Abstract: A confection spreader may be configured to spread confections (for example sprinkles), for example over a cake. The spreader includes a confection tray that is initially in an upper position on a post, mechanically coupled to an upper tray which supports a confection housing or reservoir in which the confections are initially located. At the bottom of posts are legs that act as a stand for the confection spreader. The post includes a spiral groove that is engaged by the confection tray, such that when a lock holding the confection tray against the upper tray is released, the confection tray spins as it descends along the post, following the spiral groove. The release of the confection tray allows confections to flow out of the confection reservoir, through openings in the upper tray, and onto the confection tray. As the confection tray rotates, the confections are propelled outward by centrifugal forces.

Abstract: One or more programmable electronic interfaces made up of a tile, a sensor, or multiple tiles and/or sensors in a network communicate with a computational device to allow users to build programs to be played interactively on the interfaces. The interfaces can react to a user applying pressure to, contacting with the interface or otherwise triggering a sensor (such as motion, thermal, touch, pressure, or other detected interactions). The computational device provides a macro-scale interface of different types. The system communicates (either wirelessly or via a wired connection) with the computing device in order to send and receive information. The electronic interfaces can be tiles with interactive lights and/or sensors that can be programmed into games, designs, animations, light shows, musical instruments, dance routine steps, etc.

Abstract: One or more programmable electronic interfaces made up of a tile, a sensor, or multiple tiles and/or sensors in a network communicate with a computational device to allow users to build programs to be played interactively on the interfaces. The interfaces can react to a user applying pressure to, contacting with the interface or otherwise triggering a sensor (such as motion, thermal, touch, pressure, or other detected interactions). The computational device provides a macro-scale interface of different types. The system communicates (either wirelessly or via a wired connection) with the computing device in order to send and receive information. The electronic interfaces can be tiles with interactive lights and/or sensors that can be programmed into games, designs, animations, light shows, musical instruments, dance routine steps, etc.

Abstract: An action figure game piece is disclosed. The game piece comprises a game figure character adapted for movement a distance over a surface and a mechanism for indicating the distance of movement over the surface. A method of playing an action figure game on the surface is also disclosed. The method comprises providing for each player a plurality of the game pieces, each game piece having an indicium indicating a point value, a mechanism for indicating a distance the game piece has moved over the surface, and a mechanism for attacking an opponent player's game pieces. The method also comprises selecting for each player a group of the game pieces having point values summing to a predetermined value and selecting a number of actions each player can take per player's turn. An action comprises either a move, comprising moving a game piece a distance up to the particular game piece's point value, or an attack, comprising actuation of the particular game piece's attacking mechanism.

Abstract: An action figure game piece is disclosed. The game piece comprises a game figure character adapted for movement a distance over a surface and a mechanism for indicating the distance of movement over the surface. A method of playing an action figure game on the surface is also disclosed. The method comprises providing for each player a plurality of the game pieces, each game piece having an indicium indicating a point value, a mechanism for indicating a distance the game piece has moved over the surface, and a mechanism for attacking an opponent player's game pieces. The method also comprises selecting for each player a group of the game pieces having point values summing to a predetermined value and selecting a number of actions each player can take per player's turn. An action comprises either a move, comprising moving a game piece a distance up to the particular game piece's point value, or an attack, comprising actuation of the particular game piece's attacking mechanism.

Abstract: An action figure game piece is disclosed. The game piece comprises a game figure character adapted for movement a distance over a surface and a mechanism for indicating the distance of movement over the surface. A method of playing an action figure game on the surface is also disclosed. The method comprises providing for each player a plurality of the game pieces, each game piece having an indicium indicating a point value, a mechanism for indicating a distance the game piece has moved over the surface, and a mechanism for attacking an opponent player's game pieces. The method also comprises selecting for each player a group of the game pieces having point values summing to a predetermined value and selecting a number of actions each player can take per player's turn. An action comprises either a move, comprising moving a game piece a distance up to the particular game piece's point value, or an attack, comprising actuation of the particular game piece's attacking mechanism.

Abstract: A toy block includes a base assembly and a rack slidably attached to the base assembly. The rack, which defines a longitudinal axis, includes a first row of teeth and a second row of teeth, each of which extends in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The rows of teeth are oriented such that interaction between the first row of teeth and a first rotating member causes the first rotating member to rotate about an axis that is not parallel to an axis about which a second rotating member rotates when interacting with the second row of teeth.

Abstract: An action figure game piece is disclosed. The game piece comprises a game figure character adapted for movement a distance over a surface and a mechanism for indicating the distance of movement over the surface. A method of playing an action figure game on the surface is also disclosed. The method comprises providing for each player a plurality of the game pieces, each game piece having an indicium indicating a point value, a mechanism for indicating a distance the game piece has moved over the surface, and a mechanism for attacking an opponent player's game pieces. The method also comprises selecting for each player a group of the game pieces having point values summing to a predetermined value and selecting a number of actions each player can take per player's turn. An action comprises either a move, comprising moving a game piece a distance up to the particular game piece's point value, or an attack, comprising actuation of the particular game piece's attacking mechanism.

Abstract: A toy block assembly includes a housing. The housing includes an upper surface having protrusions, and a lower surface having recesses. Gear assemblies are positioned between the upper and lower surfaces of the housing. Each gear assembly is sized and configured to rotate about an axis of the gear assembly and to mesh with one or more adjacent gear assemblies.