Abstract: A projectile toy with a body and at least one suction cup. Each suction cup assembly has a cup structure capable of adhering to a surface with suction and a vent valve for venting the suction. The vent valve automatically vents the cup structure only when a pull force is applied to the body. The vent valve is normally closed. When the body of the projectile toy is pulled, the suction cup moves relative to the body and opens the vent valve. In this manner, the toy projectile can be easily pulled from surfaces without damaging the toy projectile.

Abstract: A launching system that launches a toy projectile. A launcher is provided that contains a handle and an elastic element that extends from the handle. A spool is provided inside the handle. The spool is spring biased by a torsion spring. The elastic element is anchored to the spool inside the handle and is at least partially wound around the spool. As the elastic element unwinds from the spool, the spool rotates in opposition of the torsion spring and stores spring energy in the torsion spring. The elastic element has a free end that extends out of the handle. The free end is terminated with a connector. A toy projectile is provided. The toy projectile has a receptacle that selectively receives the connector.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure provides a computer system. In one embodiment, the computer system comprises a clock generator, at least one processor, and a clock frequency controller. The clock generator is configured to provide a clock signal at a clock frequency. The at least one processor is configured to receive the clock signal and to operate at a speed dependent on the clock frequency. The clock frequency controller is configured to receive efficiency information indicating a current efficiency of the at least one processor. The clock frequency controller is further configured to receive a request from the processor for a target number of processor instructions to be handled in a particular time period. The clock frequency controller is further configured to output a frequency control signal to the clock generator for controlling the clock frequency in dependence thereon.

Abstract: A toy bow assembly that is used to launch toy projectiles. The toy bow assembly includes a bow structure having a first arm section and a second arm section. Both the first arm section and the second arm section contain at least one translucent area. Lights are disposed within both the first arm section and the second arm section. The lights internally illuminate the translucent areas of the first arm section and second arm section when activated. An activation switch is disposed on the bow structure for selectively activating and deactivating the lights.

Abstract: A toy projectile launcher that launches projectiles with elastic elements. Each elastic element is designed to be easily replaced on the projectile launcher. Each replaceable elastic element has two ends. An anchor block is provided that receives and retains at least one of the two ends. The anchor block is received within an anchor receptacle. A locking mechanism is used that selectively locks the anchor block within the anchor receptacle. The elastic elements extend from the anchor receptacles and present projectile engagement structures that can be hooked by the toy projectile being launched.

Abstract: A toy projectile launcher that launches projectiles with elastic elements. Each elastic element is designed to be easily replaced on the projectile launcher. Each replaceable elastic element has two ends. An anchor block is provided that receives and retains at least one of the two ends. The anchor block is received within an anchor receptacle. A locking mechanism is used that selectively locks the anchor block within the anchor receptacle. The elastic elements extend from the anchor receptacles and present projectile engagement structures that can be hooked by the toy projectile being launched.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure provides a computer system. In one embodiment, the computer system comprises a clock generator, at least one processor, and a clock frequency controller. The clock generator is configured to provide a clock signal at a clock frequency. The at least one processor is configured to receive the clock signal and to operate at a speed dependent on the clock frequency. The clock frequency controller is configured to receive efficiency information indicating a current efficiency of the at least one processor. The clock frequency controller is further configured to receive a request from the processor for a target number of processor instructions to be handled in a particular time period. The clock frequency controller is further configured to output a frequency control signal to the clock generator for controlling the clock frequency in dependence thereon.

Abstract: A toy projectile launching system that launches a toy projectile. A launcher is provided with a first spring loaded spool and a second spring loaded spool. The first spring loaded spool and the second spring loaded spool are disposed on opposite sides of a common open area. At least one first elastic element is at least partially wound around the first spring loaded spool. Likewise, at least one second elastic element is at least partially wound around the second spring loaded spool. A first termination is coupled to each first elastic element. The first termination extends into the common open area. Likewise, a second termination is coupled to each second elastic element. The second termination extends into the common open area. The first termination and the second termination selectively interconnect with the toy projectile.

Abstract: A toy bow assembly that is used to launch toy projectiles. The toy bow assembly includes a bow structure having a first arm section and a second arm section. Both the first arm section and the second arm section have sheathed areas that are protected from ambient light. A central area is disposed between the first arm section and the second arm section. A first elastic element extends through the first sheathed area into the central area, wherein the first sheathed area shields the first elastic element from exposure to ambient light. Likewise, a second elastic element extends through the second sheathed area and into the central area, wherein the second sheathed area shields the second elastic element from exposure to ambient light.

Abstract: A method of controlling the clock frequency of a processor executing software in a plurality of active periods, the method comprising, for each period: supplying to a power management application at least one parameter defining an execution profile for the period having high frequency and low frequency operating intervals; the power management application determining, based on said profile, granted clock frequencies for the high and low frequency operating intervals; the processor supplying to the power management application at the commencement of a period an operating cycle requirement for the period; the power management application determining, for each period, based on the operating cycle requirement, the length of the low frequency interval; and controlling the clock frequency in each interval based on the granted clock frequencies determined by the power management application.

Abstract: A launching system that launches a toy projectile. A launcher is provided that contains a handle and an elastic element that extends from the handle. A spool is provided inside the handle. The spool is spring biased by a torsion spring. The elastic element is anchored to the spool inside the handle and is at least partially wound around the spool. As the elastic element unwinds from the spool, the spool rotates in opposition of the torsion spring and stores spring energy in the torsion spring. The elastic element has a free end that extends out of the handle. The free end is terminated with a connector. A toy projectile is provided. The toy projectile has a receptacle that selectively receives the connector.

Abstract: A toy launching assembly for pneumatically launching toy projectiles. The toy launching assembly has a base structure that contains an open port. A tube carousel rotates atop the base structure. The tube carousel holds a plurality of launching tubes. A pulse of air is generated by rapidly compressing an air bladder. The pulse of air travels through an air hose to the base structure. Within the base structure, the pulse of air is directed to the open port under the tube carousel. An indexing mechanism is used to rotate the tube carousel and sequentially positions one of the launching tubes over the open port each time the air bladder is sufficiently compressed. Once positioned over the open port, the pulse of air generated by the air bladder travels through the launching tube and displaces a toy projectile from the launching tube.

Abstract: A toy projectile launching system that launches a toy projectile. A launcher is provided with a first spring loaded spool and a second spring loaded spool. The first spring loaded spool and the second spring loaded spool are disposed on opposite sides of a common open area. At least one first elastic element is at least partially wound around the first spring loaded spool. Likewise, at least one second elastic element is at least partially wound around the second spring loaded spool. A first termination is coupled to each first elastic element. The first termination extends into the common open area. Likewise, a second termination is coupled to each second elastic element. The second termination extends into the common open area. The first termination and the second termination selectively interconnect with the toy projectile.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a computer system operating on a local power supply of finite capacity has a plurality of system components each connected to a voltage supply system to draw current for their operation. The computer system includes a measuring circuit connected to detect prevailing usage of the local power supply, for example, a battery. The supply system is connected to receive an indication from the measuring circuit of excessive usage and is adapted to reduce the available supply voltage to selected ones of the system components. Each system component is associated with a clock controller which selects a clock frequency for operation of a component in dependence on the available voltage supply. Also disclosed is a supply system for a computer device operating on a local power supply of finite capacity.