Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for teaching educational concepts through creative activities such as movement and vocalization. A systematic procedure is provided for lesson structures including (1) students experience a lesson through a first activity involving movement and/or rhythm, (2) students experience a lesson through a second activity involving movement and/or rhythm, (3) student observation and discussion, and (4) creative assessment. These steps maybe performed in various orders to adapt to various educational concepts and learning environments.

Abstract: A method for creation of a genetic portrait of at least one person is provided. The genetic portrait is capable of carrying both the image and genetic information about the person(s). The method comprises a step for producing an image portrait of the person(s) wherein the image portrait includes an image hair zone, a step for obtaining and conditioning hair of the person(s), and a step for preparation and attachment of the conditioned hair to the image hair zone. The attachment can be performed by several means, such as different kinds of glue, described in the specification. An optional step can be provided comprising an incorporating of predeterminedly treated genetic information items of the person(s) into the image portrait. Such genetic information items may include fragments of least one of the following: blood, skin, bone, nail, tooth, and soft tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides an innovating and unique oil painting method called “Flowing Colors”. The novel method blends painting oil with water-soluble materials to achieve accurate images as well as colorful dynamics.

Abstract: A color matching and coordinating reference system for use by manufacturers and consumers of goods includes assigning a unique identification code for each of a plurality of colors. The identification code includes color family indicia, color value indicia, and color selector device indicia. Preferably, each color is assigned a unique color name as well. Manufacturers utilizing the system label or otherwise associate each good with the identification code for each color used therewith to assist the consumer in matching and coordinating colors. Color selector devices and tables can be used by the consumer or manufacturer in finding matching colors or coordinating/complimentary color combinations.

Abstract: A play structure is provided. Such play structure includes at least two wall members joined together at predetermined ends thereof. Such wall members are manufactured from a first predetermined material and have a first predetermined size and a first predetermined shape. At least one of at least one door, at least one window and a combination thereof are operably disposed in at least one of such wall members.

Abstract: The container of the present invention provides a container with a décor-displaying exterior. The container comprises a transparent exterior portion, a waterproof interior liner portion, and a connection portion. The invention may additionally include a base portion. A number of sizes, shapes, and materials may be used in the construction of such a container, as dictated by the desired end result and intended use. The container thus allows a user to modify the external appearance of the container by inserting material between the external portion and the internal portion. The container obtains a “finished” look by use of the connection portion.

Abstract: A training device includes a first marking mechanism adapted to deliver a first colorant to a skin surface, wherein the first colorant is adapted to be washed from the skin surface with a cleaner. The training device may also include a second marking mechanism adapted to deliver a second colorant to the skin surface or a faux marking surface adapted to deliver no ink to the skin surface. The training device may be used as part of a method and/or kit for hand hygiene.

Abstract: A learning toy includes a board assembly having a plurality of perforations, and at least one toy element provided with a stud member for insertion into one of the perforations so as to attach the toy element onto the board assembly. The board assembly includes a base and a face panel removably superposed on the base, the base being formed with a plurality of perforations extending through the thickness of the base, and the face panel being formed with a plurality of perforations respectively aligned with the perforations of the base. A plurality of toy elements may be provided, the heads of the toy elements being embodied in various forms and configurations so that a variety of games may be played on the board assembly.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for celebration by personalizing an item of apparel, wherein the present invention provides an invitation for selecting an article of apparel, a measuring guide, a means to decorate or personalize such article during a celebratory event in an effort to memorialize such event so as to have a tangible keepsakes or reminder of the event

Abstract: A talent analysis and evaluation method for an artist uses a group of experts in the artistic category of the arts to review and evaluate a body of work from the artist. The body of work includes a plurality of items in the artistic category. Each of the experts of the group of experts independently evaluates each of the items in the body of work received from the artist and each of the experts provides a numerical rating for each item in the body of work. The ratings from each of the experts is normalized to a predetermined scale and a final composite rating for the body of work of the artist is computed.

Abstract: Provided are embodiments of instructional maps providing instructions for creating a finished product—such as a finished food product—and kits—such as baking or cooking kits—which include one or more such instructional maps. The instructional maps preferably include a recipe in the form of a series of step-by-step instructions for creating a finished food. The instructional maps may also include one or more activities to be completed while making the food, such as games, quizzes, puzzles, experiments, foreign language activities, social interaction activities, and instructions for doing one or more physical exercises. Some embodiments may also include two sides made up of instructions, activities, facts, etc. which are respectively designed for users of different ages, genders, interests, etc.

Abstract: A kit includes a body including detachably conjoined top and bottom layers. The top layer includes a heat-activated adhesive coating applied to a back side thereof. The body is provided with longitudinal sides, opposed end portions oriented perpendicular to the sides, and surface indicia illustrating biblical scriptures. The top layer is formed from transparent material. An applicator includes a handle and a roller rotatably connected thereto including anchor inserts provided with a notch for maintaining a connection with the handle. In use, a user detaches the top and bottom layers and positions the top layer onto the support surface, facing the adhesive coating down on the support surface and allowing the user to apply a heat source onto the top layer, thermally activating the adhesive coating. The roller is engaged along the top layer, distributing the adhesive coating along the support surface and eliminating air pockets.

Abstract: A decorative wire is formed by providing a length of thin, bendable wire that serves as the foundation of the decorative wire. A fabric having a straight grain is selected and the fabric is cut biased to the straight grain. The fabric is spiral wound along the length of the bendable wire. The fabric adheres to the wire as the fabric is wrapped around the bendable wire. One example of a decorative wire formed by the above process includes a length of thin, bendable wire where a plurality of elongated strips of fabric are spiral wound along the length of the bendable wire and adhesively connected thereto. Each strip of fabric includes an abraded edge formed while the strip is wrapped around the bendable wire.

Abstract: The device to teach the proper use of common hand tools provides an area where individuals at any age can repeatedly use and learn the proper use of common hand tools, and to use these common hand tools with the corresponding machine screws that are in common use. It is a rectangular shaped base with a durable insert. The durable insert contains several threaded holes, labeled with a specific type of machine screw. The label directs the individual where to insert each machine screw. The individual then turns the screw in the proper direction into the threaded hole with the corresponding common hand tool, until it is gently tightened. The individual then returns the common hand tool to its proper storage compartment upon the completion of the task.

Abstract: An anatomical pocket model adapted for transporting in one's pocket or the like comprises a flexible, bendable, framework and a flexible, bendable three-dimensional representation of an anatomical body part positioned thereon. The anatomical body part representation is proportionate in size to a real life anatomical body part and facilitates a hands-on educational and demonstrational environment for both doctor and patient.

Abstract: A portable aesthetic component comparison system is provided with a support base, a work surface, a post, and a plurality of carriers. The work surface is provided on the support base. The post is supported by the support base centrally of the work surface. The plurality of carriers are each configured to support at least one aesthetic component, each carrier having an aperture configured to be received over the post for pivotal positioning of one aesthetic component relative to another aesthetic component atop the work surface. A method is also provided.

Abstract: This invention is a computer program and process that make it possible for the novice or experienced crafter to convert any digital picture into a customize high quality painting. The crafter can choose the subject that he wants to paint (his children, a scanned pictures, an image from the internet, etc). He can choose the size of the painting, the pigments that he will like to use (acrylic, oil, markers etc), the surface (canvas, paper etc), and the level of complexity of his project. The invention generates a ‘color in line’ drawing and detailed instructions on how to accurately and artistically fill the drawing with paint in order to create a high quality fine art painting with likeness to the original digital picture.

Abstract: A hand-held sound-emitting writing instrument comprising a writing portion and a sound-producing portion for attachment to the writing portion. The writing portion comprising a marking end for marking a surface and a first connector located opposite the marking end, the first connector comprising an identifying termination. The sound-producing portion comprising a second connector releasably connectable to the first connector and a sound-producing unit for playing a sound recording associated with the writing portion. Wherein the connection of the first and second connectors enables the sound-producing unit to communicate with the identifying termination.

Abstract: A method of producing a decorative plate includes affixing a plurality of pieces (segments) for forming a decorative image to a predetermined position of a base plate on which a base design is depicted. Specifically, the method includes providing marks (or signs) on the base design of the base plate in a close contact relation with each other, the marks each having the affixing order therein by means of shade (gradation) of a color of the image to be produced. The pieces (segments) are affixed to predetermined positions of the base plate according to the shade (gradation) of the color of the image. This permits an affixing operation in an accurate order by simply seeing only the color (gradation) on the base plate.

Abstract: An interactive apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a interactive ball includes (a) a plurality of indicia, (b) a processor and memory unit operatively coupled to the plurality of indicia, (c) an audio output unit operatively coupled to the processor and memory unit, (d) a first outer surface; and (e) a second outer surface that is recessed with respect to the first outer surface, wherein the plurality of indicia are present at the second outer surface.

Abstract: A set of crayons each having at least one characterizing physical property which differs from other crayons in the set such as color, size, shape, or fragrance have identifying terminations corresponding to the physical property. A universal decoder is provided in a sound emitting device which is adapted to produce an audible tone or message that corresponds to a physical property. Preferably the sound emitting device will include an integrated circuit, microprocessor and speaker components. The sound emitting device may be integral with the crayon. Preferably, the sound emitting device is separable from the crayons and may be physically or electrically coupled to a crayon by the user when a crayon is selected. Alternatively, a sound emitting device is provided which is operational when remote from a selected crayon.

Abstract: A flat sheet of paper, or other thin flexible material, has information printed on one side in the form of a plurality of discrete panels or areas of text or images, while the entire other side is taken up by a large-scale, poster-like pattern. The panels or areas of text or images, are defined by crease lines created by folding the sheet of material. These creases are formed using a perpendicular fold method described in detail in this application. Each fold is perpendicular to the previous fold, creating a grid-like pattern, with each panel in the grid pattern containing a discrete quantity of text or images. When the invention is at its most folded state it has a relatively compact size. As the invention is unfolded, the panels of text or images are revealed in a specific sequence in order to tell a story or communicate some other type of sequentially ordered information.

Abstract: A reference device for setting color biasing mechanisms on a camera and achieving a consistent color biasing in different environmental situations, and a method of making the same. The reference device comprises a reflective media having a surface that has had its spectral characteristics analyzed and its surface treated with colored droplets, wherein each of the droplets is less than 5 picoliters in volume, to achieve a degree of desired white neutrality or color bias of different spectral quality than that which was analyzed as aforesaid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to advertising over a communications network comprising a plurality of interactive client subscriber sites interconnected with an advertising information server site. The attributes of a plurality of customers are stored in the form of customer attribute vectors ck. The attributes of one or more role models are stored in the form of one or more role model attribute vectors ij. A marketing function M is defined which maps the customer attribute vectors to the one or more role model attribute vectors such that ij=M(ck). At the interface advertising information server site interactive advertising displays are provided incorporating the one or more role models. An interactive communication link is established from the customer subscriber sites to the advertising information server site enabling customers to access the displays and to make purchases in response to the displays. The marketing function M is updated in dependence upon the customer purchases.

Abstract: A water-metachromatic sheet has a support with a porous layer containing a binder resin with dispersed fine-particle silicic acid. The sheet is capable of rendering different transparency between water absorbed and unabsorbed states. The support is a cloth having a weight per unit area of 30 gm2 to 1,000 gm2, the fine-particle silicic acid is contained in an amount of from 1 gm2 to 30 gm2, and the fine-particle silicic acid is incorporated in an amount from 0.5 to 2 parts by weight based on 1 part by weight of the binder resin.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit for creating printed images by transferring the bas relief pattern of a rubbing object onto a sheet of paper by a rubbing process. The kit is an educational tool that enhances creativity and develops motor skills. It includes markers, rubbing objects and a rubbing board having a work surface and having storage areas for the markers and rubbing objects.

Abstract: A system for encouraging an understanding of visual art includes a set of collectible cards (20, 36, 38, 40, 42). Each of the cards (20, 36, 38, 40, 42) includes an image (26) of an artwork on a first side (22) of the card. Information pertaining to the artwork is provided on a second side (24) of the card. The information is in the form of stylized brushstrokes (30), color codes (52), text, and icons. Through the use of the stylized brushstrokes (30), color codes (52), text, and icons, a method is thus provided for collecting and organizing the images.

Abstract: An artist's color device includes: (a) a board portion having a paintable upper surface; (b) a flexible, removable, disposable, peel-off upper sheet portion with an adhesive on its lower face, which is removably attachable to the board portion's upper surface; and (c) a number of similarly shaped apertures arranged in spaced apart rows and columns in the upper sheet portion. Also included herein is a method of using an artist's color chart device, including the steps of: (a) painting in the outlined shapes on the board portion, which are exposed by the apertures, with a related series of graduated color values within each column, with a different color series in each of the columns; (b) detaching the upper sheet portion from the board portion and disposing of it; and (c) allowing the painted board portion to dry.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for changing the appearance of an appliance. The system and method provide a magnetic sheet having a decorative pattern on one side thereof with a magnetic area or surface on an opposite side thereof. When the magnetic sheet is applied to cover the appliance, the decorative pattern decorates the appliance. A grid sheet is also provided for measuring and cutting the magnetic sheet to size.

Abstract: A paint activity tray has a first section with a workspace at least partly surrounded by a channel for holding excess water and a second section with recesses holding containers for water and watercolor paint blocks. A container with a handle holding paint brushes to drip dry is provided in one embodiment. The paint activity tray protects surrounding area from spills and drips since all of the components for making a watercolor painting are contiguous, and the containers for water and paint are securely held in recesses of the tray.

Abstract: A pre-writing teaching aid assists beginning writers in creating letters and pre-writing strokes. The teaching aid includes a magnetic-responsive drawing tablet including a housing, a writing surface and structure for displaying an image responsive to magnetic contact on the writing surface. Structure for erasing the image is provided enabling the writing surface to be used over and over. The teaching aid also includes at least four magnetic stamps that are appropriately sized relative to the writing surface and are shaped as big line, little line, big curve and little curve. All of the capital letters in the English alphabet can be formed using these four simple shapes. The resulting assembly provides a fun and effective learning activity.

Abstract: An educational calendar includes a base having a display surface, and the display surface is divided into three areas. A first area has indicia of months of the year, a second area having an indicia of days of the week, and a third area having indicia of dates of a month. An arrangement of each of the months, days, and dates in each respective area is mutually unrelated to each other so that the location of a day of the week is unrelated to dates of the month. Borders or other identifiers are used to identify the month, day, and day.

Abstract: An image generating apparatus includes a pigment sheet having an array of translucent pigment clusters, each pigment cluster being formed of a number of pigment regions, each pigment region containing an individual pigment differing in radiated color from that of a pigment in another pigment region within the pigment cluster; an image display board perforated by an array of light transmission member wells and positioned above the pigment sheet so that the member wells are located over and substantially register with a corresponding pigment cluster; a number of translucent light transmission members, each light transmission member being mounted within one of the member wells so that each light transmission member is movable within its corresponding member well relative to the pigment sheet to any one of various light transmission member positions to selectively receive a selected radiated color from one of the pigment regions; and at least one artificial light source mounted below the pigment sheet.

Abstract: A method of producing abstract artwork comprises the steps of mounting a substrate to be painted upon a frame, placing the frame with the substrate thereon in an airstream, passing an airstream through a defined tunnel, defining a venturi adjacent one end of the tunnel, disposing a plurality of discharge ports across a venturi passage of the tunnel in a low pressure zone thereof, selectively allowing a medium from at least one of the discharge ports to be picked up by the airstream whereby the airstream carries the medium from the discharge port to the substrate wherein the substrate receives the medium thereupon thus creating abstract artwork.

Abstract: To this end, the present invention is directed to an interactive marker kit comprised of a case for storing markers. The case has an activity area with the activity area comprised of a marker receptacle for receiving the markers such that when a marker is selected and a base portion of the marker is placed in the marker receptacle, the kit electronically recognizes the marker and provides a response based on the particular marker selected.

Abstract: A method of visualizing data including displaying wheels, which represent functional units of a system, wherein each wheel is subdivided into segments collectively representing a process within the functional unit, identifying at least one communications pathway, connecting a hub of each of the wheels to the communications pathway, rotating the wheels around the communication pathway, periodically noting rotational positions of the plurality of wheels, and correlating the rotational positions with the timing of information that is transmitted via the communications pathway as the information passes one or more of the wheels.

Abstract: A thin, skin-toned pocketed card having two layers of material. The foreground layer of this card is made of a thin transparent material that is printed with images of facial features. To print these images, color is applied to the material starting at the boundary of the image and extending out onto the surrounding material. The transparent portion, not the colored portion of the material, hence defines these images. The background layer of material is uniformly colored to match the foreground layer. When the foreground layer is positioned over the background layer the images of facial features become indistinguishable from the background. The layers are then joined to each other so that open pockets are formed between their adjacent surfaces, and so that one set of facial features is allocated to each pocket. Uniformly sized strips of colored media representing cosmetic colors are inserted into the open pockets.

Abstract: A Portal Assessment Design System includes a system for designing assessment models and assessments (e.g., standardized tests). In assessment design, specifications are organized around three basic elements: 1) what knowledge, skill or abilities are important to measure; 2) what is necessary evidence of that knowledge, skill or ability; 3) what performance situations are needed to elicit the required evidence from students and other assessment users. The system includes three modules (i.e., Domain Analysis, Domain Modeling, Conceptual Assessment Framework), each of which targets a specific phase of the design process, for designing an assessment in accordance with the three basic elements. The sequence of modules represents the structure of a design process that helps assessment developers work through successive stages or phases of assessment design, from the gathering of raw information to the creation of a complete set of specifications for an assessment product.

Abstract: A system for encouraging an understanding of visual art includes a set of collectible cards (20, 36, 38, 40, 42). Each of the cards (20, 36, 38, 40, 42) includes an image (26) of an artwork on a first side (22) of the card. Information pertaining to the artwork is provided on a second side (24) of the card. The information is in the form of stylized brushstrokes (30), color codes (52), text, and icons. Through the use of the stylized brushstrokes (30), color codes (52), text, and icons, a method is thus provided for collecting and organizing the images.

Abstract: A test, system, and method for testing parietal lobe function in a subject, wherein the method includes displaying to a subject a first ordered array of objects having a variety of colors, which the subject is prompted to name. The named object colors are compared with the correct object colors, and a count is maintained of errors in the named object colors and an interval taken by the subject to complete naming the object colors, these numbers compared with predetermined data for determining a possible parietal lobe function deficiency. An analogous test is performed of shape-naming, and, in a preferred embodiment, of color and shape naming. A practice test administration is also described, as well as a software-driven administration and scoring of the test.

Abstract: The present invention relates to closed three-dimensional needlepoint canvases. Each of the canvases of the present invention is made from two interconnectable perforated shells. In various embodiments, interchangeable shells of different shapes are provided which can be connected together to form three-dimensional canvases in a variety shapes and sizes. In certain embodiments the shells have mechanically interlocking bases for easy detachment without external clips. The invention also provides craft kits containing the three-dimensional needlepoint canvases.

Abstract: The present invention provides magnetic articles of acrylic paint and/or acrylic pigment on vinyl magnetic sheeting for home and office decor use. These articles are of a high quality image and are customized to the selection of the user. They feature the advantage of being securely mountable to a metal-like substrate without creating a mar or other blemish to the substrate on which they are attached. They may be prepared using magnetic sheeting and acrylic or acrylic-based paints and acrylic pigments. The invention further provides pattern packets for creating the articles. The pattern packets include a line drawing of a desired image in a one-piece construction pattern and an instruction sheet that includes a step-by-step procedure for creating the image, as well as a listing of the items that will be needed to create the image desired. The items needed to create the image desired are specific acrylic paint and/or acrylic pigment and a piece of magnetic sheeting.

Abstract: A fire simulator comprises fuel distribution means (12) under a grating (6) through which fuel emanating from the fuel distribution means can rise in use to create flames extending above the grating, wherein the grating (6) includes a plurality of grating elements (27) that together define a walkable working surface for a fire-fighter using the simulator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel instrument for the examination of an eye, namely the retina. The instrument features a LCD display for projection of various types of patterns and stimuli via an optical system onto the retina. The retina can be visualized by live IR image sequences as well as by visible light still frame images. It combines five examination types within one instrument, namely a perimetry examination, a microperimetry examination, a fixation stability examination, a scotoma boundary detection and psychophysical examinations as well as comparison experiments for comparing the results of two examinations of the above types which have been carried out at different times or with different patients.

Abstract: A set of blocks are used as manipulatives to enhance learning of fractional numbers. Block lengths correspond to fractional numbers. The cross section of the blocks is polygonal. Graduations which are scored or embossed on the block faces correspond to lengths of shorter blocks. The combined lengths of a subset of blocks have a one-to-one correspondence with points on a mathematical “number line”, hence block length equates only to size. It follows that manipulations involve changes in size without being linked to changes in shape. This contrasts with two dimensional objects where fractional parts differ in both size and shape. Four games are introduced. Play involves exchanging one subset of blocks for another, where the number of blocks in the final subset is given.

Abstract: A method of producing abstract artwork comprises the steps of mounting a substrate to be painted upon a frame, placing the frame with the substrate thereon in an airstream, passing an airstream through a defined tunnel, defining a venturi adjacent one end of the tunnel, disposing a plurality of discharge ports across a venturi passage of the tunnel in a low pressure zone thereof, selectively allowing a medium from at least one of the discharge ports to be picked up by the airstream whereby the airstream carries the medium from the discharge port to the substrate wherein the substrate receives the medium thereupon thus creating abstract artwork.

Abstract: A method for making a flexible chalkboard begins with the step of mixing a coating compound. The coating compound includes about 1-3 parts water, about 1-5 parts talc, about 1-5 parts acrylic, and about 1-2 parts titanium dioxide. The water, talc, acrylic, and titanium dioxide are mixed together to form a solution. You apply a first application of the coating compound onto the upper surface of a fabric base. Allow the coating compound to dry on the fabric.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stimulating creativity, spontaneity and inspiration includes a container that has a removable lid, interior surfaces and exterior surfaces. A series of journal writing, life, artistic and summary writing exercises are enclosed in the lid. Each of the writing exercises is focused upon one of a group of identified blocking influences. Each of the life exercises is a physical or mental activity for life style enhancement and is focused upon one of a group of methods of stimulating creative processes. Each of the artistic exercises is focused upon one of a group of artistic media. A collection of art supplies suitable for completion of the artistic exercises is provided. The summary writing exercises are focused on recording the results of each of the journal writing, life and artistic exercises.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a kit. The kit provides the ability to transfer a drawing to an object and to provide color and/or shading in the transferred drawing. A first sheet is provided having a first side and a second side, the first side including a drawing which is comprised of a plurality of regions. The kit also typically includes a second sheet comprised of a means for transferring a drawing. The kit further includes a tangible medium on which information indicative of the color or shading of the regions is fixed. The means for transferring a drawing is typically comprised of carbon. A instrument is preferably provided for rubbing over the first side of the first sheet to cause a portion of the drawing to transfer to the surface of an object. The first sheet and second sheets are preferably mural length.

Abstract: The Optrix Effect utilizes mathematics in the field of optics to create a three-dimensional movement effect of “sill” images such as faces, products and objects on signs, billboards, light-boxes and many other mediums.