Abstract: Method and apparatus for return processing, including tax returns. A return calculation mechanism may partition out return preparation jobs to a plurality of return calculation nodes. A job scheduler may receive returns and distribute the returns among the calculation nodes according to a load-balancing scheme. The job scheduler may decompose a return into two or more calculation jobs. A job may be an individual return or portion of a return. In one embodiment, the calculation jobs may be prioritized according to dependency. If one job depends on results of another job, the job may be scheduled to execute after the job on which it depends. The calculation nodes may cache calculated data from jobs, and a job that depends on another job may be assigned to a node that caches data from the job on which it depends.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for managing trust level of a collection of information having a first input data and a derived data. The method involves obtaining the first input data from a data source, generating the derived data from at least the first input data, determining a derived trust level of the derived data from at least a first input trust level based on the data source, and indicating validity of the derived data based on the derived trust level.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an application may automatically track the amount of time a user spends performing activities on one or more computer applications. The tracked time may be used, for example, to bill a client for the activities performed. To automatically track time for a user, a time tracking application may monitor a user's activities and store time tracking entries with the types of activities performed and the time spent performing the activities. These activity types may be correlated against billing codes.

Abstract: A system that tracks financial transactions for a user is presented. During operation, the system receives an electronic message which includes one or more parameters for a financial transaction. The system parses the electronic message to extract the one or more parameters for the financial transaction. The system determines a source address for the electronic message. Next, the system determines whether the source address is associated with a user account. If so, the system associates the one or more parameters for the financial transaction with the user account.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an application may automatically track the amount of time a user spends performing activities on one or more computer applications. The tracked time may be used, for example, to bill a client for the activities performed. To automatically track time for a user, a time tracking application may monitor a user's activities and store time tracking entries with the types of activities performed and the time spent performing the activities. These activity types may be correlated against billing codes.

Abstract: A deployable training wheels for a bicycle for safely making the transition between riding with and without training wheels. The deployable training wheels for a bicycle includes a pair of hubs being securely mounted about a rear axle of a bicycle; and also includes a pair of elongate support members each having a first end and a second end which is pivotally mounted to a respective rear axle of the bicycle; and further includes a pair of wheels being mounted to the second ends of the elongate support members; and also includes a releasing and locking assembly for releasing and locking the elongate support members relative to the hubs.

Abstract: This invention relates to the technical field of culinary arts. It includes an amusing way of presenting a novelty item such as a figurine or other promotional or warning message during the heating of a microwave food package which may also serve as a food ready indicator. It may be used as a retrofit to a food package or integrated into a food package.

Abstract: The present application relates to a series of novel sulfonic acid metal cation salts of the formula ##STR1## which are useful intermediates to prepare antifolate 5-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines. The present invention also relates to a novel process for preparing the sulfonic acid metal cation salts and to a novel process for preparing aldehydes of the formula ##STR2## from the corresponding sulfonic acid metal cation salts.

Abstract: A high lead solder exhibiting improved wettability to metal substrates, an advantageously controlled melting range, and excellent thermal fatigue properties. It comprises about 98-100% lead and a minor amount, typically about 0.0005-0.1 wt %, based on the total weight of the solder composition, of an alkali metal selected from the group consisting of Na, K, and Li. Additional embodiments additionally comprise an amount of a grain-size controlling additive, e.g., 0.001-0.5 wt % (based on the total weight of all the components in the solder composition) selected from the group consisting of Ce, Ba, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Th, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Y, Lu, Sc, Mg, Na, Se, Te, oxides thereof and mixtures thereof, in amount effective to control the Pb grain size; and 0-1 wt % of an element selected from the group consisting of Sn, In, Bi, Sb, Ag, Au, and Ga, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present application relates to a series of novel sulfonic acid metal cation salts of the formula ##STR1## which are useful intermediates to prepare antifolate 5-substituted pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines. The present invention also relates to a novel process for preparing the sulfonic acid metal cation salts and to a novel process for preparing aldehydes of the formula ##STR2## from the corresponding sulfonic acid metal cation salts.

Abstract: A low melting point solder alloy comprising effective amounts of tin, silver and indium.

Abstract: A lead-free alloy suitable for soldering comprising from about 82% to about 90% tin, from about 4.5% to about 6% zinc, from about 3.5% to about 6% indium and from about 1% to about 5% bismuth. The melting temperature of the alloy is preferably below 190.degree. C. and the alloy preferably has a pasty range of less than 10.degree. C.

Abstract: A low melting point solder alloy comprising effective amounts of tin, silver and indium.

Abstract: An alloy composition comprising effective amounts of bismuth, indium, lead, tin, and gallium, which is especially suited for lens blocking.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ultrapurification of indium and other metals having a wide liquid range and low vapor pressure. The purification method involves producing a small-diameter stream of liquified metal, directing this stream along a predetermined path while subjecting it to a high vacuum and heating it to vaporize volatile impurities, then collecting and solidifying the purified stream. The method is optimally practiced in the ultrahigh vacuum and substantially zero gravity environment of outer space. Apparatus for practicing the method in outer space employs a containerless refining zone in which the stream of liquid metal being purified is directed along a path defined by edges of thin guides fabricated of material which is not substantially wetted by the liquid metal. Heating of the liquid metal stream is accomplished via RF coils surrounding the guides defining the stream path. Upon collection, the purified metal stream may be further subjected to a secondary refining process.

Abstract: A lid for closing an electronics package exhibits a high corrosion resistance. The lid is formed of a metal substrate which is clad with rolled or worked nickel, and covered with a layer of gold or precious metal electroplate. At edges of the lid, which are not covered with cladding, a layer of nickel is electroplated, employing the dogbone effect to concentrate the metallization at the edges. The rolled or worked metal has a much smaller porosity than an electroplated layer, and the nickel cladding can be applied to the desired thickness in much less time than nickel electroplate.