Abstract: A contest method and process are devised in which the memory faculties of the contestants are exercised by viewing a set of randomly selected symbol groupings for a first interval of time and thereafter the specific symbols and their groupings are recollected in a second interval of time. The symbol groupings may be inscribed on one of the faces of a set of flash cards which are then shuffled, dealt to each of the contestants and concealed. Then the dealt cards are revealed for the first time interval and following a delay or immediately thereafter the contestants are directed to list correctly the symbols and their groupings during the second time interval. The number of symbols groupings correctly recalled comprises the score.

Abstract: A kit of parts for use in potty training an infant, comprising: a plurality of sheets of toilet tissue carrying images and preferably on a roll (14); a plurality of training cards (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35) each carrying one of a sequence of pictures, the sequence illustrating an infant during different the stages of using a potty and then being rewarded with a badge; and a badge (20) or badges incorporating means, such as glue, to affix the badge to an item of clothing. The kit may be contained in a dispenser box (10) which may serve as a dispenser and storage container. The consumable items of the kit such as the toilet tissue and reward badges may be replaced as appropriate, particularly from a refill pack comprising a roll of toilet tissue (14) and a sheet (19) of self-adhesive badges.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting the user to catch a thrown object with fingers rather than palms, comprising a means for sensing pressure exerted on the user's palm, a means for deactivating said palm pressure sensing means when at least one of the user's fingers is flexed inwardly toward the palm, and a means for indicating when non-bypassed palm pressure occurs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a module installed in a base from a plurality of different modules and selecting a set of functions corresponding to the installed module. A preferred embodiment is the Intelli-Table™ toy that includes three modules, each of which can be installed into an annular channel in the base. When a module is installed, a unique pattern of recesses or flat surfaces on the bottom of the module is detected by a first set of switches in the channel. Based on the unique state of these switches, the base selects a set of functions corresponding to the installed module. Each module includes a plurality of different movable elements that activate a second set of switches in the base. Moving an element activates a switch, causing the base to perform a function unique to that element and to the module installed.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a skydiving simulator and a skydiving training process using the simulator, which simulates the environment and other conditions for purposes of skydiving training as if a skydiver performed a real skydiving process from the step of riding in an airplane to the step of landing on the ground. This simulator consists of a model fuselage (10), a rotary hanger unit (30) supporting a skydiver having jumped from the fuselage, and two fan units (40, 50) horizontally and upwardly forcing air currents into an open simulation space into which the skydiver jumps from the fuselage. Wind velocity sensors (46, 56) sense the velocities of the air currents from the two fan units, and CCD cameras (47, 57) produce images of the skydiver during the training process, and a central control unit (CCU, 60) controls the simulator and the process in real time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer-implemented methods and apparatus for remote cognitive and/or perceptual testing using a computer network having a remote computer geographically separate from an administering computer. The remote cognitive and/or perceptual testing includes administering a set of cognitive and/or perceptual tests, obtaining a performance response of the person to the tests and uploading the testing information via the computer network. The tests may be administered a number of times to evaluate one or more cognitive skills and/or perceptual abilities. Parallel to the testing, a therapy may be administered. The method may also include monitoring the performance of the person on the tests. The computer-implemented method may additionally include administering a set of initial tests before therapy inception to assess a person's intrinsic cognitive skills and/or perceptual abilities. The results of the initial testing and testing during therapy may be entered into a database.

Abstract: An interactive educational system includes a tracking system for determining changes in an overall physical location of a student, and a display for displaying cues for the student to engage in full-body motion and to engage in an interactive cognitive learning task. An educational method includes prompting a student to engage in an interactive cognitive learning task which involves full body motion, thereby enabling the student to reach the enhanced learning state which results from elevated metabolic rate, and synergistically engaging the student's kinesthetic learning facilities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is presented for promoting movements of a subject in synergic timed correlation with physiological activity. The apparatus includes a synergic programs module that directs the movements in a temporally varying fashion. The synergic programs module causes generation of at least one signal, stimulus, or force, where the movements are performed in response to the at least one signal, stimulus, or force, where each of the at least one signal, stimulus, or force is determined so as to reduce meaning and/or emotional content to the subject, where each signal and stimulus is from a pool that comprises signals and stimuli that are sensorially understandable or recognizable by the subject, and where timing of the movements is based on at least a primary correlation factor and a secondary correlation factor. The primary correlation factor is determined so that the movements are synchronized with referential points of an intrinsically variable cyclical physiological activity.

Abstract: A hand-held compressible and expandable device is used to develop and measure the persons grasping strength and grasping dexterity. The device in preferably compressed and/or expanded by the user's digits. Preferably, the device is both compressible and flexible so that the user must provide a linearly or controlled force to compress the device successfully. In one embodiment, the device has a spring that is both compressible and flexible. One end of the spring has a finger pad and at the other end a thumb pad. The ability of the user to compress the spring between the finger and the thumb gauges the users grasping strength, while the ability of the user to compress the spring in a linear fashion provides a measure of the user's dexterity. The device also can be configured to automatically count the number of successful and/or unsuccessful compressions mechanically, optically or electrically.

Abstract: Featured is a device and a method using such a device for training skaters, particularly ice skaters. According to the method for training a skater there is provided a support frame and a harness that is secured to the support frame. The skater is secured to the support frame by means of the harness so that the point of attachment between the support frame and the harness is a distance above the head of the skater. Further the support frame being provided is configured and arranged so as to extend about and from the skater when the skater is secured to the support frame. The support frame is moved, responsive to a skating motion of the skater, with respect to a surface upon which the skater is skating. In more particular embodiments, the support frame includes a plurality or more of support members that are arranged so as to form a structure about the skater to which is secured the harness.

Abstract: An operating system configured to support cognitive capable environments is described. The system comprises a memory structure and an I/O process configured to update inputs and outputs. The operating system further includes a process to determine changes to symbols within the symbol space due to the stimulus and create STM images of the inputs. Additional processes are configured to pass stimulations between connecting symbols, measure temporal and spatial properties of images, filter the STM images based upon the properties, and propagate stimuli through hereditary structures. Further processes analyze propagated symbol groups of STM images for novel distinctions, create new symbols, connect novel stimuli together for symbol groupings, update existing symbols to include connections to the new symbols, and assign weights to the connections.

Abstract: An analysis system for monitoring and optimizing a training program to be carried out by a patient without constant supervision, with computer-assisted measuring modules fitted on the training apparatuses and/or on the patient and/or in a patient PC for recording the activity and/or the sequence of movements of the patient to derive characteristic variables for patient compliance.

Abstract: Apparatus for steer head roping training comprising a simulated steer head with pivoting horns which pivot upwards, and also optionally rearward, as a lasso rope around the horns is pulled by a roping trainee, thereby releasing the lasso for repetitive training. A tension spring, which is attached to the bottom or inside end of each horn and stretched between them, urges the horns to an anatomically correct down position until a lasso rope around the horns is pulled, and restores the horns to an anatomically correct position when the lasso has been released. A head pivoting bracket may also provide for upward pivoting of the head as the lasso rope is pulled, further facilitating the release of the lasso from the horns, and for restoring the head to an anatomically correct down position when the lasso has been released.

Abstract: A device, kit, and method for learning, teaching or self-teaching to tie knots, especially when applied to fishing line or other flexible elongated material. The apparatus comprises a body having top and bottom sides opposite to one another, the top side being provided with a center, left, right, front and back areas, and the bottom side generally provided for resting the device an a surface, a first prong member extending upwardly from the top side of the body, and a length of flexible material, such as, a line, thread cord or rope, that is operatively attached to the top side of the body. The flexible material having distal and proximal ends whereby an operator operating the device may thread the proximal end of the flexible material through an opening of a second prong member in a pre-set pattern to form a knot.

Abstract: A child cup holder is disclosed that includes a cup portion; an attachment bar for attaching the cup portion to another object; plastic fingers disposed within the inner layer of the cup portion for holding a cup or bottle in place; an extruded polystyrene insulating foam disposed between the inner layer and the cover of the cup; a sound apparatus disposed between the inner layer of the cup and the cover of the cup; a power source disposed between the inner layer and the cover of the cup portion; a speaker disposed upon the cover of the cup portion; wires disposed between the inner layer and the cover, wherein the wires connect the power source and the sound apparatus and the sound apparatus to the speaker; a pressure activation button disposed upon the bottom portion of the cup portion and between the inner layer and the cover of the cup portion; and an activation button housing ring disposed around the activation button.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for individually exercising one or more parameters of hand movement such as range, speed, fractionation and strength in a virtual reality environment and for providing performance-based interaction with the user to increase user motivation while exercising. The present invention can be used for rehabilitation of neuromotor disorders, such as a stroke. A first input device senses position of digits of the hand of the user while the user is performing an exercise by interacting with a virtual image. A second input device provides force feedback to the user and measures position of the digits of the hand while the user is performing an exercise by interacting with a virtual image. The virtual images are updated based on targets determined for the user's performance in order to provide harder or easier exercises.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for training a person to learn a cognitive/functional task that requires a sequence of decisions and a corresponding sequence of actions. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a cognitive/functional task is decomposed into critical elements and non-critical elements. The critical elements have distinguishing features and are essential to the cognitive/functional task. The critical and non-critical elements are presented to a trainee in a predetermined sequence in a simulated environment through, for example, a virtual reality device. The trainee is trained to act in accordance with the critical and non-critical elements presented. Furthermore, a data processing system is used to monitor the actions taken by the trainee in the simulated environment in response to the presented critical and non-critical elements. Moreover, the learning receptivity and learning achievement by the trainee is measured via a brain wave detection device.

Abstract: A shoe for use in training an infant to walk. The shoe includes an upper sized to receive an infant's foot and a sole that is attached to the upper. The sole extends a distance D1 beyond a front side of the upper adjacent to the toes of the infant's foot, with the distance D1 being from about 10% to about 30% of the length L of the infant's foot measured from heel to toe. Preferably, the sole also extends a distance D2 beyond a rear side of the upper adjacent to the heel of the infant's foot, with the distance D2 being from about 5% to about 15% of the length L. The present invention also provides a method of training an infant to walk. The method includes fitting a shoe according to the invention on each foot of the infant, encouraging the infant to walk while wearing the shoes, and removing a portion of the sole so as to proportionally decrease the extent to which the sole extends beyond the upper as the infant learns to walk.

Abstract: An educational device and method for educating a student comprising a plurality of pieces that are pivotally interconnected at a center, enabling pivotal movement of each piece about the center relative to the others from a device stored position, in which all pieces are superposed in stacked alignment, sequentially through partial deployment, to a deployed position. Each piece carries a portion of an educational image, such as a shape, object or color on one side, and educational indicia on the other side illustrating the image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analysis involving a first factor and a second factor. The first and second factors are related as expressed by a first relationship. The apparatus comprises a base divided into first, second and third sections, where the second section is positioned between the first and third sections. The first, second and third sections are representative of the first factor, the first relationship, and the second factor respectively. The method of the present invention involves the steps of providing the apparatus and engaging in a dialogue of questions related to both the first and second factors. The apparatus and method of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications, such as biopsychosocial analysis, and analysis of the intellectual capital of a business, for example. The apparatus and method may be used for analysis involving more than two factors and presumes that some relationships exist between the factors.

Abstract: A method of enhancing work related leadership, communication and creative skills is disclosed The method of the present invention comprises formulation of an art related project having a presentation component including dissemination of goals and objectives, an exercise component including written, directed questions to participants and the creation of fine art pieces by participants, and a conclusion component wherein participants critique the fine art pieces and discuss the manner in which the goals and objectives were accomplished.

Abstract: Apparatus utilizing electrical activity of the brain to control a series of low-stimuli educational exercises displayed on a computer monitor to increase the following. educational components: time on-task, visual tracking, short-term memory, visual discriminatory processing, auditory discriminatory processing, and focus. The exercises are governed by real-time analysis of the focus and processing states of the user. Specific relative exercise performance data are collected and recorded from the use of each of the educational components to demonstrate improvement over time of the user in each of the sited educational components.

Abstract: A method for psychometric assessment testing of both cognitive and motor ability to assimilate and follow instructions. The assessment method tasks a subject to assemble a subset of inter-fitting parts from a collection of parts in a specific manner as defined by an instruction set presented to the subject, and with the help of specific reference cues. A number of inter-fitting parts are placed before a subject, each bearing various labels for guiding assembly. Some of the parts are functionally similar except in dimension. Next, the subject is given a menu of the parts bearing not-to-scale illustrations of all the parts (labels omitted), and names for the respective parts. Next, the subject is given a ruler, and then a set of assembly instructions including a set of written directions for assembling a subset of the parts in a pre-selected manner by reference to part name, dimensions, and labeled indicia. The subject is instructed to begin, and an administrator times assembly.

Abstract: A sky diving training device for training a student to assume the correct position for free fall. The device has a platform mounted on a swivel. The student lies face down on the platform with his shoulders on a steering bar. When the student diver allows one shoulder to drop, the device begins rotating in a predetermined direction. When the student corrects his shoulder position, the device stops rotating, however if the student over corrects the shoulders, the device begins rotating in the opposite direction. The rotation simulates what happens in a free fall if the diver allows one shoulder to drop even slightly.

Abstract: A rolling device in the form of a two-wheeled toy can record and play back physical motion. In a “training mode,” the user grasps the device and draws it along a surface on a desired path. The motion is sensed and recorded in an internal memory. In a “playback mode,” the previously imparted motion is repeated—i.e., executed by internal circuitry based on the recorded motion, preferably over and over.

Abstract: A networked system for remotely assessing and monitoring psychological conditions. The system includes a server and a remote interface for entering in the server prompts, such as queries and instructions, to be responded to by the individual. The server is preferably a web server and the remote clinician interface is preferably a personal computer connected to the server via the Internet. The system also includes a remotely programmable patient apparatus connected to the server via a communication link, preferably the Internet. The patient apparatus interacts with the individual in accordance with a script received from the server. The server includes a script generator for generating the script from the set of prompts entered through the remote interface. The script is received and executed by the patient apparatus to communicate the prompts to the individual, to receive responses to the prompts, and to transmit the responses from the patient apparatus to the server.

Abstract: A training shoe is disclosed. The shoe, preferably a soft shoe such as a slipper is designed to emit audio and/or physical stimuli which assists the user in learning dance or other steps. The shoe comprises electromechanical members which are responsive to electrical output signals to control movement to guide a user to perform the appropriate dance steps. In preferred embodiments, the shoe also comprises a loudspeaker through which music is played. In alternate embodiments, the electromechanical members are responsive to audio stimuli such as the music from the loudspeaker on the shoe or from other musical sources.

Abstract: A method for assessing actuations of the accelerator by a vehicle driver to detect the nervousness of the driver, the cumulative path covered by the accelerator, in terms of amount, being evaluated within a predefined time window when the change in velocity is less than a predetermined threshold value and/or the change in position of the accelerator is less than a predetermined threshold value within this time window. Furthermore, alternatively and/or additionally, the number of reversals of the algebraic sign of the time derivation of the accelerator position can be taken into account.

Abstract: Myoelectric and wireless technologies are used for the control of a portable electronic device, such as a cellular telephone or a personal digital assistant (PDA). That is, a portable electronic device has a wireless myoelectric user interface. An apparatus includes a material which forms a forearm or wrist band, myoelectric sensors attached to the band, a digital processor coupled to the myoelectric sensors, and a wireless transmitter coupled to the digital processor. The apparatus is operative to sense and detect particular hand and/or finger gestures, and to broadcast control signals corresponding to the gestures for operative control of the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing driver training and education particularly targeted towards teenage drivers. A system and method focus on six major areas that address both driving and lifestyle skills. The six major areas are i) lifestyle, ii) risk and benefit perception, iii) visual search, iv) speed adjustment, v) space management and vi) hazard recognition. The invention is directed to post licensing training and education. Content is embedded in a multi-faceted instructional framework using contemporary learning methods that work with teens using multi-media technologies and integrated and realistic subject matter utilizing three main components, namely workout sessions, computer based training (CBT) and parent-teen activity. The invented system and method encourages and enlists participation of the parents who are recognized as key agents in the development of safe driving practices. There is an ongoing assessment, which provides feedback for remediation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an activity book designed to make reading more enjoyable and educational for young readers. The activity book of the present invention comprises at least one illustrated page with at least one opening on the page through which a moldable material such as modeling clay is forced or extruded by the reader as through a die. The moldable material is forced through the opening(s) by the reader compressing the illustrated page against an area located on a hard flat surface such as a table or another page of the book. The moldable material passing through the opening(s) completes the illustration on the page. The shape of the opening(s) compliments the illustration and facilitates the completion of the illustration when a moldable material is extruded through the opening.

Abstract: The eyewear of the invention causes a person to perceive nearby objects as being distorted such that the person cannot perform simple tasks. The eyewear comprises a goggle with an opening that spans both eyes of the person. A fresnel lens is used to produce an eyepiece that fills the goggle opening. Different distortion effects are perceived depending on the particular area of the fresnel lens from which the eyepiece is produced. The eyewear is particularly useful as an educational tool that simulates intoxication and other bodily impairments.

Abstract: A word game for entertaining players and improving their vocabularies. The method of playing the word game comprises the steps of providing a plurality of tiles each with a front and a back. The front and back of each of the tiles has a unique letter of the alphabet imprinted thereon. A timer is provided. The timer expires after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed. A card is provided for each player, each having a plurality of columns and a series of rows. All players simultaneously participate. One player shakes all the tiles in a tumbler and lets one tile fall out. The front and the back of the tile are viewed and the timer is started. Players write two series of words on the card they are holding. Each of the series is written in a unique row of the card. Words in the first series begin with one of the letters of the tile. Words in the second series begin with the other of the letters of the tile. Each of the words written in the first of the columns is of one syllable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training the cognitive and memory systems in a subject is provided. The apparatus and method incorporates a number of different programs to be played by the subject. The programs artificially process selected portions of language elements, called phonemes, so they will be more easily distinguished by the subject, and gradually improves the subject's neurological processing and memory of the elements through repetitive stimulation. The programs continually monitor a subject's ability to distinguish the processed language elements, and adaptively configures the programs to challenge and reward the subject by altering the degree of processing. Through adaptive control and repetition of processed speech elements, and presentation of the speech elements in a creative fashion, a subject's cognitive processing of acoustic events common to speech, and memory of language constructs associated with speech elements are significantly improved.

Abstract: A infant amusement device for providing amusement and entertainment to an infant by sequentially illuminating a series of multi-colored light sources. The infant amusement device includes an elongate housing designed for mounting to a carry handle of an infant carrier. The housing has a plurality of spaced apart light sources therein. A sequence controller is disposed in the housing and is electrically connected to each of the light sources. The sequence controller illuminates the light sources in a sequential series.

Abstract: An apparatus to educate a special needs child about shapes and hardware includes a working platform having three boards that each have one of three faces. A first face has colored areas with shaped openings in the colored areas, including round openings, square openings and triangular openings in respective ones of the colored areas. A second face has threaded openings, including openings equipped with bolts and openings to receive screws, and also including openings to receive pegs. A third face has an assortment of locks. The apparatus includes collections of pegs, threaded shafts, nuts, elastic bands and an internal box with internal compartments. The collections of items can be placed in the compartments or on the faces, as appropriate to assist a special needs child in learning skills needed in life.

Abstract: A mechanism for linearizing an open, vertically directed, high-speed air flow, generated by a propeller rotating about a vertical axis, includes a vertical cylindrical element mounted above and coaxially with the rotating propeller and a plurality of radially oriented vertically planar guide vanes supported at their radially outside ends in such a manner that ambient air can flow radially inward below and above the propeller. For large cross-section air-flows and improved elimination of swirl components from the flow, a second set of shorter radial guide vanes is provided in alternation with the vanes that are connected to the cylindrical element. A net structure is disposed above the guide vane structure for use of the invention in a system for producing a relatively large cross-section linearized flow to enable free-fall simulation exercises by one or more participants, to enable trainers to stand close to the free-falling participants.

Abstract: The invention provides a child's counting or activity book having successive leaves formed with ascending numbers of sockets for mounting corresponding numbers of individual button-like, counters of a set. Each counter is anchored to a spine region by a ribbon permitting movement of the counter between any sockets. The counters are selected by the child according to instructions provided on a facing page by words, arabic numbers and illustrations of the corresponding counters. All counters of the set are initially mounted in through-sockets in the cover for storage and display.

Abstract: A toy apparatus includes a back housing portion which includes straps for connecting the apparatus to a crib. A plurality of item pressing members are connected to an interior portion of the back housing portion. A front housing portion includes a housing connector for connecting the front housing portion to the back housing portion. The front housing portion includes a plurality of item retainers and a plurality of windows placed in registration with the item retainers. A plurality of infant stimulus items are retained in the item retainers. The item retainers are placed in registration with the item pressing members when the front housing portion and the back housing portion are placed in a closed orientation. A housing lock assembly is connected between the back housing portion and the front housing portion, for keeping the back housing portion and the front housing portion closed with respect to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for educating children with special educational needs about how to set a table includes a mat having emblems thereon indicative of the locations for proper placement of a napkin, a plate, flatware and a drinking vessel. The emblems are each filled-in outlines of the item to be placed thereon and colored a distinctive primary color. Also included is a set of napkin, plate, flatware and a drinking vessel for a child with special educational needs to place on the mat. The napkin, plate, flatware and drinking vessel have colors that match the corresponding color of the emblem therefor on the mat. A teaching criteria manual has instruction for a teacher to guide the student in the process of setting the table by using the matching colors and shapes to appropriately place the napkin, plate, flatware and drinking vessel on the mat.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for training on a bicycle. The device comprises a main support bar having at least an upright portion with first and second ends, a clamp at the first end for attaching the training device to the bicycle, and a handle grip at the second end. The handle grip is positioned upright so as to receive the thumb or radial side of the hand of an operator in an upward direction.

Abstract: An attention performance test uses a visual display, a test subject input device, a memory and a programmed processor coupled to each of the above to administer a test to a test subject. A test target, which for example can be a word colored in a first color but meaning another color, is attempted to be matched by the test subject to one of a series of sequentially presented visual response targets. In one embodiment, a nonvisual test stimulus is also provided to the test subject, the test subject having previously been instructed to respond to the nonvisual test stimulus (such as a beep) in a particular way. The test also measures the response latency of the test subject, i.e., whether the test subject has assumed a correct position for entering a response. The responses from the test subject are recorded and may be compared with data derived from a test subject database in assessing whether an attention deficit disorder exists.

Abstract: A housing supports a keypad having a four by three matrix of depressible buttons each baring an appropriate number or symbol in correspondence to the four by three arrangement of a conventional telephone dial pad. The housing further supports a pageable book having a plurality of pivotally secured pages each baring a selected image and corresponding number. A simulated telephone hand unit is secured to the housing by a safety cord and is receivable within a cradle formed in the housing. Each depressible button includes a lighting device and a push button switch in association therewith. The depressible button operates the switch when the button is pressed and the button is illuminated when the light is energized. An electronic circuit within the housing operates the plurality of switches and lights associated with the plurality of buttons in accordance with a stored instruction set.

Abstract: A training commode for young girls or young boys is adaptable to be used also as a training urinal for young boys. The training commode can be used much the same way as a conventional training potty but, in addition and unlike conventional training potties, is readily converted to a training urinal to train young boys to urinate standing up. The height of the training urinal can be selectively adjusted to accommodate various sized young boys. The training commode is comprised of an outer structural shell having a base. Projecting upwardly from the center of the base is a telescopic stem. A bowl, which is mounted atop the stem, has a peripheral rim and a port for a collection reservoir which is in fluid communication with the bowl. Finally, a removable seat is selectively coupled to the rim of the bowl.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an instructional method based on the concept that as a student learns to perform a mental task consisting of a set of elements or steps, whether conceptual or concrete, the student develops a distinct mental connection or path for every element related to the primary mental task being learned. For example, as a student learns to type a particular key on a keyboard, (the primary mental task), the student develops a distinct mental impression for every typing key logically associated with the first key. In other words, a distinct connection or path is defined as a link between two or more elements, one key being a primary element, the other being a related key connected to the primary key by a logical mental step. The present method is also useful for learning a musical instrument, a foreign language, mathematics, test taking skills, and the like logical though processes.

Abstract: A modular system for diagnostic assessment of psychological conditions which employs a compact microprocessor-based unit such as a video game. In accordance with the invention, the microprocessor-based unit is programmed to produce a video display that prompts a patient or user to interactively operate one or more switches. Information recorded during an interactive diagnostic assessment procedure is analyzed to provide a doctor or other health care professional with information that is helpful to determine whether clinical therapy and/or medication may be required. The disclosed embodiment of the invention relates to diagnostic assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder with a game-like video display being used to obtain a measure of various neuropsychologic indicia of attention.

Abstract: A pincer grasp therapy device comprises a flat or wedge-shaped board having a groove with compartmentalizing walls and a plurality of grasping pieces in the groove. The groove is deep enough to require careful alignment of fingers used to grasp the grasping pieces in the groove. Variations of the invention are provided for both beginning and advanced pincer grasp therapy. The device is immobilized by use of suction cups on a bottom surface of the device.

Abstract: A child and cat toy consisting of an enclosure having a least one opening defined by a rim edge projecting toward the interior of the enclosure. The enclosure contains at least one ball with a diameter small enough to pass freely through the opening. In operation the user attempts to remove the ball from the enclosure. The ball is restrained from rolling out through the opening by the curvature or step of the rim edge. The removal of the ball can be further hampered by interference from an additional ball, and by various geometric characteristics of the enclosure. Various embodiments of the present invention utilizing different enclosure geometries, number of openings, and number of balls are disclosed having utility for specifically entertaining various aged children and cats.

Abstract: A hazard perception test system comprising a CRT screen for displaying a sequence of images of a scene to be viewed by a test subject and in which at least one hazard appears, the images establishing a state of relative movement between the at least one hazard and the test subject, a computer for generating a select signal in response to an action by the subject, the select signal representing an image in the sequence selected by the subject as a point in the sequence at which to change the state, and for determining the ability of the subject to satisfactorily perceive hazards on the basis of the select signal.

Abstract: A method for developing cognitive and motor skills in students comprising the steps of providing a thinking-learning-creating cubicle having a plurality of walls forming an enclosed space. The walls are operative to substantially prevent visual and auditory stimuli from sources disposed exteriorly of the walls from penetrating the enclosed space, thereby reducing distractions to a student positioned within the enclosed space. A learning interface in electrical communication with an interactive teaching apparatus is disposed within the enclosed space which is configured to direct the student's attention toward the learning interface. Communication means are provided which permit communication between an individual positioned within the enclosed space and an individual positioned exteriorly of the enclosed space. The method also includes the step of selecting a learning task for a student to execute within the enclosed space.