Abstract: A method involving the application of two labels containing respective positive and negative messages to a container having an addictive substance therewithin to empower and inspire fear of the addictive substance and to encourage the substance abuser from further substance abuse. The labels may be applied by the substance abuser or by individuals associated with the substance abuser to containers of the addictive substance in the abuser's possession. Upon each use of the addictive substance, positive and negative messages are conveyed to the user to assist the user in gradually eliminating their dependence on the addictive substance.

Abstract: An electronic system for incorporation in a racquet that monitors a player's ability to hit balls within a specific region on the string bed. A plurality of sensors are positioned around the periphery of the racquet string bed for detecting the relative time-of-arrival of transverse waves produced by impacts of balls on the string bed. A circuit incorporated within the racquet receive the signals from the sensors and provide a plurality of signals from which the position of impact on the string bed may be calculated. The system incorporates a low power microprocessor that is programmed to compute the ball impact location from the signals produced by the sensors. A display device on the racquet displays information derived from the calculated impact location to permit players to assess their performance as related to hitting a predetermined region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and enhancing the neuro-motor coordination of humans and animals includes generation of a non-visual periodic reference signal that is supplied to the user. A response is received from the user of that user's perception of an occurrence of the periodic reference signal. A non-visual feedback signal is derived as a function of the occurrence of the reference signal and the user response. The non-visual feedback signal is supplied to indicate to that user the temporal relationship of the user's response and the occurrence of the periodic reference signal. The non-visual signal may be in the form of an audio feedback signal or may be a tactile feedback signal.

Abstract: A child's self-contained, interactive toilet training kit made from a relatively rigid material and having a lid that is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The kit includes a plurality of training pants, a plurality of interactivity devices adapted for use by a caregiver for instructing a child in toilet training, and a plurality of activity devices adapted for use by the child for encouraging the child in toilet training.

Abstract: A motivation system for children is provided, which consists of a motivation system board, play money of various denominations, and coupons for various predefined rewards. The motivation system board consists of a flat rectangular rigid sheet with a schedule information area, a rewards information area, and an erasable felt tip marking pen with a pen holder. The schedule information area contains a first column for listing the time of day, a second column for listing the behavior the child is to perform, and a third column for listing the quantity of play money to be received by the child. The rewards information area contains a first column for listing rewards that may be purchased, and a second column for listing the play money purchase price of reward.

Abstract: A method for a caregiver to teach discipline to a child involves the caregiver selecting a plurality of tokens in response to misbehavior of the child and instructing the child of a suitable token phrase relating to the misbehavior. The child places at least one of the tokens into a first portable container and repeats the token phrase. The child repeats the act of placing the tokens and repeating the token phrase a plurality of times.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiment, a hand-held computer prepares and monitors a goal-oriented weight, nutrition and exercise control program. Visual and audio prompts tell users when to eat and exercise, and provide suggestions for what to eat. The computer assists the user in setting safe goals for desired weight loss and the time required to achieve the loss. The user follows menu and exercise programs suggested by the computer. The computer records and analyzes the user's food consumption, exercise and weight loss programs. Finally, the computer displays feedback information regarding the user's progress towards achieving the desired weight.

Abstract: A map which illustrates the expeditionary process is used as a tool in creative thinking sessions. When groups of people are assembled to execute a creative problem solving session, one of the primary sources of discord is due to a lack of understanding by the members of the group of their current position in the flow of the process. The map reduces this discord by providing a tool which enables the members of the group to estimate their present position in the flow of the process, because the process of generating problem solving ideas is very analogous to the expeditionary process.

Abstract: An educational device for motivating, monitoring and rewarding children's task performance or the like, that is motivational, fun and easy to use, in a continuous game format. A learning system 8 is typically comprised of a base material 10, having a plurality of sides and edges, with one side designated as a playing surface 12, on which is demarcated an area resembling a road 14 in a continuous circuit form. The system 8 can be mounted to any flat vertical surface by means of mounting pads 36. Loop fastener material 18a is attached to a plurality of discrete areas 16a within the road area 14, and the discrete areas 16a are organized into a circuitous route. A second plurality of discrete areas 16b with loop fastener material 18b attached, form temporary playing piece 32 waiting areas. The system 8 utilizes separate areas 20 and 22 to identify the start and reward positions 20 and 22.

Abstract: A motivational task tracking device that organizes chores, or other activities or things, into categories and provides an incentive system for their performance. The device has a plurality of cards representing activities or things in pictures and text for attachment to a sheet. The sheet has a chart with ranks and files, separated by white space to improve readability. The ranks are divided into different categories and the files represent time units over which performance is being tracked. Completion of the chores or other activities or things in the ranks is indicated by markings on the files.

Abstract: A behavoir training and modification device includes a board having a plurality of pegs extending from its front face. The pegs are arranged in a predetermined pattern such as a grid of rows and columns. Indicator plates can be marked with visual indicia representing individuals, task, behaviors. The indicator plates include apertures to permit so they can be slid onto the pegs. The plates are positioned on the board to assign tasks to specific individuals and to indicate behavior traits to be modified. Status indicator plates are used to acknowledge the completion of tasks, and the manifestation of desirable and undesirable behavior. Transparent plates are provided so that when multiple plates are stacked on a single peg the plates lower in the stack are visible through the upper plates in the stack.

Abstract: A behavior modification device and process comprises a recording implement having a group of interrelated columnar items of a person's behavior, with an assigned monetary value to each of these. The columns are laterally and vertically aligned so that the person has a running view of a summary of the effect of his behavior during a stated period. The device is constructed as a sheet of printable paper or plastic material secured in place by magnetic attachment to a refrigerator door, or to some similar available surface where the family traffic is relatively dense. The device, when completed for the stated period, can be used as a basis for the payment of allowances.

Abstract: An organizer is disclosed herein for identifying a workpiece with a noted project or owner on a work chart. The chart has rows and columns containing indicia characterizing the workpiece and further including visual labels of a given shape and identification color. An identical set of labels is provided separate from the chart and having corresponding shape and color to those labels carried on the chart. A selected one of the separate labels is affixed to a particular workpiece so as to identify the workpiece with a particular row and column of indicia. A marking pen and an eraser is included to complete the organizer.

Abstract: A talking door knob assembly which provides a decoratively shaped character familiar to a child as an inner door knob of a door to a child's room and complementary to the room decor, which responds to a rotation of the door knob by activating any of a plurality of pre-recorded messages associated with the character forming the door knob. The door knob may be formed in the image of any of a large variety of figures such as sports figures, nursery rhyme characters or other currently popular child characters. In addition to annunciating entertaining sounds or messages, the invention may provide messages for the safety and training of a child.

Abstract: An apparatus that aids in the diagnosis and analysis of an individual suffering from a psychological ailment. The apparatus contains a top end and a bottom end wherein the top end represents a manic region and the bottom end represents a depression region. The tip of the manic region is considered a frenzy area while the lower most area of the depression region is considered a suicidal area. Between these two regions are the mild depression region, the normal region, and the mild mania region proceeding in order from bottom to top. Various elements that represent psychological states are provided so that the user can place the elements that represent that person's current state onto the appropriate region.

Abstract: A computerized system consisting of 10 interfacing modules is disclosed capable of detecting common thinking errors known as fallacies. An operator enters sentences referencing their own beliefs, or someone else's. Utilizing analysis options through which further modules are accessed, the system scans entry data searching for substrings associated with specific fallacies. Operators are frequently asked yes or no questions to check further for these fallacies. Counters in scanning routines limit program redundancy and records each of the scanning modules to keep track of detected fallacies so that results can be summarized and evaluated. Beeping twice when fallacies are detected the system presents on a monitor screen, or other output device, the names of fallacies committed, the sentences in which they have occurred, brief explanations, suggestions for avoiding these fallacies, and, if requested, definitions of them.

Abstract: A motivational savings bank set, the motivational savings bank set including a savings bank, the savings bank including a plurality of separate and discrete chambers, the chambers being of sequential, ordered, and ascending vertical heights, each of the chambers having indicia provided thereon, the indicia on the chambers indicating a plurality of sequential, ordered, and ascending levels of achievement corresponding to the sequential, ordered, and ascending vertical heights of the chambers, all but one of the chambers having an associated insertion slot and the shortest of the chambers lacking an insertion slot, and a plurality of tokens, each of the tokens bearing indicia thereon indicating a denomination, and the indicia on the tokens being of ascending denominations.

Abstract: A child behavior improvement system comprises a support member having a plurality of receptacles for receiving indicia of a reward, multiple discs having indicia defining a reward positioned in each of the receptacles, a over for covering each receptacle, the cover being at least partially removable for providing access to the reward, and selectable indicia for positioning on the cover for identifying a desirable behavior goal.

Abstract: A planning too includes at least one set of detachable slips and at least one support, one side of which can temporarily receive slips in a given order. The slips each have a side which can be written on and a side partially coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive allowing the slips to be stuck down, unstuck and stuck down again repeatedly. The slips are taken from a pad of slips which is mounted on the support.

Abstract: An infant care simulation system for use in teaching individuals the realities, responsibilities and constraints inherent in caring for young babies. The system also demonstrates the special problems of drug-dependent babies. Basically the system includes a doll having the shape and weight of a young baby and accessories of the sort used with such a baby. The doll and accessories are assigned to an individual for an extended period such as several days. A sound system and electronic circuitry are included within the doll to generate sounds simulating a baby crying at selected intervals for selected time periods. A spring loaded key or other manual switch is provided so that the individual can turn off the crying sound by holding the key in an off position. Preferably the key is secured to the assigned individual in a way preventing it being given to another person. Indicators showing rough handling, improper positioning of the doll, periods before a response is made to a crying signal, etc. are provided.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a chart or a board listing medications, dosages and times to be taken, and notes. There is a medication recessed tray that organizes the user's medicines into one central location. The frequency denotes how frequently a medication is to be taken. Medication name column is where the name of the medication is placed, the type of medication, and the dosage and the usage. The calendar section, labeled Sunday-Saturday, that has square boxes that are to have check marks placed in them only after medication is ingested or applied. Refill column, where refill dates and other refill information is placed. The dot on the refill column is to be colored in if a doctor's visit is required before medication can be refilled. The pertinent medical information column is where the patient can place any information that he or she finds useful. The surface of the board is dry continuous basis. The board is to be marked by a marker.

Abstract: Play money to be earned and spent by children comprising a plurality of sheets of bills of money of various numerical denominations, the money having printed thereon the denominations, a happy child face and "money" printed thereon, such money adapted to be earned by children as a reward for activities and for spending or playing video games; and a pouch having a front face and a rear face, each face fabricated in a rectangular configuration and coupled together along side edges and bottom edges leaving an open top edge for the passage of money, the pouch having a flap to close the top edge with a releasable fastener associated with respect thereto, the pouch having printed thereon "money" and a space for receipt of a child's name.

Abstract: An apparatus that aids in the diagnosis and analysis of an individual suffering from a psychological ailment. The apparatus contains a top end and a bottom end wherein the top end represents a manic region and the bottom end represents a depression region. Between these two regions are the mild depression region, the normal region, and the hypomania region proceeding in order from bottom to top. Various elements that represent psychological states are provided so that the user can place the elements that represent that person's current state onto the appropriate region.

Abstract: A story book for teaching desired behavioral patterns is disclosed. The story book includes a front and back cover, and a plurality of pages therebetween. The covers and pages are bound together in a conventional manner. The front cover may carry a title as well as an illustration relating to the main theme of the story book. Each page has text printed thereon accompanied by an illustration. The text communicates a message related to a desired behavioral pattern. The illustration preferably includes a character which may be personalized with the likeness of the reader. This may be accomplished by applying a photograph of the reader to certain of the pages. The photograph may be applied, for example, via a lightly tacky adhesive or a transparent pocket. Preferably, the photograph is cooperatively received by an arrangement of slots. Each page may further be provided with an illustrative environment in which the personalized character interacts.

Abstract: Accommodation training apparatus is modified to include electroencephalography apparatus for monitoring the patient's brainwaves. This permits a patient to be trained to enter, and to remain in, the alpha state, even with the eyes open and with something to look at.A two-dimensional CCD matrix is used to receive reflected-back radiation from the eye. A computer is connected to the matrix and permits the patient to be trained for correction of conditions such as strabismus, nystagmus and eccentric fixation by identifying whether the patient's eye is moving or whether the patient's state of accommodation is changing.An LCD matrix is used to present variable visual information to the patient's eye. This facilitates training the patient for dichotic learning.Advantageously, electromyography apparatus is used to monitor the tension of one of the patient's muscles, advantageously the frontalis muscle.

Abstract: A healthy choices play and reward kit is provided and consists of a doll representing a child, a chart representing each day of the week and attachable stickers placed upon the chart to reinforce choices to be made by the child each day. The kit will help the child not to do bad things and not to do bad things to other people.

Abstract: This invention relates to a daily diet management planner and method comprising a foldable carrying case having a plurality of pockets and pocket inserts on and in the inside walls of the carrying case: having meal insert cards each identifying a specific meal type such as BREAKFAST, MORNING SNACK, LUNCH, AFTERNOON SNACK, DINNER, and BEDTIME SNACK; and having a plurality of food cards each listing one specific food within a food exchange and displaying a picture of either the approximate or visual serving size of the food. Prior to planning his/her diet, the user of the planner, who can be either an adult or a child, should consult a doctor or a dietitian for a prescribed diet which is then broken down and placed on each of the meal insert cards to balance the daily diet across all the meals for a day. The user selects food cards each listing one specific food and places them in pockets for the type of the meal.

Abstract: A learning device for attention deficit children is disclosed, having a wall mounted cabinet with an audio equipped model train located in a mirrored frontal surface, and sufficient timing devices to guide the child through a series of planned tasks, and having storage capability for associated task cards, listing pre-planned tasks, to be completed by the child, and storage space for negative correction cards, to be given to child upon non-completion of tasks. A slot is located on the side of the cabinet, and, when child successfully completes a task, in the time allowed, insertion of the corresponding card in the slot ejects a chip to the child, to be accumulated by the child, and, at certain periods of time, marked on a furnished calendar, the child is rewarded from a list of chosen rewards, each reward requiring a different number of chips, the rewards being weighted by importance to child.

Abstract: An educational calendar includes a base web formed of a fibrous material arranged to include a first base to removably mount a monthly indicator plate, with a plurality of rows and columns of date spaces, with each column of date spaces having a date designation mounted to each of the seven columns. The date plates mounted upon the date spaces are of contrasting coloration and configurations for the education and amusement of children and the like. A modified date plate structure is arranged to include a tablet dispensing pocket for use by children.

Abstract: The game for lovers includes two open-topped containers, with or without closeable top lids and central storage spaces, and a number of game pieces of sufficiently small size so that a number of the pieces can fit into each space. The total number of pieces in the game is more than enough to fill one of the spaces, but insufficient to fill both spaces. The game pieces are stored in the spaces throughout the game. The game may also include a rules guide. The game pieces can all be of the same or different size, shape and appearance, preferably the latter. Most preferably, they are in the form of different simulated jewels of various sizes, shapes and appearances. In one embodiment, the rules guide, containers and/or pieces bear the legend "lovers". The game is played by initially distributing an equal number of game pieces to each player for storage in the container spaces. Whenever a lover performs a loving act, he or she gives the other lover a game piece which is stored in the recipient's container space.

Abstract: A freefall simulator for producing a controlled airstream in an upward direction, and at a control ed velocity to accommodate all of the human sizes, shapes, forms, and weights, and allow them to practice freefalling, or, freeflight, in an ultra safe environment, and to provide an instructional environment for purposes of teaching freefalling, or, freeflight. The freefall simulator is housed in a building specifically designed for this purpose, having a hydraulic drive train consisting of two separate hydraulic motors, one to provide from 0% to 50% of the power needs of the freefall simulator, and the other to provide the remaining 51% to 100% of the power needs on a controlled increase, on demand, of power to fit the size, shape, and weight of the participant. The entire building is designed for noise abatement, and also has an earth "Berm" surrounding the building to redirect any noise escaping the building into an upward direction.

Abstract: A tailored health-related behavior change and adherence aid system. Answers to questions are used to select instruction statements for changing the behavior of each of the individuals. The statements are placed on spaces on one or more dated pages corresponding to dates prior to, on, or after a selected change date for an individual.

Abstract: A behavioral calendar structure is arranged to include a support plate mounting an upper housing and lower housing thereto. The upper housing includes a first"W" shaped loop to accommodate one counting sphere for each day per week. A second inverted "U" shaped loop mounted to the second housing includes second spheres to accommodate four more spheres to indicate a corresponding number of misbehaviors of a number of days per week. A total of four more displacements of the second spheres effects the displacement in a week of one of a third sphere of a third loop to indicate a single week's behavior. Misbehavior of three or more such spheres effects displacement of the "W" shaped spheres to indicate in a calendar year the number of months of misbehavioral activity.

Abstract: A method for improving a person's skill in playing a known one player adventure video game in which a television screen is used to display a video tape of a player or computer, for example, playing through all levels of the video game. By stress reduction associated with teaching escapes, the person's skill for playing the video game increases dramatically especially upon playing the game immediately after having observed a player playing the game through all levels of play. Subliminal and/or audio messages on the video tape describing what actions are being taken by the player at each level of play of the video game further increases a person's skill for playing the video game.

Abstract: A method for planning menus for an extended period of time utilizing a device comprising a planning board, a deck of meal menu cards and at least one daily totals strip. The device may further comprise a card display apparatus. The planning board contains a plurality of columns representing days and each column has a plurality of spaces representing meals in a day. At one end of the columns, there is a totals strip with information sections including indicia setting forth daily limits or goals for specific nutritional factors. The meal menu cards contain indicia setting forth a balanced meal and the cards include information sections with indicia setting forth nutritional factors for the meal. The information sections on the cards and the totals strip are each coded with a visually discernable characteristic such as color. Nutritional information from each card in a given column is totalled and compared with the daily goals or limits indicated on the totals strip.

Abstract: A visual mood and cause indicator apparatus and method are provided wherein a display board with indicia on the face thereof is used to visually communicate human moods and possible causes therefor. A person's mood is visually communicated by displaying a colored symbol, such as a flag or an illuminated lamp, in a designated location on the display board. The perceived cause for such a mood is visually communicated by displaying a marker, such as a peg or an illuminated lamp, next to the indicia corresponding thereto. Further indicia can be provided on the face of the display board which represents desirable actions considered responsive to the indicated mood, with the desired action being visually communicated by displaying a second marker, such as another peg or illuminated lamp, next to the indicia corresponding thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive method for testing the working memory of a test subject. The method includes displaying several encoded symbols randomly positioned on a video display for a predetermined period of time. The position of each encoded symbol corresponds to Cartesian coordinates on the video display. Each symbol has a predetermined priority that must be ascertained by the test subject based on recognized variables associated with each uncoded symbol. The symbols are deleted from the video display after expiration of the predetermined period. Then, unencoded symbols are displayed on the video display in the same pattern as were the encoded symbols so that there is a cardinal relationship between the Cartesian coordinates of the unencoded symbols and those of the encoded symbols. Each encoded and unencoded symbol having identical coordinates forms a symbol pair.

Abstract: A personalized gift kit for promoting self-esteem and its method of use are disclosed. The invention promotes self-esteem, i.e., a basic human need for positive feelings about oneself, by recognizing, acknowledging, reinforcing, and encouraging the admirable and unique qualities of each individual recipient of the gift. The promotion is achieved by identifying desirable qualities of the recipient (lists of examples are provided but qualities are not limited to the lists included), recording the qualities on a personalized enclosure card and inserting preselected chips into the provided container. The chips are preprinted and/or hand printed with the appropriate corresponding qualities demonstrated by the individual who will receive the gift.

Abstract: A system to aid a person in learning a prescribed diet, including food groups, allowed food portions, prescribed meal and medication schedule in which a two panel folder is provided, each panel having a set of pockets labeled for each meal and snack of a day of the diet. A clock face is pictured on each pocket, showing the average meal time, such as for a patient with diabetes and a space on each pocket for the patient to pencil in his own time for meals, if it differs from the pictured time. Several tickets or cards are also provided labeled with food group choices and medication, optionally with a picture symbol representative of the particular food group or medication. On the back of each card is a list of several foods and allowed portions of the prescribed diet, each card list being different to help the patient plan meals with different allowed foods.

Abstract: A G.P.A. challenge game encouraging a student to raise his/her overall grade point average and a method for playing the game. The game comprises a course document sheet, a graphic progress chart, a weekly/monthly planner sheet, and privilege and bonus privilege coupon cards. The student is responsible for recording the grades he/she receives, graphing his/her weekly grade point averages, and planning for and prioritizing scheduled tests, reports, etc. The student is rewarded for higher G.P.A. achievement by means of privilege and bonus privilege coupon cards redeemable for a variety of privileges granted to the student.

Abstract: A device for aiding and encouraging a child to brush his or her teeth regularly. The device is provided with a pair of nonrotatable shafts each of which mounts seven rotatable blocks shaped like a molar tooth, each block representing either the morning or night of a particularly day during which a child should brush his teeth. The front surface faces of the blocks form a frowning mouth with dirty teeth, while the rear surface faces form a pattern of a smiling mouth with white teeth after all of the blocks have been rotated 180 degrees. Each block is rotated to expose a portion of the smile and to remove a portion of the frown after each tooth brushing in the morning and evening of each day.

Abstract: A child's learning calendar is set forth to enable a child's association of various shapes and recognize same and simultaneously gain understanding of the sequence and passage of days of the week. The calendar includes seven pairs of matched cards associating a day of the week with a predetermined configuration wherein the cards are each formed at respective engaging edges with extended elecrical contacts whereby positioning of the appropriate and predetermined matched pairs of cards within a pair of overlying compartments, the proper positioning of electrodes will complete an electrical circuit to illuminate a light bulb pair to indicate proper matching of the cards.

Abstract: An apparatus for choosing a punishment for a child, and a method of its use, are disclosed. An assortment of adhesive-backed decals designating various punishments is provided. Decals selected from the assortment by the parents are positioned around a base wheel. The child spins a knob and pointer that are centrally and rotatably mounted on the base wheel. When the knob and pointer come to rest, that punishment is imposed as indicated by the pointer.

Abstract: Training apparel for a toddler with awardable visual prizes available upon successfully reaching selected training stages, the apparel comprising a releasably attachable pad to be worn on the front of the apparel in the vision of the toddler and the toddler's peers and caretakers, the pad containing several figures respectively covered from view by individual releasable patches of overlying fabric.

Abstract: A new method of learning by use of a machine which interacts with the user to guide the user through a programmed series of questions. The system is based on finding trouble spots in the users logic or feelings by observing the users skin response to questions. The computer will ask the user a question. The machine measures the users skin resistance in response to the question and displays the response to the user. The user enters a response to the question on the computer keyboard based on the response he observes in his skin resistance which tells him how he is reacting to the question. The computer selects the next question based on his answer to the previous question and thus guides the user through a programmed series of questions. If troubled areas are uncovered the computer jumps to subroutines to help with that problem before moving on to the next step in the programmed series of questions.

Abstract: The system of this invention comprises a system body which, in the open position, has a longitudinally-extending, substantially flat configuration for hanging the system onto a vertical support surface. The system includes at least one visually-coded activity marker means arranged on a side of the system for listing on a daily activity listing means at least one designated daily activity to be performed by said user. This produces a completed daily activity listing means. A plurality of completed daily activity listing means arranged on the system side together comprise an organized educational plan. Also in the system are visually-coded indicator means for evidencing the completion status of each designated daily activity. This allows for recognition by the user of the completion of a series of given activities which make-up the plan.

Abstract: A behavior monitoring and status reporting ("feedback") device, and the method of its use, are disclosed. The device gives visual feedback to a person concerning his or her behavior, along a continuous or discrete interval scale. The user moves an indicator to show the current status of the monitored person's behavior as the person completes each of a series of objectives or satisfies other criteria to justify the receipt of rewards or penalties. The apparatus is intended for use in two primary applications, among others. In the first application, a series of objectives to be achieved by the person being monitored is defined by the user of the device, and posted on a removable panel. The indicator is then moved to the position opposite each objective as the objective is achieved. After the last objective is achieved, a reward is given.

Abstract: An educational device for recording children's achievements in performing tasks or the like. The device is comprised of a housing having a plurality of horizontal rows of sight openings. Underlying marking strips present in the first opening in each row a pictorial or word designation of the task or achievement while the following openings present a blank markable portion of the strips registered with a series of openings representing different time periods, such as days of the week, and end openings provide a summation portion of the strip. The housing has slots receiving the marking strip registrable with the rows of openings in the housing. The strip is viewed through the housing openings. Additional marking strips are carried in storage slots behind the slideout marking strip.

Abstract: In a recording and evaluating instrument and method for teacher evaluation, observation and the recording of classroom activities is prompted by a display device controlled by an interval timer, the timing interval of which is preselected by the observer. The observer depresses a key of a keyboard corresponding to the observed activity. A computer receives the observer's keyboard entry, and supplies the information to a control circuit which controls the operation of a stylus mechanism and a paper advance mechanism for providing a complete and permanent record of consecutive observed activities. The computer also counts the number of observed and recorded activities, and determines the percentage of activities corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined activity categories. At the end of the period of evaluation, the number of observed and recorded activities and the percentages in each category are displayed by a numeric display device.

Abstract: The Token Sensing Photodetector Actuated Electronic Control and Timing Device (TSPAECTD) is a self contained unit which can control the activation and time of operation of any electrical appliance, device, machine or process to which it is connected. This control is effected by means of detecting the authenticity of a colored translucent object (token) inserted into the apparatus housing. The apparatus is electronically adjusted to detect only an object or token having a particular combination of size, shape, color, hue, reflectivity and light absorbancy. The TSPAECTD includes an improved photodetector circuit containing at least two monochromatic light sources and corresponding photodetectors aligned as pairs. Each pair is connected to a comparator integrated circuit containing four comparator subcircuits.