Abstract: The present invention is a device for use in cleaning a fabric surface of dust, dirt, pet hair and other debris present on the surface. The device includes a housing coupled to a base. The base is coupled to at least one movable cleaning member configured to engage a surface for picking up debris from the surface. The debris is deposited into a debris collection chamber by way of interaction with another portion of the device. The debris collection chamber is selectively emptiable by an operator thereof so that the device may be subsequently reused.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for registering and moving a sheet article along a path that can use an actuator to mimic a biased device such as a spring-loaded device. The actuator can include a solenoid and an arm. The movement of the arm with the solenoid can be done by pulse-width modulation by providing a high pulse-width modulation duty cycle to the solenoid to provide a resistive force on the arm and providing a low pulse-width modulation duty cycle to the solenoid to provide a less resistive force on the arm. Inserting stations use in sheet article inserting system that employ the actuator are also provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a probe. The probe includes a sheath, a flexible, bi-directionally rotatable, optical subsystem positioned within the sheath, the optical subsystem comprising a transmission fiber, the optical subsystem capable of transmitting and collecting light of a predetermined range of wavelengths along a first beam having a predetermined beam size. The probe also includes an ultrasound subsystem, the ultrasound subsystem positioned within the sheath and adapted to propagate energy of a predetermined range of frequencies along a second beam having a second predetermined beam size, wherein a portion of the first and second beams overlap a region during a scan.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a probe. The probe includes a sheath, a flexible, bi-directionally rotatable, optical subsystem positioned within the sheath, the optical subsystem comprising a transmission fiber, the optical subsystem capable of transmitting and collecting light of a predetermined range of wavelengths along a first beam having a predetermined beam size. The probe also includes an ultrasound subsystem, the ultrasound subsystem positioned within the sheath and adapted to propagate energy of a predetermined range of frequencies along a second beam having a second predetermined beam size, wherein a portion of the first and second beams overlap a region during a scan.

Abstract: A method and computer program product are provided for audiating the occurrence of debugger events within a software debugger. The method begins by assigning a sound characteristic to a debugger event occurring within a software program under debug. Next, the audiation of the sound characteristic associated with the event is optimized to maximize performance of the debugger. Finally, the optimized sound characteristic associated with the event is played upon the occurrence of the event.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for presenting a virtual world to sight-impaired users. In one embodiment, the user may indicate an area of focus within the virtual world. The user may then be provided with audio descriptions of objects or avatars included within the area of focus. The descriptions may be provided at varying levels of detail, enabling the user to “zoom in” on particular items of interest. Further, the user may select an audio description to navigate an avatar to the location of the corresponding object.

Abstract: A cleaning tool 410 designed to be used with at least one cleaning implement/replaceable dusting sleeve/cleaning mitt or cleaning pad 11 is disclosed. The cleaning tool 410 includes a telescoping support 409 comprised of a plurality of telescopingly received shafts or sections (412, 413, 414, 415) wherein one of the shafts is an I-beam 415. The shafts 412, 413, 414 and 415 may be freely extended into a locked fully extended position 401 and released via depression of a first engaging projection 439. A primary support head 416 and secondary support head 418 are pivotally mounted to a forward mount 440 and releasably locked together.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may be used to enhance the presentation of a virtual environment for certain users, e.g., a visually impaired user. Because users may visit, and revisit, locations within the virtual environment, the state of elements in the virtual environment may change. Accordingly, audible descriptions of an object, person or environment, may be adjusted to prevent redundant or unnecessary descriptions. For example, when the user encounters a given element a second time, rather than describe each characteristic of the element, only changes to the characteristics of the element are described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and apparatus for describing elements within a virtual world to a user of the virtual world. An element may be identified based on a position of an avatar within the virtual world. The avatar is a representation of the user within the virtual world. A tag associated with the element is selected. The tag includes a description of the element. The element is described to the user based on the description.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and apparatus for describing elements within a virtual world to a user of the virtual world. An element may be identified based on a position of an avatar within the virtual world. The avatar is a representation of the user within the virtual world. A tag associated with the element is selected. The tag includes a description of the element. The element is described to the user based on the description.

Abstract: A page is received, which includes elements. A tree represents the page. A subset of the elements are displayed. In response to selection of an important element, a subtree is created, which includes a path from a root element of the tree to the important element. A changed page is received, which is represented by a changed tree. A second path in the changed tree is found, where a leaf element of the second path is different from the important element in the first path, and where all other elements in the first path and the second path match. A message is displayed, which indicates that the important element was changed. In various embodiments, the message is presented in audio, magnified, or touch form. In this way, the user is notified of changes to the page that the user has selected as important.

Abstract: A system for real-time communication between a plurality of different games, including: a plurality of different gaming engines that transmit and receive a plurality events between the plurality of different games; an interchange protocol for permitting use of a common vocabulary between the plurality of dissimilar/different engines of the plurality of events; and a vocabulary generation system for mapping internal events from a first engine of the plurality of different gaming engines to external events of a second engine of the plurality of different gaming engines; wherein each of the plurality of different games includes an event table, a build event mapping function, and a use built-in event mapping function, the event table being unknown in advance to each of the plurality of different games.

Abstract: An assistive reading device for visually impaired users comprises a sheet-like member containing a photo-active material. The sheet-like member responds to light patterns representing data from a patterned light source to form tactile shapes on its surface. The visually impaired user obtains information by touching the tactile shapes. Preferably, the photo-active material is a layer of cross linked azobenzene liquid-crystalline polymers. The assistive reading device preferably is an output device for a computer.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product for providing non-visual access to on-screen menus for remote controlled electronic devices, such as DVD players, DVRs, VCRs, satellite receivers, televisions, etc. A repeater device is interposed between the remote control and the electronic device. The repeater device includes a receiver for receiving a first signal from the remote control and a transmitter for transmitting a second signal, based on the first signal, to a receiver of the electronic device. A repeater mechanism causes the repeater device to transmit the second signal and a feedback mechanism causes a non-visual response, such as an audio and/or Braille message, to be provided to the user. This response is based on a key pressed on the remote control in the context of a sequence of keys pressed earlier, and may inform the user of an action associated with the depressed key and options for additional keystrokes.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing materials is provided including a container for holding the material to be dispensed, a plurality of frame portions for holding decorative items, locking apparatus for locking the frame portions to the container, and a dispensing means for dispensing materials from the container. The dispenser also includes a base for receiving the container and frame portions, a memory device for playing a sound when the dispenser is removed from the base, and a switch for activating the memory device when the container is removed from the base. The plurality of frames each contain an aperture and each aperture contains an inner edge operable to lock onto the container. The frames each contain clips to lock onto each other and hold the container. The dispenser includes a dispensing mechanism and the base includes an opening for receiving the dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A flexible cleaning tool for use in wet, damp or dry cleaning is disclosed. The cleaning tool includes a handle connected to an elongated flexible support member. A cleaning pad encloses the support member. In one embodiment, the handle defines a fluid reservoir receiving cradle.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing materials is provided including a container for holding the material to be dispensed, a plurality of frame portions for holding decorative items, locking apparatus for locking the frame portions to the container, and a dispensing means for dispensing materials from the container. The dispenser also includes a base for receiving the container and frame portions, a memory device for playing a sound when the dispenser is removed from the base, and a switch for activating the memory device when the container is removed from the base. The plurality of frames each contain an aperture and each aperture contains an inner edge operable to lock onto the container. The frames each contain clips to lock onto each other and hold the container. The dispenser includes a dispensing mechanism and the base includes an opening for receiving the dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing materials is provided including a container for holding the material to be dispensed, a plurality of frame portions for holding decorative items, locking apparatus for locking the frame portions to the container, and a dispensing means for dispensing materials from the container. The dispenser also includes a base for receiving the container and frame portions, a memory device for playing a sound when the dispenser is removed from the base, and a switch for activating the memory device when the container is removed from the base.

Abstract: A cleaning tool 410 designed to be used with at least one cleaning implement/replaceable dusting sleeve/cleaning mitt or cleaning pad 11 is disclosed. The cleaning tool 410 includes a telescoping support 409 comprised of a plurality of telescopingly received shafts or sections (412, 413, 414, 415) wherein one of the shafts is an I-beam 415. The shafts 412, 413, 414 and 415 may be freely extended into a locked fully extended position 401 and released via depression of a first engaging projection 439. A primary support head 416 and secondary support head 418 are pivotally mounted to a forward mount 440 and releasably locked together.