Abstract: In order to provide a garment which incorporates a plaything which can be operated within an element of surprise, the garment comprises a concealment space such as a pocket (2), in which a plaything such as glove puppet (8) can be stored. The concealment space comprises a concealment aperture (9). There is an operating aperture (10( through which a wearer may place their hand in order to operate the plaything. The plaything is configured to have a first position in which it is stored in an interior of the concealment space (2) and a second position in which it extends through the concealment space aperture (9).

Abstract: An audio digital recording and playback device is configured to conveniently store and play audible messages pertaining to specific golfing techniques. The device includes a housing, a power supply contained within the housing, switches operably coupled to the housing and adapted for enabling operator selection of one of a plurality of categories pertaining to golf, a play-record mode selector control, a speaker, a volume adjustment switch, a visual indicator and a microphone. The switches are configured (i.e., spaced and sized) to allow an operator wearing a golf glove to easily manipulate them. A circuit within the housing produces and stores message data from the analog audio signals corresponding to a selected one of the plurality of categories pertaining to golf. In playback mode, the circuit produces analog output message signals from stored message data corresponding to a selected one of the plurality of categories pertaining to golf, and transmits the analog output message signals to the speaker.

Abstract: A method of updating a computer file from an old file into a new file comprises blocking the new file and the old file into fixed-size blocks, maintaining a window (collection of contiguous blocks) for each file on which lookup preprocessing has been performed, and performing match processing on each new file block in turn (comparing against both the old and new windows) using a key-sampling technique combined with approximate matching. For each new file block, the match information is then optimized for coding efficiency and encoded into a patch file that describes an algorithm for converting the old file into the new file. The patch file application method and apparatus then performs the algorithm described in the patch file. The method uses a fixed amount of random-access memory regardless of the sizes of the two files and uses no temporary mass storage.

Abstract: A nail trimming device for pets and small animals includes a base member and a spacer member. The base member has an abrasive top surface. The spacer member is in the form of a grid having a plurality of apertures. The spacer member is placed over the grid so that when the animal moves across the spacer member its paws are supported on the top surface of the spacer while the nails extend through to contact the abrasive surface and the nails of the animal are trimmed. The spacer member and base may be mounted to a running wheel or the like.

Abstract: An adjustably locking stethoscope identification tag having a first body and a second body, the first body defining a first surface and a second surface, the second body defining a third surface and a fourth surface, a first leg positioned adjacent to the second surface of the first body and extending in a direction away from the second surface of the first body, and a first leg retainer positioned adjacent to the third surface of the second body and extending in a direction away from the third surface of the second body, wherein a space defined between the first body and the second body is increased by moving the first body in a direction away from the second body and is decreased by moving the first body in a direction toward the second body.

Abstract: An adjustably locking stethoscope identification tag having a first body and a second body, the first body defining a first surface and a second surface, the second body defining a third surface and a fourth surface, a first leg positioned adjacent to the second surface of the first body and extending in a direction away from the second surface of the first body, and a first leg retainer positioned adjacent to the third surface of the second body and extending in a direction away from the third surface of the second body, wherein a space defined between the first body and the second body is increased by moving the first body in a direction away from the second body and is decreased by moving the first body in a direction toward the second body.

Abstract: An animal jaw support device for use on guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits and other small mammals supports the jaw of an animal having weakened jaw muscles and permits the animal to strengthen its jaw muscles by opening its jaw against the elastic pressure of the device. The support device wraps around the head and jaw of the animal, is made of neoprene or other elastic material and has attachment straps to hold the device snugly in place.

Abstract: A computer file update or patch process involves building a Patch File. The existing or original file (the OLD file) and the revised file (the NEW file) are input into a Patch Build program. The differences in the OLD file and the NEW file are determined by the Patch Build program, and this information is output by the Patch Build program as a Patch File. The Patch File is distributed, along with a Patch Apply program, to end users so that the OLD file is efficiently converted to the desired, updated NEW file. The OLD file and the Patch File are input by the end user into the Patch Apply program. The Patch Apply program changes, at the bit level, only the portions of the OLD file required to yield the desired file update. By distributing only the Patch File and Patch Apply program to the end users, the desired file update can be implemented by the end user with maximum operational and economic efficiency.

Abstract: A system and method for providing user feedback for coupling the speaker and microphone of a communications device with the mouthpiece and earpiece of a telephone handset is provided in which the device may indicate to the user when a poor coupling exists causing a poor signal quality value to be generated. The system may provide feedback to the user, which may be visual or audible, so that the user may correct the interface between the communications device and the telephone handset until a predetermined quality signal is generated indicating that communications may occur between the communications device and the telephone handset.

Abstract: A pick holder that temporarily stores, protects and dispenses a pick that is used for plucking strings of a stringed musical instrument such as a guitar. The pick holder includes a first piece and a second piece that are coupled to cooperatively form a pocket for storing and dispensing one or more picks. The second piece is formed so that when the second piece is coupled to the first piece, the perimeter of the second piece provides access to the stored picks. The first piece forms a means of attaching the pick holder to a shoulder strap peg that is fixably coupled to the base of a musical instrument such as a guitar. The attachment means, formed by the first piece, enables the pick holder to be removably coupled to the shoulder strap peg.

Abstract: A business card dispenser, mountable on an exterior surface of a vehicle used by a business person, stores business cards or other promotional materials and is accessible to prospective customers located in the vicinity of the vehicle so as to permit the prospective customers to remove promotional materials from the business card dispenser. The business card dispenser preferably includes 1) a base mountable on the vehicle, e.g, by adhesive strips and 2) a card holder mounted on the base and receiving the promotional materials. The card holder is preferably removably mounted on the base to permit its removal, thus preventing theft or damage to the card holder. The card holder also incorporates measures to protect the cards from the elements. Indicia preferably are provided on the vehicle in the vicinity of the business card dispenser to draw prospective customers' attention to the business card dispenser.

Abstract: A stuffed doll and clothing combination includes a three-dimensional doll body having a front and rear surface made from a soft material enclosed by a fabric cover. Attachment means of a first component of hook and fastener material are located on the front surface of the doll body representing articles of clothing including underwear and wristbands. Flat clothes adapted to attach to the front surface of the doll body have fastening means of a second component of hook and loop fastener material for joining the clothes to at least a portion of the attachment means. The clothes include a backing material and a base fabric affixed to the backing material. The base fabric has at least two regions with at least one region colored by a fabric printing process. The border of the colored region is embroidered such that the colored region has the appearance of being made of a different fabric than the base fabric.

Abstract: The two-dimensional stuffed toy has a stiff cloth pocket sewn on its back. The opening of the pocket is approximately level with the base of the stuffed figure, such that, when the pocket is pulled away from the stuffed toy it provides a stable support to keep the toy upright when placed on a level surface. By inserting one's finger into the pocket, the stuffed toy may also be used as a finger puppet.

Abstract: A device for holding a file of leaves, made of a single piece of resilient material, comprises a flat upper element, a flat lower element, and a hinge-forming part between the upper and lower elements. The upper and lower elements have interlocking components cooperating with each other elastically and removably. The device will grip the file at a corner only. One or both of the upper and lower elements may have on its inner face a non-slip zone facing the upper or/and the lower leaf of the file.