Abstract: A computing and robotics learning platform includes a component ecosystem with gears, pucks, side plates and connectors configured to support the integration of globally available materials, such as rubber bands, pencils and popsicle sticks is described herein. Certain embodiments according to this disclosure include a platform device comprising a multi-layer processing structure capable of implementing student programs written in beginner or high-level programming languages without latency or performance degradation from processing tasks associated with low-level system functions, such as motor encoding.

Abstract: An implantable microphone for a middle ear prosthesis, includes an attachment system for fixing to a fixation bone close to an individual's middle ear; a cylindrical holding sheath, the sheath to be fixed to the fixation bone by the attachment system and having a suitable shape for extending from the fixation bone towards the ear ossicles of the individual; a coupler including a rod and an end piece of a suitable shape for bringing into contact with a point of the ear ossicles of the individual in a reversible manner; a sensor for converting a mechanical signal into an electrical signal, the sensor being secured to the coupler, supported by the cylindrical holding sheath and placed substantially in the extension of the axis of the cylinder; and a translation system for translation of the coupler along the axis of the cylinder, the translation system being housed in the sheath.

Abstract: A support structure for reinforcing first and second skins in an aircraft component includes a plurality of core members connected together to form at least one layer. Each core member has a geometrically isotropic shape.

Abstract: A building block for a modular system for construction of a wall frame, the building block having a frame portion having: a rear exterior side; a front interior side; a top end; a bottom end; a left side; and a right side; a sheathing extending across the rear exterior side; at least a first dowel protrusion or at least a first dowel cutout; at least a first mortise; and at least a first tenon opposite to the at least a first mortise; such that the at a first mortise is capable of associating with a corresponding first tenon of a second building block to create a first mortise and tenon joint; and such that the at least a first tenon is capable of associating with a corresponding first mortise of a third building block to create a second mortise and tenon joint.

Abstract: A light-up article includes a housing having an aperture at a bottom that receives a lighting device that extends outwardly therefrom. The lighting device includes a spring biased assembly for biasing a contact switch therein to an open position. When force is applied to the article downwardly, springs compress as housing members of the lighting device approach and the contact switch actuates. Actuation results in an electrical circuit outputting light from a light emitter at the top of the lighting device that is viewable through a translucent housing of the article.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a block toy and a method for producing the same, and in particular to a block with interconnecting edges that can have other blocks connected thereto in succession in three dimensions to form various shapes and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A connector for a straw construction kit includes a body having a central base portion and a plurality of fingers extending radially outward from the central base portion and spaced apart from one another. The central base portion has a notch formed therein and being accessible between a pair of fingers. The finger is configured for insertion into one straw. The connector can be mated to another connector to form another connector having a different shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly (100) for selectively coupling the portions between the parts of a toy configured of a plurality of parts which are coupled to one another. The present invention comprises: a housing (110) defining an installation space (S) therein; and a coupling block (130) rotatably inserted in the installation space (S), and having a plurality of cantilever-shaped coupling pieces (140), at least a portion of which project outward from the installation space (S), wherein a coupling head (145) is disposed to project at one end of each of the coupling pieces (140) to thereby reduce the space between two adjacent coupling pieces (140). Thus, according to the present invention, through resilient deformation of the coupling pieces (140) of the assembly (100), parts are assembled together without the use of magnets in order to provide a relatively safe toy for infants. Also, due to the omission of magnetic parts, the manufacturing cost of the assembly (100) can be reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building block system having modules that can be plugged together, wherein electronic and mechanical components required for motion and control are provided in the modules. The object of the invention is to provide a building block system, which facilitates constructing mobile models from simple building blocks. According to the invention, the object is achieved by a building block system having movable modules, wherein the building block system includes at least one energy module, at least one control module having a micro-controller, at least one movement module having an integrated servo motor, and a plurality of connection modules that can be randomly connected with each other, wherein the modules are connectable through plug connections enabling current flow between adjacent modules.

Abstract: A pairing block set having a Right-hand Wedged Block and a Left-hand Wedged Block, each of mutual, mirror symmetry, is provided. Each may optionally incorporate a system of eight abutment points to each engaged Studs on its mating blocks upon assembling. By providing two different layouts—one for the odd number, and one for the even number tier toy block groups respectively, using a combination of the said pairing block set and other commonly seen Basic type of blocks for each tier groups, and after stacking up tiers of block groups by different layouts alternatingly, in a tier-to-tier mutual interlocking manner, a structurally sound assembly of oblique sided structure can be built with smoothly lined sides or walls; while leaving a plurality of Latches at both ends of the assembly, to be further interlocked with its neighboring, mating toy blocks of the intended final structure.

Abstract: A three dimensional construction element is provided having a plurality of strands of constant cross-sectional shape and constant cross-sectional diameter, each of said strands being a rigid, non-collapsible helix having at least two and one-half turns. The strands of the plurality of strands are interlocked so as to form a rigid, non collapsible, dimensionally and geometrically stable rosette in which the helix has a constant cross-sectioned diameter.

Abstract: A stackable building block composed of a plurality or array of spaced apart hollow cone elements. All of the cones are identically configured and have an equal sided polygon cross-section. The cones are attached at their bases to form the array and may include shaped internal ribs to define a stacking height limitation.

Abstract: A toy building block of a type which may be interconnected with similarly configured blocks has a hollow box-shaped structure having a top with cylindrical stud coupling members, and sides which together with the top define a downwardly opening cavity into which the cylindrical studs of a like configured block may be inserted for frictional interconnection. One or more integrated circuit chips are embedded within the molding material of the block, and leads incorporated within the block studs and sides provide electrical interconnection between blocks when like configured blocks are brought into frictional interengagement. In a described embodiment, components of a digital video recording system are apportioned to different blocks which when interconnected provide the complete system functionality.

Abstract: A construction toy is disclosed which includes a set of construction components. The construction toy includes components that may be assembled by connecting male and female snap-lock connectors. A female snap-lock connector is disclosed that includes a deflectable channel opening into a wider cavity. A male snap-lock connector is disclosed with a cylindrical head, a neck, and seat. The construction components are connected by pressing a male head through a female deflectable channel and into the wider cavity allowing the deflectable channel to return to its non-deflected position surrounding the male connector neck and secure the construction component in position.

Abstract: A fluid purification unit includes a case including a hollow and a plurality of openings communicating with the hollow to flow a fluid inside into the hollow and outside from the hollow, the case including combining protrusions formed on a first face and concave portions formed on a second face opposite to the first face, each of the combining protrusions having a first cross sectional area and being regularly arranged in a first direction and at a first interval and each of the concave portions having a second area corresponding to the first cross sectional area and being arranged at a second interval corresponding to the first interval.

Abstract: A two-piece building block assembly includes a hollow block and an inner piece. The hollow block has a plurality of studs extending from a top thereof, an opening defined in an underside thereof and a plurality of ribs extends from side walls thereof. The inner piece is corresponding to and received in the opening of the hollow block. A plurality of recesses is defined in the periphery of the inner piece and located corresponding to the studs. The inner piece includes support boards. Each support board is defined between the adjacent recesses and disposed between the two adjacent ribs that are located on the same side wall of the hollow block. The inner piece reinforces the opening of the hollow block to prevent the opening from being deformed. Thus, the building block assembly does not have to be made of high-stiffness or high-density materials.

Abstract: Interlocking building block, paving unit, tile or toy element, one part of which is a piece offering at least one planar locking mechanism, and the other part of which is an element offering at least one spatial locking mechanism. The element is characterized by the piece providing the planar locking mechanism being a three-clawed piece (21) built around an equilateral triangle (1) with protruding arms (22) and grooves (23) corresponding to their circumference arranged in a circular segment (23). The protruding claws (22) are rotated on a plane around a center of rotation (30). These align with the grooves (23) of another three-clawed piece (21) to offer a bayonet type locking mechanism, where the center point of the circular segment (12) is identical to the center of planar rotation (30).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a block toy and a method for producing the same, and in particular to a block with interconnecting edges that can have other blocks connected thereto in succession in three dimensions to form various shapes and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: An assembly comprising three or more elements; each element comprises a shape with an opening completely through the element; and each element comprises a plurality of edges, the edges being joined together at angular junctions. Each element links all of the other elements, and each element links the other elements in the same way. The link is formed by a portion of the shape passing through the openings in the other elements, so that the elements form a nested structure, and the elements are interchangeable in the nested structure without altering the nested configuration of the assembly.

Abstract: A toy-holding apparatus for securely holding at least two playground toys, such as hoops or wands, in a predetermined relationship to one another includes a first hoop grip adapted to releasably grip a first playground hoop and a second hoop grip adapted to releasably grip a second playground hoop. A connecting element is disposed between the first and second hoop grips. A friction-inducing insert is disposed on at least one of the hoop grips to minimize unintended movement between the hoop grips and the hoops.

Abstract: One piece, injection-moldable, functionally polyhedral construction modules. The construction modules are thin-walled, cored out versions of a polyhedron. Each construction module comprises one polyhedron wall portion that is interiorly tangent to each face of at least one set of identical faces of a superimposed polyhedron template. Each polyhedron wall portion forms a complex with its tangent face of its superimposed polyhedron template that is the mirror image of at least half of such complexes. Each polyhedron wall portion is visible in both directions along a predetermined axis. Each polyhedron wall portion comprises an asymmetric aligning means that may include one or more snap-fit connectors. Every polyhedron wall portion is part of a single piece of material. Accordingly, these construction modules may be injection molded as single pieces of material, and, when they are aligned face-to-face, they exhibit the constructive properties of their polyhedron templates.

Abstract: A yoga brick includes first and second casings. Each of the first and second casings includes inner and outer faces spaced along a first axis, a peripheral wall extending between the inner and outer faces, and a first recessed portion formed in the outer face. The first recessed portion includes a wavy holding face having a plurality of anti-slipping ribs. Each of the first and second casings can further include a second recessed portion formed in the outer face thereof. The second recessed portion includes a wavy holding face having a plurality of anti-slipping ribs. The first and second casings can be engaged with each other with the first recessed portion of the first casing aligned with the second recessed portion of the second casing along the first axis and with the second recessed portion of the first casing aligned with the first recessed portion of the second casing along the first axis.

Abstract: A construction system includes a plurality of construction elements having body member and a plurality of coupling members, each of said coupling members having an exterior portion and an interior locking device of hermaphroditic type. The interior locking device includes protrusions and a receiving block. A first coupling member belonging to one construction element can interlock with a second coupling member belonging to another element, so that the protrusions of the first coupling member resiliently deflect away from each other and subsequently retract, and settle, into provided recesses in the receiving block of the second element. Concurrently, the protrusions of the second coupling member settle into corresponding recesses in the receiving block of the first coupling member. Applications of the construction system in toy construction sets, construction puzzles and board games are provided.

Abstract: By a combination of a plurality of blocks 11 in which a plurality of projecting portions 37 which are formed into the same cylindrical shape are provided on an upper surface of a rectangular parallelepiped base portion 31 at intervals of several millimeters, the base portion 31 has a rectangular parallelepiped interior space which is made to open downwards so as to enable the accommodation of projecting portions 37 of other blocks, and the cylindrical projecting portions 37 of the other blocks are made to be held by side wall panels 33 of the base portion 31, a drawback that the change in shape of a shaped structure becomes less conspicuous is eliminated irrespective of a reduction in the number of types of blocks with respect to their shapes.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a toy building block that can create a cubic article by assembling a unit piece, the unit piece comprising: a plate body made of a flexible material in which an outer profile of the plate body is formed by a pair of upper and lower short sides curved inward and a pair of right and left long sides curved inward; projections provided at a corner portions located on one of diagonal lines of the plate body on a plate face of the plate body at a right angle; and through holes into which the projections can be fitted, the through holes being provided at the corner portions located on the other diagonal line of the plate body.

Abstract: An interlocking tile system comprises tiles that has a body, interlocking cap structure with a first surface and a second surface; a first curved portion connecting the first surface with a radius of R1 to the second engaging surface with a radius of R2, wherein R1>R2; and a stem supporting the cap structure. The cap is a mushroom-like shape. Such configuration of the connector aids in installation by lessening instances of binding and align and guide the caps into their corresponding receiving areas. The tiles are preferably square, and are connected along all four sides.

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: A toy building block set includes multiple polyhedron blocks of different lengths removably attachable together. Each block includes at least a top and four side walls. At least one connector extends from the top and includes opposing interior and exterior surfaces. A recessed area is provided at the bottom of each block. Engagement projections or depressions are provided on the connector and the remaining engagement structure are provided in the recessed area of each block where they might fully or partially engage or not engage with structures on the connector. The mechanical interference engagements and resulting engagement forces provided between any two of the blocks are less than three and even less than two times the number of engagements and resulting engagement forces provided by a mated pair of the smallest polyhedron blocks of the set.

Abstract: A modular egress window well structure which is constructed of structurally identical walls that interlock and attach to the foundation of a building via a termination strip. The identical wall members allow for ease of manufacturing and installation of the egress window well. The method of installation comprises removing soil away from the foundation of a building, securing the termination of strips to the foundation, assembling the egress window well and then backfilling the soil around the structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a geometric puzzle having a plurality of flat square and rectangular elements with slots that allow the elements to be sequentially interlocked to form two separate geometric shapes, the smaller shape (4-D Qube) being capable of fitting into the larger (Archimedes Qube) to form one geometric structure.

Abstract: A block set for assembling solid creations uses at least two types of cylindrical blocks. The cylindrical blocks are a thin cylindrical block and a thick cylindrical block. The thick cylindrical block may include a hole on a side face thereof for receiving the thin cylindrical block. A fabricating apparatus for fabricating the thin and thick cylindrical blocks has at least two types of rollers for rolling up paper, and a paper thickness notifying apparatus for notifying the user of the diameter of the cylindrical paper roll on a cylindrical paper roll up core.

Abstract: A multi-part construction toy incorporating rod and connector elements, as well as block elements, modified in a way to accommodate the building of hybrid structures utilizing both types of building components. Specialized adapter blocks are provided with openings for receiving special adapter rods. A connector element may be attached in the usual manner to an adapter rod projecting from a block element. For existing rod and connector construction toy sets, the adapter blocks are specially dimensioned to enable multiple attachment points to be established such that complex hybrid structures can be formed. For the large existing base of block type sets, the invention provides a specially dimensioned rod and connector set, compatible with existing toy construction blocks, such that the complex hybrid structures described above can also be executed utilizing existing block elements of standard dimensions.

Abstract: A construction member, comprising an elongated body having a longitudinal dimension with a first end and a second end. Complementary end rotational joint portions are provided at the first end and at the second end of the elongated body, for interconnecting first end to second end a plurality of the construction member so as to form a polygon with construction members. A longitudinal rotational joint portion is provided in the longitudinal dimension of the elongated body for interconnecting two longitudinally adjacent ones of the construction member so as to interconnect polygons of the construction member at a common edge of the polygons to form a polyhedron.

Abstract: A building block that is releasably attachable to another block of compatible design by wedging the tongue of one block into the groove of another block, without the need for any intermediate adhesives, bonding materials or any other means of holding the blocks together. The block includes a body, an outwardly-extending tapered tongue, and two inner surfaces that form a tapered groove therebetween. The tongue and groove have substantially the same taper. The top of the tongue is wider than the bottom of the groove. The base of the tongue is wider than the opening of the groove. A tongue and groove joint is also disclosed as well as methods for forming a tongue and groove joint. A base which includes a plurality of spaced-apart tongues and grooves is provided for use in supporting a plurality of building blocks thereon.

Abstract: A stackable building wall unit adapted to be stacked with a plurality of identical building wall units in a plane to form a wall comprising three rectangular panels each including inner and outer faces, a pair of spaced apart long edges, and a pair of spaced apart short edges joined to the short edges of the other two panels to form a triangular, stackable building wall unit which can be stacked with the exterior surfaces of the panels in abutting relation. The exterior face of at least one of the panels includes a female recess therein for receiving a complementally formed key to facilitate alignment and preclude relative shifting of the stacked units in a direction extending between said long edges between the long edges. The key may suitably comprise a complementally formed male projection extending outwardly from another panel of an abutting unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature control method for a refrigerator which can minimize a deviation in refrigerant compartment temperature while minimizing the power consumption of the refrigerator.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a block set for educational purposes. The block set features that a plurality of block units of the same color are integrated so as to build a block bar, and two or more block bars respectively of different colors are crosswisely combined to build a block bar combination, and two or more block bar combinations interconnect one another to thereby build a variety of structures having two or more colors, wherein the block bars of the same color are symmetrically disposed. The block set thus allows a user to learn a structural stability of the structures, a sense of balance, symmetry, a sense of harmony, etc. in a natural manner, through processes of building the variety of structures and repetition of those processes.

Abstract: A gaming system comprises a base for receiving a miniature figurine having distinct characteristics. The base may include at least one attachment member for interconnecting the base with an adjacent base. The gaming system may include a tracking member on each base for recording changing characteristics of the associated figurine. The gaming system includes a movable counter that may be integral with the game pieces and allows for easy measurement of various ranges. Structural units and structural unit guides allow for building a variety of structures used in the game.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction toy formed of components made of foam material. Each component has a longitudinally extending groove on one side of each component and a longitudinally extending rib-like member on another side of each component. Each member of a first component is adapted to longitudinally slide within and to lockingly engage its corresponding groove of an adjoining second component Each component can also have an end surface, e.g. top or bottom surface with a protrusion thereon and a groove or recess in an opposite end surface so that the first end surface with the protrusion of first component can engagingly lock into the groove of end surface of a second component. In this way, the components can be added to each other not only side by side but also end to end for building toy structures longer as well as wider.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toy set comprising at least a first, second, third and fourth body provided to be mated adjacent each other and on top of each other, enabling to build a construction wherein a number of configurations of bodies with respect to each other is rendered possible. The present invention further relates to a body for use in a toy set and use of the body as a cap of a recipient or as a recipient.

Abstract: A polyomino piece includes a cube with six sides. Five sides of the cube each have four openings defined therein and arranged in two rows and two arrays. The remainder sixth side of the cube has two openings catercorner defined along a diagonal of the sixth side, and two first lugs catercorner formed along the other diagonal of the sixth side. A plurality of polyomino pieces can be combined to form various patterns, and the first lugs are hidden inside the patterns and cannot be seen at the outer surfaces, so that the patterns have nice appearances and can be stably placed.

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: Gaming equipment for a variety of games has buildable structures formed of building blocks, movement measurement devices for measuring game piece movement and projectile range values, structural unit guides to aid in construction of the buildable structures, movable game pieces and universal sub-bases for toy miniatures.

Abstract: A modular structural system for building models and structures. The system comprises a plurality of connector hub members each having spherical symmetry, and a plurality of strut members having longitudinal symmetry, wherein, each of the connector hub members provides a strut joining feature adapted for receiving the strut members, and each of the strut members provides a hub joining feature adapted for engaging the strut joining feature of the connector hub members, such that the strut members are removably engagable with the connector hub members in alternative first and second positions placing the strut members in corresponding radial and tangential positions relative to the connector hub members.

Abstract: A toy building set with interconnectible building elements and comprising an energy source, an energy accumulator and a consumer of energy as separate units which may be built together with the building elements, wherein the energy accumulator may be coupled to the energy source so that energy from the energy source is transferred to and accumulated to the energy accumulator, and the energy accumulator may be coupled to the consumer to supply energy accumulated in the energy accumulator to the consumer.

Abstract: A system for modular construction provided by interconnectable and stackable polymeric blocks having end and side walls connected to a top wall, and exterior and interior cylinders. The exterior cylinders are matable with the interior cylinders of a connecting block, and apertures in the top wall allow for re-bar, conduit or installation of insulation. Raised ribs located adjacent to the top wall contact the connecting block to further enhance stability of the erected structure.

Abstract: A sculptural toy or building block designed and adapted to be joined to other identical sculptural toys or building blocks to create infinite figures and shapes. The sculptural toy or building block is an elongated member that is comprised of five portions: two legs, two feet, and an opening. Each leg is provided with a foot at its distal end and is separated from the other leg by the opening located in the center of the elongated toy member. The legs, feet, and opening are linearly oriented in the same plane with each formed into rectangular or square configurations. The leg configurations also include slots that extend along the entire length of the leg. The feet of one toy member can be received at various angles along the slots in the legs of another toy member. Also, the leg of one toy member can be slidably received into the opening of another toy member.

Abstract: Modular tenon and slot mortise building blocks include, for each building block: (a) hollow rectangular parallelepiped center block, (b) an outer siding member, (c) a first tenon member sandwiched between the center block and the siding member, (d) an inner facing member, and (e) a second tenon member sandwiched between the center block and the facing member. The tenon members are parallel and mounted to longitudinal sides of the center block. The tenon members are positioned and of a length so as to extend longitudinally of a first end of the center block by a first distance and so as to form mortised first and second recesses having a first depth behind the first and second tenon members, respectively, between the siding member and the center block and between the facing member and the center block. The first distance is substantially equal to the first depth.

Abstract: A toy construction kit includes a number of members assembled together with an edge-and-slot engagement. A support member includes a neck and a panel, and a rotary member includes an orifice for receiving the neck of the support member and for rotatably securing the rotary member onto the support member. The panel includes two portions foldable relative to each other for engaging into the orifice of the rotary member, and a latch for locking the portions together after the portions are engaged through the orifice of the rotary member.