Abstract: A multiple position switch having a plurality of contact regions on, e.g., a PCB and corresponding conductive regions mounted on a piece of resilient material resting on the surface, with each conductive region contained within a hollowed portion of the resilient material to be thereby spaced apart from the respective contact region, and having a swivelingly mounted joystick, the joystick having a plurality of urging members positioned radically outward from the longitudinal axis of the joystick corresponding in number and position to the number and position of the respective contact regions.

Abstract: A game-calculator having a single housing for a handheld calculator and an electronic game each sharing the same display, with a sliding mask to alternatively cover in a first or second position either the calculator keyboard input keys, or both the game input keys and that portion of the display panel not used to display the calculator functions, with the slide also serving to position a switch which is coupled to the programmed data processor, responsive to movement of the slide from the first position to the second position, or vice versa.

Abstract: A radio controller for radio control of model vehicles and the like. The controller can be placed in a control mode wherein vehicle functions such as motor speed, direction, horn and lights are controlled by control signals. In addition, the controller can be placed in a voice transmission mode wherein an audio signal is transmitted to the vehicle and broadcast from a speaker mounted on the vehicle. The receiver of the radio controller is switched from the control mode to the voice transmission mode by way of the control signals. When the receiver is placed in the voice transmission mode, the control signals are ignored with switching to the control mode being accomplished by receiver circuitry which detects a momentary absence of the transmitted carrier signal.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic program playing device having a flat panel electro-optical display unit incorporated in a housing, is disclosed. Circuitry suitable for driving the display unit and manually operable controls for providing a plurality of control functions are incorporated in the housing. A replaceable cartridge unit which fits into and mates with the housing incorporates a microprocessor and supplementary circuitry. The cartridge unit can include a transparent overlay which incorporates one or more graphic patterns. When the cartridge is placed into the housing the overlay is disposed relative to the display unit so that the visual image of the display unit is viewed through the overlay. The microprocessor and overlay in the replaceably cartridge define the program such as a game that can be played by the housing and cartridge combination.

Abstract: A toy track system having an electro-optical sensing device in the roadway senses the passage and identity of a plurality of individual cars on that roadway and provides the sensed information to a microprocessor based operator control panel. The operator control panel provides visual information to the operator by individual LED's and an alpha-numeric display and provides audio information by a speaker. The operator control panel receives information from the operator through a 4.times.4 matrix keyboard. The microprocessor of the control panel is programmed to permit the operator to test his skill in manipulating the train cars in a dictated sequence and within a certain time frame. The operator can also direct the control panel microprocessor to activate a plurality of accessory devices in the system in a desired sequence and time span.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic sound generator, comprising a one or more oscillators and a noise generator, each acting singly, mixed or gated in combination to produce a variety of interesting sounds. The device may be operated continuously or as a momemtary pulse with decaying volume. Power is used only when sounds are being generated to conserve battery power. The frequency of the oscillators or noise generator may be varied to change the characteristics of each individual sound combination.

Abstract: A steering assembly particularly adapted for incorporation into a remote controlled toy car is disclosed. The steering assembly includes a pair of kingpins which fixedly mount two steered wheels of the toy car. The kingpins are pivotably mounted on axles attached to a chassis of the toy car. The kingpins are also moveable on their respective axles in a substantially vertical direction relative to the chassis of the toy car. A mechanism is provided to simultaneously pivot both kingpins about their respective axles in a proportional response to a steering input by a player so that the steered wheels of the cars are turned to a desired extent. Each kingpin is in an operative camming relationship with at least one member fixedly attached to the chassis of the toy car so that the kingpin located on the inside of a turn is caused to move downward and the other kingpin located on the outside of the turn is caused to move upward.