Abstract: Described herein is an educational tool designed to teach a learner about biological pathways. The tool, in the form of an interactive learning module, allows a user to choose how to allocate limited resources. These allocation choices then have consequences, which result in a learner progressing closer to his or her goal or regressing further from the goal. In this fashion, the learner can learn, through trial and error, what resource allocation is optimal for reaching the goal.

Abstract: An interactive scholastic teaching device may use first and second portions of a touchscreen for presenting problems and receiving answers to the problems from a user. The first portion of a touchscreen display is used for presenting one or more scholastic problems for a user during a problem session, and the second portion of the touchscreen display is used for recording one or more traces manually input by the user on the second portion of the touchscreen display during the problem session. A memory stores the one or more traces. The touchscreen display may also include a third portion having one or more touch buttons structured to accept input from the user during the problem session, which may also be stored in the memory, and associated with the stored traces. The traces may be stored in image form, moving image form, or in data that may be re-created to form a moving image.

Abstract: A taxidermy flesh removal system includes a system container and an electrode assembly provided in the system container and having a positive electrode and a negative electrode spaced-apart from the positive electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is a taxidermy mannequin having a mounting portion generally in the shape of an animal body, and a display portion generally in the shape of an animal head, wherein the mounting portion and display portion are secured together through a universal connection, thereby the taxidermist may choose different display portions to secure to the mount portion. The present invention further includes a plurality of selectively interchangeable features which are secured to the display portion. The features include a nose, a jaw, an eye, an ear liner, and a nictitating membrane.

Abstract: A taxidermic method for game-head mounting. A retainer is provided for keeping an ear supported by an ear liner properly posed on a mannikin while the game-head is drying. The retainer has an upwardly extending substantially straight stem portion having an upper end portion downwardly bent into a substantially straight right angle arm. The arm has a lower end portion bent upwardly into a U-shaped hook portion for holding a rim of the ear supported by the ear liner during drying of a cape on the mannikin.

Abstract: Illustrated guide for the identification of organisms in the field comprising at least one sheet (23) whereupon has been printed a plurality of images (14) of organisms that are encountered in the field and a corresponding plurality of marking mechanisms (16) arranged adjacently to each one of the images (14), each marking mechanism (16) comprising a movable member (28) supplied with a pointer (19) that is being shifted by the user during his visit in the field in order to indicate through pointing at an indication (21) characteristic of the presence of the specific organism in the field, such mechanisms thereby being employed for the recordal and storage of the observations of the user relating to those organisms depicted in the illustrated guide for which the adjacently arranged marking mechanisms (16) have been shifted to point at the indication (21).

Abstract: The present invention is a taxidermy mannequin having a mounting portion generally in the shape of an animal body, and a display portion generally in the shape of an animal head, wherein the mounting portion and display portion are secured together through a universal connection, thereby the taxidermist may choose different display portions to secure to the mount portion. The present invention further includes a plurality of selectively interchangeable features which are secured to the display portion. The features include a nose, a jaw, an eye, an ear liner, and a nictitating membrane.

Abstract: A skull mounting and casting system for preparing and mounting a skull on a base in a manner which simulates the aesthetics of a unitary sculpture. The skull mounting and casting system generally includes a housing to which a game trophy such as a skull is mounted and casted in a manner which simulates the appearance of a unitary sculpture. The housing will generally include a base and a mounting portion. The mounting portion will generally include a raised fin and a pair of recessed portions. The skull will generally be secured to the housing with a bonding agent, wherein the raised fin is secured within the skull's inner cavity and the jaw of the skull is secured within the recessed portions. After mounting, the housing and skull are both coated with a finishing product such as bronze to create the appearance of a unitary sculpture.

Abstract: A method of creating a model of a biological cell. The method features providing a circular base with indentations disposed therein, forming a cell membrane and at least one organelle from a mixture formed by mixing all-purpose flour and water. Organelles may include a nuclear membrane, a cell wall, mitochondria, a smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a rough ER, a vacuole, a golgi apparatus, a nucleolus, a nucleoplasm, chromatin, a ribosome, DNA, RNA, transcription machinery, a histone, and a microtubule. The outside edge of the base is lined with the cell membrane. The organelles are inserted into indentations or atop the base. The organelles can be secured with glue.

Abstract: The present invention is a taxidermy mannequin having a mounting portion generally in the shape of an animal body, and a display portion generally in the shape of an animal head, wherein the mounting portion and display portion are secured together through a universal connection, thereby the taxidermist may choose different display portions to secure to the mount portion. The present invention further includes a plurality of selectively interchangeable features which are secured to the display portion. The features include a nose, a jaw, an eye, an ear liner, and a nictitating membrane.

Abstract: A portable laboratory for an intermediate or secondary biology course and experiments relating to the course includes a carrying case of the type having an impervious sturdy cover and a closeable interior containing a first and second inner panel. The laboratory also includes a relatively small portable microscope having a zoom optical system, a dissecting box and tray, a spirit lamp, a digital camera and numerous items typically found in a secondary school laboratory all of which are releaseably fastened to one of the panels. The portable laboratory also includes test strips for testing glucose in urine as well as a number of microscope slides, many of which are prepared slides and other elements for conducting experiments for a course together with a laboratory manual and CD containing text material.

Abstract: The present invention is a taxidermy mannequin which includes an optional ear engagement area formed on a head portion, a lock plate which is secured to the ear engagement area, and an ear liner which is connected to the lock plate. The connection between the lock plate and the ear liner is such that a taxidermist may work with the ear and animal skin before securing the ear liner to the lock plate. Furthermore, a multiple ear butt system is provided where the taxidermist may select from multiple ear butts, wherein different ear butts position the ear in different orientations relative the head.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for teaching biology by using a virtual plant or a virtual animal. The method is displayed on a display of a computer and includes collecting growth data of an actual living organism according to different environmental conditions at a predetermined time interval and storing the collected growth data; obtaining a growth equation for each of the environmental conditions based on the growth data; designing a growth animation of the virtual living organism for each of the environmental conditions based on the growth equation; and controlling a control panel screen to fetch the growth data and the growth animation and to display a change in growth of the virtual living organism when a user inputs environmental conditions of the virtual living organism on the control panel screen, to thereby provide high practicality and high educational effects.

Abstract: A study of the tip moth-pine tree interaction reveals clues as to the moments when the pine trees are most likely to be damaged by tip moths. From this study, software tools may be extrapolated which help farmers know when to apply pesticides to limit damage to the pine crop and also educational software so student-farmers may know more about the life-cycle of the crop and threats to the crop. While originally focused on the pine tree-tip moth dynamic, the study is readily abstracted for use with other crop-insect dynamics.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit and method of mounting a game animal that allows for antlers or horns to be quickly added or interchanged to an otherwise artificial mount. The method generally comprises the following steps: measuring the game animal, taking at least one picture of the game animal, caping the head, cutting the skull, boiling the skull cap, selecting the form, cutting the skull cap to fit the selected form, drilling holes in the skull cap, adding clay to the form, fitting the skull plate to the form, placing screws through the holes in the skull cap, covering the skull cap attached to the form with flaps from the artificial hair, trimming the excess material from the flaps, tucking the flaps around the antler or horn base, and bending the ears of the form to the desired position. The above-described method creates an odorless trophy that is durable, will remain intact for decades, and which has more consistent, lifelike, and more realistic facial features.

Abstract: A taxidermy form recreates the head of an animal, the taxidermy head form comprising a head member including first and second laterally spaced protrusions molded therein for receiving and supporting artificial eyes, the eyes being movable relative to the protrusions for a desired alignment. A face member has first and second eye openings formed therethrough. The head member and the face member are dimensionally adapted to receive the other to form the assembled taxidermy head form for receiving the animal head skin. The face member is affixed in at least partially covering relation to the head member such that the at least one eye extends at least partially through the first or second eye openings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system based on an animal habitat for the purpose of teaching and entertaining children while familiarizing them with the field of energy generation, storage, transmission, energy consumption and a complete energy cycle. The present invention combines a small animal, enclosure, exercise wheel and plants, with a generator and light source to build a complete energy cycle. Additional features benefit the child by powering a toy, electronic game or cell phone while learning how several energy transformations are used to deliver electrical power. Accessories that add supplemental wind and solar power sources also add educational opportunities for the child.

Abstract: Illustrated guide for the identification of organisms in the field comprising at least one sheet (23) whereupon has been printed a plurality of images (14) of organisms that are encountered in the field and a corresponding plurality of marking mechanisms (16) arranged adjacently to each one of the images (14), each marking mechanism (16) comprising a movable member (28) supplied with a pointer (19) that is being shifted by the user during his visit in the field in order to indicate through pointing at an indication (21) characteristic of the presence of the specific organism in the field, such mechanisms thereby being employed for the recordal and storage of the observations of the user relating to those organisms depicted in the illustrated guide for which the adjacently arranged marking mechanisms (16) have been shifted to point at the indication (21).

Abstract: A taxidermy flesh removal system includes a system container and an electrode assembly provided in the system container and having a positive electrode and a negative electrode spaced-apart from the positive electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is a taxidermy mannequin having a mounting portion generally in the shape of an animal body, and a display portion generally in the shape of an animal head, wherein the mounting portion and display portion are secured together through a universal connection, thereby the taxidermist may choose different display portions to secure to the mount portion. The present invention further includes a plurality of selectively interchangeable features which are secured to the display portion. The features include a nose, a jaw, an eye, an ear liner, and a nictitating membrane.

Abstract: A method of positioning an eye of a taxidermy animal head or sculpture comprises applying removable visible indicia to an external front surface of the eye and aligning the visible indicia.

Abstract: A multi-media/simulation training system, in conjunction with a specifically developed and utilized training process, that improves target recognition skills and enhances gunnery training. The system has implications in other cognitive development activities, as well as—but not limited to—medical, technological, biological, anthropological and other areas of study with objects requiring accurate recognition and designation, as well as personnel identification devices, games, and entertainment systems. The system uses a combination of verbal and visual error correction, including magnification and rotation of both the test image and the incorrect image identified by the trainee, to enhance observation and knowledge of visible differences.

Abstract: A tactile biological cell model comprising: a plurality of organelle models configured to be manipulated by hand and arranged on a generally flat surface; where the plurality of organelle models are further configured to be arranged with respect to each other so as to represent the arrangement of a plurality of organelles of an actual biological cell. A tactile biological cell model kit comprising: a cell membrane model; a cell wall model; a central vacuole membrane model; a nucleus model; a plurality of chloroplast models; a plurality of amyloplast models; a plurality of chromoplast models; a plurality of coccus bacteria models; a plurality of bacillus bacteria models; and where each of the models are configured to be manipulated by hand and arranged on a generally flat surface with respect to each other so as to represent the arrangement of a plurality of organelles of an actual biological cell.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for effectively producing dehydrated larvae for educational materials without disrupting the environment. The cryptobiotic larvae for educational materials can be obtained by dehydrating larvae while gradually reducing humidity in 3 separate stages.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for installing an artificial eye in a realistic, life-like sculpture, comprising an artificial eye of partially hemispherical shape, as well as a manikin with an eye-mounting area adapted to mate with such an artificial eye without risk of subsequent movement of the eye or of distortion of the features surrounding the eye-mounting area of the sculpture. Eye mounting pieces for retrofitting existing sculptures having conventional eye mounting areas to permit the accurate and life-like mounting of artificial eyes are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the simulation of the deformation of materials, notably of soft body tissues. An apparatus comprises a memory (MEM, NT) storing data as to the position of an object, recorded at the vertices of a grid pattern, and data for force to be exerted on the object. A computer (?P, MT) evaluates new positions of the vertices, as a function of a force exerted globally and mechanical parameters of the material. According to the invention, this computer comprises a module for calculating, for each mesh, a deviation between the current length of an edge and its previous length, and the force data at each vertex of the mesh. Another module calculates, for each vertex, new positional data relating to this vertex as a function of the forces exerted thereon and its previous position.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture are disclosed for installing an artificial eye in a realistic, life-like sculpture, comprising an artificial eye of partially hemispherical shape, as well as a manikin with an eye-mounting area adapted to mate with such an artificial eye without risk of subsequent movement of the eye or of distortion of the features surrounding the eye-mounting area of the sculpture. Eye mounting pieces for retrofitting existing sculptures having conventional eye mounting areas to permit the accurate and life-like mounting of artificial eyes are also provided.

Abstract: The invention involves a taxidermy form comprising opposing face pieces having eye openings and nostrils which overlay an inner core having eye sockets, eyeballs, nasal cavities, and a nostril septum to form realistic eye settings and noses. The core is molded as a single unit with eye sockets, a nasal cavity, and a septum and the desired style eyeballs are adhered to the eye sockets and the nasal cavity are detailed and painted to replicate those of a living animal of the type to be mounted. Once the core is prepared, the outer face pieces are attached in an overlying relationship to expose a portion of the eyeballs through the eye openings and the underlying nostril cavities and septum through the nostrils, thereby creating a more realistic taxidermy mount which is easy to prepare. In an alternative embodiment, the two face pieces can be molded as a single unit, which can be easily slipped over the nose of the core and affixed in place in the same manner as the separate pieces.

Abstract: A gel electrophoresis training aid is provided. The training aid includes a substantially transparent elastomeric body having at least one series of spaced-apart wells. The elastomeric body is adapted with a plurality of spaced-apart bands extending in the same direction from the wells. Each of the spaced-apart bands are positioned substantially parallel to one spaced-apart well. A training kit including the training aid is also provided.

Abstract: A combination of an animal taxidermy head mannequin and mouth assembly includes a mouth shell, a mannequin head and a commercially available jaw set. The mouth shell has upper and lower jaws, upper and lower lips, a chin and a nose. The mouth shell is dimensionally adapted to receive the commercially-available jaw set to form the mouth assembly. The head mannequin includes an oral cavity which is dimensionally adapted to receive the mouth assembly.

Abstract: A gel electrophoresis training aid is provided. The training aid includes a substantially transparent elastomeric body having at least one series of spaced-apart wells. The elastomeric body is adapted with a plurality of spaced-apart bands extending in the same direction from the wells. Each of the spaced-apart bands are positioned substantially parallel to one spaced-apart well. A training kit including the training aid is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a nontechnical, nonmechanical, easy to use, healthcare product that allows any individual to monitor changes in moles, freckles, or other skin growths in the comfort of their own home. It doubles as a record-keeping system that allows a person to compare new measures to their previously recorded measures—notice a change has occurred—and make a potentially life-saving appointment with a dermatologist. By using the flexible transparent sheets and a numeric value system, the product identifies changes in size, shape, color, “geography” of the mole and if any bleeding has occurred; all of which are important features in the development of skin cancer or melanoma. This product does not diagnose or treat a disease, but most importantly it provides people with a means of discovering a potential problem that normally would be undetected by the naked eye. This product has the potential to decrease medical care costs, reduce human suffering, and save lives.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a pet model, commonly referred to as a pet mannequin, here a dog mannequin, is implanted on a soft walled hollow molded dog body formed of a polyvinyl chloride molding solution, the soft walled hollow molded dog body including a torso, trunk and leg portions, the molded body and a head portion and a pair of ears are molded separately. The molded body and head portions are filled with a chaff packing. Precut lengths of hair-simulating wool yarn are implanted into the wall of the molded body using a crochet needle. Thereafter, the chaff packing is removed from the implanted body and head portions.

Abstract: An assembly (10 and 12), the construction of which makes up a taxidermy core or form for small mammals, has a limbless main body (10) and attachable/detachable locking legs (12). Locking is predominantly achieved by a male post (14) inserting inside a female receptive lock (16). When the specimen animal is being mounted, the assembly's parts (10 and 12) are serially slid in through the taxidermist's working opening in the sock-like skin, the succession in general being forelimbs (12) first, then rear limbs (12) or the main body (10). The parts (10 and 12) once slid inside can be shifted about until the male posts (14) and the female receptive locks (16) are engaged. The positional stability of the legs (12) relative to the main body (10) is enhanced by a body key (18).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mounting and displaying a taxidermy display, usually a bird or fowl. A bird is mounted on a rod appropriately sized to the birds size and weight. Said rod may be bent to effect the desired presentation of the mounted bird. Types of mounts include landing birds, flying birds right and left directions, or others not traditionally used. The bird is secured on the rod eliminating wires for holding the bird and eliminating driftwood as a mounting base. The resulting combination of the rod with its ability to be bent to and then holding the desired position, the affixing of the bird to that rod, and the affixing of the rod to a mounting base which may be securely affixed to a wall provides unsurpassed stability for the mounted bird. The rod being fixedly or adjustably joined to the mounting base also provides a permanent and more stable mounting apparatus than the heretofore unstable methods of mounting birds.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an artificial tissue comprising a formable composition comprising a hydrogel, an electrolyte, and combustible fibers, said composition being useful for modeling organs, parts of organs, or systems of organs. The artificial tissue exhibits properties allowing training of special surgical techniques, particularly those making use of surgical high-frequency effects.

Abstract: A solid has a reversibly invisible/visible thermochromic internal construction enclosed therein which is composed of a solid made of a transparent resin and a fluorescent internal construction showing the internal structure of the solid enclosed therein, wherein a reversible thermochromic layer containing a reversible thermochromic composition is formed on the surface of the solid, or the transparent resin contains a reversible thermochromic composition.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a pedestal mounted taxidermy mannequin, and a mold for manufacturing same. Once molded, the taxidermy mannequin includes an elongated, bored hole formed in a bottom portion thereof, and a rigid block positioned in supporting relation to the bored hole, thereby providing structural reinforcement and integrity to the bored hole. A rod is inserted into the bored hole to mount the mannequin to a pedestal. The mold for manufacturing the mannequin is an injection mold into which an elongated rod is inserted after the polyurethane has been injected therein. Just prior to hardening of the polyurethane, the end is removed, thereby leaving a bored hold in the mannequin form.

Abstract: A teaching aid for use in facilitating the study and understanding of antibodies and antigens is disclosed. The teaching aid comprises models demonstrating how the variable regions of both the light and heavy chains of the antibody protein permit both the diversity and the selectivity of these biomolecules. Teaching methods utilizing the inventive teaching aid are also disclosed.

Abstract: An interactive hatching egg provides a learning experience for children. The egg is formed of upper and lower sections joined along a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis of the egg. The lower section carries a power supply, a controller having an input coupled to a touch sensor and outputs coupled to a motive drive, an illumination source and a sound generator. The controller is programmed to initiate a cycle upon detecting when the egg is touched, with the cycle including sound and light patterns. The cycle concludes with the motive drive actuating a latch which releases a hatch lid contoured in the upper shell to expose a baby animal. Upon detecting the egg being touched during a cycle, the controller alters the sound and/or light patterns.

Abstract: An educational system and method that combines printed and/or visual material with tactile samples which further convey or reinforce information related by such material. The educational system comprises a first collection of information concerning a preselected subject, such as wildlife, a plurality of tactile samples relating to this information, such as fur, a plurality of containers for housing the samples, and a second collection of information associated with each container specifically relating to the samples housed in the associated container. Tactile samples are three dimensional and of a size sufficient to allow a user to understand better and learn of the first collection of information through touch. The plurality of containers allows samples to be sorted into different groups or made available simultaneously to multiple individuals. The various containers may be assembled together and presented in a single case.

Abstract: A biology assembly for educating and demonstrating a biological process. The assembly is comprised of a treated grid formed from a fiberglass mesh. The mesh is then dipped into a nutrient agar. The nutrient may be adjusted to accommodate the microbe being grown. Test chemicals may also be added.

Abstract: Replicas of prehistoric lizards which consist of a replica core body part with interchangeably attachable replica head, and/or neck, and/or limb, and/or body armor parts which combine to depict different species within a given biological Order or Family. 3/4" circular magnets 11 are applied to appropriate surfaces on the replica core body parts and replica head, neck, limb, or body armor parts, allowing the parts to attach and detach quickly and easily.

Abstract: An educational fungal spore or bacteria kit is presented which has three dimensional, full-color depictions of the various fungal spores or bacteria grouped together in a kit. The kit is a common compartmented box having a top that closes to secure the contents of the kit when it is not in use. The compartments each contain a variety of three-dimensional, full-color fungal spores or bacteria models depicting all of the constrictions, attachment scars, septas, and other individual characteristics of fungal spores or bacteria. Located in the lid of the kit is a two-dimensional depiction of the three-dimensional fungal spore or bacteria in the base of the kit. The two-dimensional depictions also have the name of the spore or bacteria depicted below, respectively, in the base of the kit for easy reference. The kit may be used when viewing a sample fungal spore or bacteria under a microscope.

Abstract: A model kit for creating replicas of animals comprises a mold into which a casting material is placed to generate the chosen animal-like form. Components simulating internal organs of the creature are assembled and placed within the mold prior to casting, whereby they are embedded in the casting material. One or more of the components may simulate selected soft tissue organs or groups of organs, and may be of a bladder-like construction, allowing it to be filled with a liquid. The casting material sets to a thick gel-like consistency, allowing the material to be excised from about the internal organ components, whereby the user can "dissect" the creature.

Abstract: A kit for students to carry out biotechnology experiments in a classroom, comprising a plurality of first containers, each of the first containers containing a sample of a prepared substance for use in the experiments; at least one of the prepared substances including a biologically derived constituent; each of the prepared substances having constituents selected for their safety in a classroom experiment, while being representative of a substance used in an industrial experiment. A plurality of second containers are also provided, the second containers being arranged to receive a number of test samples of substances to be tested. A number of aids are also provided to allow the students to carry out the experiments in the absence of instrumentation used in the industrial experiment, along with a set of instructions to permit the students to carry out the classroom experiment and thereby to better understand the industrial experiment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to learn or to review clinical microbiology and infectious diseases by incorporating several concepts.

Abstract: A taxidermic ear liner which includes an outer ear member (10) and a support member (34) in cooperative engagement to form an anatomically correct, pre-assembled, external ear for use in many taxidermic animal forms. A featured surface (38, 46, 76) which is modeled to resemble the hollows, ridges and furrows of the external ear of the animal is positioned within a passage (26) within the outer ear member. The featured surface can be made from elastomers or plastics.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a life-like septum in a taxidermy manikin, using a septum kit comprising an artificial septum and a septum tool, is disclosed.

Abstract: The subject invention provides for an educational device for teaching concepts of geography and biology (including ecology). The subject invention comprises a plant growth chamber in which any of a variety of plants may be grown. Covering the plant growth chamber is a plant growth limitation shield having at least one opening. The top surface of the plant growth limitation shield contains an illustration in which the aperture (or apertures) forms a part of the illustration. The subject device also comprises means for holding the plant growth limitation shield in place over the plant growth chamber such that plants growing from the plant growth chamber may grow through the aperture (or apertures) of the plant growth limitation shield and that the plant growth limitation shield is held in fixed position relative to the plant growth chamber.