A modular robotic system that includes a plurality of self-configuring robots. Each self-configuring robot includes a frame structure having a plurality of cylindrical bonding magnets positioned along the edges of the frame structure. The frame structure includes magnetic, non-gendered, hinges on any of the edges of the frame. The hinges provide enough force to maintain a pivot axis through various motions. The cylindrical bonding magnets are free to rotate allowing for multiple self-configurations with other like self-configuring robots. A movement generator is positioned within the frame structure that pivots to generate multi-axis movement allowing both robust self-reconfiguration with the other self-configuring robots and independent locomotion.

A modular robotic system that includes a plurality of self-configuring robots. Each self-configuring robot includes a frame structure having a plurality of cylindrical bonding magnets positioned along the edges of the frame structure. The frame structure includes magnetic, non-gendered, hinges on any of the edges of the frame. The hinges provide enough force to maintain a pivot axis through various motions. The cylindrical bonding magnets are free to rotate allowing for multiple self-configurations with other like self-configuring robots. A movement generator is positioned within the frame structure that pivots to generate multi-axis movement allowing both robust self-reconfiguration with the other self-configuring robots and independent locomotion.

A modular robotic system that includes a plurality of self-configuring robots. Each self-configuring robot includes a frame structure having a plurality of cylindrical bonding magnets positioned along the edges of the frame structure. The frame structure includes magnetic, non-gendered, hinges on any of the edges of the frame. The hinges provide enough force to maintain a pivot axis through various motions. The cylindrical bonding magnets are free to rotate allowing for multiple self-configurations with other like self-configuring robots. A movement generator is positioned within the frame structure that pivots to generate multi-axis movement allowing both robust self-reconfiguration with the other self-configuring robots and independent locomotion.

A toy device for dispensing stackable or rollable materials and related methods are described. The device has a housing arranged to contain a stack or roll of material and having a dispensing aperture. A manually actuated drive mechanism is provided by which a user can rotate a drive wheel of the drive mechanism. The drive wheel contacts and when rotated engages a portion of the material and to drive it through the dispensing aperture. A release mechanism is provided that can be moved to allow the material to be driven through the aperture. The drive mechanism can be actuated independently from the release mechanism.

A toy device for dispensing stackable or rollable materials and related methods are described. The device has a housing arranged to contain a stack or roll of material and having a dispensing aperture. A manually actuated drive mechanism is provided by which a user can rotate a drive wheel of the drive mechanism. The drive wheel contacts and when rotated engages a portion of the material and to drive it through the dispensing aperture. A release mechanism is provided that can be moved to allow the material to be driven through the aperture. The drive mechanism can be actuated independently from the release mechanism.

In accordance with the principals of the present invention, a desk or executive curio is provided. A rotor assembly includes a rotor and a shaft. A housing assembly defines inner pivoted supports that allow rotation of the rotor about an inner pivotal axis. The housing assembly further defines outer pivoted supports that allow rotation of the housing about an outer pivotal axis perpendicular to the inner pivotal axis of the rotor assembly. Bearings allow the rotor assembly and the housing assembly to be held in an axis perpendicular to a rotor axis. The rotor assembly and the housing assembly are removably connectable to a base along the inner pivotal axis, the base having an offset center of gravity and defining a curved outer surface.

The present invention provides a method for self-righting a remote controlled model vehicle. The method includes determining a current pitch angle and a current angular rocking rate of the model vehicle. The method further includes accelerating or decelerating a mass on the model vehicle based on the current pitch angle and the current angular rocking rate of the model vehicle to create a rocking motion about a first axis by the model vehicle. In addition, the method may include sensing a rotation about a second axis of the model vehicle and imparting a yaw moment to realign the model vehicle to rock about the first axis. The method may also include terminating the self-righting process when the model vehicle is upright.

The present invention provides a method for self-righting a remote controlled model vehicle. The method includes determining a current pitch angle and a current angular rocking rate of the model vehicle. The method further includes accelerating or decelerating a mass on the model vehicle based on the current pitch angle and the current angular rocking rate of the model vehicle to create a rocking motion about a first axis by the model vehicle. In addition, the method may include sensing a rotation about a second axis of the model vehicle and imparting a yaw moment to realign the model vehicle to rock about the first axis. The method may also include terminating the self-righting process when the model vehicle is upright.

A toy assembly having a body symmetrically balanced around a first axis. The body has wheels upon which the body can roll. A flywheel is disposed within the body that rotates about the first axis in a plane that is perpendicular to said first axis. The flywheel preserves angular momentum. At least one gear is provided within the body that transfers rotational energy between the flywheel and at least one of the wheels. The toy assembly can roll as a vehicle or spin as a top depending on whether it is placed on a flat surface or balanced on a salient point.

A toy assembly having a body symmetrically balanced around a first axis. The body has wheels upon which the body can roll. A flywheel is disposed within the body that rotates about the first axis in a plane that is perpendicular to said first axis. The flywheel preserves angular momentum. At least one gear is provided within the body that transfers rotational energy between the flywheel and at least one of the wheels. The toy assembly can roll as a vehicle or spin as a top depending on whether it is placed on a flat surface or balanced on a salient point.