Abstract: A vehicle barrier apparatus and corresponding methods include a base and a vehicle receiving member coupled to the base and having proximal and distal ends. Also included is a deployable element rotatably coupled to the base and coupled to the vehicle receiving member at a mechanical coupler located closer to the distal end than to the proximal end. The deployable element is configured to receive a transfer force, from the vehicle receiving member, via the mechanical coupler, responsive to the vehicle receiving member receiving an applied force from a vehicle at the proximal end. The deployable element configured to deploy from a stored orientation to a deployed orientation responsive to the transfer force. Accordingly, vehicle force can be transferred and used to deploy the device effectively in a self-triggered configuration without hazards of stored energy.

Abstract: A method of directing individuals to an evacuation point during a fire including: determining a location of one or more fire detection device and one or more fire suppression devices within a building; detecting a fire using the one or more fire detection devices; determining a location of the fire in response to the location of the one or more fire detection devices; determining a safe evacuation route between an individual and an evacuation point in response to the location of the fire within the building; and directing an individual towards the evacuation point along the safe evacuation route.

Abstract: A pedal device for a vehicle includes a first link that is pivotally supported at one end and receives a pedaling force of a driver, a return spring that biases the first link toward a standard position, a second link supported so as to be pivotable in a direction opposite to that of the first link, and a third link transmitting force and displacement between the first and second links. The return spring has a first and second ends connected to the first and second links, respectively, A moment in which a tensile force of the return spring pivots the first link toward the standard position is greater than a moment in which the tensile force of the return spring pivots the first link away from the standard position via the first end.

Abstract: Systems for and methods of readily locating an eyewash station in a lab while visually impaired are provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a system and method for fine motor control of fingers on a prosthetic hand. In particular, the present disclosure describes a system and method for controlling the flexion or extension of one or more fingers of a prosthetic hand to reproduce a natural stroke such as for, e.g., writing, painting, brushing teeth, or eating. The systems and methods described herein use electromyographic (EMG) signals and, more particularly, combinations of electromyographic signals, from muscles in the forearm to activate one or more motors of the prosthetic hand that control the motion of the prosthetic fingers. The electromyographic signals may be used to cause fingers of a prosthetic hand to, for example, imitate a writing stroke while the fingers of the prosthetic hand hold a writing utensil. Additionally, the present invention describes electrode placement locations that maximize peak signal detected while maintaining a low base-line signal.

Abstract: A control grip for an aircraft control stick or yoke has within it electrically controlled actuators. Each actuator extends a thrust pin that corresponds with the fingertips of the pilot's hand that is holding the control grip. Additional thrust pins are positioned at the base of the thumb and base of the index finger. The actuators, upon receiving their electrical input, extend their thrust pin a small distance and press on the pilot's fingertips. This movement signals the pilot information that is currently conveyed to the pilot's eyes or ears through conventional instruments. Angle of attack for “best rate of climb” would be indicated to the pilot by an extension of the thrust pin that corresponds to the third finger. Angle of attack for “best angle of climb” would be indicated by the extension of the thrust pin that corresponds to the pilot's second finger. Angle of attack at which the wing reaches aerodynamic stall would be indicated by the button that corresponds to the index finger.

Abstract: Provided is a tactile supply device for transferring various types of tactile sensations to a user using tactile sensation providers that include magnetic particles. The tactile supply device includes tactile sensation providers made of magnetic particles and a matrix material, and a magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field to transform the tactile sensation providers.

Abstract: An HVAC controller includes a user interface configured to accept inputs from a user and to display information to the user, and a controller configured to process inputs from the user interface and to provide the user interface with information to be displayed. An equipment connection may be connectable to one or more HVAC components and may be operably coupled to the controller. A network connection may be operably coupled to the controller and may provide the controller with access to outside information. The controller may output (via the user interface) a particular cue in response to information received from the equipment connection and/or the network connection, and wherein the particular cue is a cue that was previously selected and activated by the user.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method and an apparatus for providing a visually impaired a route guidance in a subway station by selectively providing the visually impaired at least one of guidance information received from a visible light illumination device installed in the subway station or information on a recommended route from the subway station to a destination and pre-stored route history information, thus informing the visually impaired as needed in a more efficient manner and enabling the visually impaired to arrive at the destination with safety.

Abstract: An assembly for navigation and usage guidance in a first navigable space using hybrid tactile and electronic guidance means includes a first informational object installed at a fixed location in a first navigable space, wherein the first informational object includes an obverse, a first touch-discernable feature identifying the first informational object, and a second touch-discernable feature identifying a particular location on the obverse. The assembly includes a first transmitter embedded in the first informational object at the particular location, wherein the first transmitter is configured to transmit, to a receiver, data indicating a location of at least a user feature in the first navigable space.

Abstract: In a hand exoskeleton device, according to a three-layered sliding spring mechanism, the motion of the device is changed by a single drive mechanism to transmit power to the metacarpophalangeal, proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of a human finger, thereby enabling support of the daily activity motions of the finger. According to the hand exoskeleton device, when compared with a conventional device, there can be realized a device which is small in size and weight and is capable of supporting the gripping motions of the human finger. The hand exoskeleton device is characterized in that the three joints of the finger can be bent and extended by the single drive mechanism and it can transmit large drive power. Further, the device body is flexible, thereby enabling safe movement.

Abstract: Multipurpose tactile warning panels for use in pedestrian walkways and in particular tactile warning panels that are designed and built with multifunction/multipurpose capabilities that serve the visually impaired and enable the deployment of smart city technology by integrating tactile warning systems and subsurface enclosures that can withstand pressures of five (5) tons up to and exceeding sixty (60) tons and incorporate small cells, beacons, sensors, Fog Computing, electric energy generation, rechargeable power supplies, wireless M2M communication and a plethora of other smart city technologies.

Abstract: The bottle and spray assembly is a device that is designed pump liquids through a nozzle. The pump of the bottle and spray assembly is manually operated. The bottle and spray assembly is designed to rest on the arm of the user while the user holds a handle. The placement of bottle and spray assembly is in such a manner that the arm holds the bottle and spray assembly in place while the user pulls on the handle. The motion of pulling the handle operates the pump action within the spray assembly, which pumps the liquid through a nozzle. The bottle and spray assembly comprises a bottle and a spray assembly.

Abstract: The timing device is a lifetime monitor for indicating when the usable lifetime of a product has ended or for indicating the timing for regular usage of a product. The timing device has a timing initiator, a power supply in the form of a membrane zinc air battery and a visual or audible indicator. The timing initiator is a tear-off air blocking membrane which lets in air when the tear off film is removed. The timing device is capable of indicating a predetermined passage of time which is substantially independent of ambient temperature.

Abstract: A wearable device to be worn by an operator of an aircraft includes a communication unit configured to receive aircraft parameters from an aircraft system. The wearable device further includes a database configured to store adverse control rules that define at least a first adverse control associated with a first aircraft state. The wearable device further includes a first sensor to collect data associated with movement and/or location of the wearable device. The wearable device includes a processing unit configured to identify the first aircraft state based on the aircraft parameters, evaluate operator intent based on the movement and/or location of the wearable device, and initiate a first alert when the operator intent corresponds to the first adverse control during the first aircraft state. The wearable device includes a haptic unit configured to communicate the first alert to the operator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an evacuation guidance notification system that can detect a fire, can provide notification, can provide guidance on an evacuation route, and can re-ensure a field of vision. The evacuation guidance notification system includes an evacuation guidance notification device installed on a banister post at an edge of a staircase, and the evacuation guidance notification device includes a device housing including a display window, a speaker, a beam output unit, an LED unit, a sensor unit, a control unit, a power unit, a communication unit, and an evacuation direction guidance unit. Furthermore, the device housing constituting part of the evacuation guidance notification device may further include a communication unit configured to communicate with the outside and a control room composed of a computer for controlling the evacuation guidance notification device, and the control room may remotely control the evacuation guidance notification device via the communication unit.

Abstract: A display device on a container cover includes a substrate, a driving circuit unit on the substrate, a display element unit on the driving circuit unit, a sealing member on the display element unit, and a coupling portion to a container body.

Abstract: An escape route marking for an airplane with a long luminous strip consisting of a photoluminescent material, a housing in which the luminous strip is arranged and that is designed clear or transparent at least on its top side, and a holding rail for the housing. The holding rail possesses a seating recess for the housing of the luminous strip and cover wings that project laterally on both sides of the holding rail in the longitudinal direction. The top side of the housing inserted in the holding recess is exposed, the cover wings are designed to be elastic, and at least the cover wings of the holding rail consist of a material that is more elastic than the material of the housing.

Abstract: Tactile detection embedment plates used in pedestrian walkways releasably aligned by a bracket on at least one of the embedment plates. The bracket can be mated with a bracket on another plate engage a wedge or wedge parts for a releasable plate assembly connection.

Abstract: The touch-operating input device is configured so that when the control circuit turns on the main light source corresponding to each of the translucent operation buttons that can be operated, the control circuit, on condition that the translucent operation button corresponding to the main light source that is turned on is operated, turns off the sub-light source corresponding to the translucent operation button that is turned on simultaneously with the main light source. Ease of operation is increased by enabling the operator to distinguish operated translucent operation buttons from translucent operation buttons that have not been operated according to whether or not the main light sources are lit.

Abstract: A force-feedback plane slide input device includes: a base body having a housing space formed in a rectangular shape; a slider configured to move within the housing space along a plane including a first direction and a second direction which are orthogonal to each other; an operation member integrally provided with the slider; a first actuating member configured to be actuated by movement of the operation member in the first direction; a second actuating member configured to be actuated by movement of the operation member in the second direction; and a force-feedback unit configured to feed back a sense of force to an operator. The slider includes a first slider member and second slider member. A length of an edge in the first direction of the housing space is substantially the same as a width in the first direction of the second slider member.

Abstract: A user interface comprising a display arranged to display visual content and a tactile surface arranged to convey a tactile representation, wherein said tactile representation is based on said visual content. This has the advantage of enabling a user to perceive content being displayed to him with less cognitive effort.

Abstract: A refreshable tactile reader apparatus for Braille text and graphics, utilizing a plurality of compressible tactile pins that can absorb strong downward forces. Such strong forces transmitted through tactile pins can damage pin actuation mechanisms. The physical enclosure of the reader provides open channels that allow the apparatus to be more easily cleaned than prior art enablements.

Abstract: An exit indicating fire hose comprising: a fire hose having an entrance coupling attached to the fire hose disposed at the end of the fire hose for receiving water; a first directional indicator attached to the fire hose having first end which indicates the direction toward the water source enters the fire hose; a second directional indicator attached to generally the opposite side of the fire hose disposed away from the first directional indicator a predetermined distance; and, wherein the first directional indicator and the second directional indicator have a height above the fire hose so that the directional indicator can indicate direction visually and through touch.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for communicating tactile messages to a user, such as a racecar driver, yacht crewmember, or other athlete. The system can include a tactile vest having tactile activators for conveying tactile messages to the user, including real time messages for helping the user assess and improve physical performance. The messages may be generated based on various types of sensor data, including, for example, data collected by vehicle sensors of a racecar or yacht.

Abstract: Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for generating an impact and/or surface haptic effect for a handheld computer interface such as a video game controller. For example, the handheld computer interface may include a handle coupled to an impact actuator. The impact actuator includes a movable mass and an end stop. The impact actuator may receive a haptic effect signal and in response cause the mass to contact the end stop to generate a haptic effect. A smart material that outputs a surface haptic effect may be coupled to a surface of the handle such that the surface haptic effect is output substantially from the smart material rather than the handle. The handle may be coupled to an end piece having a shape that simulates an object such as a tennis racket, golf club, or other object.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for creating a tactile picture by controlling gas flow through a plurality of through holes on a plate.

Abstract: A replaceable, wet-set tactile warning surface unit having a body defining an upper surface and a lower surface, the body defining a series of raised projections on its upper surface, and defining a plurality of spaced through-holes from the top to the bottom surface, in which the raised projections are spaced from one another and the through-holes are located between projections. An anchor member such as a threaded insert is coupled to the bottom surface of the unit member directly below each of the through-holes by fasteners such as bolts that pass through the through-holes.

Abstract: A replaceable, wet-set tactile warning surface unit having a body defining an upper surface and a lower surface, the body defining a series of raised projections on its upper surface, and defining a plurality of spaced through-holes from the top to the bottom surface, in which the raised projections are spaced from one another and the through-holes are located between projections. An anchor member such as a threaded insert is coupled to the bottom surface of the unit member directly below each of the through-holes by fasteners such as bolts that pass through the through-holes.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method provides blind and vision impaired (B/VI) persons with improved Detectible Guidance Markers (DGMs) for navigation in a wide variety of environments, providing information regarding the presence, type, direction, and proximity of various navigational obstacles. A representative but non-exclusive example of an invented unitary DGM includes a plurality of tactually-detectable informational members, including a base member and one or more integral directional members configured to be disposed at a surface of a navigational substrate. A discrete number of directional members conveys an obstacle identity, while different lengths of directional members, and characteristics of other informational members, convey a direction and/or a proximity to an obstacle. Additionally, numerous structural alterations to a surrounding substrate surface cooperatively supplement the detectability and information-conveying benefits of a DGM.

Abstract: A vibrator assembly includes an electric motor, a shaft driven by the motor, and a cylindrical weight coaxially positioned on the shaft free end, wherein the cylindrical weight has a center of gravity that is radially offset from the shaft axis. The cylindrical weight includes a first portion that is lighter in weight than a second portion. When the vibrator assembly is installed within an electronic device, the cylindrical shape of the weight limits the amount of shaft deflection that can occur when the electronic device is dropped or subjected to other impact forces.

Abstract: An architectural sign useful to the visually impaired, with tactile components that are resistant to daily wear, cleaning, and vandalisms, and a method of producing such a sign with interlocking solid color components is disclosed. The sign comprised of a planar sign plate or base routed therethrough forming one or more sockets to receive one or more tactile text plugs and one or more Braille plugs. These plugs when inserted, pressed and friction fit through the back of the base until flush therewith, protrude at least 1/32nd inch above the front surface of said sign base. The plugs being fabricated from solid color materials that contrast with the base by at least 70% without painting. The Braille plug provides all the Braille pins for the sign on an integrated base.

Abstract: The lamellar or strip-shaped floor marking, in particular for means of transportation, in particular airplanes, having a photoluminescent layer on which covering elements which appear dark in comparison with the luminous layer and which serve as a directional indication are arranged in such a way that acute-angled markings pointing in a direction are formed. The covering elements extend over the entire width of the floor marking and taper on both sides at one of their ends so that a recess bounded by an acute-angled isosceles triangle is formed there. The covering elements are substantially adjacent to one another, at least in groups, in such a way that the distance between them is smaller than approximately three times their longitudinal extent.

Abstract: An electronic circuit including a microchip for use as an intelligent user interface also comprises touch sensor technology that differentiates between proximity and physical contact events to activate and control various loads including light bulbs, products with radio frequency circuitry or electric motors. An input to the microchip is connected to a switch or sensing structure that does not form a serial link between the power source and the load. The electronic circuit controls various functions in response to user actions including automatic delayed shut-off functions, find-in-the-dark indicator and power source level/product state indications. The microchip allows the user to select specific functions based on the time duration of activation signals, the time duration between activation signals and the number of activation signals at the input.

Abstract: A tactor system transforms cable motion to tactor motion. A housing defining a plane is adapted for placement proximate to the skin of a user. A cable is operative to deform a tactor element in the housing, causing a portion of the element to move outwardly from the plane of the housing, thereby imparting a tactile sensation to the user's skin. For example, tension on the cable may cause a strip of flexible plastic or other suitable material to bend at a living hinge that moves outwardly from the plane of the housing. The cable may be driven by an actuator including. Two or more tactor elements may be disposed next to each other or in the same housing, with different elements being activated at different times to enhance the apparent frequency of the stimulus. For example, a reciprocating mechanism may be used to operate a pair of tactor elements out of phase with respect to one another.

Abstract: A replaceable, wet-set tactile warning surface unit having a body defining an upper surface and a lower surface, the body defining a series of raised projections on its upper surface, and defining a plurality of spaced through-holes from the top to the bottom surface, in which the raised projections are spaced from one another and the through-holes are located between projections. An anchor member such as a threaded insert is coupled to the bottom surface of the unit member directly below each of the through-holes by fasteners such as bolts that pass through the through-holes.

Abstract: The all-directional fall sensor of the present invention includes a first casing defining a first interior space filled with a liquid and a floater buoyed by the liquid inside the first casing. The floater includes an indicator having indicative materials therein. The indicator includes a body defining a chamber, which is divided into at least a first portion and a second portion with a first sealing member located therebetween. The indicative materials are contained in the second portion of the chamber and are sealed therein with the first sealing member. When the all-directional fall sensor is applied with a force, the first sealing member would be dislocated and thus the indicative materials are dispersed within the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using a single radial TWS product for a variety of applications is disclosed. Radial TWS products are used for intersections and the like. Often, different applications require radial TWS products of varying dimensions. The present invention includes a radial TWS product, having domes on its upper surface, which are ADAAG compliant. Markings are placed on the bottom surface, which indicate the appropriate places where the TWS product can be cut to achieve a variety of effective radii. These markings are positioned such that, after being cut, the resulting radial TWS product continues to meet the ADAAG required center-to-center spacing between domes of adjacent cut TWS products. In some embodiments, anchor members are used in conjunction with the TWS product to allow simple replacement.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide tactile assistance to a consumer completing a transaction at a point of sale terminal. A tactile overlay, either permanent or removable, couples with a consumer interface such as a touch screen of the point of sale terminal. The tactile overlay includes one or more overlay inputs that provide a distinct tactile impression in comparison with the remainder of the overlay. For example, the overlay inputs can be depressions, apertures, protrusions, dimples, or the like, or provide a different texture such as a rougher or smoother texture than the surrounding overlay. The overlay inputs are configured to correspond with underlying touch screen inputs such that the consumer using the tactile overlay can discern the proper location on the touch screen for providing the desired input.

Abstract: A haptic system which utilizes a combination of tactile and kinesthetic sensing allows a visually impaired person to sense visual and graphical information, such as graphs, figures, and images, on computer displays or printed material. An optical sensor is positioned on a person's hand, e.g., on the person's finger or fingers, or on the person's palm, or is positioned on a stylus used by the person. The optical sensor is traced over an image. When the sensor passes over or follows a location of color or an edge or point of contrast of the graphical information or image, e.g., a line graph, bar graph or pie chart, tactile feedback is provided to the user. The combination of the mechanical stimulation in the same area of the hand used in the sensing (i.e., being kinesthetic ally concordant) will allow the user to more easily and quickly ‘sense’ the shape or image presented on the display or paper.

Abstract: The disclosure describes input devices for processor-based systems, including computing systems, to provide enhanced user experience. The described systems provide tactile sensations providing feedback to a user. In some systems, feedback is provided before actual contact with the key expelling air from the input device proximate the key when user selection is imminent. In other examples, the tactile sensation results from automatic movement of the key in response to detected user selection of the key. Additional examples and variations are described herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using static surface features on a touch-screen for tactile feedback are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system includes a processor configured to transmit a display signal, the display signal comprising a plurality of display elements; and a display configured to output a visual representation of the display signal, the display including: touch-sensitive input device; and one or more static surface features covering at least a portion of the display.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for a drop indicator having a magnet installed therein. The drop indicator according to the invention is used to determine whether a product has ever been dropped or impacted, either in delivery or in use, by inspecting changes in the original condition of the magnet caused by the interaction between the magnetic force and the acceleration of gravity, inertia force, and colliding force, etc. generated upon collision. Take a cell phone or a PDA, for example, changes in the indicative material of the drop indicator will help decide whether the faulty product has ever been dropped or impacted in delivery or in use, so that liability can be determined.

Abstract: A tactile fire escape method and system for guiding individuals to a fire escape during low visibility emergencies includes a plurality of first tactile members attached to any fixed and moveable surface along a fire escape path, wherein the plurality of first tactile members are comprised of a transparent tapered structure pointing approximately along the fire escape path to an exit door. A second tactile member is attached to the exit door. The second tactile member is also comprised of a transparent tapered structure pointing approximately upwardly and a plurality of third transparent tactile members, also of a tapered structure, are attached to any fixed and moveable surface along the fire escape path indicating an immediate left or right turn across a hallway or common area. An initial tactile member may also be located within a room to guide the individual toward an initial direction along the fire escape path.

Abstract: A tactile warning pad composed of a polymer material, the pad comprising contact structures on its upper surface and embedded shearable anchor members in the form of a corrugated mesh webbing, wherein the upper portions of the mesh webbing are embedded within the pad and the lower portions of the mesh webbing extend below the pad, such that the pad may be positioned atop an uncured concrete base with the lower portions of the mesh webbing embedded within the concrete, and further such that the anchor members retain the pad on the concrete base once the concrete has hardened, and further such that the pad is removable from the concrete by shearing the anchor members at the interface between the concrete base and the polymer pad using a bladed shearing implement.

Abstract: A detectable warning tile system has a tile base with an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface has a plurality of upward projections therefrom. The tile base has two side edges for alignment with corresponding side edges of other tiles, and front and rear edges. An area of the upper surface of the tile base is formed free of the detectable warnings and may include a trough into or over which a replaceable tile section may be placed. The tile base and/or replaceable tile section may be configured to receive one or more individually-installable detectable warnings.

Abstract: A replaceable, wet-set tactile warning surface unit having a body defining an upper surface and a lower surface, the body defining a series of raised projections on its upper surface, and defining a plurality of spaced through-holes from the top to the bottom surface, in which the raised projections are spaced from one another and the through-holes are located between projections. An anchor member such as a threaded insert is coupled to the bottom surface of the unit member directly below each of the through-holes by fasteners such as bolts that pass through the through-holes.

Abstract: An electronic circuit including a microchip for use as an intelligent user interface also comprises touch sensor technology that differentiates between proximity and physical contact events to activate and control various loads including light bulbs, products with radio frequency circuitry or electric motors. An input to the microchip is connected to a switch or sensing structure that does not form a serial link between the power source and the load. The electronic circuit controls various functions in response to user actions including automatic delayed shut-off functions, find-in-the-dark indicator and a power source level/product state indications. The microchip allows the user to select specific functions based on the time duration of activation signals, the time duration between activation signals and the number of activation signals at the input.

Abstract: An inductive programming switch for applications in special environments, comprising an inductive component and a container in which the inductive component is accommodated proximate to a wall of the container, the inductive component being connected to an electronic evaluation circuit, which is adapted to detect variations of parameters of the inductive component caused by the approach of a metallic object to the wall, the evaluation circuit being adapted to detect and identify a sequence of approach/spacing of the metallic object with respect to the wall and for modifying its functional parameters according to the sequence.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus includes a casing; a first force-sense generating mechanism which selectively imparts, to the user who is carrying the casing; a force-sense of a first translation force directed toward one side in a first direction, and a force-sense of a second translational force directed toward the other side in the first direction; and a second force-sense generating mechanism which is arranged in the casing, at an opposite side of the first force-sense generating mechanism with respect to a straight line passing through a center of gravity of the mobile apparatus, and which selectively imparts a force-sense of a third translational force directed toward one side in a second direction which is substantially parallel to the first direction, and a force-sense of a fourth translational force directed toward the other side in the second direction.