Abstract: An energy converting device that includes a stationary vertical structure with a vertical post member, compressible and expandable containers containing “lighter-than-air” gas, and a supporting base that can vertically slide along the post member. A control mechanism is used to compress and decompress the gas within the containers, and the supporting base can move up or down depending on the compression state of the gas.

Abstract: A device for demonstrating the interaction of conservation of energy and conservation of momentum provides a set of balls each supported as a pendulum and in stationary contact, the balls having different weights to illustrate the concept of mechanical impedance.

Abstract: A ball collision demonstration device includes a base, and first and second support assemblies carried by the base. The first and second support assemblies are spaced-apart and angled away from each other so that a separation distance at opposing ends of the first and second support assemblies is greater than a separation distance at medial portions of the first and second support assemblies. The device further includes balls, and a respective pairs of flexible lines coupled between the first and second support assemblies and each ball. The balls are suspended in a horizontal line parallel to the base. The respective pairs of flexible lines have, from the medial portions towards the opposing ends of the first and second support assemblies, increasing line lengths and increasing separation distances between each pair.

Abstract: An interactive scholastic teaching device may use first and second portions of a touchscreen for presenting problems and receiving answers to the problems from a user. The first portion of a touchscreen display is used for presenting one or more scholastic problems for a user during a problem session, and the second portion of the touchscreen display is used for recording one or more traces manually input by the user on the second portion of the touchscreen display during the problem session. A memory stores the one or more traces. The touchscreen display may also include a third portion having one or more touch buttons structured to accept input from the user during the problem session, which may also be stored in the memory, and associated with the stored traces. The traces may be stored in image form, moving image form, or in data that may be re-created to form a moving image.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a head-disk assembly device, “mass spin-valve” or “gravitational rectifier” and method of producing gravitomagnetic induction utilizing Nano-features; Nano-bumps and Nano-pits; fabricated on the surface of a hard disk. The device includes a computer hard disk; a piezoelectric glide head and/or a GMR read head; a typical hard drive's electronics; wherein, defects are fabricated on the said disk using a Focused Ion Beam (FIB) by depositing requisite number of nanobumps of specified height, and etching equal number of nanopits of specified depth a few mils or mm apart on a pre-decided radius. By spinning the said nano-features disk produce (1) an associated mechanical force utilizing a piezoelectric glide head and/or (2) an associated magnetic force utilizing a GMR read head; for (a) general use in surface characterization work and (b) for producing power by the presence or the absence of matter on a spinning disk.

Abstract: An apparatus for teaching concepts concerning equilibrium, symmetry of energy flow and spherical motion including a centrally located octagear with eight engaging bevel gears, each having a central axis at a 70° angle relative to its adjacent gears. Each gear has a central shaft extending outwardly from the octagear, with the shafts having identical lengths. Reciprocating motion delivered to a crank mechanism is translated into rotary motion of the shaft, this rotary motion being transmitted to the gear at the end of the shaft. Connecting the crank mechanisms of each shaft are a plurality of beams with each beam spanning the space between two crank mechanisms. Each beam is capable of flexing between a first curved position and a second curved position resulting in a change in the span length of the beam and generating reciprocatory motion transmitted to the crank mechanisms. A cube-shaped frame is also provided.

Abstract: This invention teaches a way to illustrate a tesseract and four dimensional properties of the laws of physics. A method is disclosed that teaches how to make tesseract models that can be made out of materials that fold. These tesseract models can be installed in books with a tether between pages to erect the tesseract in a three dimensional form when the pages of the book are spread for reading.

Abstract: An Education Device is presented for the classroom presentation of one single self-contained impulse, generated within an isolated system, having a substantial observable and verifiable impulse magnitude. The self-contained impulse is generated from a magnitude of spring loaded potential energy performing work on an inertial fulcrum arm structure rotatably suspended within a carriage and bearing upon it multiple inertial mass components in unequal pre-determined spacing. The work of the spring is causing a complex combined rotational and linear motion of the fulcrum arm-carriage structure involving the Hyugens-Steiner theorem. The potential energy magnitude of the spring is distributed into each inertial mass component according to each component mass moment magnitude The fulcrum arm structure is furthermore including a ballistic barrel containing a slidable impulse transfer bolt.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal-sheet board or blackboard with magnetic features having two or three movements, which plots and represents reality in four dimensions (horizontal, vertical, depth and time) and which describes reality objectively, in which a T-shaped ruler is moved on a rail along the horizontal or X axis by a digital stepper motor controlled by a driver and software on the computer (horizontal movement). Furthermore, a tool truck surrounding the T-shaped ruler moves along the entire length (vertical movement) or Y axis thereof, actuated by a digital stepper motor controlled by a driver, which is in turn controlled by software on the computer, with these two movements controlled by mathematical speed and acceleration functions. A felt-tip pen or marker is placed in the tool truck against the surface of the blackboard in order to plot all manner of FIGURES.

Abstract: The device comprises a ball and a panel that is made in the form of a periodic corrugation. The amplitude of the corrugation at least 10 times smaller than the period of corrugation, and the ball has a diameter which is at least 10 times smaller than the period of corrugation. Corrugations of the panel can be made sinusoidal, trapezoidal, triangular, or have other more complex forms. The device can be provided with a means for throwing the ball at different angles to the plane of the panel and at different initial velocities. The technical result obtained when using the claimed invention is a device that has broad potential as a visual aid in learning the peculiarities of motion of bodies under the action of external forces.

Abstract: A force modulating apparatus for minimizing and/or blocking forces such as the Coriolis force, gravitational, and centrifugal force, simulating the environment of the cosmos. A stabilizing method for material with respect to light and the structure of atoms.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the claimed invention is a device to for optical presentation of magnetic flux. A ferromagnetic colloidal mixture is substantially evenly dispersed and sealed between two optically transmissive lenses. At least one magnetic source is juxtaposed about the viewer. A light source is positioned to project through the mixture, the light interacting with the mixture to create the presentation of magnetic flux. The viewer is optionally positioned within a housing. In another embodiment, the invention is a method of using the viewer to view a presentation of magnetic flux when light interacts with the mixture.

Abstract: A display mechanism for illustrating fluid dynamics includes a water basin having a base and a mass of water with a water surface within the basin. A waterwheel is supported within the basin. The waterwheel includes a plurality of pump tools equally spaced about the waterwheel and adapted to fill with water on one side of the waterwheel and to open on the other side of the waterwheel. Each of the pump tools includes three upwardly extending inner pipes. The plurality of pump tools are arranged to contact two outer pipes and are adapted to fill with water on one side of the water wheel.

Abstract: A display mechanism for illustrating fluid dynamics includes a water basin having a base and a mass of water with a water surface within the basin. The waterwheel is supported within the basin with a majority of the waterwheel below the surface of the water for rotation about a horizontal axis. The waterwheel includes a plurality of pump tools equally spaced about the wheel with a majority of the pump tools below the surface of the water. Further, each of the pump tools includes three upwardly extending inner pipes with two of the inner pipes of equal diameter and disposed on opposite sides of a central larger diameter inner pipe and wherein two inner pipes on opposite sides of the central pipe include a piston connected together to a pivot assembly an a lower portion of the central inner pipe so that one of the pistons is at or near the top of one of the pipes while the other is at the bottom of the other pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for teaching concepts concerning equilibrium, symmetry of energy flow and spherical motion including a centrally located octagear with eight engaging bevel gears, each having a central axis at a 70° angle relative to its adjacent gears. Each gear has a central shaft extending outwardly from the octagear, with the shafts having identical lengths. Reciprocating motion delivered to a crank mechanism is translated into rotary motion of the shaft, this rotary motion being transmitted to the gear at the end of the shaft. Connecting the crank mechanisms of each shaft are a plurality of beams with each beam spanning the space between two crank mechanisms. Each beam is capable of flexing between a first curved position and a second curved position resulting in a change in the span length of the beam and generating reciprocatory motion transmitted to the crank mechanisms. A cube-shaped frame is also provided.

Abstract: When a mechanism constituent unit having a base is secured to a magnetic base at a predetermined position, a fixture having a detachable mechanism inside itself is employed, and the fixture is disposed on a notch of the base of the mechanism constituent unit in a non-adsorption state in which magnetic force lines of a permanent magnet of the detachable mechanism permeate the fixture. In this state, a rotation casing is rotated 90 degrees to be in a lock state, and a fixing casing is firmly adsorbed to the magnetic base such that magnetic force of the permanent magnet inside it permeate to the magnetic base side. Thus, the mechanism constituent unit base is firmly sandwiched by a pressing portion of the fixing casing and the magnetic base, and the base of the mechanism constituent unit is firmly secured to the magnetic base at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A hand-held educational game includes: a transparent container having an inner surface; a receptacle on the inner surface; a text message on the inner surface associated with the receptacle; and an object, moveable by the user, adapted to associate with the receptacle. The user views the device and text through the container and manipulates the container so as to associate the object with the receptacle.

Abstract: A rotational operator is applied once or twice to a product of a wave function of quantum mechanics for a dynamic system and a unit vector in a ?-direction in a polar coordinate system (r, ?, ?) to obtain a first or second vector function, respectively. A starting coordinate is substituted into the first or second vector function to obtain a starting value of the vector function, and a next coordinate a small distance away from the starting coordinate in a direction of the starting value of the vector function is calculated. This process is iterated and segments linking the coordinates one after another are drawn on a medium, such as a sheet, as a magnetic or electric line of force. The process is iterated with replacing the initial starting coordinate with another initial one to obtain another magnetic or electric line of force.

Abstract: A wave function of quantum mechanics is regarded as a vector potential having a component only in a ?-direction of polar coordinates (r, ?, ?). The result of applying a rotational vector operation to the vector potential is regarded as a magnetic field. The result of applying the rotational vector operation to the magnetic field is regarded as an electric field. A drawing on a plane or a three-dimensional model is configured to express both the magnetic and electric fields or one of the fields. The drawing or the model, as an educational tool, visualizes the figure of an atom, enables educands to have a close feeling toward sciences, and especially quantum mechanics, and enables them to have concrete images of various physical phenomena in the atom.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating scientific phenomena by feeding liquid to a minute channel, which is inexpensive, imposes little environmental load and enables advanced technology to be easily enjoyed and can eliminate experimental failures due to the clogging of the minute channel with a bubble, is provided. Before starting the experiment with the experimental liquid, the preparatory step of removing air in the minute channel by vigorously injecting inert dummy liquid which does not react with the experimental liquid into the minute channel and thereby filling the minute channel with the dummy liquid is carried out. If one round of preparatory step proves insufficient to wholly remove the air in the minute channel and a bubble is found in the dummy liquid, the step will be repeated until no bubble is found any longer in the dummy liquid.

Abstract: Photoelastic elements are formed deliberately with stress concentrations so that, when evaluated with a polariscope, more pronounced isochromatic bands or fringes result when loads are applied to these elements or to assemblies of these elements. A toy for producing color patterns and having polarizing filters coupled to frame elements is disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanical toy having two enclosed chambers, one positioned above the other, connected by a tube; a vaporizing medium contained within the enclosed chambers and tube; means for rotationally supporting the tube and chambers; means for exciting the vaporizing medium within the lower chamber to create an increase in vapor pressure within the lower chamber relative to the upper chamber that exerts force upon the vaporizing medium within the lower chamber to communicate the vaporizing medium through the tube into the upper chamber allowing gravity to act upon the upper chamber when a sufficient amount of the vaporizing medium has collected within the upper chamber pulling the upper chamber downward around the means of rotational support.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a solution to a given problem comprising the steps of receiving a request for a solution to a known problem, accessing a first set of data comprising a plurality of template solutions to problems, accessing a second set of data comprising a plurality of problem variable value sets, interfacing the first set of data and the second set of data for generating a solution to the problem, and transmitting the solution over a computer network.

Abstract: A method and an article of manufacture for determining a rate of change of orientation of a plurality of fibers disposed in a fluid are provided. The method includes determining a first tensor indicative of the rate of change of orientation of the plurality of fibers in the fluid in a predetermined region due to rigid body rotation of the plurality of fibers and the fluid. The method further includes determining a second tensor indicative of the rate of change or orientation of the plurality of fibers in the fluid in the predetermined region due to deformation of the plurality of fibers and the fluid in the predetermined region, utilizing a first scalar value that reduces the rate of change of orientation of the plurality of fibers due to deformation of the plurality of fibers and the fluid. The method further includes determining a third tensor indicative of a total rate of change of orientation of the plurality of fibers based on the first and second tensors, wherein the third tensor is an objective tensor.

Abstract: A kit for demonstrating Archimedes' principle, comprising a tub having an overflow spout, such that when fluid reaches the overflow spout, all additional fluid added to the tub will flow out the overflow spout; and a stable boat sized to float in the tub without touching the sides of the tub. The kit may further comprise a balance beam which can balance a tub edge, wherein one end of the balance beam has an attachment mechanism for attaching a counter weight, and the other end has an attachment mechanism for attaching a sample weight, such that when the sample weight is attached, and the balance beam is balancing on the tub edge, the sample weight will be submerged in the fluid. There is also a method for using this kit to demonstrate Archimedes' principle both for the buoyancy of a floating body, and the buoyancy for objects that don't float.

Abstract: A laser based tactical engagement simulation training system, and in particular a MILES type system, is characterized by an improved communication code structure for the system. The improved code word structure comprises a standard MILES code word that is modified to contain information over and above that required to be embodied in a standard MILES code word. This is accomplished by FM modulating the logic level “1” pulses of the standard MILES code word in a manner that embeds additional information in the word and enhances the system, while at the same time maintaining downward compatibility with existing MILES systems. Apparatus also is provided for encoding, transmitting, receiving, decoding and processing information embodying the improved code structure, which significantly enhances tactical engagement simulation for direct fire force-on-force training and that yields more accurate simulation to improve tactical training results.

Abstract: A mechanically propelled apparatus for teaching principles of mechanics. The apparatus includes a drive wheel disposed on a first axis of rotation and a power drum disposed on a second axis of rotation. At least one flexible tensile member transmits energy from a weight to the drive wheel via the power drum to propel the apparatus.

Abstract: Torsion Spring Powered Toy Vehicle comprised of a chassis, a torsion spring assembly attached to the top side of the chassis, the torsion spring assembly consisting of a flat plate having a pair of centrally located perpendicular tabs, a torsion spring and an integral spring axle and lever arm retaining post a front and rear axle and attached wheels. The rear axle has a centrally located string receiving pin mounted to the axle so that when the user forces back the lever arm and attaches the string loop to the axle pin and turns the rear wheel set counter clockwise thereby winding the string about the rear axle and then releases the vehicle, the vehicle is propelled forward when the the torsion spring forces the lever arm to return to a rest position thereby causing the string to unwind thereby causing the rear wheels to rotate in a clockwise fashion.

Abstract: Involving mysterious gravity and mystical energy, an adjustable, educational, structural model incorporates an object suspended from a frame in various ways with flexible line, and instrumented with masses connected to it by springs. The structure functions to transfer forces of nature and man into motion, and motion into deflection of the springs, that both sense and suppress motion. Changing the structure modifies its behavior in unusual ways. Sensors don't sense, objects don't bounce, and motion doesn't change, as expected. Adding weights to a swinging object, which falls freely along its arcing path, does not change the coasting rate, thus verifying Newton's famous laws of motion. Testing the behavior and monitoring the health of the structural model dramatically demonstrates the radiant, vibrant, communicant, dynamic nature and behavior of energetically interacting people and things, and how forces involved in transfers of energy animate the world.

Abstract: The invention consists of the process of reincarnation or rebirth resulting in immortality.

Abstract: Many scientists, especially Physicists, have always followed the Law of the Conservation of Mass and Energy. Guess what? I am that Physicist! Given an Associate of Arts in Physics from the University of California at Riverside and a Bachelor of Science in both Professional Mathematics and Computer Science, I stumbled with surprise on a very unique undiscovered theoretical process of Unlimited Energy by Matter-Antimatter Production and Separation that follows the Law of the Conservation of Mass and Energy! Given this discovery and explanation, many applications beneficial to our society will be stated and claimed in this Patent Application.

Abstract: The invention is an educational demonstration designed to help students better understand the concepts of torque and the inverse square law. A variable torque pulley consists of a rigid overlapping spiral shape member and a rigid circular member. The circular member is attached to the spiral shaped member as one integral piece, each incorporating a groove around the perimeter to act as a guide for a length of string. The circular member acts as a pulley and the spiral shape member acts as a lever. The variable torque pulley rotates in a circular fashion pivoting on an axle about its center. String is used with the circular member to rotate the apparatus. String is used with the spiral shape member for the hanging of a weight. The axle acts as the fulcrum for the spiral shape member. The shape of the spiral is important because as the variable torque lever rotates, the weight moves toward the fulcrum and the torque drops off in harmony with the inverse square law.

Abstract: An apparatus for teaching a child about basic fluid piping systems comprises a kit having a plurality of pipes and pipe fittings, and a media embodying element, all of which are packaged together for sale. The pipes and pipe fittings come in a variety of shapes, sizes and types and are adapted to be interconnected with one another to form a variety of operable fluid piping systems. The media embodying element includes media that conveys information in a form that can be comprehended by children about the manner in which the pipes and pipe fittings may be interconnected with one another to form various fluid piping systems, which are adapted for connection to a water source for operating the fluid piping systems.

Abstract: An apparatus has a ball that bounces vertically on a vibrating piston. The system demonstrates the complex dynamics impact systems for education and research in dynamical systems theory and feedback control.

Abstract: A spherical free rotator, supported on an air film within an air support. Different weight and density inserts may be positioned within cylindrical holes along diameters by the sphere, so that both symmetric and asymmetric rotation may be demonstrated.

Abstract: An instrumented, adjustable, educational, structural model employs novel sensor housings and free-fall, pendulous, and cantilever-beam test objects made of stiff, hard, compressible material, for calibrating accelerometers; for demonstrating behavior-testing and health-monitoring machinery technology; and for exploring the radiant, vibrant, automatic, communicative nature and behavior of energetically interacting things. Unusual tests confirm Newton's Laws of Motion, and how energetic interaction causes things to happen and move. Somewhat surprisingly, sensor signals faithfully track the arcing motion of a glider type swing, but not that of a simple pendulous swing. Resulting from a dimensional interference fit, residual stresses in the compressible housing of a plug-in, motion sensor accurately align, secure and intimately clamp together imperfect mounting surfaces; and facilitate sensor assembly without the use of adhesives.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a solution to a given problem comprising the steps of receiving a request for a solution to a known problem, accessing a first set of data comprising a plurality of template solutions to problems, accessing a second set of data comprising a plurality of problem variable value sets, interfacing the first set of data and the second set of data for generating a solution to the problem, and transmitting the solution over a computer network.

Abstract: An apparatus for demonstrating changes in motion with respect to time. Two arrays of equally spaced photoresistors and light-emitting diodes are placed on two parallel straight line arrays. Rails upon which an object moves are placed parallel to the arrays. A laser is attached to the object. At any moment of time during the motion of the object, the laser illuminates one or two adjacent photoresistors. Each photoresistor in a line of elements is connected to a first input of a logic AND gate, to whose second input clock pulses are conducted and whose output is connected through a logic flip-flop element to the light-emitting diode. The apparatus provides for demonstration of a motion development in time by conveying a visual demonstration of path sections or intervals traversed by the object in equal time intervals to thereby make possible a picture of whether the motion is steady or accelerated.

Abstract: The invention is a teaching tool, intended to elucidate the principles of light and its associated technologies. For several of the embodiments, the optics and components are embedded into sliding or rotating structures, so that the student is able to “shift” or “dial” the component into a pre-determined location within the optical train in order to perform the intended optical demonstrations. The invention may contain diode lasers, light-emitting diodes, light bulbs, lenses, modulators, holograms, prisms, interferometers, polarizers, slits, apertures, detectors, and fiber optics. Because the optics are readily selectable within the optical train, a large variety of different demonstrations can be conveniently performed. Another type of architecture is to employ linkable modules, each containing one or more components, which can be linked together in a variety of permutations in order to perform many different demonstrations.

Abstract: An apparatus to visually and electronically observe the transient temperature changes in a heat-conducting body, and a method for teaching heat conduction to students incorporating the apparatus. The apparatus includes a heat-conducting body, and a pair of electric strip heaters attached to adjacent sides of the heat-conducting body for conducting heat therethrough. A pair of heat exchangers are attached to sides of the heat-conducting body that are opposite to the sides the electric strip heaters are attached to. A thermochromic liquid crystal sheet is provided on a top surface of the heat-conducting body and displays the transient heat conduction through the heat-conducting body. An insulating plate is located above the top surface of the heat-conducting body to create a gap between the thermochromic liquid crystal sheet and the insulating plate.

Abstract: Rocket/Missile flight simulation requires the thrust-versus-time profile of a rocket motor conditioned to a specific temperature. The use of program, preferably carried in an Excel spreadsheet, is disclosed to instantly generate interpolated thrust-versus-time profiles of any rocket motor, at any operating temperature. The spreadsheet is based on statistical data of total impulse and action time at the temperature extremes, and one thrust-versus-time curve. The spreadsheet works by proportionally expanding or contracting a given baseline thrust-versus-time curve until it fits a desired area under the curve and action time duration, which gives an excellent correlation between the thrust-versus-time curve from other firings (at various temperatures) to the curves generated by this spreadsheet. Thus, the program can be used to generate thrust-versus-time profiles for other rocket motors with minimum amount of time and data required.

Abstract: A method and device for determining an appropriate drug dosage, unit conversions and a tutorial device for teaching how to determine a calculated drug dosage and/ unit conversions. The device include a data entry device for entering data; a device for determining a calculated drug dosage in response to the entered data; and a display device for displaying the calculated drug dosage or unit conversion and for displaying the technique used for calculating the appropriate dosage. The data entry device allows the user to enter a proposed solution. The device is provided with stored anticipated and/or unanticipated incorrect answers each having a message associated therewith for display to the user for assisting in answering the problem. The device can also monitor the learning progress of the user and the type of errors being made by the user.

Abstract: An educational game is disclosed which uses a series of illumination devices which are sequentially illuminated to illustrate to a user a velocity. The user selectively chooses the velocity at which the illumination devices are sequenced and therefore can race against the sequence of illumination devices or monitor same. In either event, the sequence of illumination devices having been illuminated at the selected speed, allowing the user to interact, using mind and body with the phenomenon of speed allowing the user to experiment with concepts of speed and velocity. A further embodiment is shown wherein a series of audible devices in conjunction with the illumination devices are selectively actuated to illustrate to the user the velocity.

Abstract: The invention is a training device for illustrating electrostatic charges. The training device consists of a transparent tube that is capped at each end. Retained within the tube are a plurality of metallic beads. Each bead has a metal skin and a low density interior core made of plastic. The beads pickup electrostatic charges when the tube is rubbed and thereby demonstrate how these forces are generated.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a hollow, gas-containing diving body is disposed in a partially shaded transparent column partially-filled with a clear liquid. The diver is weighted for near-neutral buoyancy. The upper portion of the column is shaded, and the lower portion is subjected to thermal radiation such as sunlight. When radiation strikes the diver, it heats the gas, thereby increasing the gas volume, displacing liquid and increasing the buoyancy of the diver. The diver therefore rises to the shaded region where the gas cools, causing the diver to sink. The cycle repeats.

Abstract: The instant device for producing a particle cloud in a space particularly at an underpressure comprises a particle chamber (14) with an accommodating compartment (16) provided to hold particles (18), the particle chamber (14) having an inlet and an outlet aperture (20,22). The inlet aperture (20) is coupled to a pressure-wave generating device (28,34) for generating a pressure wave. The pressure wave passes through the inlet aperture (20) into the accommodating compartment (16) of the particle chamber (14) and ejects the particles (18) through the outlet aperture (22).

Abstract: An apparatus for generating nonlinear chaotic motion is presented. The apparatus presents a base from which extends a slidable rod that carries a plurality of ring magnets that are deflected by an electromagnet. The base contains an internal power supply that powers a deflection sensor, an internal waveform generator and an electromagnet driver system. The internal waveform generator generates a signal received by the driver system which in turn generates a driver signal received by the electromagnet. As the magnetic field of the electromagnet is varied, the ring magnets are deflected in a linear, nonlinear (e.g. nonlinear resonance phenomenon, etc.) and/or chaotic motion which is observed visually and by the deflection sensor. The apparatus may be provided with external input and output ports that allow connection of an external waveform generator and power supply to the input ports and measuring instruments to the output ports.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a solar rocking device comprises a pair of chambers coupled by a conduit, which assembly is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis. Liquid partially fills the lower chamber above the conduit opening, and an absorber facilitates selective heating of the lower chamber. With sufficient heating, enough liquid is forced into the upper chamber to rotate the device, thereby reversing the positions of the chambers. The cycle repeats. Sunlight provides sufficient energy to rotate exemplary devices at least once every few minutes.

Abstract: A device which directly displays a steady state sinusoidal wave by positioning a scrolling pattern of alternating stripes (40 and 42) behind a flexible linear body comprising a vibrating rod (36) or string (50). The stripes (40 and 42) cover the outer surface of a moving body, which can be a rotating cylinder (20), spinning disk (74), or traveling belt (94) and are drawn perpendicular to the vibrating rod (36) or string (50). One set of stripes (40) is of a tonality that visually blends with the tonality of the vibrating element, and the alternate set of stripes (42) is of a tonality which contrasts with that of the vibrating element. Each respective stripe, therefore, either obscures or accentuates the segment of the vibrating element which is between it and the viewer. The viewer sees a solid wavy line in the form of a sinusoidal wave by observing the vibrating element with the stripes scrolling behind it.

Abstract: A three-dimensional instructional model used to exhibit and represent specific point groups used in the application of group theory to symmetry operations and molecular structure. A pair of blocks, each have a pair of spaced faces with peripheral side surfaces extending between the faces, the number of side surfaces being equal to the principal rotational axis order of the point group to be represented. The blocks are connectable to one another with a face of each of the blocks opposing. The connection between the blocks can be made using a circular shaft inserted through openings in the blocks, by pins inserted in holes in abutting opposing faces of the blocks, or by adhering the face of one block directly to the face of the other to hold them rigidly in engagement with each other. The interconnection can also be made using a rotational locking mechanism allowing the blocks to rotate with respect to one another.