Abstract: A binder for receiving and retaining papers includes first and second strips slidably connected to one another. Each strip includes spaced-apart fingers extending upwardly therefrom. The fingers of the first and second strips are offset from one another when the first and second strips are in a closed position. The first and second strips include releasable locking catches to retain the strips in a closed position, and release tabs for selectively moving the second strip into the open position. A cover having living hinges is attached to a lower surface of the first strip. The cover may include pockets on an outer surface thereof for accepting inserts, such as file hangers or printed labels.

Abstract: A binder for receiving and retaining papers includes first and second strips slidably connected to one another. Each strip includes spaced-apart fingers extending upwardly therefrom. The fingers of the first and second strips are offset from one another when the first and second strips are in a closed position. The first and second strips include releasable locking catches to retain the strips in a closed position, and release tabs for selectively moving the second strip into the open position. A cover having living hinges is attached to a lower surface of the first strip. The cover may include pockets on an outer surface thereof for accepting inserts, such as file hangers or printed labels.

Abstract: An interactive game board or pages of interactive paper are attached to a platform designed to channel power to the game board/interactive paper and to receive signals therefrom. A transmitter unit that is removably attached to the platform provides power to the platform and transmits signals from the game board/interactive paper to a multimedia source, such as a computer or a CD-ROM player. Signals are generated at the interactive game board and interactive paper by means of touch pads that each permit completion of one of a plurality of distinct electrical circuits. Play pieces capable of generating a unique signal through the game board are also provided.

Abstract: A modular binder is provided for quickly and easily binding a sheaf of papers to form a book. The modular binder comprises a pair of cover modules each including a cover leaf hinged to a spine segment, wherein the spine segments are identical and are adapted to interfit in face-to-face relation to retain the sheaf of papers. A spine lock clip is provided to interconnect the spine segments with a variable spacing according to the thickness of the paper sheaf. Auxiliary communication and/or entertainment modules such as an audio cassette player, one or more audio cassettes, etc., can be mounted onto one or both cover leaves of the two cover modules.

Abstract: A three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle sculpture is provided for use in retaining puzzle pieces in assembled form in a decorative piece of art. The jigsaw puzzle sculpture includes a frame which defines the shape of the sculpture, and puzzle assembled to the frame. The frame has a three-dimensional configuration and includes a channel extending around the periphery of each frame section to hold the puzzle pieces in place. Each frame section provides a substantially planar surface circumscribed by a channel, which planar surface provides a support for the puzzle pieces. The planar surfaces include one or more apertures which are utilized to remove the puzzle pieces from the frame. Separable frame members are assembled to one another utilizing pin and hole interlocks. The three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle sculpture, when fully assembled, provides a decorative piece of art which may be subsequently disassembled and reassembled as desired.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the recording and playback of animation control signals, including voice, are disclosed. In accordance with the method, a dual track cassette recording is made, one track consisting of a voice channel and the other track consisting of a plurality of control signals for the control of animation, and in some instances for control of the speaker or speakers through which the voice channel will be played back, whereby two or more animated characters may appear to speak to each other or speak or sing in unison are disclosed. The control signals are pulse width modulated signals to provide, in general, proportional control signals to provide proportional control, through appropriate servo motors and the like, of the animated elements such as mouth, eyes, etc. of the animated character.

Abstract: A controller including a servo to time movement of an animated character with audible sounds reproduced in synchronism with control signals for the servo. A slippable friction drive also makes it permissible to interrupt movement of the character for any period of time. After such an interruption is terminated, the servo and friction drive return the movement of the character to a normal phase and amplitude.