Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a cartridge for use in a three dimensional (3-D) printer is described. Another aspect of the invention relates to a 3-D printer that is arranged to engage the cartridge. Various embodiments relate to devices, methods, software and systems related to the above cartridge and/or printer.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system for 3-D printing that includes a nozzle and a movable platform, wherein the platform provides for a constant distance configuration of the platform relative to the extrusion emitter or nozzle thereby precluding the need to level the printer. The apparatus includes motion vectors associated with each direction of motion of the movable platform. A central point of origin is further provided for establishing the directions of movement of the movable cantilevered platform. The direction of motion of the motion vectors each pass through the central point of origin thereby providing a movable platform that stays a constant distance relative to the nozzle when moved in any planar direction within each layer.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, system for 3-D printing that includes a nozzle and a movable platform, wherein the platform provides for a constant distance configuration of the platform relative to the extrusion emitter or nozzle thereby precluding the need to level the printer. The apparatus includes motion vectors associated with each direction of motion of the movable platform. A central point of origin is further provided for establishing the directions of movement of the movable cantilevered platform. The direction of motion of the motion vectors each pass through the central point of origin thereby providing a movable platform that stays a constant distance relative to the nozzle when moved in any planar direction within each layer.

Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for facilitating communication between an electronic device and a toy are described. In one aspect, the toy communicates with the electronic device using audio signals and/or conductive touch elements. Some embodiments involve an electronic device that is arranged to use light-based control signals to communicate with a toy. In various implementations, the toy includes a light/motion sensor that allows a user to interact with the toy.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a toy arrangement involving a flickering, animated and/or luminescent toy object will be described. The toy arrangement includes a toy object having a light sensitive layer. A light source is arranged to illuminate the light sensitive layer with a pattern revealing light. The light sensitive layer is arranged to emit colored light in response to exposure to the pattern revealing light. In some implementations, the light source is arranged to vary the intensity of the pattern revealing light, which in turn can cause the colored light emitted from the toy object to fade, brighten and flicker. The toy arrangement may also include a speaker that emits sounds that are synchronized with changes in the colored light.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a toy arrangement involving a flickering, animated and/or luminescent toy object will be described. The toy arrangement includes a toy object having an ultraviolet sensitive layer. A light source is arranged to illuminate the ultraviolet sensitive layer with ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet sensitive layer is arranged to emit colored light in response to exposure to the ultraviolet light. In some implementations, the light source is arranged to vary the intensity of the ultraviolet light, which in turn can cause the colored light emitted from the toy object to fade, brighten and flicker. The toy arrangement may also include a speaker that emits sounds that are synchronized with changes in the colored light.

Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for facilitating communication between an electronic device and a toy are described. In one aspect, the toy communicates with the electronic device using audio signals and/or conductive touch elements. Some embodiments involve an electronic device that is arranged to use light-based control signals to communicate with a toy. In various implementations, the toy includes a light/motion sensor that allows a user to interact with the toy.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a toy arrangement involving a flickering, animated and/or luminescent toy object will be described. The toy arrangement includes a toy object having an ultraviolet sensitive layer. A light source is arranged to illuminate the ultraviolet sensitive layer with ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet sensitive layer is arranged to emit colored light in response to exposure to the ultraviolet light. In some implementations, the light source is arranged to vary the intensity of the ultraviolet light, which in turn can cause the colored light emitted from the toy object to fade, brighten and flicker. The toy arrangement may also include a speaker that emits sounds that are synchronized with changes in the colored light.