Abstract: Virtual environments in which player avatars can be altered based on events that occur in a video game, metaverse or virtual environment. One event is the failure to fulfill an obligation in a virtual contract. Avatars who fail to fulfill such obligations may have their appearance, voice, or smell altered, or may be followed by one or more non player character avatars.

Abstract: A database, such as a patent database, including a plurality of electronic documents, such as patents and patent applications, is described. End users are able to access the database and submit prior art that they believe invalidates patent documents in the database. End users may also submit commentary explaining their reasons for submitting the prior art. The system may be configured to reward end users who have a history of submitting prior art that invalidates patent documents and/or to penalize end users who have a history of submitting prior art that does not invalidate or is not relevant to the identified application.

Abstract: A system of maintaining notes associated with documents that may be, for example in a document database, such as a patent database, is described. The notes may be submitted by the author(s) of the original document, by parties associated with the original document (such as a patent examiner), or by a third party. Access to the notes may be limited based, for example, on a party's relationship to the original document.

Abstract: Virtual environments in which players are able to select synthetic voices for their characters are described. The voices may be celebrity voices or impersonations of celebrity voices. A player may provide a spoken message to the game server, which converts the spoken message into a text message and then outputs the text message in audible form using a celebrity voice.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a lexicon tool including a database that includes a plurality of terms which may be words, phrases, paragraphs, documents, photographs, etc, and at least one definition for each term. Each definition is associated with a subject matter identifier that aids in determining how the definitions are presented to an end user.

Abstract: A system and method of prioritizing items in a queue is provided. The system and method includes the creation of a document queue comprising a plurality of items and the assignment of a queue position to each of the plurality of items based upon one or more determining factors, such as the date of receipt of each item. A fee can be calculated for moving an item to a different priority queue position and a right-of-first refusal can be provided for one or more items that would have their respective queue positions changed as a result of payment of the fee.

Abstract: Improved methods for ensuring proper protection of intellectual property are described. In one embodiment, patents are scanned and intentional alterations or mistakes are introduced.

Abstract: Improved methods for drafting, preparing, submitting and examining a patent application are described. The system incorporates a web-based tool in which applications are drafted. The web-based tool allows further allows for the submission, association, and display of notes regarding applications. The notes may be text or hyperlinks to prior art references. The relevance of the prior art documents to the patent application may be indicated by visible indicia.

Abstract: A search engine configured to search a database of documents and provide search results to an end user is described. The search engine may be configured to provide the end user with a list of synonyms for terms in the search query submitted by the end user and allow the end user to identify those synonyms which should be included in the search engine. Alternatively or additionally, the search engine may be configured to provide the end user with survey questions, the answers to which, may be used to further define the search query. The database may include notes and/or advertisements that are associated with specific documents in the database.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for searching, retrieving, and displaying information regarding patent applications and issued patents that may be related by inventors or assignees are described. The methods and systems may similarly incorporate and display potentially related non patent literature.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various novel means for performing prior art searches for patent applications. The disclosure describes various automated means for performing and refining prior art searches with decreasing examiner input and generating office actions based on such searches.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to allow karma accumulation, death and post-death gameplay in a virtual environment. In post-death gameplay, at least one character attribute is used to determine whether a player character can play an undead character, possess a selected player character, and/or reincarnate into a new player character. The method of karma accumulation includes tracking positive karma points and negative karma points.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide an inexpensive and easy to use apparatus and method that permits a user to attach an apparatus to existing picture frames or other objects with various advantages. Such embodiments will keep a picture, object or frame in a substantially continuously level position or otherwise aligned position. Thus, using the disclosed apparatus, a user can ensure that any picture, frame or other hanging and relatively flat object will generally remain in a pleasantly horizontal or other desired aspect, without need for ongoing user inspection or manual adjustment.

Abstract: A system and method to allow players of a video game to perform financial transactions in a virtual environment. According to some embodiments, real world financial instruments such as a credit card or other financial instrument may guarantee some or all of the virtual financial operations.

Abstract: A system and method to allow players of a video game to transfer funds between entities in a virtual environment. According to some embodiments, real world financial instruments such as a credit card or other financial instrument may guarantee some or all of the virtual financial operations.

Abstract: A price associated with a menu item is determined automatically based at least in part on revenue management information. A menu display is updated on an electronic display device such as a digital menu board to include the automatically-determined price.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for receiving order information based on an order of a customer; and determining an offer for the customer based on the order information and at least one of a genetic program and a genetic algorithm.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for receiving order information based on an order of a customer; and determining an offer for the customer based on the order information and at least one of a genetic program and a genetic algorithm.

Abstract: A price associated with a menu item is determined automatically based at least in part on revenue management information. A menu display is updated on an electronic display device such as a digital menu board to include the automatically-determined price.

Abstract: An improved cap and spout assembly for a can adapted to contain a liquid, such as gasoline. The assembly includes the cap having internal threads to be threaded on an upstanding flange bordering an opening in the can, and the cap includes an outer transverse surface having a central opening. A spout is removably attachable to the cap and the inner end of the spout is provided with a flange to engage the inner face of the transverse surface of the cap. In the retail market place, the spout is inverted for storage and extends inwardly of the can. A flexible strap is integrally molded with the cap and in inserted through an opening on the can and engaged with a locking mechanism on the cap to prevent removal and theft of the cap and spout from the can. At the time of use, the spout is reversed in position so that it extends outwardly from the cap and the outer end of the spout defines an outlet which is enclosed by a removable cover.