Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a first jaw and a second jaw is disclosed. At least one of the first and second jaws comprises a proximal portion and a distal tip rotatable relative to the proximal portion.

Abstract: A wooden module may include four cross-sectionally square longitudinal pieces of timber, at least six cross-sectionally square transverse pieces of timber, and at least two cross-sectionally square plugs, which may be connected to one another via a plurality of connection plugs. The four longitudinal pieces of timber may be arranged parallel to and spaced apart from one another such that the four longitudinal pieces of timber span a square. The at least six transverse pieces of timber may be arranged over a length of the four longitudinal pieces of timber and may be arranged between the four longitudinal pieces of timber. The at least two plugs may be arranged vertically parallel to one another and to at least four vertical transverse pieces of timber on at least two horizontal transverse pieces of timber and may project from a lateral face of the wooden module.

Abstract: A system of construction that uses a discrete repertoire of elastic modular units that interconnect forming assemblies of diverse curved geometries applicable at any scale. Each modular unit is formed with linear elements with less than infinite elastic modulus. The modular units connect to one another under tension creating structural networks that have stored elastic potential energy. The linear elements may be formed of carbon based composite materials and their future permutations, including smart materials. The modular assemblies created using this system have application in terrestrial, space and aquatic environments and as an educational tool.

Abstract: Game piece (1) comprising three or more sphere-shaped elements (6) which are connected to each other, wherein the elements (6) are divided into two or more groups (7, 8, 9) each consisting of at least one element (6), wherein the elements (6) within one group (7, 8, 9) are immovably connected to each other and wherein each group (7, 8, 9) is rotationally connected to at least one other group (7, 8, 9), and wherein there is at least one group (7, 8, 9) with two or more elements (6).

Abstract: A toy construction system comprising a releasably connectable tendon or tether (“tendon”) to connect to at least two building blocks. The tendon being resiliently deformable and providing a range of motion for each of at least two blocks, relative to each other, in at least two Cartesian axes. The tendon having an engagement, and each block having a corresponding receiving element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular construction system. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a construction system, including modules, which are capable of being used in a wide range of applications including buildings and various other structures. Prior systems included structured modules connected by means of flexible joints which were composed of cables. These allowed relative movement between walls of various units. Such systems were complex and expensive to manufacture An improved modular construction system overcame this problem by providing a plurality of structural elements of V-shaped or chevron-shaped cross section. These are adapted to be assembled in a cellular configuration by their similar form, size and by virtue of the elements having apertures. Any aperture may receive a connector, which permits an amount of relative movement between said elements in two-rotational degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A novelty device and the associated method of fabricating component parts of the novelty device. The novelty device has at least one protrusion that is made from an elastomeric material. The protrusion has a distal end. A hole is disposed through the protrusion proximate its distal end. A secondary object is provided. The secondary object is made from a rigid material. The secondary object defines an interior space. Sounding elements are disposed within the interior space of at least some of the secondary objects. The sounding elements are free moving and produce noise within said secondary objects when said novelty device is manually shaken.

Abstract: A novelty device and the associated method of fabricating component parts of the novelty device. The novelty device has at least one protrusion that is made from an elastomeric gel. The protrusion has a distal end. A hole is disposed through the protrusion proximate its distal end. A secondary object is provided. The secondary object is made from a rigid material. The secondary object defines an interior space. The distal end of the elastomeric gel protrusion extends through the secondary object and into the interior space of the secondary object. The secondary object is comprised of an assembly of interconnecting parts. The parts of the secondary object are assembled around the elastomeric gel protrusion in the area of the hole. Once assembled, the secondary object engages the hole in the elastomeric gel protrusion. As a result, the secondary object becomes mechanically interconnected to the end of the elastomeric gel protrusion.

Abstract: The present invention is a manipulative toy formed of a collection assemblage of three dimensional shape members that can be any multiplicity of desired shapes. The embodiments of the various members can be formed in any abstract shapes. Moreover, variant embodiments of the members can have hollow or solid shapes, can have partial surfaces, and surfaces can be flat or non flat. The present invention includes a multiplicity of differently configured spring biased interconnection means by which any adjacent shape members are interconnected.

Abstract: The invention describes a universal structural element (1) for the purpose of forming in particular, three-dimensional structures, which structural element can be manufactured in a convenient manner efficiently, cost-effectively from the most varied materials and can be recycled in an environmentally-friendly manner, can be used and applied universally, enables a monolithic type of construction using similar connectors (5) for connecting similar structural elements together and with other elements at low assembly cost and allows disassembly or reconstruction work to be conducted in a straightforward and non-destructive manner, meets high static requirements and can preferably be standardized in modular dimensions.

Abstract: A humanoid robot including upper limbs, lower limbs, and a trunk. Hip joints which connect the lower limbs and the trunk each possess degrees of freedom provided in correspondence with a hip joint yaw axis, a hip joint roll axis, and a hip joint pitch axis. The humanoid robot is a leg-movement-type robot which walks on two feet. By arbitrarily offsetting the hip joint yaw axes in a roll axis direction, the effects of the movement of the center of gravity occurring when the mode of use of the robot is changed are accommodated to in order to flexibly balance the weights of the upper and lower limbs. The waist is made more compact in order to form a humanoid robot which is well proportioned and which makes it possible to prevent interference between the left and right feet when the direction of a foot is changed. Accordingly, a robot which moves naturally and in a way sufficiently indicative of emotions and feelings using fewer degrees of freedom is provided.

Abstract: The invention describes a universal structural element (1) for the purpose of forming in particular, three-dimensional structures, which structural element can be manufactured in a convenient manner efficiently, cost-effectively from the most varied materials and can be recycled in an environmentally-friendly manner, can be used and applied universally, enables a monolithic type of construction using similar connectors (5) for connecting similar structural elements together and with other elements at low assembly cost and allows disassembly or reconstruction work to be conducted in a straightforward and non-destructive manner, meets high static requirements and can preferably be standardised in modular dimensions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toy construction kit comprising a plurality of elongated rod members of different lengths; and a plurality of joining members. Each joining member is configured and dimensioned to be capable of connecting at least three rod members together around a common vertex point in a weave pattern such that the rods do not pass through the vertex point but are oriented about it in a clockwise or counter-clockwise arrangement. At least some and preferably all rod members are formed with a zig-zag configuration to avoid bending the rod members at vertex points. After making a structure by weaving the rod members and temporarily or permanently connecting them with the joining members, unique and original space frames are obtained. These objects form another embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: A system of interconnectable construction elements created from molded plastic, and which include planar and cylindrical strut members of varying lengths and thicknesses which can be coupled together and to various construction elements of varying geometries, wherein the construction elements are capable of movement such as pivoting relative to an attached construction element, wherein cylindrical struts include regularly spaced ball structures and regularly spaced gaps therebetween, and wherein the planar and cylindrical struts include a variety of attaching means disposed on the ends thereof that are capable of coupling with complementary structures to thereby form a variety of models, shapes, patterns or designs.

Abstract: The present invention is a toy that can be manipulated to form various configurations. The toy include a plurality of blocks, many of which have a combination of slots with or without holes and are held together by an elastic cord. The combination of slots and holes together with the elastic nature of the cord allows the user to change the relative relationship of any given block to the block adjacent to it.

Abstract: A manipulatable beaded string toy device comprising of a plurality of interconnectable elements, each element including a number of beads disposed on a cord. When the plurality of interconnectable elements are interconnected, a junction formed comprises at least four beads, two from each cord, each of the at least four beads is in contact with at least three other beads of the junction.

Abstract: An educational and recreational toy system for toddlers including a plurality of toy components having various shapes and sizes. The various shapes and sizes of the components are based upon a unit measurement. Toy structures are provided, including a balance, a stringer, and a pegboard for integrated use with the components. The toy components may be used interchangeably among the various toy structures. According to the invention, the system allows a child to improve motor, coordination, and thinking skills. This is accomplished by using the toy components—in conjunction with the toy structures—for matching, piling, patterning, and balancing exercises.

Abstract: The present invention provides a versatile construction kit which can be used to easily form models of virtually any conceivable person, place or thing including a variety of vehicles, buildings, people, animals, weapons, machinery, caricatures, objects and the like. The construction kit comprises plural connectors which are connectable by a tongue-and-slot mechanism and optionally also by way of interconnectable notches by which they can be perpendicularly and detachably interconnected. The universal connectors are so versatile they can form virtually any geometric, regular, irregular, asymmetric, or symmetric configuration. They can be used to form a model of any known or imagined object. Generally, the width of the notches and of the slots of the connectors substantially approximates the thickness of the connectors.

Abstract: The element to be protected hereby is an element consisting of a pull string (2), chain, wire or the like having at each end a coupling device (3) which may be coupled onto a coupling stud (6). The element is characterised in that the string (2), the chain, etc., is mounted so high on the coupling device (3) that a momentum influences the coupling device (3) that twists the coupling device (3) off the coupling stud (6) despite the frictional force therebetween when the element is pulled.

Abstract: A golf practice device consisting of a series of interlocking tubes (13a through 13d) which are supported and raised by end stands. The end stands consist of an anchor ball (11a and 11b) supported by two supporting legs (10a through 10d). The tubes are connected to each other by pins (14a through 14c) inserted into the ends of the tubes, and to the anchor balls by insertion into a hole in the equator of each anchor ball. The legs are angled toward the device at such an angle that the weight of the anchor ball and of the legs serves to remove any sag from the length of interconnected tubes, and to hold and support the length of tubing straight or in several different curvatures. Hollow balls (12a through 12j) are inserted onto and evenly spaced along the length of interconnected tubes to serve as aids to development of visualization skills. The device is used to practice golf putting and chipping mechanical skills and visualization skills.

Abstract: A flexible tie strut for supporting both compressive and tensile forces, the flexible tie strut includes a tension member and a coaxially mounted compression member, the compression member and the tensile member are interconnected at their respective ends. A coupler for interconnecting flexible tie struts, and a system of couplers and struts are also disclosed. Additionally, wheels are disclosed that have axles having both male and female connection means.

Abstract: An educational toy that lets the user experiment with assembling hollow polyhedral building block in a variety of different ways. The toy includes new polyhedral building blocks which can be assembled in different ways to form a multiplicity of configurations. It allows the user to assemble building blocks to one configuration and then to change over from this configuration to another configuration by rotating, pivoting, rolling, or shifting one or more of the already assembled building blocks. The toy can be used to introduce the user to different number systems and arithmetic and geometric principles.

Abstract: A flexible tie strut for supporting both compressive and tensile forces, the flexible tie strut including a tension member and a coaxially mounted compression member, the compression member and the tensile member being interconnected at their respective ends. A coupler for interconnecting struts, and a system of couplers and struts are also disclosed.

Abstract: An educational toy that lets the user experiment with assembling components of different shapes in a variety of ways. The toy introduces new methods and means for assembling building blocks allowing the user to assemble them to one configuration and then to change over to other configurations by rotating, pivoting, rolling, or shifting one or more of the already assembled building blocks. The toy can introduce the user to number systems and arithmetic and geometric principles.

Abstract: Elastic cord interconnected blocks in which each block contains a plurality of deep slots cut to a centrally positioned interior washer-like connecting element having a hole coaxial that can freely pass the elastic cord. The element hole is coaxial with an axial hole formed in the block by the spacing of adjacent block segments, the segment having a spacing for passing a stretched elastic cord and for locking the cord in its relaxed state. Unusual shapes can be formed with several interconnected blocks.

Abstract: Apparatus having at least three members joined by couplings to form a closed loop, each coupling being twistable and bendable such as to allow bending through an angle of substantially 360.degree. in substantially all directions, whereby the loop can be made to take on a variety of configurations.

Abstract: The invention provides an amusement and display device comprising at least eight distinct elements each of the elements being of regular prismatic shape and having sides, edges and corners wherein each of the elements is interconnected to an adjacent element by flexible joining means provided along an edge thereof, at least two adjacent elements and least one of the elements being connected along three separate edges to three adjacent elements, characterized in that the elements are cubical prisms formed by interfitting two identical units of U-shaped profile mutually angularly offset by 90.degree.

Abstract: A compression-tension unit for use in a tensile-integrity structure wherein end portions of an elastic cord are passed through slots in the opposite ends of a strut with a stretched intermediate cord portion therebetween, and opposite tips of the cord are held in lateral holes in the strut end portions adjacent the slots, there being a choice of such lateral holes spaced longitudinally apart at each strut end portion so that the degree of stretch in the intermediate cord portion can be varied.

Abstract: A construction kit consisting of telescoping strut members and pre-measured elastic or inelastic tendons, for the purpose of constructing tensile-integrity structures. The invention is made of reusable elements. By introducing struts which can be adjusted to various lengths the invention circumvents the necessity of measuring, cutting and tying different lengths of tendons for different structures and considerably simplifies the construction process.

Abstract: A construction kit consisting of rigid or telescoping elongate strut members which may be attached together by flexible tendons to form a variety of designs and model structures. The invention places no limits on the number of struts which can be attached at one vertex or their relative angles, and the length of each strut may be varied within broad limits. Furthermore, the end of one strut may be attached not only to the end of another, but to any point along its length. Accordingly, an almost unlimited variety of constructions is possible.