Abstract: A building system includes connectors for quickly and easily interconnecting building system parts. An expansion connector engages the apertures of two parts and expands to connect the parts. The expansion connector includes a base, an expansion element extending from a first side of the base and a receptacle extending from a second side of the base. A pin is configured to be inserted through the receptacle and the base and into engagement with the expansion element to force the expansion element into an expanded position. An alignment post may extend from the first side of the base to orient the connector relative to the parts and strengthen the connection. A thumbscrew connector includes at least one flange to engage an aperture of at least one part and includes a threaded receptacle for receiving a thumbscrew which secures the connector to the part or parts.

Abstract: A building system includes connectors for quickly and easily interconnecting building system parts. An expansion connector engages the apertures of two parts and expands to connect the parts. The expansion connector includes a base, an expansion element extending from a first side of the base and a receptacle extending from a second side of the base. A pin is configured to be inserted through the receptacle and the base and into engagement with the expansion element to force the expansion element into an expanded position. An alignment post may extend from the first side of the base to orient the connector relative to the parts and strengthen the connection. A thumbscrew connector includes at least one flange to engage an aperture of at least one part and includes a threaded receptacle for receiving a thumbscrew which secures the connector to the part or parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining model structural members during construction includes a base member having a plurality of recesses therein, at least one and preferably a plurality of retainers, and advantageously at least one clip having a plurality of edges and at least one arm for holding model structural members between the arm and a corresponding edge. The retainers are releasably received in the recesses and preferably include a lobe with a surface which is eccentric relative to the peg received in the recess. By turning the retainer, a biasing force may be exerted against a model structural member. The clips help to maintain the model structural members in desired orientation while bonds therebetween are cured during assembly.

Abstract: An educational system is disclosed for educating learners by having them perform self-directed activities. The preferred system includes a set of distinct pictorial symbols and a training program that trains the learners to associate each of the pictorial symbols with a specific instruction. The system further includes a plurality of activity sheets that each have instructional indicia comprising a plurality of the pictorial symbols arranged to instruct the learners to perform one of the activities. The activity sheets are arranged in sets so that the learners perform a series of activities related in educational content when presented with each set. An educational method is also disclosed. The preferred educational method involves training the learners to associate each of the pictorial symbols with the corresponding instruction, using a plurality of the symbols to instruct the learners to perform the desired educational activity, and having the learners perform the that activity.

Abstract: An educational system is disclosed for educating learners by having them perform self-directed activities. The preferred system includes a set of distinct pictorial symbols and a training program that trains the learners to associate each of the pictorial symbols with a specific instruction. The system further includes a plurality of activity sheets that each have instructional indicia comprising a plurality of the pictorial symbols arranged to instruct the learners to perform one of the activities. The activity sheets are arranged in sets so that the learners perform a series of activities related in educational content when presented with each set. An educational method is also disclosed. The preferred educational method involves training the learners to associate each of the pictorial symbols with the corresponding instruction, using a plurality of the symbols to instruct the learners to perform the desired educational activity, and having the learners perform the that activity.

Abstract: A convertible cart and container may be assembled by folding a blank of paperboard and attaching a wheeled carriage thereto. The blank includes a floor panel connected to front and back panels along fold lines, the back panel having side panels connected thereto along fold lines. The blank includes a plurality of lines of weakness which facilitate separation of the assembled cart into an upper handle portion which may be discarded and a container portion. The assembled cart conveniently includes an opening in a front panel and a pair of doors which are hinged to the front panel along fold lines to permit access to the chamber within the cart while obscuring the contents from view. The cart includes a top flap portion which may be separated from the upper handle portion and folded over a substantially rectangular box-type container for enclosing items received in the container and permitting shipping of the reduced size container without the need for emptying the contents for conversion.

Abstract: A bottle rocket launcher is provided for rockets constructed for educational and entertainment purposes out of synthetic resin bottles used primarily for soft drinks. The rocket launcher includes a bottle plug for filling the bottle rocket with compressed gas such as air and guiding it as it exits the launcher, a release mechanism for initially retaining and then selectively releasing the rocket adjacent its nozzle, and a base. The release mechanism provides multiple hooks which grab a rim adjacent the nozzle, and selectively and simultaneously releases each of the hooks, whereby the upward force applied by the compressed gas against the liquid causes the hooks to slide off of the rim and permits the rocket to lift off of the launcher.

Abstract: A computer-assisted instruction system used in a method of instructing a group of students broadly includes a suite (12,14,16,18) configured to accommodate the group of students and a computer system (36) for delivery of instruction relating to an instruction curriculum to the suite (12,14,16,18). The suite (12,14,16,18) includes a group assembly area and a plurality of harbors (24). The harbors (24) are each configured to accommodate a pair of the students. The computer system (36) includes a computer (38) positioned at each harbor coupled with a network computer (40). The computers (38) are linked to permit electronic transfer of information between the harbors (24).

Abstract: A gas-propelled toy comprises a vehicle body having opposed front and rear ends, a cartridge of pressurized gas carried by the vehicle body, the cartridge presents an elongated, tubular neck outlet and a frangible plug terminal adjacent to the end of the neck outlet for preventing release of gas from the cartridge, the cartridge is oriented adjacent to the rear end of the vehicle body with the neck outlet facing rearwardly, and an annular, thrust-enhancing exhaust nozzle having a sidewall disposed about the neck outlet, and an apertured end plate adjacent to and in substantial registry with the plug terminal. The aperture presents an arcuate wall, and is configured for permitting passage therethrough of a firing pin in order to pierce the plug terminal and enhancing the thrust due to the subsequent exhaust of said gas within the cartridge, in order to forwardly propel vehicle body.

Abstract: A smoke generator apparatus (10) is disclosed which is suitable for use in conducting air flow studies in wind tunnels. The smoke generator apparatus (10) includes a tube assembly (12) which may either be wire-packed or crimped and has fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics which permit the substantially uninterrupted flow of smoke-appearing vapor (82) from the tube outlet (52).