Abstract: A tactile slide puzzle comprises a puzzle support structure, and a plurality of pieces that are slidably disposed on or within the puzzle support structure. The plurality of pieces, when properly configured, form a completed puzzle having a plurality of shapes which protrude outwardly from a surface of said plurality of pieces. Each of said sliding pieces includes a portion of at least one of said plurality of shapes, and each of said plurality of shapes has a textured top surface. The slide puzzle may further include a solution key disposed on the slide puzzle, and the solution key has the same tactile feel as does the completed puzzle. An audible or visual indicator may be included to provide an indication that the puzzle has been properly completed.

Abstract: A walking device in accordance with the present invention includes a axle and two mirror-image stilts. Each stilt includes a transverse socket at its top end, and each end of the axle is rotatably inserted into a respective socket. Each stilt has a rear leg and a forward leg that merge into an upper portion. The upper portion is angularly offset from the rear leg to give each stilt an inverted “y” shape when viewed in side elevation. A respective footrest is attached to each stilt so that the footrests extend inwardly toward each other. An upright grip is fixed to each respective transverse socket. The dual leg structures and forward angular offset of the axle from the footrests, function to provide a walking device which is quickly and easily mastered.

Abstract: A modular plant propagation system and apparatus utilizes a first or lower reservoir containing a liquid plant nutrient in fluid communication with a second or upper reservoir in which a plant propagation support module utilizes a sterile, low water retention, linear foam plastic providing fluid communication between the exterior and interior of the second or upper reservoir. The nutrient fluid in the first nutrient reservoir is forced up into the second reservoir by compressed gas for predetermined cycles and periods of time to provide nutrients to the roots of the plants supported by the linear foam plant propagation support module. A computer is used to control air and root temperatures, humidity, nutrient quality, nutrient cycling rate and level in the first and second reservoirs and utilizes an image recognition apparatus to measure plant growth rate and produce maturity or ripeness to achieve optimum or maximum growth rate potential for the plant being propagated.