An analog hashing system and method includes: an input port for accepting an input signal; a chaotic circuit including non-linear components and multiple chaotic attractors for generating an unpredictable output responsive to the input signal; a differential output port coupled to the chaotic circuit for producing an analog differential signal from the unpredictable output; and a clock circuit for producing a binary output, as a hash function, generated by the sign of the analog output in every clock cycle.

A multi-platform modular device including a plurality of platforms or modules. Each module implements a different function and can be connected to another module via a plurality of magnetic contacts. The magnetic contacts can be used for synchronization, communication, and power delivery between the modules.

Electrical connectors, electrical modules, and systems are provided. In one aspect, an electrical connector includes a housing defining a side surface, an electrical conductor supported by the housing and including an engagement portion proximate the side surface of the housing. The engagement portion is adapted to engage another electrical conductor of another electrical connector. The connector also includes a magnet supported by the housing proximate the side surface of the housing, a projection extending from the side surface of the housing, and a receptacle defined in the side surface of the housing. In other aspects, an electrical module includes at least one of these electrical connectors. In further aspects, a system includes a plurality of these modules and the modules are selectively couplable together.

A distance learning device for providing laboratory instruction via two-way interaction with a student at a remote location and system for using same.

A modular electro-mechanical agent having a plurality of modules including mechanical and electrical components, that can be constructed to complete at least one pre-determined task and/or contribute in performing the at least one pre-determined task. The electro-mechanical agent can include extension modules and can be altered as per user preference to add, eliminate or modify any features of the agent for completing and/or participating in a plurality of pre-determined tasks.

An educational kit for teaching kids/beginners about designing electronic circuit is provided. The educational kit according to the current application comprises of; 1) a square hard board comprised of a stiff non- conductive material, 2) a steel plate encasing back side of the square board, 3) pluralities of various kinds of electronic components which have wire type leads/terminals for connection, 4) pluralities of small permanent magnets of circular shape, and 5) a separate manual wherein various electronic circuits are printed thereon. Pluralities of dents of circular shape and square shape are developed on the front side of the board to receive magnets and electronic components, respectively. Another embodiment of the hard board has pluralities of circular or square dents spaced with same intervals. The educational kit of the current application renders easy set up and change of the configuration of electronic circuits even for beginners and kids.

Assemblies, methods, apparatus, and systems for learning activities are described. An assembly may include a first section and a second section. The first section of the assembly may include a first surface area portion that has a first set of recesses with which to receive indication elements (e.g., marbles or balls). The second section of the assembly may include validation protrusions and an alignment mechanism for aligning the second section with the first surface area portion of the first section. A method of using the assembly may include positioning the indication elements in a subset of the first set of recesses and placing the second section over the first section. The method may also include determining whether the second section correctly seats with the first section of the assembly for validating correct positioning of the indication elements corresponding to a logic truth table.

Assemblies, methods, apparatus, and systems for learning activities are described. An assembly may include a first section and a second section. The first section of the assembly may include a first surface area portion that has a first set of recesses with which to receive indication elements (e.g., marbles or balls). The second section of the assembly may include validation protrusions and an alignment mechanism for aligning the second section with the first surface area portion of the first section. A method of using the assembly may include positioning the indication elements in a subset of the first set of recesses and placing the second section over the first section. The method may also include determining whether the second section correctly seats with the first section of the assembly for validating correct positioning of the indication elements corresponding to a logic truth table.

Pseudo magnetic monopoles made from a plurality of building blocks, each having one outer surface that is substantially a north magnetic pole and an opposing outer surface that is substantially a south magnetic pole. The building blocks are assembled to form a hollow object having an inner surface and an outer surface, with all of the north or south poles of the building blocks facing outwardly, such that entire outer surface of the object is substantially either north or south. The building blocks may be magnetized before or after they are assembled to form the hollow object. The hollow object may be a sphere. The building blocks may have tapered side surfaces to minimize gaps between the building blocks when they are assembled to form the hollow object. A plurality of the objects may be provided in kit form as a teaching tool.

Collapsible structures may be formed from planar solids. The structures may be comprised of multiple planar objects hingedly connected, where each planar object may include magnetic materials (e.g., magnets, ferromagnetic metals) or electromagnetic materials. Using the magnetic or electromagnetic materials, the connected planar objects may be arranged as a single planar object with multiple layers, or may be arranged as a three-dimensional (3-D) object, where the magnetic or electromagnetic materials may be used to retain the formed 3-D object shape. Application of a current to the electromagnetic materials may cause the collapsible structure to form the 3-D object, and removal of the electric current may cause the collapsible structure to revert to a single planar object. Multiple structures may be combined to form larger structures.