Abstract: An article is described that can be used as a demonstrator of multiple stresses making it possible notably to compare the results of simulation tests for various types of mechanical stresses. The demonstrator can be an article made in a single piece out of plastic material having a ribbed central beam and two lateral plates. Bending, tensile, compression and torsion tests can notably be carried out on such a demonstrator.

Abstract: An Education Device is presented for the classroom presentation of one single self-contained impulse, generated within an isolated system, having a substantial observable and verifiable impulse magnitude. The self-contained impulse is generated from a magnitude of spring loaded potential energy performing work on an inertial fulcrum arm structure rotatably suspended within a carriage and bearing upon it multiple inertial mass components in unequal pre-determined spacing. The work of the spring is causing a complex combined rotational and linear motion of the fulcrum arm-carriage structure involving the Hyugens-Steiner theorem. The potential energy magnitude of the spring is distributed into each inertial mass component according to each component mass moment magnitude The fulcrum arm structure is furthermore including a ballistic barrel containing a slidable impulse transfer bolt.

Abstract: A dynamic illustration generation system is disclosed. Said dynamic illustration generation system comprises a tank, a fluid medium, a fluid impeller and a rotary drive source. Said tank having a four walls and a base portion. Said rotary drive source attached to said fluid impeller.

Abstract: An Education Device is presented for the classroom presentation of one single self-contained impulse, generated within an isolated system, having a substantial observable and verifiable impulse magnitude. The self-contained impulse is generated from a magnitude of spring loaded potential energy performing work on an inertial fulcrum arm structure rotatably suspended within a carriage and bearing upon it multiple inertial mass components in unequal pre-determined spacing. The work of the spring is causing a complex combined rotational and linear motion of the fulcrum arm-carriage structure involving the Hyugens-Steiner theorem. The potential energy magnitude of the spring is distributed into each inertial mass component according to each component mass moment magnitude The fulcrum arm structure is furthermore including a ballistic barrel containing a slidable impulse transfer bolt.

Abstract: When a mechanism constituent unit having a base is secured to a magnetic base at a predetermined position, a fixture having a detachable mechanism inside itself is employed, and the fixture is disposed on a notch of the base of the mechanism constituent unit in a non-adsorption state in which magnetic force lines of a permanent magnet of the detachable mechanism permeate the fixture. In this state, a rotation casing is rotated 90 degrees to be in a lock state, and a fixing casing is firmly adsorbed to the magnetic base such that magnetic force of the permanent magnet inside it permeate to the magnetic base side. Thus, the mechanism constituent unit base is firmly sandwiched by a pressing portion of the fixing casing and the magnetic base, and the base of the mechanism constituent unit is firmly secured to the magnetic base at a predetermined position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-implemented method of problem solving that includes graphically displaying a plurality of concepts, dynamic links between the concepts, and solving a problem based on the displayed concepts and dynamic links. Other embodiments include: a computer-readable medium having instructions thereon for causing a suitably programmed information-processing apparatus to perform a method of the problem solving that includes graphically displaying a plurality of concepts, displaying dynamic links between the concepts, and solving a problem based on the displayed concepts and dynamic links. Still other embodiments include a computerized apparatus that includes a display output unit, a display drive unit that causes a plurality of concepts to be displayed on the display unit, and that causes dynamic links between the concepts to be displayed, and a solution unit that solves a problem based on the displayed concepts and dynamic links, and that displays the solution.

Abstract: Exhibiting, exemplifying, and personifying science and technology, an adjustable, hand-held, educational pendulum instrumented with a visual inertial motion sensor resembling a lollipop consists of two hard rubber disks, a pendulum bob and a sensor mass, threaded onto a composite plastic line. Sliding the disks on the line configures the educational pendulum for various new and classical science experiments, such as oscillating naturally, changing mass of bob, changing length of arm, sensing gravity, and sensing changes in motion. Like a person, the visual inertial sensor, a mass on a spring or the pendulum equivalent, ordinarily flexes to sense changes in motion, but not that of a simple coasting swing, creating a puzzling mystery. Consciously experiencing interacting pendulum parts transferring energy push and pull on one another to rhythmically move and flex per laws of nature can help a person to better know and appreciate how transfers of energy animate and power our wonderful world.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic training device. The hydrostatic training device (1) comprises a frame body (12) to which a hydrostatic pump (3) is fixed. Furthermore, a hydrostatic consumer (5) is connected to the hydrostatic pump (3) in a hydrostatic, closed circuit. The training device (1) furthermore comprises a control console (23) for controlling the hydraulic circuit.

Abstract: Photoelastic elements are formed deliberately with stress concentrations so that, when evaluated with a polariscope, more pronounced isochromatic bands or fringes result when loads are applied to these elements or to assemblies of these elements. A toy for producing color patterns and having polarizing filters coupled to frame elements is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a solution to a given problem comprising the steps of receiving a request for a solution to a known problem, accessing a first set of data comprising a plurality of template solutions to problems, accessing a second set of data comprising a plurality of problem variable value sets, interfacing the first set of data and the second set of data for generating a solution to the problem, and transmitting the solution over a computer network.

Abstract: Involving mysterious gravity and mystical energy, an adjustable, instrumented, structural model, incorporating an object suspended from a frame in various ways with flexible line, freely swings, falls, bounces, and vibrates when manually disturbed. Through transfers of energy, visual sensors resembling flexible lollipops both structurally sense and suppress motion, creating puzzling mysteries. Sensors don't always sense, an elastically suspended object doesn't bounce, and motion doesn't change as expected. Adding side weights doesn't change the coasting rate of a swing, confirming Newton's famous law of motion. Exhibiting the radiant, vibrant, communicant nature and behavior of energetically interacting people and things, these experiments sensibly demonstrate how forces of nature and man involved in transfers of energy animate the world, by moving objects, powering events, and sensing information.

Abstract: The device is a four-dimensional gyroscope, demonstrating the connection between the translational and the rotational inertia, which leads to the violation of the Momentum Conservation Law of the center of masses during its absolute elastic collision with the wall. For the proof of the violation of one of the basic Laws of Classic Mechanics the device is equipped with the scientific-research complex, that allows to observe double, triple, etc collisions of the four-dimensional gyroscope, as well as to perform comparison of the theoretical calculations with the experimental data.

Abstract: A mechanically propelled apparatus for teaching principles of mechanics. The apparatus includes a drive wheel disposed on a first axis of rotation and a power drum disposed on a second axis of rotation. At least one flexible tensile member transmits energy from a weight to the drive wheel via the power drum to propel the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is an educational demonstration designed to help students better understand the concepts of torque and the inverse square law. A variable torque pulley consists of a rigid overlapping spiral shape member and a rigid circular member. The circular member is attached to the spiral shaped member as one integral piece, each incorporating a groove around the perimeter to act as a guide for a length of string. The circular member acts as a pulley and the spiral shape member acts as a lever. The variable torque pulley rotates in a circular fashion pivoting on an axle about its center. String is used with the circular member to rotate the apparatus. String is used with the spiral shape member for the hanging of a weight. The axle acts as the fulcrum for the spiral shape member. The shape of the spiral is important because as the variable torque lever rotates, the weight moves toward the fulcrum and the torque drops off in harmony with the inverse square law.

Abstract: An apparatus has a ball that bounces vertically on a vibrating piston. The system demonstrates the complex dynamics impact systems for education and research in dynamical systems theory and feedback control.

Abstract: A spherical free rotator, supported on an air film within an air support. Different weight and density inserts may be positioned within cylindrical holes along diameters by the sphere, so that both symmetric and asymmetric rotation may be demonstrated.

Abstract: An instrumented, adjustable, educational, structural model employs novel sensor housings and free-fall, pendulous, and cantilever-beam test objects made of stiff, hard, compressible material, for calibrating accelerometers; for demonstrating behavior-testing and health-monitoring machinery technology; and for exploring the radiant, vibrant, automatic, communicative nature and behavior of energetically interacting things. Unusual tests confirm Newton's Laws of Motion, and how energetic interaction causes things to happen and move. Somewhat surprisingly, sensor signals faithfully track the arcing motion of a glider type swing, but not that of a simple pendulous swing. Resulting from a dimensional interference fit, residual stresses in the compressible housing of a plug-in, motion sensor accurately align, secure and intimately clamp together imperfect mounting surfaces; and facilitate sensor assembly without the use of adhesives.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a solution to a given problem comprising the steps of receiving a request for a solution to a known problem, accessing a first set of data comprising a plurality of template solutions to problems, accessing a second set of data comprising a plurality of problem variable value sets, interfacing the first set of data and the second set of data for generating a solution to the problem, and transmitting the solution over a computer network.

Abstract: An apparatus for demonstrating changes in motion with respect to time. Two arrays of equally spaced photoresistors and light-emitting diodes are placed on two parallel straight line arrays. Rails upon which an object moves are placed parallel to the arrays. A laser is attached to the object. At any moment of time during the motion of the object, the laser illuminates one or two adjacent photoresistors. Each photoresistor in a line of elements is connected to a first input of a logic AND gate, to whose second input clock pulses are conducted and whose output is connected through a logic flip-flop element to the light-emitting diode. The apparatus provides for demonstration of a motion development in time by conveying a visual demonstration of path sections or intervals traversed by the object in equal time intervals to thereby make possible a picture of whether the motion is steady or accelerated.

Abstract: A room-environment string-pull construction toy consisting of a string, multiple wall-mountable pulleys, and a variety of colorful, eye-catching and/or whimsical cardboard or paper cutouts which can be mounted on the pulley wheels. Each wall-mountable pulley has a base with a non-permanent adhesive affixed to a back surface thereof, and an axle extending from a front surface thereof on which a pulley wheel is rotatably mounted. The configuration of the toy is constructed by attaching the pulleys to the walls and possibly the ceiling of a room, running the string over the pulleys, and attaching cutouts to the pulleys and string. Planar cutouts attached to the pulley wheels may be shaped as propellers, arrows, cams, disks and the like. Preferably, the cutouts are bright colors and/or are decorated with designs which have a striking appearance when in motion.

Abstract: A toy is for entertaining a user includes a shell portion configured to execute a play function, and at least one propulsion mechanism including a spring-loaded, directionally selectable propulsion member connected to the shell portion.

Abstract: A double pendulum device displaying regular and chaotic behavior simultaneously when the pendulums are in motion, comprising: a beam (55) mounted symmetrically to a vertical surface about a pivot point consisting of a friction reducing insert (56) with a fastener (57) passing through it for attachment of the beam to said vertical surface and allowing free rotation of the beam (55) about its horizontal axis; a long pendulum (44) attached near one end of the beam (55) with a fastener (46) passing through a friction reducing insert (45) installed in and near one end of the long pendulum and a spacer (47), said long pendulum (44) being free to rotate about a horizontal axis; an arm (66) fixed at the opposite end of beam (55) from long pendulum (44) in such a manner as to become a ninety degree extension of beam (55) directionally equal to the long pendulum (44) when the pendulum device is static; a short pendulum (77) attached near the opposite end of the arm (66) from said arm's attachment to the beam (55) with

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a kit for constructing a biomechanical model of a lever system selected from a first class lever system, a second class lever system, and a third class lever system, comprising a base, a support structure attachable to the base, at least one lever assembly attachable to the support structure, and at least one cord assembly attachable to the lever assembly. The present invention is also directed to first, second and third class lever system models useful for teaching and demonstration purposes.

Abstract: A gravity teaching aid in the form of a tennis ball which includes a magnet for retaining the tennis ball against a metal surface against the downward pull exerted by the earth's magnetic field.

Abstract: An educational device for simulating the effects of earthquakes includes a table supported above a base by a plurality of coiled springs or other flexible and resilient members. A slot formed in the table coincident with a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the table accommodates a flywheel having a radially extending slot within which is mounted a weight member at any preselected location along the extent of the slot. A battery-operated variable speed motor strapped to the table has an output shaft to which the flywheel is coupled, and a control knob enables a user to vary the speed of rotation of the output shaft and therefore of the flywheel. The intensity of the vibration of the table is varied by moving the weight member along the extent of the radially extending slot. Alternative embodiments include a weight member having a fixed, immovable eccentric position and a balanced flywheel that is mounted eccentrically relative to the output shaft of the motor.

Abstract: A system for teaching proofs, including a set of playing cards and a playing field electronically displayed on a computer game screen. The playing field includes two boxes labelled "GIVEN" and "CONCLUSION" for entry of a premise and a conclusion from a theorem (or other problem). By selecting from a certain menu or submenu contained in a window, a card may be reviewed. To set up the playing field, a mathematical statement, displayed on a set-up card of a group of set-up cards containing each statement from the universe of statements known, is entered into the boxes. The statements may be custom labelled. Geometric figures associated with the theorem may also be electronically drawn on the screen by a user to complete the set-up. After set-up is complete, a user then chooses from a set of playing cards, each card displaying a specific mathematical concept from the universe of mathematical concepts such as definitions, postulates, constructions, properties and theorems, and places it on the playing field.

Abstract: A multi-ball drop toy assembly comprising a flexible harness for holding elastically deformable balls in a vertical, spaced-apart array, which when dropped, permits the uppermost ball of the array, to escape the harness after collision with its adjacent ball.

Abstract: A method of dynamic simulation of mechanisms which constructs the lagrangian form of the dynamics equations as pure differential equations in terms of a minimal set of generalized coordinates. The dynamics problem is separated into two parts used in the lagrangian--a kinematic analysis and a kinetics analysis. The kinematic analysis is computed using a degrees of freedom analysis. The velocities required for the kinetic analysis are computed using screw theory. Once constructed, the lagrangian dynamics equations are solved for accelerations, applied to the mechanism, and integrated over time to simulate the dynamics of the mechanism. The kinetic and kinematic analyses are approximately linearly related to the number of components in the mechanism, allowing efficient solution of dynamics problems at interactive rates.

Abstract: A changeable grid system kit for constructing three-dimensional toy and scale model designs, including a base component fabricated of a tough, resilient material, slots formed in the top face of the base, and slats which are insertable into the slots. The invention is designed to ensure that there is little or no loss in the tight fit between the slats and the base material after repeated insertion and removal of the slats. The base material is selected so as to avoid fracturing or splintering caused by repeated use or incidental contact. One such material is a closed-cell crosslinked polyethylene foam. In one embodiment of the invention, the base component is placed vertically such that the slats extend from the slots to form quasi-horizontal surfaces. In this orientation the present invention may be used as an educational tool to illustrate such physical principles as gravity, friction, and the like.

Abstract: A device comprising several highly elastic objects is presented whose purpose is to demonstrate an unobvious consequence of fundamental laws of physics--the acceleration of an object to high speed by multiple collisions among a series of heavier objects moving at slower speed. The objects, each of different mass, are arrayed in close proximity in order of decreasing mass with their centers lying along a straight line. This arrangement of the assembly of objects is maintained by a constraining element which permits the assembly axis to be oriented in any desired direction and permits the assembly to be moved or manipulated as a unit in any desired way without destroying the arrangement of objects. In the preferred embodiment the elastic objects are polybutadiene balls (12), the constraining element is an interior guide-pin (10) fastened in the largest ball and extending radially therefrom, on which the remaining balls can slide freely because of diametrical holes formed in them.

Abstract: An apparatus for creating the illusion of a weighted body (10) rolling uphill on a diamond-shaped track (12) and demonstrating the geometrical relationship between the body and the track, includes a conically sectioned and tapered body (10) having plates (26, 28) disposed about its ends and a diamond-shaped track (12) having a pair of upwardly diverging spaced apart rails (50a, 50b) with apexes (20a, 20b) at their center portions and planar lower edges (38). The body (10), when disposed on the track (12), will roll unassisted towards the apex of the rails (50a, 50b) and continue to roll back and forth along the track (12) until coming to rest at the apexes (20a, 20b).

Abstract: A hypersurface orbital model is presented that orbits a ball on a surface called a hypersurface. A stepper motor drive arrangement, with two-degrees of freedom, is used to change the hypersurface viewed by the ball as a function of time. System control is added to ensure that the ball will orbit in the proper orbit. Control consists of a stepper motor, a clock, a solenoid launcher and various logical circuits. Counters keep track of the period so that the exact rotational speed can be referenced to set the ball launcher.

Abstract: A device comprising several highly elastic objects (for example, steel balls (14)) hanging from a support structure (12) is presented whose purpose is to demonstrate an unobvious consequence of fundamental laws of physics - the acceleration of an object to high speed by multiple collisions among a series of heavier objects moving at slower speed. The objects, each of different mass, are arrayed in close proximity in order of decreasing mass with their centers lying along a horizontal straight line. When the heaviest object, hanging at one end of the line, is pulled back a small distance, rising to some small height above its rest position, and released the resulting impact leads to a transfer of energy through the line of objects to the lightest one, at the other end of the line, which is accelerated to high velocity. When appropriately directed, this high velocity can cause the lightest object to rise to a much greater height than that from which the heaviest object was released.

Abstract: A base supports a vertical pivot arm, one end of which supports a pivotal rotation means for a rotation support housing with a plurality of radial connector sockets. One of several pendulum arms can be fitted into each of the radial connector sockets, the pendulum arms supporting a pendulous mass on each pendulum arm. One such pendulum arm is articulated into two portions, each portion with a plurality of additional pendulum arms attached thereto. The apparatus consequently demonstrates the physical principles of not just a simple pendulum, but those of a variety of compound pendulum configurations.

Abstract: An improved amusement device includes a base and open-top guide tube with two or more balls in the tube. When the balls are lifted to the top of the guide tube and dropped, the top ball rebounds to a height much higher than that from which it was dropped. With three balls in the tube, for example, the top one will typically rebound to a height six times as high as the height from which it was dropped.

Abstract: A structural load analysis apparatus is provided with a plurality of spaced pairs of box beams provided with aligned series of apertures therethrough. The apertures receive upper and lower pairs of "C" shaped support channels for receiving "U" shaped deflection beams thereon. The upper and lower aligned pairs of box beams are spaced by pilot bars and "L" shaped flanges positioned on upper and lower edges of respective lower and upper pairs of box beams, whereupon loading of the deflection beams presents deflection of the "L" shaped plates. Deflection may be measured by micrometer or by transducer for input into a computer for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A set of stackable blocks in which there is a subset of blocks each having its center of mass offset from where the center of mass would be located if the block had a uniform mass distribution. In other aspects, the distribution of mass in one block can be shifted, and the blocks bear arbitrary symbols indicative of the characteristics of their mass distributions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring experimental quantities utilizes a self-contained ink jet impactless timing device including an ink jet head employing a timing circuit to provide a precisely timed ink dot stream. In utilizing the present invention, relative movement is initiated between the ink jet device in indicia receiving medium, generally ticker-tape paper, producing a dot pattern on the indicia receiving medium. The dot pattern, so produced, can be reviewed to obtain the experimental results. The invention can be utilized in various ways to measure the acceleration due to gravity, velocities, momentum, linear acceleration, period of a pendulum, motion of a spring, etc.

Abstract: An improved appliance for instruction concerning the physical laws relating to the acceleration of a moving object under gravity includes an angle-adjustable slope body, a driving means for raising the slope body to a predetermined angle, a track way provided on the slope body, a moving object slidably riding on the track, and a gear mechanism with angle display where the angle of inclination of the track can be obtained from the angle display accurately to two decimal points. The appliance further includes three sensors corresponding with two timers for measuring the time needed for the moving object to slide a determined distance past the sensors, and a digital display for showing the results so that the acceleration of a moving object can be calculated accurately and easily from the data according to experiments done using the invention.

Abstract: Rounded moveable members such as a ball are directed in two established and independent lengths of transparent tubing which are arranged within a transparent sphere. The rounded moveable members such as a ball have a diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the transparent tubing thus the rounded moveable members such as a ball follow a path that gives a spinning motion. The spinning motion for the first path will be directed by the tubing secured to the inside of the transparent sphere from top to bottom. Thus the first path follows the curvature of the sphere from top to bottom. The second path is directed by the transparent tubing arranged in a cylindrical spiral about the center of the sphere which allows the rounded moveable member such as a ball to follow a cylindrical spiral path from top to bottom of the sphere. The length of tubing about the center of the sphere that is arranged in a cylindrical spiral is supported by a transparent cylinder that is secured by the transparent sphere.

Abstract: A toy or novelty is disclosed which is in the form of standing mobile and has a series of parts each pivoted to another and each provided with eccentric weights. The weights and the arrangement of the pivots may be operative to pivot the parts from a position aligned with each other to a position extending from each other when the stability of the parts is sufficiently disturbed from the condition of stability when such parts are filed or folded. Alternatively, the parts may simply rock in an undulating fashion from the extended condition of stability. Some of the parts may have printed matter thereon which make sense or nonsense in one condition of stability or make sense or more sense in the other condition of stability. Some of the parts may include two parallel walls substantially to enclose other of said parts in the filed position. The parts may be circular in form and of reduced diameter in ascending order in one condition of stability.

Abstract: This invention is a method for transfering energy alternately between two moving, rotating and swinging objects, and includes a pair of objects suspended in close proximity to one another in such manner that the suspension means for the two items may be wrapped around one another, and is characterized by one object swinging in a large circle with its suspension means wrapping about that of the other while the other stands relatively still, and subsequently the second object, without external interference, commences a circular and swinging action on its own, bringing the first to rest, and wherein the two objects may transmit motion from one to the other in this manner repetitively.

Abstract: A toy or game comprising an elongated transparent tube, the tube containing a column of sand and a sphere or ball. According to the method of the invention, the sphere is moved through the column of sand from one end of the tube to the other.

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for alternately transferring energy between two objects suspended from a common swiveled point. The first of the objects is put into motion in a circular fashion about the second object which is in a stationary condition. Ultimately, energy is transferred from the first object to the second object, causing the second object to follow the first object in a circular manner. The resulting transfer of energy slowly brings the first object to a stationary condition and moves the second object in a circular motion. A transfer of energy then continues between the first and second objects in the aforementioned manner. Swings containing humans also transfer energy from one swing to another as characterized by this invention. The invention is further characterized by means for changing the position of the common meeting point of the suspension lines from each object.

Abstract: A tension model device is disclosed which has: Three struts which cross each other at or near the center portion of each strut; and a plurality of corresponding tension strands. The strands are joined from each end of all the struts to each end of the other struts. To facilitate assembly, a removable block is inserted where the struts cross each other. The block has three notches on its surface that engage the struts and space them from each other.

Abstract: A simple, durable, inexpensive educational device for demonstrating the physical properties of colliding, accelerating and vibrating objects, especially suitable for use by educational institutions at or below the college level is described. The device consists of a pressure sensitive medium affixed to a hard flat surface which may be made to vibrate while one or more balls are made to roll on the surface, resulting in visible imprints in the form of dotted or wavy lines. The distance between dots or the individual undulations of the wavy lines serve to mark the positions of the balls at equally spaced instants of time, and thereby allow a determination of the ball velocities and accelerations without requiring compressed air, spark timers, or stroboscopic photography.