Abstract: A remote control movable ball amusement device includes a plurality of shell parts so as to result in a non-spherical ball. Preferably each shell part is driven independently of the other. An antenna is provided which extends externally of the shell parts to increase the range of operability of the device.

Abstract: A collapsible activity center (10) includes a frame (12) which has pivotally connected thereto a wall (14) and a wall (16). The frame (12) includes a support leg (24) connected to a hinge leg (26) by a cross-piece (28). The hinge leg (26) is provided with a pair of transversely extending ribs (54) that engage a rib (84) extending from each wall (14, 16) to allow pivotal movement of each. A latitudinal detent (94) is provided on the rib (84) to engage the hinge leg (26) to allow the walls (14, 16) to be selectively held in position with respect to the frame (12). The cross-piece (28) includes a handle opening (30) while the support leg (24) includes a lip (46) to assist in carrying the walls (14, 16) when they are closed and the frame (12) is lifted.

Abstract: The invention includes a user method and system for accessing mentor experience information in a knowledge based user educational guidance system accessing, storing, compiling and transferring mentor experience information directed to financial services.

Abstract: A toy that includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are coupled to an electrical circuit. The first electrode is also coupled to an consumable substance. The circuit is closed when an end user becomes electrically coupled to the first electrode and the consumble substance. Closing the circuit may activate one or more actuators, sound devices, etc. of the toy.

Abstract: A toy ball as teachware includes a rubber ball body, a ball-shaped Velcro layer covering on the ball body, and a plurality of Velcro pieces written with letters, characters, symbols, figures, etc. on the outer surfaces to be stuck releasably on the ball-shaped Velcro layer. Then the toy ball may serve as a toy for children to play and as a teachware to learn from.

Abstract: An animated display for use with magnetically-attractable, movable figurines includes a display surface and a magnet for attracting one of the figurines across the display surface. A drive mechanism is provided for intermittently moving the magnet in a closed path below the display surface. The figurines can pivot to simulate motion as they move across the display surface.

Abstract: An assembly block for a teaching material and a plaything ensures connection of wire lines at all possible link positions at which the assembly block is linked and in all possible link directions in which the assembly block is linked. Four link recess portions 12 are formed in a link surface 11a of an assembly block 10, and a round connector 13 is disposed at the center of the link surface 11a. Bottom plates of steel are disposed at the bottom of the link recess portions 12. Magnets are inserted inside the link recess portions 12 with the link recess portions 12 opposed with each other, whereby two assembly blocks are linked to each other. The connector 13, disposed for electrical connection with the connector 13 of another assembly block, comprises connection terminals which are disposed in a concentric arrangement on an insulation plate.

Abstract: A system for producing highly realistic, real-time simulated operating conditions for interactive training of persons to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures involving implements that are inserted and manipulated through small incisions in the patient. The virtual environment for this training system includes a housing with a small opening. An implement simulating a surgical implement is inserted into the opening and manipulated relative to the housing. A movement guide and sensor assembly monitors the location of the implement relative to the housing and provides data about the implement's location and orientation within the housing. The reported data is interpolated by a computer processor, which utilizes a database of information representing a patient's internal landscape to create a computer model of the internal landscape of the patient. With reference to this computer model, the processor controls the occurrence of force feedback opposing the motion of the implement.

Abstract: A bubble generator for producing a stream of uniform bubbles includes components which are stationary. The bubble generator includes a container or plenum having an inclined face plate with a plurality of nozzles positioned thereon. The nozzles are elongated slots positioned in the face plate and have an insert disposed within the slot with edges that extend within the plenum and above the surface of the face plate for facilitating formation of a liquid film across the slot. The insert may have an extension positioned at an upper portion for providing lift and buoyancy to the bubbles. A liquid supply manifold is positioned above the nozzles and directs a flow of liquid to the nozzles. As the liquid flows across the slot and is contained within the insert, a film forms across the slot without the need for any dipping or priming means. An air supply then directs air into the liquid film and produces the stream of bubbles.

Abstract: A tactile recognition input device is used by a visually impaired individual, for example, to interact with an electronic device, such as a computer. The input device includes a plurality of activation keys movable in a direction generally parallel to the input device and preferably away from the individual to activate the input device and transmit input signals. Each of the activation keys includes a tactilly recognizable region including, for example, a Braille character. A tactile recognition overlay is used with an existing input device, such as a membrane computer keyboard. The overlay includes an overlay member having a plurality of depressible portions that are movable to below the overlay member to activate input regions on the input device. Activation keys are disposed on the overlay member over each of the depressible portions and are movable in the direction generally parallel to the input device.

Abstract: A full-size mortar training device which includes full-size, simulated, propelling charges is disclosed. Both 81 mm and 60 mm mortar training devices are disclosed. The device provides realistic training on virtually all aspects of mortar firing. The device allows training in target sight acquisition and mortar positioning (elevation and azimuth), sight reacquisition due to recoil, dropping a round, adjusting the number of charges, as required, to achieve a desired zone of firing distance, adjusting the projectile fuse setting to control time of explosion, provides realistic firing sound, and allows trainees to follow procedures similar to those used with standard mortar service ammunition.

Abstract: A plastic hula hoop incorporating a decorative outer fabric and a coupling member for securing the free ends of the hula hoop together and the free ends of the decorative fabric within the interior area of each free end of the hula hoop. The coupling member forms a single piece plastic component having a pair of channels on opposite sides of the central portion. The channels accept the free ends of the fabric during assembly such that when the free ends of the plastic hoop portion are urged together, the free ends of the fabric are captured and held securely within the interior area of the plastic hoop portion of the hula hoop. The coupling member is especially well adapted to function with non-stretchable fabric such as nylon.

Abstract: A trainer for teaching the operation of aircraft fuel systems comprised of a fuselage frame portion and fuel tanks mounted to a platform. The trainer utilizes a fuel look-alike with a viscosity below 2.8 cs and a flashpoint above 200.degree. F.

Abstract: A bubble blowing toy includes a solution container holding a solution, and a bubble blowing device adapted to take up the solution from the solution container and to let the received solution be blowing into a big bubble, wherein the bubble blowing device has a hand grip at one end, an elongated solution take-up arm connected to the hand grip, and a shutter means pivoted to the solution take-up arm, the solution take-up arm having an elongated arm body with a longitudinally extended serrated portion and a neck connected between the arm body and the hand grip, the shutter means having two shutter arms, the shutter arms each having a first end respectively pivoted to two lugs at two opposite ends of the arm body of the solution take-up arm by a respective pivot and a second end pivoted to each other by a slip joint, which is formed of a longitudinal sliding slot at one shutter am and a fixed pivot pin at the other shutter arm.

Abstract: A marble track construction toy for assembly on a vertically-oriented planar surface. The construction toy includes chutes down which the marble can roll, pivot elements and bumpers for altering the direction of the motion of the marble, and a catch basket for retaining the marble at the terminus of the track. Each chute includes a mounting means so the chute can be mounted on the vertically-oriented planar surface with both ends of the chute oriented parallel to the planar surface. Similarly, each bumper includes a mounting means so the bumper can be mounted on the vertically-oriented planar surface with an impact surface oriented perpendicular to the mounting surface. And each pivot element has a bucket and a pivoting bucket arm, and includes a mounting means so the pivot element can be mounted on the vertically-oriented planar surface such that the bucket pivots in the plane of the mounting surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for finding and identifying objects in a nighttime sky include a lighted map arrangement, an electronic compass, and means to operate and view the apparatus in the dark to either find the objective in the nighttime sky or to identify an object observed in the nighttime sky. The apparatus and methods provide for orientation as to the physical geographical location of the viewer and the current date and time, as well as orientation of the viewing apparatus relative to the viewer and the nighttime sky.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for computer aided reading training provides for improving reading speed with comprehension, the method comprising the steps of displaying textual matter in a machine readable format; presenting a designated text display area indicia on a video monitor screen; presenting input device controllable operational indicia on the video monitor screen; and displaying the textual matter within the word display area indicia on the video monitor screen, the textual matter being segmented into textual portions, each of the portions appearing on the monitor screen for a selected duration and at the termination of the selected duration being instantly replaced by each subsequent one of the textual portions in turn, the operational indicia being functional for adjusting the position and approximate quantity of textual matter in each of the textural portions.

Abstract: A math playing and training system is disclosed. The system comprises two sets of playing pieces, each having a pair of numbers on both sides. The first set has ten pairs of numbers with each pair having a number on the back one number less than that on the front. Besides one pair of symbols of "+" and "-", the second set has 9 pairs of numbers with each having two numbers equal to a sum of 10. For these 9 pairs of tiles there is a symbol of "-" on the front and "+" on the back. A turnover of two tiles at the same time gives players a direct result for addition or subtraction, and a better understanding of regrouping and pair concepts. The system employs the playing pieces and the pair concepts for playing and training in a vertical math operations specially in the fields of addition and subtraction. The system helps math beginners to master basic concepts of addition and subtraction and to reach the stage of mental arithmetic through entertaining playing and systematic training.

Abstract: A toy playset is fabricated of a tent like fabric cover to represent a fanciful depiction of an anthill. The tent-like cover is formed about a frontal opening which facilitates viewing of the enclosure interior. A base secured to the tent-like enclosure further supports a vertically extending trunk which in turn supports the upper portion of the tent-like structure together with a platform. The platform further supports a table in a manner facilitating raising or lowering the table. A plurality of projectile launchers are supported by the table. A spring loaded catapult launcher is positioned upon the outer portion of the base and a ball guiding member extends downwardly from an aperture formed in the table to provide a ball rolling path which deposits a ball into the catapult causing a launch of the ball. Additional projectile launchers are provided on the supporting base. The fabric utilized on the tent-like structure is preferably translucent or otherwise light transmissive in character.

Abstract: The flying ball of this invention is a solid foamed synthetic polymer composition ball having an opening therethrough in which is engaged a solid foamed fuselage so that the ball can be moved front and back on the fuselage. The ball carries wings, and the fuselage carries tail surfaces, both preferably of solid foamed polymer material.