Abstract: A multi-piece children's toy includes a plurality of block members that are interconnected with connectors. The block members include one or more side faces, wherein at least one side face has an opening therein. The blocks may be made of a resilient foam material, and the connectors are configured to provide an interference fit with the openings in the block members to thereby interconnect the block members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing a propulsive force to a dynamic body without having to interact with an external mass. The technique is based on an internal exchange of kinetic energy working in concert with the influence of an ancillary force such as gravity to produce a net momentum change in the body. In one embodiment a body may be rotated through space without having to expel propellant or otherwise resort to an interaction with an external mass. In another embodiment, the invention can be used to dampen a swaying motion or vibration of a body such as a tall, earth-bound tower or a beam in a space station when there is no convenient external mass to which the body may be anchored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing a propulsive force to a dynamic body without having to interact with an external mass. The technique is based on an internal exchange of kinetic energy working in concert with the influence of an ancillary force such as gravity to produce a net momentum change in the body. In one embodiment a body may be rotated through space without having to expel propellant or otherwise resort to an interaction with an external mass. In another embodiment, the invention can be used to dampen a swaying motion or vibration of a body such as a tall, earth-bound tower or a beam in a space station when there is no convenient external mass to which the body may be anchored.

Abstract: A device efficiently collects energy from a moving source without having to actively track the source. The device includes a primary concentrator, a secondary reflector and a target position. The primary concentrator is positioned to receive energy from the moving energy source and to direct the energy toward the secondary reflector. The secondary reflector has a concave surface which is covered by a number of convex reflecting surfaces. These convex reflecting surfaces direct the energy toward the target position regardless of the relative angle between the energy source and the primary concentrator.

Abstract: An endoskeletal system having an adjustable adapter assembly is disclosed. In one embodiment the adapter assembly utilizes a ball-and-post coupler to adjustably couple an endoskeletal pylon to a stump socket or artificial foot or hand. The adapter assembly includes a cylindrical collar which is fastened to one end of the pylon. The interior bore of the collar is spherically contoured to form a seat for receiving a bulbous end of the ball-and-post coupler, which itself is fastened to the stump socket via a socket adapter plate. The spherical interface of the ball-and-post coupler and the seat forms a articulable bearing.

Abstract: A joint device is provided for treating a patient who is unable to flex and extend an arm, leg or other jointed member through its normal range of movement about the patient's joint. The joint device includes two extending sidearms. Each sidearm is secured by a sleeve, cast, brace or the like to the patient's limb so that the sidearms are on opposite sides of the afflicted joint. The joint device pivotally connects the two sidearms, and includes a selectively actuated one-way clutch which allows movement in one direction while inhibiting it in the other.

Abstract: Attachment devices for joining endoskeletal, prosthesis to prosthetic sockets on a person's stump are disclosed. The couplers have a peripheral notch on their side surfaces which define a void into which material can be molded to effectively secure the coupler to the socket. A depression is provided in the top surface of the device to facilitate fitting to a prosthetic socket.

Abstract: A knee brace is provided for supporting an injured interior cruciate ligament by using straps that produce a forced couple on the knee joint to keep the tibia properly behind the femur (anti-drawering) while allowing for adjustment of the amount of anti-drawering to fit the individual needs of the patient. The knee brace may utilize a quadricentric hinge that closely approximates the natural movement of the knee joint and allows for adjustment of the knee brace to account for the natural curvature of the individual patient's leg bones. The quadricentric hinge can include four gears. Typically, these gears may be two drive gears and two idler gears.

Abstract: A rotator apparatus comprising at least one channel capable of containing a flowable material and capable of assuming a first configuration and a second configuration at least one pump capable of causing the flowable material to flow in the channel; and a configuration change motor capable of moving the channel between the first configuration and the second configuration. An acceleration mode and a deceleration mode are described useful to control the direction and/or speed of rotation of the present apparatus. A further rotator apparatus is disclosed and comprises a plurality of motor/flywheel assemblies arranged so as to have at least one and preferably two assemblies per each of the three axes of rotation. This apparatus also has an acceleration mode useful to control the direction of rotation of the present apparatus.