Abstract: A tactile kinesthetic assistant is a device that allows a person to use the senses of sight, touch and hearing to gather information. Tactile kinesthetic assistants can be used, for example, to help a person retrieve information related to a specific word or phrase (e.g., a student learning to read), to allow a person to determine the status of a person or thing (e.g., a nurse retrieving medical records), to allow a person to obtain current information (e.g., a stock broker retrieving stock prices). In one embodiment, a tactile kinesthetic assistant includes a thimble and an ear piece. The thimble includes a scanner that allows the user to scan one or more words. The representations of the one or more words are used to retrieve information via a network and the retrieved information is provided to the user through an ear piece.

Abstract: A molded tub and surround which is formed of a multiple of portions. Wall portions meet a tub portion at a joint with a retaining ledge which extends inward toward a tub bowl from a flange. A ledge interface within the bottom of the wall portions engages the ledge. An angled interface surface is located directly in front of the ledge and slopes downward toward the bowl. A shallow interface within the bottom of the wall portions engages the angled interface surface.

Abstract: A molded tub and surround which is formed of a multiple of portions. Wall portions meet at a joint which is secured by wall clamps which bias a partially arcuate portion of a second wall portion against the visible surface of a first wall portion. The first wall portion sandwiched between the wall clamps and the partially arcuate portion. A multiple of tub clamps extend from a lower edge of the wall portions to fit upon a flange extending from a tub portion. The wall clamps and tub clamps assure an easily assembled and watertight molded tub and surround.

Abstract: A barrier system is provided for absorbing the forces generated during collisions with vehicles. The system includes a plurality of interconnectable modular blocks that have a controlled rate of compression. The blocks connect with one another while allowing pivotable movement. In addition, an anchor system is provided that allows one or more blocks to be secured to the ground or to the floor, while still allowing the secured blocks some degree of pivotable movement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for determining a focus value in an image, including selecting an area of interest in the image and a color plane of interest, is described. The color plane of interest within the area of interest is filtered to produce a filtered region. The mean absolute value of the filtered region is determined.