Abstract: A heel driven pedal apparatus includes a base member and a footboard pivotally coupled to the base member. The footboard is pivotally movable between a released configuration at which the rear end is displaced from the base member and a compressed configuration at which the rear end is adjacent the base member. A spindle shaft includes a proximal end operatively coupled to the front end of the footboard with a linkage assembly, and an opposed distal end. A beater head is coupled to the distal end of the spindle shaft, the linkage assembly and the spindle shaft being configured to move the beater head toward a percussion instrument when the footboard is moved toward the compressed configuration and away from the percussion instrument when the footboard is moved toward the released configuration. The beater head is rotatable to position a desired beater head surface for contact with the percussion instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnification device for use by blind and/or low vision individuals. The device includes an X-Y table upon which an item to be magnified can be placed. A stationary camera arm and a pivotal monitor arm are oriented over the X-Y table. The monitor arm includes a video monitor pivotally mounted at its distal end. The camera arm also includes two laterally disposed lighting arms. A series of controls are provided along a lower edge of the monitor via a mounting bracket.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnification device for use by blind and/or low vision individuals. The device includes an X-Y table upon which an item to be magnified can be placed. A stationary camera arm and a pivotal monitor arm are oriented over the X-Y table. The monitor arm includes a video monitor pivotally mounted at its distal end. The camera arm also includes two laterally disposed lighting arms. A series of controls are provided along a lower edge of the monitor via a mounting bracket.

Abstract: A desktop electronic magnifier in a first embodiment includes a monitor and a control panel mounted to the monitor so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a second embodiment, a monitor is positioned atop a flat platform that surmounts the camera so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a third embodiment, the control panel is mounted to the camera and the monitor is supported by a support surface independent of the magnifier. Access to the control panel is blocked only if the user positions the monitor in blocking relation to the control panel.

Abstract: A portable magnifier camera with an associated display housing, base and handle. The camera can be selectively positioned into a variety of configurations, including: a first closed configuration wherein the display and base are in facing relation; a second opened configuration wherein the display is angled with respect to the base; and a third hand-held configuration wherein a handle is pivoted outwardly to permit a user to hold the camera relative to a distant object. The angle of the camera adjusts automatically in each configuration to ensure that the camera's light of slight is perpendicular to the object plane. These configurations enable a user to effectively view objects of differing size and at varying distances.

Abstract: A desktop electronic magnifier in a first embodiment includes a monitor and a control panel mounted to the monitor so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a second embodiment, a monitor is positioned atop a flat platform that surmounts the camera so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a third embodiment, the control panel is mounted to the camera and the monitor is supported by a support surface independent of the magnifier. Access to the control panel is blocked only if the user positions the monitor in blocking relation to the control panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable magnifier camera that can be selectively positioned into a variety of configurations. At least four distinct viewing configurations are provided: a reading mode wherein the camera rests flatly upon the viewed object; a writing mode wherein the camera rests at an angle upon the viewed object; a hand-held mode wherein the user holds the camera relative to a distant object; and an inspection mode wherein the user holds the viewed object relative to the camera. These configurations enable a user to effectively view objects of differing size and at varying distances.

Abstract: A display package comprising a shell having a cavity therein sized to house therein at least one product having a consumer-activated feature, wherein the at least one product is movable inside the cavity, the shell comprising at least one aperture structured and configured to allow a consumer to touch the at least one product inside the shell thereby moving and positioning the at least one product to register the consumer-activated feature with the at least one aperture so that the consumer-activated feature is at least partially exposed through the at least one aperture.

Abstract: A technique for making a payment to a payee on behalf of a payor by a payment service provider is provided. A determination is made as to if a requested payment amount is less than a certain amount. The certain amount is associated with the payee and is determined by the service provider, not the payee. If the payment amount is less than the certain amount, payment to the payee on behalf of the payor is made drawn on an account of the service provider.

Abstract: A desktop electronic magnifier in a first embodiment includes a monitor and a control panel mounted to the monitor so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a second embodiment, a monitor is positioned atop a flat platform that surmounts the camera so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a third embodiment, the control panel is mounted to the camera and the monitor is supported by a support surface independent of the magnifier. Access to the control panel is blocked only if the user positions the monitor in blocking relation to the control panel.

Abstract: A desktop electronic magnifier in a first embodiment includes a monitor and a control panel mounted to the monitor so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a second embodiment, a monitor is positioned atop a flat platform that surmounts the camera so that access to the control panel cannot be blocked by any position of the monitor. In a third embodiment, the control panel is mounted to the camera and the monitor is supported by a support surface independent of the magnifier. Access to the control panel is blocked only if the user positions the monitor in blocking relation to the control panel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnification device for use by blind and/or low vision individuals. The device includes an X-Y table upon which an item to be magnified can be placed. A stationary camera arm and a pivotal monitor arm are oriented over the X-Y table. The monitor arm includes a video monitor pivotally mounted at its distal end. The camera arm also includes two laterally disposed lighting arms. A series of controls are provided along a lower edge of the monitor via a mounting bracket.

Abstract: A technique for making a payment to a payee on behalf of a payor by a payment service provider is provided. The service provider identifies one or more risk reduction techniques available for use in fulfilling a received payment request. The risk reduction techniques are identified based upon the received payment request. An identified technique is selected and payment is made according to that selected risk reduction technique.

Abstract: A technique for making a payment to a payee on behalf of a payor by a payment service provider is provider. The service provider identifies those of multiple electronic debiting options available for completing a payment request. One of the identified options is selected and a payment account of the payee is electronically debited according to the selected option.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable magnifier camera that can be selectively positioned into a variety of configurations. At least four distinct viewing configurations are provided: a reading mode wherein the camera rests flatly upon the viewed object; a writing mode wherein the camera rests at an angle upon the viewed object; a hand-held mode wherein the user holds the camera relative to a distant object; and an inspection mode wherein the user holds the viewed object relative to the camera. These configurations enable a user to effectively view objects of differing size and at varying distances.

Abstract: A technique for making a payment to a payee on behalf of a payor is provided. A selection is made, based upon a received payment request, of a processing parameter from a group of processing parameters. The group of processing parameters consists of at least two of three processing parameters. The three processing parameters are a speed of processing, cost of processing, and a risk of processing. The payment is made according to the selected processing parameter.

Abstract: A Braille display for use by blind and low vision users. The Braille display can be detachably mounted on a notetaker which includes either a Braille keyboard or a conventional QWERTY keyboard and a memory for storing in digital form information which is entered through the keyboard. Preferably, the Braille display includes a conventional port for connecting through a cable to a personal computer or other computer operated device for displaying information.