Abstract: Computer-implemented method for assessing an aging adult's ability to classify formant transition and segment duration information in making phonetic categorizations. A representative subset of multiple confusable pairs of phonemes is selected. A representative subset of multiple stimulus levels for the phonemes is selected for use with the phoneme subset. For each pair of phonemes of the phoneme subset, at each stimulus level of the stimulus level subset: icons for each phoneme are graphically presented, and a computer-generated phoneme from the pair is aurally presenting at the stimulus level. The adult is required to select one of the icons corresponding to the aurally presented phoneme, and the selection's correctness or incorrectness recorded as a response result. A success rate is determined based on the response results, the success rate comprising an estimate of the adult's success rate with respect to the multiple confusable pairs of phonemes at the multiple stimulus levels.

Abstract: A method on a computing device for enhancing the memory and cognitive ability of a participant by requiring the participant to differentiate between rapidly presented aural stimuli. The method trains the time order judgment of the participant by iteratively presenting sequences of upward and downward formant frequency sweeps, in random order, separated by an inter-stimulus interval (ISI). The upward and downward formant frequency sweeps utilize frequencies common in formants, i.e., the characteristic frequency components common in human speech. Icons are associated with the upward and downward formant frequency sweeps to allow the participant to indicate an order in which the sweeps are presented (i.e., UP-UP, UP-DOWN, DOWN-UP, and DOWN-DOWN). Correct/incorrect selection of an order causes the ISI and/or the duration of the frequency sweeps to be adaptively shortened/lengthened.

Abstract: Computer-implemented method for improving cognition and memory in an aging adult, utilizing a computing device to present stimuli to the adult, and to record responses from the adult. A psychophysical threshold for an aging adult with respect to stimuli in a cognitive development exercise is determined using a maximum likelihood procedure, such as QUEST (quick estimation by sequential testing) or ZEST (zippy estimation by sequential testing). The threshold is a stimulus intensity value associated with a specified performance level of the adult. A plurality of trials in the exercise are then performed with stimuli at or near the determined threshold to improve the adult's cognition and memory skills. This threshold determination and exercise performance may be repeated in an iterative manner to further improve the adult's cognition and memory skills.

Abstract: A method on a computing device for enhancing the memory and cognitive ability of an older adult by requiring the adult to differentiate between rapidly presented stimuli. The method utilizes a sequence of phonemes from a confusable pair which are systematically manipulated to make discrimination between the phonemes less difficult or more difficult based on the success of the adult, such as processing the consonant and vowel portions of the phonemes by emphasizing the portions, stretching the portions, and/or separating the consonant and vowel portions by time intervals. As the adult improves in auditory processing, the discriminations are made progressively more difficult by reducing the amount of processing to that of normal speech.

Abstract: A method on a computing device is provided for enhancing the memory and cognitive ability of an older adult by requiring the adult to listen to two or more aurally processed syllables, presented serially, view the syllables graphically, and then designate the order in which the syllables were aurally presented. A number of trials are presented to the adult. As the adult correctly determines the syllable order in trials, the difficulty of the trials is increased by increasing the number of syllables presented, and by reducing the amount of processing that is applied to the syllables.

Abstract: A method on a computing device for enhancing the memory and cognitive ability of an older adult by requiring the adult to differentiate between rapidly presented stimuli. The method utilizes a sequence of phonemes from a confusable pair which are systematically manipulated to make discrimination between the phonemes less difficult or more difficult based on the success of the adult, such as processing the consonant and vowel portions of the phonemes by emphasizing the portions, stretching the portions, and/or separating the consonant and vowel portions by time intervals. As the adult improves in auditory processing, the discriminations are made progressively more difficult by reducing the amount of processing to that of normal speech.

Abstract: A method on a computing device is provided for enhancing the memory and cognitive ability of an older adult by requiring the adult to listen to two or more aurally processed syllables, presented serially, view the syllables graphically, and then designate the order in which the syllables were aurally presented. A number of trials are presented to the adult. As the adult correctly determines the syllable order in trials, the difficulty of the trials is increased by increasing the number of syllables presented, and by reducing the amount of processing that is applied to the syllables.

Abstract: A method on a computing device is provided for enhancing the memory and cognitive ability of an older adult by requiring the adult to listen to two or more aurally processed syllables, presented serially, view the syllables graphically, and then designate the order in which the syllables were aurally presented. A number of trials are presented to the adult. As the adult correctly determines the syllable order in trials, the difficulty of the trials is increased by increasing the number of syllables presented, and by reducing the amount of processing that is applied to the syllables.

Abstract: A method for making an individual PPTC electrical circuit protection device includes steps of inserting two surface-treated conductive electrodes into a mold; injecting plastic-phase PPTC material into a space between the two electrodes; closing the mold and thereby applying pressure to the electrodes and PPTC material to form a completed device; and removing the completed device from the mold. Mold temperature is controlled in a range of between 80 and 125° C.

Abstract: A method on a computing device is provided for enhancing the memory and cognitive ability of an older adult by requiring the adult to listen to two or more aurally processed syllables, presented serially, view the syllables graphically, and then designate the order in which the syllables were aurally presented. A number of trials are presented to the adult. As the adult correctly determines the syllable order in trials, the difficulty of the trials is increased by increasing the number of syllables presented, and by reducing the amount of processing that is applied to the syllables.

Abstract: A method on a computing device is provided for enhancing the memory and cognitive ability of an older adult by requiring the adult to differentiate between rapidly presented stimuli. The method utilizes a sequence of phonemes from a confusable pair which are systematically manipulated to make discrimination between the phonemes less difficult or more difficult based on the success of the adult. The manipulation includes processing of the consonant and vowel portions of the phonemes by emphasizing the portions, and/or by stretching the portions. Further processing includes separating the consonant and vowel portions by time intervals. As the adult improves in their auditory processing, the discriminations are made progressively more difficult by reducing the amount of processing to that of normal speech.

Abstract: A method on a computing device is provided for enhancing the memory and cognitive ability of an older adult by requiring the adult to spatially match pairs of graphically presented response buttons that are associated with aurally presented stimuli which is processed by the computing device. An adult is presented with a grid of response buttons that have been paired with aural stimuli. As the adult selects a response button, its processed aural stimuli is presented. The adult is required to remember which response button is associated with which aural stimuli, and sequentially select response buttons having the same aural stimuli. As the adult sequentially selects response buttons having the same aural stimuli, the response button pair is removed. The number of response buttons presented in a trial, and the amount of processing applied to the stimuli adapts to the adults success or failure in completing trials.

Abstract: A method on a computing device is provided for enhancing the memory and cognitive ability of an older adult by requiring the adult to differentiate between rapidly presented stimuli. The method trains the time order judgment of the adult by presenting upward and downward frequency sweeps, in random order, separated by an inter-stimulus interval. The upward and downward frequency sweeps are at frequencies common in formants which form the frequency components common in speech. Icons are associated with the upward and downward frequency sweeps to allow the adult to indicate an order in which the frequency sweeps are presented (i.e., UP-UP, UP-DOWN, DOWN-UP, and DOWN-DOWN). Correct selection of an order causes the inter-stimulus interval to be reduced, and/or the duration of the frequency sweeps to be adaptively shortened.

Abstract: A method of optically aligning a permanent energy emitter with a first target includes steps to fix the attitude of the emitter retainer portion of an adjustable and selectively fixable emitter bracket as follows. An adjustable emitter bracket facilitative of the method includes (i) a base, (ii) an emitter retainer for selectively retaining an energy emitter and (ii) at least one set of adjustable and selectively fixable linkage members interconnecting the base and the emitter retainer. A temporary emitter is retained by the emitter retainer and caused to emit a detectable beam of electromagnetic energy. The bracket is manipulated and secured in a position in which the emitting beam impinges upon a target positioned such that, when the temporary emitter is replaced by the permanent emitter, energy emitting from the permanent emitter will impinge upon the first target. The temporary emitter is then replaced with the permanent emitter.

Abstract: A communication system is provided for the interconnection of telephones and other instruments capable of communicating via the voice spectrum, the system providing a single transmission line such as a coaxial cable by which full duplex communication is provided between any pair of telephones. Each instrument is coupled to the transmission line by a control unit which includes computer operated transceiver equipment for paging other ones of the control units to initiate a telephonic communication. Each control unit is provided with an identification number and circuitry for recognizing the identification number contained within a paging signal so as to initiate a response. In a separate spectral portion of the transmission line, there are provided sets of analog communication channels each of which has upper and lower spectral portions to provide two-way communication in opposite directions between a pair of telephones engaged in communication.

Abstract: A communication system is provided for the interconnection of telephones and other instruments capable of communicating via the voice spectrum, the system providing a single transmission line such as a coaxial cable by which full duplex communication is provided between any pair of telephones. Each instrument is coupled to the transmission line by a control unit which includes computer operated transceiver equipment for paging other ones of the control units to initiate a telephonic communication. Each control unit is provided with an identification number and circuitry for recognizing the identification number contained within a paging signal so as to initiate a response. In a separate spectral portion of the transmission line, there are provided sets of analog communication channels each of which has upper and lower spectral portions to provide two-way communication in opposite directions between a pair of telephones engaged in communication.