Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for generating customized text-to-speech voices for a particular application. The method comprises generating a custom text-to-speech voice by selecting a voice for generating a custom text-to-speech voice associated with a domain, collecting text data associated with the domain from a pre-existing text data source and using the collected text data, generating an in-domain inventory of synthesis speech units by selecting speech units appropriate to the domain via a search of a pre-existing inventory of synthesis speech units, or by recording the minimal inventory for a selected level of synthesis quality. The text-to-speech custom voice for the domain is generated utilizing the in-domain inventory of synthesis speech units. Active learning techniques may also be employed to identify problem phrases wherein only a few minutes of recorded data is necessary to deliver a high quality TTS custom voice.

Abstract: A pedal assembly for a drum has a floor plate, a clamp for securing the floor plate to a hoop of a drum, a pivot on the floor plate, a post pivotal on the pivot of the floor plate between an erect operating position extending upward from the floor plate and a transport position recumbent on the floor plate. An upper end of the post is adapted to hold a beater shaft. A pedal pivotal on the plate is couplable to the beater shaft. A latch releasably locks the post in at least the operating position.

Abstract: A pedal assembly for a drum has a floor plate, a clamp for securing the floor plate to a hoop of a drum, a pivot on the floor plate, a post pivotal on the pivot of the floor plate between an erect operating position extending upward from the floor plate and a transport position recumbent on the floor plate. An upper end of the post is adapted to hold a beater shaft. A pedal pivotal on the plate is couplable to the beater shaft. A latch releasably locks the post in at least the operating position.

Abstract: A paint roller cleaner has a base for resting in a sink and a knob for receiving on its outside surface the inside surface of a paint-laden paint roller. The knob is adjustable relative to the base, and/or the roller is adjustable relative to the knob, so that the roller is vertical and water filing the roller will evenly and uniformly overflow and clean the roller outer surface. The knob may be an upstanding, tapered, hollow cylinder that rotates about a horizontal axis at its base to adjust its angle relative to the base, wherein the tapered cylindrical surface allows the cleaner to cooperate with variously-sized rollers. In another version, the knob is a hollow sphere, with its top end truncated, and with several spaced-apart vertical slits in its side, like a collet, for flexing/bending to various diameters to cooperate with variously-sized rollers. In another version, the knob is a sphere.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method and computer-readable medium that stores instructions for controlling a computing device. The method embodiment relates to processing speech data wherein the method comprises generating phoneme transcriptions for words in a first language, generating a pronunciation dictionary comprising three-parts including, for each word in the dictionary, a first part having a first language orthography, a second part having a second language pronunciation and a third part having a second language orthography and applying the pronunciation dictionary in a speech application. The method is especially applicable to languages where the alphabet does not fully represent how a word is pronounced, as in Arabic or Hebrew.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for generating customized text-to-speech voices for a particular application. The method comprises generating a custom text-to-speech voice by selecting a voice for generating a custom text-to-speech voice associated with a domain, collecting text data associated with the domain from a pre-existing text data source and using the collected text data, generating an in-domain inventory of synthesis speech units by selecting speech units appropriate to the domain via a search of a pre-existing inventory of synthesis speech units, or by recording the minimal inventory for a selected level of synthesis quality. The text-to-speech custom voice for the domain is generated utilizing the in-domain inventory of synthesis speech units. Active learning techniques may also be employed to identify problem phrases wherein only a few minutes of recorded data is necessary to deliver a high quality TTS custom voice.

Abstract: A system and method of structuring and operating an investment vehicle is disclosed which structures the investment vehicle as a common trust fund which operates using the investment, trading, and timing strategies of a hedge fund. The investment vehicle is implemented using a common trust fund structure, which may be offered by a financial institution. The investment vehicle so operated by the financial institution using a hedging strategy to manage the property from the trust to achieve a strong return, even in adverse market conditions.

Abstract: A method for providing an interface to and customizing an interactive application for one or more players. The interactive game of the presently preferred embodiment is played in a wireless environment using a mobile station as a user interface. Data related to activity of the space without the virtual space is collected storing the user-profile data and applied to activity in the virtual.

Abstract: A system and a method for providing an interface to and customizing an interactive application for one or more players. The interactive game of the presently preferred embodiment is played in a wireless environment using a mobile station as a user interface. The game is tracked and controlled using a game center and a game server. The game server is typically at a location remote from the mobile station. Moreover, communication between the game server and the mobile station is typically performed using a base station connected to a telecommunications network. The game server executes a software application which runs a game center. Individual games are managed within the context of this application. In the presently preferred embodiment, the games are text based. A command set is provided for each state of the within the game. The choice of a command from the command set changes the game state.

Abstract: A system and a method for providing an interface to and customizing an interactive application for one or more players is provided. The interactive game of the presently preferred embodiment is played in a wireless environment using a mobile station as a user interface with commands entered via a keyboard or via voice. The game is tracked and controlled using a game center and a game server, which is typically at a location remote from the mobile station. Communication between the game server and the mobile station is typically performed using a base station connected to a telecommunications network. The game server executes a software application, which runs a game center. Individual games are managed within the context of this application.

Abstract: A system and a method for the customization of an interactive game based on mobile station activity. The interactive game is played in a virtual space using a wireless mobile station as a user interface. The game is tracked and controlled using a game center and a game server. The game server executes a software application that runs a game center. A command set is provided for each state within the game. The choice of a command from the command set changes the game state. Games are designed to be customizable based on, for example, current location of the mobile station, call usage on the mobile station, or wireless services utilized by the mobile station.

Abstract: A wireless communication system for interacting with a virtual space. The wireless system may include some or all of the following: a mobile station, a server supporting the virtual space, a gateway, a game center, and a game service. The virtual space may be an interactive fiction game where the user of a mobile station may interact with other players and software entities in the virtual space. The virtual space may be used for other purposes such as a virtual tour of a real world city, guided perhaps by a software entity or agent. The virtual space may be used for business activities such as a virtual conference that allows participants who are physically remote from each other to interact in the virtual space.

Abstract: A wireless communication system for interacting with a virtual space. The wireless system may include some or all of the following: a mobile station, a server supporting the virtual space, a gateway, a game center, and a game service. The virtual space may be an interactive fiction game where the user of a mobile station may interact with other players and software entities in the virtual space. The virtual space may be used for other purposes such as a virtual tour of a real world city, guided perhaps by a software entity or agent. The virtual space may be used for business activities such as a virtual conference that allows participants who are physically remote from each other to interact in the virtual space.

Abstract: Self-reinforcing, pitch-based carbon articles having an unique combination of excellent thermal conductivity and outstanding mechanical properties are produced by carbonizing acid-treated mesophase pitch fiber, preferably in the form of a preform structure The carbon articles having varying degrees of porosity are particularly desirable for use in thermal management and stiffness applications, and in carbon vapor infiltration processes employed in making complex solid carbon articles.

Abstract: Superconducting composites comprising a high thermal conductivity carbon substrate and a layer of ceramic-type superconductor. Particularly attractive for use as a superconducting flexible conductor are composites comprising a high thermal conductivity, low resistivity carbon fiber disposed within a non-adherent sleeve layer formed of the superconducting ceramic material.

Abstract: Self-reinforcing, pitch-based carbon articles having a unique combination of excellent thermal conductivity and outstanding mechanical properties are produced by carbonizing an acid-treated, mesophase pitch fiber preform. The carbon articles having varying degrees of porosity are particularly desirable for use in thermal management and stiffness applications, and in carbon vapor infiltration processes employed in making complex solid carbon articles.

Abstract: Self-reinforcing, pitch-based carbon articles having an unique combination of excellent thermal conductivity and outstanding mechanical properties are produced by carbonizing acid-treated mesophase pitch fiber, preferably in the form of a preform structure. The carbon articles having varying degrees of porosity are particularly desirable for use in thermal management and stiffness applications, and in carbon vapor infiltration processes employed in making complex solid carbon articles.

Abstract: High modulus, pitch-based, continuous carbon fiber having a density above about 2.18 g/cc and an electrical resistivity below about 1.6 micro-ohm-meter, and a method for making.

Abstract: Superconducting composites are made from ceramic-type superconductors coated onto a low resistivity carbon fiber selected from those high strength fibers which have an ultrahigh modulus and high thermal conductivity. Flexible conductors of several different structures made from such composites are described as well as other useful forms of the composites.