Abstract: The present claim repricing system generally includes a processor and a program and data memory coupled to the processor. The memory stores the requisite database tables, as well as program instructions for repricing several different types of claims, including physician, inpatient, and outpatient claims. The claim repricing system includes instructions for determining availability of insurance plan coverage to the patient based on an effective date of the employer insurance plan, as well as determining the availability of the physician or provider based on an effective provider date. The claim repricing system further handles specialty codes and exceptions. For example, the claim repricing system includes instructions for determining the presence of anesthesia specialty codes, and for determining the correct number of anesthesia units and an anesthesia repricing indicator. The anesthesia repricing indicator may be a percentage discount, for example, or a rate.

Abstract: An architecture for exploring large design spaces is disclosed. The architecture consists of three main components. A Design Seeker methodically considers and evaluates a very large number of design candidates. A Filter based on a dominance criterion locates a relatively small number of promising candidates that are retained for further analysis. A Viewer allows a designer to examine tradeoff diagrams that present the filtered candidates for evaluation, analysis, and further exploration. The computational load of the Design Seeker may be distributed among a large number of workstations in a client-server computing environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a licensing mechanism allowing for different forms of license for use in an environment of interconnected servers providing content. The invention comprises both methods and a system for licensing individual content based upon the nature of the use, thus facilitating the distribution of content without a license for non-commercial purposes and content with a license for commercial purposes. The system utilizes a special form placed within the content, the form containing either a legal assertion of the non-commercial nature of the use, or an identification of the licensee and other related data. If the form includes an identification of the licensee, a license server may be contacted to validate the license. The invention also includes a licensing tool or server to generate the appropriate form for insertion within the content.

Abstract: In a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a solid core, a cover inner layer and a cover outer layer, the solid core undergoes a deflection of 3-7 mm under a load of 100 kg, the cover inner layer has a Shore D hardness of 25-58 and a thickness of 0.5-1.4 mm, the cover outer layer has a Shore D hardness of 30-62 and a thickness of 1.2-2.3 mm, and the ratio of the thickness of the cover outer layer to the thickness of the cover inner layer is from 1.1 to 4.6. The ball is improved in playability, feel and durability.

Abstract: Some “summary” information in a cell named range is preserved when some spreadsheet elements rows, columns, or pages are added or removed from the cell named range. A range summary cell is defined by specifying in a table a range summary cell address. A range summary cell address is updated in the table according to the updated cell range address, and the range summary cell is moved according to the updated range summary cell address. The cell range address is updated in the table after the addition or the deletion of the spreadsheet element, and the range summary cell address is updated in the table according to the updated cell range address.

Abstract: A system and method for assigning and managing patron reservations to one or more of a plurality of attractions receive reservation requests at personal communication devices (PCDs). Reservation requests are transmitted to a computer associated with the selected attraction, which determines a proposed reservation time based on information describing the attraction, the patron, previously-made reservations maintained in a virtual queue, and the current state of a physical queue associated with the attraction. Proposed reservation time is transmitted to the PCD for confirmation or rejection by the patron. Confirmed reservations are entered in the virtual queue. Patrons are alerted by the PCD when their reservation time is approaching.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for training a shooter are disclosed which includes a video camera system for displaying images used by the shooter in aiming the firearm and/or a remotely controlled trigger actuator.

Abstract: An adult/child and infant manikin for cardiopulmonary resuscitation including a torso simulation having an arcuate mounting surface, a head simulation having a neck attachment connected thereto. The neck attachment has an arcuate connection that is congruent to said arcuate mounting surface. Mounting members adapted to secure the head simulation to the torso simulation with the arcuate connection in contact with the arcuate mounting surface are also provided. The mounting members are movable in an arc across the arcuate mounting surface.

Abstract: The distribution server administers downloading of contents and writing in storage media. The distribution server includes the obtained rights administration database that stores information regarding rights to receive distribution of contents, and the history database that stores information regarding contents that have been distributed to the user in the past. The distribution server administers distribution of contents to each user.

Abstract: A wireless web system allows users to navigate web pages that include links to audio content where the pages are provided over a data connection and the audio content is provided over a voice connection. An audio content reference generator generates a reference to a portion of static audio content and that audio content reference is provided to the user's wireless web client as a link on a wireless web page, or other page retrieved by the wireless web device over the data connection. The audio content reference and a telephone number of an audio server form the link on the page, so that when a user selects that link, the wireless device establishes a voice connection to the audio server using the telephone number and then provides the audio server with the audio content reference so that the user hears the specifically referenced audio content over the voice channel.

Abstract: An air travel scheduling system and method for making charter-type flight scheduling available to the general public on a readily accessible and reasonable-cost basis. Individuals wanting to travel to, from or between non-hub cities can arrange, through a directory service web site on a distributed computer system, an individualized flight itinerary between specified locations. The directory service has a listing of a wide range of aircraft types and sizes currently available through fixed base operators. Based on factors which may include the booking traveler's point of origin, destination and number of passengers, the directory service assigns a most appropriate aircraft to satisfy the traveler's flight requirements in the most direct and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for an actuator and display using one more shape memory springs. A shape memory spring is heated and urges a pin to a first or extended position. The pin may be supported in the first position by a supporting mechanism. The shape memory spring is heated electically, and in some embodiments under the control of a processor. The present invention may be used to display information provided in user interface from a computer program, including text, numerical data, and graphical images.

Abstract: A taxi meter system mounted on a taxicab for accurately computing a fare for a taxicab trip as function of time and distance is disclosed. The system provides discrimination means that eliminate the contribution to the fare that may otherwise be created by illegal means that degrade the performance of the taxi meter system.

Abstract: While multiple different document files on a CD-ROM can occur in several different file formats, there is no efficient way to topic-search these differently formatted files since search engines can only operate on one particular type of formatted file. The present method operates to convert the multiple file formats into one common file format (Portable Document Format) which then can be suitably searched by a browser program, such as Adobe Acrobat.

Abstract: A programmable device such as a toy or novelty item has a keyboard which can be activated by a user to set up any one or multiple different motions of the toy. Sounds and lights can be activated to coordinate with the movement. The toy can be a car or other device capable of moving in the environment. The keyboard can also be used to play a game of skill, for instance, shooting at a target.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training the cognitive and memory systems in a subject is provided. The apparatus and method incorporates a number of different programs to be played by the subject. The programs artificially process selected portions of language elements, called phonemes, so they will be more easily distinguished by the subject, and gradually improves the subject's neurological processing and memory of the elements through repetitive stimulation. The programs continually monitor a subject's ability to distinguish the processed language elements, and adaptively configures the programs to challenge and reward the subject by altering the degree of processing. Through adaptive control and repetition of processed speech elements, and presentation of the speech elements in a creative fashion, a subject's cognitive processing of acoustic events common to speech, and memory of language constructs associated with speech elements are significantly improved.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for determining premium tables to produce annuity rates, where the annuity rates reflect client data pertaining to age, sex, medical conditions and high risk behavior. The annuity rate reflects potential medical and social advancement, prudence, interest, expenses, and commissions as well as other related factors in determining premiums to be paid by individuals.

Abstract: A data processing system is disclosed that provides an efficient market for: (1) the provision of insurance and reinsurance between insurers and those seeking insurance and reinsurance, and (2) the sale of insurance between reinsurers. In particular, the data processing system provides an efficient market for the provisioning of insurance and reinsurance that not only invites insurers, insurance seekers, and reinsurers to patronize the system, but whose conventions induce them to patronize the system. An embodiment of the present invention comprises: receiving at a data processing system an underwriting standard from each of a plurality of insurers; compiling a first set of statistics in the data processing system based on the underwriting standards from each of the plurality of insurers; and outputting from the data processing system the first set of statistics to a selected insurer at a price that is based on a measure of fees earned with respect to the selected insurer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a deflectable needle system for use in performing diagnostic or therapeutic medical procedures. The needle assembly of the invention provides access to physiological sites which may be inaccessible by prior art needle systems due to an obstruction. The deflectable needle assembly includes a telescoping cannula, catheter and stylet. The catheter component of the assembly is curved at its distal end and axially rotatable within the lumen of the cannula providing simple maneuverability for accurate placement of the catheter at a chosen physiological site.

Abstract: A methods of and apparatus for playing table card games are provided wherein with multi token maximum level betting and displayed rankings of winning hands return enhanced pay out. A pay table matrix listing has the enhanced payments for ranked hands. The method and apparatus uses and has token acceptors and sensors for each player. The sensors are coupled to a count and computer for registering any maximum level bet that receives enhanced return for predetermined winning card combinations. The apparatus and its method, thus allow each player the opportunity to bet multiple tokens before the cards are dealt and to win enhanced amounts of money should specific predetermined card combinations be obtained.