Abstract: A writing implement having a magnetic component is disclosed. The writing implement may be a pen, pencil, marker, highlighter, or other type of writing implement, and may include a writing tip, a reservoir for providing a writing fluid, a housing, and at least one magnetic component. The magnetic component may be sized and shaped so that it can be at least partially enclosed within the housing. The magnetic component may include one or more magnets and may be movably coupled to the housing to allow for alignment of the magnets with a ferromagnetic surface.

Abstract: Aspects herein relate to an applicator wand that is configured to melt a solid marking material and apply the melted marking material onto a receiving medium. Aspects of the applicator wand include a heating and melting element enclosed within an external casing, a receiving compartment configured to receive one or more solid marking materials, and an applicator tip for applying the melted marking material onto a receiving medium to create a design, drawing, picture, sketch, and the like on the receiving medium.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an automated crayon-molding device comprising a crayon-receiving member, an automated heating element, a crayon-melting chamber that is heated to a melting temperature by the automated heating element, and at least one mold. The crayon-receiving member receives the crayon at one end and has a closure mechanism at another held, preventing the crayon from entering in the crayon-melting chamber until it reaches a melting temperature. Once the inside of the crayon-melting chamber, the crayon melts and drips into a mold configured to receive melted wax. Embodiments of the invention also include a method for assembling an automated crayon-molding device and a system for molding crayons that includes a crayon-receiving member, an automated heating element, a crayon-melting chamber, a drawer positioned underneath the crayon-melting chamber, and at least one mold.

Abstract: A writing implement having a magnetic component is disclosed. The writing implement may be a pen, pencil, marker, highlighter, or other type of writing implement, and may include a writing tip, a reservoir for providing a writing fluid, a housing, and at least one magnetic component. The magnetic component may be sized and shaped so that it can be at least partially enclosed within the housing. The magnetic component may include one or more magnets and may be movably coupled to the housing to allow for alignment of the magnets with a ferromagnetic surface.

Abstract: Aspects herein relate to an applicator wand that is configured to melt a solid marking material and apply the melted marking material onto a receiving medium. Aspects of the applicator wand include a heating and melting element enclosed within an external casing, a receiving compartment configured to receive one or more solid marking materials, and an applicator tip for applying the melted marking material onto a receiving medium to create a design, drawing, picture, sketch, and the like on the receiving medium.

Abstract: A handheld digital drawing and projection device is provided. The device includes a screen for receiving a user input. In embodiments, a stylus tethered to the device provides the user input at the screen. The device further includes a determining component for determining an output corresponding to the received user input. A projector for projecting the determined output onto an external projection surface is also included. In some embodiments, the projector further projects a display environment, which includes one or more projected elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an automated crayon-molding device comprising a crayon-receiving member, an automated heating element, a crayon-melting chamber that is heated to a melting temperature by the automated heating element, and at least one mold. The crayon-receiving member receives the crayon at one end and has a closure mechanism at another held, preventing the crayon from entering in the crayon-melting chamber until it reaches a melting temperature. Once the inside of the crayon-melting chamber, the crayon melts and drips into a mold configured to receive melted wax. Embodiments of the invention also include a method for assembling an automated crayon-molding device and a system for molding crayons that includes a crayon-receiving member, an automated heating element, a crayon-melting chamber, a drawer positioned underneath the crayon-melting chamber, and at least one mold.

Abstract: A drawing stylus that transmits data to a base unit using high-frequency audio or radio frequency signals is described. The stylus includes a color selector that enables a user to select a color to be associated with inputs from the stylus. A pressure sensor is also included to detect a pressure applied to the tip of the stylus. The selected color and pressure data are transmitted over high-frequency audio or radio frequency signals to a base unit for processing. The base unit may use the data received via the transmission along with one or more other data elements as inputs to an application executing on the base unit.

Abstract: A handheld digital drawing and projection device is provided. The device includes a screen for receiving a user input. In embodiments, a stylus tethered to the device provides the user input at the screen. The device further includes a determining component for determining an output corresponding to the received user input. A projector for projecting the determined output onto an external projection surface is also included. In some embodiments, the projector further projects a display environment, which includes one or more projected elements.

Abstract: A persistence-of-vision display device that is configured to receive inputs via a stylus and methods for its use are described. The device includes a display housing with a rotating armature disposed therein. The armature includes arrays of light sources and sensors. A stylus is provided that is useable to provide input through the display housing in a manner similar to drawing on the housing. Angular locations of the inputs are identified and corresponding light sources are illuminated. The impression of drawing on the display device is thus provided. Controls for color selection, animation, and other features are provided.

Abstract: An interactive projection system, apparatus, and methods for their use are provided. The system includes a projection unit that projects an image of a user interface onto a projection surface. At least one vision sensor is provided that is configured to sense a location of an infrared light source. A computing device that is configured to execute applications to provide the user interface and to determine corresponding outputs based on inputs received by the vision sensor is also provided. An infrared input device, or stylus, is employed by a user to provide infrared light inputs at desired locations with respect to the projected user interface. Additionally, a plurality of styli, each emitting a different respective wavelength of infrared light is also useable to provide multiple simultaneous inputs to the system. An equal plurality of vision sensors may also be employed to separately sense inputs from a respective stylus.

Abstract: An illuminated marking device is described for use with colorless marking materials. The marking materials remain colorless until being transferred to a marking surface having a developer material disposed thereon that causes the marking material to develop a colored appearance. The marking material is contained within a marking device having a clear or translucent barrel and a lens integrated into a first end. The lens is tinted in a color similar to that of the developed color of the marking material. The first end of the marker is inserted into a light housing having a light source therein. Light from the light source is filtered by the lens and thereby illuminates the barrel of the marker in a color similar to that of the developed color of the marker. The glowing marker indicates the marking color of the marker and provides an enjoyable glowing experience.

Abstract: A persistence-of-vision display device that is configured to receive inputs via a stylus and methods for its use are described. The device includes a display housing with a rotating armature disposed therein. The armature includes arrays of light sources and sensors. A stylus is provided that is useable to provide input through the display housing in a manner similar to drawing on the housing. Angular locations of the inputs are identified and corresponding light sources are illuminated. The impression of drawing on the display device is thus provided. Controls for color selection, animation, and other features are provided.

Abstract: An interactive projection system, apparatus, and methods for their use are provided. The system includes a projection unit that projects an image of a user interface onto a projection surface. At least one vision sensor is provided that is configured to sense a location of an infrared light source. A computing device that is configured to execute applications to provide the user interface and to determine corresponding outputs based on inputs received by the vision sensor is also provided. An infrared input device, or stylus, is employed by a user to provide infrared light inputs at desired locations with respect to the projected user interface. Additionally, a plurality of styli, each emitting a different respective wavelength of infrared light is also useable to provide multiple simultaneous inputs to the system. An equal plurality of vision sensors may also be employed to separately sense inputs from a respective stylus.

Abstract: An illuminated marking device is described for use with colorless marking materials. The marking materials remain colorless until being transferred to a marking surface having a developer material disposed thereon that causes the marking material to develop a colored appearance. The marking material is contained within a marking device having a clear or translucent barrel and a lens integrated into a first end. The lens is tinted in a color similar to that of the developed color of the marking material. The first end of the marker is inserted into a light housing having a light source therein. Light from the light source is filtered by the lens and thereby illuminates the barrel of the marker in a color similar to that of the developed color of the marker. The glowing marker indicates the marking color of the marker and provides an enjoyable glowing experience.

Abstract: A system for racing an electrically powered toy vehicle over a defined course under operator control comprises a continuous track having at least one lane with a pit stop segment and an electrical path extending along the lane for providing electrical power to the vehicle. A control unit is operably connected to the electrical path. The control unit has first one control mechanism that can be manipulated by an operator to vary a speed of the electrical vehicle and another to perform at least one pit stop function such as a tire change or a vehicle refueling. A display is operably connected to the control unit for visually displaying a progression of the pit stop function in response to manipulation of the other control mechanism.

Abstract: A system for racing an electrically powered toy vehicle over a defined course under operator control comprises a continuous track having at least one lane with a pit stop segment and an electrical path extending along the lane for providing electrical power to the vehicle. A control unit is operably connected to the electrical path. The control unit has first one control mechanism that can be manipulated by an operator to vary a speed of the electrical vehicle and another to perform at least one pit stop function such as a tire change or a vehicle refueling. A display is operably connected to the control unit for visually displaying a progression of the pit stop function in response to manipulation of the other control mechanism.