Abstract: A block for use in a building panel includes a plurality of layer components. Each of the layer components is separately formed from the others. Each of the layer components provides a load-bearing support function, an environmental protection function, and/or a utility function. The constructive material used to form each of the layer components and a configuration of each of the layer components are selected so as to allow the building panel to meet at least one predetermined criteria when the block is disposed in the building panel and coupled to other blocks.

Abstract: A massively multiplayer educational online game presents a computer generated gameplay world where acquiring and demonstrating mastery of educational skills is a requirement for survival and advancement of a learner's game character. The game provides a method for effectively teaching a set of target educational skills by motivating the learner to improved understanding of the skills by having to demonstrate the skills as part of the game. The skills become immediately meaningful and relevant to the learner within the game itself, as feedback on skill understanding is provided directly, indirectly, or both directly and indirectly through game performance, motivating the learner to improve understanding of the skills.

Abstract: A massively multiplayer educational online game presents a computer generated gameplay world where acquiring and demonstrating mastery of educational skills is a requirement for survival and advancement of a learner's game character. The game provides a method for effectively teaching a set of target educational skills by motivating the learner to improved understanding of the skills by having to demonstrate the skills as part of the game. The skills become immediately meaningful and relevant to the learner within the game itself, as feedback on skill understanding is provided directly, indirectly, or both directly and indirectly through game performance, motivating the learner to improve understanding of the skills.

Abstract: A combination cleaning tool and plunger integrates a cleaning tool and plunger in a single shafted tool to save storage space and provide the tools required for non-invasive plumbing maintenance in one convenient tool assembly. The plunger portion of the tool may be attached in a position near the lower end of the shaft for use in plunging a drain, or slidably moved to be attached in a position near the shaft handle at the upper end of the shaft, exposing the cleaning tool at the lower end of the shaft for use. No disassembly of parts or handling of the working parts is required to use either tool.

Abstract: A vehicle warning system uses a switch placed on a vehicle childseat to determine occupancy of the seat, and a temperature detector to determine if an unsafe temperature exists in the vehicle interior. The system alarms if both these conditions exist to warn of a hazard to a child. The system installation in the vehicle is simply to place the switch on the childseat connect it into the system and provide power to the system. The system also provides a reminder if the alarm is turned off.

Abstract: A golf swing quick adjustment training aid and method of use is used to teach a golfer the proper body position and swing when putting a ball. The training aid has a frame that is attached to the golfer's putter club. Two adjustable golf club grip handles are removably attached to the frame at adjustable positions in the same plane as the grip of the putter club. The handles may be adjusted to differing symmetrical distances from the putter club grip. Starting at the outermost position from the putter club grip, the golfer practices putting until the golfer is proficient in controlling the speed and direction of the ball. The handles are then adjusted nearer to the putter club grip and the process repeated, then the handles are again adjusted nearer to the putter club grip. This training is continued until the golfer becomes proficient in controlling the speed and direction of the ball with the handles at the innermost position. Then the golfer is ready to use the putter club grip to putt the ball.

Abstract: An adjustable engagement glide is quickly and removably engaged with tubular products to finish the product end and function as a cap, foot, bumper, or scratch protector on products such as furniture, shop and transportation products, and racks and displays. Engagement is by deformation of a resilient bushing frictionally engaging the tubular product inserted in the glide. The glide is configured for severe service without breakage, has provision to protect surfaces upon which it is supported, but may also be easily disengaged from the product for replacement.

Abstract: An obtuse angle range adjustable square provides an extended angle adjustment that minimizes the user's reach distance required to mark framing cuts. The frame of the obtuse angle range adjustable square has a triangular section and an extended slot extension section that allows a pivoting guide mounted on the frame to be set to a range of acute and obtuse angles providing flexibility in the use of the square. The pivoting guide may be stably rested on a framing member edge to mark the transverse side of the member.

Abstract: Complex acoustic information, such as music, is presented as visual information or as movement of an object in a manner simulating the reception of the complex acoustic information by the human auditory system including a complexity of tempo, rhythms, intensity variation from highs to lows, and silences of the audio, providing a synchronicity with these characteristics. The acoustic information is processed by an acoustic human-like auditory transformation. The transformation may be varied depending on the presentation controlled by the device. The transformed signal is then applied to a tactile or visual presentation. The audience reception of the invention is through light, color, or animation of an image or object complementing the reception of the acoustic information.

Abstract: A massively multiplayer educational online game presents a computer generated gameplay world where acquiring and demonstrating mastery of educational skills is a requirement for survival and advancement of a learner's game character. The game provides a method for effectively teaching a set of target educational skills by motivating the learner to improved understanding of the skills by having to demonstrate the skills as part of the game. The skills become immediately meaningful and relevant to the learner within the game itself, as feedback on skill understanding is provided directly, indirectly, or both directly and indirectly through game performance, motivating the learner to improve understanding of the skills.

Abstract: A support and storage apparatus for elastic fastening devices, such as bungee cords, is configured to compactly store devices of various lengths in a convenient cylindrical carousel configuration. This configuration rotates to allow quick and easy identification and retrieval of an elastic fastening device of the desired length, and to allow quick and easy storage of the fastening device when the device is not in use. The apparatus may be hung in the horizontal position or mounted in a stand in a vertical or horizontal position to accommodate a variety of storage locations.