Abstract: Control apparatus is provided having a microprocessor-based control unit which includes EPROM stored programs for controlling two input stations, loudspeaking telephones, and a plurality of switching devices included on a serial link with the input stations. Each station has a television type monitor on the screen of which, when an input switching device, which is operable by a disabled person, is actuated, a main menu is presented in the form of a list of those of the devices and the telephones which can be controlled from that station. By use of the input switching device and the menu display, a device or the telephone can be selected for control. If control involves more than power on or off, a new menu appears listing the various functions to be chosen, e.g. television channel, volume control. The menus are presented in color determined on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

Abstract: The machine 10 may be used to emboss characters of embossed script, and comprises a paper support 12 and an escapement mechanism 20 from a typewriter. Embossable paper is fed from around a roller 22 to a position between an embossing stylus 14 and a resilient anvil 28. The stylus 14 is moved against the anvil to impress the paper, and moves in a horizontal plane to emboss characters in the paper. A coupling 18 comprising a pantograph mechanism causes the stylus 14 to follow with reduced amplitude, movement of a describing member 16. The describing member 16 is a ring in which the user's finger is placed. The finger is run over a fingerboard 34 to describe the desired character, which is embossed in the paper by the stylus 14. The fingerboard has grooves to guide the finger.After each character is completed, the escapement mechanism 20 is operated to move the paper support 12 to present a fresh area of the paper to the stylus.

Abstract: To enable a severely disabled person to use an electric typewriter for arithmetic calculations an electronic calculator is coupled to the printing mechanism of the typewriter through a selector whereby the transmission of the output of the calculator to the printing mechanism can be permitted or prevented. To simulate the key-signals normally used for the calculator, a simulator circuit is coupled to the control apparatus provided for enabling a disabled person to use the typewriter and simulates key-signals in response to commands from such control apparatus. One or more infrequently used signals from the control apparatus are employed as special signals to operate the selector to permit print-out of the calculator output when required.

Abstract: A wheel chair motor control circuit for a wheel chair having two independently controllable motor-driven wheels. The user has a "joystick" control operable from a datum position to move the wipers of two potentiometers both independently and simultaneously from their corresponding datum positions. A first, proportional control circuit is provided for each motor to supply it with drive power proportional to the magnitude of the deviation of its corresponding potentiometer wiper from datum and a second reversing circuit is provided for each motor to operate a reversing relay connected thereto in accordance to the direction of the deviation of its corresponding potentiometer wiper.

Abstract: Apparatus enabling the pages of a book to be turned by remote control comprises a book-support with a reversible electric motor on it. An output shaft of the motor extends across the book and the motor is pivotally mounted for swinging the shaft both across and perpendicular to the book through limited angles. A friction wheel is on the shaft for rolling across the pages of the book and a radial finger adjacent the friction wheel is coupled to the shaft through a slipping clutch.