academic and careers Flight crew training system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method is present for flight crew training. Flight crew interactions are recorded during a lesson to form recorded flight crew interactions. Flight deck displays occurring during the lesson are recorded to form recorded flight deck displays. A flight training video is formed from the recorded flight crew interactions and the recorded flight deck displays. Full Article
academic and careers Educational game for teaching addition and subtraction of whole numbers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An educational game for teaching addition and subtraction of whole numbers includes a carpet/game board including ten positively numbered spaces from +1 to +10 inclusive a 0 space and negatively numbered spaces from −1 to −10 inclusive and wherein said positive numbered spaces proceed upwardly in a generally zigzag direction from 0 to plus 10 and the negatively numbered spaces proceed downwardly from 0 to minus 10 and an extra space above the plus 10 and an extra space below the minus 10 wherein the extra space above the plus 10 is a win space and the space below the minus 10 is a lose space. The game also includes a single cube shaped die having six faces with an indication of plus 2, minus 2 and no movement on three of the faces and a plus 1, minus 1 and plus 1 plus and additional turn on the sixth face. Further, the game includes six game pieces of separate distinct colors. Full Article
academic and careers System and method for cardiac defibrillation response simulation in health training mannequin By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Configurations for simulation of motions or movement in a health training mannequin for teaching purposes are disclosed. A cardiac defibrillation response simulation apparatus is configured to be housed separately from but interfaced with a health training mannequin to induce motion symptomatic response to electrical shock in the mannequin. In one embodiment a system comprises a motion inducer comprising a housing, an interface structure, and an actuator, wherein the interface structure is coupled to the actuator, movable relative to the housing, and configured to interface with a portion of a health training mannequin to induce motion in at least one portion of the health training mannequin. In another embodiment a method comprises interfacing a portion of a health training mannequin with an interface structure, the interface structure being coupled to an actuator and movable relative to a housing coupled to the actuator, the housing not being housed within a portion of the health training mannequin. Various hardware configurations are presented. Full Article
academic and careers Sialendoscopy demonstration apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Models, kits and methods useful in the demonstration of sialendoscopy devices and techniques are described. An exemplary demonstration apparatus comprises a support structure, an insert structure contacting the support structure, and a duct structure contacting the insert structure. The insert structure has a top surface defining a first opening and a bottom surface defining a second opening, and defines a channel with a first end in communication with the first opening and a second end in communication with the second opening. The duct structure comprises an elongate tubular member and has a first end in fluid communication with the first opening of the insert member, a second end, and defines a lumen extending from the first end to the second end. A portion of the duct structure is releasably disposed within the channel defined by the insert structure. Full Article
academic and careers Variable pitch oarlock By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An improved variable pitch oarlock of a rowing shell, including a gate for securing an oar, which is adapted to swivel about a vertical pin of a rigger of the rowing shell. The improvement residing in the inclusion of horizontal pivot means adapted to vary the horizontal angular displacement of the gate as it swivels about the vertical pin. In operation, the pitch of the oar blade can be correspondingly varied and accurately determined during all phases of the rowing stroke. The horizontal pin also provides the mounting for force sensors; ensuring horizontal and/or vertical forces can be measured. Also claimed is a method of coaching or training rowing crew(s), utilizing the variable pitch oarlock as herein described, wherein force, angle and depth measurements are taken and analyzed. Full Article
academic and careers Medical injector simulation device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus includes a simulated medicament delivery device and an electronic circuit system coupled to the simulated medicament delivery device. The electronic circuit system is configured to output an electronic output associated with a use of the simulated medicament delivery device. Full Article
academic and careers Augmented reality system, apparatus and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Information technology tools can be provided to manage access by a plurality of attendees through a network to a presentation. Each of the attendees is registered with an associated content access status, and presentation data for the presentation is provided to a registered attendee based on the particular content access status of the registered attendee. Full Article
academic and careers Ergonomics test buck By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A test buck, a test buck system and related method are disclosed. The test buck system may comprise a controller and a test buck. The test buck may include a portable bed, a seat module mounted to the bed, and a first OIM disposed on the bed. At least a portion of the first OIM may be selectively moveable in at least four degrees of freedom, up to six degrees of freedom. The controller may be electrically connected to a first Operator Interface Module (OIM). The controller may be configured to selectively move at least a portion of the first OIM in at least four to six degrees of freedom. Full Article
academic and careers Method and system for acquisition of literacy By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A computer-implemented method for enabling a child to learn to read, including maintaining a data store with information that characterizes the reading capabilities of children, receiving a stream of sensor data from one or more input devices, the sensor data representing the speech of a person speaking, the person being either an adult or a child, or a sequence of scenes, identifying a meaningful utterance or a meaningful scene from the stream of sensor data, representing the meaningful utterance or meaningful scene in written text using words and grammar appropriate to the reading level of the child, based on information stored in the data store, providing the output text to a display device for presentation to the child, and receiving user feedback. Full Article
academic and careers Method and system for quantitative assessment of visual motor response By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of visual motor response in a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to a subject on a display; (2) modulating the contrast of a predetermined section of the scene; (3) moving the predetermined section relative to the scene with the movement being tracked by the subject via at least one input device; (4) measuring a kinematic parameter of the tracked movement; (5) quantitatively refining the tracked movement; (6) determining the relationship between at least one of the scene and the quantitatively refined tracked movement; (7) adjusting the modulated contrast relative to the quantitatively refined tracked movement; (8) calculating a critical threshold parameter for the subject; and (9) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium. Full Article
academic and careers Method and system for quantitative assessment of word recognition sensitivity By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of word recognition sensitivity of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene, comprising a plurality of letters and a background, to a subject on a display; (2) moving the plurality of letters relative to the scene; (3) receiving feedback from the subject via at least one; (4) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (5) modulating the saliency of the plurality of letters relative to accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; (6) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (7) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium. Full Article
academic and careers Combined cognitive and physical therapy By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides method and apparatus to perform combined cognitive and motor rehabilitation on a computerized non-portable system or on single portable device. A patient can play a variety of games that require the patient to perform a variety of memory exercises which involve physical exertion. The activities of the patient are monitored with pattern analysis software which provides feedback to the patient. The feedback can include voice synthesis, video guidance, progression messages etc. Patient data obtained while the patient is performing each of the memory exercises is stored locally on a database module and then uploaded to a cloud server. A remote psychologist/psychiatrist monitors the patient by logging into the same cloud, and updating cognition exercises. The same therapist can have live chats with the patient for further interaction and coaching. Full Article
academic and careers Wearable CPR assist, training and testing device By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A wearable cardiopulmonary resuscitation assist device or system including: a wearable article to be worn by a cardiopulmonary resuscitation performer or a patient, for assisting administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation by the performer; at least one sensor for measuring at least one parameter to assist in cardiopulmonary resuscitation; at least one feedback component for conveying feedback information based on the parameter to the performer for assisting the performer in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and a processing unit, the processing unit being configured to receive the at least one parameter from the at least one sensor and to send information based on the parameter to the at least one feedback component. Also a method for training or improving cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures using the device. Full Article
academic and careers Automated quiz generation system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT In one embodiment, an apparatus may receive metadata that is associated with content. The metadata includes event descriptors that describe events included in the content. The apparatus may generate a question based on at least one of the event descriptors. Full Article
academic and careers Custom narration of electronic books By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system and method are disclosed for correlating an electronic book with a narration. A correlation is determined between a first portion of the narration and a first segment of the text within the electronic book. The correlation is stored as instructions to present the first segment of the text with emphasis simultaneously with playback of the first the portion of the narration. A determination is made that a second portion of the audio recording, immediately following the first portion, does not match a second segment of the text that immediately follows the first segment. A correlation between the second portion and a component of the electronic book is determined and stored as instructions to present the component with emphasis simultaneously with playback of the second portion of the narration. Full Article
academic and careers Adaptable audio instruction system and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An adaptable audio instruction system and method allows for tailoring and modification to audio sequences used for audio instruction of users. The tailoring and modification abilities of the system regard content and presentation details of the audio sequences to comply with user preferences and user progress in learning content contained in the audio sequences. Full Article
academic and careers Systems and methods for multi-user multi-lingual communications By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Various embodiments described herein facilitate multi-lingual communications. The systems and methods of some embodiments enable multi-lingual communications through different modes of communication including, for example, Internet-based chat, e-mail, text-based mobile phone communications, postings to online forums, postings to online social media services, and the like. Certain embodiments implement communication systems and methods that translate text between two or more languages. Users of the systems and methods may be incentivized to submit corrections for inaccurate or erroneous translations, and may receive a reward for these submissions. Systems and methods for assessing the accuracy of translations are described. Full Article
academic and careers System, method and multipoint control unit for providing multi-language conference By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for providing multi-language conference is provided. The system includes conference terminals and a multipoint control unit. The conference terminals are adapted to process a speech of a conference site, transmitting the processed speech to the multipoint control unit, process an audio data received from the multipoint control unit and output it. At least one of the conference terminals is an interpreting terminal adapted to interpret the speech of the conference according to the audio data transmitted from the multipoint control unit, process the interpreted audio data and output the processed audio data. The multipoint control unit is adapted to perform a sound mixing process of the audio data from the conference terminals in different sound channels according to language types, and then sends mixed audio data after the sound mixing process to the conference terminals. Full Article
academic and careers Target device for determining received hits in a light based weapons simulation system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A target device is usable with a simulation system which includes a weapon simulator having a trigger, a chamber for firing a blank cartridge in response to the trigger, and a transmitter arranged to emit a light signal defining one or more activation codes of prescribed duration in response to the trigger. The target device includes a sensor array of photodiodes and a processor receiving output signals from the photodiodes. The processor determines that the sensor array has been hit by the weapon simulator in response to a first portion of one activation code being received by one of the photodiodes and at least one second portion of the same activation code being received by the same or a different one of the photodiodes when the first portion and the at least one second portion correspond to an entirety of one activation code within the respective prescribed duration. Full Article
academic and careers Interactive system and method for shooting and target tracking for self-improvement and training By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A device configured to track and capture the movement data of a target as well as shooting and firearm movement activity of a hunter includes a housing, a camera, sensors, a processor, a memory, and a battery. The camera is disposed in close proximity to the housing to capture the movement of a target. One or more sensors are disposed in the housing and interfaced with the processor to capture the velocity and orientation of a gun. A trigger activation sensor is also in communication with the processor. The memory stores camera activity, trigger activity, sensor activities, and also stores an alarm setting on the device. The processor activates the alarm setting when predefined criteria are met. Radar can be incorporated to determine the distance of the target from the user. GPS can also be included to provide precise location and time information. Full Article
academic and careers Training method and a device for carrying out said method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to training and can be used for learning and/or developing movement skills, fixing dynamic stereotypes and for training movement coordination. The aim of the invention is to provide a trainee with on-line correcting tactile feedback during training and to improve techniques and rate of a movement by bringing it as close as possible to a reference movement. The inventive training method consists, when learning a movement, in digitizing said movement, in comparing it with the digitized pattern of a reference movement and, if the trainee deviates from the reference movement, in receiving by said trainee a tactile feedback (tactile action) for on-line correcting said movement. The inventive device comprises sensors for on-line movement digitizing, a computer for comparing the thus obtained digitized movement with the reference movement (specified by an expert or simulated on the computer) for controlling the tactile feedback elements and said tactile feedback elements for performing the correction action. Full Article
academic and careers Method and device for injecting a fluid into an artificial venous structure By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A training device for sclerotherapy. The device includes at least one artificial venous structure adapted to contain a fluid, a reservoir, and a fluid path connecting the artificial venous structure to the reservoir. Full Article
academic and careers Image display apparatus, image display method, and of image display program By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An image display apparatus includes a communication unit to communicate with information processing apparatuses; an image synthesizing unit to synthesize a multi-segmented screen image composed of screen images of the information processing apparatuses; a projection unit to project the multi-segmented screen image onto a screen; a functional mode management unit to control switching between a normal projection mode and a multi-segmented screen operation mode; an image capture device to capture the multi-segmented screen image and a hand movement of an operator when switched to the multi-segmented screen operation mode; a designated screen image recognition unit to detect a hand movement of the operator based on the image captured by the image capture device, and to recognize a screen image designated as an active-target image; and a signal control unit to transmit a request of image data transmission to an information processing apparatus corresponding to the designated active-target image. Full Article
academic and careers Speech effects By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of complementing a spoken text. The method including receiving text data representative of a natural language text, receiving effect control data including at least one effect control record, each effect control record being associated with a respective location in the natural language text, receiving a stream of audio data, analyzing the stream of audio data for natural language utterances that correlate with the natural language text at a respective one of the locations, and outputting, in response to a determination by the analyzing that a natural language utterance in the stream of audio data correlates with a respective one of the locations, at least one effect control signal based on the effect control record associated with the respective location. Full Article
academic and careers Apparatus and method of simulating a somatosensory experience in space By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of providing a user with an extra-terrestrial somatosensory experience includes equipping the user with an underwater breathing apparatus, having the user occupy an underwater environment, such environment providing buoyancy to the user, and while the user occupies the underwater environment, using a computer-implemented virtual reality system to present to the user a virtual reality environment modeling an extra-terrestrial setting. The virtual reality system inhibits visual perception by the user of items outside of the virtual reality environment so that the user experiences the virtual reality environment under a buoyancy condition provided by the underwater environment. The buoyancy condition enhances the experience of the virtual reality environment. Full Article
academic and careers Method and system for controlling skill acquisition interfaces By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and system for capturing expert behavior that the expert is not even necessarily conscious of, such as gaze patterns, that are tied to positive outcomes, and to create a catalog (e.g. database) of these behaviors. The system compares the current behavior of a person, for example a novice, against this catalog of expert behaviors. If the current behavior is significantly different, the system would adapt various aspects of the interface to bring the current behavior closer in line to that of the expert. Full Article
academic and careers Team-building educational training system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The team-building educational training system includes a mat and a plurality of reflective surfaces, such as mirrors. The mat has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of openings defined therein. The top and bottom surfaces each have a plurality of uniquely identifiable indicia displayed thereon. The reflective surfaces are placed on the floor or ground under the mat. The team cooperatively lifts and manipulates the mat to align the openings with the reflective surfaces so that at least one team member can view reflections of the indicia on the reflective surfaces. The team cooperatively interprets the indicia and completes a variety of planned exercises to learn skills for working as a team. Full Article
academic and careers Educational apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An educational apparatus for educating, testing and entertaining individuals includes a rotatable spherical element, a planar support structure and a plurality of rollers for supporting the spherical element for rotational movement. The planar support structure defines an elevated planar surface with a circular opening therein. The rotatable rollers are hingedly mounted to the planar support structure around the opening for supporting the spherical element with a majority of the spherical element above the level of the planar support structure. A fixed element is fixed to the spherical element and a magnetic complimentary element is disposed adjacent the spherical element for contact by the fixed element. Full Article
academic and careers Dry-erase board with inserts By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A new design for a dry-erase board allows for writing on a clear top surface or a second surface under the clear top surface. The dry-erase board includes an insert positioned between the clear top surface and a second surface, the insert being protected by the clear top surface Full Article
academic and careers Games having biotechnological content By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Systems and methods for use in playing biotic games having a biologically active material as a component. Various games that provide for one or more human players to interact with biologically active materials are disclosed. The game apparatus includes a replaceable cartridge having a chamber in which a biologically active component such as a single-celled organism or a biologically active compound is contained. A stimulus controller accepts instructions from a human user and provides a stimulus to the biologically active component. A response receiver accepts a signal indicative of a response of the biologically active component. A display is provided to display to the user information indicative of the response of the biologically active component, and a game score. A computer-based game controller includes a set of pre-defined rules of play that define a game and that comprise pre-defined rules of scoring for the game. Full Article
academic and careers Willpower watch (TM)—a wearable food consumption monitor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT This invention is a wearable, automatic, and tamper-resistant device and method for monitoring and measuring food consumption and caloric intake. It can help people to manage their energy balance and weight. It can be embodied as: (a) one or more automatic-imaging members that are worn on a person from which these members collectively and automatically take pictures of the person's mouth and pictures of a reachable food source when the person eats; (b) a tamper-resisting mechanism which detects and responds if the operation of the one or more automatic-imaging members is impaired; and (c) an image-analyzing member which automatically analyzes pictures of the person's mouth and pictures of the reachable food source in order to estimate the types and quantities of food that are consumed by the person. Full Article
academic and careers Systems and methods for teaching phonemic awareness By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system to teach phonemic awareness uses a plurality of phonemes and a plurality of graphemes. Each phoneme is a unique sound and an indivisible unit of sound in a spoken language, and each grapheme is a written representation of one of the plurality of phonemes. A plurality of distinct graphical images and a plurality of unique names are provided where each unique name is associated with one of the graphical images and represents a grouping of graphemes selected from the plurality of graphemes. The system uses a plurality of sets of display pieces having a plurality of individual display pieces. Each individual display piece includes at least a portion of one of the graphical images and the graphemes from the grouping of graphemes constituting the associated unique name. A predefined instructional environment defines a predefined spatial context and predefined rules governing the acquisition and utilization of individual display pieces. Full Article
academic and careers System and device for welding training By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Aug 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system and device for welding training. In one example, a welding training system includes a display configured to show welding features related to a training welding operation. The system also includes a training workpiece having a substantially transparent weld joint configured to be placed adjacent to the display during the training welding operation. The system includes a processing device coupled to the display and configured to provide welding data relating to the training welding operation to the display. The system also includes a training torch comprising an optical sensor. The training torch is coupled to the processing device and configured to provide the processing device with data from the optical sensor corresponding to a position of the training torch relative to the training workpiece. Full Article
academic and careers Method of producing a booklet, data page produced by this method and booklet produced by the method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 08:00:00 EST The booklet comprises a number of sheets between a cover, and each sheet has a front side and a rear side. At least one data page is provided that is joined to the cover in a fixed manner. The data page comprises a flexible layer and this flexible layer projects with an area out of a data carrier. On this area, the data page is joined to the cover and to the remaining sheets. The flexible layer is flatly joined to at least one other layer, for example, by welding or bonding and is thus inseparably bound without a mechanical joining part. Full Article
academic and careers Writing kit with plastic sheets By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Dec 2013 08:00:00 EST A writing kit including a plastic sheet, a binding and a case with a closing element to hold the plastic sheet in the case. The case has at least one hole at a center portion of the case and the sheet has at least one hole in the sheet. A binding comprising a flexible cord is laced through the hole in the sheet and the case and a clasp slidingly engages the cord. Full Article
academic and careers Booklet with ultra removable adhesive label By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Dec 2013 08:00:00 EST An ultra removable booklet with label for application to media is described. The booklet with label includes a release liner, an ultra removable adhesive layer, a paper stock layer, a booklet, an adhesive layer, and a clear plastic cover layer. The clear plastic cover layer has the adhesive layer applied to a bottom surface thereof and the bottom surface is positioned over the booklet. The booklet is positioned over the paper stock. The ultra removable adhesive layer is attached to the lower surface of the paper stock. The release liner is applied to the ultra removable adhesive layer. A process for forming an ultra removable booklet with label for application to media is also described. Full Article
academic and careers Reusable notecard and methods of use thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Dec 2013 08:00:00 EST Embodiments of the invention are directed to reusable notecard. In one embodiment, the reusable notecard is comprised of a trifold panel having a left panel, a center panel and a right panel and a reclosable closing mechanism, connected to the trifold panel, to releasably secure the left panel to the right panel when folded over one another. In one embodiment, the adjustable left panel is comprised of a plurality of left panel fold lines and the right panel is comprised of a plurality of right panel fold lines, the plurality of left panel fold lines and the plurality of right panel fold lines for adapting to dimensions of contents inside the notecard. In one embodiment, the trifold panel is made of a material allowing for non-permanent markings. Full Article
academic and careers Report cover By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Dec 2013 08:00:00 EST A cover (10) is disclosed for holding objects such as papers and reports. The cover (10) is formed of a member (20) having a front cover (22), a spine (24) and a back cover (26). A first portion (32) and a second portion (38) are folded over to encapsulate a prong fastener (12). The second portion (38) is then fastened to the back cover (26) with adhesive tape (58). The first and second portions (32, 38) can be part of a fastener assembly (70) having a third portion (72) that is secured to the inner surface (62) of the back cover (26). In a modification, a flap (128) can be hinged to the side of the back cover (126). Full Article
academic and careers Convertible transport apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Jan 2014 08:00:00 EST An apparatus (10) for transporting items includes a base (12), a handle element (16) extending from the base (12), a pair of rollers or wheels (20) mounted to the base (12) and a platform (14) mounted to the base (12) and adapted for movement between a stored condition and an operative position. The platform (14) includes first and second leg elements (24) and a platform support (26) connected to the first and second leg elements (24) and extending therebetween. The platform (14) is dimensioned and adapted to carry an object when in the operative position. The platform support (26) may comprise a flexible material such as a fabric material. Full Article
academic and careers Binding element and associated method for binding By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Jan 2014 08:00:00 EST A binding structure for binding a bundle of sheets and that includes a base and a pair of opposed position legs that are integrally formed with and extend from respective sides of the base. The pair of legs and base together defines a retention area in which the bundle of sheets is held. The pair of legs is constructed and arranged with a resilient bias toward each other, but separable to enable the bundle of sheets to be held therebetween under a biasing force. The legs each have at least one inwardly directed rib arranged for contact with opposed sides of the bundle of sheets, and a thermal adhesive layer is disposed on the base and upon which the bundle of sheets rests, to be later formed in a thermal binding machine. Full Article
academic and careers Spine label pocket for a binder cover By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Feb 2014 08:00:00 EST A binding cover having a transparent overlay cover disposed over and around the spine of the binding is configured to provide a label pocket on the spine portion of the binding cover wherein a label may be inserted easily without tools or rigid label material. In several embodiments the label pocket provides a fixed label space. In another embodiment the label pocket opens along the spine when the binding cover is opened, and returns to a closed position when closed, thereby retaining a label inserted therein. In another embodiment a method for forming the label pocket is provided. Full Article
academic and careers Integrable bookstand By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Feb 2014 08:00:00 EST An integrable bookstand adapted to be integrated into a hard back cover of a book is disclosed. The integrable bookstand having a withheld and deployed conformations. In the withheld conformation the bookstand is coplanar with the hard back cover, rendering the latter storable in tandem between other flat articles. Full Article
academic and careers Communications device including radio frequency (RF) signal blocking layer for near-field communication (NFC) device and related methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Feb 2014 08:00:00 EST A communications device may include a near-field communication (NFC) circuit device, and a radio frequency (RF) signal blocking member adhesively coupled with the NFC device. The RF signal blocking member may be configured to block RF signal communication by the NFC device while coupled therewith. The RF signal blocking member may comprise an electrical conductor. In accordance with an example, the RF signal blocking member may comprise a frangible layer. In another example, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer may be included for adhesively securing the RF signal blocking member with the NFC device. Full Article
academic and careers Lay flat book sheets By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 08:00:00 EDT A sheet stock having a flexible hinge area is described. The sheet stock includes a substrate having an opening and gap stiffener, and a flexible film covering the opening and defining a flexible hinge area in the region of the opening and gap stiffener covered by the film. Methods for producing sheet stock having a flexible hinge area are also described. The sheet stock may be used in printing, binding, and in other applications. Full Article
academic and careers System and method for tactile currency identification By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 08:00:00 EDT A tactile orientation indicator is positioned along the periphery of a bill, and a tactile denomination indicator is positioned elsewhere along the periphery of the bill. The user of the bill may then use their tactile senses to feel along the edges of the bill to orient the bill to a pre-determined orientation based on the location of the orientation indicator. The user then feels along the periphery of the bill to locate the denomination indicator. Using a predetermined system associating the location of the denomination indicator with a particular bill denomination, the user may then identify the denomination of the bill even if blind or otherwise visually impaired. Full Article
academic and careers Motion greeting cards By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 15 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT The present invention and related disclosure describes greeting cards with moving elements or devices which are operable to create motion in connection with some portion of the greeting card. The greeting card may include a multi-panel greeting card body or a three-dimensional foam greeting card body. At least one movable object is contained upon or within the greeting card body. A sound module having at least one pre-recorded digital audio file saved therein and a motor module are contained and concealed within the greeting card body. One or more switches may be used to activate the sound and motor modules, causing the pre-recorded audio file to play and causing movement of the movable or mobile object. This movement may be up-and-down or “bouncing” motion, spinning or rotational motion, side-to-side motion or any other reciprocating motion. Full Article
academic and careers Making bound document having fastener and spacer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT Sheets are bound to form a bound document by fastening together the sheets and a binding strip. A spacer is applied to a back sheet adjacent to the feet of the fasteners. A wraparound portion of the binding strip is folded around the spine edges of the sheets so that adhesive on the strip contacts the spacer or the back sheet farther from the spine than the feet of the fasteners. The adhesive is affixed to the back sheet. The binding strip includes a spacer adjacent to the heads of the fasteners, protruding above the face-attachment portion at least as far as the heads of the fasteners do. Full Article
academic and careers Notebook cover with extending hole-punched tabs for facilitating attachment to ringed binder By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT A bound system including a plurality of pages and a cover and/or divider including a bound outer edge and a plurality of free outer edges. The cover and/or divider may be bound to the plurality of pages along the bound edge. The cover and/or divider may include one or more discreet tabs extending generally outwardly relative to one of the edges. Each tab may be integrally formed from a single piece of material with the rest of the cover and/or divider. Each tab further may have an opening formed therethrough and is configured to receive at least part of a binding device therethrough to thereby couple the cover and/or divider to the binding device. Full Article
academic and careers Device for holding sheets in a binder which form a folded stack By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 29 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a device for holding sheets in a binder which form a folded stack, comprising a holding element (3) connected to the spine (2) of the binder (1). According to the invention, the holding element (3) engages behind the innermost sheet of the stack (4) at its fold (9). Full Article
academic and careers Binding element and associated method for binding By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 May 2014 08:00:00 EDT A binding structure for binding a bundle of sheets and that includes a base and a pair of opposed position legs that are integrally formed with and extend from respective sides of the base. The pair of legs and base together defines a retention area in which the bundle of sheets is held. The pair of legs is constructed and arranged with a resilient bias toward each other, but separable to enable the bundle of sheets to be held therebetween under a biasing force. The legs each have at least one inwardly directed rib arranged for contact with opposed sides of the bundle of sheets, and a thermal adhesive layer is disposed on the base and upon which the bundle of sheets rests, to be later formed in a thermal binding machine. Full Article