Abstract: A packaging for pharmaceutical pills or the like is disclosed having formed therein both a payload enclosure and a recessed activating feature. The recessed activating feature, once activated using a pointed object, changes the packaging into a form that may be more readily opened by hand.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for attenuating electrical signals in the signal path of an electronic audio frequency amplifier for amplifying signals from musical instruments. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is configured to be coupled to the amplifier in more than one arrangement and the apparatus exhibits different attenuation characteristics depending on which arrangement is used to couple the apparatus to the amplifier.

Abstract: The method and system of the present invention may be utilized to enable a blind or visually impaired computer user to graphically select a displayed graphic element within a computer system display. A unique identifiable audible signal is associated with each displayed graphic element. A movable cursor element or pointer is displayed within the computer system display and a composite audible signal is periodically generated in response to the position of the movable cursor element. The composite audible signal preferably includes elements of each identifiable audible signal associated with each displayed graphic element within a predetermined radius of the location of the movable cursor element.

Abstract: When a speech signal that may include a sibilant consisting of one or more formants is received, frequencies and selectivity factors are determined for each sibilant formant in the speech signal. Then, the frequencies and selectivity factors are compared to a set of empirically derived criteria to classify the sibilant sound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating a plurality of logical elements connected to each other by a plurality of connectors, wherein a change of state may occur in at least one of the plurality of logical elements. A state data field is established for each of the plurality of connectors. State data is used within each connection to compare and asserted output of one node with the acknowledged input of another node. Logical elements that require reevaluation are identified from the plurality of elements. By searching for discrepancies within the state data field(s).