Abstract: A patch for repairing a hole or a scrape on a surface has a patching compound of a semi-fluid consistency, such that the compound can be applied to a surface in a thin coat and can adhere and dry in a relatively short time. A package encloses the patching compound, the package having basically rectangular top and bottom with side and end edges, the edges of one rectangle being connected to the edges of the other rectangle; the package including a packaging material which 1) is malleable permitting the application of pressure to create texture in the patching compound, and 2) retains the moisture of the enclosed patching compound. The package has at least one seal to connect the side and end edges of the package to enclose the patching compound. Also disclosed are methods for patching and forming textured surfaces.

Abstract: A patch for repairing a hole or a scrape on a perforated or scraped surface has a patching compound of a semi-fluid consistency that is stabilized with a mesh, such that the patching compound and mesh can be applied to a surface in a thin coat and can adhere and dry in a relatively short time. A package encloses the patching compound, and mesh is sized to approximate the package. Although the package can be any shape, one embodiment of the package has a rectangular top and bottom with side and end edges, the edges of one rectangle being connected to the edges of the other rectangle; the package including a packaging material which 1) is malleable permitting the application of pressure to create texture in the patching compound, and 2) retains the moisture of the enclosed patching compound. The package has at least one seal to connect the edges of the package to enclose the patching compound and mesh. Also disclosed are methods for patching and forming textured surfaces.

Abstract: A method of automatically applying a hypothesis test to a data set. The method reduces errors made in failing to appreciate predicate assumptions of various statistical tests, and elicits a series of indications from the user regarding characteristics of interest embodied by the data set to select an appropriate statistical test. The system also reduces errors in constructing competing null and alternative hypothesis statements by generating a characterization of the data and defining null and alternative hypotheses according to the indications, selected statistical test, and conventions adopted with respect to the tests. The system also establishes a significance level, calculates the test statistic, and generates an output. The output of the system provides a plain interpretation of the quantitative results in the terms indicated by the user to reduce errors in interpretation of the conclusion.

Abstract: A method of teaching a technique to a user. The technique includes a body of acts, steps, methods, rules, fundamentals, principles, cannons, etc. attempting to accomplish a desired aim. The method further includes teaching a lesson to a user and providing a computer-based game to the user to be played by the user. The computer-based game supports the teachings of the lesson. Also disclosed are methods of learning the technique.