Abstract: A signal processing device for frequency multiplication of an analog signal by an adjustable multiplication factor. The input analog signal is digitized using a delta modulator and read into a random access memory at a first clock rate. The data is read out of the memory at second clock rate and then converted back to an analog output signal. The multiplication factor is a function of the adjustable ratio of the two clock rates.

Abstract: A signal processing device for frequency multiplication of an analog signal by an adjustable multiplication factor. The input analog signal is digitized using a delta modulator and read into a random access memory at a first clock rate. The data is read out of the memory at second clock rate and then converted back to an analog output signal. The multiplication factor is a function of the adjustable ratio of the two clock rates. Residual noise is minimized by using the circuit slope voltage to trigger a variable pulse width multivibrator which controls switching of charge to a passive integrating circuit.

Abstract: A digital electronic watch having a matrix game display comprising a plurality of game display element arranged in a matrix on the display, each having at least two game display element segments and with selective illumination of game display element segments, to simulate movement about the matrix of game play units and interaction between game play units, in response to a stored program with the stored program also including instructions performed in response to player input during the game, and including sound effect generation during the game.

Abstract: A CRT beam control apparatus wherein a microprocessor drives the CRT beam for controlling the beam characteristics, including writing speed, slope, position and intensity. The apparatus includes a single digital-to-analog converter supplying sample-and-hold circuitry through a selector and further includes a pair of active integrator circuits switchable to connect the output of the digital-to-analog converter or sample-and-hold circuits. The microprocessor is operative to provide digital words to the DAC representative of the differential X and Y values of a line segment to be drawn. The analog representations of these digital words are coupled to the integrators. The outputs of the active integrators provide the deflection signals causing deflection of the CRT beam. The apparatus is particularly adapted to drawing a series of connected line segments, due to the integrator operation.

Abstract: A security system for ascertaining the authenticity of removable video game cartridges adapted to interface with a video game system having a CPU. The system includes the comparison of the contents of predetermined addresses in the memory unit of the game cartridges with a security message stored in the CPU, and the rejection of the cartridge unless the contents of these predetermined memory locations are the same as the security message. The system further includes means for displaying a proprietary notice message to the operator of the video game system before substantive interfacing between the CPU and remote software unit occurs. Control over game operation will occur only if the CPU recognizes the cartridge as an authorized unit.

Abstract: An optical film reader for projecting and enlarging micro copy information recorded in rollfiche format on rolls of photographic film or the like which provides a film transport mechanism enabling rapid manual scanning of the enclosed rollfiche strip in both directions, with instantaneous reversal of the scanning direction without backlash in the film drive. A low glare, high contrast viewing screen is mounted at 45.degree. to the vertical and placed low at the front of the unit perpendicular to the viewer's line of sight. Movable projection optics are provided for scanning of rollfiche microcopy which is wider than that projectable on a fixed sized screen at one given time at a given magnification ratio; the movable projection optics allow projection of the micro copy data or eye-readable index area of the rollfiche by means of a single scanning lever.

Abstract: A multiple position switch having a plurality of contact regions on, e.g., a PCB and corresponding conductive regions mounted on a piece of resilient material resting on the surface, with each conductive region contained within a hollowed portion of the resilient material to be thereby spaced apart from the respective contact region, and having a swivelingly mounted joystick, the joystick having a plurality of urging members positioned radically outward from the longitudinal axis of the joystick corresponding in number and position to the number and position of the respective contact regions.

Abstract: A game-calculator having a single housing for a handheld calculator and an electronic game each sharing the same display, with a sliding mask to alternatively cover in a first or second position either the calculator keyboard input keys, or both the game input keys and that portion of the display panel not used to display the calculator functions, with the slide also serving to position a switch which is coupled to the programmed data processor, responsive to movement of the slide from the first position to the second position, or vice versa.

Abstract: A radio controller for radio control of model vehicles and the like. The controller can be placed in a control mode wherein vehicle functions such as motor speed, direction, horn and lights are controlled by control signals. In addition, the controller can be placed in a voice transmission mode wherein an audio signal is transmitted to the vehicle and broadcast from a speaker mounted on the vehicle. The receiver of the radio controller is switched from the control mode to the voice transmission mode by way of the control signals. When the receiver is placed in the voice transmission mode, the control signals are ignored with switching to the control mode being accomplished by receiver circuitry which detects a momentary absence of the transmitted carrier signal.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic program playing device having a flat panel electro-optical display unit incorporated in a housing, is disclosed. Circuitry suitable for driving the display unit and manually operable controls for providing a plurality of control functions are incorporated in the housing. A replaceable cartridge unit which fits into and mates with the housing incorporates a microprocessor and supplementary circuitry. The cartridge unit can include a transparent overlay which incorporates one or more graphic patterns. When the cartridge is placed into the housing the overlay is disposed relative to the display unit so that the visual image of the display unit is viewed through the overlay. The microprocessor and overlay in the replaceably cartridge define the program such as a game that can be played by the housing and cartridge combination.

Abstract: A toy track system having an electro-optical sensing device in the roadway senses the passage and identity of a plurality of individual cars on that roadway and provides the sensed information to a microprocessor based operator control panel. The operator control panel provides visual information to the operator by individual LED's and an alpha-numeric display and provides audio information by a speaker. The operator control panel receives information from the operator through a 4.times.4 matrix keyboard. The microprocessor of the control panel is programmed to permit the operator to test his skill in manipulating the train cars in a dictated sequence and within a certain time frame. The operator can also direct the control panel microprocessor to activate a plurality of accessory devices in the system in a desired sequence and time span.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic sound generator, comprising a one or more oscillators and a noise generator, each acting singly, mixed or gated in combination to produce a variety of interesting sounds. The device may be operated continuously or as a momemtary pulse with decaying volume. Power is used only when sounds are being generated to conserve battery power. The frequency of the oscillators or noise generator may be varied to change the characteristics of each individual sound combination.

Abstract: A steering assembly particularly adapted for incorporation into a remote controlled toy car is disclosed. The steering assembly includes a pair of kingpins which fixedly mount two steered wheels of the toy car. The kingpins are pivotably mounted on axles attached to a chassis of the toy car. The kingpins are also moveable on their respective axles in a substantially vertical direction relative to the chassis of the toy car. A mechanism is provided to simultaneously pivot both kingpins about their respective axles in a proportional response to a steering input by a player so that the steered wheels of the cars are turned to a desired extent. Each kingpin is in an operative camming relationship with at least one member fixedly attached to the chassis of the toy car so that the kingpin located on the inside of a turn is caused to move downward and the other kingpin located on the outside of the turn is caused to move upward.

Abstract: A plurality of fingerprints of a person are recorded by applying a solution of a first substantially colorless chemical reagent to the fingertips. Essentially invisible fingerprints are obtained by gently pressing the fingers having the solution of the first chemical reagent thereon on a suitable recording sheet. Subsequently the recording sheet is exposed to sublimed vapors of a second chemical reagent. The first and second chemical reagents are selected to react with one another to yield a highly colored substance which is formed on the surface of the recording sheet providing a visible image of the fingerprints. Ferric chloride and a 8-hydroxyquinoline are ideally suited chemical reagents for use in this invention. An apparatus of unitary construction incorporating a replaceable dispensing pad having the solution of the first chemical, is disclosed.

Abstract: An electronically controlled roadrace system with a sound generator for penetrating a variety of audible signals is disclosed. The system includes facilities for starting the race, counting and displaying laps completed for each car, computing and displaying fastest lap times and last lap times for each car, calculating and displaying the remaining fuel for each car, introducing random failures for each car, and randomly determining one of several failure modes. Apparatus for selectively powering and depowering each track, upon signal from a controller, is shown. Also shown is a novel apparatus for sensing completion of another lap by each car, and a track section of each car track which is selectively decoupled from the track power for performance of pit functions.Other features and functions are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a credit card printer apparatus which includes inkless fingerprinting directly on a medium, such as a check or credit card slip. The printer can include a housing or bed having one or more replaceable cartridges with a pair of reservoir resilient foam cell pads having a semi-sealed surface. A platen roller is movable across the bed to both print the information from a credit card and to deposit fluid from the pads for a subsequent fingerprint development. Generally, the pads can be resiliently mounted to the bed to permit a pressure contact of the respective pads with the surface of the medium.

Abstract: A voice or sound unit adapted for use on toys and the like has a mechanical linkage system with a joint capable of transmitting sound indicia while isolating the tone arm from any absorption of stylus movement. The tone arm can employ flexure hinges to insure a constant force on the stylus. A planetary gear coupling system provides a unique drive transmission to either a single turntable or a pair of concentric turntables. If a pair of turntables are used, they can be relatively rotated to combine a large number of sound sequences.