Abstract: A merchandise display system and method for related types of products in which each product is provided with a package bearing an icon indicating the type of product and its intended use, and an indicia of the quality of the product. A display is provided which includes panels setting forth the icons, and literal descriptions thereof, and which provides for arranging the product packages in rows and columns based upon the icon and indicia of quality on each package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to learn or to review clinical microbiology and infectious diseases by incorporating several concepts.

Abstract: A bulletin/write board includes opaque first member intended to be mounted on a wall or positioned upstanding on a horizontal surface. At least one overlay member is pivotally secured to said first member along juxtaposed edges of said members by a spirally wound hinge to permit the overlay member to be pivoted over or away from said first member. Said members are generally rigid and have smooth surfaces which permit removable adhesive placement of note items or wipe-off writings thereon. Fasteners are provided to permit selective fastening of said overlay member to said first member when the overlay member is positioned over said first member.

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 kit or cohesive group of reusable elements to aid a facilitator or trainer to enhance interchange and organization of group discussions comprising portable foldable backboards, plastic erasable, reusable recording sheets, at least one process display wallboard, multiple colored or imprinted cards of variable shapes and sizes that will allow recording thereon and removably cling to said sheets and said wallboard and necessary marking and erasing accessories. With a preferred embodiment further including a specially designed carrying cases for ease of transport of said components.

Abstract: A method of teaching music and the charts to do so are provided. The method includes the steps of: teaching the student that "every other finger plays every other key"; showing the student the hand placement on the keyboard that will correspond to a given set of indicia; providing a series of charts using the indicia that progressively allow the student to play chords with either hand, a melody with the right hand while playing a chord with the left hand, a multi-key melody with the right hand while playing a chord with the left hand; and finally instructing the student how the sheet music corresponds to the indicia in the charts so that the student can play sheet music.

Abstract: The invention is a device for teaching children about good nutrition, comprising a board divided into a plurality of regions and a plurality of tokens adapted to stick to the board. The tokens comprise at least:a) a plurality of first tokens, each of the first tokens corresponding to a single portion of a food or beverage item selected from a first specific food group; andb) a plurality of second tokens, each of the second tokens corresponding to a single portion of a food or beverage item selected from a second specific food group. The regions on the board comprise at least:a) a first region, where the first region is labelled as corresponding to the first specific food group; andb) a second region, where the second region is (1) labelled as corresponding to the second specific food group.

Abstract: A combination presentation organizer comprises a central graphic viewing area and attachment system for attachment to a suitable surface or structure such that the apparatus can provide ready visual access and convenient and efficient information storage and retrieval. The device is constructed of a suitable material, such as vinyl, which would be compatible with permanent or nonpermanent water or other solvent based ink markers, adhesive-backed notes, and could be transparent or opaque and of any color. Sized similar to a bulletin board or chalkboard and, optionally, a clipboard or other smaller design, the device can come with marking devices, pointers or notepads. The device is mounted using attachment system integral to the device including mating pieces of hook and loop fastening material, temporary, low-tack or permanent, high-tack adhesive.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for management of data collected over the course of a pregnancy which allows the physician to make better use of patient data in the ascertainment and treatment of potentially pathological conditions and which facilitates transfer of patient data to computer memory. The system includes a chart upon which a data point are indicated by placement of a mark relative to a vertical measurement axis and a horizontal gestational week time axis. Data expressed on the chart provide a retrospective graphical representation of developmental progress through the date of the most recent entry. Data from the chart may be transferred into computer memory with a laser scanner. A marking implement to facilitate scanning is also included.

Abstract: A reusable bulletin board display (10) for use in education. The reusable bulletin board display (10) is trimmed to fit on conventional bulletin boards (26), or other similar surfaces, according to pre-marked indicators (28) concentrically disposed about the border (24) of the display (10), mounted on the conventional bulletin board (26) by use of at least one attachment device (22), and set up and used according to the particular need. The reusable bulletin board display (10) may also be used for promotional, exhibition or advertising purposes. When the reusable bulletin board display (10) is no longer needed, it is dismounted from the conventional bulletin board (26), rolled up, placed in a storage device (40), and the storage device (40) is labelled using the preferred method of identification. The storage device (40) in which the reusable bulletin board display (10) is received is then stored until needed once again.

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

Abstract: A three-dimensional display device for commercial advertisement and science museum displays is disclosed. Three-dimensional elements are stacked horizontally or vertically along a stationary shaft around which they rotate, and are coupled together in such a way that they perform as a torsional wave medium and chaotic system. Display surfaces can be attached to the three-dimensional rotatable elements such that mirrors, text, imagery, and products can be viewed as the elements rotate. The rotatable elements can be spun by hand. Alternatively, servo motors and computer control permit the device to be choreographed and synchronized to an accompanying audio track.

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

Abstract: Cave plots are a graphical techniques for comparing two time series using overlapping and opposing coordinate systems. The plots are space-efficient, allowing comparisons involving many data points and can be used with irregularly-spaced time series.

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

Abstract: A visual aid system including a plasticized fabric covered fiberboard magnetic panel with the fiberboard having vertically extending and horizontally spaced strip magnets imbedded in the surface thereof and being secured at its rear surface to a supporting wall. A display panel made or porcelain enameled steel is magnetically attached to the magnetic panel. A tack panel is carried to the supporting wall and a cork panel is disposed between and is carried by said magnetic panel and said tack panel.

Abstract: A system and method for scheduling a meeting uses several partially translucent sheets, one for each prospective attendee. Each partially translucent sheet contains an array of blocks of time, in which the rows correspond to time periods and the columns correspond to dates. The prospective attendee darkens the blocks corresponding to times that he is not available to attend the meeting, and sends the completed sheet to the organizer. The organizer then assembles the sheets, and stacks and aligns them so that the blocks line up. By viewing the stack of partially translucent sheets, preferably with a light source, the organizer can quickly identify the times when all prospective attendees are available for the meeting by identifying those blocks that remain translucent.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for preparing a bleach accelerator silver salt dispersion by precipitating a salt of a bleach accelerating compound and a silver salt wherein the vAg is maintained at a predetermined level during the precipitation. This invention further provides a photographic element containing a dispersion of grains of a bleach accelerator silver salt wherein the grains are isomorphic or derived from needle or platelet isomorphic crystals.

Abstract: A portable game board structure is arranged to provide for coaches and the like to illustrate various plays and examples relative to a game playing situation. The game board includes a rigid perimeter having a central opening, with one of a plurality of game boards mounted to the perimeter centrally oriented relative to the opening. Clip structure mounted relative to the opening is arranged to selectively secure the game boards thereto, with magnetic tokens utilized to indicate opposing teams in illustrative strategy play. The tokens, as well as a white writing instrument, are magnetically adhered to a perimeter frame portion of the game board apparatus.

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 kit, structure, and method for displaying pictures of related individuals or couples in a family tree according to actual family relationships The kit has at least one picture holder in the shape of a heart and several in the shape of leaves One or more branches are provided to connect the picture holders according to a structure suggested by family relationships. A heart shape around a picture represents marriage. A branch is extended from the heart shape if the marriage produced children. For each child of the marriage, a leaf picture holder is connected to the branch as if "growing" from it by a leafstalk. The marriage of a child is represented by an additional branch "grafted" into the child's leaf picture holder and an additional heart-shaped picture holder on that additional branch. If the child had children from this marriage, the additional branch extends beyond the additional heart and has additional leaf picture holders "growing" from it. This pattern continues for as many generations as desired.

Abstract: A garden planning kit including a book having a bottom panel, first spiral binder attached to a marginal edge of the bottom panel, second spiral binder attached to an opposite marginal edge of the bottom panel, and a plurality of transparent overlays. A first overlay is attached to the first spiral binder, and a second overlay and a third overlay are attached to the second spiral binder. All of the overlays may be moved on their respective spiral binders between a first position generally overlying the bottom panel and a second position away from the bottom panel. The first overlay depicts the plan view of the lower portion of preselected plants. The second overlay has blooms of said preselected plants at a first time of year depicted on it, and the third overlay depicts blooms of the plants at a second time of year different from the first time of year.

Abstract: A countertop sink illustrator and method utilize a photographic process to image a selected sink and countertop to produce an image corresponding to the image area surrounding and including the sink as well as the sink opening portion of a countertop. An illustrator includes a substrate having a front surface upon which a full-size color reproduction image of the imaged area including the sink, sink opening, and surrounding countertop portion is supported upon one surface thereof. The reverse surface of the substrate supports a dimensional drawing having appropriate dimensional information relating to the sink opening an sink structure for use by the consumer in determining the size requirements of the particular sink. A clear laminate formed of a pair of clear plastic laminations is secured to the substrate surfaces to provide a protective supporting enclosure.

Abstract: A tool for use by an incident commander for organizing, deploying and managing resource units assigned by the commander in a incident control operation. A carrying case including a variety of graphic displays and movable tags identifying regional resources. A first graphic contains the tags of potentially available resources for that operation. A second graphic to which the tags are moved upon the resources represented by the tags being assigned to that operation. A third graphic to which the tags are moved to identify tasks assigned to the specific units.Additional graphic displays provide expansion of the incident organization determined by the size and severity of the incident. Graphic displays are segregated by area responsibility such as medical, finance, etc. A command graphic enables the expansion of the chain of command. In all cases, individuals having supervisory or management responsibility are identified and positioned within the chain of command.

Abstract: A graph comprising a distribution curve for displaying a distribution of test results for given population and a density gradient superimposed over the distribution curve for displaying and probability of an event or condition occurring for each such test result in the distribution. Typically the distribution curve is plotted against a cartesian coordinate system. The density gradient is superimposed below the distribution curve and shows the increasing risk of a condition as a function of a test result by an increase in density of the gradient with increasing risk. A marker imposed on the distribution curve shows the test result for a specific individual.

Abstract: A board apparatus is arranged for educational presentation of inter-relationship relative to atomic particles and their associated energy levels relative to interaction of such particles, wherein the board structure includes a central ferrous metallic base plate formed with a perimeter framework accommodating a plurality of ferrous metallic discs to simulate atomic particles such as electrons and their interaction relative to one another. A modification of the invention includes a dispenser housing mounted to a first side of the framework and a container housing mounted to a second side of the framework to provide for the respective dispensing of the discs and the storage of writing instruments.

Abstract: A method of visually presenting information representative of the dip characteristics of earth formations by means of a polychromatic chart. The preferred method comprises representing the dip information by means of an arrow plot comprising oriented symbols such as a nail so that the location of each nail head and the orientation of its tips are respectively representative of the amplitude of the dip and the azimuth direction of the dip. Each nail head is colored as a function of the direction of the dip with the color selected from a palette comprising a plurality of colors corresponding to dip azimuth directions.

Abstract: A graph comprising a distribution curve for displaying a distribution of test results for given population and a density gradient superimposed over the distribution curve for displaying the probability of an event or condition occurring for each such test result in the distribution. Typically the distribution curve is plotted against a cartesian coordinate system. The density gradient is superimposed below the distribution curve and shows the increasing risk of a condition as a function of a test result by an increase in density of the gradient with increasing risk. A marker imposed on the distribution curve shows the test result for a specific individual.

Abstract: A large number of keys arranged in a matrix are provided on the keyboard (KB) of a host computer. Of these keys, keys (K10, . . . , K15, . . . ), located at positions corresponding to Learning terminals in a classroom, are assigned to the respective learning terminals.

Abstract: A white board comprises a front surface layer composed of a polyester film having undergone a hard coat treatment and a rear surface layer composed of a sheet-like magnet. The white board can be easily attached to and detached from steel walls, glass plates, etc. and stored in a rolled state when not in use.

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

Abstract: An index sheet formed of one recording sheet on which are printed, as small-size positive images in parallel rows, a plurality of scenes recorded on an image recording medium such as, for example, a photographic film, a still video floppy, a video cassette, or a video disc. The small positive images are arranged in the same order they were taken, and frame numbers are printed in juxtaposition with the respective positive images. To produce such an index sheet, a plurality of strips of negative are copied onto photographic paper in a reduced size with the negative strips inserted in a negative sheath. For a magnetic or optical image recording medium for a very large number of images, a lesser plurality of scenes read out are edited in such a manner as to arrange in a representative sample and thereafter are printed on a recording sheet.

Abstract: A displayboard comprises sheets with a plastics foam core formed in situ between them. Edging strips having internal channels in which the edges of the board lie are mechanically connected directly to the sheets either by tongues that project out of the sheets into recesses in the sides of the channels or by the pressure of the foam core when being formed forcing parts of the sheets into the recesses. The edging strips have external channels serving auxiliary functions, e.g. securing the displayboard to wall brackets, securing a hinge joining a second displayboard, securing a pencil tray and carrying a pelmet containing a spring-loaded clamp for clamping papers against the edging strip.

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

Abstract: An activity display article is constructed to have multi-educational features especially useful for teaching basic skills to young children. The article comprises at least one activity sheet having visual objects printed thereon. A magnetic strip is mounted on a back side of the activity sheet for holding the paper sheet to a ferrous base surface. A set of manipulatives is used with the printed activity sheet. Magnetic means on the manipulatives permit a variety of educational uses, including word association and matching.

Abstract: An electronic blackboard includes a writing sheet movable along a predetermined path and having a plurality of writing sections spaced apart one from another, reading means for optically reading the writing sheet, and recording means for recording information read by the reading means of a recording medium as a hard copy. In one aspect, the image information read by the reading means is subjected to thresholding operation to produce a binary image data, and a standard concentration pattern is provided on the recording sheet and it is used to automatically set a proper threshold level to be used in the thresholding operation. In another aspect, it is so structured that the writing sheet may be stopped with one of the plurality of writing sections in registry with or out of registry with a predetermined window.

Abstract: A chart is divided into sections representing different times of day and days of the week for providing a space to indicate and document when medication should be taken as well as to indicate if the medication has been taken. A plurality of sets of different distinctively shaped and colored stickers are provided which are clearly visibly distinguishable one set from the other sets. A selected set of stickers is chosen for each medication which is to be taken and the sticker from that set is affixed on the chart on the appropriate day and time as prescribed by the user's doctor. At the same time, the same shaped sticker from that selected set is affixed on the prescription container.

Abstract: A communication aid that is useful to individuals who have lost the ability to communicate with other individuals by talking and/or writing. The communication aid includes a generally flat plate or panel which carries thereon a plurality of short message portions, such as words or phrases in human readable form. A plurality of manually placeable tokens are provided. Each token carries a sequence indicator, such as a number or letter, thereon. The handicapped individual selectively places a number of these tokens on the plate in a sequence, so as to communicate a message logically readable by individuals who observe the plate. This complete message is composed by reading the short message portions in the sequential order of the numbers or letters that are carried by the tokens, to thereby form the long message.

Abstract: A decorative wall panel includes a fabric covering on a board removably secured to an existing wall. The rear of the board carries a plurality of "VELCRO" fasteners for cooperation with corresponding fasteners on the wall. The panels may be easily secured to the wall, such as a drywall partition, and may be just as easily removed whenever desired.

Abstract: By providing a plurality of independent, readily identifiable, movable members, each of which represents a pre-defined food group and portion and positioning the movable members in cooperative association with meal designating zones, a unique, highly flexible food consumption, planning and control system is achieved. The plurality of movable members comprise in their entirety, all of the food to be consumed by an individual in one day, and the meal designating zones identify all of the meals to be eaten by that individual during one day. By moving each food designating member from an intake designating zone to a meal designating zone, for each food group and portion consumed during that meal, the individual can quickly and easily control and record the food to be consumed, as well as develop diverse, varied meals within the desired maximum caloric intake allowed.

Abstract: A pattern erasably written on a black board or a flexible sheet in a meeting is printed to a hard copy through scanning of the pattern by an image sensor which provides an electrical signal relating to the pattern, and printing the pattern on a paper according to said electrical signal. The present print board comprises a housing, a writing sheet or a black board mounted on said housing, an elongated lamp for illuminating an elongated portion of said sheet, an image sensor to provide an electrical signal relating to the pattern on a scanning line on the sheet illuminated by said lamp, means for relatively moving said image sensor to said sheet for full scanning of the pattern, and a printer for providing a hard copy of the pattern with smaller size than said pattern according to said electrical signal from said image sensor.

Abstract: The panel has a light, generally rigid cardboard or foamed cork core to opposite sides of which are laminated two, thin sheets of steel foil ranging from 2 to 5 mils in thickness. Paper sheets are secured to and cover the outer surfaces of the steel foil; and these sheets have transparent plastic covers secured thereover. The panel has an overall thickness of less than 0.1" and weighs less than one pound per square foot--e.g. approximately 7 oz./sq. ft. The edges of the panel are covered by strips of molding to prevent injury from the sharp edges of the steel foil and to prevent damage to the panel. Magnetically-backed symbols are releasably attachable to the plastic cover layers, which also are adapted to have erasable graphics marked thereon by liquid crayon or the like.

Abstract: An activity center includes a plurality of polygonal frames pivotally connected together. Each frame includes an open area accessible from each side thereof and an activity device mounted therein whereby each device is accessible from either side of its respective frame. At least some of the activity devices are movable with respect to their respective frames. Particular elements of the activity center are interchangeable among the respective activity devices and the devices are generally cooperable with each other, therey enhancing the usefulness of the apparatus.

Abstract: A mimic panel is formed by a series of like aluminum strip members. The strip members B are slid through the strip members A and rotated 90.degree. into the position shown in the drawing. Some of the intersections of the members A and B are spot welded together. Mimic tiles 18 are then placed in the structure and held in position by spring clips 20. There are 1600 mimic tiles per square meter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dividing the working space of a restaurant into selected stations and for assigning service personnel to these stations comprising identification elements each associated with a respective subject and adapted for being magnetically attracted onto a layout which comprises a transparent plastic sheet on which are drawn divisions of the restaurant into separate sections and an underlying floor plan showing on a reduced scale, the physical area of the restaurant. A correlation sheet is secured in proximity to the layout to indicate the particular subject associated with its respective identification element and its station in accordance with the number of stations which the restaurant is to be divided at any given time of day. A plurality of transparent sheets are furnished corresponding to the maximum number of divisions of the restaurant into separate sections.

Abstract: A device for motivating dieters to maintain a program for weight loss. A planar board with foldable portions to support it in an upright position and having printed indicia forming a plurality of spaces designating progressively the number of pounds that a dieter wishes to lose during a weight loss program. In combination with the board are foldable cartons whose size on one end are related to each space on the board. When a dieter commences a weight-reduction program, a number of cartons equalling the number of pounds to be lost are stacked against the indicia of the board to coincide with the designated spaces. For each pound that the dieter loses, he or she is entitled to remove one carton, unfold it and place it in a flat carton holder in the rear of the board.

Abstract: A teaching device, for use in a classroom, comprising a hand-held size calculator adapted to normally include a display for showing the numerical output of the calculator, and adapted to include a face plate having a plurality of keys which are arranged in a particular pattern and which bear indicia indicating the calculator function of the keys. The calculator does include a circuit for producing a signal in response to depression of the face plate keys of the hand-held size calculator. The teaching device further includes an enlarged keyboard including a plurality of enlarged keys arranged in a key pattern simulating the face plate keys of the hand-held size calculator, and indicia on the enlarged keys simulating the indicia on the faceplate keys of the hand-held size calculator. The indicia is readily readable anywhere within the classroom. The keyboard also includes a plurality of switches responsive to depression of the keyboard keys.

Abstract: An educational game for facilitating the teaching of the recognition of musical symbols by elementary school pupils comprises an instruction chart representing football players and musical symbols and presenting similarities between player position names and the names of the musical notes. The game is played on a board representing a football field and movable pieces are attached to the board to indicate team positions. Flashcards showing the musical symbols on one side and the names of the symbols on the other are used to secure pupil recognition of the symbols and to position the team piece favorably upon correct recognition by the pupil.

Abstract: A menu board is provided which utilizes members carrying interchangeable numbers, letters or other characters, and possesses special features which render the menu board highly legible. The menu board is provided with window-like openings and means for replaceably mounting the interchangeable character members behind the board openings. The character members include appendages selectively engageable with end stops provided on the board, or with slots provided on the board for positioning and locking the members in place. In one embodiment, the characters are each of a selected length and are overlaid one upon the other within the board openings, but so that the characters themselves are not overlain as viewed from the front of the menu board. Alignment means is provided for controlling the registration of the characters with respect to one another within the windows, and locking means is provided for securing each group of character members in place.