Abstract: A spatula device operable for handling heated foodstuffs and manipulate a baking pan or container providing a unique and convenient integrally operable cooling chamber for receiving, cooling, and removing the baking pan or container from a complementary toy oven. The spatula device automatically retains the baking pan or container in the cooling chamber when the baking pan or container is removed from the toy oven used in combination and is operable to manually release the baking pan or container from the cooling chamber when the device is manipulated by a user. The spatula device includes a handle and a cooling chamber coupled to a first end with the chamber having an access opening defined in a wall, and the chamber manufactured from a thermochromic material capable of changing color corresponding to the temperature of the chamber.

Abstract: An artificial eye for use in animated plush toys has a one-piece eyeball and lid that are integrally molded. The eye further includes a shaped member and a retaining post. A crossplate of the shaped member is preferably curved to correspond to the curvature of the eye, and is operative to animate a portion of plush contiguous to the eye. The portion of plush to be animated has an attached elongated flap which includes a forked free end wherein each branch of the forked end includes a hole. The elongated flap is inserted into the doll's body or head cavity, and each branch is tucked under the curved crossplate of the shaped member. The retaining post engages the holes near the ends of each branch, thereby fixedly retaining the flap to the eye. When the eye is rotated the plush portion also moves thereby simulating movement of an eyelid.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides an animated plush doll such as a newborn dog or cat. The doll includes a plush covering over a housing comprising a head portion and a body portion. Disposed within the body portion is a drive mechanism including a motor and a plurality of gears. An electronic control circuit is linked to the drive mechanism for controlling the motor and producing pre-recorded songs among other things. One or more actuatable switches or sensors provide inputs to the electronic control circuit for effecting various movements of the toy. The head portion is movably coupled to the body portion and includes movable eye members. The drive mechanism is operative to move the eye members in a coordinated manner with the head portion so that the toy simulates the movements of a newborn animal such as awakening and falling asleep.

Abstract: Computer-generated personalized voice messages are created by concatenating data files of audio that were pre-recorded in the voice of an individual whose live voice is to be simulated during the delivery of the voice message. A call to a person or list of persons is placed by a computer. Common identifiers of each person to be called are read from a data base of data files, and matched with a separate data base containing recorded voice phrases, each of which is a digitization of the individual speaking content corresponding to the identifier—such as the person's first name. The recorded voice phrase audio is concatenated with at least one other audio file, which is a digitization of a message to be delivered to the called person.

Abstract: An invented sound and image producing system is disclosed. The system may include a cartridge that stores, processes and controls data representative of sound and/or images, and a player that provides the interface, annunciation and transduction of sound and/or images. The cartridge includes a computer integrated circuit or chip that stores and transmits signals from which sound and/or images may be produced. The system also may include a source of signals representative of sound, an audio port associated with the source and through which signals representative of sound may be sent, and a device configured to receive and store signals representative of sound, and to produce sound from such signals, where the device is configured to connect with the audio port and to receive and store signals representative of sound transmitted from the source through the audio port to the device.

Abstract: A disposable adhesive multi-use bib is disclosed configured for entertaining a child and wearable to protect the garments of the child or adult. The bib comprises a sheet component and a wearable component. At least the back surface of the wearable component is coated with an adhesive. The bib is designed to entertain a child while, for example, waiting to have food served or during a craft project. The wearable component is removed from the sheet component and is applied to the garments of the child for protecting the child's clothes while eating. The remaining sheet component is then utilized as a placemat.

Abstract: The present invention is a computerized game device or game playing method for use with objects such as balls and a generally planar surface. The game device may comprise at least two electromagnetic beam transmitters arranged to emit electromagnetic beams and at least two corresponding electromagnetic beam receivers generating signals. The game device further comprises a support for the transmitters and receivers having a surface shaped to rest stably against the planar surface, the support positioning each transmitter to emit its electromagnetic beam parallel to the other beams and parallel to the planar surface, the support positioning each receiver to receive one of the electromagnetic beams, and the support shaped to permit the objects to pass through the beams and to strike the planar surface without striking the support.