Abstract: A multimodal system may include a user device, a multimodal application, and an application server. The user device includes a multimodal browser operable to receive web content in a multimodal markup language for presentation. The multimodal application includes interfaces implemented as server pages using multimodal markup language tags including tag attributes. The multimodal markup language tags are operable to present interface elements of the server pages in one or more modes and to accept input associated with the interface elements in one or more input modalities. The application server is operable to process the multimodal markup language tags such that the server pages implemented using the multimodal markup language tags can be displayed on the multimodal browser.

Abstract: A sales system is described that enables fast, efficient shopping by customers, and thereby increases sales and encourages customer loyalty, while simultaneously improving store management. An electronic device, which may be mobile or stationary, and which may belong or be assigned to (or accessed by) each customer, is used to access shopping information that might not otherwise be available to the customer during shopping. For example, a personal digital assistant or information kiosk may be used to provide specific product information and complete a sale thereof, or to provide suggested purchase lists and best routes through the store during shopping. The sales system is multi-modal, so that a plurality of input modalities (such as voice or auto-id techniques) are simultaneously available to the customer.

Abstract: A recycling apparatus and method for accepting the return of selected types of used containers and for dispensing compensation for the deposit in the apparatus of an approved type of container. A returned container is placed into a depository in the apparatus wherein a scanner reads code markings on the container. If the code indicates the container is of an acceptable type, the container is deposited in a storage receptacle within which the containers are periodically compacted. The customer has the option of selecting compensation from the apparatus of either a given amount of money or a chit worth more than the given amount which may be credited towards the purchase of select products.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for fashioning a wind wheel apparatus that utilizes the wheat field principle in association with a power generating station to provide back pumping in a dam environment to provide a greater efficiency. Specifically, a double array of wind wheels is disposed in a matrix on the horizontal plane oriented to address the angle of attack of the wind regardless of wind direction and is further provided with means to develop electrical current therefrom to be used in motivating pumping means for returning water that has generated electricity due to potential energy back into a reservoir. Thus the wind energy is stored in the reservoir as potential energy. Because of its low cost and abundance this energy is able to address the task of supplying energy to industries or municipalities engaged in processing and pumping of large quantities of ocean water to any desirable elevation.