Abstract: A visual teaching aid (100) assists teaching a cleaning order for a predefined area (106). The visual teaching aid can include a legend portion (103) defining a plurality of portions (105) of the predefined area, while a predefined area portion (104) pictorially illustrates the plurality of portions. The legend portion can define a plurality of sequential numerical indicia (107) indicating a predefined order in which the plurality of portions should be cleaned. The predefined area portion can include a plurality of visual indicators (110) assigned to the plurality of portions on a one-to-one basis. The visual teaching aid can be included with one or more cleaning cloths (400,600) or microfiber booklets (801,808) in a cleaning package assembly (1300).

Abstract: A language learning system including: a learner terminal having a display displaying an image and a sound recording and reproduction device; a learning support server having a memory storing computer-readable instructions and a processor executing the computer-readable instructions so as to: cause the memory to store a model voice of a word with a model pronunciation for a learning language; send the model voice and an image the learner terminal; acquire a learner spoken voice of the word; identify the learner by analyzing the acquired learner voice and evaluate a pronunciation correctness of the acquired learner voice; and send an image indicating an evaluation result of the pronunciation correctness to the learner terminal; and a network that is communicably connected between the learner terminal and the learning support server. The image does not have character information regarding select portions of the learning language.

Abstract: A communication system and method are provided to assist a user in conveying and/or exchanging a communication. The present communication system and method provide a low tech platform that enables a user to utilize an icon exchange communication system and method while allowing the integration of core vocabulary instructional concepts and techniques. The present communication system and method allows for seamless presentation of core vocabulary while also providing access to fringe vocabulary words.

Abstract: A number writing development guide including a number guide sheet having sequential instruction indicia. The sequential instruction indicia includes discrete ordered steps that cue a user in proper writing strokes to write an associated number. At least one of the discrete ordered steps relates to a common childhood activity or experience to thereby form an association between the activity or experience and the sequential instruction indicia. The guide further includes a challenge sheet coupled to the number guide sheet and having number challenge indicia. The number challenge indicia cues the user to arrive at a numerical answer to the number challenge and write the numerical answer thereon.

Abstract: A method of teaching pronunciation is provided which includes communicating by a voice portal server to a user a model word and detecting a response by the user to the voice portal server. The method also includes comparing the response word to the model word and determining a confidence level based on the comparison of the response word to the model word. The method further includes comparing an acceptance limit to the confidence level and confirming a correct pronunciation of the model word if the confidence level one of equals and exceeds the acceptance limit.

Abstract: A method of teaching pronunciation is provided which includes communicating by a voice portal server to a user a model word and detecting a response by the user to the voice portal server. The method also includes comparing the response word to the model word and determining a confidence level based on the comparison of the response word to the model word. The method further includes comparing an acceptance limit to the confidence level and confirming a correct pronunciation of the model word if the confidence level one of equals and exceeds the acceptance limit.

Abstract: A sheet assembly including a sheet and sequential instruction indicia on the sheet. The sequential instruction indicia includes discrete ordered steps that cue a user in proper writing strokes to write an associated letter or number. The sheet assembly further includes narrative indicia on the sheet having discrete portions that correspond to the discrete ordered steps of the sequential instruction indicia.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward packs, pads, sheets or rolls of repositionable and reusable sticky notes that are pre-printed with one or more themes, thereby enabling a user of the invention to decorate a home, office, or other structure with the sticky notes to convey a message or expression. The sticky notes are complied in the traditional fashion, with each note having a portion near the top, side, center or bottom or all over if on a roll or sheet which has removable, semi-sticky glue which allows it to stick to a wall. Because the sticky notes are easily removed from the pack, and are pre-printed with the desired message, they are easily placed in large or small quantities on a mirror, wall, floor, ceiling, car, seat, file folder, scrapbook or other hard or soft surface in a decorative manner to send a bold message.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward packs, pads, sheets or rolls of repositionable and reusable sticky notes that are pre-printed with one or more themes, thereby enabling a user of the invention to decorate a home, office, or other structure with the sticky notes to convey a message or expression. The sticky notes are complied in the traditional fashion, with each note having a portion near the top, side, center or bottom or all over if on a roll or sheet which has removable, semi-sticky glue which allows it to stick to a wall. Because the sticky notes are easily removed from the pack, and are pre-printed with the desired message, they are easily placed in large or small quantities on a mirror, wall, floor, ceiling, car, seat, file folder, scrapbook or other hard or soft surface in a decorative manner to send a bold message.

Abstract: The present invention provides a print creating method which can instantaneously create media such as advertisements which are agreeable to the customer by incorporating therein customer snapshots, etc. by the process of printing with an ink-jet recording system on a coating layer of ink-jet recording ink on a variable region of a recording sheet on which constant information such as advertisements or scenery is printed by offset printing or the like, and which can thus notably enhance the memorial advertisement effect.

Abstract: A sheet of embossed paper including a sheet-like body portion, at least one embossed or depressed line located on the body portion, and at least one printed line located on and extending at least partially along the embossed or depressed line. The invention may also include notebook including a plurality of sheets of paper, each sheet including a sheet-like body portion, at least one embossed or depressed line located on the body portion, and at least one printed line located on and extending at least partially along the embossed or depressed line. The notebook may include binding means binding the plurality of sheets together.

Abstract: A postal mailer which comprises a postcard having in the front left top section a detachable calling card and having in the back surface left top, left bottom, right bottom and central sections map indicia designating the general area and specific location of the return address indicia on the postcard.

Abstract: This teaching method uses this one-two-sided learning aid, called the ONE-PAGE-BOOK, a combination of two languages in which the syntax of the target language is set up to allow the student to learn how to speak, think, write, read and understand the target language. This portable, always accessible and easy-to-use learning aid will allow the student to spontaneously communicate within 120 hours of formal language training by just following the numerical sequence found in the learning aid. This new teaching method does not require memorization, repetition or the use of grammar as the main way to teach the target language. With the use of the learning aid no additional textbooks would be needed.

Abstract: A system and method for printing characters that is developmentally appropriate for children are disclosed. Specifically, the present invention introduces children to character shapes using the familiar shape of a snowman and through calisthenics that involve gross motor skills. When the children have become familiar with the shapes of the characters and the movements necessary to form the shapes, the method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention teaches the children to use similar movements on a smaller scale to form the characters on writing paper.

Abstract: A travel publication containing a collection of detachable information cards that provides the consumer information in regards to finding a specific location at a destination where the consumer is hindered by a language or accent barrier. Each card details a specific location or locations in both text and a graphical map. This information is presented in a bilingual format using both the written language that the consumer is skilled in and the common written language of the destination. After detachment, the card is handed to a person(s) at the destination and used to communicate the consumer's desire to find or be transported to that specific location.

Abstract: An advertising or promotional brochure is disclosed that is to be mailed in conjunction with a magazine or periodical. The brochure may include high-quality, glossy photographs, and be personalized with text and/or images that relate specifically to the magazine subscriber. In addition, the brochure may include coupons for sales discounts, bank promotional checks, and other promotions that may be redeemed by the magazine subscriber. The brochure may be embodied as a multi-page pamphlet and may have an appearance and cover similar to the magazine to which it is attached.

Abstract: A method for assessing the readiness skills of a child between the ages of two and six years is disclosed. To assess the child's skills, a set of specially designed cards is provided. Each card displays one or more predetermined symbols. The cards are displayed to the child according to a predefined protocol. As the cards are displayed, a testing specialist asks the child questions about each card and records the child's responses. The child's responses are then scored to assess his or her skill level. The cards are organized into color-coded subsets. Each subset can be used to test a child's mastery of a certain task. In addition, the cards can be asymmetrically-shaped to facilitate sorting and presentation. The unique design of the cards permits the testing specialist to quickly screen young children with possible learning disabilities.

Abstract: While leaving the spelling of words intact the sequence of words on ever other line of print text is reversed. The reader reads the first line of text from left to right. When finished with the first line the reader drops her/his eyes directly below to the `beginning` of the second line and reads the words on the second line right to left. When finished with the second line the reader again drops her/his eyes directly below to the `beginning` of the third line and reads this line left to right. The reader continues reading alternately lines of text right to left, left to right until reaching a major break in the composition when the process is begun anew.

Abstract: An educational card game is disclosed which consists of a deck of playing cards. One face of each card is inscribed with a word which represents one or more of the eight forms of speech in the English language. The game is designed to enhance the participant's knowledge of the eight forms of speech and recognition that many words can be used to represent more than one of the eight forms of speech.

Abstract: A communication and teaching aid for increasing the communication skills of a nonverbal, speech and/or language impaired individual comprising a collection assembly preferably in the form of a book structure having a plurality of movably mounted pages each of which serves as a support structure for a plurality of demonstration pieces. Informative indicia is formed on an exposed surface of each of the demonstration pieces either in the form of an alpha-numeric display or a pictorial representation with a word or phrase label, wherein the informative indicia is representative of subject related categories of common objects, activities, statements, phrases, questions, answers, etc. A coding system is utilized to identify each of the plurality of demonstration pieces by category so as to facilitate their accessibility and identity when at least one demonstration piece of a given category is desired to be used either by the individual or one communicating with or teaching the individual.

Abstract: A dictionary of an alphabetic foreign language is an information carrier on which marked-off groups (4-10) of words (3) of the foreign language are positioned. A translation (13) and transcription (12) are provided adjacent to each word of the foreign language. Words, which have an identical sequence (11) of letters, comprising at least one third of the letters in the words, in the direction from the end to the beginning of a word, are combined into a group (4-10). Wherein, each group is positioned sequentially with respect to another group of words, the aforesaid sequence (11) of letters of which comprises the greatest number of coinciding letters in the direction from the end to the beginning of a word. The groups (4-10) of words are separated one from another by a separating element (14), for example, by marking the group or by an empty space (15) on the carrier. The number of groups is not limited.

Abstract: A storyboard includes a sentence imprinted on it that has at least one missing word, and a hook and loop fastener is positioned in registration with the missing word. A plurality of mounting members, each of which has a word imprinted on its front side, is stored at a location remote from the storyboard and is detachably secured to a hook and loop fastener. A child selects a word from the remote location and attaches it to the hook and loop fastener on the storyboard to complete the sentence. The child then inverts the mounting member and views a picture on its reverse side to verify the meaning of the word. In a second embodiment, remote mounting members having words or pictures imprinted on them are stored under flaps that surround the storyboard and the child sequentially lifts the flaps, retrieves mounting members having words and pictures imprinted on them, and completes a sentence.

Abstract: A note pad for teaching single word translations having a number of sheets of writing paper bound on a adjacent common edge with a letter of the alphabet in the upper left corner, a pictorial representation of the word in the upper right corner, a first language, phonetic spelling and word on the bottom left side and a second language, phonetic spelling and word on the bottom right side. One writes on the note pad and is taught language translations consciously or unconsciously. The phonetic spelling of the words assist the user in pronouncing the words correctly. Pictorial representation is used as a visual correspondence to the words. The pad is arranged in alphabetical order to assist in teaching the alphabet.

Abstract: A learning aid (100) is employed in learning a target language based upon a known language. The learning aid (100) includes a foldable structure (102) and a plurality of inserts (114, 116, 118). The foldable structure (102) may be placed in any of a plurality of predetermined foldable states and includes a plurality of receiving locations (108, 110, 112), each of which receives one of the plurality of inserts (114, 116, 118). In a transition state, the learning aid (100) presents target language vocabulary (200), corresponding known language vocabulary (204) and corresponding transitions (202) between the known language vocabulary (204) and the target language vocabulary (200). The transitions (202) may include pronunciations of the target language vocabulary (200) such as phonetic pronunciation symbols (402). In a pronunciation state, the learning aid (100) presents only phonetic pronunciation symbols (402).

Abstract: A symbol guide comprising a sheet and at least one pattern located on said sheet, the at least one pattern including two spaced apart substantially horizontal lines, two spaced apart substantially parallel lines positioned so that the substantially horizontal lines are located between the substantially parallel lines or extensions thereof; two substantially diagonally extending lines which cross each other in the space defined by the substantially horizontal lines, the substantially parallel lines and extensions thereof; and two substantially semi-circular curves facing each other and located within the space defined by the substantially horizontal lines, the substantially parallel lines and extensions thereof.

Abstract: A residential placard system comprised of adhesive letters and numbers with a symbol color-coded backing adapted to be assembled and provide a customized visual information window display alert for emergency personnel, and particularly firemen, in quickly and efficiently determining and identifying the occupancy status and circumstances existent within a household residence at a time of call response, wherein the letter and number components of the system are affixed in an array upon the symbol color-coded backing base carrier in a standardized format known to emergency personnel, which display may be conveniently made current to up-date changed occupancy status and circumstance conditions within a household residence.

Abstract: A method and device for teaching a given language to one or more users in an entertaining manner is provided utilizing a media series for teaching a given language to one or more users, particularly young children. The media series contains the given language as well as language other than the given language and is made up of series lessons which sequentially contain an increasing percentage of the given language. A user is progressively exposed to the media series by exposing the user to the series lessons in sequential fashion beginning with a first series lesson containing a lowest percentage of the given language and ending with a last series lesson containing a highest percentage of the given language. The given language to be learned is utilized and presented strategically such that the meaning of the given language can be readily and intuitively understood and wherein no supervision is necessary.

Abstract: Tool for enhancing interest in and memory retention of visual alphanumeric text message presentations comprising arrays of a multiplicity of immediately visible and comprehensible text messages that are readable both as conventional two-dimensional printed text messages and as perceived three-dimensional text messages with component words floating in space at various distances from the viewer, through stereoscopic parallax. Methods for preparing such a tool and its constituent text-forms, and arrays.

Abstract: An alphanumeric quick symbol guide is provided comprising a sheet and an array for forming on the sheet any letter of an alphabet, any number and any sign symbol for display purposes.

Abstract: The invention herein pertains to a method for manufacturing reading materials to help those with certain reading disabilities. The method of manufacturing consists of altering text by deleting certain "sight" words and thereafter printing the altered text with the sight words deleted. A reading disabled person can then read and reread the altered text until his or her phonetic reading abilities are improved. More advanced text can later be manufactured and supplied to further improve reading skills.

Abstract: A notebook with selectively changeable, removable and replaceable information carriers, comprising: (a) a plurality of notebook pages of glossy paper having alignment indicia printed thereon to divide said pages into multiple label-support zones; (b) a series of information carriers in the form of pressure-sensitive labels; (c) said labels including preprinted information, designations and space for inclusion by hand of further information; (d) whereby each of said labels may be selectively moved and replaced to and from any of said label-support zones; and, (e) book cover means binding said pages together.

Abstract: A book containing question or other instruction pages permanently bound therein by a binding such as a spiral wire binding. A holder of small lateral dimension is also bound by the permanent binding and carries loose-leaf answer or work pages secured to the holder by a loose-leaf binding such as a bendable metal strip. The book can be laid open flat or folded back on itself. The work pages can be used up and then replaced.

Abstract: The "Word Association Label Teaching Method" consists of foreign language word association labels that come on sheets and that peel off and are restickable. These sheets are in book or binder form (FIG. I). On these sheets is printed the English word followed by several peel off labels with the foreign language equivalent of the English (FIG. II). The foreign language label peels off for adhering to the described object (FIG. III).

Abstract: A coded font keyboard design is presented wherein conventional keyboard formats, such as the qwerty keyboard, are coded to produce instructional materials for developmental language education using the periodic code of language elements. A preferred embodiment describes the use of the qwerty keyboard to product all coded symbols used in the periodic table of language elements.

Abstract: Apparatus and method used in language skills development are described. A periodic table of forty-five language elements is presented. The periodicity of the elements is described in terms of articulation mechanisms. Photographs of mouth pattern and voice frequency information are provided for each language element. The two major families of vowels and consonants are preserved and emphasized on phonomats. These phonomats are designed to reinforce the relationship among the language elements. Alternate spellings, specially encoded, are provided to enable the student to pronounce new words and sentences based on his prior familiarity with the symbol and sound bets presented on the periodic table of language elements.

Abstract: A teaching aid for reinforcing a student's ability to learn an unfamiliar language includes an upper sheet (12) marked with symbolic indicia to be taught to the student and one or more base sheets (11), each marked with a different translated version of the indicia on the upper sheet. The indicia on each base sheet are marked in registry with the corresponding indicia on the upper sheet. One edge of the base sheet is joined, temporarily or permanently, to a corresponding edge of the upper sheet to allow the upper sheet to be lifted up from the base sheet to briefly expose a corresponding translation, transliteration, interpretation, or paraphrase marked on the base sheet then lowered again so that reading of the upper sheet can be instantly resumed. The upper sheet and the base sheet may be parts of a single sheet having a fold line at the joined edges. The upper and base sheets may be joined at any corresponding edges, but the top edges are preferred for sheets having lengths greater than their widths.

Abstract: A method of teaching a set of indicia as representations of language sounds by associating each symbol with an event, or phonetic phenomenon, which produces the sound. In this manner, the sounds are presented in isolation rather than as an element of the oral form of a word. In addition to the combination of sound, event and symbol, the method uses a distinct gesture with each sound to ensure the proper articulation of that sound and to allow the student to become an active participant in the event. The method allows the student to acquire a set of symbols to represent language sounds without requiring the separation of an individual sound from a word. Instead, soniferous events are used to allow the student to make a meaningful connection between each symbol and the sound it represents.

Abstract: A phonetic alphabet in script form called soundwriting was first adapted to English with thirty-seven letters, each representing a separate speech sound. The script uses no silient letters or other learning blocks. Spelling is made regular using soundwriting. It is adapted to a keyboard.By adding additional letters to represent new sounds the script has been expanded to include sounds of French, Spanish, Italian and German with only forty-six symbols. The spelling of these languages in soundwriting is also completely phonetic which eliminates spelling difficulties in these languages. New letters to expand soundwriting are on the keyboard. A temporary letter is used when adapting a new language to soundwriting until a permanent letter is designed for it and placed on the keyboard. Soundwriting provides a simpler and easier way of learning the vocabularies of languages to which it is adapted.

Abstract: A reading device is described herein that may be employed for the teaching of reading or as an independent reading system. The device is novel in being able to reduce the thousands of possible variations of pronunciation in the alphabet of the English language to a logical, easily learned core. This is achieved via the addition of non-pictorial short-stroke practical symbols.These non-pictorial short-stroke symbols are unique in having an appearance that is suggestive of, or rapidly identifiable with the sound they represent. In addition, these non-pictorial short stroke symbols are unique in having a consistent sound in and of themselves, independent and independently of any letter or letters.This device is further remarkable in that letters, that do not have a logical pronunciation within the context of the affected word, are superseded by suprascript letters that accurately reflect the appropriate pronunciation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method used in language skills development are described. A periodic table of forty-five language elements is presented. The periodicity of the elements is described in terms of articulation mechanisms. Photographs of mouth pattern and voice frequency information are provided for each language element. The two major families of vowels and consonants are preserved and emphasized on phonomats. These phonomats are designed to reinforce the relationship among the language elements. Alternate spellings, specially encoded, are provided to enable the student to pronounce new words and sentences based on his prior familiarity with the symbol and sound bets presented on the periodic table of language elements.

Abstract: A reading system and method of printing reading material for faster reading are provided in which a plurality of printed sheets are provided with each having at least one vertically extending scan bar. A plurality of short printed lines of indicia are printed perpindicular to the scan bar, with certain lines having scan words therein in a bolder or different colored type font. A plurality of scan line indicators are placed adjacent to the scan bar adjacent each scan line having scan words. A method of printing sheet material for fast reading includes selecting the paper for printing and arranging material to be printed in short lines of indicia having selected scanned words in selected lines in a bolder or different colored font adjacent a vertical scan bar, then placing scan line indication marks adjacent to the vertical scan bar and adjacent each line of font having scanned words therein. Then printing the selected paper with the prearranged printed material thereon.

Abstract: A phonetic language translation method for translating a word of any one of various languages into a simplified graphically expressed phonetically correct translation of such word so as to convey the proper pronunciation of such word to a reader. The method comprises the steps of eliminating all silent alphabetic characters, or combinations of characters, and representing all alphabetic characters, or combinations of characters, of the word which phonetically express the traditional speech sound of a single alphabetic character with such single alphabetic character. Representing all alphabetic characters and combinations of characters which phonetically express the alphabetic character name of a single alphabetic character with that single alphabetic character coded with a preselected coding symbol. Representing a speech sound expressing neither the traditional sound of an alphabetic character, or the alphabetic character name of a given character, with a preselected coded translation character.

Abstract: For translation between a plurality of languages at least two carriers for at least two languages are provided with at least one question and at least one answer at the same locations, and the carriers are aligned with one another so that the questions and the answers are also aligned with one another so as to allow easy identification of the questions and the answer in the respective language.

Abstract: A communication aid comprising an assembly of illustrations individually mounted on a ring to provide a basic means of communication for individuals who have difficulty expressing their needs, or who cannot be understood by others. Each illustration or picture represents a necessity of living and is contained within the pocket of a transparent plastic envelope. Each envelope is mounted for free sliding movement on a ring. By sliding the envelopes along the ring, the individual can point to the illustration indicating his need.