Abstract: A triggered marble run module is intended for use with a plurality of physically interconnectable marble run modules. Each module retains a marble and guides the travel of the marble through the module on at least a first surface. The triggered marble run module includes a marble travel path, a marble actuated switch and an output circuit. The marble actuated switch has first and second terminals and is operably coupled to close a circuit between the first terminal and second terminal through the first terminal and the second terminal responsive to actuation by a marble traveling in proximity of the marble actuated switch. The output circuit generates at least one of a group consisting of an audio output, a visual output, and an RF signal output, responsive to formation of the closed circuit between the first terminal and the second terminal through the first and second spring elements.

Abstract: A device for booting a handheld apparatus by sound detection includes a base, a power-on device, a trigger switch, and an acoustic sensor. Upon the handheld apparatus being placed at the base to trigger the trigger switch, the trigger switch controls the power-on device to power on the handheld apparatus. After the handheld apparatus is powered on, the acoustic sensor detects a sound of the handheld apparatus and then controls a pressure head of the power-on device to move away. The device and its method for booting a handheld apparatus by sound detection come with the advantages of a simple and easy operation and a high efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed are a compact input device that offers a wide space for input operation and portable equipment using the device. The input operation section of the input device is not only for data entry by users, but also for transmitting sound vibration. The coupling section of the device is coupled to the input operation section to form a closed cavity between the two sections. The sound vibration transmitting section, which is formed adjacent to the closed cavity, conveys sound vibration, via the closed cavity, from the input operation section to the sound vibration transmitting section (or vice versa). The portable equipment includes the aforementioned input device and a sound vibration element. In the equipment, the sound vibration element is coupled to the sound vibration transmitting section of the input device. Sound vibration is transmitted, via the closed cavity and sound vibration transmitting section of the input device, from input operation section to the vibration element (or vice versa).