Tactile Reading Aid (e.g., Braille, Etc.) Patents (Class 434/113)
  • Patent number: 6445284
    Abstract: A tactile transducer is able to provide a tactile display or serve as a tactile input sensor. Paired contactors having contactor tips separated by a gap are connected to transducer means (an actuator or sensor). Variations in the gap distance can create a tactile experience through skin stretch, or provide tactile input in sensor mode. The contactors are resiliently supported to bear against a sensing finger with relatively constant pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventors: Juan Manuel Cruz-Hernandez, Vincent Hayward
  • Publication number: 20020095839
    Abstract: Architecturally aesthetic signage having a sufficient hardness that upon interaction with an etchent results in a plurality of smooth tiers or terraces resulting in both visual and tactile indicia for communication with an observer is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the tactile and visual indicia comply with the requirements of the Americans for Disabilities Act. The signage is preferably formed by an etcher system including: an etchent delivery; an etchent; a substrate holder; a substrate having sufficient hardness that upon interaction with the etchent produces the visual indicia for communication with an observer; and a controller for controlling the delivery of the etchent onto the substrate to form the signage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Robert H. Allen,, Wayne J. Jones, Martin M. Kramer
  • Patent number: 6417821
    Abstract: A tactual computer monitor includes rows and columns of rectangular cells. Each cell includes four rows and two columns of movable pins which are felt and read by a blind person. The pins are driven by electromechanical impact drivers and are held in position by resilient elastomeric cords. The impact drivers are carried on a bi-directional printhead which travels beneath the movable pins. An erasing mechanism is provided to positively drive the pins downwardly to erase the characters produced by the printhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventors: John V. Becker, Daniel E. Hinton, Hugh G. Anderson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020045151
    Abstract: A refreshable Braille reader apparatus and method are disclosed, the apparatus preferably utilizing a rotating cylinder having endless rows of openings defined therethrough to a display surface with a pin held in each opening and freely movable therein. Static actuators at least equal in number to the rows of openings through the cylinder are maintained at a station adjacent to the surface of the cylinder, and are configured and positioned so that the pins are selectively contactable at either of their ends by different ones of the actuators during cylinder rotation in either forward or reverse direction thereby selectively positioning first ends of the pins relative to the surface of the cylinder to allow streaming of Braille text across a display area in either forward or backward order depending upon selected direction of cylinder rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: John W. Roberts, Oliver T. Slattery, David W. Kardos, Edwin Mulkens, Bretton Swope
  • Patent number: 6357940
    Abstract: A configurable touch sensitive keyboard system is used to adjust or control the interface to a computer or other electronic device, particularly, for disabled individuals. The configurable touch sensitive keyboard system includes a touch sensitive keyboard having touch sensitive regions and a keyboard overlay having symbols corresponding to the touch sensitive regions. The symbols can be visually recognizable symbols or tactually recognizable symbols, such as Braille characters. A keyguard template is disposed on the keyboard over the overlay and includes keyboard access regions spatially separated on the keyguard. The keyboard access regions on the keyguard help disabled individuals to locate the touch sensitive regions for activation. Keyboard access cover members are used to selectively cover the keyboard access regions and the symbols and corresponding touch sensitive regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin Murphy
  • Patent number: 6354839
    Abstract: A refreshable Braille display comprising a plurality of Braille dots that extend and retract arranged in Braille characters such that the Braille dots are operable as a personal computer monitor allowing a blind person to discern the information displayed thereon by reading the Braille characters formed by the extended Braille dots. At least one microelectromechanical device operably connects to the Braille dots such that the Braille dots retract and extend based upon the operation of the microelectromechanical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Orbital Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert N. Schmidt, Frederick J. Lisy, Troy S. Prince, Greg S. Shaw
  • Publication number: 20010011783
    Abstract: A method of producing a low stress, decorative article of manufacture having at least one relief portion extending therefrom includes casting a first thermosetting resin into recesses formed within a mold surface such that the first resin is not in contact with the mold surface. The first resin is partially cured to a “B” stage to provide an air inhibited out-of-mold surface. A coating of second thermosetting resin, such as unsaturated polyester, is then applied onto the partially cured first resin and onto the mold surface. A substrate having a face is placed in contacting relationship with the second thermosetting resin film and a progressively moving compressive force is applied to the second thermosetting resin via the substrate to prevent air from becoming entrained within the second thermosetting resin. The first and second thermosetting resins cure without the second thermosetting resin imparting shear stress on the first thermosetting resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventor: William M. Stecker
  • Patent number: 6267598
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an audio sign adapted to provide an aural message once the sign is tactilely actuated. The invention typically includes a graphical information section, a tactile information section, and a self contained audio section configured to provide aural information once tactilely actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventors: Robert H. Allen, Jr., Frank Lapietra
  • Patent number: 6255938
    Abstract: The invention relates to a data input/read-out device, including at least one output element, more particularly a Braille element, for outputting Braille data by correspondingly changing the surface profile; and at least one input element for inputting data, the input element being positionable in at least two different positions to thus enter data wherein the maximum spacing between the at least one input element and the at least one output element does not exceed a specific maximum value so that the input element and the output element can be touched or actuated simultaneously by one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: F. H. Papenmeier Gmbh & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans-Jürgen Bornschein
  • Patent number: 6237524
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for flagging the position of manually usable means (11,14) in a manually operable device (10). In order to guide a user to the location of manually usable means (11,14) which require to be manually actuated or to on or from which items require to manually entered or removed, the invention provides an air supply (17) and one or more nozzles connected to the air supply (17) to provide one or more jets of air. The nozzles (16) are stationed and directed such that a user of the device (10) can sense the position and direction of the air jet or jets so as to find the position of the manually usable means (11,14). The invention can be used to help those who may have a visual impairment to operate an automatic teller machine. The different areas of the machine can be found from air jets which come from the nozzles (16) stationed at the different areas of the machine, such areas including a card entry slot (11), a keyboard (14) and a cash dispensing slot (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Andrew
  • Patent number: 6236306
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying tactile signals to the user of a vehicle or other machine to indicate the operational status or condition of the vehicle or machine, or a functional part thereof. A cam undergoes rotary movement within a flexible cylindrical wall having a corrugated inner surface, as with ridges of the like. The distal end of the cam contacts the inner surface as the cam rotates. The rotary motion of the cams modulated and regulated in response to output signals associated with operating conditions, for example, fluid pressure, engine speed, oil temperature, transmitted from corresponding sending units. The rotation of the cam causes periodic flexure of displacement of the wall which is palpable to the user. In one embodiment, the rotating cam causes one or more movable plungers to move to-and from in and out of the wall, also resulting in a tactile signal to the user. The cam may be driven by an electric motor which is responsive to the input signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Lyndon L. Liebelt
  • Patent number: 6227572
    Abstract: A sheet material, such as a bank note, having tactile indicia therein, the tactility of which is resistant to deterioration and useful for assisting persons with impaired vision to identify one or more predetermined characteristics of the sheet material such as a bank note. The sheet material has therein at least one embossment forming the indicia and comprises a first surface and a second surface, with one of the surfaces defining a cavity in the area of the embossment. A layer of reinforcing material is provided to at least the area of that surface which comprises the cavity. Once the reinforcing material is dried and/or cured the embossment (indicia) is strengthened by the layer of reinforcing material and thereby rendered more durable when the bank note is subjected to the wear of circulation. The reinforcing material may be selected from the group consisting of varnishes, inks, adhesives and caulking compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Eric A. Lyen
  • Patent number: 6217338
    Abstract: A Braille cell having a pressure-exerting member in the form of a bar or leaf spring, of which one end can be displaced with the aid of a first displacement mechanism in a direction that is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction. One end of the pressure-exerting member is configured for placement in either a first or second position. In the first position, the pressure-exerting member does not place touch pins in a high position, while in the second position, the pressure-exerting member does place the touch pins in a high position. A second displacement mechanism is configured to displace the end of the pressure-exerting member, after the end has been disposed in one of the first or second positions, in the longitudinal direction, in such a manner that a touch pin is placed or is not placed in the high position. This allows a touch pin to be fixed in the correct position with respect to the touch surface of the touch board in a very simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Turn-out N.V.
    Inventor: Frans Jan Tieman
  • Patent number: 6170184
    Abstract: An indicator device includes a support member formed by two coupled flat panels made of metal or synthetic material, a plurality of holes formed in the exposed panel according to the pattern of Braille writing according to the characters to be represented; the holes are engaged by pins made of synthetic material which is resistant to abrasion and to rubbing-induced wear, so that their dome-shaped rounded ends protrude from the exposed panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Massimo Treu
  • Patent number: 6162059
    Abstract: The problem solving skills development system is used, for example, as a puzzle or game, to develop problem solving or analytical skills in visually impaired individuals. The system includes a supporting board having sliding pieces arranged in a grid, for example, a 4 by 4 grid of 15 sliding pieces and one empty position. The sliding pieces include tactilly recognizable regions that are arranged into a predetermined pattern by sliding and shifting the appropriate pieces. The tactilly recognizable regions can include characters, such as letters that can be arranged to form words or phrases, numbers that can be arranged in numerical order, or any other symbols. Some of the tactilly recognizable regions can also include blank surfaces to make the puzzle easier for individuals at lower ages or abilities. The system preferably includes tactile recognition blocks that have the tactilly recognizable regions and that can be removably engaged with the sliding pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventors: Kevin Murphy, Janice Murphy
  • Patent number: 6163280
    Abstract: A workstation comprising a keyboard for inputting data, a braille reading line having a number of braille cells located side by side, and a first switch device comprising a number of switch elements located side by side, wherein the first switch device is arranged in or parallel to the braille reading line, and wherein the workstation further comprises a second switch device comprising number of switch elements located side by side, wherein the second switch device is arranged in or parallel to the braille reading line, so that the first and the second switch device can each be operated by a visually handicapped person without the orientation of the hand relative to a braille cell of the braille reading line being lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Alva B.V.
    Inventor: Jakob Breider
  • Patent number: 6159013
    Abstract: A portable reading device for the blind consisting of a miniature housing (2) attached to a sleeve to be fitted over the tip of the user's index finger like a thimble. The housing (2) includes an optical sensor array (5) and an electromagnetic unit for displaying one printed character at a time in Braille on a tactile surface as soon as the user's finger passes over the character. The electromagnetic unit contains six electromagnets (7) for reproducing Braille characters, and two further electromagnets for indicating incorrect tracking to the user. The latter two electromagnets are activated when the blind user's finger moves too far up or down as it runs along a line of text.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Raoul Parienti
  • Patent number: 6140913
    Abstract: In order to assist a visually impaired person to generate digital image data in a computer, a plurality of graph components are provided each of which is tactually recognized by the visually impaired person. A touch graph is generated using the graph components on a plate-like member by the visually impaired person. The touch graph is acquired into a computer using an input interface such as a digital still camera. Subsequently, a computer software analyzes the digital image data so as to define each of the graph components and logical relationship between the graph components. The analyzed digital image data is stored in a memory within the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Okada, Katsuhiro Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 6109922
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying information includes a perforated plate having a plurality of circular openings; at least one pin (5, 15, 25, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85) which is axially movable to project through and above a respective circular opening, an electromagnetic actuator (6, 16, 66, 116) for moving the pin (5, 15, 25, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85), and a permanent magnet for retaining the pin in at least two stable positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Caretec GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Litschel, Christoph Schwertner
  • Patent number: 6059575
    Abstract: A tactile recognition input device is used by a visually impaired individual, for example, to interact with an electronic device, such as a computer. The input device includes a plurality of activation keys movable in a direction generally parallel to the input device and preferably away from the individual to activate the input device and transmit input signals. Each of the activation keys includes a tactilly recognizable region including, for example, a Braille character. A tactile recognition overlay is used with an existing input device, such as a membrane computer keyboard. The overlay includes an overlay member having a plurality of depressible portions that are movable to below the overlay member to activate input regions on the input device. Activation keys are disposed on the overlay member over each of the depressible portions and are movable in the direction generally parallel to the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Kevin C. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6050824
    Abstract: Representations of letters of the alphabet have surfaces which have a feel on being touched which are different from the feel of surfaces of other letters. The letters may be presented in a book having a plurality of pages, each page displaying a letter of the alphabet, the surface of the letter having a feel on being touched which is different from the feel of its page and from the feel of other letters. The letters may also have a different appearance from the appearance of other letters. Each letter may have a combination of feel and appearance which is different from the combination of feel and appearance of each of the other letters. The letters may be disposed in a plane which is offset from a plane defined by its page. Each page is preferably split into a first portion which displays the uppercase form of the letter and a second portion which displays the lowercase form of the letter, the first and second portions being capable of being turned independently of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Gayle J. Stuart
  • Patent number: 6047992
    Abstract: A shampoo and hair conditioner containers indicating system for systems for distinguishing shampoo and hair conditioner containers. The system includes first and second raised letters. The first raised letter is configured to resemble the letter S and the second raised letter is configured to resemble the letter C. The first raised letter is adapted for attachment to a shampoo container. The second raised letter is adapted for attachment to a hair conditioner container. The first and second raised letters have tactilely distinguishable exteriors from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Patricia Hampton
  • Patent number: 6015224
    Abstract: A calculator, comprising a keyboard having keys, each key having tactile symbols which indicate in Braille the numeral or function that the key represents. The calculator communicates its calculated numerical results visually, audibly, and tactiley. The tactile indication provides the result by a series of counting pulses, which represent the numerals in the result, the numerals separated by numerals spaces. The speed that the result is tactiley communicated is controllable by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Inventor: Bonnie Greenstein
  • Patent number: 6000258
    Abstract: A key 10 and lock 20 are disclosed for use and can be identified by knocking-out area 17 or breaking of tab 14 for identification of what numbered, lettered or Braille key goes with what lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph John Lesko
  • Patent number: 5993217
    Abstract: A learning apparatus for use with a computer comprising a set of tactile flash cards, each individual card having a tactilely perceptible pattern embossed on a surface of the card and two electrically connected contacts at a unique set of discrete spaced positions on the card with a preselected correspondence between the tactilely perceptible pattern on the surface of the card and the selected positions of the contacts, and a tactile flash card reader capable of sensing the positions of the contacts on a card and controlling the computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Albert William Perry
  • Patent number: 5982911
    Abstract: In a braille recognition system according to the present invention, light is obliquely irradiated onto the surface of a document in braille, and its reflected light is received by imaging means, to obtain a gray image. An image corresponding to a pattern of projected points on the document in braille is obtained on the basis of the obtained gray image. An image is then cut in braille units from the image corresponding to the pattern of projected points. A braille code is generated for each cut image in the braille unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Matsumoto, Naotaka Yasuda, Tadahiko Yabu
  • Patent number: 5942970
    Abstract: A system is provided including a tactile assembly having a plurality of solenoid units adapted to transfer to an extended orientation upon the actuation thereof. Also included is a camera unit for generating an image indicative of a present perspective of objects situated in a predetermined direction. Next provided is control circuitry for actuating the solenoid units to simulate the image generated by the camera unit such that the solenoid units actuated are those which correspond to pixels within the image that have either a higher or lower brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Jim Norman
  • Patent number: 5902112
    Abstract: A braille teaching tool that audibly pronounces each braille character as it is touched by the student is comprised of a touch pad having a rectangular matrix of touch sensitive areas each connected to a processor with memory for identifying each sensitive area of each sheet of braille placed on the touch pad. The processor is coupled to a speech synthesizer for pronouncing the braille character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Sally S. Mangold
  • Patent number: 5842867
    Abstract: This invention relates to a graphic tactile cell for indicating a graphic pattern, in which the arrangement of the tactile surface can be enlarged easily. This graphic tactile cell includes tactile pins for indicating a graphic pattern by vertical movement, piezoelectric element segments which are bent upon application of a voltage to vertically drive the tactile pins, and a unit base for holding the tactile pins and the piezoelectric element segments. A plurality of cell units each including a unit number of tactile pins, corresponding piezoelectric element segments, and a unit base for holding the tactile pins and the piezoelectric element segments are coupled vertically and horizontally such that the tactile pins are arranged at an equal interval in vertical and horizontal directions. Proximal ends of the piezoelectric element segments are held by the unit base through plastically deformable adjusting members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: KGS Corporation
    Inventors: Ri Su Hong, In Sik Lee, Akiyoshi Morita
  • Patent number: 5839215
    Abstract: A label for attachment to clothing including a template having raised indicia thereon. The label is attached during manufacture of the article of clothing, by the store or other vending establishment, or by the purchaser at any time after acquisition of the clothing. The indicia conveys information relating to characteristics of the clothing. The raised indicia is unaffected by normal usage such as folding, crumpling or washing of the label. The indicia may comprise lettering, Braille or both forms of raised writing, as well as designs, logos or other symbols. One embodiment of the invention includes a template having indicia thereon relating to characteristics of the subject colors. The template comprises a plurality of colors identified by indicia and connected by a line or other device for specifying the relative proportion of the plurality of colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Denise L. Lasprogata
  • Patent number: 5820377
    Abstract: A block retaining slate for engaging blocks, such as tactile recognition (e.g. Braille) blocks, so that the blocks can be arranged and aligned in a pattern. The block retaining slate includes a base portion and block engaging members extending from the base portion. The block engaging members include a rounded block receiving region, for receiving and engaging with an engaging region, such as a cavity, in the block. The block engaging members are arranged in a predefined pattern forming groups of block engaging members including rows and columns of block engaging members so that the blocks are aligned in rows and columns on the block retaining slate on a group of block engaging members. The block retaining slate further includes spaced regions and/or ridge portions between the rows and columns of block engaging members to facilitate the alignment of the blocks on the block retaining slate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventors: Kevin Murphy, Gregory P. Basque
  • Patent number: 5810597
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an audio sign adapted to provide an aural message once the sign is tactilely actuated. The invention typically includes a graphical information section, a tactile information section, and a self contained audio section configured to provide aural information once tactilely actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Robert H. Allen, Jr.
    Inventors: Robert H. Allen, Jr., Frank Lapietra
  • Patent number: 5779482
    Abstract: Disclosed is an indication for the visually handicapped using transparent three-dimensional ink, wherein a letter and/or a design is formed using the transparent three-dimensional ink on the indication on which an usual letter and/or design for the healthy persons is indicated, such as printed matter in which braille points of the same sound are formed using the transparent three-dimensional ink on the printed matter on which letters are printed with ordinary ink, a package of a label of a goods in which necessary information such as a trade name and contents thereof is expressed by braille points using the transparent three-dimensional ink on a surface of the package or the label on which a design or letters are printed, or printed matter in which necessary information such as a design is formed using the transparent three-dimensional ink on the printed matter on which a design is printed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignees: Yuugenkaisha Mediamews, Kabushikikaisha Sanichi-Kougeisha
    Inventor: Masayuki Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 5775252
    Abstract: A disk shaped element has a plurality of tactile sensed position indicators arranged along its' circumference. Each position indicator consists of a straight bar terminated at one end with a rod having a diameter greater than the thickness of the corresponding bar. Each bar extends outwardly from the circumference of the disk, and each rod extends outwardly from the circumference a distance greater than the corresponding bar. Each position indicator on the dial is oriented analogous to an hour hand position on a clock, with the rod providing a reference for the base of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Gary Hartman Kilgore
  • Patent number: 5769642
    Abstract: An audio-book player includes a member capable of indicating to a blind person that a recording medium is loaded in or unloaded from the body proper. The audio-book player, which reproduces written data recorded on a recording medium as voice, includes a body proper into which the recording medium can be unloadably loaded and a member for identifying a loading state, in which the recording medium is loaded in the body proper, and an unloading state, in which the recording medium is unloaded therefrom. With this structure, the identifying member identifies the states by changing its tactile impression, so that blind persons can understand the states wherein recording medium is loaded in or unloaded from the body proper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Shinano Kenshi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiromu Shinohara
  • Patent number: 5767764
    Abstract: There is provided a binary information display apparatus capable of generating all appearance/disappearance patterns of a plurality of corresponding braille pins, which binary information display apparatus is formed to be compact and has achieved improved response speed, a linear cam for the binary information display apparatus, and a method of generating shape patterns of the linear cam. Shape patterns determined by a predetermined shape pattern generation method are formed at pin interval L of the pins P1 to P4 on the top surface of a linear cam 5. When the linear cam 5 is moved at pin interval L in the direction of the arrow A, the appearance/disappearance pattern of the pins P1 to P4 on the display surface 1a changes, and all the appearance/disappearance patterns are generated with no duplication. That is, useless shape pattern is not present, and the total length of the linear cam 5 is shortened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventor: Takashi Ida
  • Patent number: 5753350
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying tactilely sensible indicia on articles is disclosed. Articles may be marked with glue droplets from a glue spit gun. Alternatively, labels may be embossed or marked with glue droplets and then applied to articles. The labels may come from a continuous roll of stock and then cut into discrete labels while the labels are concurrently be marked with the tactilely sensible indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: B&H Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Lyn E. Bright
  • Patent number: 5736978
    Abstract: A method for communicating graphic data such as plotted two-dimensional curves to a user such as a sight impaired person is disclosed. The disclosed arrangement uses haptic or tactile stimulation of a user's extremity such as is relied--upon in the Braille code fingertip communication already known to many sight impaired persons. Computerized control over a Braille character-like display and use of the computer mouse as a data selection input device; are included in the invention. The invention also includes provision of data enhancement and data interpretation aids including axis names, multiple curve identifications, grid line identifications and the addition of audio information such as tick sounds and spoken utterances to supplement the tactile communication. A computer-based embodiment of the invention is disclosed, this in the form of hardware block diagrams, software flow diagrams and computer code listing, the latter being primarily in microfiche appendix form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hasser, Marvin R. Roark
  • Patent number: 5735693
    Abstract: A method for learning a foreign language by first memorizing conjugations of representative verbs using the human hearing, viewing and feeling senses, and a device for implementing the method, the device providing the feeling memorizing means, the method comprising the step of memorizing the conjugations of the language using the human hearing, viewing and feeling senses, wherein using the feeling sense is effected by having the conjugations symbolized by elements of the device, each having a specifying location and a specifying surface or construction conferring a learner with an associated specifying feeling, such that when the learner sees a scene displayed on a display and hears a sentence associated with that scene, which sentence includes an associated specific conjugation, the learner touches a specific corresponding element symbolizing the associated specific conjugation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Multi Lingua Ltd..
    Inventor: Ruth Groiss
  • Patent number: 5733127
    Abstract: Device and method of employment thereof relating to tactile map of a bathroom or other area of interest for use by visually impaired persons, comprising tactile symbols emplaced upon a plaque or underlying surface such as a wall or door proximate the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Charles Mecum
  • Patent number: 5725379
    Abstract: A braille learning apparatus for use with a computer comprising a set of tactile flash cards, each individual card having a pattern of braille dots embossed on a surface of the card and two electrically connected contacts at a unique set of discrete spaced positions on the card with a preselected correspondence between the pattern of braille dots on the surface of the card and the selected positions of the contacts, and a tactile flash card reader capable of sensing the positions of the contacts on a card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: Albert William Perry
  • Patent number: 5720616
    Abstract: A sign having tactilely discernible braille characters formed of raised hemispherical elements. A sign plate having a planar front surface, planar back surface, and a predetermined thickness has a plurality of holes of predetermined diameter drilled therein or therethrough which are arranged in a pattern corresponding to a braille character. Elongate pin members having a shank portion and a hemispherically rounded head at one end are secured in respective holes so that the pin shank is secured along its length in the respective hole and the hemispherically rounded head protrudes a predetermined height above the sign plate front surface to form a tactile raised hemispherical element of the braille characters. Alternatively pins having a hemispherically rounded end are secured in respective holes substantially along their length with the hemispherically rounded ends protruding a predetermined height above the front surface to form the raised hemispherical elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: George Schuler, III
  • Patent number: 5718588
    Abstract: Tactile display comprising an array of dots, preferably arranged in rows and columns, capable of showing both Braille characters and two-dimensional tactile graphics, in which the displacement of the dots is obtained by the action of opposite shape memory wires, one for each direction of displacement.The tactile dots are kept in their raised or recessed positions by the action of elastic locking mechanisms, energy being used only to change the dot pattern.The thickness, weight and power requirement of the display allow its use in conventional electronic notebooks, as a replacement or a complement to ordinary displays, when used by visually handicapped people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Blazie Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Oleg B. Tretiakoff, Andree B. Tretiakoff
  • Patent number: 5664446
    Abstract: An improved combination lock comprises any type of conventional combination lock having nonnumerical indicia thereon including a plurality of patches of different daylight fluorescent colors for indicating a predetermined combination. Alternatively, nonnumerical indicia on the lock can comprise pictures of different animals, or different geometrical patterns including sets of at least three parallel lines. One implementation comprises a rotatable inner portion inside an outer housing, with sequential positioning of the inner portion with respect to the outer housing serving to unlock the lock. A second implementation includes a plurality of individually rotatable portions, the rotation of which to a predetermined configuration of relative orientations unlocks the lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: John H. Kusmiss
  • Patent number: 5649480
    Abstract: The economic production of raised print characters such as Braille is achieved by a silk screen printing process, using a rotational printing machine in combination with high viscosity, "U/V" inks that make possible the depth of deposition and character solidity necessary for achieving the required tactile effect in order to be "readable" by touch. The high body ink of the thus formed characters is cured rapidly by exposure to U/V light, so that the high drying rate thus obtained enables the achievement of economically effective, high rates of production. It is found that raised patterns of significantly lesser prominence than for embossed Braille, as produced by the printing process, are more durable, being substantially less crushable than an embossed Braille product, and are readable on a short-term basis, even by trainee "readers".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: Joan Marilyn Yim
  • Patent number: 5580251
    Abstract: This is a Braille display device which comprises: a plurality of cavities; and circuitry to individually excite the plurality of cavities. The plurality of cavities contain a positive and a negative electrode 18, 22, 26 and are filled with a quantity of polar organic gel 24 sensitive to electric fields. The cavities are sealed by an elastomeric film 14. The elastomeric film is held generally flat, by its own tension, in the absence of any voltage applied to the electrodes 18, 22, 26 in the plurality of cavities. The display device can also include circuitry to determine whether the cavity has been touched by person who is reading the display. The display device can also include circuitry to individually vibrate each cavity. Other devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Alan M. Gilkes, Marvin W. Cowens, Larry A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5577914
    Abstract: A disc cartridge having a cartridge main body and a shutter member is disclosed. The cartridge main body contains a disc-shaped recording medium and includes an aperture formed in one of a pair of planar portions for exposing at least an information recording area of the disc-shaped recording medium to outside. The shutter member opens or closes the aperture and is movably mounted on the cartridge main body. A braille representing portion for indicating the type of the disc-shaped recording medium is formed on a shutter member of the disc cartridge, a container casing containing the disc cartridge or an index sheet arranged between the disc cartridge and the packaging film sheet and acting as a sheath on which the braille representing portion is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Takahashi, Hirotoshi Fujisawa
  • Patent number: 5574830
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tactile image drawing system for the visually impaired comprising: a) a computer for storing and processing graphic images and alphanumeric and braille text; b) a reference surface on which the graphic images or text will be drawn; c) a plotter connected to and cooperative with the computer for receiving data representative of the graphic images or alphanumeric text and for drawing the graphic images or alphanumeric and braille text, the plotter having an extrusion syringe for dispensing a bead of liquid material for drawing the graphic images or text on the reference surface; d) device connected to and cooperative with the computer and the plotter for governing the flow output and the temperature of the liquid material; wherein the liquid material is viscous and fast-drying and is adapted to dry as a raised relief when deposited on the reference surface, the raised shape creating a tactile representation recognizable by tactile perception performed by a visually impaired person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: Foundation Centre Louis-Hebert
    Inventor: Gaston Quzilleau
  • Patent number: 5558742
    Abstract: A process for producing pictorial labels representing content of a composition of food, the process including the following steps: obtaining nutritional data for a composition of food, the nutritional data representing a quantity of a nutrient in the composition; defining a pictorial image representing a standard for daily human consumption of the nutrient; defining an area representing the quantity; and printing a label having the pictorial image and the respective area, to form a pictorial comparison of the quantity of the nutrient in the composition with the standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Helen C. Kiefer
  • Patent number: 5557269
    Abstract: Adjacent tactile modules (10) together define a row of modifiable Braille cells (11), opposite a row of micro-switches (50), and opposite a row of covers (30). Each of the latter defines a pivoting tab (32) controlling the corresponding micro-switch, a tab connected by an undercut hinge (36) to a fixed part (31) bearing a fixed Braille information display area (40). At the free end of each tab (32), a bent lug (35) forms a stop with the underside of the associated micro-switch (50). On the back of each tab (32), a cylindrical transverse embossing ensures in-line contact with the micro-switch (50). Considered transversely, the series of pivoting tabs (32) exhibits a sinusoidal shape, this enabling a single tab to be actuated selectively with a broad finger. Also, each tab (32) is furnished with a longitudinal guiding rib, for steering the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Ioan Montane