Abstract: A method is provided for allowing an active player and a plurality of opposing players to play a game by taking turns in an alternating manner. The method includes the step of providing a question to be answered by an active player. The opposing players the wager desired amounts on the active player's ability to answer said question. The active player then answers the question and the wagers are paid off or collected based upon the accuracy of the active player's answer.

Abstract: A controller 12 communicates with an officiator 14, a database 16, and user interfaces 18 for players watching a sports event. The officiator 14 selects and enters into the controller 12 outcomes choices 22 for a game play, the controller determines payout odds 27 for the outcome choices based on information retrieved from the database 22, the players select a predicted outcome 30 and wager an amount 32 on it, the officiator 14 enters the actual outcome 34, and the controller applies credits or debits to players score amounts 28 based on the odds payouts and wagered amounts. The user interfaces 18 can be PC's, PDA's, cell phones, etc., for a web site version, keypads, joysticks, and/or touch screens for a home or restaurant version, or keypads on pedestals or the like for a television show.

Abstract: A modular crank toy includes a group of interchangeable elements which may be arranged creatively in multiple patterns. Rotary motion is transmitted from a drive unit with a crank handle to the other elements to provide entertaining and educational animated movements throughout various branches of the system assembled by the user. The movement is exhibited through a variety of different animated display-producing elements which rotate about their axes. Branches and circuits are created by joining such multiple, different animated display-producing elements together through a variety of junction units through which the rotational movement is transmitted.

Abstract: A toy figure is disclosed having a body and feet extending from the body. Pockets in the feet receive parts of the user's hands. The pockets and feet extend perpendicularly with respect to the upright axis of the body and parallel to the surface on which the toy figure will be used. When the user's fingers are moved through vertical arcs, the toy figure will move in an action resembling waddling.