Abstract: The preferred embodiment provides an electronic learning aid which includes a housing having a hand pad that is sized and shaped to receive a child's hand. The hand pad has five finger portions with each having a finger switch embedded therein that is positioned to be actuated by the child's finger. An indicator is mounted in close proximity to and associated with each finger portion to indicate the appropriate finger to be depressed on the hand pad. A keyboard assembly, having an abbreviated keyboard, is also mounted on the housing. A light emitting diode is mounted directly beneath each white key so that each white key can be illuminated to indicate the appropriate key to be depressed. A microcomputer having a speech synthesizer provides instruction to the student and controls the operation of the electronic learning aid.

Abstract: A foldable electronic percussion synthesizer assembly is disclosed that includes two fixed drum heads that are permanently mounted on the synthesizer housing and two movable drum heads that are mounted on respective movable support arms. Each support arm pivots the movable head between a folded position where its striking surface is juxtaposed to and faces the striking surface of a fixed drum head and an unfolded position where the striking surfaces of the fixed and movable head are substantially coplanar and separated from each other. The assembly includes vibration isolation means for each drum head that reduces crosstalk. A latch member is pivotably mounted to the vibration isolation means on the movable drum head to support the movable drum head in the unfolded position and secure the movable drum head on the fixed drum head in the folded position.

Abstract: A multiple-image camera providing high-density use of conventional 35 mm film is disclosed. Many more individual exposures can be made using standard film and standard film processing services, which greatly reduces the cost of children's irratic and often unproductive experiments with photography. The mechanical simplicity of the camera make it both reliable and inexpensive, also make it useful as an expendable vacation camera for adults.

Abstract: Ornamental display device for simulating snowfall over a display object or scene positioned within a housing comprises a liquid filled compartment rotatably arranged within the housing. The compartment includes first and second opposed sidewalls having aligned transparent portions defining a sealed interior cavity for receiving the liquid. The liquid within the cavity is substantially transparent and a plurality of snow-simulating flake particles are dispersed within the liquid. Blade members radially arranged within the compartment are oriented at a predetermined angle so as to transport flake particles from the lower zone of the cavity to the upper zone as the compartment is rotated. The transparent sidewall portions are aligned with the display object or scene so that the object or scene can be viewed during continuous recirculation of the flake particles.

Abstract: A display, such as a Christmas display, comprises a plurality of ornaments (14), each including a striker (18), a pair of bells (26, 27) disposed in spaced relation from the striker (18) and a means (46) responsive to an electrical signal from a control unit (12) for moving the striker into contact with one or the other of the bells (26, 27), at least some of the bells on the ornaments having different frequencies such that sequentially striking the bells (26, 27) plays a tune, such as a Christmas carol. The ornaments are preferably distributed about a Christmas tree, though alternatively they may be placed on a flat surface.

Abstract: A game apparatus combines pinball, target bowling and basketball games in a single combined assembly, with a common scorekeeping and control system. The game apparatus includes a basketball rim and backboard support post that rotates between an upright, play position and an inverted, stowed position.

Abstract: A holiday action and musical display (10) comprising a plurality of separate display units (40, 42, 44, 46) electrically connected to a central control unit (12). Each display unit contains a figurine (147) resembling a character representation which is capable of being moved from a first position where the figurine is partially blocked from a user's view, to a second position where the figurine is visible to a user. The central control unit accesses several pluralities of stored sounds and phrases which are stored in electronic memory (305), with the sounds of each plurality having a common timbre distinct from the timbres of the other pluralities of sounds, and with each timbre being associated with a particular character representation. The accessed sounds are played on a speaker (12) and the central control unit synchronizes the movements of the figurines with the accessed sounds so that the figurines appear to be jointly singing one of a plurality of stored melodies.