Abstract: A set of coins is arranged relative to a display having discrete regions associated with discrete coins within the set. In a preferred embodiment, the display is a map, and an opening is provided within the borders of or proximate to each state on the map in order to receive a respective coin.

Abstract: A system for improving fuel economy of a motor vehicle, by reducing stops at traffic signals, to thereby attempt to keep the vehicle in continuous motion. The motor vehicle is equipped with a Global Position Sensor, GPS, and a computer. The GPS continually informs the computer of the current position of the vehicle. The computer is equipped with data-tables which enable it to identify (1) the next traffic signal which the vehicle will encounter and (2) the timing data for that traffic signal, which indicates when the signal will be green. The computer then computes a recommended speed for the vehicle, which speed will enable the vehicle to reach the traffic signal when the signal is green.

Abstract: A locking pet-entry door for a building. The pet's collar is equipped with an RFID tag, or transponder. An RFID tag reader controls a lock on the pet-entry door. When the transponder comes within range of the RFID tag reader, the transponder transmits a code, which the RFID tag reader receives.

Abstract: A system for assuring that no credit cards are missing from a purse. Each credit card carries a tag, such as an RFID tag. An RFID reader, carried in the purse, periodically polls the tags. The RFID reader expects a given number of resposes, corresponding to the number of tags ordinarily present in the purse. If fewer than the expected number of responses is received, indicating that a tag and its associated credit card are missing, the reader issues a warning, such as a beeping sound.

Abstract: An accessory for association with a telephone answering machine, which blocks unwanted telephone calls. The “ringer” of the answering machine is de-activated: an incoming “ring” signal causes no “ring” sound. But the answering machine still answers, and may, or may not, say “Enter your password now.” In either case, the caller knows that a password is required, and enters it, using the keypad on the caller's telephone. The accessory “listens” to the password. If it is correct, the accessory actuates its own acoustic ringer, notifying the owner that a password-holder is calling. The owner, if present, may answer the call. If the password is incorrect, no “ring” sound is generated, but the caller may leave a message on the machine, as usual. Thus, only password-holders can cause a “ring” sound, but no callers are blocked from leaving messages.

Abstract: A set of coins is arranged relative to a display having discrete regions associated with discrete coins within the set. In a preferred embodiment, the display is a map, and an opening is provided within the borders of or proximate to each state on the map in order to receive a respective coin.

Abstract: A set of coins is arranged relative to a display having discrete regions associated with discrete coins within the set. In a preferred embodiment, the display is a map, and an opening is provided within the borders of or proximate to each state on the map in order to receive a respective coin.

Abstract: An amusement device, comprising two cooperating units. Each unit is equipped with a net for catching an incoming airborne ball, and a launcher for launching the ball, once caught. The two devices, if properly programmed, can juggle two, or more, balls.

Abstract: A set of coins is arranged relative to a display having discrete regions associated with discrete coins within the set. In a preferred embodiment, the display is a map, and an opening is provided within the borders of or proximate to each state on the map in order to receive a respective coin.

Abstract: A positioning device for a power tool. A tool, such as a drywall screw gun, is equipped with a projector which projects two light rays, which form a “V.” The axis of a screw driven by the gun lies in the plane of the “V,” as by bisecting the “V.” If the two rays are positioned so that they illuminate a framing member, such as a 2×4 stud, then this axis will intersect that stud. In effect, (1) the stud becomes the horizontal base of a triangle, (2) the legs of the “V” become the sides, and (3) the axis becomes the altitude. The altitude (axis) necessarily intersects the base (stud). This intersection occurs whether or not a sheet of material, such as drywall, covers part of the stud, provided extremeties of the stud are exposed for the illumination described above. Thus, the location of the concealed part of the stud can be determined, despite the fact that a sheet of material obscures that part.

Abstract: A set of coins is arranged relative to a display having discrete regions associated with discrete coins within the set. In a preferred embodiment, the display is a map, and an opening is provided within the borders of or proximate to each state on the map in order to receive a respective coin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a game in which an invading player sends a self-propelled vehicle into a defender's territory. The vehicle carries a gun which shoots ping-pong ball toward a goal, after a time delay. The invader chooses the time delay such that the ball shoots when the vehicle is located at a good scoring position. In order to prevent the invader from scoring, the defender throws pin-pong balls of his own toward the vehicle. The vehicle carries a sensor which detects ball strikes. When a ball strike occurs, the vehicle is forced to temporarily drive in reverse, or take another type of detour.

Abstract: The invention relates to a game using remotely-controlled miniature vehicles. One player drives an invading vehicle which shoots a ping-pong ball at a target which is defended by a second player. The defender fires balls at the vehicle and, if he strikes the vehicle, the vehicle incurs a penalty of temporary disablement. In addition, the vehicle can be required to periodically tag bases which the defender strews on the playing field; failing to do inflicts a penalty. Further, the invader can fire two types of missiles, and the defender must protect two goals. Firing the first missile can act as a feint by which the defender is distracted from defending one of the goals.