Abstract:
A three dimensional object is controlled by operating light sources to provide light in light conduction channels within the three dimensional object. The three dimensional object can be representative of a living thing or an inanimate object. The three dimensional object can include a processor, flash memory and a USB connector. Computers can be connected to the object via the connector to provide power to the light source and to augment the presentation.
Abstract:
A bottle cap for universal retrofitting to one of a number of pre-existing beverage containers containing a beverage and having a removed cap and threaded aperture, having at least one container portion for containing at least one dispensable material, a threaded portion for receiving the threaded aperture and creating, when threaded, a water-tight assembly; and a bag containing the dispensable material located in the container portion. Upon screwable attachment of the threaded aperture into the cap, the threaded aperture parses at least a portion of the bag to permit feeding of the material into the beverage. A plurality of such caps is also shown packaged for commercial sale. The material contained in the cap is selected from the group consisting of vitamins, medicaments, teas, flavors, concentrates and water-soluble food material. Also shown is a universal cap further having a moveable aperture assembly creating an open, fluid-flowing state and a closed, fluid-stopped state, having a top portion containing a drinking aperture and an elongated, moveable fluid-flowing portion. In accordance with another aspect of a dissolvable membrane encloses dispensable material in the cap, and the membrane dissolves upon contact with fluid in a fluid container to release the dispensable material into the fluid.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method for a credit card holder to issue satellite debit cards out of his pre-established credit card, without the need for prior approval by his credit card company. The satellite card could be issued to himself or to any other party, and the information regarding this satellite card would be electronically transmitted to the recipient of the card. The recipient would then utilize this information to print out a unique Satellite Card, which can be accepted by merchants for purchases or for obtaining cash.
Abstract:
A phonics training system adapted to teach a pre-school child having a limited vocabulary of words which identify various objects, such as people, animals and things, how each of these words is spelled, thereby making it possible for the child to read these words. The system includes a computer having a video output terminal and a memory in which is digitally stored an electronic dictionary containing the phonetic sounds of the words in the vocabulary and the alphabetic spelling of each of these words. Associated with the computer is image software containing a library of images which illustrate the various objects represented by the words in the phonetics dictionary. The computer is provided with a peripheral in the form of a voice recognition unit into which the child speaks, the unit acting to recognize the distinctive sound pattern of the child's voice and to accommodate the phonetics dictionary to this pattern.
Abstract:
A light-weight fabric for producing outerwear garments suitable for wear on boats, beaches and in other environments in which the wearer may be exposed to rain or water, as well as to cold temperature. The fabric is composed of inner and outer skins formed of woven synthetic plastic fibers, such as nylon, which render the skins water-resistant, yet permeable to vapor whereby the fabric is breathable. Sandwiched between the skins is a layer of polyester fiberfill which imparts thermal insulation-characteristics to the fabric. Dispersed throughout the fiberfill and imprisoned therein are fine, closed-cell foam plastic beads which impart buoyancy and quick-dry properties to the fabric.
Abstract:
A combined monitor and light box assembly installable in a crib enclosure occupied by an infant. The assembly which is interactive with the infant includes a light box on whose front face is mounted a semi-reflective mirror behind which is a film transparency having a photographic image of the infant's mother. When a light bulb in the box is energized to illuminate the transparency, the image of the mother becomes visible to the infant through the mirror which is then effectively transparent. Associated with the light box is a sound-activated switching device connected between the bulb and a power source. The switching device, when activated by crying sounds emanating from the infant, remains activated for a predetermined period to energize the bulb and illuminate the transparency. Also associated with the light box is a record playback unit having stored therein a voice message recorded by the mother addressed to her infant, the unit being rendered operative only when the bulb is energized. Hence when the infant cries, it is then presented with an image of its mother and hears her comforting message, as a consequence of which the infant is induced to stop crying. The monitor which is operative only after the switch is activated, radio-transmits the crying sounds then emanating from the infant to a receiver that can be heard by the mother.
Abstract:
A boxing training glove which incorporates characteristics of a heavy bag whereby when a boxer in training wears this glove and punches a hard surface, this acts to build up his muscular strength. The glove is constituted by a heavily-padded leather mitten having an inner liner formed by a plastic film envelope that conforms to the interior of the glove and is filled with a silicone fluid. The viscosity of the confined fluid is such that when the boxer punches the hard surface, the impact force is distributed throughout the liner by the silicone fluid, thereby replicating the effects of a heavy bag and avoiding injury to the hand wearing the glove.
Abstract:
An innersole for a sneaker or other athletic shoe that is adjustable to impart to the innersole characteristics appropriate to the particular use to which the shoe is to be put by the wearer, such as jumping, jogging or running. The innersole, contoured to fit in the shoe, is composed of a flexible foam plastic pad encased in a plastic film envelope. Extending from the rear of the envelope and projecting through the counter of the shoe is a vent tube having a control valve therein. When the valve is fully open, the insole then acts as a shock-absorbing cushion whereby when depressed by the foot of the wearer, air is expelled from the innersole through the open valve, and when pressure is released, the innersole then inhales air as it recovers its normal shape. When the valve is fully closed to hermetically seal the envelope, the innersole then functions as a pneumatic spring to impart bounce thereto. The degree of bounce imparted to the innersole relative to its shock absorbing characteristics is adjustable by partially opening the valve.
Abstract:
A package housing a humanoid or animal-like figure, or other shaped object such as a miniature automobile, formed of porous, compressible material which when compressed to expel the air therefrom then assumes a shrunken state. The shrunken object is stuffed into the cavity of a small container having a form thematically related to the object stuffed therein. When the container is opened and the object released therefrom, the object inhales air to assume its normal full scale size and shape. Embedded in the object is a sound-producing electronic unit which when the object is agitated, then generates audible sounds appropriate to the object.
Abstract:
A mock battle game for children in which each player in the role of a shooter is provided with a toy water gun which when triggered, projects a beam of water in the direction in which the gun is aimed. Each player who acts as a target wears a vest having at least one target zone that includes a water-sensor module housing a water-absorbent, non-conductive pad having embedded therein a pair of spaced electrodes. The pad is impregnated with salt crystals to form a resistance bridge between the electrodes which function as a normally open switch to connect a battery in the vest to an integrated circuit unit. When the switch is closed, the unit then generates a visible or audible signal. In the course of play when a shooter-player succeeds in striking the target zone on the vest of a target-player to wet the module therein, the salt crystals are then dissolved to produce a conducive salt solution that closes the switch, the resultant signal being indicative of a hit.