Abstract: A "try me" feature for remotely controlled devices such as remotely controlled toys for point of sale demonstration or sampling. A secondary link is provided between the remote control device and the remotely controlled device. When the secondary link is selected or present, activation of a control on the remote control device will cause the remotely control device to react the same or similar to the way it reacts under wireless remote control, but via the secondary link. In the preferred embodiment, the secondary link includes a disconnectable wired coupling. The remotely controlled device and the remote control device may be contained in a point of sale package or configured in a point of sale display. In one embodiment, the remotely controlled device has a switch by which the secondary coupling and "try me" operation, or normal wireless remote control operation is selected.

Abstract: The invention provides a toy light projector or light gun and player-worn and self-propelled toy targets which detect light emitted by a toy light gun, and a toy shooting game which includes at least one toy light gun, and at least one toy target. The game is played by a player attempting to "hit" a target which provides a feelable output upon detecting light projected by the gun, e.g., an ejection or release of a material, object, vibration, electrical shock, etc. The output is intended to be received and felt (other than by sight or sound) by a person playing the game. In the preferred embodiments, the target squirts water or bursts a water-filled balloon when a hit is detected or after a given number of hits is detected. Audio/visual effects may also be provided in response to hits.

Abstract: An electronic game is disclosed having an interactive play section of relatively large area which can quickly and easily be reconfigured to occupy a much smaller space. The interactive section does not require a rigid frame and is either flexible or includes flexible portions which enable it to be reconfigured, e.g., by folding, overlaying or rolling. The electronic game also includes an electronics section which may be rigid or include rigid parts but which is of a size such that the overall size of the game when the interactive section is reconfigured is effectively determined by the reconfigured interactive section. The particular game may be any suitable game which requires interactivity between the game and the player, for example, an electronic game which tests a player's reaction time and coordination by providing prompts to the player and scoring the responses.

Abstract: An in line fluid pressure regulating and pressure relief device having a regulator body with an axial bore therethrough with an inlet chamber conectable to a source of fluid under pressure and an outlet chamber connect able to a device requiring fluid under substantially constant pressure. A fluid pressure regulator located in the regulator body maintains fluid pressure at the outlet chamber at a constant predetermined level. A bleed piston located in the axial bore between the inlet chamber and to the pressure regulating means loses contact with said pressure regulating piston when the pressurized fluid source is removed from the regulator or drops below a certain level relieving substantially all pressure in said exit chamber and any attached device passively rendering the device inoperable.

Abstract: The invention provides a toy light projector or light gun and player-worn and self-propelled toy targets which detect light emitted by a toy light gun, and a toy shooting game which includes at least one toy light gun, and at least one toy target. The game is played by a player attempting to "hit" a target which provides audio/visual effects upon detecting light projected by the gun. A main target contains a light detector and all of the circuitry and audio/visual components needed to play a game, and an auxiliary target may contain a light detector and only some of the components needed to play a game and be coupled to a main target to share components therein. A self-propelled target includes circuitry which provides pseudorandom (or other pre-programmed or random) motion to the target. The light gun emits a sound while it is on and ready to be fired, which can serve as a warning to an opposing player.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupler includes a seal retaining member movably mounted in a coupler housing. A sealing washer biases the retaining member toward first position, and an annular seal is mounted in the retaining member. This annular seal defines both axial and radial sealing surfaces, and it is configured to transmit sufficient force to the seal retaining member to move the seal retaining member to a rearward position in response to a first, larger diameter plug bearing on the axial sealing surface, and to form a radial seal around a second, smaller diameter plug.

Abstract: A quick disconnect coupler includes a seal retaining member movably in a coupler housing. A sealing washer biases the retaining member toward first position, and an annular seal is mounted in the retaining member. This annular seal defines both axial and radial sealing surfaces, and it is configured to transmit sufficient force to the seal retaining member to move the seal retaining member to a rearward position in response to a first, larger diameter plug bearing on the axial sealing surface, and to form a radial seal around a second, smaller diameter plug.

Abstract: A method and apparatus makes rapid frequency measurements by measuring time intervals for a series of blocks of event counts with the number of events in each block held constant. This makes the numerator of the events/time relationship constant so it does not have to be measured, processed or stored. The frequency of the signal is determined by measuring the time interval, then taking the inverse of the measured value and multiplying by the appropriate constant. A fast inverse circuit uses a Taylor series expansion technique implemented in digital circuit, with the slope resolution adjusted for regions of small slope to improve accuracy.

Abstract: A method of digitally controlling the gate for a timing counter, to open and close the gate based on the occurrence of signal events, rather than on the envelope of the pulse. In a particular embodiment, a digital divider controls the gate, so that, when a pulse burst of RF is encountered, the gate opens on the second signal event. The divider can be programmed to close the gate any number of signal events later. Measurements are taken for an integral number of signal events, while counting time events from a precision clock. A series of measurements can be taken with various integral numbers of signal events for frequency profiling. By incrementing the digital divider from n to n+1 signal events for successive measurements, and subtracting the results, very narrow gates are effectively generated which move through the pulse cycle by cycle for frequency profiling.