Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards providing video game gameplay incorporating falling puzzle mechanics influenced by character movements within a puzzle space. In a preferred embodiment, a computer implemented method renders a game world that includes a puzzle space wherein a sequence of falling items aggregate in a puzzle formation. Players move characters within the puzzle space to remove items by colliding with them in an attempt to resolve the puzzle by clearing all items from the puzzle space. In one possible arrangement, the sequence of falling items is released according to character movements within the puzzle space. The relationship between character movements and falling puzzle items makes the game play more engaging by providing additional strategic and competitive elements to traditional falling puzzle games.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and split flap wheel apparatuses that can display alphanumeric characters, messages, and graphics are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise a split flap wheel apparatus, comprising: a housing adapted to rotate about a center axis; flaps hingeably coupled, via hinges, to the housing that rotate externally to the housing with rotation of the housing; and a motor disposed within the housing that drives the rotation of the housing. One or more embodiments described herein can comprise a device comprising: a housing with at least one opening; a wheel within the housing; a group of hinged flaps affixed to an outside surface of the wheel along a circumference of the wheel; and a motor disposed within the wheel that operates to spin the wheel by the fixed amount of angular rotation.

Abstract: A latching apparatus for mounting and dismounting a housing, such as a modular split flap housing for display, that releasably secures a plug-in modular unit against a corresponding back plate including latches for fastening and securing to a stationary panel and a sliding member that is slidable from a first unlocked offset position to a second locked offset position provided to stabilize the plug-in modular unit against a surface of the back plate.

Abstract: A stopper for a split-flap display device is disclosed. For instance, a split-flap bit is disclosed comprising an integrated stopper, e.g., molded as part of a housing of the split-flap bit. The stopper is molded with the housing, and stops the flaps/cards in a split-flap mechanism from turning once the motor stops for display of a specified set of flaps.

Abstract: A latching apparatus for mounting and dismounting a housing, such as a modular split flap housing for display, that releasably secures a plug-in modular unit against a corresponding back plate including latches for fastening and securing to a stationary panel and a sliding member that is slidable from a first unlocked offset position to a second locked offset position provided to stabilize the plug-in modular unit against a surface of the back plate.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and split flap wheel apparatuses that can display alphanumeric characters, messages, and graphics are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise a split flap wheel apparatus, comprising: a housing adapted to rotate about a center axis; flaps hingeably coupled, via hinges, to the housing that rotate externally to the housing with rotation of the housing; and a motor disposed within the housing that drives the rotation of the housing. One or more embodiments described herein can comprise a device comprising: a housing with at least one opening; a wheel within the housing; a group of hinged flaps affixed to an outside surface of the wheel along a circumference of the wheel; and a motor disposed within the wheel that operates to spin the wheel by the fixed amount of angular rotation.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and split flap wheel apparatuses that can display alphanumeric characters, messages, and graphics are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise a split flap wheel apparatus, comprising: a housing adapted to rotate about a center axis; flaps hingeably coupled, via hinges, to the housing that rotate externally to the housing with rotation of the housing; and a motor disposed within the housing that drives the rotation of the housing. One or more embodiments described herein can comprise a device comprising: a housing with at least one opening; a wheel within the housing; a group of hinged flaps affixed to an outside surface of the wheel along a circumference of the wheel; and a motor disposed within the wheel that operates to spin the wheel by the fixed amount of angular rotation.