Abstract: A nightlight according to the invention may comprise a base; a lighting device on the base; and a power source in the base for the lighting device; an outer housing mounted on the base and surrounding the lighting device, having a window through which light can project from the lighting device; an image support within the outer housing for holding at least one image between the lighting device and the window, whereby the image is illuminated by the lighting device and visible through the window. The image support may be rotatably mounted within the outer housing, and capable of supporting a plurality of images and of being selectively rotated into a position for displaying a selected one of the images through the window. The image support may be a cylindrical drum. The image support may be rotatable by a ring which is accessible by a user for manually rotating the drum. The image may be a pictorial image or may be formed by perforations formed in the image support.

Abstract: A single day alarm clock includes circuitry for selecting an alarm mode to be an alarm-on mode or an alarm-off mode, circuitry for setting an alarm time at which an alarm will sound when the alarm mode is set to the alarm-on mode and circuitry for automatically setting the alarm mode to the alarm-off mode once the alarm has sounded in the alarm-on mode, thereby preventing the alarm from sounding the next day at the set alarm time.

Abstract: A single day alarm clock radio includes a plurality of music setting buttons for setting different types of music; and having alarm buttons for setting an alarm for a radio mode, a buzzer mode, or an alarm off mode. A preset locking switch is provided for locking or unlocking the clock radio to allow the time to be preset, or the alarm time to be preset, or the radio station to be preset, or the type of music to be preset. Also provided is software for automatically cancelling a preset alarm time once it has sounded to change the alarm setting to the “off” mode so that a new hotel guest is not subject to the preset alarm time of the previous hotel guest.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an electrical timer which automatically controls the activation and deactivation of electrical devices, such as light fixtures, appliances and the like based on the time of sunrise and/or sunset for a particular geographic location. In this regard, the sunrise and/or sunset times for a multitude of different geographic locations is collected and stored in the timer's memory in association with the relevant geographic location. Each geographic location is specified in memory by geographic indicia, such as postal zip code or telephone area code, of its location (e.g., latitude and longitude). The timer of the present invention is programmed to automatically activate and/or deactivate the device to which it is coupled (e.g., lights, appliances, etc.) at the sunset and/or sunrise times stored in memory for each date that is specified in memory.

Abstract: A wireless video camera system for transmitting audio and video information generated by a video camera over an RF-link to a remotely located recording device via a base station/converter box. The video camera also includes a number of user selectable keys corresponding to recording device control functions which are also transmitted over the RF-link and which are used to control the operations of the recording device.

Abstract: A simulated computer includes a plurality of images, including at least one character image and a plurality of activity images, and user-operable keys for selecting one of the images, a selected one of the activity images being illuminated to indicate the selected activity. A sound chip simulates talk by a character represented by the character image, the character image being illuminated during simulated talk by the character. User-operable keys are provided for selecting a simulated computer function. A microprocessor performs a sequence of simulated computer play, including a plurality of sequential events, the sequence of play commencing at an event responsive to the selected computer function.

Abstract: A drinking container includes a fluid-tight container having a continuous sidewall connecting an open top and a closed bottom, and a handle secured to the sidewall and extending substantially the length thereof. A rigid lid has a lid body configured and dimensioned to close the open top and a lid lever extending outwardly from the lid body and beyond the handle for pivoting the lid body relative to the open top from a top-closed orientation to a top-open orientation. A pivot is secured to the handle for pivotally engaging the lid lever and enabling pivoting of the lid body between the top-closed orientation and the top-open orientation. An electronic sound generating element is disposed in the lid body and responsive to an actuating switch disposed on the lid lever such that the normal movement of a user for causing pivoting of the lid body from the top-closed orientation to the top-open orientation also actuates the sound-generating element prior to causing pivoting of the lid body.

Abstract: A battery-sparing retail/home circuit for a sensor includes first and second switch systems in parallel. The first switch system includes a first user-operable switch for energizing a first circuit. The first user-operable switch is biased to an open orientation for opening the first circuit and movable to a closed orientation for closing the first circuit. The first user-operable switch is always operable to close the first circuit. The second switch system includes a second user-operable switch in a series circuit with a sensor-operated switch. The second user-operable switch is accessible by a user only after purchase of the retail/home circuit and is movable between an off orientation opening the series circuit and an on orientation rendering the series circuit dependent on the sensor-operated switch only.

Abstract: In a pinball machine, a ball spinner comprising a cup adapted for rotation relative to a playing field, the cup having a curved inner surface which terminates in a peripheral flange, and a centrally disposed hub extending downwardly along the axis of rotation, the hub having a compression spring disposed thereof for maintaining the cup in a non-rotating, unweighted position, the cup being operably associated with a drive motor for rotation thereof, and being adapted to engage a switch upon sensing the weight of the pinball therein, the switch enabling the drive motor and remaining in a closed position until the pinball is ejected from the cup during rotation.