Abstract: A portable voice or speech aid enabling a deaf or voice impaired user to make sounds into a microphone to output intelligible speech through a built-in speaker or to a text display screen.

Abstract: An intrinsic perceptual motor training device comprising a data recording apparatus for recording when a patients body moves out of a test area. The data recording apparatus includes a pulse generator that generates a signal pulse whenever a beam of light associated with a test area defining elements is interrupted. The pulse generator is coupled to a strip chart to mark a real time strip chart whenever one of the test area defining beams is interrupted. The pulse generator can also be connected to a computer and the signal pulse used in conjunction with data analysis software.

Abstract: A memory scanning device for transmission to the brain of material sought to be learned and of modification of addictive problems comprises, in combination, a computer means including video and audio components, an illuminated by diodes visor having reflective undersurface, modified eyeglasses frame having a pair of mirrors mounted in their openings for reading the computer-stored material and a pair of sound-producing loudspeakers for listening to the recorded computerized material.

Abstract: A display surface for presenting information in tactile form by means of a grid-shaped array of tactile elements. It can be selectively caused to project into the space above the display surface by using lifting elements. According to the invention, there are a number of line slides (8) corresponding to the number of lines of tactile dots, and a number of column slides (3) corresponding to the number of columns of tactile dots. On the line slides a part (9) is allocated to each lifting element (7) in such a way that the lifting element is fixed in the plane of the line, although it is movable in the plane of the column. Similarly on the column slides a part (4) is associated with each lifting element to shift the latter in the plane of the column.

Abstract: A system for training or aiding an impaired individual to perform a series of tasks at spaced work sites comprises a mobile device for being worn or carried by the individual. The mobile device comprises circuits and devices for detecting the position of the mobile device relative to the spaced work sites. It further comprises a programmed computer having a memory for storing a data structure associating each task with the ordinal number of the task, a task description, the site at which the task is to be performed, a flag or pointer indicative of whether a task has been performed and messages containing cues and/or instructions for each task. The programmed computer also comprises a memory and processor for storing and executing a program which based upon the task flag or pointer and the location of the mobile module for cueing and/or instructing the individual to perform a task at a site.

Abstract: The turn signal actuator for motor vehicles consists of thumb actuated switches attached to the hand control accelerator-brake control grip and signal arm actuators attached to the steering column. The thumb actuated switches are used by the vehicle driver to activate the signal arm actuators rotating the turn signal arm clockwise for right turns or rotating the turn signal arm counterclockwise for left turns. Because the thumb actuated switches are attached to the hand control accelerator-brake control grip, they are used to signal vehicle turns with momentary thumb pressure without releasing or changing the settings of the hand control accelerator-brake control grip.

Abstract: A working station includes a keyboard for the input of data into a memory, the keyboard including cursor control keys. The working station is provided with a braille reading line and adjacent the braille reading line there are provided additional cursor control means adapted to be operated by a visually handicapped person without the orientation of the hand(s) with respect to the braille reading line being lost.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for reading an image pattern such as characters, graphics or the like written on a printed matter comprises: a lamp for illuminating such an image pattern; a photo-sensor as an image reading unit for converting the light reflected from the pattern to an electrical signal as multi-value digital data; a converter for converting the output data from the photo-sensor to a binary digital value on the basis of the maximum value and the minimum value of this data; and a control unit for controlling the photo-sensor so as to stabilize the binary output data from the converter on the basis of this output data. With this apparatus, the image pattern is converted to the mechanical vibrational pattern or enlarged display pattern due to the piezoelectric elements or LEDs, thereby enabling a blind person or person with poor vision to easily and certainly perceive the characters or graphic information on the printed matter.

Abstract: A communication aid for a handicapped patient having only eye movement. The aid comprises a rigid transparent panel having a central opening therein and a plurality of transparent overlays each having a central aperture are individually mounted flatwise on the panel with the aperture in the overlay aligned with the opening. Each overlay contains a plurality of illustrations depicting objects or needs of the patient and the illustrations are spaced around the central aperture. An observer looking through the aligned aperture and opening can observe the eye movement of the patient and determine the illustration at which the patient is looking. The overlays are provided with identification indicia, such as a colored margin, with the color on each overlay being different than the color on other overlays, so that each overlay can be readily identified by the patient.

Abstract: A communication aid comprising a housing and a series of visual display cards bearing illustrations of objects are mounted in side-by-side relation on the front face of the housing. A group of lights are also disposed on the front face, each light being associated with a card. A group of physical objects corresponding to the objects depicted on the cards can also be positioned on a horizontal shelf on the housing directly above the corresponding card and light. The lights are connected in electrical circuit that is arranged so that each light is illuminated in sequential progression. A membrane-type switch is connected in the circuit and is located remotely of the housing. Through manual operation of the switch, the light progression is stopped at the selected card and/or object that expresses the student's answer or need. When the light progression is stopped, the selected light will blink repeatedly. By reactuating the switch, the light progression is re-established.

Abstract: A perceptual motor training device uses a non-tactile method of training a patient who has suffered some interruption of his neurological functions to recognize the spatial position and orientation of his body and/or the parts thereof. The device includes an alarm that is activated when a portion of the patient's body moves out of a predetermined test area. The alarm alerts the patient without touching the patient so the patient is forced to use his own internal systems to determine the location and orientation of his body and the parts thereof. The test area is defined by beams and/or fields and can include test areas within the overall test area. The device can also be used in conjunction with the training of gross motor developmental sequences as well.

Abstract: A method of teaching signing juxtaposes portions of a story with summaries of the portions in sign language. A video tape or movie is divided into portions at natural changes in the story. The signing is presented either before or after the portion of the story and replaces the story on the full screen. The summary can be voiced simultaneously to teach sign language to a person with normal hearing, and written sub-titles can be added. The tape can be used to allow a hearing impaired person to enjoy the story and/or to teach a person sign language.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a process and an apparatus for a system of animation and a system of teaching finger spelling.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a tactile display according to which a touch pin is selectively movable relative to a reference surface. An electromagnet distant from the reference surface has spaced poles of opposite, selectively reversible, polarity. A cam rotatable about an axis transverse to the reference surface has an integral permanent magnet with similarly spaced poles of opposite polarity equidistant from the axis of rotation. The cam is rotatable between an active position at which its respective poles are attacted to and positioned adjacent the poles of the electromagnet and an inactive position at which the reversed poles of the permanent magnet are attracted to and positioned adjacent the opposite poles of the electromagnet. A touch pin has a longitudinal axis transverse to the reference surface and includes a follower end engageable with the cam and a tip end distant from the follower end.

Abstract: Educational sign language blocks are set forth as an educational tool to enable individuals to enhance an understanding of sign language, as typically utilized by hearing impaired individuals. The individual sign language blocks each include a designated letter of the alphabet and an associated symbol corresponding to that letter to reinforce the noted alphabet letter and further including a removable side face including the appropriate sign language designation for the aforenoted letter. The removal faces are each provided with three projections to correspond to three recesses within an associated face of the block. The pattern of recesses and projections are varied for each of the individual blocks whereupon an individual attempting to associate the appropriate sign language symbol with the designation or letter on the block must choose correctly or else the removable face will not mate due to misalignment of the projections and recesses.

Abstract: A dental patient communication device to be used in instances when verbal communication is impossible or impracticable such as during dental examination and treatment; the device comprising a hollow housing, at least one and preferably three alarm buttons, and at least one audible alarm circuit capable of emitting a variety of distinct sounds and activated by the alarm buttons so that the communication of the sensation of various levels of discomfort is accomplished between the patient and the dentist. The device is designed to be either held freely in the patient's hand or gripped while mounted on an examination apparatus, such as a dental chair.

Abstract: The profoundly deaf benefit in lipreading if the larynx frequencies of speech are presented to them by means of acoustic sine waves. In the present invention the sine waves required are generated using a microcomputer and analogue output circuits, with the microcomputer providing digital level samples for the required sine waves from a stored look-up table. The wide frequency range of sine waves required is achieved by omitting some samples in each cycle at high frequencies, and the wide range of output levels required is provided by employing two digital to analogue converters, one acting as an attenuator.

Abstract: A stuffed bear for teaching sign language to deaf children. The stuffed bear has a pair of hollow tubular arms through which the arms of a teacher pass, so the hands project beyond the front edge surface of each arm. Each arm is secured by stitching to a side of the main body of the stuffed bear along one-quarter of the circumferential length of the rear edge surface of the arm, which length is the upper and forward section thereof, so that complete articulation of the arm may be acheived to allow for the signs of sign language to be performed.

Abstract: A communication aid that is useful to individuals who have lost the ability to communicate with other individuals by talking and/or writing. The communication aid includes a generally flat plate or panel which carries thereon a plurality of short message portions, such as words or phrases in human readable form. A plurality of manually placeable tokens are provided. Each token carries a sequence indicator, such as a number or letter, thereon. The handicapped individual selectively places a number of these tokens on the plate in a sequence, so as to communicate a message logically readable by individuals who observe the plate. This complete message is composed by reading the short message portions in the sequential order of the numbers or letters that are carried by the tokens, to thereby form the long message.

Abstract: Symbols are provided for identifying a person as having a hearing impairment. The symbols ar affixed to an item associated with the person in such manner that the symbols are displayed to be viewed by other people. The symbol includes a pictorial representation of an ear, a designation indicating the ear(s) subject to hearing impairment, and a color coding applied to the pictorial representation indicates the degree of hearing loss. Examples of items to which the symbols may be attached include, among other items, a storm door, a screen door, an outside wall adjacent a doorbell, a house window, an eyeglass frame, an article of clothing, a cane, a walking stick, a dog harness, a dog collar, an identification card and a drivers license. The material, size and manner of attachment of the symbol to the item are dependent upon the item.

Abstract: A communication or educational aid comprising a housing having a generally flat surface, and a pointer is mounted for rotation on the surface. A pair of spaced guides are located on the surface and a panel or overlay containing a plurality of symbols, such as letters, words, pictures, or the like, is mounted in the guides and is provided with a slot which registers with the shaft of the pointer. The pointer is rotated by depressing a push button operating through an electrical circuit to thereby bring the pointer into registry with one of the symols on the panel.

Abstract: An electro-acoustical transmitter converts electrical signals which correspond to acoustical events into mechanical vibrations which are transmitted onto the skin. The aim is to achieve a small vibrator which, insofar as possible, can be worn on the wrist, for instance, in the manner of a wristwatch. To that end, a coil is employed into which a magnetic core, resiliently mounted relative thereto for instance by a diaphragm, projects as an armature. The housing which carries both the diaphragm and the coil forms the magnetic return flux path. Thus, a miniaturization of the vibrator on the desired order is achieved. An inventive vibrator is particularly suited for the deaf.

Abstract: A tile for positioning on walkways, crosswalks and other areas of pedestrian traffic for providing direction and warning to visually handicapped persons. The tile comprises a flat plate having a chamfered edge and including raised bumps coupled to a top surface of the plate and projecting upward therefrom to a maximum height of less than 8 millimeters. A flowable adhesive used at the chamfered edge provides for a tapered seal around the tile or for formation of an expansion joint between two contiguous tiles. The bumps are configured as truncated structure having a larger base and tapered to a top surface which bears the foot traffic. A bottom surface of the tile includes a uniform adhesive layer which enables attachment of the tile to a street surface. A system of tiles for assisting visually handicapped persons across the street is also disclosed and includes a combination of dot and bar tiles oriented to give direction to the pedestrian.

Abstract: An electromagnetic communications and switching system provides for line-of-sight remote selection and actuation of a wide variety of apparatus. The system has a plurality of radiating antennas having independent components defining a reference coordinate frame. A transmitter is provided for applying electrical signals to the antennas which generate a plurality of radio frequency electromagnetic fields. The signals are multiplexed so that the electromagnetic fields are distinguishable from one another. An array of control positions is provided that is fixed with respect to the reference coordinate frame. A plurality of receiving antennas are provided which are adapted for mounting on the head of an operator. The receiving antennas are provided with independent components for detecting and measuring the components of the electromagnetic fields. A sight couples the eyes of the operator and the array of control positions.

Abstract: A system for psychologically testing visually impaired or reading impaired persons has a series of questions presented in a prerecorded audible form. An answer sheet having regions in which responses to each question may be recorded has associated with each of the regions a marker which may be removed, moved, or physically modified to record a desired response to each question. The regions for the recording of responses are associated with a tactilely locatable portion on each answer sheet which enables the regions to be easily located by touch, with each marker preferably being a tactilely locatable element which is similarly easily located by touch.

Abstract: A guidance system is disclosed for permitting a person whose vision is impaired to continuously know his or her location with respect to the boundaries of an area having a walking surface and the spatial dimension of the area traversed. The guidance system comprises a plurality of tactual stimuli having predetermined physical characteristics distributed over substantially the entire walking surface. The physical characteristics of the tactual stimuli vary in a predetermined detectable manner in relation to proximity to the boundaries. The variation in the physical characteristics is detectable by the touch of a person traversing the walking surface. Preferably, the tactual stimuli comprise three sets, each set of tactual stimuli being distributed over a separate portion of the walking surface. All of the tactual stimuli of each set has substantially the same physical characteristics.

Abstract: A pattern or template for achieving controlled hand sewing. The pattern or template (10) is fabricated using two complementary template units (12, 14) that can be superimposed upon each other to enclose a fabric (40) therebetween. Releasable attaching means (24, 26, 32, 34) provide for releasably joining the unit to the fabric. Each of the template units is provided with a plurality of perforations (16, 20) along a selected path (18, 46) with these perforations in one of the template units sufficiently overlapping the perforations in the other template unit whereby a needle (38) with a thread (42) attached can be passed through the template units to achieve selected stitches in the fabric. The template units can be provided, in one embodiment, with raised indicia (36) corresponding to braille-type markings so that the unit can be used by persons with visual handicaps.

Abstract: This invention relates to a deciphering apparatus comprising actuating means adapted to be associated with a coded keyboard for providing signals upon operation of the keyboard, and signal interpretation means associated with the actuating means and connectible to reproduction apparatus to cause the latter to provide a decipherable output therefrom responsive to the signals. The actuating means includes a plurality of mechanical links, having biased push rods mounted on a support housing having support means thereon for supporting a braille typing machine, whereby the push rods of the mechanical links co-operate with the respective keys of the keyboard of the braille typing machine for operation thereby.

Abstract: A communications device suitable for use by severely handicapped persons having speech impairments and capable of only spastic movements comprises a housing in which speech reproduction apparatus is located for storing and reproducing pre-recorded audio message segments. The exterior of the housing has a nearly horizontal front portion on a console on which three relatively large (approximately 5".times.5") pressure-operated paddle switch actuator members are located. A vertical display panel is located immediately behind the paddle actuators and has on it visual aid cards which have a symbol identical to the recorded message which is to be reproduced by actuation of the appropriate paddle. Pressure on the selected paddle closes a switch which turns on a light associated with the selected visual aid card and also actuates the reproduction of an audio message corresponding to the visual aid card.

Abstract: A man-machine interface is disclosed for translating discrete hand positions into electrical signals representing alpha-numeric characters. The interface comprises a glove having sensors positioned with respect to the hand for detecting the flex of finger joints and sensors for detecting the contact between various portions of the hand. Additional sensors detect the movement of the hand with respect to a gravitational vector and a horizontal plane of reference. Further additional sensors detect the twisting and flexing of the wrist. The additional sensors are associated with prescribed mode signals which determine whether subsequently formed or priorly formed character specifying hand positions are to be entered for transmission. The alpha-numeric characters associated with the formed character specifying hand positions are transmitted only when the appropriate mode signal results.

Abstract: A card-holding teaching device especially useful for blind children comprising a stiff body having at least one elongated piece of flexible material extending thereacross, the material having on one side tiny, soft, flexible projections which face the stiff body so that a card with teaching symbols thereon can be easily inserted between the material piece and the body because of the easy yielding of the projections even though they hold the flexible piece away from the body sufficiently for easy insertion by a blind student.

Abstract: A device for facilitating non-verbal communications between individuals. The device includes a two-sided panel containing a plurality of message blocks which are selectively illuminated by the individuals in a variety of modes. In a first mode, the message blocks are sequentially scanned in one of two patterns, with scan direction and termination being controlled by actuating a switch. In a second mode, a transparent, direct select keyboard is placed over the message blocks and individual message blocks are selected by touching the keyboard in front of the block to be selected. Finally, the position of the illuminated message block may be controlled by a job stick. The message blocks on the panel are printed on removable overlays which are specially adapted for various situations. The overlays carry identifying markings which are automatically read by the device so that the messages on the overlay, which are stored in non-volatile memory, can be correlated to their position on the panel.

Abstract: An electrically chargeable plate of predetermined surface area is retained in contact with the skin of each of two participants. An electrical conductor connects each plate to one of the two terminals of the audio output of one of the channels of a stereo amplifier while the other channel plays through its speaker. Physical contact between the participants completes the circuit enabling both participants to feel the modulated impulses of the sound as well as hear the output of the speaker on the other channel. Both plates may be worn by one person to experience a comparable feeling or one plate and an electrically chargeable wand used in place of or in addition to the other plate enables either one or two persons to participate.

Abstract: Radio signaling apparatus is for use, primarily, in classrooms at all educational levels, elementary school through graduate school, in which a teacher and a mixed body of hearing and deaf students participate in a lecture and discussion situation with the support of a trained interpreter in sign language. The radio system comprises a voice actuated pulsed omnidirectional radio transmitter, which is worn by the teacher, and a plurality of portable receiving devices, one for each deaf student. The microphone of the transmitter is selected to discriminate against ambient sounds and background voices. The omnidirectional receivers detect the pulsed radio transmissions and generate by transducer action a non-audible sensory stimulation to alert each individual deaf student, whereupon each such student should renew his or her observation of the interpreter. In a preferred embodiment the radio apparatus provides a flashing visual signal from each deaf student's receiver.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for communicating comprises a control box having an alphanumeric keyboard with a plurality of switches. A control box electronic circuitry is disposed within the control box and has a power source and a plurality of conductors. The apparatus also includes a display box for displaying what's on the alphanumeric keyboard, and a display box electronic circuitry which is disposed within the display box. Communication with a mute is accomplished by working the keyboard and thereby lighting up in the display box a numeral and corresponding hand sign, or a letter and corresponding hand sign, and with the mute watching the display communication with him or her is accomplished.

Abstract: A communications device including a display panel having a plurality of symbols arrayed thereon in a circle, each of the symbols indicating a particular idea to be communicated, and a pointer projecting radially from the center of the circle. An indexing mechanism is provided for producing incremental relative rotational movement between the pointer and the display to cause the pointer to be aligned with the next successive one of the symbols upon receiving a single manual input. Preferably, there are two display panels facing in opposite directions and a pointer corresponding to each panel. Each symbol on one panel has counterpart on the other and the pointers move in synchronization.

Abstract: A structure for an electrical display of the human heart and cardiovascular system, which is useful in teaching the functioning of this system. A planar or raised outline drawing of the heart and related body parts is provided with a lamp and electrical contact in identifiable areas of the outline of the heart and other parts of the cardiovascular system. Two rows of electrical contacts are provided adjacent a tabulation of names of portions of the cardiovascular system, in order of blood flow. A power source, a bell, and two probes are provided. Touching one probe to a contact adjacent the name of a part of the cardiovascular system will cause a lamp in the corresponding outlined area to illuminate. Touching one probe to a different contact adjacent a name, and the other probe to a contact in the appropriate outlined area will cause a bell or buzzer to sound.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for facilitating communication of a multi-symbol message by a speechless, handicapped person. The apparatus includes a plurality of independently selectable symbol indicators, preferably arranged in a matrix, and each including an electrically energizable light source such as a light emitting diode that is energized when the symbol is selected. As an aid to message composition, an individually selected one of the symbol indicators serves as a cursor. The apparatus receives signals supplied by an actuator accessory for defining commands including a cursor-move command and a record command. Upon completion of message composition, the apparatus provides for automatically selecting each symbol indicator that had served as the cursor at the time of receipt of a record command.