Abstract: A pedestrian safety system for a restaurant having a drive-through lane for an automobile, a pickup window, and a pedestrian door. The system includes lane sensors proximate the pickup window that generate lane data indicate of the proximity and motion of an automobile. A controller is in data communication with the lane sensors and programmed to determine proximity and motion status data regarding an automobile in the drive through lane. A pedestrian visual alert member is positioned proximate the pedestrian door of the restaurant and includes Stop, Go, and Caution indicator lamps. An appropriate lamp is energized by the controller depending if the lane sensors detect an automobile moving downstream in the drive-through lane, stopped at the pick-up window, or the lane is clear. The system may also include pedestrian sensors inside the restaurant and a lane visual alert member having indicator lamps to indicate a status of pedestrian traffic.

Abstract: A system (100) and method for sorting mail (112) includes a first database (106) containing addresses and zipcodes for a plurality of mail item recipients, a second database (104) containing a plurality of individual and firm names and their associated addresses, and an imaging device (114) for capturing an image of address information on a mail item (112). Based on identified elements from the captured address information image, a subsystem (110) containing an algorithm compares the elements with the first database (106) and determines if there is a match of all elements. If one or more address information elements are unmatched, the algorithm compares the elements to the second database (104), and applies a set of criteria to the address information elements matched in the second database (104) to determine if a match exists.

Abstract: A transitional feeding tool for individuals with oral sensory problems comprises a handle and a food-carrying platform carried by the handle. The food-carrying platform has a top surface and a bottom surface extending along an axis and at least one blunt projection extending radially from the bottom surface of the platform. The projection is adapted to contact the tongue to provide oral tactile stimulation as the tool is advanced over the tongue to deliver food.

Abstract: A system (100) and method for sorting mail (112) includes a first database (106) containing addresses and zipcodes for a plurality of mail item recipients, a second database (104) containing a plurality of individual and firm names and their associated addresses, and an imaging device (114) for capturing an image of address information on a mail item (112). Based on identified elements from the captured address information image, a subsystem (110) containing an algorithm compares the elements with the first database (106) and determines if there is a match of all elements. If one or more address information elements are unmatched, the algorithm compares the elements to the second database (104), and applies a set of criteria to the address information elements matched in the second database (104) to determine if a match exists.