at

Wheat protein and methods of production

Isolated wheat proteins that are substantially free of sulfites and compositions formed from the isolated wheat proteins are described. Methods of forming compositions which include isolated wheat proteins that are substantially free of sulfites are also described.




at

Method of increasing lean body mass and reducing body fat mass in infants

Disclosed is a method of increasing lean body mass and reducing fat body mass in infants, said method comprising administration to an infant, term or preterm, a nutritional formula comprising a source of DHA and ARA. It has been found that the administration of DHA and ARA, or a source thereof, in infants can increase lean body mass and reduce fat body mass, when compared to an unsupplemented control formula, without impacting the total overall growth of the infant. This method is especially useful in preterm infants.




at

Cross-linked biopolymers, related compositions and methods of use

The present invention provides stabilized oil-in-water emulsions with an extended range of chemical, thermal and/or mechanical stabilities, and method(s) for their preparation. Such preparations provide an environmentally-protective biopolymer component exhibiting improved adherence to the dispersed phase, reducing or eliminating dissociation therefrom under such conditions, for use in the context of a range of food, pharmaceutical, personal care, health care, cosmetic and other end-use applications.




at

Laccase for detoxification of feed products

The present invention relates to a method for detoxification of feed products contaminated by the mycotoxin zearalenone.




at

Saccharification enzyme composition and method of saccharification thereof

The present disclosure relates to a Bacillus subtilis alpha-amylase (AmyE) or its variants thereof. AmyE or its variants thereof may be used to more efficiently produce fermentable sugars from starch. Also disclosed are a composition comprising a glucoamylase and AmyE or variant thereof and a method of processing starch utilizing the described enzyme composition.




at

Nutritional products including monoglycerides and fatty acids

Disclosed are nutritional formulations including predigested fats that can be administered to preterm infants, infants, toddlers, and children for improving tolerance, digestion, and absorption of nutrients and for reducing the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, colic, and short bowel syndrome. The predigested fats include fatty acid-containing monoglycerides and/or a fatty acid component.




at

Laser-welded joint structure between insulation frame and bearing cup of fan and method of forming same

A laser-welded joint structure between insulation frame and bearing cup of fan includes a base having a bearing cup and a stator having at least one insulation frame. The insulation frame includes a sleeve portion defining a bore axially extending therethrough. The sleeve portion is provided on an inner wall surface with at least one pressing section that radially projects into the bore to press a lower side against an upper end of the bearing cup and a bearing received therein. A portion of at least one lateral side of each pressing section that is in contact with the upper end of the bearing cup is melted by laser beam to form a laser-welded joint, so that the insulation frame and the bearing cup are integrally connected together at reduced manufacturing cost and have increased structural strength. A method of forming the laser-welded joint structure is also disclosed.




at

Vacuum sustaining heating systems and methods

In order to solve the numerous problems with existing steam, vacuum, and hot water heating systems, presented are novel systems and methods of vapor vacuum heating having several improvements over the prior art, including: condensate return which can operate without steam traps; naturally-induced vacuum; improved vacuum pump operation for sustaining vacuum in such systems; liquid lift apparatus for use with such systems; and other improvements. All innovations presented herein make vapor vacuum heating more efficient and economical for industrial, commercial, and home applications. A field test conducted with these innovations show results of about 26-50% reduced energy usage, implying significant energy savings from the use of the present invention over current heating systems.




at

Ventilation fan

In a ventilation fan of inner rotor type in which a shaft is fixed to a motor supporting portion, the shaft is held by a shaft holding portion preferably provided by, for example, a metal member. The shaft holding portion includes a cylindrical portion which is fixed to a resin of the motor supporting portion preferably by being embedded through insert molding and into which the shaft is inserted, and a shaft holding flange portion extending outwards in the radial direction from either one of an upper end or a lower end of the cylindrical portion.




at

Air operated double diaphragm pump

A double diaphragm pump is provided. The pump includes an inlet manifold, an outlet manifold, an air valve housing, first and second diaphragm housings, and a collar. The inlet manifold has at least one passageway configured to direct fluid from an inlet port on the inlet manifold. The outlet manifold has at least one passageway configured to direct fluid to an outlet port on the outlet manifold. Each of the housings is in selective fluid communication with the inlet and outlet manifolds. The collar is configured to be rotatably attached to the inlet manifold and the pump.




at

Electromagnetic pump with oscillating piston

An electromagnetic pump is provided, which includes a hollow tubular body extending along a longitudinal direction, a piston mounted so as to be able to move inside the hollow tubular body, a solenoid, supplied with alternating current and assembled around at least a portion of the body and a magnetic envelope surrounding at least a portion of the body. The presence of a magnet magnetized longitudinally in a predetermined direction and a magnetic envelope orienting and channeling flux lines created by the magnet either around the solenoid or directly inside themselves creates an oscillating magnetic force on the piston.




at

Rotary piston pump and method for operating a rotary piston pump

A rotary piston pump equipped with a motor having two counter-rotating rotary pistons. The two rotary pistons are housed in an oval pump housing. The two rotary pistons are arranged on a first output shaft and a second output shaft. The first output shaft and the second output shaft are driven and synchronized via at least one elastic element.




at

Driving apparatus and motor

A digital filter is configured to convert, into a digital value, the duty ratio of a control signal subjected to pulse width modulation according to a target toque to be set for a fan motor to be driven. A sampling circuit is configured to perform sampling of the output value of the digital filter at a sampling timing that is asynchronous with respect to the cycle of the control signal, so as to generate a torque instruction value. A driving circuit is configured to drive the fan motor according to the torque instruction value thus generated.




at

Control valve body with integrated pump for automatic transmissions

An integrated control valve body and hydraulic pump for an automatic transmission includes a control valve body having a plurality of control valves and passageways and an internal cavity having an inlet and an outlet, a pump rotor received within the internal cavity and having a plurality of radially and axially extending slots, radially moveable vanes and a shaft, and a device for transferring drive energy from a drive shaft extending between an output of a torque converter and an input of the transmission to the shaft of the hydraulic pump. The device for transferring drive energy may be a pair of chain sprockets and a chain, a pair of spur or helical gears or other inter-axis power transfer components and may affect a speed increase or reduction.




at

Ventilating fan

A ventilating fan comprises a ventilating fan body, a ventilating fan mounting member, and a power supply case. A power supply wire disposed in the ventilating fan body to be connected to a blower is provided with an internal terminal at a leading end of the power supply wire. The power supply case projects from the power supply opening to be located outside the cylinder of the ventilating fan mounting member, and is fixed to the ventilating fan mounting member from the indoor side. An external terminal is mounted on an indoor side of the power supply case. An external electric wire for supplying electric power to the ventilating fan is connected with the external terminal in the power supply case, and the internal terminal is connected with the external terminal, so that the connection operation becomes simpler.




at

Scroll refrigeration compressor including heat shield, bypass passage, and bypass valve

The scroll refrigeration compressor includes a sealed casing, stationary and moving volutes including spiral wraps engaged in one another and defining the variable-volume compression chambers, a delivery chamber defined by the plate of the stationary volute and the sealed casing, a heat shield disposed in the delivery chamber and dividing the delivery chamber into a first volume defined by the plate of the stationary volute and the heat shield and a second volume defined by the heat shield and the sealed casing, and at least one flow passage arranged to communicate the first and second volumes. The compressor further includes at least one bypass passage arranged to communicate the first volume with an intermediate compression chamber, and at least one bypass valve disposed in the first volume and movable between closing and opening positions for closing and opening the corresponding bypass passage.




at

Heat dissipating module

A heat dissipating module includes a housing, a first fan and a second fan. The housing has a partition. The first fan is disposed at a side of the partition, and the second fan is disposed at the other side of the partition. The second fan has a plurality of wind deflectors, which are disposed higher than the partition.




at

Control apparatus for electric oil pump

A temperature range in which an electric oil pump to supply oil to a vehicle drive system can start is enlarged to enhance an effective use degree, enhance a start success probability, and suppress malfunction occurrence. When a measured oil temperature To is in a temperature range (T1≦To




at

Tire inflation system

A tire inflation system including a drive mechanism having a rotational axis, a pump cavity positioned a radial distance away from the axis of rotation, and a force translator coupling the rotational axis to the pump cavity. The drive mechanism includes a cam comprising an arcuate bearing surface having a non-uniform curvature, the cam rotatable about the rotational axis, and an eccentric mass couple to the cam that offsets a center of mass of the drive mechanism from the rotational axis. The pump cavity is rotatably coupled to the cam, wherein the pump cavity includes an actuating element and a chamber. The force translator couples the arcuate bearing surface to the actuating element, wherein the force translator includes an axis having an arcuate position fixed to an arcuate position of the pump cavity.




at

Tire inflation system

A tire inflation system including a drive mechanism having a rotational axis, a pump cavity positioned a radial distance away from the axis of rotation, and a force translator coupling the rotational axis to the pump cavity. The drive mechanism includes a cam comprising an arcuate bearing surface having a non-uniform curvature, the cam rotatable about the rotational axis, and an eccentric mass couple to the cam that offsets a center of mass of the drive mechanism from the rotational axis. The pump cavity is rotatably coupled to the cam, wherein the pump cavity includes an actuating element and a chamber. The force translator couples the arcuate bearing surface to the actuating element, wherein the force translator includes an axis having an arcuate position fixed to an arcuate position of the pump cavity.




at

Imaging apparatus

An imaging apparatus includes a front lens group including a front lens element and a reflector, a movable frame supporting the front lens element, and a driver driving the movable frame to reduce image shake. The driver includes first and second voice coil motors, each including a coil and a magnet. The magnets are positioned orthogonal to each other in a plane orthogonal to a first optical axis that passes through the front lens element. The first and second voice coil motors are positioned on opposite sides of a first plane, including the first optical axis and a second optical axis that extends from the reflector. Centers of each magnet and coil are on one side of a second plane, including the first optical axis and is orthogonal to the first plane. The magnets are inclined and approach the first plane in a direction away from the second plane.




at

Actuator

An actuator is provided for driving a camera module to perform a focusing operation. The actuator includes a carrier part, a base, a driving module, and plural balls. The carrier part is used for supporting the camera module and the plural balls. The base is used for accommodating the carrier part. The driving module is used for driving movement of the carrier part. The driving module is located at a corner of the carrier part. The plural balls are located at other corners of the carrier part. The carrier part is guided by the plural balls to be moved in a direction parallel with an optical axis of the camera module.




at

Periphery coating apparatus, periphery coating method and storage medium therefor

A periphery coating unit performs a scan-in process of moving a resist liquid nozzle 27 from an outside of an edge Wb of a wafer W to a position above a periphery region Wc of the wafer W while rotating the wafer W and discharging a resist liquid from the resist liquid nozzle 27; and a scan-out process of moving the resist liquid nozzle 27 from the position above the periphery region Wc of the wafer W to the outside of the edge Wb of the wafer W while rotating the wafer W and discharging the resist liquid from the resist liquid nozzle 27. Further, in the scan-out process, the resist liquid nozzle 27 is moved at a speed v2 lower than a speed v3 at which the resist liquid is moved to a side of the edge Wb of the wafer W.




at

Actuator

An actuator includes a stator and a movable component movably mounted in the stator. The stator includes a yoke, a printed circuit board disposed at one axial end of the yoke, a bobbin mounted inside the yoke, windings wound about the bobbin; and multiple terminals mounted to the bobbin to electrically connect the windings ends to the printed circuit board. The bobbin includes a plurality of spaced extending portions extending towards the printed circuit board. The terminals are mounted to a respective end of the extending portions of the bobbin that face the printed circuit board. The terminals are spaced from the yoke. A free length of the terminal between the bobbin and the printed circuit board is short enough to avoid bending which may result in a short circuit between the terminals and the yoke.




at

Image capturing apparatus and control method of the same

An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensor configured to capture an image; a vibration detection unit configured to detect a vibration; a vector detection unit configured to detect a motion vector from images; a first correction unit configured to optically correct an image blur; a second correction unit configured to electrically correct the image blur; a first calculation unit configured to calculate, on the basis of the vibration, a first vibration correction amount for controlling the first correction unit; a second calculation unit configured to calculate, on the basis of the motion vector, a second vibration correction amount for controlling the second correction unit; and a control unit configured to control the first and second calculation units so that the first and second vibration correction amounts are suppressed when a vibration amount is greater than a first threshold.




at

Method and apparatus for controlling flash

A method and an apparatus for controlling a flash are disclosed. The method includes obtaining a statistical gray value of a preview image. If the statistical gray value of the preview image is less than a preset threshold, a corresponding fill light parameter is searched for in a preset dynamic fill light table according to the statistical gray value of the preview image and the fill light drive current is set according to the fill light parameter. The fill light drive current is configured to drive a flash lamp to fire a pre-flash. A corresponding exposure drive current in the preset exposure parameter table is configured according to the fill light parameter and the exposure drive current is configured to drive the flash lamp to flash.




at

Methods for enhancing camera focusing performance using camera orientation

An electronic system for enhancing camera focusing on a portable electronic device is disclosed. The system comprises a body, a bus, and a camera module coupled to the bus and comprising a photosensitive substrate and a lens assembly wherein the lens assembly comprises a lens capable of being selectively moved to a distance from the photosensitive substrate for light focus thereon. Further, it comprises an accelerometer coupled to the bus and configured to generate orientation information, said orientation information indicating contemporaneous orientation of the body with respect to a predetermined reference. It also comprises a memory and a processor coupled to the bus. The memory comprises instructions that when executed implement an autofocus program configured to automatically determine the distance based on: 1) image data captured by said camera module; and 2) the orientation information generated by the accelerometer.




at

Image capture apparatus and method of controlling the same

An image capture apparatus comprises an inclination detection unit which detects an inclination of the image capture apparatus, a display unit which displays the inclination of the image capture apparatus, and a predetermined reference orientation set for the image capture apparatus, a still state determination unit which determines that the image capture apparatus is in a still state, if a variation of the inclination falls within a predetermined range, and a reference orientation setting unit which sets the reference orientation of the image capture apparatus, wherein the reference orientation setting unit does not set the reference orientation if the still state determination unit determines that the image capture apparatus is not in the still state.




at

Moving member control apparatus and imaging apparatus incorporating the same

The present invention relates to a moving member control apparatus that makes sure unerring control of a moving member having an ill-balanced structure and an imaging apparatus that incorporates that control apparatus.




at

Image shake correcting apparatus and control method for same, lens barrel, optical apparatus, and imaging apparatus

The CPU acquires the output of an angular velocity sensor and performs image shake correction. An angle 1 calculating unit integrates a signal from which an offset component is removed to calculate an angle 1. An angular velocity subtraction amount calculating unit calculates an angular velocity subtraction amount based on a signal obtained by subtracting a first offset from the output of the angular velocity sensor and a signal obtained by subtracting a second offset from the output of the angle 2 calculating unit. An angle 2 calculating unit integrates a signal obtained by subtracting the angular velocity subtraction amount from the output of the angular velocity sensor to calculate an angle 2. The CPU performs image shake correction based on the angle 1 prior to operation of a release SW, whereas the CPU performs image shake correction based on the angle 2 after operation of the release SW.




at

Imaging apparatus, flash device, and control method thereof

An imaging apparatus for performing wireless communication with an external device. An instruction transmitting unit transmits an operation instruction to the external device. A response signal receiving unit receives a response signal from the external device. A first controlling unit starts a first operation relating to an imaging process in a case that a first time passes from a point of receiving the response signal by the response signal receiving unit. The external device executes a second operation relating to the imaging process in a case that a second time passes from a point of transmitting the response signal from the external device to the imaging apparatus.




at

Wireless camera apparatus and wireless camera device

A wireless camera apparatus includes a power supply track and a wireless camera device detachably installed on the power supply track. The wireless camera device has a camera module and a linking module fixed on the camera module. The linking module has a connecting unit and a conductive unit electrically connected to the camera module. When the wireless camera device is installed on the power supply track, the connecting unit is coupled to the power supply track, and the conductive unit is electrically connected to the power supply track. Thus, the instant disclosure provides the wireless camera apparatus, which is adjustable to any position of the power supply track according to the user's demand. Besides, the instant disclosure further provides a wireless camera device.




at

Viewfinder and imaging apparatus including the same

A viewfinder 3 includes a finder optical system S2 including first and second lens groups L1, L2; a zoom frame 6 provided with first and second cam grooves 63, 64 configured to rotate about an optical axis A2 to move the first and second lens groups L1, L2 in the optical axis direction in accordance with the shapes of the first and second cam grooves 63, 64; and a diopter adjuster 9 configured to adjust the diopter of the finder optical system S2. The diopter adjuster 9 changes the position of the zoom frame 6 in the optical axis direction to adjust the diopter of the finder optical system S2, and adjusts, during rotation of the zoom frame 6, the position of the zoom frame 6 in the optical axis direction such that the diopter of the finder optical system S2 is maintained.




at

Ophthalmologic imaging apparatus and ophthalmologic imaging method

An ophthalmologic imaging apparatus includes an observation light source configured to generate infrared light for illuminating a subject's eye via an illumination optical system, an imaging unit configured to receive light returned from the subject's eye via an imaging optical system, and an electronic shutter control unit configured to refresh charge generated caused by light received by the imaging unit in response to turning off of the observation light source.




at

Camera mount vibration dampener

A vibration dampener for a camera mount is structured to reduce the movement of a first mount component relative to a second mount component. An upper camera mount component securing a camera couples to a lower camera mount component, which in turn couples to a base mount component configured to couple to a user, a sports board, a helmet, a vehicle, and the like. The vibration dampener is compressibly inserted between the lower mount component and the base mount component, causing the vibration dampener to exert an outward force on the lower mount component, and securing the lower mount component against a portion of the base mount component. The movement of the lower mount component relative to the base mount component is accordingly reduced by the vibration dampener.




at

Imaging apparatus

An imaging apparatus includes a shooting lens having a focus lens for adjusting a degree of focus on an imaging plane; an image sensor converting an optical image of a photographic subject to an electric image signal and outputting it; a confirmation image creator creating a focus state confirmation image in which a part, or a whole of an image expressed by the image signal is enlarged; a display displaying the focus state confirmation image; and a focus evaluation value calculator calculating a focus evaluation value based on the image signal; wherein when a state of an inclination of change in a focus evaluation value calculated at a plurality of positions of the focus lens while moving the focus lens is different from a state of an inclination of change in a focus evaluation value calculated immediately before, the focus state confirmation image is displayed on the display.




at

***WITHDRAWN PATENT AS PER THE LATEST USPTO WITHDRAWN LIST***Image sensing and printing device

An image sensing and printing digital camera device includes a housing defining a slot for receiving a printed instruction card having printed thereon an array of dots representing a programming script, the housing further storing therein a roll of print media; an area image sensor for sensing an image and generating pixel data representing the image; a linear image sensor for scanning the array of dots on the card and converting the array of dots into a data signal; a microcontroller provided in the housing, the microcontroller for decoding the data signal into the programming script and applying the programming script on the pixel data; and a printing mechanism for printing the pixel data, having applied thereto the programming script, on the roll of print media. The microcontroller integrates on a single chip a VLIW processor, a printhead interface, and an output buffer effecting communication between the VLIW processor and the printhead interface.




at

Electronic apparatus

An electronic apparatus is disclosed. The electronic apparatus includes: an imaging device which converts light into an image signal; a lens unit positioned in front of the imaging device to form an image on the imaging device from light incident from an object; a shutter unit interposed between the lens unit and the imaging device to expose the imaging device to the light incident from the object based on a predetermined exposure time and that includes a shutter curtain that regulates the light incident from the object; and a measurement unit which measures an actual exposure time of the shutter unit. The measurement unit is positioned behind the shutter curtain and includes a light-receiving sensor which receives light incident on the measurement unit from the light incident from the object other than the light of the effective image area incident on the imaging device.




at

Periphery monitoring apparatus

A periphery monitoring apparatus capable of photographing a vicinity of a vehicle without impairing the outer appearance of the vehicle includes a light source configured to be provided in the vehicle for illuminating the periphery of the vehicle, and a camera photographing a condition of the periphery of the vehicle with an optical axis changed by a mirror toward the underside of the circumferential edge of the vehicle illuminated by at least a portion of light irradiated from the light source reflected by the mirror configured to be disposed on the outer side of the circumferential edge of the vehicle.




at

Method and apparatus for self camera shooting

A method enables self-camera shooting in a mobile terminal. In the method, whether a first user input is detected is determined. When the first user input is detected, a half shutter mode is entered. Whether a second user input is detected is determined. When the second user input is detected, self-camera shooting is performed.




at

Image photographing apparatus having a slidable shutter assembly

An image photographing apparatus capable of maintaining the size of a sensor plate even in a case when the size of a shutter assembly is increased, the image photographing apparatus including a shutter assembly configured to control an amount of light entered, an image sensor disposed at a rear of the shutter assembly to change the light to an electrical signal, a sensor plate configured to support the image sensor, and a main frame configured such that the shutter assembly and the sensor plate are be mounted thereon, wherein the main frame includes a frame base, and a shutter mounting portion protrudedly formed from the frame base such that the shutter assembly is mounted in a sliding manner on the shutter mounting portion.




at

Method and apparatus for determining linear position using multiple magnetic field sensors

The linear position of an object is estimated using multiple magnetic field sensors and a magnet. The multiple magnetic field sensors are held in fixed relation to one another and in moving relation with respect to the magnet. Readings of the first and second magnetic field sensors and the fixed distance between the first and second magnetic field sensors may be used to estimate the linear position. In some embodiments, an estimated frequency of an approximately sinusoidal field versus position characteristic is also used as part of the estimation.




at

Camera system with rotating mirror

An image system configured to record a scanned image of an area. The system includes a single two-dimensional (2D) imager and a rotatable mirror. The 2D imager is formed of a two-dimensional (2D) array of light detectors. The 2D imager is operable in a line-scan mode effective to individually sequence an activated line of light detectors at a time. The rotatable mirror is configured to rotate about an axis parallel to a plane defined by the rotatable mirror. The rotation is effective to vary an angle of the rotatable mirror to pan a projected image of the area across the 2D imager. The angle of the rotatable mirror and the activated line of the 2D imager are synchronized such that the scanned image recorded by the 2D imager is inverted with respect to the projected image.




at

Imaging apparatus with display and image display apparatus

A digital camera is provided with a vertically long camera body having an approximately rectangular solid shape. An LCD panel provided in a rear surface of the camera body is arranged such that longitudinal directions of the display screen and the camera body correspond to each other. The digital camera is operated through a touch panel provided in a lower portion of the display screen. In a taking mode, an image is displayed in a small size on an upper portion of the display screen. In reproducing, the camera body is rotated sideways by 90 degree. In a reproducing mode, display posture of the image is also rotated by 90 degree, and the image is displayed in a large size on the entire display screen.




at

Apparatus for a throwing game

A throwing disc, goal apparatus, and game are provided. A disc includes a central hub with blades projecting equiangularly from the hub. The blades are circumscribed by and joined to an outer perimeter ring that aids in throwing. The blades of the disc act as airfoils and impart unique flight characteristics to the disc. A goalpost is comprised of two vertical sections, joined by a horizontal cross-bar located above the midline of the vertical sections, and supported by a rectangular frame oriented perpendicularly to the vertical sections. A scoring pad is included. The game is played by tossing the disc and attempting to pass the disc while in flight between the vertical posts and above the horizontal cross-bar of the goalpost, and landing the disc on the scoring pad.




at

Managing virtual content based on information associated with toy objects

The system described in this disclosure may be configured to read information stored on toy objects that indicates whether the toy objects have been used and/or are being used with other toy objects, gaming systems, and/or other devices. The system described in this disclosure may be configured to facilitate an association of the information stored on the toy objects with virtual entities in a virtual space, update virtual content associated with the virtual entities, determine relationships between users, and/or other perform other functions based on the information stored on the toy objects. The information stored on the toy objects may be updated responsive to the toy objects being used by users with other toy objects, gaming systems, and/or other devices. The use of the toy objects by users may include two or more users playing together with toy objects and/or playing with gaming systems associated with the toy objects.




at

Collapsible balloon cup with attachable inflation air tube

A balloon assembly including a balloon pedestal having a cup attached to a collar and an air tube that can be fixedly attached to a one-way balloon valve. The balloon cup is configured with a plurality of creases that allow it to be folded or otherwise reduced in shape for more economical packaging. The collar and air stem are also oval in shape to further reduce the overall volume of the balloon assembly. The balloon cup can be placed over and secured to the air tube, with the cup supporting the base of the balloon. A rod or similar support can also be placed in the end of the air tube to allow the balloon to be more visible.




at

Robotic marionettes on magnetically-supported and highly mobile puppeteer platforms

An apparatus for suspending and positioning marionettes. The apparatus includes a thin, planar support membrane such as a plastic sheet. A tender vehicle is positioned on the upper side of the support membrane. A motor or other drive mechanism selectively positions the tender vehicle relative to the support membrane. The apparatus includes a puppeteer vehicle from which a marionette is suspended. The puppeteer vehicle is positioned proximate to the lower side of the support membrane opposite the tender vehicle. To support the puppeteer vehicle, one or both of the vehicles includes one or more rotatable magnetic elements such that the attractive forces support the weight of the puppeteer vehicle and the marionette. Typically, the puppeteer vehicle is a passive follower, and the drive mechanism of the tender vehicle includes motors to move the magnetic elements and position the tender and following puppeteer vehicle with its marionette to provide a show.




at

Floating squirting toy

A squirting toy is comprised of a cylindrical housing and a piston that slides within to force water into or out of the housing via a hole therein. The housing is encased within a shell creating a water impervious volume sufficient for the toy to float in water. The shell is soft, so that the gun is not a safety hazard when left floating in a swimming pool. Handles associated with one or both actuating portions of the squirting toy are provided for gripping and operating the squirting toy more effectively.




at

Hand manipulated construction vehicle toy

This invention relates to hand manipulated toy construction equipment such as backhoes, trucks, etc. In one embodiment, the truck body is hollow at one end so that the truck may be manipulated by inserting one's arm into the truck body and grasping and manipulating a transverse dowel handle. Spring-loaded means are provided within the truck body and are coupled to the dumper to control the motion of the equipment. A sound module is also provided to simulate construction sounds.