Abstract: A pedal element (2) with a connecting device (5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16) can be moved between an idle position and a full-throttle position of an internal combustion engine at a pedal angle ranging between 0° and 5° to 30°. A signal-generating device is configured in the form of a rotation angle sensor (1) having at least one integrated circuit (ASIC) with a Hall device. The ASIC with the Hall device and a storage device with an ASIC are connected to a microprocessor. An output switching unit is connected downstream from the microprocessor. The output switching unit emits an pulse-width-modulated signal with selectable frequencies. Other output signals, such as back-to-back signals and switch signals, can be regenerated with the ASIC with the Hall device and the microprocessor.

Abstract: Ergonomic systems which provide medical therapy, comfort and enhanced function are provided. Surfaces are provided with adjustable contour, transient force damping and temperature. The technologies are applied to footwear, seating surfaces an cryotherapy devices. The cooling and cryotherapy system employ an evaporator in close proximity to skin, and therefore employ methods to reduce risk of frostbite. Advanced control and power supply options are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating a sequence of discrete measured values whereby an attribute is assigned to each measured value before evaluation that includes the same properties for all measured values, and whereby a criterion is established for the attribute and the length of a chain from the sequence of discrete measured values.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method for integrating processes with a multi-faceted human centered interface is provided. The interface is facilitated to implement a hands free, voice driven environment to control processes and applications. A natural language model is used to parse voice initiated commands and data, and to route those voice initiated inputs to the required applications or processes. The use of an intelligent context based parser allows the system to intelligently determine what processes are required to complete a task which is initiated using natural language. A single window environment provides an interface which is comfortable to the user by preventing the occurrence of distracting windows from appearing. The single window has a plurality of facets which allow distinct viewing areas. Each facet has an independent process routing its outputs thereto. As other processes are activated, each facet can reshape itself to bring a new process into one of the viewing areas.

Abstract: A label foil is disclosed that is suitable for in-mold labeling, has a high stiffness, is well suited for cutting and is recyclable. The top layers of the label foil are made of polyethylene. Both top layers have about the same thickness and the core layer has a thickness that is about 5 times to 20 times that of one top layer.

Abstract: A piano key mechanism for a pianoforte with improved dynamic performance has weights placed within each keystick in the region between the pivot point of each key and a point midway between the pivot point and the ivory end of the keystick. The arrangement of weights reduces the overall inertia of the keysticks thus improving the dynamic performance of the musical instrument and results in an average of the downweight and upweight which is heavier than the conventionally accepted value for that key on a keyboard.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating information between a first party and a second party, comprising identifying desired information, negotiating, through an intermediary, a comprehension function for obscuring at least a portion of the information communicated between the first party and the second party, communicating the encrypted information to the second party, and decrypting the encrypted information using the negotiated comprehension function. Preferably, the intermediary does not itself possess sufficient information to decrypt the encrypted information, thus allowing use of an “untrusted” intermediary. The comprehension function may be dynamic with respect to its response to the negotiated comprehension function, and thus permit limitations on the use of the information by the second party. For example, the decryption of the encrypted information may be time limited.

Abstract: An improved human user computer interface system, wherein a user characteristic or set of characteristics, such as demographic profile or societal “role”, is employed to define a scope or domain of operation. The operation itself may be a database search, to interactively define a taxonomic context for the operation, a business negotiation, or other activity. After retrieval of results, a scoring or ranking may be applied according to user define criteria, which are, for example, commensurate with the relevance to the context, but may be, for example, by date, source, or other secondary criteria. A user profile is preferably stored in a computer accessible form, and may be used to provide a history of use, persistent customization, collaborative filtering and demographic information for the user.