Abstract: The present invention is an improvement on the spinning top that includes a plurality of radial indentations, notches, or holes along the outer circumference. It also includes a sloped, geometrically shaped stem, topped with a rounded gear used to spin the top. A plurality of square-holed inserts which lock in place when inserted over the sloped, square stem, are also provided for demonstrating STEM concepts. The indentations, when spinning, highlight the effect of AC electric light by creating a strobing effect that appears at first to move with the rotation of the top, then appears to stand still, and then reverses rotation. The interchangeable parts or spokes make it possible for the invention to have variable geometry that allows the invention's mass, balance, and weight distribution to be modified. The invention's indentations, interchangeable spokes, and graphical locking inserts can be used individually or in unison to demonstrate and teach various STEM concepts.

Abstract: Devices and methods for facilitating the operations and usage of electronic candle devices are disclosed. In one exemplary aspect, an imitation candle device is disclosed. The imitation candle device comprises a body; a flame element protruding from top of the body; one or more light sources positioned to illuminate the flame element to produce an appearance of a true fire flame; a plurality of touch sensitive segments positioned on, or embedded in, a peripheral section of the body, wherein each of the plurality of touch sensitive segments is operable to produce an electrical signal in response to sensing a touch; and an electronic control circuitry operable to receive the electrical signal produced in response to sensing the touch by one or more of the plurality of touch sensitive segments and to control at least an output of the one or more light sources based on the electrical signal.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to devices and methods for facilitating the operations and usage of electronic candle devices. In one exemplary aspect, an imitation candle device is disclosed. The imitation candle device comprises a body; a flame element protruding from top of the body; one or more light sources providing illumination for the flame element to produce an appearance of a true fire flame; a tapered chamber with an opening; a sensor component positioned at an end of the tapered chamber, the sensor component operable to produce an electrical signal in response to an input signal; and an electronic control circuitry coupled to the power supply operable to: receive the electrical signal, classify the electrical signal into a category among a plurality of categories, and control at least an output of the one or more light sources based on the electrical signal and the category of the electrical signal.

Abstract: Devices and methods for facilitating the operations and usage of electronic candle devices are disclosed. In one exemplary aspect, an imitation candle device is disclosed. The imitation candle device comprises a body; a flame element protruding from top of the body; one or more light sources positioned to illuminate the flame element to produce an appearance of a true fire flame; a plurality of touch sensitive segments positioned on, or embedded in, a peripheral section of the body, wherein each of the plurality of touch sensitive segments is operable to produce an electrical signal in response to sensing a touch; and an electronic control circuitry operable to receive the electrical signal produced in response to sensing the touch by one or more of the plurality of touch sensitive segments and to control at least an output of the one or more light sources based on the electrical signal.

Abstract: A device for rotation of an object disposed on a horizontal surface, about a vertical axis, includes a base for an object, for rotation about a vertical central axis of the base, at low rotational speeds without achieving the gyroscope principle. The base has a lower surface, at least one downwardly projecting, central pivot lug for rotation of the base thereupon and at least one lateral lug spaced radially from the central lug and having a height less than the central pivot lug. The base is configured and dimensioned to rotate when caused to spin while being continuously supported both by the central pivot lug and at least a portion of the lateral lug as it spins. The base is tilted from the vertical axis at a minor angle, with the difference in heights of the central lug and lateral bearing lugs ranging from 0.025 to 1.25 mm.

Abstract: Various embodiments of electric candles are described having multiple flame elements, each of which generate a flickering flame effect, and collectively simulate a candle having multiple flames. The candles include a housing that encloses various lighting devices and circuitry that can control one or more aspects of the lighting devices. The enclosure can also house one or more drive mechanisms that help to effect movement of the flame elements (e.g., pivot or wobble) relative to the enclosure.

Abstract: A casino style system and method involving the use of a pair of spinning tops to generate random outcomes. A dealer's top and player's top are spun simultaneously before which players are able to place wagers on a series of colors (e.g., red, green, blue and yellow) and/or symbols (e.g., wild jokers) depicted on different facets of the tops and win awards responsive to random outcomes generated by said tops once toppling over. The tops are adapted to land such that a single facet is facing upwards identifying a color/symbol. Players may be able to place combo outcome wagers on specific combinations of random outcomes generated by the tops. A calibration/balance device is used to check and maintain the randomness of the tops.

Abstract: Imitation candle devices and systems with enhanced features are described that facilitate operation and usage of electronic candles. The disclosed features include blow sensors that are positioned inside of the imitation candle device, or within an associated remote control device, to enable the electronic candle to be turned on or off remotely, when a user blows into the candle or the remote control devices. Additionally, the imitation candle can be turned on or off by a simple user action, such as touching the imitation candle device.

Abstract: A gaming machine includes a combination inner video display and rotatable object. The inner video display and the rotatable object may be correlated together to form a reconfigurable object. Both the inner video display and the rotatable object can have segments wherein each segment may have an indicia associated with the segment, wherein the indicia can be a prize, a bonus multiplier, a progressive jackpot, a negative value, a bonus spin character, a loss of spin character, a blank space or a null character. The player will be rewarded with the corresponding prize(s) based upon the outcome of the combination inner video display and rotatable object.

Abstract: Random value generation in a game is provided. A board game may include a random value generator capable of movement on a surface of a board. Such movement may be initiated at one location on the board and arrive at another location on the board before stopping. The random value generator may include a plurality of faces, each indicating a value in the game. When still or at rest, a face is exposed. The value displayed on the face is a first value in the game. In addition, the movement of the random value generator may also contact one or more game pieces standing on the board. The number of game pieces that are contacted by the moving random value generator may represent a second value in the game.

Abstract: A toy top that can repeatedly jump on a curved playing surface to attack an opponent toy top from above. The jumping toy top includes a toy main body, a spinning shaft body having a spinning shaft, and a shaft body supporting portion disposed on the toy main body to support the spinning shaft body. A distal end of the spinning shaft has one side projecting downward more than another diametrically opposite side to configure a portion to contact a playing surface of a playing board. When the jumping toy top spins on a central axis of the toy main body, the contact portion revolves around the central axis of the toy main body in a circular orbit.

Abstract: A throwing disc is provided having a plurality of equally spaced scoops about an intermediate circumference of a disc. The scoops communicate air from a top surface of a disc through a mouth of a scoop to a bottom surface of the disc wherein the transfer of the air from the top towards the bottom is believed to provide additional lift. The additional lift can be utilized for additional distance especially when combined with removable circumferential weighting.

Abstract: A system comprising a rotating device and a support structure for the rotating device, wherein the support structure provides the power to the rotational device that is required to maintain spin. The rotating device has a housing with a base upon which the housing spins. An electric motor is contained within the housing that causes the housing to spin when the motor is activated. The base of the rotating device can be selectively placed on a support structure. The support structure can promote spinning in the rotating device in one of two ways. In the first way, the support structure provides electricity to the rotating device that powers the motor in the rotating device. In the second way, the support structure can generate a magnetic field that biases the rotating device against the charging port on the support platform.

Abstract: A die-rolling device for directing game play. The die-rolling device may include an integral timing mechanism that distinctly signals an endpoint of a measured time interval. Furthermore, the die-rolling device may include a die bearing two distinct visual indicators on individual faces of the die. The two distinct visual indicators may correspond to a member of a set of opposites and a distinct output, such as a numerical response.

Abstract: A die-rolling device for directing game play. The die-rolling device may include an integral timing mechanism that distinctly signals an endpoint of a measured time interval. Furthermore, the die-rolling device may include a die bearing two distinct visual indicators on individual faces of the die. The two distinct visual indicators may correspond to a member of a set of opposites and a distinct output, such as a numerical response.

Abstract: A system comprising a rotating device and a support structure for the rotating device, wherein the support structure provides the power to the rotational device than is required to maintain spin. The rotating device has a housing with a base upon which the housing spins. An electric motor is contained within the housing that causes the housing to spin when the motor is activated. The base of the rotating device can be selectively placed on a support structure. The support structure can promote spinning in the rotating device in one of two ways. In the first way, the support structure provides electricity to the rotating device that powers the motor in the rotating device. In the second way, the support structure can generate a magnetic field that reinforces the magnetic field created by the motor in the rotating device.

Abstract: A Hanukkiah (10) for carrying combustible candles (12) includes a sense circuit (16) coupled to an output circuit (18). The output circuit comprising at least one of an electronic playback device (112), an electromechanical device (52), or a light source device (46), or a combination thereof. Sense circuit (16) includes a flame-responsive circuit (16A) adapted and arranged to respond to a portion of energy emitted by a lit shamash (12A) candle of the Hanukkiah, and an RF receiver circuit (16B) adapted and arranged to respond to a portion of predetermined RF signal. A dreidel (200) is further provided comprising a rotation-sensitive RF transmitting circuit (230) for generating predetermined RF signals upon spinning of the dreidel. The flame of shamash (12A) and/or the spinning of dreidel (200) are adapted to activate output circuit (18) of Hanukkiah (10) to provide entertaining audible and/or visual output.

Abstract: A spinner device for a put and take game. The spinner device comprises a base portion having a rounded conical profile, a middle portion that includes a hollow core, and a stem that extends up through the hollow core from the solid base portion and out of the middle portion to provide a handle for spinning. The spinner device having game play indicia that comprises both an action and an amount.

Abstract: A die which generates higher values of random numbers. The die for generating a randomly occurring number between 1 and X comprises: a central body which has a lateral cross section which is an x sided polygon having sides of equal length when cut perpendicularly anywhere along a longitudinal axis. A number ranging between 1 and x is marked on an upper portion of the die when the die is resting on a lateral side, said number designating the side on which the die is resting.

Abstract: A spinning top system, comprising a plurality of spheres, each sphere having a center. The spinning top are arranged according to one of several geometric formations, including a tetrahedron, octahedron, icosahedron, cube octahedron, and a hexagon, each of said geometric formations having several vertices. The spheres of the spinning top are arranged according to the particular geometric formation, wherein each vertice of the geometric formation corresponds to the center of one of the spheres. Arranging the spheres in this manner creates an symmetrical spinning top, which is capable of balancing and spinning upon one of these spheres. The spinning tops are also capable of stacking to form a stack of considerable height.

Abstract: A bottle 10 has a base portion 12 and a projection 22 on an underside of the base portion, the projection being disposed generally centrally on the base portion whereby the bottle can be spun on the projection about the bottle central axis 24.

Abstract: A method and device for playing a game are set forth which includes a spinning top to make random selections of outcomes. Players can wager on one or more color outcomes being generated by the top. When wagers have been made, a player spins the top which topples over to select an outcome. The dealer inputs the outcome to a processor which drives displays to display the outcome and input the current outcome on a display column showing the history of outcomes. Players are paid for winning wagers and are paid greater rewards for wagering on and obtaining consecutive same color outcomes.

Abstract: A multiple player word forming game is disclosed. The game uses a board, a cup and a plurality of cards. The cards are randomly transferred to and from the players. The players use the cards to form words. In the best mode, a game board defines a flat surface bounded by a peripheral wall upon which the cup freely travels about. A player begins a turn by spinning the cup, which eventually lands upon a card transfer space. The card transfer space dictates whether the player either draws or passes cards. The player transfers cards either from the deck or to a discard pile or to or from another player during a turn. Then the player attempts to spell a word by selecting cards in his hand and laying them face-up in front of him. Opponents may challenge the player's word. Any player who transfers all of his cards during a set becomes empty-handed and may not challenge words.

Abstract: A golf swing aid apparatus comprising: a pair of posts having holes proximate to their upper ends said pair of posts being transversely spaced and adapted to be secured to a ground surface;a relatively short extensible elastomeric shock cord joined at its ends to the upper ends of respective said pair of posts, at said holes, said shock cord held taut by an adjustable tension means comprising eye bolts which extend transversely in line with the shock cord from the respective holes in the posts, and adjustment means to adjust the extent to which the eye bolts extend from said posts to adjust the tension in said shock cord;a ring having a control opening substantially larger than the diameter of the shock cord and surrounding the shock cord to be freely slidable along it;a golf ball having an aperture extending through it; and an inextensible cord of relatively greater length than said elastomeric shock cord, said inextensible cord having a loop at each end, wherein one said loop passes through said golf ball a

Abstract: A game device comprising mainly a geometric body having at least two flat external faces, each of the flat external faces is provided with at least one indicating piece, each of the indicating piece is provided with at least one indicating face, each of the indicating faces is provided with at least one indicium.

Abstract: A toy top comprises a base plate having a plurality of apertures therein, a rotatable disk which is mounted beneath the base plate, a plurality of balls which are received on the base plate and a transparent dome enclosing the balls and the base plate. The device is operative by depressing a central plunger to rotate the disk beneath the base plate. The rotatable disk has a plurality of projections thereon which pass beneath the apertures in the base plate so that they engage any of the balls received in the apertures to bump or pop the balls out of the apertures as the disk is rotated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a top which may be used as a toy and/or as a marketing promotional tool. The top has a base member with a central aperture, at least two bendable arms, each having an aperture for receiving a stem member, and a stem member for holding the arms in position relative to the base member and for acting as a pivot.

Abstract: A casino type game includes a plurality of distinguishable sets of playing pieces with a multiplicity of pieces in each set. A spinnable unitary solid brass top member includes a central section including an even number and at least four faces disposed around the periphery thereof with uniform angularity between adjoining faces and opposite faces being substantially parallel. Each face of the central section is inscribed with a legend of "put", "take" or "lose spin" and different legends are on adjoining faces. A tapered pointed section is at one end of the central section. Cylindrical gripping mechanism extends axially from an opposite end of the central section remote from the pointed section. A shiny tightly adherent uniform continuous precious metal coating is over the exterior surface of the top member.

Abstract: A top device is designed for determining chance by spinning it. Primarily, it consists of a body with a lower pointed end and a polygonal shaped upper end that receives a hexagonal pencil that is retained in a tapered hexagonal and vertical opening by friction, and the pencil is employed as a shaft for rotating or spinning the device when employed for chance determining endeavors, while in the alternative the pencil can be removed for writing.

Abstract: A game device which consists of a game board having structural features and indicia associated with draw cards, simulated money, a pair of standard dice and a spinner which may be in the form of an octagonal spinner similar to a spinning top or an arrow type spinner provided with a support assembly associated with the game board. The upper surface of the game board includes four compartments or pockets for receiving cards and play money with each of the compartments including a lifting assembly to elevate one end of the cards or money positioned in the compartments.

Abstract: A game of chance includes a game board with a plurality of sections thereon, wherein the sections are labeled with various indicia, or combinations thereof, and odds pertaining thereto. A chance indicator device for simultaneously selecting one such indicia and a game command. The device includes two sections rotatably joined together, wherein one section is friction fit about a shaft so that it cannot rotate relative thereto, and the other section is rotatably mounted to the shaft. Both sections are identically shaped so that they may be interchangeably mounted on the shaft either by themselves or in combination, one section containing indicia on its faces and the other section containing game commands on its faces. The device is spun on the game board so as to select the indicia and/or game commands.

Abstract: A plate of polygonal shape having indicia printed on at least one side thereof is trapped between transparent hemispherical domes each having a spindle extending therefrom.

Abstract: A game of chance includes a game board with a plurality of sections thereon, wherein the sections are labeled with various indicia, or combinations thereof, and odds pertaining thereto. A chance indicator device for simultaneously selecting one such indicia and a game command. The device includes two sections rotatably joined together, wherein one section is friction fit about a shaft so that it cannot rotate relative thereto, and the other section is rotatably mounted to the shaft. Both sections are identically shaped so that they may be interchangeably mounted on the shaft either by themselves or in combination, one section containing indicia on its faces and the other section containing game commands on its faces. The device is spun on the game board so as to select the indicia and/or game commands.

Abstract: A game device, that consists of a spinning top, and a concaved dish upon which the top can be spun, the concave dish being radially divided into sectors, each one of which is numbered with a different scoring figure, and the top being transparent and of generally hemispherical shape, with a flat side facing upwardly, wherein an arrow therein is visible for pointing to a scoring figure upon the dish.

Abstract: A word game called "X-Out Word Game" includes a plurality of score cards each having at least four words printed thereon, wherein the words are four to six letters in length. An indicator device for selecting an alphabet letter to be crossed out of a word on the score card. The device includes two sections rotatably joined together, wherein one section has alphabet letters thereon and the other section has alphabet letters and numbers thereon. The device is rolled on a table so as to select the letters or numbers.

Abstract: A game device including a game board of a substantially annular configuration with a depositary or hopper at its center for containing play pieces and a plurality of recesses and holes in that portion of the game board surrounding the depositary, these recesses and holes being adapted to receive the play pieces of various colors, and further including a pair of electrically conductive metal rings surrounding said depositary, said metal rings being disposed in angular relation with respect to each other to define a circular trough-like structure in which a top is adapted to be spun, said rings being separated from each other by an insulating section, and connected into an electrical circuit and said top, when toppled from its spinning position to a position in contact with both metal rings being effective to complete the electrical circuit to signal the end of play of the game.