Patents Assigned to Western Publishing Co., Inc.
  • Patent number: 5531600
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in conjunction with a book containing intermixed text and symbols, includes a randomly accessible sound storage-and-playback memory having addressable storage locations, and a plurality of actuatable selectors, each selector being associated with a respective symbol corresponding to a symbol in the book. A switch selects between a recording mode of operation and a playback mode of operation. A microprocessor controls recording at respective addressable storage locations in the memory respective sounds produced by the user, the recording means being active during the selected recording mode of operation. The microprocessor controls the playback from the memory of a respective recorded sound, the playback means being actuated by the microprocessor upon actuation of a respective one of the selectors during the selected playback mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Western Publishing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph H. Baer, Philip E. Orbanes
  • Patent number: 5485792
    Abstract: A latent image development system for producing a multicolor image on a substrate, includes in combination a substrate and dispenser. The substrate has a colorless or faintly colored latent multicolor image thereon, the latent image being formed by a plurality of different color former compositions, each including a Lewis base color former. The dispenser is adapted to development of the latent multicolor image on the substrate by marking thereover and reacting with a single color developer composition, the color developer composition being free of inorganic metallic salts and including a Lewis acid color developer operative for each of the color former compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Western Publishing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Keyser, W. James Bousman, Robert W. Biemeck
  • Patent number: 5453013
    Abstract: An audio-visual book includes a plurality of pages and a text portion on the plurality of pages. The text portion includes, on each of at least two of the pages, both a plurality of lines of text and a plurality of different predetermined graphic depictions related in concept to the subject matter of the text and interposed within the lines of text. A switching mechanism is disposed in predetermined relationship to the text portion and includes a plurality of individually actuable elements, each of the switches being associated with one of the graphic depictions. A digital sound generator, responsive to actuation of one of the switches, is provided for selectively effecting generation of a sound associated with the subject of the depiction associated with the one switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Western Publishing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Zeb Billings, Harold D. Pierce, Martin R. J. Moore, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5437552
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in conjunction with a book containing intermixed text and symbols, includes a randomly accessible sound storage-and-playback memory having addressable storage locations, and a plurality of actuatable selectors, each selector being associated with a respective symbol corresponding to a symbol in the book. A switch selects between a recording mode of operation and a playback mode of operation. A microprocessor controls recording at respective addressable storage locations in the memory respective sounds produced by the user, the recorder being active during the selected recording mode of operation. The microprocessor controls the playback from the memory of a respective recorded sound, the playback means being actuated by the microprocessor upon actuation of a respective one of the selectors during the selected playback mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Western Publishing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph H. Baer, Philip E. Orbanes
  • Patent number: 5342064
    Abstract: An acquisition game is played on a concave playing field defining a nadir with a plurality of movable game pieces removably disposed on the field for movement thereabout. Each player has an acquisition tool for removing at least one of the game pieces at a time from the field, the acquisition tool also being for moving the game pieces and an interposing member about the field. An interposing member (preferably in the form of an animal such as a crab) is removably disposed on the field for movement thereabout when the interposing member vibrates. The interposing member is substantially greater in size than any of the game pieces and defines passages therethrough configured and dimensioned to enable movement of the game pieces through the passages so that the interposing member impedes access of the acquisition tool to at least those of the game pieces in the passages. A motor is provided for vibrating the interposing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Western Publishing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Williamson, Mark Luecke, John R. Wildman, Dennis J. O'Patka
  • Patent number: 5325958
    Abstract: A combination tray and box for storing a plurality of paint colors therein, the apparatus comprising an elongated substantially rectangular housing being generally defined by a planar bottom and four sides, the housing having an open top whereby a storage tray insert may be removably fitted within the interior of the housing, the insert having a plurality of paint storage wells and transverse raised ribs defined along the longitudinal extent of the top surface thereof and juxtaposed between adjacent wells, the insert further having an exterior perimeter less than the interior perimeter of the housing so as to define a channel therebetween for accumulation of excess paint and water residue, the housing further including a cover associated therewith for protecting the tray contents when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Western Publishing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Arasim