Abstract: A teaching aid is disclosed herein that includes at least one gallon model, four quart models, two pint models, and two cup models. The appropriate measurement is attached to each model, thus showing a student how many of each measurement are in each model. A method for teaching students is also disclosed herein, using the teaching aid and the associated models.

Abstract: A child shoe-lacing and dressing learning kit for teaching a child between the ages of 3 and 6 to tie shoes and dress oneself. The child shoe-lacing and dressing learning kit includes a pair of strap members each having an outer side and first and second longitudinal edges and being adapted to fasten about thighs of seated users; and also includes a pair of shoe members being removably fastened upon the outer sides of the strap members and having shoe lace holes therein; and further includes shoe laces for lacing up the shoe members; and also includes fastening members being attached to the strap members and to the shoe members.

Abstract: A firearm laser training system according to the present invention includes a laser transmitter assembly and a cartridge adapter assembly, while employing modified blank cartridges to simulate firearm operation. The modified blank cartridges each have a quantity of explosive substance sufficient only to cycle the firearm. The laser assembly is configured for attachment to a firearm barrel and front sight and emits a beam of laser light toward a training system target in response to actuation of the firearm trigger. The laser beam is generally in the form of a pulse having a duration sufficient for the system target to detect a beam impact location. The cartridge assembly is disposed within the firearm barrel to adapt the firearm for compatibility with the modified blank cartridges for simulating firearm operation.

Abstract: A card game for learning entails competitive play between players. As the game proceeds, the winner of a match must recite out loud the facts of learning printed on the playing cards. The game repetitively exposes the players to facts in a given subject area such as math, history, science, geography, literature, etc. The learning experience may be geared to different age brackets by tailoring the subject facts to different age brackets. Audible and visual cues help players to associate information for memory retention. Different decks for different age brackets and subjects are provided.

Abstract: A systematic training method for use with the ADD child. The method begins with the instructor explaining the meaning of focusing one's attention to the child. The child is required to remain immobile for a suitable period. Next, the child is conditioned to maintain eye contact with the instructor for a sustained period. Once these objectives have been met, a series of tasks are given to the child focusing on the child's ability to: (1) follow oral commands to carry out physical actions; (2) recall an oral series of 3 or 4 numbers, letters, or words; (3) recall an oral series of 4 or 5 numbers, letters, or words; (4) recall a written series of 3 or 4 numbers, letters, or words; (5) recall a written series of 4 or 5 numbers, letters, or words; and (6) recall a written series of 5 numbers, letters, or symbols using color variations for each.

Abstract: A safety device includes a material, and a cone holding the material and having an opening from which the material can be dispensed. The material can have absorbent properties and/or can be configured to warn of a hazard by displaying cautionary information. A hazard can be addressed by providing the cone containing the material within an area prone to hazards, and, after a hazard is created within the area, removing material from the cone and placing the material on the hazard.

Abstract: A method of warning of a hazard includes placing a container containing a plurality of mats, having cautionary information thereon, in an area prone to hazards. In addition, the method contemplates that a first person who notices a hazard will remove a mat from the container and place it over the hazard to warn a subsequent passerby of the existence of the hazard. Finally, the method provides leaving the mat over the hazard until a second person removes the hazard. In addition, the method may include providing on the mats a liquid impermeable cover and a padded portion. The padded portion may aid the second person in eliminating a hazard involving sharp objects. Further, the padded portion may be absorbent to aid in eliminating a liquid hazard. Moreover, the mat or the cover may be brightly colored to attract the eye of passersby to aid in warning them of the hazard.

Abstract: A method is provided for screening subjects for genetic markers associated with autism. The method involves isolating a biological sample from a mammal and then testing for the presence of a mutated gene or a product thereof which is associated with autism. Also disclosed are isolated nucleic acids encoding HoxA1 and HoxB1, both of which have a polymorphism that is associated with autism spectrum disorders.

Abstract: Odors are evaluated in relation to a target or priming stimulus by testing a subject by presenting the subject with one or more adors under different conditions, at least some being in the presence of one or more targets or priming stimuli; subsequently testing recognition of said one or more adors by the subject and monitoring implicit ador memory; and evaluating the results of implicit memory for ador/target combinations presented to the subject in the first stage of testing. Evaluation of the results of implicit memory for ador/target combinations presented to the subject provides a measure of the degree of association between the ador and target in a particular ador/target combination. These measures can be compared and used as a basis for ador selection.

Abstract: A toothbrush kit and specially designed toothbrushes and dental utensils for use by children that teach children how to clean and care for their teeth. The toothbrushes and other dental utensils each include a gripping element formed near the middle of the handle of the toothbrush and dental utensils to provide for better gripping by a child's hand. The gripping element is in the shape of a sporting implement that also serves to make the use of the toothbrush more attractive and fun for the child. In addition to including the toothbrush and other dental utensils, the toothbrush kit also includes an instructional book for teaching the child dental health practices, a toothbrush stand for holding the toothbrushes and finger puppets ached to the stand that are animal characters from the instructional book.

Abstract: The novelty or new “art” or approach which this model represents is that of providing a multi-faceted, social services program for inmates while being housed at transitional correctional centers. There is no existing model which offers family/parent, educational and job skills training and supportive services for inmates during their period of incarceration at transitional correctional centers just prior to “re-entry”.

Abstract: A learning network is formed that includes “competencies” as content objects in the network, in addition to learning objects and knowledge objects. The nodes forming the network for linked in an individual pattern for each user accessing the network, thus allowing the learning network to be used by both novices and experts. The network includes data retrieval utilities that are configured to continuously access external sources of information to update the content stored in the network. Each network access by a user creates an updated relational table between the nodes, forming a dynamic interconnection of nodes so that the learning network provides improved response to each user during each subsequent access.

Abstract: A book constructed of foam is improved wherein a bendable, shape retaining material is used to enhance the user's enjoyment of the disclosed foam book.

Abstract: A human subject signals his personal attitude characteristic to others by placing one of a red cube, yellow sphere or green tetrahedron in a more prominent position that the other objects. The cube and tetrahedron respectively include an upper face and a base with indentations formed as sectors of a sphere having the same radius of curvature as the sphere. The sphere can be stably placed in the cube indentation and the tetrahedron indentation can be stably placed on the sphere.

Abstract: A device for training physicians in tympanocentesis is disclosed. The device includes an outer member resembling a side profile of a child's head and shoulder's area. The outer member is attached to a surface portion to define a receiving area for receiving a slidable inner member. A replica of at least an eardrum and ear canal of a child's inner ear is associated with the sliding inner member. A training portion of the inner member supports a simulated inner ear, positions the simulated inner ear to a desired position adjacent the outer ear of the outer member, and acts as a holder for the training cartridges used with the training device. The cartridges simulate the “look and feel” of popping through the tympanic membrane. The cartridges include one or more training areas. Two color distinct training materials are maintained within each training area of the top member of the cartridge.

Abstract: A portable top-opening receptacle for holding water for a child bathing in standing position having a horizontal bottom and having a sufficient diameter to accommodate use by a child for standing. A round vertical wall keeps water inside of said receptacle, having a sufficient height to provide water at least to the waist level. The receptacle being laterally dimensioned so that the child can rest it's buttocks on a wall of the receptacle behind the child while holding onto a wall of the receptacle in front of the child providing an infant a facility to practice standing.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for teaching infants how to tie shoe laces is in the form of an enlarged replica of a shoe. The enlarged replica of the shoe has a sole portion, a heel portion, and a upper portion. The upper portion has several pairs of eyelets whereby a shoe lace is laced onto the upper portion. Each of the sole portion, heel portion and upper portion have strategically positioned fasteners that permit the sole portion, heel portion and upper portion to be assembled to form the shoe.

Abstract: A thin flat body of material, including static cling vinyl, capable of adhering electrostatically to vertical nonporous surfaces such as a bathroom mirror allowing it to be removed and reapplied repeatedly without leaving residue and further permiting writing and printing on the surface thereof. Said body of material also having preprinted on its front surface a depiction of teeth of the upper jaw (12) and of the lower jaw (13) with a means of conveying conditions and advice regarding dental hygiene (22) on the depiction of teeth by writing. In addition, an area is preprinted on the body of material for advertising (18) as well as an area for writing the date and time of a future appointment (20).

Abstract: A plurality of lights operated by timers and/or a radio frequency remote control device are used to direct students from one activity to another. The lights are preferably arranged in a housing to resemble a traffic signal, the housing also including electrical circuitry to actuate the lights in response to timers, the remote control device, or noise levels above a selected threshold to communicate with the students. For example, a red light could signal the class to be quiet, a yellow light could indicate it is time to prepare for the next classroom activity, and a green light indicate it is time to move on to the next activity. The invention replaces the tedium of vocally repeating classroom instructions with signaling lights controlled automatically or responsive to the remote control device.

Abstract: A sensualizer or sense-simile machine reproduces smells and flavors using a cylinder housing smell and flavor cartridges. A texture chamber replicates textures that stimulate the sense of touch through the fingers. Environmental conditions are replicated in a weather chamber. The machine can be activated from a remote location over a standard telephone line or accessed through a computer over a modem. With a computer or other input device, simulations and reproductions can be done locally.

Abstract: A marking and/or highlighting and eradicating instrument having a marking and/or highlighting ink dispenser and an ink eradicator dispenser, which are coaxially and opposingly located each to the other and a barrel for manual gripping. Liquid dispensed from the eradicator dispenser removes the marking and/or highlighting previously dispensed upon a permanently printed surface. The marking and/or highlighting dispenser and the eradicator dispenser may each have felt wicks or other applicators for applying the marking and/or highlighting liquid and the eradicating solution.

Abstract: A wafer-like alert unit is disclosed which is affixed to a body surface in a private and discrete manner and provides a private or silent stimulus such as a vibrational signal to the user at selected time intervals to remind the user to flex adjacent muscle groups or to perform isometric exercise. The alert unit is designed to be worn imperceptibly to the public and provide a private and discrete way to maintain an exercise regimen without any wires or bulky control boxes. The alert unit is mounted directly to the body using adhesive or alternatively fitted in a self-adhesive pouch or pocket which is then secured to the body. The alert unit may also be inserted into a fabric pouch that is sewn into an undergarment which is then worn in the normal manner. The alert unit includes a power source such as a battery, a motor which creates a vibrational signal, a power switch, a timer, and means for inputting variable interval settings to allow the user to tailor his or her exercise regimen as needed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of teaching mathematical problem solving includes using a series of containers, each consisting of an inherent problem requiring the use of mathematical skills for solution. The series of containers meets all conditions for the teaching of mathematics as recommended by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics in their 1989 document "The Standards". The complete solution satisfying "The Standards" for each container ordinarily takes a period of days. A kit consisting of such containers is disclosed.

Abstract: A visually reinforced learning and memorization system combines the coordination of alphabetic mnemonics, number integers and colors to provide the user with multiple mechanisms for learning memorizing information. The memorization system is particularly suited for memorizing geographic information, which can be surveyed using a diamond-based coordinate system that can be subdivided to increasingly small points.

Abstract: A narcotics flash card including a card which is folded in half so as to present to the user, at least initially, a photographic image of the drug through an opening in the upper portion of the card, and a three-dimensional textured surface simulating the feel of the drug on the upper portion of the card. Upon opening of the card, a wealth of information is provided concerning a particular illegal drug by which an individual may be taught and tested on the name and properties of a particular drug based upon a viewing of a small fraction of a photograph of the illegal drug through the opening in the upper portion of the card and feeling a textured surface which simulates the actual drug. Upon opening of the flash card, the individual's suspicions as to the name and properties of the particular illegal drug will be confirmed and additional information provided or an explanation will be provided to the individual as to what the individual should have known about a particular drug.

Abstract: A tactile teaching aid adapted to improve a person's discourse skills includes a braided strand having a plurality of indicia secured thereto that represent the elements of a story. The indicia are disposed along the strand from an upper to lower portion of the braid in the sequential order of the elements of a logical, comprehensive story. The elements of a story, in sequential order, are the characters represented: (by a pom-pom), the setting (by a star), the initiating event or problem (by a shoe), an internal response of the character to the problem (by a heart), a plan by the character to solve the problem (by a hand), the actions by the character to carry out the plan (by a plurality of beads), the direct consequences of the action (by a bow), and the resolution of the problem (by a plurality of beaded hearts).

Abstract: Tool for enhancing interest in and memory retention of visual alphanumeric text message presentations comprising arrays of a multiplicity of immediately visible and comprehensible text messages that are readable both as conventional two-dimensional printed text messages and as perceived three-dimensional text messages with component words floating in space at various distances from the viewer, through stereoscopic parallax. Methods for preparing such a tool and its constituent text-forms, and arrays.

Abstract: A visual teaching aid (10) that allows educators to relate similarities and differences between differing topics and between subtopics within a single topic. The visual teaching aid includes a map (14) and a plurality of labels (16). Contained on the map (14) are a plurality of geographic features (18) such as continents, countries, states, cities, islands, oceans, seas, gulfs, harbors, rivers, lakes, islands, and peninsulas. These geographic features (18) appear as those on a normal map but are preferably not related to actual geographic features (18). Each label (16) associates with a particular geographic feature (18) and also describes an educational topic or subtopic. The labels (16) are logically arranged such that similar topics and subtopics reside in closer proximity to one another than do differing topics and subtopics. Also included with the present invention is a coordinate system (82) for locating geographic features (18) on the map (14).

Abstract: Letter writing skills are improved through use of an associative letter writing template comprising stationery having distinct regions separable by perforations. One distinct region has an outline of a letter while another distinct region has a plurality of thematic markings. The thematic markings may include words grouped by sub-topic and/or illustrations relating to a common theme.

Abstract: A dental care kit for simulating a visit of a fictional tooth fairy and instructing a child of the importance of proper dental care. The inventive kit includes a storage chest containing a plurality of envelopes, magical fairy dust contained within a fairy dust container, an ink pad, left and right foot stamps, a coin bag, and a plurality of written notes. A method of utilizing the kit includes placing a deciduous tooth within one of the envelopes and underneath a pillow of the child's sleeping accommodations. After the child falls asleep, a parent of the child removes the tooth in the envelope for storage within the chest, sprinkles the magical fairy dust around and about the child, utilizes the left and right foot stamps and ink pad to place footprints on or about the child, places an amount of money within the coin bag underneath the pillow, and leaves one of the written notes underneath the pillow along with the coin bag.

Abstract: Musical notes in the form of representations of objects or creatures familiar to young children and which connote the name of a tone and are depicted on the musical staff and on instrumentalities which generate the tone.

Abstract: An ambulation aid warning device for warning the uses when an ambulation aid is about to be used improperly. The device includes one or more gravity sensitive switches to activate an auditory, visual and/or sensory alarm when the ambulation aid is tilted beyond a specified angle.

Abstract: A survival and training apparatus for children is constructed in the form of a teddy bear. The teddy bear has an exterior casing formed of multiple durable materials including a fluorescent fabric of lime yellow color that is visible during daytime conditions and a reflective fabric to facilitate visibility during nighttime conditions. A third fabric which stores light energy during the day and then emits it at night can also be included in the casing materials. The teddy bear also includes in interior filling material of polystyrene beads that facilitates human body heat insulation when the survival teddy bear is held by the child and imparts buoyancy to enable the survival teddy bear to operate as a floatation device. The survival apparatus hits a pocket formed in the back to receive and warm a child's hands. A whistle is attached via a chord to the pocket and can be alternatively inserted into the pocket for storage and retrieved therefrom for use by the child.

Abstract: A board member arranged to provide for illustration and representation of football teams is provided, to include a plurality of first and second rows of helmet posts to each receive a helmet member thereon, with each of the first and second posts having an adjacent record post to mount a record indicating flange plate thereon. The flange plate is formed of an erasable material to accommodate illustration of a won/lost record of a team associated with an adjacent helmet on an adjacent helmet post. Plural rows of facing home team and visitor team helmet posts are provided to accommodate positioning of helmets from said helmet posts onto the home team and visitor team helmet posts to indicate pending games of opposing teams.

Abstract: A sexually-transmitted disease awareness program utilizing a series of collector trading cards including some on which pictured celebrities express their views on "safe sex", and others on which educational facts about sex are provided, with both types being accompanied by a condom, and with all being available for distribution in a non-obtrusive wax or foil protective package.

Abstract: Children's clothing with matching decorative indicia for teaching relatively young children how to fold their clothing are disclosed. Either matching pair of decorative illustrations, such as blocks with letter or numbers, or foldline illustrations are placed on the clothing. The clothing is folded by sequentially matching the paired illustrations or folding along the foldline illustrations.

Abstract: A method of teaching pill swallowing by initially administering very small, usually hollow, pills and increasing the pill size gradually during the learning period. The learning period is ordinarily a period of days. Such a method is effective as a result of success-oriented positive reinforcement. A teaching kit for facilitated learning is also disclosed.

Abstract: A toy doll having a body portion in the shape of a vegetable is imbedded in a simulated flower pot packed with an artificial potting soil. The doll is formed from a resilient foam, and has arms and legs extending from the body, and fanciful hair extending upwardly therefrom. A package of seeds for growing the vegetable characterized by the doll is releasably attached to one of the hands of the doll. The doll is imbedded in the flower pot such that the fanciful hair projects upwardly above the artificial potting soil. The package of seeds becomes available for planting when a child grasps the exposed hair and removes the doll from the flower pot by pulling upwardly.

Abstract: A psychological test for character assessment, derived from a drawing drawn by an individual being instructed to include in the drawing a number of set graphic symbols. The graphic symbols are to be selected from the group including a hand, eye, tree, fish, star, spiral, half-circle and zig-zag. Further symbols may also be used such as flower, sun, bird and wave. Such symbols of the drawings are to be interconnected, and the heaviness of the line used and the sequence of drawing the symbols is preferably recorded. The information recorded and the drawing is used to provide information about the patterning or profile of the person tested.

Abstract: A method of matching at least two persons possessing dolls of similar characteristics for the purpose of having the parties communicate with each other about said dolls in the fashion of adoptive parents communicating about biological siblings is disclosed. After choosing a doll, children complete an "adoption" form associated with their doll and send a copy of it to a clearing house. The clearing house matches the children according to predetermined criteria and sends a letter to each child about the other child in the match. Letters are exchanged between the children and a communication link is established.

Abstract: A curriculum planning and publishing method and system is provided in which large quantities of information may be rearranged to produce a customized learning tool. This learning tool may embody a variety of formats ranging from a simple book to a computer and video multisensory presentation. Providing a customized learning experience maximizes effective learning time, places the teacher in better control of the classroom, and allows a school or school district to cater to the needs of the community while maintaining a uniform curriculum.

Abstract: A method for training individuals in the art of writing dialogue utilizes a bound volume of pages depicting scenes arranged in a sequence pursuant to a pre-prepared story outline. Each scene includes one or more characters in the story and enclosed caption bubbles with underlined blank spaces in which a trainee is instructed to handwrite words corresponding to statements the trainee believes the characters might be saying. The page material permits pencil markings to be easily erased. Illustrations may be outline drawings suitable for coloring by the trainee. An instructor typically evaluates the handwritten dialogue and advises the trainee pursuant to the evaluation.

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: The instant invention is a system performance simulator which includes a library of expression-literate model artifacts, each of which is at least partially representative, mathematically and operatively, of a model element which includes at least one virtual interface point suitable for operative association with another such point. Assembly means are operatively and disconnectably communicative with the library for accessing selected model artifacts and is capable of understanding the representative expression-literacies characterizing the artifacts, for establishing operative associations between interface points of the artifacts to establish an organized assembly of such artifacts. Means are also provided which are operatively communicative with the assembly means for conducting a performance simulation of such an assembly.

Abstract: A demonstration appliance has a human figure comprising a head region, a foot region with a convex downward or pointed foot surface, and a block whose height matches that of the foot region. The block comprises at least two, preferably three, superimposed separable layers and has an upward-opening recess for receiving the foot region. Said recess is formed by an opening in each layer. The opening in the first layer has an overdimension with respect to and around the lower part of the foot region which is lodged in the first layer, such that the latter alone loosely holds the foot region and, hence the figure, and, in the event of shaking, for example if the figure is lightly tapped, will not prevent tilting. The shape of the opening in the other layer is adapted to the corresponding part of the foot region so that the foot region lodged in the openings of the superimposed layers cannot be tilted from the vertical through an angle greater than +/-10.degree..

Abstract: The combination novelty and sanitation device and method is designed to promote health awareness in such a manner as, for example, to be fun or entertaining, to learn how to substantially prevent AIDS and venereal disease, or the prevention of unwanted pregnancy. The device comprises a box like container with a group of of figurines affixed atop the cover, a set of instructions and a plurality of condoms.

Abstract: This invention discloses an educational bed-making kit for teaching children to properly miter the corners of articles of bedding such as bedsheets, and a method of producing such a kit. The kit includes a bedsheet and an instruction book. The bedsheet is marked with various animal figures which the child uses to align the bedsheet on a mattress, to miter the corners of the bedsheet, and to tuck the bedsheet under the mattress. A head alignment mark indicates to the child where to align the bedsheet with the head of the mattress, and a plurality of side alignment marks indicate to the child how to center the bedsheet on the mattress. A corner lift mark shows the child where to lift the bedsheet near a corner to initiate the miter, and a miter corner mark shows the child when the bedsheet is properly lifted. A miter corner tuck mark shows the child where to tuck the corner of the bedsheet under the mattress, and a foot tuck mark shows the child where to tuck the foot of the bedsheet under the mattress.

Abstract: This is a toy and instructional apparatus which includes a hollow blow tube having light weight elements normally confined therewithin and connected to each other by a light weight connecting member anchored to the tube to suspend the elements from the tube when the same are discharged therefrom by blowing into the inlet end of the tube and including a closure cap for retaining the elements within the tube when not in use. The apparatus can also be used to relieve tension or anger of the user.