Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of acid reflux disease comprising two or more movement restriction device segments adapted to be assembled movement restriction device of a controlled size. The assembled movement restriction device can at least partly be invaginated by a patient's stomach fundus wall. A substantial part of the outer surface of the movement restriction device is adapted to rest against the stomach wall without injuring the latter in a position between the patient's diaphragm and at least a portion of the lower part of the invaginated stomach fundus wall, such that movement of the cardiac notch of the patient's stomach towards the patient's diaphragm is restricted, to thereby prevent the cardia from sliding through the patient's diaphragm opening into the patient's thorax, so as to maintain the supporting pressure against the patient's cardia sphincter muscle exerted from the patient's abdomen.

Abstract: A block may comprise a base comprising a first block side comprising a first side plane and a connective protrusion coupled to the base and extending distally outwardly and substantially perpendicularly from the first side plane. The connective protrusion may comprise a center pillar coupled to the base extending distally outward from the first side plane, a base portion coupled to the center pillar and the base and extending axially and substantially perpendicularly from the center pillar in a first direction, and an overhang portion coupled to the center pillar extending axially and substantially perpendicularly from the center pillar in a second direction opposite the first direction such that there is an overhang space between the first side plane and the overhang portion. The block may further comprise additional connective protrusions, and the connective protrusions of multiple blocks may enable the coupling of such blocks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reflux disease treatment apparatus, comprising an implantable movement restriction device with an elongated shape that maintains cardia in the correct position and an implantable stimulation device adapted to engage with the cardia sphincter of a patient. The movement has proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end is adapted to stabilize and hold the distal end. The invention further comprises a control device for controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the cardia sphincter. The distal end can be further adapted to treat obesity, for example by stretching the wall of the stomach or filling out a volume of the stomach.

Abstract: A volume filling device for treatment of obesity is placed outside the stomach wall of the patient to reduce the inner volume of the stomach, thereby affecting the patient's appetite. By providing the volume filling device outside the stomach wall, contact with stomach acids is avoided, thereby increasing the life of the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gongpo assembly structure of a traditional Korean-style house and temple, the gongpo assembly structure including: at least one gongpo fixing member provided with an interlocking slot formed in a shape depressed toward lower and inward directions from an surface thereof, and laid one upon another by being fastened to the fixed object; a judu provided with a wide open groove formed on a center of a top surface thereof and an interlocking protrusion formed on one side wall thereof and interlocked with the interlocking slot of the gongpo fixing member; and a gongpo provided with an interlocking slot and interlocking protrusion, and assembled with a top of the judu. Accordingly, the gongpo may be standardized and mass-produced at a factory, thereby allowing a general technician to easily perform work only done by a master previously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reflux disease treatment apparatus, comprising two or more movement restriction device segments adapted to form an implantable movement restriction device with an elongated shape that maintains cardia in the correct position. The movement restriction device has proximal and a distal end, wherein the distal end is adapted to stabilize and hold the proximal end. The invention further comprises a control device for controlling the stimulation device to stimulate the cardia sphincter. The distal end can be further adapted to treat obesity, for example by stretching the wall of the stomach or filling out a volume of the stomach.

Abstract: A “multicube” retroreflector may include “nested” corner cubes. Such a design combines the ease of fabrication of conventional corner cubes (e.g., stamping from a sheet) and the ability to easily and densely package them with a greater range of angles over which light will be reflected back towards the source. Such multicube retroreflectors may reflect 50% more light than corner cube retroreflectors. A retroreflector, or an array of retroreflectors, may be used as part of a communication system. A modulated retroreflector or an array thereof can form the basis of a unique communication system. For instance, by using a modulated retroreflector, or an array of such retroreflectors, a host system (e.g., an aircraft) can receive data from a remote system (e.g., a drone, an air-dropped sensor package, etc.) in a way that is difficult to intercept, and minimizes the power, computation, and antenna pointing requirements for the remote system.

Abstract: A three dimensional puzzle (10) is disclosed. Puzzle (10) has having a plurality of three dimensional first components (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24) for engagement to form a three-dimensional finished shape (10), each of the three-dimensional first components (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24) being shaped for interlocking engagement with at least one other of the three-dimensional first components (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24). At least one of the three-dimensional first components (20, 22, 24) is made in two parts (20a, 20b, 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b) adapted to be joined together by engagement different from the interlocking engagement. Also disclosed is a three dimensional puzzle (10) in which the three-dimensional finished shape (10) has an outer surface containing a three-dimensional pattern (52), which can enhance optional overmolding.

Abstract: A spherical construction toy includes six segments consisting of a single outer convex surface and four inner concave surfaces, twelve segments consisting of a single outer convex surface, two inner convex surfaces, and two inner concave surfaces; and eight segments consisting of a single, outer convex surface and three inner convex surfaces. The segments are defined by the intersection of spherical surfaces having identical radius and disposed along Cartesian coordinate axes with the surface at the common center. The segments, when assembled in a base configuration with the outer surfaces disposed away from the common center, form a spherical assembly.

Abstract: A joint assembly comprising; an engagement block having a plurality of insert receiving faces; each insert receiving face having a slot, and an aperture at a mid-point of said slot; a plurality of inserts each having a core, at least a pair of ribs projecting from said core, a coupling at an insertion end of the core and a mount at a mounting end of the core, and; a coupling pin; wherein said engagement block is arranged to receive the inserts, with said ribs received into the slots and said core received into said aperture, said coupling pin arranged to be inserted into said engagement block and couple with the couplings of said inserts so as to releasably fix the inserts to the engagement block.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating obesity comprises a volume filling device formed by at least two segments and is provided and following implantation, the device is placed resting against the stomach wall of the patient to reduce the inner volume of the stomach, thereby affecting the patients appetite.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article which comprises a bottle of cosmetic product and a pack. The pack includes at least one wall having at least one region in relief suggesting, or even reproducing, a bottle shape so as to immobilize it with respect to the wall. The invention also relates to a pack for a bottle of cosmetic product and a method for removing a bottle of cosmetic product from a case.

Abstract: A building block includes a connecting part, a head part, and a tail part. The head part and the tail part are respectively connected to the connecting part. The head part is assembled with a head part or a tail part of another building block to form a head assembled structure or a head-tail assembled structure. The tail part is assembled with a head part or a tail part of another building block to form the head-tail assembled structure or a tail assembled structure. The building block forms a cyclic semi-structure or a columnar semi-structure with other building blocks by the three assembling methods. The cyclic semi-structure and the columnar semi-structure are assembled with another corresponding cyclic semi-structure or columnar semi-structure to form an annular column or a column by assembling the head assembled structures, the head-tail assembled structures, and the tail assembled structures.

Abstract: This invention provides paired structures that can be combined in sets of three pairs in an assemblage exhibiting a three-dimensional coordinated motion during assembly and disassembly. The assemblage can be used as an entertaining puzzle providing challenging assembly and unexpected coordinated expansion of all parts on disassembly. The puzzle includes six pieces shaped such that when completely assembled all pieces form an interlocking assembly that can only be assembled or disassembled when all six pieces aligned correctly and moved simultaneously in a specific coordinated motion.

Abstract: The image generating program makes the image generating device perform: setting a number of increase or decrease objects in at least one of a plurality of regions on a field having the plurality of regions divided from each other and connected to each other; generating a display image including a display corresponding to the field and the set number of increase or decrease objects; generating the display image in which an increase or decrease number corresponding to a selected level is set in the region within a predetermined area; generating the display image in which the number of increase or decrease objects is increased or decreased on a basis of the set increase or decrease number; and ending the stage when the number of increase or decrease objects set in each of the regions becomes a predetermined value as a result of the increase or decrease.

Abstract: A three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle comprising a base, a post fixedly secured to and emanating upwardly from the base, a first group of pieces, where each piece in the first group has a through-bore to enable stacking about the post and also has at least one radially extending projection in a shape of a trapezoidal solid, and a second group of pieces, where each piece in the second group has at least one radially extending projection in the shape of a trapezoidal solid. The first and second groups of pieces are operatively arranged to stack and interlock with one another to form a cylindrically shaped structure.

Abstract: Modular building blocks and block systems including a connecting lug extending outwardly beyond the exterior surface of a block for engaging another block or block accessory, the connecting lug having a recessed slot for engaging a lug rail of a mating component, each building block further having lug rails projecting inwardly from interior surfaces of the building block accessible for engaging a recessed slot of a connecting lug of another block or block accessory, wherein a width of the first recessed slot of the building block corresponds to a width of the lug rails of the building block.

Abstract: A decoration includes a first, lower decoration member and a second, lower decoration member detachably connected to the first, lower decoration member. Each lower decoration member includes a lower main body having first and second lower branch portions and a lower engaging slot in an upper end thereof. The decoration further includes at least one upper decoration member. The upper decoration member includes an upper main body having first and second upper branch portions and an upper engaging slot in a lower end thereof. The lower engaging slots of the first and second lower decoration members are engaged with the upper decoration member, and the upper engaging slot of the upper decoration member is engaged with the first and second lower decoration members. The decoration can be quickly assembled and exhibit a rich visional appearance.

Abstract: An assembly comprising three or more elements; each element comprises a shape with an opening completely through the element; and each element comprises a plurality of edges, the edges being joined together at angular junctions. Each element links all of the other elements, and each element links the other elements in the same way. The link is formed by a portion of the shape passing through the openings in the other elements, so that the elements form a nested structure, and the elements are interchangeable in the nested structure without altering the nested configuration of the assembly.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object with one or more inserts has a body having at least one cavity on an exterior surface, and at least one insert that is sized and shaped to be inserted into the at least one cavity in three or more orientations. An attachment secures the at least one insert within the at least one cavity in a desired orientation.

Abstract: A game with interlocking game pieces includes a first set of game pieces each comprising a game surface, a first side surface having a first concave portion and a first convex portion extending from the first concave portion and a second side surface having a second concave portion and a second convex portion extending from the second concave portion. A second set of game pieces are mirror images of and interlock with the first set of game pieces. A game piece face provided on the game surface of each of the first set of game pieces and the second set of game pieces.

Abstract: A puzzle with combined interlocking members includes R interlocking members, of which R?7. The interlocking member is composed of two ends and a central portion as well as a first surface and a corresponding second surface. The first and second surfaces are provided with 16 blocks for changing the recessed positions of the central portion. Six interlocking members from R interlocking members can be assembled into at least two configurations or solutions. In addition, this invention provides many other configurations with at least 14 predefined interlocking members of different constructions. So, it presents many flexible configurations with excellent amusement and strong challenge.

Abstract: A puzzle and a method of solving thereof are disclosed. The puzzle includes a block defining an interior and an exterior, the block including at least three panels arranged perpendicularly to each other, wherein each panel defines a wall and wherein each panel defines at least one slot through each wall. A plurality of keys, each configured to be fully insertable through each slot on each wall from the exterior toward the interior when there are no other keys in the block are provided. The keys and the slots are configured such that, if each key is inserted into a correct slot and in a correct sequence with respect to the others keys, all of the plurality of keys can be fully inserted into the block, and, if at least one of the plurality of keys is inserted into an incorrect slot or in an incorrect sequence with respect to the other keys, at least one of the keys cannot be fully inserted into the block.

Abstract: The invention provides a geometric puzzle having a plurality of flat square and rectangular elements with slots that allow the elements to be sequentially interlocked to form two separate geometric shapes, the smaller shape (4-D Qube) being capable of fitting into the larger (Archimedes Qube) to form one geometric structure.

Abstract: A stacking game including trademarks of an organization is disclosed. Each player forms their own tower of multiple levels of play pieces. A predetermined quantity of the play pieces are distributed to each player. The play pieces include a plurality of first pieces having a first shape and a plurality of second pieces having a second shape. Each first piece bears a first trademark of the organization, and each second piece bears a second trademark of the organization. During a turn of a player, the player rolls a first die to determine whether one or more of the first or the second pieces is designated for play during the turn, and the player rolls a second die to determine a number of the designated play pieces to play during the turn. The player adds the number of designated play pieces to his/her tower.

Abstract: A puzzle having a plurality of elements, each having a plurality of faces. When assembled, the faces form a plurality of puzzle sides that, when the elements are properly arranged and oriented, display a puzzle “solution” (e.g., each of the sides showing faces all having the same color). Each puzzle may have one or more solutions. The puzzle is preferably laid out so that it can be solved using mathematical and/or logical analysis and without the necessity of trial and error.

Abstract: An intellectual building base plate assembling game device comprises a triangular game tray having 28 adjacent slots which is arranged as seven lines, a first line having one slot; a second line having two slots; a third line having third slots, a fourth line having fourth slots; a fifth line having fifth slots, a sixth line having sixth slots, and a seven line having seven slots; and eighteen building blocks of different shapes. Moreover, an intellectual building base plate assembling game device comprising: a planar game tray having a concave slot inside a planar game tray; a fastening element standing on a bottom of the concave slot; and eighteen building blocks of different shapes.

Abstract: A cubic puzzle includes eight identical elementary pieces. Each elementary piece is composed of eight identical blocks. The lower layer has a first, a second, and a third block linearly connected to a side face of each other and a fourth block transversely and securely connected to a side of the third block. The upper layer has a fifth block securely connected to a side of a sixth block, wherein the fifth block is formed on top of the first block, and a seventh block securely connected to a side of an eighth block, wherein the seventh block is formed on top of the fourth block. A position relationship between the sixth block and the fifth block and the seventh block to the eighth block corresponds to a position relationship between the fourth block and the third block.

Abstract: A game comprises a frame and 82 cubical playing pieces, or playing cubes, 81 of which cubes are removably retained in the frame. For playing purposes, the playing cubes are divided into 3 groups: 27 scoring cubes, 54 blank cubes, and 1 pilot cube. During play cubes are inserted into the frame, forcing another cube to be ejected from the opposite side of the frame. A score is tallied for a player when a scoring cube is ejected from the frame.

Abstract: A puzzle comprising six oblong parts in rectangular cross-section, each part having at least one recess and each part having a recess or recesses different than every other part, the parts being capable of assembly in a manner to form a three-dimensional cruciform configuration of three blocks mutually intersecting at right angles.

Abstract: A stacking piece game includes a plurality of game pieces stackable in layers, with each game piece being associated with one of a plurality of task classes and one of a plurality of activities associated with the one task class. At least one of the game pieces includes a task class indicia identifying the one task class and an activity description of the one activity. The game is played by (1) stacking the game pieces in layers to form a tower; (2) removing one of the game pieces from the tower; (3) performing an activity determined in accordance with at least the indicia of the removed game piece; (4) returning the removed game piece to the tower upon completion of the activity; and (5) repeating the removing, and returning steps amongst players of the game until the tower collapses.

Abstract: A three-dimensional puzzle game includes a plurality of puzzle elements each having a connector, such as a slot or tab, for removable connection to one another. Each connector has a problem or answer indicia associated therewith, whereby the three-dimensional object is constructed by mating the relevant problem tab or slot of one puzzle element with the corresponding answer tab or slot of another puzzle element.

Abstract: A puzzle forming a cube when assembled includes a plurality of hexahedron blocks, each block defining at least one hole therein which passes completely through the block. A plurality of fastening elements of substantially identical dimensions with respect to each other are provided, and the blocks are assembled together in a predetermined manner to form a cube with each of the fastening elements passing through predetermined holes of the blocks.

Abstract: An octopus-shaped toy is built up from a plurality of modeled parts including two main body parts, two interconnecting parts, and a plurality of tentacle parts. All these modeled parts are connected to one another through engagement of slits provided thereon and thereby form a three-dimensional toy octopus. These parts are also provided with patterns showing specific features that are usually found on a real octopus, so that the assembled toy octopus is vivid to attract more players and helps players to know more things about the octopus.

Abstract: A combination puzzle, a product holder and a method of making same having at least two H shaped pieces, at least two plus shaped pieces and at least one cubic piece. Each H shaped piece has a first and second vertical member perpendicularly attached to one another by a horizontal member extending between them. Interlocking spaces are defined in between the first and second vertical members above and below the horizontal member. Each plus shaped piece has a vertical plus member and two side members. The side members are connected to opposite sides of the vertical plus member and extend outwardly and perpendicularly from the vertical plus member. Four separate arms are formed by the vertical plus members and the two side members that can be interlocked with the interlocking spaces. The cubic clock piece has at least one face display and can be interlocked with the interlocking spaces and can be used as the cubic piece.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional puzzle for a way to relieve stress and to provide entertainment. The multi-dimensional puzzle includes a cylindrical base member having lateral slots and a longitudinal slot and a bore; two tubular members also having two lateral slots and a longitudinal slot and a bore; two planar members each having two slots; an arcuate plate member having two slots; three arcuate pieces one of which has a longitudinal slot; and three slot-filling members. All of the pieces and members are placed in such a way to form a solid cylindrical structure.

Abstract: A puzzle consists of six or more elongated pieces. Each piece has a polygonal cross-section and a cavity whose dimensions are determined by the polygonal cross-section. The pieces can be arranged in two opposing groups of three or more pieces each, arranged substantially in parallel, and such that the cavity in each piece is filled by portions of other pieces as the groups are advanced toward each other. The pieces can be assembled and disassembled only in such a way that each piece is moved relative to others in a different direction to interlock the pieces in an assembled configuration, and no individual piece can be disengaged from the assembled configuration without disengaging all of the pieces.

Abstract: A puzzle comprising a first puzzle unit having a semi-cubical first portion pivotally connected to a second semi-cubical portion. The portions are moveable to a closed position wherein the puzzle unit has a cubical shape formed by six walls of equal size. A biasing compression spring acting between the first and second portions urges the puzzle unit portions away from each other about the pivot towards an open position. A first triangular shaped cut-out is defined by the first unit portion and a second triangular shaped cut-out is defined by the second unit portion. The first and second cut-outs are arranged such that when the first and second unit portions are moved into abutting contact, the cut-outs confront each other and define a diamond shaped opening in opposed side walls of the puzzle unit. A first protruding member extends from a side wall of the first unit portion and a second protruding member extends from a corresponding side wall of the second unit portion.

Abstract: A puzzle is provided including a plurality of portions each with an outer surface defining a portion of a three-dimensional geometric figure. Also included is a plurality of grooves and protrusions formed on inner surfaces of the portions for allowing the portions to be releasably coupled such that the outer surfaces defines the geometric figure.

Abstract: A puzzle emphasizing its three-dimensional character, through its pieces, final form, transparency, and use of color. The completed puzzle, a transparent colored cube, consists of thirty-eight pieces, which are three-dimensional in character, not merely extruded from two dimensions. The solution and appearance of the puzzle is dependent upon its interior structure of form and color. The completed cube, six units to a side, is formed by six truncated pyramids of color. The completed cube is left with a cubic void, two units to a side, at its center. The base of each pyramid acts as a side of the cube. Pyramids opposite one another are of the same primary color: blue, red, or yellow. Pyramids adjacent to one another are of a different primary color. The appearance of the assembled cube changes drastically from different vantage points.

Abstract: A sectional photo display cube having six faces for displaying photos thereon. The cube includes two complementary shaped sections each of which includes a plurality of blocks projecting perpendicularly therefrom. The blocks in one of the sections are shaped to interfit with the blocks in the other of the sections to form a cube when assembled and each of the sections includes at least one surface area forming a fractional portion of each face of the cube.

Abstract: A method of playing a stacking block game is disclosed. The game uses a plurality of game blocks have a generally parallelepiped shape aid generally similar dimensions. Each game block has indicia applied to at least one end thereof. The indicia include a suit and a rank. Each player receives a number of game blocks. The first player lays a first game block on its face or on its side on a playing surface. The next player has to lay a game block of the same suit or rank as the first game block on top of or optionally on the same level as the previously laid game block to thereby build a tower.

Abstract: A puzzle toy device having a plurality of "C"-shaped elements assembled together orthogonally, in three equal groups, to form a cubic structure. Each of the elements is provided with an opening therein to permit another element to pass therethrough. One of the groups of elements are formed together with their respective openings in alignment, while the other two groups of elements are assembled together with their openings alternating with respect to one another. A central link, in the group normal to the aligned openings is provided as a keyway which permits that element, and then subsequent elements to be backed off, thus providing a solution to the puzzle.

Abstract: A three dimensional strategy game and method for its play are provided, wherein multiple game pieces are assembled into geometrical configurations without the limitations imposed by a pre-existing support structure and wherein the interior of the three dimensional geometrical configuration is easily viewable. The three dimensional strategy game includes an orientation game piece and two or more sets of game pieces which may be matingly interconnected to construct geometric configurations. In addition to the game pieces, a directional indicator may also provided for indicating the direction from which each game piece must also be added to the growing geometric configuration. Each game piece has a plurality of sides extending outward from a central area with each side carrying an interconnecting member for matingly receiving a portion of an interconnecting member for connection to other game pieces.

Abstract: A multi-pointed three dimensional connector has a first planar element having a plurality of radially extending arms, a second planar element having a plurality of radially extending arms, a first locking member defined by the interengagement the first and second elements and a second locking member to secure the first and second elements together.

Abstract: A construction toy includes a plurality of rigid die-cut laminated plastic modular cards having a plurality of sides. A first side of a first card has a plurality of cuts opposite and complementary to respective cuts of a first side of a second card, such that the cards may be assembled by interfacing sides in mating relation. The side of a card extends along an axis and is defined by a varying height profile formed by inner and outer lands, an outer land being along the outer edge of the side, and an inner land being recessed inwardly therefrom. The cards have a first assembled condition with coincident axes providing two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures. A slit in the side enables a third assembled condition with noncoincident axes.

Abstract: An object is assembled by interconnecting a plurality of puzzle pieces. The object includes first and second puzzle pieces, each having a joint positioned along a first outer side edge and having a substantially U-shaped mortise comprising a bottom edge, and first and second inner side edges extending from the bottom edge. The bodies of the first and second puzzle pieces are transverse to each other when the joint of the first puzzle piece is interconnected with the joint of the second puzzle piece.

Abstract: The invention provides a three-dimensional puzzle consisting of a plurality of interlocking components. Each component has at least one engagement surface with which it engages with one or more other components. The puzzle includes at least three components in which the first and second components engage and the third component engages both first and second components and prevents their disengagement from each other whilst engaged with the third component. Further, there is provided a device for hot wire cutting of thermoplastic material comprising an electrically conductive wire, an arrangement for driving the wire between two points, and a voltage arrangement for applying a potential difference to the wire between the two points.

Abstract: A puzzle consisting of eight component pieces which fit together to fill out the volume of a cube four units wide by four units long by four units high, and also fill out the volume of a square eight units wide by eight units long by one unit high. A unit may be any length measurement unit, such as a centimeter. The volumes of the cube and the square are subdivided into sixty-four unit cubes, each unit cube having dimensions one unit by one unit by one unit. Each of the eight component pieces consists of eight unit cubes joined firmly together with their side surfaces flush one against the other, to form a connected two-dimensional shape of unit thickness. In six of the ten embodiments disclosed herein, all of the surfaces of pieces that comprise the top surface of the square assemblage become interior surfaces in the cube assemblage, thereby allowing for separate pictures to appear on the top surface of the square assemblage and the outside surfaces of the cube assemblage.

Abstract: A three-dimensional word game which is characterized by a base having a grid with one or more squares, selected ones of which are fitted with openings or projections for receiving and anchoring correspondingly-shaped, lettered blocks to facilitate vertical stacking and horizontal extension of the blocks together and spelling words. In a preferred embodiment, the blocks (typically cubes) are designed to connect by such elements as round and truncated pegs, snap flanges, threaded posts and internally-threaded post seats, dovetail slots and tabs, as well as by magnetic attraction. The blocks are typically provided with letters of the alphabet located on at least one side, to facilitate selectively connecting or interlocking the blocks, both vertically and horizontally, to spell words during progression of the game.