Abstract: A pick or plectrum for a stringed musical instrument comprising an upper body, a generally triangular shaped lower body with appendages extending adjacent to the planar perimeter of the upper body, and an intermediate portion of less width than the upper body and lower body, and having greater flexibility than the upper body and lower body. The player can grip the pick with a thumb and index finger on opposing sides of the upper body, and strike the strings with the lower body. The player can modify the amount of flexibility of the pick by engaging the appendages of the lower body through the application of more pressure upon the pick, thereby flattening the thumb and index finger onto the adjacent lower body appendage, or by rolling the thumb and finger in a more natural lateral fashion upon a lower body appendage. The lower body and appendages provide a smooth leading edge so as no to grab or rake the strings.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a gate valve include a valve body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid path therebetween, a track defined in the inner surface, the track defining a bottom surface; a gate having a wing; a scraper having a leading edge, the scraper mounted to the wing of the gate; a biasing element, the biasing element biasing the leading edge of the scraper against the bottom surface of the track.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for identifying and processing mail using an identification code on a mailpiece as a redundant source of identification information in a mail sorting system. In one embodiment, this information is stored in a temporary database and used for the identification and processing of mail in a Remote Bar Code System (RBCS). In this embodiment, the identification code enables the automation of mail sorting and other processing tasks, reducing costs and delays in mail delivery services. In another embodiment, the identification and processing of mail occurs in an Identification Code Sorting (ICS) system. In this embodiment, a long-term database allows for mail sorting and other processing tasks on a national or global level.

Abstract: A user's set top box (STB), or other client, executes a shell and has an application program interface (API) by which certain features of the client can be controlled. The client is in communication with a walled garden proxy server (WGPS). The client sends a request to the WGPS to access a service provided by a site in the garden. The site sends the client a message containing code calling a function in the API. The WGPS traps the message from the site and looks up the site in a table to determine the access control list (ACL) for the site. The WGPS includes the ACL in the header of the hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) message to the client. The shell receives the message and extracts the ACL. If the code lacks permission, the shell stops execution.

Abstract: A user's set top box (STB), or other client, executes a shell and has an application program interface (API) by which certain features of the client can be controlled. The client is in communication with a walled garden proxy server (WGPS). The client sends a request to the WGPS to access a service provided by a site in the garden. The site sends the client a message containing code calling a function in the API. The WGPS traps the message from the site and looks up the site in a table to determine the access control list (ACL) for the site. The WGPS includes the ACL in the header of the hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) message to the client. The shell receives the message and extracts the ACL. If the code lacks permission, the shell stops execution.

Abstract: A device for indicating the status of a valve includes a position indicator, wherein the position indicator includes a monitoring element, and a communication element. A method for indicating the status of at least one valve includes monitoring positions of a device enclosed by a first valve with a position indicator and communicating the positions of the device enclosed by the first valve with a communications element.

Abstract: A compression vapor engine which, being at its core a cylinder and piston, the latter attached to a rotary wheel, moves the piston to compress air, thereby heating it; introduces water to the compressed air, converting it from liquid to vapor, water to steam; and uses the expanding steam to move the piston reciprocally: all organized as a reciprocal cylinder-piston engine creating continuing rotary movement which can be made to do work.

Abstract: A transducing head for use with a storage medium rotatable about an axis includes first and second writers for writing to the storage medium. The first writer is configured for dedicated writing to a first radial region of the storage medium, and the second writer is configured for dedicated writing to a second radial region of the storage medium. The second radial region is located radially outward from the first radial region.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for identifying and processing mail using an identification code on a mailpiece as a redundant source of identification information in a mail sorting system. In one embodiment, this information is stored in a temporary database and used for the identification and processing of mail in a Remote Bar Code System (RBCS). In this embodiment, the identification code enables the automation of mail sorting and other processing tasks, reducing costs and delays in mail delivery services. In another embodiment, the identification and processing of mail occurs in and identification Code Sorting (ICS) system. In this embodiment, a long-term database allows for mail sorting and other processing tasks on a national or global level.

Abstract: A chronostratigraphic database comprising a plurality of discrete data points, wherein each data point comprises an x, y, z and T value, wherein x, y, and z are Cartesian coordinates describing a position and T is a geologic time event relative to said position; a method to produce a chronostratigraphic database and to utilize the database; and a modeling system wherein the database includes data formatted and arranged for use with a computer-implemented method or web-based method for controlling serving of an advertisement or public service message using its relevancy to a request.

Abstract: According to one aspect of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an aircraft loading/unloading vehicle includes a chassis and a first driving position located at the front of the aircraft loading vehicle. The vehicle also includes a loading platform that is coupled to the chassis. The loading platform is vertically moveable to reach a doorsill height of an aircraft. A cargo cabin is also coupled to the chassis. The cargo cabin encloses a second driving position that allows a driver to face rearward. The second driving position includes a steering controller, a gear selector, and a brake.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for identifying and processing mail using an identification code on a mailpiece as a redundant source of identification information in a mail sorting system. In one embodiment, this information is stored in a temporary database and used for the identification and processing of mail in a Remote Bar Code System (RBCS). In this embodiment, the identification code enables the automation of mail sorting and other processing tasks, reducing costs and delays in mail delivery services. In another embodiment, the identification and processing of mail occurs in an Identification Code Sorting (ICS) system. In this embodiment, a long-term database allows for mail sorting and other processing tasks on a national or global level.

Abstract: A user's set top box (STB), or other client, executes a shell and has an application program interface (API) by which certain features of the client can be controlled. The client is in communication with a walled garden proxy server (WGPS), which controls access to a walled garden. The walled garden contains links to one or more servers providing network-based services. The client sends a request to the WGPS to access a service provided by a site in the garden. To provide the service, the site sends the client a message containing code calling a function in the API. The WGPS traps the message from the site and looks up the site in a table to determine the access control list (ACL) for the site. The ACL is a bit-map that specifies which functions of the client's API can be invoked by code from the site. The WGPS includes the ACL in the header of the hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) message to the client. The shell receives the message and extracts the ACL.

Abstract: A key mechanism is specifically for a Saxophone which replaces the current Front F key (5) with a new key called Front F, altissimo G key (8, 8a). This key retains the functions of the standard Front F key (5) that allows a player to perform the altissimo F and E notes. The Altissimo G key (8a) is incorporated into the new Front F key (8) which allows the player to rapidly perform the difficult altissimo G note.

Abstract: A downhole rotational rate control apparatus, adapted for coupling to the lower end of a drill string, includes a progressive cavity (PC) motor, a driveshaft, a mud flow control valve, and an electronics section. Drilling mud flowing downward through the drill string is partially diverted to flow upward through the PC motor and out into the wellbore annulus, with the mud flow rate and, in turn, the PC motor speed being controlled by the mud flow control valve. The control valve is actuated by a control motor in response to inputs from a sensor assembly in the electronics section. The PC motor drives the driveshaft and a controlled downhole device at a specific zero or non-zero rotational rate. By varying the rotational rate of the PC motor relative to the rotational rate of the drill string, the tool face orientation or non-zero rotational speed of the controlled device in either direction can be varied in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A user's set top box (STB), or other client, executes a shell and has an application program interface (API) by which certain features of the client can be controlled. The client is in communication with a walled garden proxy server (WGPS), which controls access to a walled garden. The walled garden contains links to one or more servers providing network-based services. The client sends a request to the WGPS to access a service provided by a site in the garden. To provide the service, the site sends the client a message containing code calling a function in the API. The WGPS traps the message from the site and looks up the site in a table to determine the access control list (ACL) for the site. The ACL is a bit-map that specifies which functions of the client's API can be invoked by code from the site. The WGPS includes the ACL in the header of the hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) message to the client. The shell receives the message and extracts the ACL.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a first thermoformed workpiece, such as a tab closure, to a second thermoformed workpiece, such as a lid.

Abstract: A golf swing training aid is provided that is manually formed at the time of use from a prepared, uniquely constructed sheet-platform of semi-rigid, joint-able material. The golf swing training aid comprises a positioning flap, a horizontal flap, an illumination device disposed on the horizontal flap, and a hinged club-attachment flap. The joint-able material is scored (such as by perforation, pre-bending, kiss-cutting, or the like) to facilitate the bending of particular failure/score lines to form the various flaps. The preferably dual illumination device provides an illuminated and bi-colored representation of the otherwise imperceptible elements of a golf swing, allowing the golfer to visualize and correct his swing plane, perpendicular club head alignment at impact, and sweet spot alignment. Not only does the golf swing training aid provide a beneficial service to the golfer, it also is customizable for promotional or marketing purposes by standard printing techniques.

Abstract: A pocket-friendly golf accessory card formed of a prepared, uniquely constructed sheet of joint-able material is provided from which one or more golf accessories are manually formable. The golf accessory formable from the card comprises one or more golf tees, golf ball position markers, directional vanes, and golf ball liners. The flat pocket-friendly golf accessory card is configured with one or more CUTS formed by cutting through the card and with one or more JOINTS formed by cutting through a portion of the card. These one or more CUTS and JOINTS within the joint-able material facilitate the detachment or the bending of particular lines to form the various card configurations, which are then functionally usable as a golf accessory. Not only does the pocket-friendly golf accessory card provide a beneficial, functioning golf accessory, it also is customizable for promotional or marketing purposes by standard printing techniques.