Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for designing three dimensional lattice structures include, in one aspect, a method including: creating nodes in a plane normal to an axis in accordance with a spiral, wherein proper subsets of the nodes occur at successive radii positions away from the axis in the plane normal to the axis; repositioning every other one of the proper subsets, from at least a portion of the nodes, in a direction in 3D space along the axis; creating a three dimensional (3D) structure in the 3D space, the 3D structure comprising beams placed between the repositioned and non-repositioned proper subsets; duplicating the 3D structure one or more times to form a lattice in the 3D space; and selecting at least a portion of the lattice for inclusion in a 3D model.

Abstract: An automation unit for training purposes, with a computer, including an arithmetic and logic unit, a computer housing, a data interface and a screen, wherein the arithmetic and logic unit, the data interface and the screen are accommodated in the computer housing. At least one operating module is provided, which includes a module casing on which is formed a connection device for electrical and/or fluidic connection to an external component and in which a processing unit for the processing of electrical signals of the computer and/or the external components is accommodated, wherein the operating module is designed for location in a working position adjacent to the screen and for signal communication with the arithmetic and logic unit via a wireless and/or wired signal path which runs over the data interface.

Abstract: A reusable electronic circuit assembling system facilitates assembly and testing of electronic circuits. The system has at least one baseboard and one or more assembling blocks magnetically or mechanically attached to the baseboard. Each assembling block has at least two electrically connected conductive clips located separately in the opening holes of the assembly block. Discrete electronic components are connected by selectively inserting the electrodes of the to-be-connected electronic components into the clips of the assembling blocks. A complete circuit is constructed by attaching the above block-component assemblies on the baseboard and connecting them in accordance with the desired circuit diagram.

Abstract: A useable electromagnetic blue print of the structure of space is disclosed. The blue print comprises an irregular tetrahedral arrangement comprising of four isosceles triangular faces each having two angles of approximately 54.73561 degrees and one of approximately 70.5 degrees, the four triangles being arranged in two pairs, the paired triangles being connected along the longer edges of each of the triangles, the included angle between the two faces of the paired triangles being 90 degrees, the long edges of the two pairs of triangles being of the approximate ratio of 100:86.6 relative to the four shorter edges, and the long edges being located perpendicularly with respect to each other on opposite sides of the tetrahedral arrangement. The tetrahedral arrangement provides a modular component which is close-packable with three other similar adjoining modular irregular tetrahedral arrangements defining a specifically dimensioned octahedral arrangement.

Abstract: This invention discloses a portable solar teaching aid, including a portable case of which the case body and cover are flexibly connected; a sunlight analog device, of which the analog light source is fixed in the case body; a solar energy conversion device for converting analog sunlight into electric energy; some teaching appliances, which have electrical connection with the solar energy conversion device. The present invention provides a portable case to install a sunlight analog device, a solar energy conversion device and some teaching appliances in, thereby it is easy to carry and suitable for teaching purpose. The sunlight analog device is powered by electric supply to generate light which is similar to sunlight. The light can be converted into electric energy by solar energy conversion device and then transmitted to teaching appliances.

Abstract: A device for the support of photovoltaic modules such that the tilt angles of the photovoltaic modules can be varied to modify the exposure of the photovoltaic modules to sunlight for the purpose of generating solar electricity. The device allows for the reversible attachment and detachment of photovoltaic modules, serves as the storage for the photovoltaic modules when the photovoltaic modules are detached, and is easily portable by a single person.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multipurpose rotation structure which is installed indoors or outdoors to be utilized for multiple purposes such as experience teaching tools by using repelling force between magnets disposed in an outer ring frame having the shape of a ring and in a weight body rotating in an inner space of the outer ring frame, by particularly using repelling force between magnets disposed in a weight body and a second weight body placed on the same guide ring, or by using repelling force between magnets disposed in an outer ring frame and an inner ring frame that are opposite to each other with respect to a weight body, or by using attractive force and repulsive force between magnets while sequentially changing the polarity of electromagnets disposed in an outer ring frame and an inner ring frame.

Abstract: A circuit modeling simulator is provided as an educational tool substantially duplicating and expanding a hardware-based breadboard educational tool. To do so, the system and method provides a circuit modeling simulator that allows a user to create and test a simulated electronic circuit, and includes a library of schematic components, displayed on the side of a screen that allows a user to drag and drop the components anywhere on the project screen, displayed at a center of the screen. The user can place multiple occurrences of each type of device, and each component includes a drop down window that allows the user to select the particular model and value of the component. The user is also provided with simulated testing devices or meters that display the appropriate values based on the circuit parameter behaviors.

Abstract: This invention discloses a portable solar teaching aid, including a portable case of which the case body and cover are flexibly connected; a sunlight analog device, of which the analog light source is fixed in the case body; a solar energy conversion device for converting analog sunlight into electric energy; some teaching appliances, which have electrical connection with the solar energy conversion device. The present invention provides a portable case to install a sunlight analog device, a solar energy conversion device and some teaching appliances in, thereby it is easy to carry and suitable for teaching purpose. The sunlight analog device is powered by electric supply to generate light which is similar to sunlight. The light can be converted into electric energy by solar energy conversion device and then transmitted to teaching appliances.

Abstract: A rotation apparatus includes at least one magnet, and a flexible suspension coupled to the at least one magnet or to a moveable object. The at least one magnet is suspended from the suspension directly or via the moveable object. Moreover, when the flexible suspension causes rotation in a first direction via a force, the at least one magnet alternately rotates in the first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: Kit of building blocks for constructing educational electronic circuits comprising a ferromagnetic base plate (10) with the diagram (21) of the circuit to construct. A transparent plastic sheet (30) covers the diagram. A group of magnets (40, 41) rest on the plastic sheet attracted by the plate (10). The surface of the magnets (40, 41) is electrically conducting. A plurality of building blocks can be detachably mounted on the magnets (40, 41), each magnet (41) connecting the steel sheets (702) of the building blocks that rest on it. The steel sheets of the blocks are designed so that the attraction forces that arise between the magnets and the sheets drive the modules exactly to a desired equilibrium position.

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 useable electromagnetic blue print of the structure of space is disclosed. The blue print comprises an irregular tetrahedral arrangement comprising of four isosceles triangular faces each having two angles of approximately 54.73561 degrees and one of approximately 70.5 degrees, the four triangles being arranged in two pairs, the paired triangles being connected along the longer edges of each of the triangles, the included angle between the two faces of the paired triangles being 90 degrees, the long edges of the two pairs of triangles being of the approximate ratio of 100:86.6 relative to the four shorter edges, and the long edges being located perpendicularly with respect to each other on opposite sides of the tetrahedral arrangement. The tetrahedral arrangement provides a modular component which is close-packable with three other similar adjoining modular irregular tetrahedral arrangements defining a specifically dimensioned octahedral arrangement.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a plurality of leadframe assembly, each having a leadframe housing and a plurality of contacts carried by the leadframe housing. At least a pair of adjacent leadframe assemblies includes respective first and second conductive member portions that are seated in the leadframe housing at a desired location with respect to the corresponding electrical contacts.

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: An insulating baseboard which contains within itself a number of embedded magnets, accessible from top and bottom surface, which locate and hold in place component holders on which can be located ferromagnetic rods which when assembled combine to create electronic circuits. The component holders include eyelet cores and may include electronic components which align themselves with the magnets embedded in the baseboard and in turn hold in place ferromagnetic rods positioned on top of the eyelet cores. The ferromagnetic rods lie in a horizontal plane above and in parallel with the insulating baseboard and in-line or at 90 degrees to each other when viewed from above to produce a working circuit that replicates standard schematic circuit diagrams. Non-friction vertical connections can be made by means of connecting wires having ferromagnetic ends and which are held in place within the hollow part of the eyelet core by magnetism.

Abstract: A rotation apparatus includes at least one magnet, and a flexible suspension coupled to the at least one magnet. The at least one magnet is suspended from the suspension. Moreover, when the flexible suspension causes rotation in a first direction via a force, the at least one magnet alternately rotates in the first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A re-positionable magnetic art apparatus which is provided in a variety of shapes and sizes. Characters of the apparatus are attracted to a sheet which underlies a picture within a frame, the frames provided in a variety of shapes. A clear laminate covering the picture separates the removably positionable characters from the picture, thereby providing for picture clarity throughout the life of the apparatus. Pictures are provided with characters which match both picture theme and picture scale, ensuring realistic artistic expression. Accessory character material is available which is printable on an inkjet printer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for demonstrating the antistatic properties of at least one first transparent glass substrate, at least part of one of the main surfaces of which is an antistatic surface, said device comprising a hollow box having an upper surface provided with at least one window to which said first transparent glass substrate is fitted, wherein said box contains elements capable of moving under the action of electrostatic attraction, said elements being chosen from cellular particles of synthetic or natural polymers, individualized fibers of synthetic or natural polymers and their blends. The present invention further relates to a method for demonstrating the antistatic properties of at least one first transparent glass substrate by means of the above device.

Abstract: Proposed is a training and simulation device for electric functional processes in electric, electromechanical and electrofluidic systems, with a controller (14) for the simulation and visual reproduction of system components (25-31) on a display (11), and with electric terminals (13) located adjacent to the display (11) for cable connection to hardware components of the system, wherein optical inputs and/or outputs of the simulated system components on the display (11) are assigned to at least a part of the terminals (13) and wherein the controller (14) comprises means for generating electric voltages at the terminals (13) of assigned outputs of the simulated system components (31) and/or for generating reactions of the simulated system components (25-30) in dependence on voltages externally applied to terminals (13) assigned to inputs of said simulated system components.

Abstract: A modular wearable circuit suitable for demonstrating basic principles and/or concepts of electronics and electronic components by providing any number of the garments that can cooperate as a set to define a variety of different circuits capable of performing electrical or electronic functions. Each garment includes an integrated conductive network connected to one or more conductive connection points and one or more electronic components. Each garment represents and operates as at least one electronic component and is cooperative with one or more complementary garments to define one or more electronic circuits capable of performing an assortment of electronic operations.

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: The present invention is an electronic circuit experiment board, which is composed of an insulated base plate, copper binding posts and a bracket and so on. The base plate is divided into an upper plate and a lower plate, which have binding post inserting holes and circlips. The binding posts can be inserted into the binding post inserting holes and then be fastened by the circlips. There are a binding hole and a screw hole on the ends of the binding posts respectively. The binding post also includes a screw lever cooperated with the screw hole, a positioning groove and a positioning ring. The experiment board has the advantages of good contact performance, convenient to use, high experimental efficiency, long service life and strong ability of splicing and dilatancy, arranging elements in double sides, and multilayer wiring in electronic circuit.

Abstract: A modular wearable circuit suitable for demonstrating basic principles and/or concepts of electronics and electronic components by providing any number of the garments (10) that can cooperate as a set to define a variety of different circuits capable of performing electrical or electronic functions. Each garment includes an integrated conductive network connected to one or more conductive connection points (22) and one or more electronic components (24). Each garment represents and operates as at least one electronic component and is cooperative with one or more complementary garments (10) to define one or more electronic circuits capable of performing an assortment of electronic operations.

Abstract: Reverse-Rotation Displays produce unexpected motion. They are especially useful for teaching high school and college students principles of the physical sciences. In addition, these Displays can be used for commercial and noncommercial purposes. Another use involves the design of special purpose flywheels that are capable of storing energy and/or converting rotational speed. The Displays move in the forward direction because of a motor. They move in the reverse direction because of forces that come from magnets embedded in a Display, and the Earth's magnetic field.

Abstract: A manual for teaching and/or demonstrating the assembly and/or operation of a transmittable energy circuit, wherein the manual has a base hinged to a plurality of pages for folding the pages over or away from the base, wherein at least one of the pages has conductor portions of an energy circuit thereon, and wherein the portions are provided with electrical connectors for receiving one or more electrical components adapted for completing the circuit, and wherein at least one of the pages has instructions thereon for so completing said circuit.

Abstract: The device described is an Electronic Simulator for use as a teaching aid. This device uses fluid with suspended particles representing electrons that can be seen flowing through the transparent parts. This hydraulic based teaching aid visually demonstrates electronic principles including but not limited to; voltage, current, circuit path, resistance, capacitance, and semiconductors. Battery, Capacitor, Conductor, Diode, Resistor, Switch and Transistor functions are all simulated with quick connected transparent hydraulic components. A flow meter measures current Amps. A pressure gauge measures Volts Seeing the “electrons” flow thru the transparent components teaches the basic principles of electronics quickly and easily. A small air pump serves to charge the Battery. When pneumatically pressurized, the Battery supplies the hydraulic force to push the particle suspended fluid through the different components.

Abstract: Educational kit which combines a unitized regenerative fuel cell with a demonstration platform to illustrate the principals of fuel cell use and application. A fuel cell education kit provides valuable exposure to the principals of fuel cell generated electricity to children. The fuel cell is a regenerative fuel cell converting water into hydrogen and oxygen during a charging cycle and reversing the process during discharge. A proton exchange membrane drives the process.

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 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: A construction kit comprising a plurality of connectable magnetic members having north and south magnetic poles on their opposite faces.

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: Teaching apparatus for demonstrating the effect of a magnetic field on a magnetic moment wherein a pair of electromagnet coils produce a uniform and constant magnetic field in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of a surface on which the apparatus is supported, i.e. typically in a vertical direction. In one aspect a spherical insulator with a magnetic dipole imbedded at its center is positioned in the magnetic field and supported on an ultra-low friction air bearing for demonstrating the interaction of magnetic fields with magnetic moments. In another aspect, a magnetic dipole is located in the magnetic field and is suspended by a spring scale to allow direct measurement of translational forces in the presence of a magnetic field gradient. In another aspect, a rotatable magnet produces a uniform magnetic field in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first-mentioned field for demonstrating nutation when the spherical part is spinned and the magnet is rotated.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying a pattern of a magnetic field is provided, comprising a container, a solution within said container having a plurality of magnetic particles, suspended within the solution, that align with a magnetic field in the vicinity of the container, the magnetic particles causing the solution to flow as the particles move into alignment with the magnetic field, and a plurality of flow indicator particles, suspended within the solution so that the flow of the solution in response to the movement of the magnetic particles is displayed. A method for displaying a pattern of a magnetic field and a mixture for use in an apparatus for displaying a pattern of a magnetic field are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and measuring disturbances in an electromagnetic field caused by the electrostatic potential of a charged object moving the field includes a DC source, a loop/solenoid coil, and a metering unit. The DC source charges the loop/solenoid coil, and thereby creates the electromagnetic field that emanates from the coil. The metering unit is provided to (indirectly) sense and quantify the disturbances in the electromagnetic field of the loop/solenoid coil by indicating a change in a current flow through the coil. The apparatus may be configured with a housing to enclose a plurality of components of the apparatus including the DC source, the loop/solenoid coil, and the metering unit.

Abstract: An assembly board with a matrix of depending pegs uniformly spaced on orthogonal intersecting lines with pegs at intersections at half the distance adapted to selectively receive from a set, detachable and reusable electrical components housed in uniformly-shaped casings comprising at least 2 electrical connections uniformly spaced for interchangeability of components and stackable at the connections. Components with 2 connections are elongated with connection terminals at each end a standard distance apart. Components requiring a third connection are constructed in an equilateral triangular housing with a base having 2 terminals spaced apart the standard distance and a third connection half the standard distance from the base. Components having 4 or more connections are housed in a rectangular housing having terminals at corners with first opposing sides having terminals the standard distance apart at corners and the sides being spaced apart half the standard distance.

Abstract: A puzzle using two layers of sixteen small, thin, disc type magnets in an upper and lower matrix of 4.times.4 each, whereby the top layer of revolving magnets are colored in two colors at the north and south pole of the magnets, and are horizontally confined to their place, but can turn around showing either one of the colors while the lower layer is confined vertically and whereby each of the magnets can change its position within the lower matrix by a mechanism of sliding bars in x and y direction, thereby maintaining its original north-south direction. This mechanism enables each of the confined individual magnets in the lower layer (matrix) to move around whereby always four magnets in a row are moved one position in the matrix either in x or y direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for demonstrating autorotation in conjunction with superconductivity. First and second discs constructed of superconductive materials are stacked one on top of the other in an insulated container. A disc-shaped permanant magnet is positioned generally in the center of the upper superconductive disc. Liquid nitrogen is poured into the container, and after the temperature of the discs is lowered to a temperature at which they become superconductive, the magnet is levitated by the Meissner effect and begins to rotate due to the stacked configuration of the superconductive discs.

Abstract: An educational toy for use with children in an age range of about 4 to 12 as a mounting base with an upper surface on which various action modules are mounted. The action modules include a DC power source, and a switch. The action modules can include a number of devices capable of producing light such as light bulbs, sound such as a buzzer or bell and motion such as a DC motor and gear box and drive belts. The wire connecting the switch to the action modules are connected by realtively large alligator clamps that can be manipulated by a relatively young child. The base for the toy comprises an internal hollow cavity. During shipment from the factory to the retailer and from the retailer to home, the action modules, the battery module, batteries and the like are all stored within the cavity of the base. The cavity can be closed by paste on paper or shrink wrap or the like. This provides a cheap but intellectually challenging variable top for experimentation by the developing child.

Abstract: An artificial gravity generation system consisting of at least one pair of high-voltage electrodes. A plurality of electrodes of alternating polarity may be arranged in a grid pattern to form an artificial gravity mat which may be used in spacecraft. The system may also be used outside a spacecraft to retrieve floating objects.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of testing ultra large area integrated circuits. The circuit has a plurality of individually addressable elements. The method comprises providing a dispersed chargeable powder with the integrated circuit in proximity to and above the powder. At least one device of the integrated circuit is electrically selected. An electrical potential is applied between the integrated circuit and the dispersed powder. The potential causes the chargeable particles to adhere to substantially only functional selected devices of the integrated circuit, thereby differentiating between functional and non-functional devices.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises five main components: two catalysed electrodes (1 and 2), and three plastics parts, a top tube (3), a spacer (4) and a bottom tube (5). The apparatus may be partially immersed in a liquid mixture (11) of fuel and electrolyte, e.g. methanol and potassium hydroxide, so that the liquid mixture (11) is able to freely circulate in contact with the underside of the upper electrode (1) and both sides of the lower electrode (2) while the top side of the upper electrode (1) is exposed to the air. The apparatus thus operates as a fuel cell in which the methanol is oxidized by oxygen from the air to produce carbon dioxide, water and electrical energy. The apparatus can be used in the teaching of a wide range of scientific principles. It can also form the basis of a small commercial fuel cell capable of powering a light, radio, television etc.

Abstract: According to principles of the invention, an educational device is provided for investigating and teaching about electromagnetic fields. The device includes a pair of toroid magnets each having a north pole and a south pole. As is known, a toroid magnet is generally doughnut-shaped with a hole in the middle; one side is north, the other south. The toroid magnets are held together by a magnet support member. The magnets are positioned with their holes aligned to form a common passageway. Like magnetic poles face each other so that the magnets of the pair repel each other. An electrically conductive, metallic, L-shaped rod extends through the common passageway formed by both holes of the pair of toroid magnets. A rod support member is coupled to the base of the rod in a manner to permit the rod to pivot about its base.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing electrochemical experiments in a laboratory for teaching the principles thereof is disclosed. The apparatus includes a holder unit, having a plurality of fluid-receiving recesses, and ion-conductive elements or substances, formed from a plant material having sufficient capillary action to permit ion travel therethrough. One recess receives an electrolytic solution, any remaining two recesses receive metallic salt solutions, and an ion-conductive substance is placed to extend from immersion in each salt solution to the electrolyte solution, forming in conjunction with the electrolytic solution an ion-conducting electrolyte bridge. Thin strips of a metal element are partially immersed in each reactant solution to initiate oxidation-reduction reactions, creating dissimilar electrodes forming a galvanic cell.

Abstract: An electrical machines constructional set comprises a base plate for mounting a pair of stator elements and including bearing apertures for a rotor shaft and a plurality of coupling holes for magnets or electro-magnets provided with complementary coupling prongs. A disk-shaped rotor element also has coupling holes, the number and arrangement of the coupling holes in the rotor element being the same as in the stator element so that parts are interchangeable to construct an electrical motor. A pair of circular disk elements made of soft iron having holes complementary to those of the stator and rotor elements are mounted on each end of the shaft to concentrate the magnetic flux provided by the magnetic elements.

Abstract: A magnetic toy is provided which is capable of teaching basic scientific principles, provides a high degree of challenge to the user in operation and is low in cost. The toy has a plurality of bar magnets rotatably mounted between upper and lower support surfaces and a magnetic wand element. When the magnetic wand element is moved in the vicinity of the bar magnets one or more of the bar magnets will move and will also rotate with proper use of the magnetic wand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic toy, and more specifically to a unique procedure which enables an operator to accomplish a series of unusual effects or formations, based on the phenomenon of residual magnetism. The method of the invention is made possible by manipulating a permanent magnet, a series of non-magnetic ferrous balls and a non-magnetic ferrous stick or rod.

Abstract: A toy including a housing having a front panel, a compass having a magnetic needle mounted on the panel, a pair of LED's on opposite sides of the compass, a sound alarm on the panel, and an electronic circuit, having a pair of contacts, which energizes one of the LED's and the sound alarm in response to the needle being pivoted in one direction to close one of the contacts, and which energizes the other LED and the sound alarm in response to the needle being pivoted in the other direction to close the other contact. The needle is pivoted by strategically positioned bar magnets external of the toy. The electronic circuit can be manually reset or automatically reset after a predetermined period.

Abstract: A simulated open circuit on high current electrical lines is generated, such that high currents, including transient currents, do not interact with and adversely effect the low current digital computer electronics which control the simulation. A bi-directional triode thyristor in its non-conducting state is triggered to enter its conducting state allowing current to flow through the thyristor and to trip a circuit breaker connected to the output of the thyristor. The tripping allows the thyristor to reset itself to its non-conducting state and to be ready for any new triggering signal.