Abstract: Connector element includes an enclosure made of a generally non-magnetic material having an open face; an insulating plate with a plate aperture; a permanent magnet placed inside the enclosure, the magnet dimensions preventing egress from the enclosure through the plate aperture; a washer made of a conductive soft ferromagnetic material with a washer aperture being larger than dimensions of said permanent magnet, placed inside the enclosure. Also disclosed are transformable electronic devices, optionally including displays, toys and educational kits built using the self-actuating connector elements.

Abstract: Connector element includes an enclosure made of a generally non-magnetic material having an open face; an insulating plate with a plate aperture; a permanent magnet placed inside the enclosure, the magnet dimensions preventing egress from the enclosure through the plate aperture; a washer made of a conductive soft ferromagnetic material with a washer aperture being larger than dimensions of said permanent magnet, placed inside the enclosure. Also disclosed are transformable electronic devices, optionally including displays, toys and educational kits built using the self-actuating connector elements.

Abstract: A high voltage training system is provided comprising a high voltage training device in connection with one or more energized lines, and configured to detect a trigger event involving the interaction of a user with the energized lines, modulating/regulating current output in response, and engage one or more of an alert from an alert system, whereby the training system aids in the behavioral modification of the user in a training scenario. A trigger event comprises an event occurring between a user and the energized lines, or contact between a grounding conductor and the energized lines. An alert comprises one or more of an audible alarm, a visual indicator of alarm, or an electrical current (of less than 20 mA) emitted from the energized lines and contacted with the skin of the trainee engaged with the training system.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: An educational kit for teaching kids/beginners about designing electronic circuit is provided. The educational kit according to the current application comprises of; 1) a square hard board comprised of a stiff non- conductive material, 2) a steel plate encasing back side of the square board, 3) pluralities of various kinds of electronic components which have wire type leads/terminals for connection, 4) pluralities of small permanent magnets of circular shape, and 5) a separate manual wherein various electronic circuits are printed thereon. Pluralities of dents of circular shape and square shape are developed on the front side of the board to receive magnets and electronic components, respectively. Another embodiment of the hard board has pluralities of circular or square dents spaced with same intervals. The educational kit of the current application renders easy set up and change of the configuration of electronic circuits even for beginners and kids.

Abstract: For identifying the machine type of an alternating current machine, a direct current is first applied to the stator for aligning the d-axis of the rotor and the magnetic field direction of the stator. Secondly, a direct current is applied to the stator at a current angle which causes the rotors of a permanent magnet machine and a synchronous reluctance machine to exert torque in different directions. The torque direction of the rotor is detected and the machine type is identified based on the torque direction information. The machine type is recognized as a permanent magnet machine or a synchronous reluctance machine depending on the torque direction. If no torque is detected, then the machine type is recognized as an induction machine.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: Method, modules and a system formed by connecting the modules for controlling payloads are disclosed. An activation signal is propagated in the system from a module to the modules connected to it. Upon receiving an activation signal, the module (after a pre-set or random delay) activates a payload associated with it, and transmits the activation signal (after another pre-set or random delay) to one or more modules connected to it. The system is initiated by a master module including a user activated switch producing the activation signal. The activation signal can be propagated in the system in one direction from the master to the last module, or carried bi-directionally allowing two way propagation, using a module which revert the direction of the activation signal propagation direction. A module may be individually powered by an internal power source such as a battery, or connected to external power source such as AC power.

Abstract: A multiple activity toy for both entertaining and improving a child's manual dexterity includes a box-like housing having a front panel displaying a plurality of transparent or translucent graphic images and including a pair of spaced-apart three-way switches that control the on/off state of a string of battery powered LED's that are plugged into apertures located beneath the graphic images. Also included in the housing is a record/playback circuit to which a plurality of push-button switches are connected to control the recording and playback of voice, music or other sounds via a speaker mounted within the housing.

Abstract: Improvements to enhance electronic books, particularly improvements having both a viewing and audio enunciation capability are disclosed. A exemplary user control is provided enabling a reader to receive a “recap” up to a point designated by the reader or, alternatively, allow the reader to “finish the book” by being provided with a summary, covering the material from a given point to the end. In another example, a pointing device (e.g., a touch pad) is provided along with curser on the display, enabling a reader to click on words for additional information. In still another example, when material of any kind is “read” to a user, the device may be used to automatically display images on the display screen associated with the material being read. In another example, an electronic book may be provided with a communications link or a short-range radio transmitter, such as a low-power FM transmitter.

Abstract: A connector (10) can be fit into a case-side opening (161) of a shield case (160) so that female terminals (52) in the connector (10) can be connected to male terminals (172) in a device-side connector (170) mounted in a back of the case-side opening (161). The connector (10) includes a housing (20) with a fitting (21) at one end that can fit into the case-side opening (161). Stretchable conductors (51) and wires (71) connected to the female terminals (52) are pulled out from the opposite end of the housing (20). A terminal accommodating portion (30) is formed separately from the fitting (21) and accommodates the female terminals (52) inside. The terminal accommodating portion (30) is mounted into the housing (20) loosely movably in a direction intersecting a fitting direction of the fitting (21) into the case-side opening (161) when connecting the male terminals (172) and the female terminals (52).

Abstract: A reusable electronic circuit assembling system facilitates assembly and testing of electronic circuits. The system has at least one baseboard and one or more assembling blocks magnetically or mechanically attached to the baseboard. Each assembling block has at least two electrically connected conductive clips located separately in the opening holes of the assembly block. Discrete electronic components are connected by selectively inserting the electrodes of the to-be-connected electronic components into the clips of the assembling blocks. A complete circuit is constructed by attaching the above block-component assemblies on the baseboard and connecting them in accordance with the desired circuit diagram.

Abstract: The invention provides for a shell having four sides including a front side and a front side having contact points to simulate a host component where the number of contact points and spacing between the contact points on the front side of the shell simulate the number and spacing of receptacles located on the host component so that the shell may be temporarily populated with accessories and the accessories capable of being serially removed and serially attached to the receptacles of the host component. The shell may be carried in a shipment container along with the accessories for shipping to the location of the host component. The accessories may include cable harnesses and have fiber optic connectors temporarily mounted to the component simulation shell during shipping and upon arrival at the host component, the connectors may be removed in a one-to-one matching sequence between the component simulation shell and the host component where the connectors are finally mated.

Abstract: In accordance with the various embodiments disclosed herein, an improved electrical connector footprints, such as printed circuit boards (printed circuit board), is described comprising one or more of, for example, a first linear array containing at least a first anti-pad extending along a first direction, a first electrical signal trace extending along the first direction and spaced from the first linear array along a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction, a group of ground isolation vias containing at least one electrically conductive ground via arranged along a line extending parallel to the first direction and spaced from the first electrical signal trace along the second direction, and a second linear array containing at least a second anti-pad extending along the first direction spaced from the group of ground isolation vias along the second direction.

Abstract: The system allows training and qualification of a user performing a skill-related training exercise involving body motion in a workspace. A training environment is selected through a computer apparatus, and variables, parameters and controls of the training environment and the training exercise are adjusted. Use of an input device by the user is monitored. The 3D angles and spatial coordinates of reference points related to the input device are monitored through a detection device. A simulated 3D dynamic environment reflecting effects caused by actions performed by the user on objects is computed in real time as a function of the training environment selected. Images of the simulated 3D dynamic environment in real time are generated on a display device viewable by the user as a function of a computed organ of vision-object relation. Data indicative of the actions performed by the user and the effects of the actions are recorded and user qualification is set as a function of the recorded data.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for ensuring assemblers are properly trained before performing assembly instructions in a computer directed assembly system. To ensure the requisite training, in some embodiments, the training history of each assembler is checked before authorizing performance of an assembly instruction. In one embodiment, a prerequisite training sequence required to be completed before performing an assembly instruction is specified to ensure proper training of the assembler. In some embodiments, a training history associated with the assembler is requested from a training database that includes a set of training sequences previously performed by the assembler. Based on the training history and other factors, a determination is made whether the assembler has the prerequisite training sequence necessary to perform the assembly instruction.

Abstract: A method is provided for mounting a plurality of cable connectors onto a panel that defines a plurality of target mounting locations. At least two of the plurality of cable connectors defines at least a pair of cable retaining apertures. The pairs of cable retaining apertures of a first one of the two cable connectors are spaced apart in a first direction, and the pair of cable retaining apertures of a second one of the two cable connectors are spaced apart in a second direction that is different than the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electrochemical-electromagnetic integration for instructional compliance management with distributed systems, methods, devices incorporating an instructional game integrated with operations training and instruction execution within a compliance lifecycle in particularly, a connector assemblage using a metamaterial and an instructional game providing security training using an RFID ID card and a RFID reader integrating terahertz radiation where the connector assemblage is conformational to a dermal communication for reducing cyber stress improving depth perception skills.

Abstract: An electrical connector system includes a plurality of electrical connectors that can be mounted onto a powered rail. Each of the electrical connectors includes a connector housing that retains an electrical contact. The powered rail includes a tapered alignment guide that receives a complementary tapered arm of the connector housing that locates into the alignment guide so as to position the connectors to the rail.

Abstract: According to a question displayed on a computer screen, a to-be-examined person selects, out of constituent elements (components) displayed on the screen, constituent elements that he considers optimum for the question and then makes a design by constructing them on the screen, and the content of the design on the screen is evaluated by using predetermined evaluation data. Further, there is provided a system which enables assembling an actual apparatus (an apparatus to be evaluated) according to the content of design, measures the performance of the assembled actual apparatus and evaluates the ability of the to-be-examined person to assemble the actual apparatus from the measured data by using a computer.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a first substrate and a second substrate that is configured to be placed into and out of electrical communication with the first substrate by moving the second substrate along a direction that is parallel to the first substrate.

Abstract: A time driven, computer simulation based electric power system training software package designed to train power system operators is used with an existing set of electric power system modeling algorithms, such as sold under the Powerworld™ brand. The software package includes: a file that provides all the data to be plugged into the electric power system modeling algorithms, a graphics file that shows a picture of the power system and serves as a graphical man-machine interface with the modeling algorithms, a time dimension file that initiates and ends the simulation session and changes specific data in the data file as time progresses and stores a history of selected parameters over the course of the session; and a spreadsheet file, such as an Excel® spreadsheet, that performs calculations on data and presents data in graphical form based on output from the modeling algorithms at the end of the simulation.

Abstract: A method and a system for manufacturing a wiring harness is provided, the method comprising acquiring data about the wiring harness to be manufactured, the wiring harness data including data about a plurality of wires to be assembled into the wiring harness, grouping the wires based on their data, providing wire cutting instructions based on the grouping the wires, cutting wires in accordance with the cutting instructions and assembling the cut wires to for the wiring harness.

Abstract: Printed circuit boards and breadboard devices have contact pads and magnetic component connectors where connection between the contact pads and the magnetic component connectors are made by magnetic force. Either the contact pad or the magnetic component connector will be magnetic and the other will be made of a material to which a magnet will be attracted. For example, printed circuit boards, which usually have copper traces, include contact pads made of a material to which a magnet will be attracted. Circuit components are connected to magnetic component connectors having magnetic legs which then connect the components to the contact pads of the circuit board or breadboard device. This makes the connection of components to a printed circuit board or breadboard device fast and easy and provides for easy removal and replacement of components. Magnetic component connectors can also be configured to connect magnetically to one another.

Abstract: A computerized interactor system uses physical, three-dimensional objects as metaphors for input of user intent to a computer system. When one or more interactors are engaged with a detection field, the detection field reads an identifier associated with the object and communicates the identifier to a computer system. The computer system determines the meaning of the interactor based upon its identifier and upon a semantic context in which the computer system is operating.

Abstract: A system for displaying textual information includes a receiver (300) for receiving textual information that includes a plurality of words. A text segmenter (302), operatively associated with the receiver (300), segments the plurality of words into a plurality of word segments, each word segment having one or more words. A user interface device (304) receives a signal initiated by an action of a user to indicate a display rate. A display device (306) including a processor and a memory, is coupled to the text segmenter and the user interface device. The display device (306) displays the word segments in a temporal sequence by displaying a first word segment for a first display duration, that is based on the display rate, at a first position on the display device (306) and automatically proceeding to display a second word segment for a second display duration, that is based on the display rate, at a second position on the display device (306).

Abstract: A configurable electrical circuit element housing used as a building block in prototyping and demonstrating electric circuits. A label (10) with a circuit element graphic (11) attaches on an electrically insulated housing top (20). Underneath is an alternating arrangement of electrically insulated connector guide walls (22) and guide posts (21) forming a square-like perimeter surrounding a circuit element (40). Circuit element leads (41) attach to bent coil connector binding posts (31) inside the housing. The bent coil connector binding posts, on sides for which they are installed, are the ends of bent coil connectors (30). The bent coil connectors bend around the guide posts forming arcs external to the square-like perimeter. The guide walls help form the arcs by pinching the bent coil connectors. The arcs of the bent coil connectors are resilient connectors which interface with similar connectors forming a bent coil connector coupling (50) interweaving their coil loops.

Abstract: Printed circuit boards and breadboard devices have contact pads and magnetic component connectors where connection between the contact pads and the magnetic component connectors are made by magnetic force. Either the contact pad or the magnetic component connector will be magnetic and the other will be made of a material to which a magnet will be attracted. For example, printed circuit boards, which usually have copper traces, include contact pads made of a material to which a magnet will be attracted. Circuit components are connected to magnetic component connectors having magnetic legs which then connect the components to the contact pads of the circuit board or breadboard device. This makes the connection of components to a printed circuit board or breadboard device fast and easy and provides for easy removal and replacement of components. Magnetic component connectors can also be configured to connect magnetically to one another.

Abstract: Provided are electrical components and a breadboard for an electronic circuit study kit.

Abstract: Printed circuit boards and breadboard devices have contact pads and magnetic component connectors where connection between the contact pads and the magnetic component connectors are made by magnetic force. Either the contact pad or the magnetic component connector will be magnetic and the other will be made of a material to which a magnet will be attracted. For example, printed circuit boards, which usually have copper traces, include contact pads made of a material to which a magnet will be attracted. Circuit components are connected to magnetic component connectors having magnetic legs which then connect the components to the contact pads of the circuit board or breadboard device. This makes the connection of components to a printed circuit board or breadboard device fast and easy and provides for easy removal and replacement of components. Magnetic component connectors can also be configured to connect magnetically to one another.

Abstract: An IT skills evaluation system and method for evaluating an individual's IT skills. According to one aspect of the invention, the individual is required to perform one or more practical exercises. A practical exercise is an evaluation device for evaluating not only an individual's knowledge, but also the individual's ability to apply their knowledge. One or more virtual machines are associated with each practical exercise, and the test taker must use these virtual machines to complete the exercise. In one aspect, a skills evaluation system according to one embodiment includes a testing computer on which the following software is installed: a virtual machine platform for allowing multiple virtual machines to run simultaneously on the testing computer and a practical skills evaluator for presenting exams to a test taker and scoring the exam. An exam is made up of one or more practical exercise.

Abstract: A method for identifying at least a section of a first schematic associated with at least a section of a second schematic wherein each of the first and second schematics includes a set of components for configuring a system to perform a process and wherein the components of the first and second schematics are first and second different types, respectively, the method comprising the steps of identifying the components of the first type included in the first section of the first schematic, examining the second schematic to identify at least one instance of components of the second type that are associated with the identified components of the first type and when at least one instance of components of the second type is identified, rendering the at least one instance accessible.

Abstract: A method and system for simulation training of one or more persons in the installation and/or repair of telecommunications equipment. The method includes presenting a plurality of scenarios associated with the installation and/or repair of telecommunications equipment to a user viewing a display, providing predetermined desired user inputs responsive to the presented plurality of scenarios, and providing a user input device for the user to transmit user inputs to the computer for responding to the plurality of scenarios. The user inputs represent actions by a user controllable virtual person representing the user to perform a series of simulated person interactions and simulated physical tasks associated with telecommunications equipment installation. The user inputs responsive to the plurality of scenarios are received and stored.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for a client to remotely conduct a laboratory experiment using a remote computer communicating with a host computer in a computer network. The experiment is stimulated by a set of input variable and provides a set of dependent output variables. The method includes the steps of an instructor setting up the experiment at a central location, determining a tolerance band for each input variable of the experiment, and restricting a range of each tolerance band. The instructor enters into the host computer a program to run the experiment. The client remotely access the experiment using the remote computer. The instructor enables the client to conduct the experiment and simultaneously limits the client to the range of each tolerance band.

Abstract: A manual for teaching and/or demonstrating the assembly and/or operation of a transmittable energy circuit, wherein the manual has a base hinged to a plurality of pages for folding the pages over or away from the base, wherein at least one of the pages has conductor portions of an energy circuit thereon, and wherein the portions are provided with electrical connectors for receiving one or more electrical components adapted for completing the circuit, and wherein at least one of the pages has instructions thereon for so completing said circuit.

Abstract: An interactive computer-based training (ICBT) system operable over a computer network for training users. The ICBT system is provided with inter-dependent, state-machine-based hardware and software simulators for emulating hardware and software functionality associated with a piece of equipment on which the users are to receive interactive training. The state transition method effectuated in a computer-readable memory system includes the steps of: identifying a current state of the state machine wherein a transition is to be effectuated; determining if there is a state immediately prior to the current state, and if so, determining whether there is a dependency of the current state on the immediately prior state, the dependency being characterized as a first order dependency; inferring a reference value associated with the current state based on the first order dependency; and determining a future state of the state machine based on the inferred reference value.

Abstract: A manual for teaching and/or demonstrating the assembly and/or operation of a transmittable energy circuit, wherein the manual has a base hinged to a plurality of pages for folding the pages over or away from the base, wherein at least one of the pages has conductor portions of an energy circuit thereon, and wherein the portions are provided with electrical connectors for receiving one or more electrical components adapted for completing the circuit, and wherein at least one of the pages has instructions thereon for so completing said circuit.

Abstract: An improved home automation system that permits the user of the system to remotely control the operation of various devices. The system is packaged in a manner that “walks” the user through the initialization process to thereby reduce or eliminate errors associated with the initialization and set-up of the system. Furthermore, the configuration permits the user to initialize the system without the use of tools, such as screwdrivers. The system is configured with improved functionality that permits the user to readily control individual devices and/or selected groups of devices with a powerful hand-held remote transmitter.

Abstract: The device described is an Electronic Simulator for use as a teaching aid.

Abstract: A child's construction set contains virtual intelligence, is interactive and smart, characteristics that may be exhibited to a player during player construction activity with the set and, thereafter, during continuing play and instills a sense of unpredictability to play. The set incorporates a programmed controller (17), a speaker (23), special (“smart”) play pieces or blocks (1,3,5,7, et cet.) and a base (15) on which to position the play pieces or blocks. Sensors (A1-C3), referred to as “hot spots”, are distributed at various positions about the base and are coupled to the controller, whereby the controller identifies special play pieces and the location of those play pieces when the respective play piece is installed at one of those positions. Some of the special play pieces may depict characters, some contain electrically operated devices, and some contain a player operated input device.

Abstract: An interactive computer-based training (ICBT) system and method operable over a computer network for training users. The ICBT system is provided with a state-machine-based hardware simulator for emulating various hardware states associated with a piece of equipment on which the users are to receive interactive training. A software simulator provided as a command inference engine is coupled to the hardware simulator, wherein the software simulator allows the users to interactively interrogate the emulated piece of equipment for its software functionality. One or more independently selectable learning modules are provided as part of the ICBT system, wherein each learning module includes one or more lesson plans related to the hardware and software functionality of the emulated piece of equipment. Also, the learning modules are inter-dependently associated with the hardware and software simulators.

Abstract: A remotely controlled simulated linear circuit breaker capable of being set and reset remotely, and manually operated. Control signals are received by an on-board controller circuit card assembly. The signals will cause a plunger located in a solenoid housing to do one of two things. Either it will be extracted out of the solenoid housing, thereby popping the simulated circuit breaker, or it will be pulled into the solenoid housing, thereby resetting the simulated circuit breaker. In addition, the position of the switch is remotely sensed.

Abstract: For checking the operating reliability of a turbine during load shedding, input values having simulated time profiles are fed to a regulating circuit regulating a turbine. The reaction of the regulating circuit to the input values simulating load shedding conditions is subsequently measured. Changes in the regulating circuit are then detected by comparison with an earlier measurement.

Abstract: An electrical service simulator includes four hinged panels that are movable between a storage position and an operational position. In the storage position the panels are arranged as a rectangle, while in the operational position the panels provide a free-standing display of multiple electrical service fixtures such as electrical service meters. An electrical supply system is connected to some of the meter service fixtures to power the fixtures during a training exercise.

Abstract: A cooperative, interactive computer logic instruction system is disclosed in which students participate by performing individual gate and component functions. These functions are linked together by connections carrying power, ground, and signals to form a cooperative logic system distributed over the entire class. Individual components range from gates and other low-level electronics up through larger scale devices and computer components. An important aspect of this invention is that each student linked in the system must actually perform the assigned function themselves in order to generate the proper output which then feeds as input to other students in the system. In this manner, entire logic circuits, computers, and networks may be modeled and understood. In addition to the manual mode described above, each component also supports an automatic mode for demonstration, error checking, and completion of circuits not exactly suited to the particular number of students in a given classroom situation.

Abstract: An assembly board with a matrix of depending pegs uniformly spaced on orthogonal intersecting lines with pegs at intersections at half the distance adapted to selectively receive from a set, detachable and reusable electrical components housed in uniformly-shaped casings comprising at least 2 electrical connections uniformly spaced for interchangeability of components and stackable at the connections. Components with 2 connections are elongated with connection terminals at each end a standard distance apart. Components requiring a third connection are constructed in an equilateral triangular housing with a base having 2 terminals spaced apart the standard distance and a third connection half the standard distance from the base. Components having 4 or more connections are housed in a rectangular housing having terminals at corners with first opposing sides having terminals the standard distance apart at corners and the sides being spaced apart half the standard distance.

Abstract: A simulator for simulating the attenuation characteristics of a length of coaxial cable in a cable television (CATV) network employs a diplex filter to separate the CATV signal and AC power into at least two separate signal paths. The AC power path has a resistance selected to simulate the DC loop resistance of the desire length of cable. The CATV signal path is in parallel with the AC power path, and has an attenuation selected to simulate the characteristics of the cable at CATV frequencies. In the preferred embodiment, the simulator is equipped with separate signal paths for the upstream and downstream CATV signals that have attenuations selected to simulate the characteristics of the cable within the frequency bands used for upstream and downstream CATV signals, respectively. The resistor in the AC power path has a sufficiently high power rating to handle realistic AC power levels.

Abstract: A teaching aid which will familiarize students with the various types of electrical connectors and cables used in modern data and voice network wiring. It consists of a training aid which will give students hands on training with all the various types of electrical connectors and cables used in networks. Users will work with the various cable types such as Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) and coaxial cables available for use in wiring buildings for telecommunications. The training aid will also familiarize students with the different types of outlets, patch panels, and terminal blocks which are used to terminate these different types of cables, and the use of the outlets which may be wired in a number of different "standard" configurations. Also included is a tester which will verify proper installation of connectors and will help locate the source of trouble in previously installed connectors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular electronic construction kit having modular control circuit boards or modules capable of achieving various types of electrical control for controlling movement of mechanical elements and the like. Each module includes cut-out plastic or metal templates to accommodate the introduction of a modular integrated electronic circuit board(s). A printed self-adhesive label is placed on the cut-out plastic or metal template. The printed labels represent the coded symbols for identification of the modular integrated circuit boards, including their functions and their electrical connections. In the preferred embodiment, the kit has a minimum of 6 different and numbered basic modules, but the kit may include up to 30 different modules which are intended for the optimization of complex control circuits. All of the modular circuit boards are electrically compatible with each other.

Abstract: An educational mechatronics apparatus comprises a plurality of circuit boards respectively corresponding to blocks appearing on a block diagram of an automatic control system, the circuit boards being arranged along the direction of signal transfer, each of the circuit boards being provided with circuit components including input and output terminals and having a center area and opposite end portions, and a transparent protective plate covering the center area of the circuit board to inhibit a learner to touch the circuit components other than the input and output terminals located in the end portions of the circuit board. The input and output terminals located in the center portion of the circuit board are wired in advance of assembly of the apparatus, and the input and output terminals located in the end portions are adapted to be wired for learning by leads.