Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device comprises a first member having a first chamber and a first opening providing access thereto, said first chamber including means to receive and retain a disc-shaped media, and a second member for the storage of materials other than the disc-shaped media, said second member including a second chamber and a second opening providing access thereto. A protective element may be inserted either beneath or above (or both) the disc-shaped media so as to protect the media surface or retain the disc-shaped media within the first chamber. The first member may be removably attached to the second member about the second opening so as to close said second opening.

Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as a compact disc or a DVD, together with other materials, in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes a first member for the storage of the disc-shaped media in a first chamber and a second member or container for the storage of a beverage in a second chamber sealed by a cover having an opening at the center thereof for the insertion of a straw. The first chamber includes a cylindrical inner structure defining central support for the disc media and includes an aperture that aligns with the opening of the cover when the wafer is in place on the cover. The disc-shaped media is sealed within the annular inner chamber of the wafer by means of a circular protective element. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.

Abstract: A method of visually changing the release points of pitches from a video pitching machine ball-throwing machine, which comprises the steps of (a) providing a pitching machine which is mounted in close proximity to a projection screen having a fixed opening through which a ball can be thrown from the machine toward a batter; (b) providing a video projector for projecting the video image of a pitcher on the screen; (c) providing a programmable controller for synchronizing the release of the ball from the machine with the video image; and changing the visual release point of the pitcher by adjusting the position of the video image relative to the fixed release point in order to simulate the pitcher throwing from a different release point.

Abstract: An educational car is provided in which the driver-student is provided with a conventional braking pedal and the passenger-teacher is provided with a braking stick to override the driver-student braking pedal in order to effect a braking operation. Furthermore, there is provided a counter braking function to override the operation of the brake by the driver-student. The counter braking arrangement may need no more additional mechanical structure and the operation of the counter braking stick by a hand is capable of preventing or reversing the operation of the brake by the driver-student.

Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes an opening at one end thereof, and it has at least one internal upper chamber and at least one internal lower chamber for respectively receiving the disc-shaped item and the other materials. These chambers are divided by a support element that is adapted to positively retain the disc-shaped item within the upper chamber. A lid is further provided for closing the opening at the end of the packaging device. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.

Abstract: A remote control toy is provided for interacting with and responding to its environment. The remote control toy includes at least two wireless transmitters for generating unique control signals, wherein each of the transmitters is positioned in a different room or location in a child's environment. The transmitters each generate a unique infra-red control signal by means of a light-emitting diode. A remote control device in the shape of a doll or other appealing configuration includes a battery-powered photodiode for receiving said control signals. The remote control device identifies the specific wireless transmitter that generated said control signal and generates a message or sound effect in response to the control signal appropriate for the specific location of the transmitter that generated the signal.

Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes an opening at one end thereof, and it has at least one internal upper chamber and at least one internal lower chamber for respectively receiving the disc-shaped item and the other materials. These chambers are divided by a support element that is adapted to positively retain the disc-shaped item within the upper chamber. A lid is further provided for closing the opening at the end of the packaging device. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.

Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with a beverage container of the kind typically having a cover with a central straw opening. The packaging device includes a cylindrical lid comprising two separate elements—an upper element and a lower element—adapted to receive and retain a disc-shaped media, which cylindrical lid is then sealingly engaged to a beverage container of the cup type which is often sold or given away as a promotional item in connection with the purchase of a large fountain beverage. At least one of the two elements of the lid has a cylindrical inner structure defining central support for the disc media by means of the annular opening at the center of the disc, such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media both perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of the media.

Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes a first member or plug having a first chamber and a first opening for access into such first chamber and removable lid for closing such first opening and thus sealing the first chamber, and a second member or container having a second chamber and a second opening for access into such second chamber for the storage of other materials in such second chamber. The first chamber has an inner structure defining central support for the disc media by means of interaction of such inner structure with the annular opening at the center of the disc media, such that the disc media is allowed to rotate, while limiting the linear movement of the disc media both perpendicular to and parallel to the plane of the media.

Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes an opening at one end thereof, and it has at least one internal upper chamber and at least one internal lower chamber for respectively receiving the disc-shaped item and the other materials. These chambers are divided by a support element that is adapted to positively retain the disc-shaped item within the upper chamber. A lid is further provided for closing the opening at the end of the packaging device. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve system is provided with particular application for use in conjunction with a pressurized system containing an incompressible fluid. The system includes a main pressure relief valve in communication with the pressurized system and a pilot valve in communication with said main pressure relief valve. The pilot valve includes a pilot valve body; a pressure chamber that is always in communication with the system pressure; and a sense piston reciprocal in the pilot valve body and which is exposed to the pressure in the pressure chamber. Damping means are provided on the sense piston to improve control of the opening and closing of the valve system. Preferred damping means include at least one labyrinth damping ring that extends downward from the sense piston and is adapted to engage with an upwardly extended damping ring on a hydraulic damping plate.

Abstract: A decorative display is provided for the arrangement of foliage and flowers, either real or artificial, as well as a variety of decorative elements, such as fruit and vegetables, either real or artificial, or candles. The decorative display comprises a rigid support structure composed of a plurality of longitudinal and latitudinal arcuate members that define a plurality of openings to receive foliage and flowers, said support structure being substantially spherical in shape, although the bottom is flat so as to allow for the placement and display of the display on a flat surface such as a table. Mounted at regularly spaced intervals along said longitudinal and latitudinal arcuate members are a plurality of attaching means within which may be releasably secured protrusions or hollow cylinders adapted to hold and support pieces of fruit and vegetables as well as candle holders. The shape of the decorative display may also be toroidal so as to simulate a wreath or conical, so as to simulate a Christmas tree.

Abstract: A system is provided for dispatching one or more packets of information selected from the group consisting of redeemable coupons, messages, appointment reminders, confirmations, tickets, warnings and written packets to potential recipients at a remote location. The system utilizes a remote receiver and printer having a unique identification number and bit-string code based on predetermined characteristics of the subscriber. The steps included in the system include: (1) developing a subscriber directory containing unique identification information for each of the potential recipients; (2) creating a packet to be dispatched to at least one of the recipients; (3) identifying the potential recipients for a particular packet by identification number or bit-string code; (4) transmitting the packet through a pager network to all of the potential recipients; and (5) receiving and selectively processing and printing only those packets intended to be processed and printed by the appliance.

Abstract: A printer appliance is provided for use in receiving and printing packets of information transmitted by wireless means, particularly by a pager network. The appliance includes a receiver module for receiving the packets of information transmitted over the network; a microprocessor for analyzing the packets received to determine whether the packets are intended to be processed and printed by the appliance; and a printer for printing the packets of information.

Abstract: A container is provided having at least two separate container elements attached by a banner bearing a message, said container elements and banner being formed from a single flexible sheet or paper. Each of the containers has an opening in the top thereof for storage and transportation of a variety of goods. The flexible banner and container elements are formed such that the container elements are adapted to fit adjacent to each other to form a large container. This large container being bordered on all sides by the flexible banner when in the closed position. When the container elements are rotated in opposite directions relative to each other, a message imprinted on the inner surface of the flexible banner is made visible.

Abstract: An elongated packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD, together with other materials relating to such disc or otherwise in a stacked relationship. The packaging device includes an opening at one end thereof, and it has at least one internal upper chamber and at least one internal lower chamber for respectively receiving the disc-shaped item and the other materials. These chambers are divided by a support element that is adapted to positively retain the disc-shaped item within the upper chamber. A lid is further provided for closing the opening at the end of the packaging device. A method is further provided for packaging such disc-shaped item and other material within the packaging device.

Abstract: A pitching system is provided for throwing baseballs, softballs and the like, which machine is synchronized to work in conjunction with a video display means to permit a batter to visually view a pitcher prior to and during delivery of the pitch. The machine includes a power head having at least two and preferably three coacting wheels for propelling a ball toward a batter to simulate a pitch. Three AC motors and companion motor drives are provided for causing the wheels to rotate at predetermined speeds. The motor drives include dynamic braking circuits to permit rapid deceleration of the wheels. A pair of linear actuators is provided to permit the power head to be moved to predetermined horizontal and vertical positions. A programmable controller is included for individually controlling the rotational speed of each individual wheel, the horizontal position of the power head and the vertical position of the power head.

Abstract: A ball-throwing machine is provided for throwing baseballs, softballs and the like, which machine includes a power head having three coacting wheels for propelling a ball toward a batter to simulate a variety of pitches at different speeds and different locations. Three AC motors and companion motor drives are provided for causing the wheels to rotate at predetermined speeds. The motor drives include dynamic braking circuits to permit rapid deceleration of the wheels. A pair of linear actuators is provided to permit the power head to be moved to predetermined horizontal and vertical positions. The pitches are established by providing a table of five separate data elements for each of said pitches, three of said data elements corresponding to the rotational speed of each of said wheels, and the remaining two data elements corresponding to the horizontal and vertical angular position of the power head.

Abstract: A ball-throwing machine is provided which may be used for throwing baseballs, softballs and the like. The machine includes a power head having at least two and preferably three coacting wheels for propelling a ball toward a batter to simulate a pitch. Three AC motors and companion motor drives are provided for causing the wheels to rotate at predetermined speeds. The motor drives include dynamic braking circuits to permit rapid deceleration of the wheels. A pair of linear actuators is provided to permit the power head to be moved to predetermined horizontal and vertical positions. A programmable controller is included for individually controlling the rotational speed of each individual wheel, the horizontal position of the power head and the vertical position of the power head. A smart card reader may be employed for programming of the controller and the machine is adapted to be used in conjunction with a video display to simulate the actual pitching of a baseball by a pitcher.

Abstract: A writing and display device for producing luminescent images upon application of pressure thereon which can be readily erased and repeatedly used having a protective layer to prevent damage to the writing surface thereof. The device includes a backing member with a smooth surface over which a translucent or transparent sheet containing a luminescent dye or pigment and an opaque pliable plastic sheet are disposed. At least one of the sheets is formed of a pliable plastic with its interface surface tending to adhere to the interfacing surface of the other sheet when a pressure is applied thereto to produce luminescent images. A pliable, transparent protective sheet is disposed adjacent to and coextensive with the translucent or transparent luminescent sheet. Upon application of pressure onto the protective sheet, which pressure is transmitted to the luminescent sheet by virtue of the pliability of the protective sheet, the interfacing surfaces adhere to each other to thereby produce a luminescent image.