Abstract: Improvements that facilitate loading of supply items into data bearing identification or financial document production equipment. Supply items include web materials that are used in data bearing identification or financial document production equipment, and which are supplied from a supply cylinder and wound onto a take-up cylinder after use. Examples of supply items include monochromatic and multi-color print ribbons, webs that carry laminate patches, cleaning tape, and other web materials that are used up during use of the equipment. Data bearing identification or financial document production equipment include thermal printers, laminators and combinations thereof, and other equipment that utilize supply items.

Abstract: A video game system includes an output screen, a video game controller, video game software, and an interactive video game controller adapter. The video game controller has control buttons for inputting commands to manipulate images output to the screen. The video game software interfaces between the video game controller and the screen. The interactive video game controller adapter is attached to the video game controller and is shaped to represent the unique characteristics of a particular video game. The adapter has input controls shaped to simulate the real-life activity emulated by the video game. The appropriate control buttons of the video game controller are activated when the corresponding input controls of the adapter are activated.

Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are adjacently hinged together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. The truss includes a locking frame that is removably attached to ends of the side members. A display structure can be formed by connecting a locking frame between two truss members.

Abstract: Improvements that facilitate loading of supply items into data bearing identification or financial document production equipment. Supply items include web materials that are used in data bearing identification or financial document production equipment, and which are supplied from a supply cylinder and wound onto a take-up cylinder after use. Examples of supply items include monochromatic and multi-color print ribbons, webs that carry laminate patches, cleaning tape, and other web materials that are used up during use of the equipment. Data bearing identification or financial document production equipment include thermal printers, laminators and combinations thereof, and other equipment that utilize supply items.

Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are adjacently hinged together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. The truss includes a locking frame that is removably attached to ends of the side members. A display structure can be formed by connecting a locking frame between two truss members.

Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are adjacently hinged together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. A display structure can be formed by connecting locking members between two truss members.

Abstract: The present invention comprises both a system and a method for mechanically depressing a key of an underlying keyboard in response to a user input. The system preferably comprises a computer system and a mechanical interface device. The mechanical interface preferable mounts on top of the underlying keyboard and preferably includes a three dimensional representational object configured for manipulation by the user. This computer system preferably comprises a processor, a display coupled to the processor, and the underlying keyboard coupled to the processor. The computer system preferably shows a corresponding image in response to manipulation of the three dimensional representational object by the user. By utilizing the three dimensional representational object instead of a keyboard as the user's interface, the present invention gives the user a simpler, more realistic computer interface.

Abstract: A game apparatus for one or more users includes at least two input devices each of which requires a mechanical action for actuation, and a controller coupled to the input devices. The controller is operable to select at least one of the input devices and to send a command signal to the selected input device to de-actuate the selected input device. The controller also is operable to define an actuation time period and to detect whether a selected input device is actuated within the actuation time period after the input device is de-actuated. If the selected input device is actuated within the actuation time period, the controller is operable to select at least one other input device and to send a command signal to the other input device to de-actuate the other input device.

Abstract: A keyboard has a key array including keys, a top surface having a front edge and a back edge, and a bottom surface positioned opposite the top surface. An interface device for use with the keyboard includes a base, a front standoff coupled to the base and having a keyboard-contacting portion, and a back standoff coupled to the base and having a keyboard-contacting portion. The keyboard-contacting portions are spaced such that, when the base is positioned over the key array, the key array is positioned between the keyboard-contacting portions so as to align the base in a front-to-back orientation relative to the key array. The keyboard-contacting portions are both supported by the top surface of the keyboard. The interface device also includes a key-contacting mechanism mounted on the base in a fixed orientation relative to the standoffs, and a coupling mechanism for removably coupling the interface device to the keyboard.

Abstract: A music toy kit combining a music toy instrument like a piano or a drum, with a set of construction toy blocks. The music toy instrument is provided with coupling elements similar to or compatible with those of the construction toy blocks and at least some of the blocks are provided with a music score on at least one of their sides, whereby, in use, one may stack one or more of the construction toy blocks onto the music toy instrument and use these blocks as a combined music stand and score to play a given tune.

Abstract: A toy is provided in which a first entertaining environment is provided when the toy is in a first position and a second entertaining environment is provided when the toy is in a second position. The toy is transformed form the first position to the second position by rotating the toy from one side to another.

Abstract: A keyboard has a key array including keys, a top surface having a front edge and a back edge, and a bottom surface positioned opposite the top surface. An interface device for use with the keyboard includes a base, a front standoff coupled to the base and having a keyboard-contacting portion, and a back standoff coupled to the base and having a keyboard-contacting portion. The keyboard-contacting portions are spaced such that, when the base is positioned over the key array, the key array is positioned between the keyboard-contacting portions so as to align the base in a front-to-back orientation relative to the key array. The keyboard-contacting portions are both supported by the top surface of the keyboard. The interface device also includes a key-contacting mechanism mounted on the base in a fixed orientation relative to the standoffs, and a coupling mechanism for removably coupling the interface device to the keyboard.