Abstract: A surface navigation device for a computer or similar graphical display and methods for implementing its operation. The device moves sensitively and precisely over a surface such as a desktop and operator generated changes in its position relative to targetable objects on that desktop arranged about the circumference of a pseudo-circle are described in terms of a lumped motion vector. The motion vector is decomposed into a translational and rotational part by metrical and topological methods. The device communicates each part of the decomposed motion quickly and accurately to a computer screen or other display where it may implement the motion of a cursor or it may be used to manipulate objects having a 3D character by providing them with translational and rotational motions. The rotational parameter generated by the device may also be used independently to trigger some computer action.

Abstract: A cursor-manipulating device comprising a light diffusing surface, for example a Lambertian surface, covering a cavity containing a light source and an image sensor, wherein the cursor-manipulating device is a touch pad like device. The image detector senses the touching of the outer surface of the cursor-manipulating device with a pointing device, for example a finger, in which the outer surface comprises a light diffusing surface that allows the image sensor to capture and track an image of the pointing device touching the light diffusing surface in order to control a cursor of an electronic device. Multiple touching devices, like fingers, can be used to control simultaneous events on the screen of an electronic device, e.g. a notebook PC, cellular phone, game device and a GPS device.

Abstract: A three dimensional (3D) cursor maneuvering system for use by a computer or electro-mechanical system requiring 3D control, includes a tinted 2D planar or locally planar reference surface and a color sensitive mobile device that moves along the tinted reference surface and generates high sensitivity and high resolution absolute positional and motional data by accurately determining variations in the tint. Color index data (e.g. CIE 1931 RGB, etc.) on the tinted reference plane varies from place to place and methods are disclosed for imprinting the reference plane with that data in the form of dyes and pigments that may be reflective, refractive or emissive. When the mobile device moves on or over the reference surface, it captures a series of images whose data (e.g. CIE 1931 RGB) varies in correspondence with the movement of the device. The color index data measured by the mobile device can be mathematically converted into 3D positional and motional data.

Abstract: INTEGRATED PIVOT MECHANISM FOR FULCRUM TREMOLO combines the tremolo biasing element in a pre-tensioned flat spring form to provide at least one tremolo pivot axis, transverse the direction of the strings, positioned between the tremolo base plate and the body operable to hold the base plate in initial position under normal load of the force of tension created by the strings, to increase the acoustic coupling between the base plate/bridge elements and the body to provide at least one tremolo pivot axis upon which moving the traditional tremolo arm to tilt the base plate toward or away from the nut changes the harmonic and pitch tunings to mimic the unique fulcrum tremolo effect when pivoted, and, thereby, recognize a distinct species of tremolo. In a preferred arrangement, typical feature such as spring tension, string height relative to the body and intonation, etc., are adjustable.

Abstract: A method includes mapping a first subset of integers to a plurality of transaction sequences, mapping a second subset of integers to a plurality of audit score sheets and quantitatively analyzing each respective one of the mapped transaction sequences relative to each respective one of the mapped audit score sheets to determine an objective score for each one of the transaction sequences and each one of the audit score sheets. The objective score for each one of the mapped transaction sequences is a function of an estimated tax liability and likelihood of being audited associated with that mapped transaction sequence. The objective score for each one of the mapped audit score sheets is a function of an estimated effectiveness associated with that audit score sheet. The method further includes generating a new population of effective transaction sequences and/or effective auditing policies based on the objective scores.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a likelihood of auditing a tax return is disclosed. A population of potential solutions of transaction sequences and/or audit score sheets is initialized. Each potential solution in the population is evaluated and assigned an objective score. A subset of the population is selected, preferably a subset with an objective score meeting a predefined criteria. The elected subset is varied using Darwinian concepts, and the previous population is replaced with the new, varied population.

Abstract: A handle assembly is used with a pick-up truck tailgate. The handle assembly comprises a guide tube with an open end, a handle that is housed within the guide tube and a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly comprises a pivot pin connected to one end of the handle and a locking pin. The handle is moveable within the guide tube between a retracted position and an extended position. While in the extended position the handle passes through the open end and the handle may pivot about the pivot pin to move to a support position. When the handle is in the support position, the locking pin can engage the handle and releasably lock the handle in the support position. The guide tube is configured to be secured within a tailgate of a pick-up truck.

Abstract: A method for preparing a protein or peptide powder is provided that includes spray drying a solution including more than, e.g., about 50 mg/mL of a protein or peptide (e.g., an antibody or antigen binding portion thereof), and at least one excipient. Also provided are stable powdered compositions including a protein and an excipient having less than, e.g., about 6% residual moisture.

Abstract: The improved tuning mechanisms include a novel Global Tuner arrangement to extend the spring holder to comprise a lever pivotally connected to the inertia block or transverse element to additionally share, along with the thumbwheel element, the load of the counter springs element and, thereby, improve the ease of threading the thumbwheel element. In a preferred embodiment, the customary secondary spring holder is extended to provide a shaped end to facilitate pivoting such as an angled cutaway or taper at the extended end of the secondary spring holder element to provide knife-edge portions.

Abstract: Therapist assisted mental health management systems, processes and methods using a therapist remote therapy management computer in communication with a therapy central system cloud for storing plural queued learning modules corresponding to each of one or more different clients. A video conference system allows for confidential video consultation between a mental health therapist and one or more different clients (patients). The client (patient) communicates with the therapy central system cloud to access queued confidential learning modules from the therapy central system cloud. The systems, processes and methods can use interactive, educational treatment modules and periodic consultations with a counselor (therapist). The processes, methods and system can be viewable on a smart phone, tablet, and a computer. The methods, processes and systems can collect analytics on the performance of materials, exercises, and user experiences to continuously improve the system over time.

Abstract: The improved tuning mechanisms include a novel Global Tuner arrangement to extend the spring holder to comprise a lever pivotally connected to the inertia block or transverse element to additionally share, along with the thumbwheel element, the load of the counter springs element and, thereby, improve the ease of threading the thumbwheel element. In a preferred embodiment, the customary secondary spring holder is extended to provide a shaped end to facilitate pivoting such as an angled cutaway or taper at the extended end of the secondary spring holder element to provide knife-edge portions.

Abstract: TREMOLO STOP TUNER is integrated into the spring block portion of a traditional fulcrum tremolo, and moveable therewith about the tremolo pivot axis, comprising an adjustment device to adjust the tension of the traditional tremolo springs with the capacity to stop or block the tremolo at the equilibrium point or initial position. One embodiment includes the option to configure the novel Tremolo Stop Tuner elements as either a Global Tuner or a Stop Tuner and includes an optional setscrew for improving coupling.

Abstract: A cursor maneuvering device comprises a cavity containing a plurality of colored lights and an image sensor and covered with a semi-transparent medium having dispersive surfaces. The colored lights are located in the cavity in an as largely departed as possible manner and illuminate a pointing device contacting the surface of the semi-transparent medium. The image sensor detects a hue of light illuminating the pointing device and controls a cursor depending upon the hue. Changes in the hue of a moving pointing device are translated into movement of the cursor on the display of an electronic device. The pointing device may be anything touching the semi-transparent medium, for instance a finger.

Abstract: A system for generating and maintaining a private talent network (PTN) is described. The system allows a company to create and maintain a branded private talent network including a live talent pool of active job seekers and potential job applicants for company positions. The system includes tools for establishing, managing and developing relations with the talent pool within a private talent network as a whole or within sub-networks (circles), such as a capability to schedule and host events of interest to candidates and a capability to communicate with candidates via such methods as video, text messaging, announcements, discussions and email. In addition, the system provides tools for segmenting the recruiting process into multiple phases where each of the interactions with each candidate during each phase is tracked and information associated with the interactions is stored.

Abstract: A cursor maneuvering device comprises a cavity containing a plurality of colored lights and an image sensor and covered with a semi-transparent medium having dispersive surfaces. The colored lights are located in the cavity in an as largely departed as possible manner and illuminate a pointing device contacting the surface of the semi-transparent medium. The image sensor detects a hue of light illuminating the pointing device and controls a cursor depending upon the hue. Changes in the hue of a moving pointing device are translated into movement of the cursor on the display of an electronic device. The pointing device may be anything touching the semi-transparent medium, for instance a finger.

Abstract: A bi-directional clamping device for string musical instruments includes a forward end closer the nut and a rearward end further the nut fashioned to be operable to receive a string inserted essentially unimpeded in a first direction, the first direction extending in the direction of the strings typically from the rearward end of the clamping device towards the nut and further fashioned to be operable to optionally receive a string inserted essentially unimpeded in a second direction, the second direction extending in the direction of the strings typically towards the rearward end of the clamping device from the nut. The arrangement further allows for larger diameter strings with taper cores, etc. to be clamped in order to meet requirements for extended range instruments.

Abstract: A cursor maneuvering device comprises a cavity containing a plurality of colored lights and an image sensor and covered with a light mixing plate. The colored lights are located in the cavity in an as largely departed as possible manner and illuminate a pointing device contacting the surface of the light mixing plate. The image sensor detects a hue of light illuminating the pointing device and controls a cursor depending upon the hue. Changes in the hue of a moving pointing device are translated into movement of the cursor on the display of an electronic device. The pointing device may be anything touching the light mixing plate, for instance a finger.

Abstract: A single-chip scanning probe microscope is disclosed, wherein the microscope includes an isothermal two-dimensional scanner and a cantilever that includes an integrated strain sensor and a probe tip. The scanner is operative for scanning a probe tip about a scanning region on a sample while the sensor measures tip-sample interaction forces. The scanner, cantilever, probe tip, and integrated sensor can be fabricated using the backend processes of a conventional CMOS fabrication process. In addition, the small size of the microscope system, as well as its isothermal operation, enable arrays of scanning probe microscopes to be integrated on a single substrate.

Abstract: A handle assembly is used with a pick-up truck tailgate. The handle assembly comprises a guide tube with an open end, a handle that is housed within the guide tube and a pivot assembly. The pivot assembly comprises a pivot pin connected to one end of the handle and a locking pin. The handle is moveable within the guide tube between a retracted position and an extended position. While in the extended position the handle passes through the open end and the handle may pivot about the pivot pin to move to a support position. When the handle is in the support position, the locking pin can engage the handle and releasably lock the handle in the support position. The guide tube is configured to be secured within a tailgate of a pick-up truck.

Abstract: A method for scheduling an appliance operation is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of signals. Each signal has an on-peak signal. Based upon the plurality of signals, a predicted on-peak time value is determined. The predicted on-peak time value can be used to determine when to execute an appliance operation in order to avoid operating the appliance during an on-peak time period.