Abstract: A package of digital files for patent prosecution contains an office action (OA) dedicated to a specific case in examination by a patent examination authority, the OA displayable in a display window coupled to a computerized appliance, and a first reference document also displayable in the same or a separate window. The OA comprises a statement alleging a portion of the first reference document as teaching or suggesting a limitation of a claim in examination in the specific case, and a word or phrase in the statement is implemented as a hyperlink to the portion of the first reference document alleged as teaching or suggesting the limitation of the claim, such that activating the link in a window on the display monitor displays the first reference document at a place at or near the portion alleged as teaching the limitation.

Abstract: A trap includes a generally U-shaped spring element with a first and a second arm extending in the same general direction, the arms ending in a set of jaws, the spring element implemented such that with the spring relaxed the jaw set is closed, a trigger linkage comprising a first link pivoted on the first arm of the spring element and a second link pivoted on the second arm of the spring element, with the first link positioned in front of the second link toward the jaw set, and pivoted to the second link at a point between the arms about equidistant from each arm, wherein the length of the links is such that, with the spring element relaxed the linkage is folded, and with the spring element arms urged apart with the arms approximately parallel, the links are essentially collinear, a constraint mechanism rigidly attached to the second link and having an extension over the first link, such that, with the spring element positioned horizontally, the linkage mechanism is constrained to a specific magnitude of fol

Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one computing device configured to send a search query to at least one network server; receive questions from the at least one network server based on the search query; send responses to the at least one network server based on the questions; and receive a search result from the at least one network server based on the responses. The at least one computing device is further configured to send the search query and/or receive the search result via a cellular telephone network, a wireless fidelity network, and/or a digital subscriber line network. A system includes at least one server configured to receive a search query from a computing device; send questions to the computing device based on the search query; receive information from the computing device based on the questions; and send a search result to the computing device based on the information.

Abstract: A search service includes a network-connected server, a data repository coupled to the first server, and software resident in the data repository and executing on the first server. The service, through the software, presents an interactive interface to a user, determines, through iterative interaction with the user a purpose for a search, develops search criteria for the search, enters the criteria to one or more standard search engines accessible through the network, and collects results of the search on behalf of the user.

Abstract: A text preparation system has a first and a second CPU, with the first dedicated to a conventional voice-to-text software and the second to all other functions including a voice-to-text correction software. Voice commands enable the user to initiate the first and the second voice-to-text software and associated lexicons alternately, the second software and lexicon providing a corrections mode for errors made by the first voice-to-text software.

Abstract: A gaming console facilitating universal game control for mobile devices capable of video gaming includes a housing supporting a video graphics display area, a coupling interface and docking bay strategically located in the housing relative to the display area for docking and coupling to a mobile device, at least one video game controller interface conveniently located on the housing relative to the display area, and at least one mobile device control interface conveniently located on the housing relative to the display area wherein the gaming console with a mobile device coupled thereto serves as a video gaming station for playing video games accessible to the mobile device, and wherein the at least one video game controller interface is used to execute and play a video game instead of controls resident on the mobile device.

Abstract: A search service includes a network-connected server, a data repository coupled to the first server, and software resident in the data repository and executing on the first server. The service, through the software, presents an interactive interface to a user, determines, through iterative interaction with the user a purpose for a search, develops search criteria for the search, enters the criteria to one or more standard search engines accessible through the network, and collects results of the search on behalf of the user.

Abstract: A service includes a server executing software from a digital memory media, information stored in a data repository and accessible to the server regarding products offered for sale at least one physical retail establishment, and a mobile communication appliance carried and utilized by a customer within the premises of the physical retail establishment and coupled to the server for communication. Information services regarding products displayed for sale are provided to the customer through the appliance within the physical retail establishment.

Abstract: A gopher trap comprising has a first elongated body element pivotally attached at a substantially central point to a second elongated body element, a jaw structure at one end of each of the first and the second body elements such that the jaws close together by relative rotation of the body elements, a spring element placed to urge the first and second body elements apart on a side of the pivot point opposite the jaw elements, a moveable trigger mechanism spanning the two body elements on the jaw side of the pivot point, such that the trigger mechanism holds the jaws open until the trigger mechanism is tripped in a first direction, a tripping mechanism on the jaw side of the pivot point comprising a pivoted paddle extending forward and upward from a paddle pivot joined to one of the body elements, and a trip point that touches the movable trigger mechanism on one side, such that moving the paddle upward moves the trip point in the first direction.

Abstract: A method for determining distance between two nodes in a network has steps for (a) creating a map of nodes in the network, the map having points representing pairs of nodes; (b) determining a probability at individual points that an entity connected to one of the nodes of the pair associated with the point will next connect to the other node associated with the point; (c) selecting a first and second node in the network for determining a distance; and (d) beginning with one of the two nodes selected, using the map with probabilities, determining the path of highest probability from the first node to the second node, regardless of the number of jumps required in the path, as the distance between the first and the second node.

Abstract: A tool for expanding a hole having a vertical axis in the earth has at least one set of two opposed compactor units constrained to separate and retract in a direction at a right angle to the axis of the hole, and a drive mechanism coupled to the set of compactor units providing force to separate the compactor units, urging the units against a wall or walls of the hole, compacting the earth and enlarging the hole.

Abstract: A learning system has at least one printed entity comprising lesson information in an ordered series of one or more of sentences, phrases, pictures, or alphanumeric representations, a digital memory media having recorded thereon separately playable audio files comprising one or both of vocal renditions of individual ones of the sentences or phrases, vocal renditions related to entities in the pictures, or information files, and a digital player for playing the audio files from the memory media, rendering the audio files audible, and having a user interface for selecting and initiating playing of individual ones of the files, individually or in a predetermined order.

Abstract: A network system is provided for enabling priority-based number switching from a lower priority access number to a higher priority access number during an active data session is provided. The system comprises, a CTI-switch for establishing call connections and performing call switching according to instruction, a network-hosted part of a software application for monitoring the current user-node connection states and the current states of the alternate access numbers, at least two network-access nodes connected to the network, the access nodes each accessible through dialing a network-access number from the user node and, a client-hosted part of the software application for listing access numbers, configuring priority states to the access numbers and for communicating the pertinent data to the network-hosted part of the software application. The system affects call transfer based on priority state.

Abstract: A material moving system has a separation tank for separating loose material entering the tank with a stream of air, from the stream of air, the separation tank comprising an inlet port and a vacuum port and an open lower end, a vacuum generation unit coupled to the vacuum port for evacuating air from the separation tank to create a partial vacuum, and a collection apparatus connected to the inlet port for collecting the loose material in a stream or air pulled into the collection apparatus by virtue of the partial vacuum in the separation tank. The system is characterized in that the separation tank is configured to rest on the ground at the lower extremity, the ground serving to substantially close the open lower extremity, such that the loose material separated falls to the ground within the separation tank.

Abstract: A learning system has at least one printed entity comprising lesson information in an ordered series of one or more of sentences, phrases, pictures, or alphanumeric representations, a digital data tape cassette having recorded thereon data for digital audio files comprising one or both of vocal renditions of individual ones of the sentences or phrases, vocal renditions related to entities in the pictures, or information files, and a player for rendering the audio files audible, the player having a reader for receiving data from the digital tape cassette and storing the data in an internal random-access memory (RAM), and having a user interface for selecting and initiating playing of individual ones of the files, individually or in a pre-determined order from the RAM.

Abstract: A learning system has at least one printed entity comprising lesson information in an ordered series of one or more of sentences, phrases, pictures, or alphanumeric representations, a digital memory media having recorded thereon separately playable audio files comprising one or both of vocal renditions of individual ones of the sentences or phrases, vocal renditions related to entities in the pictures, or information files, and a digital player for playing the audio files from the memory media, rendering the audio files audible, and having a user interface for selecting and initiating playing of individual ones of the files, individually or in a predetermined order.

Abstract: A computerized system for preparing a formalized document has a repository of candidate text for use in preparing the document; and an interactive display having selectable indicia to initiate system functions, the display including an editing window. The system is characterized in that the system selects candidate text for the document from the repository and displays the candidate text in the editing window, the user edits the candidate text in the editing window and signals satisfaction, and the system uses the approved text in preparing the formalized document. A system is provided for preparing patent applications.

Abstract: A network system is provided for enabling priority-based number switching from a lower priority access number to a higher priority access number during an active data session is provided. The system comprises, a CTI-switch for establishing call connections and performing call switching according to instruction, a network-hosted part of a software application for monitoring the current user-node connection states and the current states of the alternate access numbers, at least two network-access nodes connected to the network, the access nodes each accessible through dialing a network-access number from the user node and, a client-hosted part of the software application for listing access numbers, configuring priority states to the access numbers and for communicating the pertinent data to the network-hosted part of the software application. The system affects call transfer based on priority state.

Abstract: An Audio Editor operates with files capable of storing text and voice data in separate regions, and provides functions for entering data as voice data, and also for fully editing the entered voice data. Files can be uploaded from the Audio Editor to a PC application for converting the file entirely to text, providing a system wherein all variable entry and editing can be done verbally, and conversion to text left as a final chore. In an alternative embodiment the Audio Editor is implemented as a PC application wherein a user can enter and fully edit variable input as voice, and then communicate the resulting file to another for final conversion. In yet another embodiment the Audio Editor is implemented as additional functionality to a high-end word processor application. In further embodiments computerized natural data editors are provided for reviewing and editing natural data streams of all sorts, such as video streams, musical works, and the like.

Abstract: A target structure is provided for use in a magnetically enhanced diode sputter coating source having a sputtering target which at end-of-life has an eroded surface with a known shape. The sputtering target has a non-sputtered profiled back surface conforming substantially in shape to the eroded surface at end-of-life. A backing plate is bonded to the sputtering target which has a bonding surface complementary to the non-sputtered back surface of the sputtering target and is designed to mate therewith. A method is provided for fabricating the target structure and bonding the sputtering target to the backing plate by isostatic pressing.