Abstract: A fun and entertaining backyard lawn game related to the traditional game of golf. Players take turns striking their ball with a golf club from a plurality of designated tees towards a singular cup. Each player's ball is of a non-traditional design and changes the strategy and dynamics of play. The cup is also a non-traditional design with mechanical obstructions to the ball and on occasion may be adjusted by each player to impede the chances of a subsequent opponent from holing his ball in the cup. A winner is determined by a unique method of scoring.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for animating an image imprinted or otherwise disposed on a substantially flat surface, such as a photograph or a card. The image should include at least one element suitable for animation, such as the eyes and mouth of a face. The image is animated using an animation mechanism disposed behind the flat surface, which mechanism is connected by a solenoid to an element that is physically separate from the flat surface. The visible portion of the movable element is inserted from the back of the flat surface through a slit in the flat surface such that at least a portion of it is visible above the image. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of solenoids is utilized to move the element back and forth so as to create the illusion of animation to the picture. Also in the preferred embodiment, a device for playing an audio file associated with the image is provided, which device may be synchronized with the animation of the image so as to create a more lifelike appearance.

Abstract: The present invention is a candy lollipop device that can be converted to a humanoid or character figure with a wobbling head after consumption of the candy. The device comprises a lower body have a flat base and an upper body with a wobbly head. The lower body further houses a candy or similar confection. Both the upper and lower body portions are modeled to mimic fanciful or commonly known characters and personalities, and may include information imprinted on the flat base and at other suitable locations on the device.

Abstract: A system of simulated golf play and a simulated golf game are described, wherein a player piece is moved along at least one path of play from a tee area, across a fairway and to a putting area, wherein said path of play is defined by indicia marking a ball path, and wherein the at least one path of play traverses at least one of a hill, a rough, a water hazard, a tree hazard, and a sand trap hazard and wherein a plurality of player chips are collected and redeemed, wherein at least one of the player chips represent both a point award and at least permissible special actions of a player or special effects on a ball.

Abstract: A postage meter (franking machine) is provided having a limited number of physical (mechanical) keys associated with frequently performed tasks, and a touch-sensitive display of limited size with regions associated with rarely performed tasks. Optionally a receiving area is provided which can receive a printed sheet, and a touch-sensitive area is juxtaposed with the sheet, permitting user selection of items on the printed sheet. By means of a scrolled display of subsets of a character set, the user may readily create text strings on the touch-sensitive display of limited size. A history is kept of frequently selected print parameters, and the user can scroll through a list derived from the history.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to printing bar codes and other indicia on articles, and relates specifically to printing postage on mail pieces by means of ink-jet printing on the adhesive side of transparent adhesive tape.

Abstract: In a mailpiece stacking system, a pressure pad is used to direct incoming mailpieces from a mailing machine used with the system onto a feed deck, where the mailpieces are stacked against a stacking wall in the system. To properly handle mailpieces including window envelopes, the length of the pressure pad is selected in accordance with the invention such that it effectively deflects each mailpiece to land beyond the window part of any window envelope preceding thereto on the feed deck. Advantageously, the risk of having the mailpiece getting caught by an edge of the window part, resulting in a congestion, is avoided. In addition, among other things, a catch nub is included in the pressure pad for hooking onto a stub shaft mounted on the frame of the system. The nub hooks onto the stub shaft when the pressure pad is raised to allow it to stay in the raised position.

Abstract: The system has a postal security device that contains stored postage value, which causes the nonsecure printer to print onto a mail piece. In addition, the postal security device is attached to a secure card interface, which receives a secure card. The postal security device is connected to the TMS host by a data link. The TMS host is connected to the postal authority by a data link.

Abstract: In a postage printing device, a printer is employed to print postage indicia on mail pieces. The printer is preferably a noncontact printer such as an ink-jet printer. Printing occurs as the mail piece moves relative to the print head of the printer, which requires that reliable motion information (e.g. a print clock signal) be made available to the electronics driving the print head. The reliable motion is provided in a noncontact way, preferably by directing a laser beam toward the mail piece and detecting a moving speckle pattern in the light scattered from the mail piece.

Abstract: A mail piece handler defines a paper path having a downstream direction. A first motor is mechanically coupled with the mail piece handler, and an encoder is operatively coupled with the mail piece handler. A mail piece sensor is positioned at the paper path, and a print rotor is positioned at the paper path downstream of the mail piece sensor, the print rotor having a print surface. A second motor is mechanically coupled with the print rotor, and an electronic controller is communicatively coupled with the encoder, with the mail piece sensor, and with the second motor, the controller disposed in the event of sensing of a mail piece by the mail piece sensor to control said second motor so as to cause the print surface of the print rotor to move at substantially a speed measured via the encoder.

Abstract: A postage meter has a locking cam follower so that locking arms on the print wheels of the postage meter are able to lock the wheels from unintended movement when the print rotor is out of its home position. Stiff runners are provided below guide rods of setting racks in the rotor so that the racks cannot be displaced away from the value wheels. A sensor is placed on the rotor cover with the meter software set up to keep a print cycle from starting if the cover is open. A cam on the rotor makes it impossible to open the cover when the rotor is out of the home position. A latch holds the cover shut, and the only way the latch can be released is if the meter software releases it, for example by sliding a rack to a position that triggers the latch. Cogs and cog teeth are used instead of gears and gear teeth to reduce the possibility of unintended movement of the value wheels. Rotating disks lock the racks when the rotor is not in the home position.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus which may be used to secure and position animal chew toys. An animal chew toy is secured by various means in an elevated position so as to alleviate the need for manipulation by the animal, thus increasing access and use by the animal, and extending the life of the chew toy.