Abstract: The mountain launch system is a method for using gravity acting upon a counterweight to provide the initial assent for a rocket and payload. This counterweight system is built inside of a mountain so as to use the mountain as the supporting structure. By covering the exit opening with a thin membrane and closing the bottom, the system can have the air evacuated providing a free-ascent without a terminal velocity. During the final moments of the ascent or after the rocket leaves the tube the rocket will ignite carrying the payload into space. The velocity imparted to the rocket from the gravity assist in combination with bypassing the thickest part of the atmosphere will lower the amount of fuel required to lift payloads into space. This will result in the use of smaller and less expensive rockets.

Abstract: An anti-theft mailbox insert installed inside of a petestal mail box for limiting access to delieverd mail. The insert has a horizontal shelf located just below the mailbox mail slot. When mail is inserted into the mailbox slot it falls to the bottom of the mailbox and the anti-theft mailbox insert prevents a person's hand from reaching in through the mailbox slot and stealing the mail. The mail can be retrieved using the locking rear door of the mailbox.

Abstract: The methods and systems described herein can efficiently store electronic documents as a plurality of files, and can provide an interface for presenting electronic documents for viewing. Each page of the document can be stored as a separate Flash file. The interface or reader can itself be a Flash file that presents tools for choosing pages to be displayed. The interface can display the Flash file corresponding to the chosen page.

Abstract: Access to content may be enabled by receiving an instruction indicating a client request to access content, accessing a list of content sources capable of rendering the content for which access is requested by the client, determining a performance metric for at least two of the content sources, and selecting among the content sources based on the performance metric to identify a content source to be accessed by the client.

Abstract: An improved, compact speaker system for production of the full range of sound audible to the human ear, the sound radiating from the speaker being omnidirectional with the speaker including an outer cabinet shell and a defined chamber configuration within the shell. High and low frequency speakers are mounted within the cabinet shell with an acoustical path being defined within the cabinet for the low frequency wavelengths with the low frequency tones traveling within the cabinet for a distance of 1/12 the wavelength of the natural free air resonance of the low frequency speaker. The high frequency speaker having a slug of pre-determined surface configuration to permit omnidirectional sound radiation without distortion.

Abstract: A method of regulating the growth of, or killing, plants, which method consists essentially of applying to the plants an indole compound which is 7-chloro or 7-bromo indole, the compound being applied in an amount sufficient at least to stunt, or kill, the plants.