Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to hearing aids, hearing aid microphones, and methods of manufacture thereof. In one aspect, a hearing aid microphone in accord with the present concepts includes a housing and at least one attachment device integrated with the housing, the attachment device itself including a male connector or a female connector.

Abstract: A system for controlling the distribution and use of digital works using digital tickets. In the present invention, a “digital ticket” is used to entitle the ticket holder to exercise some usage right with respect to a digital work. Usage rights are used to define how a digital work may be used or distributed. Each usage right may specify a digital ticket which must be present before the right may be exercised. Digital works are stored in repositories which enforce a digital works usage rights. Each repository has a “generic ticket agent” which punches tickets. In some instances only the generic ticket agent is necessary. In other instances, punching by a “special ticket agent” residing on another repository may be needed.

Abstract: A method, system, and software for preventing cheating during online gaming on a first computer system, include receiving information regarding cheaters detected during online gaming gathered by a second computer system; and making the received information available to the first computer system. Advantageously, a cheater identified on the second computer system is prevented from online gaming on the first computer system. A method, system, and software for preventing cheating during online gaming also is described, including receiving information regarding cheaters detected during online gaming from a first computer system; and transmitting information regarding cheaters detected during online gaming gathered from a plurality of online gaming computer systems to the first computer system. Advantageously, cheaters identified on the plurality of online gaming computer systems are prevented from online gaming on the first computer system.

Abstract: A rendering method, system and software for use in a distributed system for managing use and rendering of content in accordance with usage rights associated therewith, and including a rendering device that renders the content; and a distributed repository coupled to the rendering device and including a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The first mode of operation receives content from another distributed repository and enforces usage rights associated with the content and permits the rendering device to render the content in accordance with a manner of use specified by the usage rights. The second mode of operation requests the rendering of content received from another distributed repository. The distributed repository permits the content to be rendered only if a manner of use specified in the request corresponds to a manner of use specified in the usage rights.

Abstract: The present invention provides a working machine having an internal combustion engine. The working machine includes a single operation unit comprised of a rotatable body adapted to be selectively rotated between an engine-stop position, engine-start position and choke-activation position, a valve to be rotated about an rotation shaft, an arm attached to the rotation shaft and a link member adapted to be moved in its longitudinal direction to transmit the movement of the rotatable body to the arm. The link member has a distal end coupled with the arm and a proximal end coupled with the rotatable body, and extends between the distal and proximal ends. The rotatable body is formed with an elongated slot receiving the proximal end therein. When the rotatable body is rotated from the engine-stop position to the engine-start position, the proximal end is allowed to displace relative to the rotatable body along the elongated slot without causing any movement of the link member in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A projecting portion 52 which becomes convex in radial direction is formed in a rubber elastic body 5 for connecting together an inner cylindrical body 3 mounted to a shaft portion 21a of a lower shift lever member 21 by external interfit and an outer cylindrical body 4 mounted to a cylindrical portion 22a of an upper shift lever member 22 by internal interfit. Formed in an inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical body 4 is a recessed portion 42 which becomes concave with clearances C1 and C2 of respective given amounts left between the recessed portion 42 and the projecting portion 52. This makes it possible to manufacture a shift lever bush 1 having a two-stage spring characteristic at low cost.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for increasing the quality of cotton fiber produced from a cotton plant by transformation with a DNA encoding sucrose phosphate synthase. In particular the fiber qualities include strength, length, fiber fineness, fiber maturity ratio, immature fiber content, fiber uniformity, and micronaire.