Abstract: A novel molecular model assembly is provided herein for representing the structure of a molecule. That assembly includes a three dimensional body providing a physical representation of an atomic core, and a first cylindrical hole extending inwardly along a central longitudinal axis of such three dimensional body from each end of such three dimensional body. A plurality of connecting guiding elements, e.g. arcuate lobes project from such three dimensional body or a plurality of arcuate slots are inset into such three dimensional body, each being disposed equiangularly about the periphery of such three dimensional body core.

Abstract: Molecular modeling constituents having plug ends are joined by a coupling having a connective sleeve and a locking sleeve. The connective sleeve receives a plug in a bore at each end thereof. Radially deflectable staves of the connective sleeve have ridges on the inside surface thereof for engaging corresponding annular grooves about the circumference of the plugs. A locking sleeve fits over the connective sleeve and allows outward radial deflection of the staves in an OPEN position for insertion/extraction of plugs into/from the coupling, and inhibits radial deflection of the staves in a lock position to prohibit insertion/extraction of plugs into/from the coupling. The OPEN and LOCK positions are relative rotational positions of the connective sleeve and locking sleeve.

Abstract: A device for use as a molecular model or manipulable puzzle includes at least two concentric spheres rotatable with respect to one another and a plurality of at least six inserts extending radially through the concentric spheres. Each of the spheres has at least two great circle channels crossing one another, preferably perpendicularly, each great circule channel receiving at least one and preferably four of eight inserts. The outer spheres are formed by separate, approximately quarter sphere, curved segments which are held together by the inserts. The concentric spheres can be made to rotate with respect to one another by movement of the inserts. In the preferred embodiments, eight inserts are arrangable in cubic orientations forming two sets of four, tetrahedrally oriented inserts.

Abstract: This is a stochastic method for determining the likely conformations of a molecule by starting with an initial molecular structure along with given atomic coordinate positions and defined bonds between atoms. Each of the atom's initial X, Y and Z coordinates are modified by the combination therewith of random numbers to create a new random coordinate position for each atom. A predetermined constraint is placed on the distance of each new coordinate from each initial coordinate. The steric energy of the reconfigured molecule is then calculated, stored and a new set of randon numbers combined with the atomic coordinates and the steric energy of the new structure calculated. The process is repeated until most, if not all, steric minima are detected and the structures associated therewith are determined.

Abstract: A three-dimensional molecular model comprises plastic modules, each representing on atom connected to one another. Modules intended to represent atoms of cyclic compounds are polyhedrons set in the model so that adjacent polyhedrons touch faces and have a common apex. The sum total of the angles formed by the adjacent faces of polyhedrons of the modules is more than 360.degree..

Abstract: A device is disclosed for demonstrating the physical properties and chemical relationships between elements which includes three-dimensional models of the individual elements positioned within a chassis preferably in the same order as they are in the periodic chart. The models are magnetized spheres having model properties to indicate the size, coloration, density and electron affinity of the corresponding basic elements. The display chassis includes a plurality of retaining positions for holding the spheres and sensors for sensing the absence of the models or spheres such that an interfacing device can withdraw information from a computerized data bank for display of information concerning the element withdrawn from the chassis on a display device. Also information concerning possible molecular combinations will be displayed thereon responsive to simultaneous absence of two of the elemental models.

Abstract: This disclosure is a game played with colored chips, which when played on a game board or flat surface, one chip at a time, create for each consecutive of two or more players, with his specific color chips, patterns of number, letters, or geometric designs, depending on the selection of which pattern type, as the game objective at start of game. Values are established for each pattern which determine the winner as the one who has constructed the most patterns and or their accumulated number of values. The game chips are preferably flat pieces of rigid or semirigid material, having multiple edges, such as squares, hexagons, octagons, etc. Each consecutive play by each player constructs "legs", that is, a group of same color chips in a row, of two or more, the combinations of these rows used to construct the specific pattern selected by the player.

Abstract: A three-dimensional model of molecular structure comprises plastic modules and their connecting elements which are made as cylindrical rods whose entire surface, as well as the mating surface of sockets of the modules, is provided with easily curved projections alternating with depressions of the same shape. To assemble or disassemble said three-dimensional model use is made of a device, whose jaws each have a wider portion to hold the module and are bent, and the inner surface of the jaws being provided with wedge-like projections to facilitate disassembly of the modules.

Abstract: A geometrical structural system is made up of a plurality of nodes and shape-coded connectors extending therebetween, each node having a plurality of outer polygonal elements. The outer edges of each element are bordered by end edges of other elements and each element has an opening therethrough corresponding to the outer side edges of each element. Each opening extends radially into a hollow space centrally of each node. The connectors are elongated and have opposed connecting ends with a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to a cross-sectional configuration of an opening in one of the element faces for insertion therein.

Abstract: In a heart display system a computer is operable to simulate different selected hearts, each with a different pattern of electrophysiological pathways, which conduct waves of depolarization. The computer determines the conduction in the pattern of pathways of a selected heart in accordance with selected parameters and inputs provided by the operator. In simulating the heart, the computer determines whether a depolarization wave proceeds from one pathway segment to an adjacent segment by examining whether the adjacent segment is polarized or depolarized and determines that the depolarization wave proceeds only if the adjacent segment is polarized. The operation of the simulated heart is displayed by showing an animation of the conduction of the depolarization waves in the pattern of electrophysiological pathways of the selected heart, by an ECG, and by a ladder diagram.

Abstract: The three-dimensional model of a molecular structure comprises plastic modules (1) interconnected by connecting members (2). Each module (1) has an element (6) of an X-ray contrast material at its center, and an insert (7), also of an X-ray contrast material, extends axially of each connecting member (2).

Abstract: A puzzle device is provided which comprises a series of channels, formed around the surface of a spherical core by a series of transparent hollow arcuate members, having two diametrically opposed points of intersection forming chambers. A plurality of spherical puzzle members is disposed in surface to surface contact within said channels. With the puzzle disposed with the chambers located on a vertical axis the lowermost puzzle pieces in each of the channels are in contact with each other and one puzzle piece is located in the uppermost chamber and is supported herein by contact with the uppermost of the puzzle pieces in at least one of the channels. Rotation of the puzzle through 180.degree. in the plane of one of said channels causes the latter puzzle piece to be directed into that channel and, simultaneously, a puzzle piece originally located in the lowermost part of the same channel is caused to enter the chamber which has become the uppermost after the rotation has been completed.

Abstract: This invention is a demonstration device to be used in the teaching of the concept of the Fluid Mosaic Membrane. The Biomembrane Demonstration Apparatus consists of a transparent vessel containing two or three immiscible fluids with sufficient difference in density to support layering. Phospholipid molecules are represented by a spherical head region and two tail-like structures; said molecules are of two types, differing in density such that a lipid bilayer is naturally formed along the interfaces between the immiscible fluids. Protein representing molecules are designed to float within either or both lipid layers. The device may be used as a showpiece or as a working demonstration model.

Abstract: A molecular model building set for the formation of models of molecules and compounds primarily in the field of organic chemistry is disclosed. The set includes dimensionally accurate model building members (10, 60) that are rotatable about their axes, and can be interconnected and/or interlocked to form specific molecular models. Model building members depicting a double molecular bond (80) and a triple molecular bond (90) are also provided and can be interconnected and/or interlocked with the model building members (10, 60). All of the aforementioned model building members (10, 60, 80 and 90) are formed from a polypropylene copolymer material resulting in the members being inherently flexible while retaining sufficient rigidity to depict strain in molecular bonding. Because of this flexibility, the rotatability of the members, and the manner in which the members can be interconnected and/or interlocked, models of all known molecules and compounds in the field of organic chemistry can be formed.

Abstract: A molecular model system in which a first component representative of an atom includes at least one elongated shank that has a cylindrical section of one cross sectional area with an inwardly extending shoulder and an outwardly extending abuttment located between the shoulder and the part of the component that represents the nucleus. The molecular model system further includes a fastener component that has a hollow tubular portion longitudinally slotted at one end and having an axial length that represents predetermined portion of a covalent radius of the atom. The inner surface at one end of the slotted end portion extends inwardly to be hooked behind the shoulder to interlock with the shank.

Abstract: A molecular model building set for the formation of models of molecules and compounds primarily in the field of organic chemistry is disclosed. The set includes dimensionally accurate model building members (10, 60) that are rotatable about their axes, and can be interconnected and/or interlocked to form specific molecular models. Model building members depicting a double molecular bond (80) and a triple molecular bond (90) are also provided and can be interconnected and/or interlocked with the model building members (10, 60). All of the aforementioned model building members (10, 60, 80 and 90) are formed from a polypropylene copolymer material resulting in the members being inherently flexible while retaining sufficient rigidity to depict strain in molecular bonding. Because of this flexibility, the rotatability of the members, and the manner in which the members can be interconnected and/or interlocked, models of all known molecules and compounds in the field of organic chemistry can be formed.

Abstract: A geometrical structural system is made up of a plurality of nodes and shape-coded connectors extending therebetween, each node having a plurality of outer polygonal elements. The outer edges of each element are bordered by end edges of other elements and each element has an opening therethrough corresponding to the outer side edges of each element. Each opening extends radially into a hollow space centrally of each node. The connectors are elongated and have opposed connecting ends with a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to a cross-sectional configuration of an opening in one of the element faces for insertion therein.