Abstract: A method for dispensing absorbent articles for use by individuals, said method comprising a dispensing device containing at least two different types of absorbent articles and a means for allowing an individual to select one or more types of the absorbent articles in the dispensing device.

Abstract: An image display device preferably used for educational applications is disclosed. In the image display device, an instructor gives a lecture while seeing an original document without being disturbed by any element of the device. In addition, a video camera, which is detachably attached to the camera mount, may be tilted to the left or right or tilted upward or downward so that it is not required to move the original document when the left, right, upper or lower side of the document has to be picked up by the camera. The above display device also includes a means used as either a whiteboard or an OHP-filmed image revealing panel. The device thus improves educational effect when it is used for educational applications. The device is not expensive thus being widely used for educational applications without forcing excessive costs on the owner.

Abstract: A book having at least one fold out page with a metal insert which assists the placement or arrangement of magnetic manipulatives onto a page of the book.

Abstract: An exercise planner and method, in which a ringed binder contains a set of exercise cards, with each card showing a given exercise, the purpose of the exercise, describing the benefits of the exercise and how to perform it, and on the reverse of the card providing an easily erasable grid on which the user can record their workout progress. The order of the cards can be set in any desired arrangement so as to achieve a workout calculated to maximize the benefit to the user.

Abstract: A multi-level educational game apparatus and method for teaching children and adults language, mathematical, and other skills. The educational game includes a board and a plurality of cards. The board comprises a plurality of rows and columns, each having a letter, word, or picture imprinted thereon. The cards have letters, words, numbers, symbols, or pictures imprinted thereon that correspond to the participant's boards. The board game includes multi-levels of difficulty corresponding to varying individual language and other ability levels. An instructor will read aloud the card and give a brief explanation of the card's contents. When a participant recognizes the cards contents on his board, he will cover the respective box with a marker. The object of the game is to complete a row or other predetermined sequence of boxes prior to another participant.

Abstract: A selected number of pages are arranged in book-like fashion and bound together so that the book may be disposed either with the pages flat on a support or in easel-like disposition. A first side of one of the pages is disposed in proximity to a second side of an adjacent page when the book-like arrangement is in a closed condition. The first side of each page carries an illustration or picture of a portion of a story with each successive first side carrying another illustration or picture of another portion of the story, so that the first sides taken as a set illustrate substantially the entire story. The second sides of each page carries a copy of the illustration or picture on the adjacent first page and also carries textual material for the story correlated to the illustrations.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus whereby a user is able to perform an appropriate operation easily and without mistakes on the basis of guidance images related to the operation of the apparatus. Images related to operation guidance of the apparatus are input by a CCD line sensor and a reading motor beforehand and stored in a RAM. The user manipulates keys so that a guidance image necessary for an operation from among images related to operation guidance of the apparatus stored in the RAM is displayed on a display device.

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

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis system in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing vessel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: A method for teaching musical notation to children. Each note is associated with a distinctly identifiable color, which is in turn associated with an object which naturally occurs in this color. Each object, in turn, is associated with a cartoon character which prominently incorporates an image of the object. Each character is endowed with a distinctly identifiable personality characteristic which enables the child to utilize the cartoon character in an educational activity. These relationships allow the child to apply relatively sophisticated symbolization techniques which are a part of the child's natural developmental process in order to master the musical notation system.

Abstract: A tool is usable as an educational tool, a diagnostic tool or a toy and is designed to develop or diagnose a user's matching, classifying, or labeling skills using primarily visual feedback and manual manipulation--skills possessed by even non-verbal students. The tool comprises one or more boards each of which may be handheld or may include devices for mounting the board on a wall, table, or another support. Each board is also constructed of a durable and preferably rigid material permitting significant rough handling by the user. Each board is composed of at least one panel, and typically two or more panels each of which presents at least one work area having a target and a pocket mounted thereon. The user's matching or classifying skills are ascertained and/or developed by inserting cards in pockets bearing characters matching those borne by the associated targets. The boards may be foldable or combinable so as to vary the number of targets involved in the matching, classifying, or labeling task.

Abstract: A fold out display is particularly adapted to support a wide variety of different types of group work activities, team projects, and the like, and includes a free standing base which fixedly supports a primary panel having an exterior display surface. At least one foldable panel is hingedly supported on the primary panel for movement between a closed folded position overlying the primary panel, and an open unfolded position protruding outwardly coplanar with the primary panel. The foldable panel includes at least an interior display surface which overlies the display surface of the primary panel when in the closed folded position. A one-piece living hinge has opposite side portions connected with the side edges of the primary and foldable panels, and is shaped such that when the foldable panel is shifted into the open unfolded position, the two display surfaces are juxtaposed in a substantially contiguous relationship to collectively provide an enlarged generally continuous and uninterrupted display.

Abstract: A system is shown to teach individuals the relationship between the visual size and the nutritional characteristics of portions of food by using either a life size image of, or the corporeal finger of the individual as a scale against life size images of different sized portions of different kinds of food, while showing the nutritional characteristics of such portions; and to adjust the relative sizes of portions of food to provide a nutritionally well-balanced meal.

Abstract: A simulated insect trapping surface for removably supporting visual representations of insects. A plurality of icons symbolizing insects, for attaching to the simulated trapping surface, and an adhesive interface between each icon and the surface for temporarily holding the icons on the surface, for teaching interpretation of an insect pattern in a sticky monitoring trap. Instead of the adhesive interface, the simulated trapping surface supports visual representations of the insects by including liquid crystal, and is transparent to light for optical projection of the representations for viewing and interpretation.

Abstract: A sticker book having at least three sheets. Each sheet is double-sided and can be folded at its center to form twelve pages. One sheet is printed on both sides with colored scenes forming four scene pages on which stickers may be placed. The remaining two sheets each contain, on one side thereof, two pages of die-cut stickers, each page corresponding to a scene page. On the other sides of such remaining sheets are printed instructional pages in black and white, showing how the stickers can be placed on the scene pages. The instructional pages have a surface adapted to be colored. On assembly, the scene sheet is sandwiched between the sticker/instructional sheets and the three sheets are folded to form at least a twelve-page combined sticker activity and coloring book which can be used both to entertain and to teach a child.

Abstract: Assembly fixtures for assembling and stuffing a ribbon into a ribbon cartridge for use with a typewriter, or a printer, comprises a base plate, stops on the base plate forming a space for receiving a ribbon cartridge, and an instruction card mounted on the base plate for instructing the operator how to assemble and stuff a ribbon cartridge. The instruction card may include three-dimensional drawings of the ribbon cartridge and its parts. A method of assembling and stuffing a ribbon cartridge includes the steps of providing an assembly fixture having a base plate and a ribbon cartridge space providing instruction cards mounted on the base plate for instructing an operator, guiding the ribbon cartridge into the cartridge space on the base plate, and following the instructions mounted on the base plate to assemble and stuff the ribbon cartridge.

Abstract: A circular book configuration wherein each page consists of a fixed section of a circle folded over the next adjacent page. Multiple circular book leaves are stacked on top of each other with a common center and each leaf is connected to its two adjacent leaves along the radius of the circle to form a continuous spiral or helicoidal structure, so that each page can be folded over the next page in a continuous spiraling manner from one end of the book to the other. The book is assembled in reverse order of display by starting from the top leaf, which contains the last page of the book, folding it over the next to the last page, and so on down the spiral of stacked circular leaves. When all pages are thus folded, the result is a book shaped like a pie wedge, wherein the last folded page corresponds to the first page to be viewed. The book is viewed by continuously unfolding successive pages, which results in a continuing full circular view being seen at all times.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for containing and displaying photographs of the items of clothing and related articles contained within a user's wardrobe. The apparatus includes leaves for holding and displaying photographs and a binder for holding the leaves and for grouping the leaves into tiers whereby a photograph in one tier can be compared and viewed with various photographs in the other tiers.

Abstract: A test kit for performing a diagnostic procedure. The kit comprises a plastic base which has an upper surface. The base is formed from a plastic material and a plurality of upwardly opening nests are provided in the upper surface of the base. A test component is provided in each of the nests in a manner such that the components may be displayed and made available for use. The test components are preferably displayed in essentially the plane of the upper surface of the base and an instruction booklet is provided so as to overlie the test components at the beginning of the procedure. The arrangement of the components and the size and shape of the pages of the booklet are such that as the user follows the instructions and turns pages in the booklet, components remain hidden from view until needed in conducting the procedure. The pages of the booklet are progressively shorter from front to back in the booklet so that as the pages are turned components of the kit come into view as needed.

Abstract: In a system and a method of testing a person in the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and for evaluating training exercises therein, a training device simulating a patient includes sensors for detecting various resuscitation procedures performed thereon. Parameter signals from the sensors are fed to a computer including a series of counters, a timing means and various memories, for analyzing the parameter signals and assessing whether the corresponding operations have been correctly or incorrectly performed. The values processed by the computer are then displayed on a display providing a clear moving representation of the procedures performed on the training device, the representation taking place in real time on the basis of corresponding signals from the timing means, whereby, by viewing the display, the trainee operator can directly check and if appropriate correct the resuscitation procedures he is performing.

Abstract: An electronic print board is provided with an endless or continuous writing medium, on which a transparent sheet-shaped writing medium (3) is removably mounted. Any characters and figures written on both the writing media are combined, scaled down, and copied on recording paper by means of a recording device. In addition, another document can be inserted between the two writing media. Thus, the characters and figures written on the document and the transparent writing medium can be combined, scaled down, and copied on the recording paper by means of the recording device.

Abstract: An electronic print board which includes driving and support rollers rotatably mounted on a frame, an endless belt trained over the rollers, and a writing medium having a flat writing surface, wrapped around the rollers on the endless belt so as to substantially entirely surround the belt to thereby form an endless band-shaped screen. Fixing mediums are provided on the rear surface of the writing medium and the belt to removably mount the writing medium on the belt. A readout sensor receives light reflected from a picture image on the writing medium to provide a readout picture image to a recorder which records the picture image on recording paper. The exposed surface of the writing medium may be erasably written upon by, for example, a felt pen so that the writing medium may be repeatedly reused and easily detached and replaced when worn.

Abstract: A metal panel carries views depicting a human spine. A plurality of movable pieces corresponding in shape to vertebrae or disks depicted on the panel are provided with magnet means, so that the pieces may be placed to overlie vertebrae areas on the panel to illustrate normal spinal conditions, and may be shifted on the panel to illustrate abnormal conditions.

Abstract: A computer system for simulating a user-specified automated manufacturing and/or materials handling facility. The system includes a CPU interconnected to an operator terminal through which information is entered by a designer who specifies various computer-controlled components and operating parameters which are to be tested in a particular design. The system designer is provided with a catalog of user-oriented language descriptions of available components from which he can select the various components and their operating parameters. The user-oriented language descriptions entered by the system designer are used by the CPU to automatically create an operational prototype model for each selected component, which is then compiled by the CPU into a corresponding series of general purpose simulation statements which are processed to determine the simulated operation of the automated manufacturing and/or materials handling facility design.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus employed to simulate material conveying hardware and sensors to test control systems for factories and warehouses. The simulated conveying system is displayed on a color graphics CRT with the state of the input and output signals and a graphic representation of individual packages. Animation provided by the invention allows system operation to be observed. An attached operator's console has a command menu with functions to control the simulation. The simulated system may be started, stepped, stopped and the reaction of the control system observed on the color graphic CRT. Scenarios which represent the expected operation of the conveying system, may be set up to exercise the control system and determine system operation under stress or unusual operating conditions. The device may also be used to monitor an installed conveying system and provide diagnostic capabilities when actual operation does not meet expected operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aerial projectile game apparatus for playing along a horizontal play-field provided with a plurality of uprightly extending targets of the elevated cross-bar type and arranged in a courseway wherein the targets are to be serially consecutively engaged by a bola-type projectile according to some predetermined game-plan. The elevated cross-bar of the respective targets is preferably undulate along the transversely extending length to facilitate reliable engagement by the hurled bola and to permit various scoring values. The selected game-plan quest is optionally playable by two or more competing players respectively being assigned with an indentifiably marked bola. The game-plan to be selected might be analagous to that of prior art croquent utilizing rolling-ball projectiles, but instead utilizing an aerial bola projectile and an appropriate cross-bar type target.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for forming a cohesive display object and associated display items. The invention contemplates a display object which is at least partially covered with flock (crushed fiberous material, such as rayon) and at least one display item which back side is at least partially covered with flock. The method comprises the steps of coating at least part of the surface of the display object and the back of the display item with a non-drying adhesive; then covering the coated surface with flock. Contact of the adjacent flock-coated surfaces of the display object and items will create a cohesive force and removably secure the display item to the display object.

Abstract: A computer controlled interactive instruction system for teaching an individual comprising a peripheral having at least one sensor for producing a signal representing a function which has been or is to be manually performed by the individual, a first device for storing a sequence of signals representing instructions relating to the correct manner of performing the function, a first display coupled to the storing device for displaying the instructions, a second device for storing video and associated audio signals representing both pictorial and oral representations of the correct manner of performing the function, a second display for displaying the pictorial representation, and a computer coupled to the peripheral, the first and second storage devices and the first and second displays for causing an ordered sequence of the instruction signals in the first signal storage device to be displayed by the first display whereby the individual may learn to recognize and to perform the function, for receiving the sig

Abstract: A small lightweight electronic device to indicate the finger positions of a fretted stringed instrument represented by the musical intervals or chords in any key. The device has a series of on-off switches representing each of the desired musical keys and a series of switches representing the individual musical intervals over a desired range. The necessary circuitry is provided between these switches and a display of the frets and strings of the instrument such that the finger positions represented by a chord or series of musical intervals in a selected key are visually indicated on the display. Professional musicians and students or teachers of music for fretted stringed instruments can, using this device, visualize the location of intervals or chords of any key.

Abstract: An optic art kit is disclosed comprising one or more pieces of a pre-cut frame material (a section of which is constructed with an internal light source), a sheet of abradable material, a one scriber having engraving and abrasive portions, several triangular supports for freestanding assembly, and line drawings or other pictorial material for use as a pattern when abrading the sheet material. The pre-cut frame material is extruded from plastic and has a flat base, substantially perpendicular side portions and rounded top portions which terminate in parallel spaced apart clamping flanges which engage opposing sides of the sheet material. This frame material is preferably mitered so that it may adhere to all the edges of the sheet material to frame the sheet or, alternatively, to cooperate with one or more triangular supports to create a freestanding assembly. The resulting kit produces a professional, attractive edge-lit product which may be used for decoration or to provide information.