Abstract: Techniques are addressed for providing young children with an art experience in which opportunities to misuse art supplies, such as crayons, markers and the like are substantially reduced. To such ends, an art supply system is provided in which selectively enabled art supplies are automatically enabled so that they are useable only within a compliant usage zone, such as within a predetermined distance of an acceptable work surface.

Abstract: A child safe paper trimmer device is utilizable by children and those lacking hand eye coordination or hand strength to conveniently utilize typical scissors arrangements. A child safe cutting blade is rotatably mounted so that it can be moved in any direction across a work surface, such as paper, to make a desired cut. A variety of mounting and tethering approaches are also described.

Abstract: A game system and method is described which may suitably employ a very inexpensive game mat or course which is printed with detectable markings, such as microdots. A toy housing holds a play pod which senses the sequence of the detectable markings as the toy housing is moved on the game mat. The play pod may be releasably held in the toy housing and transferred to a different housing. In this approach, to change games, a different game mat and toy housing are selected and the play pod is transferred to the new toy housing.

Abstract: Techniques are addressed for providing young children with an art experience in which opportunities to misuse art supplies, such as crayons, markers and the like are substantially reduced. To such ends, an art supply system is provided in which selectively enabled art supplies are automatically enabled so that they are useable only within a compliant usage zone, such as within a predetermined distance of an acceptable work surface.

Abstract: An applicator for providing a cost effective and simple method of edging lawns and precisely applying liquids to narrow areas. The applicator includes a frame having at one end a handle adapted to be pushed by the hand of a user, and at opposite end a wheel rotatably attached to the frame. A reservoir is attached to the frame intermediate the handle and the wheel, for storing a volume of fluid therein. The reservoir having an orifice therein positioned in juxtaposition to the wheel from which the liquid stored in the reservoir is allowed to flow toward a nozzle or to land the outer surface of the wheel. The reservoir preferably comprises a user replaceable sealed container having a self-piercing end for allowing a safe refill of the applicator with chemicals that may be hazardous. In an alternative embodiment, a commercially available tank/pump and spray wand is adaptable to the rolling applicator of the invention.

Abstract: An interactive electronic drum system and training techniques suitable for use in a coin-operated environment such as an arcade are described. Electronic drum pads, audio speakers, a visual display, training lights and an overall control system are combined to simulate the excitement of a live drum or inactive musical jam session for a user. Positive feedback and, as necessary, instructive aid are provided to make the experience a positive one for both the novice and the expert player. Learning and playing a musical instrument becomes an intuitive, exciting experience and not a boring chore to be endured. Players can simulate the experience of playing in a rock band before a live and appreciative audience. In short, this interactive electronic drum system makes drums and the jamming experience widely accessible to the public.

Abstract: An interactive electronic drum system and training techniques suitable for use in a coin-operated environment such as an arcade are described. Electronic drum pads, audio speakers, a visual display, training lights and an overall control system are combined to simulate the excitement of a live drum or inactive musical jam session for a user. Positive feedback and, as necessary, instructive aid are provided to make the experience a positive one for both the novice and the expert player. Learning and playing a musical instrument becomes an intuitive, exciting experience and not a boring chore to be endured. Players can simulate the experience of playing in a rock band before a live and appreciative audience. In short, this interactive electronic drum system makes drums and the jamming experience widely accessible to the public.

Abstract: An interactive electronic drum system and training techniques suitable for use in a coin-operated environment such as an arcade are described. Electronic drum pads, audio speakers, a visual display, training lights and an overall control system are combined to simulate the excitement of a live drum or inactive musical jam session for a user. Positive feedback and, as necessary, instructive aid are provided to make the experience a positive one for both the novice and the expert player. Learning and playing a musical instrument becomes an intuitive, exciting experience and not a boring chore to be endured. Players can simulate the experience of playing in a rock band before a live and appreciative audience. In short, this interactive electronic drum system makes drums and the jamming experience widely accessible to the public.

Abstract: An interactive electronic drum system and training techniques suitable for use in a coin-operated environment such as an arcade are described. Electronic drum pads, audio speakers, a visual display, training lights and an overall control system are combined to simulate the excitement of a live drum or interactive musical jam session for a user. Positive feedback and, as necessary, instructive aid are provided to make the experience a positive one for both the novice and the expert player. Learning and playing a musical instrument becomes an intuitive, exciting experience and not a boring chore to be endured. Players can simulate the experience of playing in a rock band before a live and appreciative audience. In short, this interactive electronic drum system makes drums and the jamming experience widely accessible to the public.

Abstract: An interactive electronic drum system and training techniques suitable for use in a coin-operated environment such as an arcade are described. Electronic drum pads, audio speakers, a visual display, training lights and an overall control system are combined to simulate the excitement of a live drum or inactive musical jam session for a user. Positive feedback and, as necessary, instructive aid are provided to make the experience a positive one for both the novice and the expert player. Learning and playing a musical instrument becomes an intuitive, exciting experience and not a boring chore to be endured. Players can simulate the experience of playing in a rock band before a live and appreciative audience. In short, this interactive electronic drum system makes drums and the jamming experience widely accessible to the public.

Abstract: An interactive electronic drum system and training techniques suitable for use in a coin-operated environment such as an arcade are described. Electronic drum pads, audio speakers, a visual display, training lights and an overall control system are combined to simulate the excitement of a live drum or inactive musical jam session for a user. Positive feedback and, as necessary, instructive aid are provided to make the experience a positive one for both the novice and the expert player. Learning and playing a musical instrument becomes an intuitive, exciting experience and not a boring chore to be endured. Players can simulate the experience of playing in a rock band before a live and appreciative audience. In short, this interactive electronic drum system makes drums and the jamming experience widely accessible to the public.

Abstract: An interactive electronic drum system and training techniques suitable for use in a coin-operated environment such as an arcade are described. Electronic drum pads, audio speakers, a visual display, training lights and an overall control system are combined to simulate the excitement of a live drum or inactive musical jam session for a user. Positive feedback and, as necessary, instructive aid are provided to make the experience a positive one for both the novice and the expert player. Learning and playing a musical instrument becomes an intuitive, exciting experience and not a boring chore to be endured. Players can simulate the experience of playing in a rock band before a live and appreciative audience. In short, this interactive electronic drum system makes drums and the jamming experience widely accessible to the public.