Abstract: The Electronic RPM Yo-Yo will contain electronics for purposes of measuring typical yo-yo game play including the speed and RPMs, the duration of the spin of the yo-yo and it will also calculate overall score based upon a combination of the speed and duration. It may also calculate the scale speed in miles per hour and the distance which the yo-yo would have traveled had it been rolling along a flat plane. The electronics will save high scores for each of the result categories. The high scores can be recalled. The electronics will include a sound transducer to provide audio signals that will alert a player when his current play has exceeded a high score. Results of game play will be conveyed using LCD read-out, a bar graph comprised of colored LEDs or heard audibly via a speaker and electronic speech. Results can also be transmitted to similar yo-yo's via IR (infrared) or IF radio frequency technology.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to electronic and electromechanical games having a visual display in which the user can obtain feedback on his or her performance during, or after, play, play a game stored in memory, and/or interact with a virtual pet or other character and, more particularly, to a hand-held game apparatus comprising a rotatable body rotating about an axis of rotation incorporating a display coupled to the apparatus for displaying graphics and textual images, a controller coupled to the apparatus for receiving, processing, and outputting data, graphics, and textual images to the display, memory coupled to, and accessible by, the controller for storing information relating to the electronic game, a sensor coupled to the controller for receiving information related to the use of the electronic game and for transmitting the information to the controller, and one or more user inputs for inputting commands to the electronic game.

Abstract: A yo-yo having a multi-image lenticular instruction system. The system is incorporated into at least one of the yo-yo's side members via a side cap that is secured to the side member and is readily visible. The instruction system functions by displaying sequential images showing how to perform a predetermined yo-yo trick. A user can manually manipulate the yo-yo to display the images in either a forward or reverse order and at any speed the user desires. By watching the images, the user can easily see how to perform the displayed yo-yo trick.

Abstract: A rotating object, such as a toy top or yo-yo, is provided with a display mechanism which permits the display of letters, number and graphics as the object moves. In one embodiment a toy top is taught which incorporates such a display made up of string of light emitting diodes. As the top is spun a switch is closed by centrifugal force which activates the display circuitry. A message previously stored in the display circuitry memory is then read out of memory and is used to control the illumination of the LED's. As the top reaches a revolutionary speed which is in synchronization with the clocking speed of the display, the message is viewable by the user, and remains viewable until the rotational speed of the top slows enough to defeat the visual synchronization.

Abstract: A variable-display device comprises an outer hollow cylinder made of a transparent material, an inner hollow cylinder disposed inside and substantially coaxially with the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder having a passage formed therein in a direction substantially parallel to the axis thereof and communicating to outside from the inside of the inner cylinder, an opaque sheet-like member made of a soft material, disposed as curled and having one end thereof located inside the inner cylinder and the other end located outside the passage formed in the inner cylinder, and an operating member fixed to the sheet-like member and disposed rotatably in relation to the outer cylinder. The outer cylinder carries a first display such as a picture, characters, figure or other pattern, and the inner cylinder carries a second display different from the first one.

Abstract: A one piece spinning toy with markings made of either luminous or florescent material. When the toy is spun, it spins at an angle rather than upright, which creates a wobbling effect that causes the markings to generate a clear three-dimensional pattern.