The problem with pre-built mechs is that generally mechanisms have to be custom built to fit a particular puppet. You can start with the mech, then build the puppet around it, but that seems counter-intuitive. Jay (Dr. Puppet's) video is very good; there is also a DVD available from PlaySoup. I ordered it awhile ago, but haven't had a chance to watch it (I have heard good things about it though).

Play Soup DVD link - http://www.playsoup.com/store/video10.htm

I agree with Andrew ................... In order to get a good fit I think you will have to build it yourself or get someone to build it for you then build up from that. Braylu offers some kits and does custom building for vents. Not sure if that will work for you.
http://braylu.com/VentEyes.html

Simplest example I've found is this example on u-tube..



Is this what you need?

regards, rocky

http://www.alstevens.com/ventriloquism/vacuum.html

http://www.alstevens.com/ventriloquism/fredhtml/blinkers.html

http://www.alstevens.com/ventriloquism/fredhtml/eyebrows.html

http://www.alstevens.com/ventriloquism/fredhtml/mechanics.html

Here are two images from http://www.puppet-planet.com

http://puppet-planet.com/images/blinkeye1.jpg

http://puppet-planet.com/images/blinkeye2.jpg

Just a few things to keep in mind while building mechanisms in a head is that any such devices do break or wear and will need to be repaired so you need to build it very well the first time....if you decide to use the YouTube video above you will have many problems and need to make sure you have an area you can get into the head and repair it. 

I am not a big fan of blinking eyes most people don't know how to use them properly and it looks awkward.....look at the Muppets barley any of them had any mechanics and they were still loved and believable.  Just my two cents on the blinking eyes.

All the best with this challenge...

Daryl H

I was looking back at other post you made in this thread and see you asked about foam latex puppets.  You can mix pigments or even acrylic/latex paint with the latex you are making foam latex puppets out of.  Some folks even coat poly-foam with latex.

Poly-foam is what most puppeteers are used to using and is the same as what you see in pillows and cushions. Styro-foam is what you see as packing material either in peanut form or shaped forms to hold the product.  Just thought I should point out the difference.

I'm using polytek f5 expandable foam that required an actual mold so its a little different. I've use latex from places like monster makers. Is it the same stuff? Can you suggest a good paint-able latex rubber? maybe you know a website to purchase from?

I agree Sonny has the most experience with latex on foam......................... I just ordered two gallons of latex from FX Supply but have not used it yet. http://www.fxsupply.com/

Does anyone know what those tubes with the rods inside of them are called. You use them to move parts inside of a puppet. They have a tube with a round loop on the end and the inside part moves back and forth. I'd like to buy a sturdy flexible metal one but I don't know what they are call to search for them on google

Sounds like cable-control to me. Some people use bicycle controls (like for brakes).