Abstract: An illusion toy has a housing in which a blade is rotated in one direction too rapidly to be seen through 270 degrees between rest positions on respective opposite sides of an article receiving through hole, providing the illusion that the blade has rotated in an opposite direction across the through hole, through the article. An actuating lever for a blade rotating overcenter mechanism has a loop aligned with the through hole so that a trigger end of the lever can be visibly moved between opposite sides of the through hole in the same direction as the apparent movement of the blade. A hollow housing handle forms a candy dispensing store and connects to a delivery chute extending across the housing obscuring a radially outer portion of the blade path providing an impression that rotation of the blade in the one direction is blocked by candy.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for developing and optimizing equipment operating schedules. Embodiments also describe the relationship between equipment scheduling and related objectives, such as staff scheduling. In one respect, embodiments of the invention consider staffing constraints in developing equipment schedules. In another respect, embodiments of the invention provide outputs from an equipment scheduling tool that can facilitate improved labor schedules, for example with respect to equipment operators and/or material handlers.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for scheduling resources. In one respect, embodiments of the invention allow workers to indicate preferences for specific shifts during a planning horizon, within limitations imposed by the scheduling system. Embodiments of the system and method seek to meet all hard constraints, and utilize a flexible scoring technique to minimize the violation of soft constraints. Embodiments also consider the substitution of higher skilled workers in cases where there is an unmet demand for lower skilled workers.

Abstract: An inflated non-latex, portable balloon has an internal lamp or transducer connected to an external battery. The balloon is made from an open-necked balloon body formed from panels of balloon material having inner polyethylene layers heat sealed together along peripheries. A pair of flat, metal conductor leads are hermetically sealed in polyethylene to extend in parallel to provide a discrete integral elongate, strip form lead member which is located extending through the open neck with one end supportingly connecting the lamp within the body. The balloon body is inflated and the neck hermetically sealed with the lead member by heat/pressure or ultrasonics thereby fusing together polyethylene surfaces of the lead member and the balloon panels to provide a hermetic seal; and, a battery is connected to ends of the leads outside the balloon.