Abstract: A computer input device includes a housing in the shape of a magnifying glass having a lens portion and a handle portion extending from the lens portion. The device also includes a detector mounted in the housing and operable to detect an element displayed on a computer display and to generate a corresponding detection signal and an actuator mounted on the housing. Circuitry mounted in the housing is operable to receive the detection signal, generate an actuation signal in response to actuation of the actuator, and transmit the detection signal and the actuation signal to a computer. The housing may include a partially reflective, angularly disposed beam splitter such that a user can observe an image on a computer screen through the beam splitter, and the image can be reflected to the detector. The computer may have software operable to control an image displayed on the computer monitor in response to the detection signal.

Abstract: A vehicle toy has two lateral sides, front and rear ends, an outer perimeter extending around the front and rear ends between the lateral sides, and three pairs of wheels, each pair having a common rotational axis. The wheels of each wheel pair are opposed to one another on the lateral sides. The wheels on each lateral side of the vehicle are arranged in a polygon at the outer perimeter, extending around the front and rear ends between the lateral sides such that adjoining pairs of the wheels define planes which are mutually transverse to one another and which entirely circumscribe the outer perimeter of the vehicle. Two wheel pairs are located proximal the rear end, with one of the two wheel pairs being oriented above the other, and the third wheel pair is located proximal the front end, so that the transverse planes form a triangle. The vehicle is driven by twin electric motors which are radio controlled for remote, independent and separate operation.

Abstract: A sparking toy vehicle for being supported on a play surface includes a vehicle body, front and rear wheels rotatably mounted on the vehicle body and a spark generating mechanism mounted on the vehicle. The at least two wheels are mounted with respect to the body for movement between a first position in which the body is a first distance from the play surface when the wheels are in engagement with the play surface and a second position in which the body is a second distance from the play surface when the wheels are in engagement with the play surface. The spark generating mechanism is spaced from the play surface when the body is in the first position and is in contact with the play surface when the body is in the second position. When the vehicle body is in the second position and the vehicle is moved across the play surface the spark generating mechanism is in rolling contact with the play surface and generates a spark.

Abstract: Projectile launching toys include a surface suitably configured to support and guide a projectile, a lever pivotally mounted so as to traverse a portion of the surface in the direction the projectile is being guided, a manual actuator coupled to the lever to manually move the lever from an initial position to a second, pivoted position to launch the projectile and a return member coupled with the lever to automatically return the lever to its original position after being manually moved and released.

Abstract: A rotary aircraft includes a cylindrically tubular hub mounting a plurality of outwardly extending, resiliently flexible blades. The blades are uniformly spaced around the hub and its central axis and fixed in pitch. Outer tips on each of the blades are downwardly turned and outwardly turned sufficiently to balance the lift generated by the blades from air striking the aircraft horizontally when the aircraft is in hover to provide passive stability to the aircraft. A pair of propellered electric motors are mounted on a diametrically opposing pair of the blades, pitched transversely to the central axis of the hub and to a plane perpendicular to the central axis, to simultaneously provide both lift and rotation. A battery supplies all power used by the aircraft while radio control circuitry in the hub permits variation of the power supplied to the motors for altitude control of the aircraft.

Abstract: A vehicle toy has front wheels and larger rear wheels provided on each of the left and right sides of a two-piece, articulately coupled chassis. Caterpillars are engaged over the front and rear wheels on each side. Twin electric motors separately drive the left and right side caterpillars through separate reduction gear transmissions and the rear wheels. The twin motors are radio controlled for separate and independent operation. Two rings of teeth on each rear wheel mesh with two rows of teeth on the inner side of each caterpillar to provide a cog drive while a higher central row of teeth on the inner side of each caterpillar is received in circumferential grooves in each of the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: A game board includes an electrical circuit grid underlying a playing surface having a plurality of paths for game pieces each capable of being electrically activated by being placed in a circuit with grid elements disposed in the path along which the game piece is moved. An electrically actuated piece produces a visual and/or audible indication to a player that the game piece is in electrical contact with a "live" portion of the circuit grid. Whether a particular portion of the grid is or is not "live" is determined by the location of a circuit selector switch which closes or opens electrically distinct areas of the grid when operated by a player in accordance with instructions received from a spinner whose operation is governed entirely by the laws of chance. Advancement of the playing pieces along their paths is effected by players according to the instructions received from the spinner, after the circuit selector has been adjusted to a new position.