembles the next question from a stored list of questions and scrolls the question across the liquid crystal display. Thereafter, the circuit waits a predetermined interval for either the next pressing of the question answer button or expiration of a timed interval.