Could someone point me in the right direction to learn about this effect?

Here is a video demonstration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJuWQl_HOzk

I would love to make one of these.

This trick was the invention of an Edward M. Massey. Owen and Thayer made superb versions of the trick. The construction would be very technical and precise.

I know that there are similar effects in the following book:

T.A. Waters - Mind Myth Magick

Look for Box Office and On the Button

Rhettbryson is spot on. I have the Owen version of the effect, and the version that Steven's put out. They are both wonderful, but so sensitive in working. Don't get me wrong, both work perfectly, but I can only imagine the exceptional craftsmanship it took to get the operation just right. Without spilling the secret, so many things could go wrong in building this that creating one will take patience, and skill.