Abstract: A method and system for processing input media for provision to a text to speech engine comprising: a rules engine configured to maintain and update rules for processing the input media; a pre-parsing filter module configured to determine one or more metadata attributes using pre-parsing rules; a parsing filter module configured to identify content component from the input media using the parsing rules; a context and language detector configured to determine a default context and a default language; a learning agent configured to divide the content component into units of interest; a tagging module configured to iteratively assign tags to the units of interest using the tagging rules, wherein each tag is associated with a post-parsing rule; a post-parsing filter module configured to modify the content component by executing the post-parsing rules identified by the tags assigned to the phrases and strings.

Abstract: The invention relates to remote access systems and methods using automatic speech recognition to access a computer system. The invention also relates to an intelligent agent resident on the computer system for facilitating remote access to, and receipt of, information on the computer system through speech recognition or text-to-speech read-back. The remote access systems and methods can be used by a user of the computer system while traveling. The user can dial into a server system which is configured to interact with the user by automatic speech recognition and text-to-speech conversion. The server system establishes a connection to an intelligent agent running on the user's remotely located computer system by packet communication over a public network. The intelligent agent sources information on the user's computer system or a network accessible to the computer system, processes the information and transmits it to the server system over the public network.

Abstract: The invention relates to remote access systems and methods using automatic speech recognition to access a computer system. The invention also relates to an intelligent agent resident on the computer system for facilitating remote access to, and receipt of, information on the computer system through speech recognition or text-to-speech read-back. The remote access systems and methods can be used by a user of the computer system while traveling. The user can dial into a server system which is configured to interact with the user by automatic speech recognition and text-to-speech conversion. The server system establishes a connection to an intelligent agent running on the user's remotely located computer system by packet communication over a public network. The intelligent agent sources information on the user's computer system or a network accessible to the computer system, processes the information and transmits it to the server system over the public network.

Abstract: The invention relates to remote access systems and methods using automatic speech recognition to access a computer system. The invention also relates to an intelligent agent resident on the computer system for facilitating remote access to, and receipt of, information on the computer system through speech recognition or text-to-speech read-back. The remote access systems and methods can be used by a user of the computer system while traveling. The user can dial into a server system which is configured to interact with the user by automatic speech recognition and text-to-speech conversion. The server system establishes a connection to an intelligent agent running on the user's remotely located computer system by packet communication over a public network. The intelligent agent sources information on the user's computer system or a network accessible to the computer system, processes the information and transmits it to the server system over the public network.

Abstract: A food service system and method utilizing a food carrier for the delivery of high quality meals that are hot and safe to eat. The food carrier preferably comprises a body having an interior, an exterior and an opening, said interior defining a compartment; sealing means disposed around said opening; a door that covers said opening, said door being configured to seal against said sealing means when a partial vacuum or pressure is created in said compartment; a passageway connecting said interior and said exterior; a valve on said passageway; and a dish configured to fit within said compartment. The method comprises collecting data on favorite prepared foods from pre-registered households in predetermined communities and utilizing the data to purchase, prepare and deliver, with the utmost convenience utilizing the food carrier, ready-to-eat dishes at affordable prices.

Abstract: The invention relates to remote access systems and methods using automatic speech recognition to access a computer system. The invention also relates to an intelligent agent resident on the computer system for facilitating remote access to, and receipt of, information on the computer system through speech recognition or text-to-speech read-back. The remote access systems and methods can be used by a user of the computer system while traveling. The user can dial into a server system which is configured to interact with the user by automatic speech recognition and text-to-speech conversion. The server system establishes a connection to an intelligent agent running on the user's remotely located computer system by packet communication over a public network. The intelligent agent sources information on the user's computer system or a network accessible to the computer system, processes the information and transmits it to the server system over the public network.

Abstract: Fruit items are positioned between vertical pins located in the calyx and stem hole of said fruit item, thereby securing the fruit item by a compressive force through its core. A core tube surrounding the upper pin descends to meet the lower pin, thereby completely piercing the fruit item and isolating its core inside the tube. A cushioned ram pushes the edible portion of the fruit item down over the core tube, through a cassette of radial knives, creating a plurality of wedges that fall immediately into an enzyme bath. The bath seals freshness into the fruit item's cell structure by preventing contact with oxygen. The solid core is ejected and the edible outside portion of the fruit item is not touched or bruised by mechanical handling.

Abstract: A latch assembly (8) for securing and releasing a horse trailer divider (100), the latch assembly (8) having a mechanically leveraged handle (10) coupled to a latchbolt (13), the handle (10) and the latchbolt (13) having a latched position and an unlatched position. In one embodiment, the latch assembly (8) may be incorporated into a divider (100) having a first end (107A) hinged to a first wall (130) of the trailer and a second end (107B) releasably securable to a second wall (122). The latch assembly (8) may comprise a handle (10) operatively coupled to an axle (14) for being extended to its latched position and retracted to its unlatched position by operation of the handle (10). The handle may comprise an angled portion (10A) to improve access to the fingers of the user's hand.

Abstract: A battery-powered power supply system is disclosed that is fully compatible with PMU ASIC and USB power architectures as well as being backwards compatible with the non-PMU power architectures. A battery-powered power supply utilizes a battery source (e.g., two AA battery cells in series), in a circuit including a switching power supply IC with a programmable variable output voltage and current limiter, along with a microcontroller. The invention also can include a flashlight or similar light source, which has utility beyond the obvious uses of a flashlight. The voltage and current supplied by the system of the present invention is controlled by the microcontroller to provide a variable voltage, variable as a function of time, if desired, during the charging operation. The flexibility afforded by a micro-controller controlled system allows the present invention to operate in different power or operational states and to adapt itself to the load demands.

Abstract: A system and method for near-real-time messaging is provided. Users may transmit and receive recorded audio inputs in near-real-time using communications devices that are connectible to a network. The system and method also provides for optional speech-to-text translations and transmission of such text translations between communications devices.

Abstract: Fruit items are positioned between vertical pins located in the calyx and stem hole of said fruit item, thereby securing the fruit item by a compressive force through its core. A core tube surrounding the upper pin descends to meet the lower pin, thereby completely piercing the fruit item and isolating its core inside the tube. A cushioned ram pushes the edible portion of the fruit item down over the core tube, through a cassette of radial knives, creating a plurality of wedges that fall immediately into an enzyme bath. The bath seals freshness into the fruit item's cell structure by preventing contact with oxygen. The solid core is ejected and the edible outside portion of the fruit item is not touched or bruised by mechanical handling.

Abstract: A portable pet care system comprises a first end or base portion having a bottom and four side walls, a second end or top portion having a cover and four side walls, and a collapsible extension portion for placement between the two end portions and having four side walls, one of which has a pet-accessible opening. When the portable pet care system is in a travel configuration, the collapsible portion is adapted to fold up and fit entirely within the first and second end portions, which are sized to fit one within the other to define a travel box. The travel box contains liners, pet litter, a scoop, and a handle. When the portable pet care system is in an in-use configuration, the end and collapsible extension portions assemble into a disposable litter box or pet carrying container.

Abstract: A hot air popcorn machine including a programmable control system for precisely controlling various operating parameters including air flow and air temperature to enable the machine to consistently produce high quality popcorn in a low maintenance environment, e.g., a free-standing vending machine.

Abstract: An improved toilet seat for use in small boats not having conventional toilet facilities, with a conventional bucket for performing toilet functions, a seat being attachable to the upper rim of a bucket.