Abstract: A method provides an annotated language extension for the class of an object, the extension identifying an internal state that may be exposed via simple accessor methods. The extension could apply to an entire object type, or to a specific state within the object. Annotations that can be added to the extension include @Accessable, @Gettable and @Settable. In one embodiment, a method selectively accesses one or more object states. The method includes generating an annotated extension identifying each internal object state to be exposed for access, adding a usage annotation to the extension that defines an accessor method associated with each identified state, and operating a virtual machine to call the accessor method associated with a particular identified state. The particular state may then be accessed, as defined by the called accessor method.

Abstract: A pipe coupling (1) comprising a tubular body (2) having at least one open end (3,4,5), a stop component (14) disposed within the tubular body distal to the open end to stop a pipe when it is inserted a predetermined distance into the tubular body. A sealing component (15) is intermediate the stop and the open end and a pipe engaging component (17) is disposed intermediate the sealing component and the open end having a variable diameter to clamp and release an inserted pipe as a result of the diameter of the pipe engaging component reducing and increasing respectively. A pipe release component (21) is disposed intermediate the pipe engaging component and the open end, the pipe release component being movably mounted on the open end and having a pipe clamping position.

Abstract: A method of advertising the goods and/or services of an advertiser on a website on a communications network that can be accessed by consumers with a communications device. Redeemable coupons are provided on the website for free goods and/or services of an advertiser on the website. Also, information is provided on the website on the retail locations of the advertisers closest to the consumer. Consumers can access the website, with a communications device; print or request desired redeemable coupons, visit a desired retail location of an advertiser and redeem a coupon or coupons to obtain the free goods and/or services without having to provide any personal information to the website or the advertiser.

Abstract: A mobile terminal for use with a cellular or mobile telecommunications network includes a normal execution environment (operating system) (30) and a secure execution environment (32) comprising a Mobile Trusted Module (MTM). The mobile terminal enables the software of the terminal in the secure execution environment (32) to be updated. The terminal 1 may be provided with minimal software initially in the secure execution environment (32), and is operable to subsequently update the software by over the air transmission of software. Also disclosed is a method for managing rights in respect of broadcast, multicast and/or unicast (downloaded) data, relevant in particular to managing access to a broadcast video data stream complying with a mobile digital broadcast scheme. The method defines a service protection platform implemented on mobile terminals having both normal execution environment (i.e. the operating system) and secure execution environment.

Abstract: A method of controlling a widget execution device configured for use with a television includes: using a control application on a mobile terminal to wirelessly identify one or more widgets in a data network environment, such that the one or more widgets are suitable for download to the widget execution device; and using the control application to cause the download of the one or more widgets to the widget execution device. The method may - involve identifying the one or more widgets on a remote server, the remote server being in communicable relation with the widget execution device; and causing the download of the one or more widgets by selecting the one or more widgets.

Abstract: A device (10) for collecting and testing biological samples comprises a housing (12) having a pivot arm (14) pivotally attached thereto and moveable from sample collection configuration in which the pivot arm projects away from the housing and the sample collector is remote from the housing to a sample analysis configuration in which pivot arm is folded back along an outer surface of the housing. A sample collector (16) such as a swab is provided at the distal end of the pivot arm for the collection of the sample. When the pivot arm (14) has been moved to the sample analysis configuration, the sample collector (16) is received in a sample receiving port (29) in the housing. A retaining clip (18) is movable from a free configuration to a retaining configuration whereby the clip retains the pivot arm in the sample analysis configuration. A fluid reservoir (56) is mounted on the retaining clip (18) so as to overlie the sample receiving port (29) when the retaining clip is in the retaining position.

Abstract: In a digital rights management (DRM) scheme a mobile terminal (1) registered with mobile telecommunications network (3) obtains encrypted content data (26) from content provider (21) and a rights object (28) containing a license to use that data from rights issuer (23). The mobile terminal (1) is associated with mobile terminal (11), PC (25) and PDA (27) in a domain. Various arrangements are disclosed for enabling a second device to consume the content data (26) received by the device (1). The content data (26) is consumed on the second device in a controlled manner. The second device may or may not be a member of the domain (24). The first device may enable the second device to temporarily join the domain (24), if the second device is not a member of the domain (24), in order to allow the second device to consume the content. In another embodiment the first and second devices may already be a member of the same domain (24).

Abstract: An application manager configured for use on a resource-limited device, the application manager including: an application engine configured to effect communications between a plurality of applications installed on the resource limited device and one or more external network sites; and a connection manager configured to control and/or coordinate when the plurality of applications are able to attempt to establish communications with the one or more external network sites. The resource-limited device may be a mobile terminal.

Abstract: A pipe coupling (1) comprising a tubular body (2) having at least one open end (3, 4, 5), stop means (14) disposed within the tubular body distal to the open end to stop a pipe when it is inserted a predetermined distance into the tubular body. The sealing means (15) is intermediate the stop means and the open end and a pipe engaging means (17) is disposed intermediate the sealing means and the open end having a variable diameter to clamp and release an inserted pipe as a result of the diameter of the pipe engaging means reducing and increasing respectively. A pipe release means (21) is disposed intermediate the pipe engaging means and the open end, the pipe release means being movably mounted on the open end and having a pipe clamping position.

Abstract: A method in a data processing system for attaching an informational dialog to a program. The program is morphed to extend an existing interface to the program to become a dippable program. A dip is created, wherein the dip modifies runtime behavior of the existing interface of the dippable program to include an informational dialog. The dip is added to the dippable program, wherein the informational dialog is attached to the dippable program. The dialog is displayed just before the dippable program is displayed.

Abstract: A method for distributing rights objects between a first device 1 and a second device 50 is disclosed, the rights objects being used to authorise use of a content file. The method includes, at the first device, selecting and requesting content from a distribution server 3; receiving a download descriptor file 9 for the requested content, the download descriptor file identifying at least one available format of the content and identifying from where the content may be retrieved, wherein different formats of the content are suitable for devices having different rendering profiles and different formats of the content are contained within different content files; receiving at least one rights object 13 associated with the content files, the at least one rights object providing authorisation rights for the content files; and embedding the at least one rights object within the download descriptor file. The download descriptor file is then distributed to the second device.

Abstract: A vehicle (10) such as a heavy-duty truck (10) has an operator cab and a body section. The truck (10) has controls that control operating parameters associated with the operator cab and controls that control operating parameters associated with the body section. The truck (10) has a control system (12) that integrates the controls for the operator cab and the controls for the body section.

Abstract: A method provides an annotated language extension for the class of an object, the extension identifying an internal state that may be exposed via simple accessor methods. The extension could apply to an entire object type, or to a specific state within the object. Annotations that can be added to the extension include @Accessable, @Gettable and @Settable. In one embodiment, a method selectively accesses one or more object states. The method includes generating an annotated extension identifying each internal object state to be exposed for access, adding a usage annotation to the extension that defines an accessor method associated with each identified state, and operating a virtual machine to call the accessor method associated with a particular identified state. The particular state may then be accessed, as defined by the called accessor method.

Abstract: A lubrication system of an axle assembly comprising a differential carrier rotatably supporting a differential case therewithin, an axle tube extending outwardly from the differential carrier, a bearing assembly for rotatably supporting the differential case within the differential carrier, and an annular drain-back baffle formed with a drain-back hole passing through the drain-back baffle and defining an oil delivery passage between the differential carrier and the axle tube. The drain-back baffle is selectively positioned within the axle assembly to provide changeable oil flow characteristics of the axle assembly. A method is provided for controlling flow of lubricant between a differential gear and an axle tube by selectively adjusting the position of the drain-back channel in order to provide the desired lubricant flow path.

Abstract: An email system for providing improved access and increased efficiency is disclosed. The system includes a master server with substantially constant connection to the internet and at least one local server that at least periodically interfaces with the master server to create a substantially identical copy of emails and settings. The interfacing includes transmits and receives bundled emails in bursts to synchronize the master server and the at least one local server to substantially identically copy emails and settings thereby improving access and increasing efficiency. A method of synchronizing outgoing and incoming emails in a two server email system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rigid drive axle assembly includes a support beam member having a substantially flat central plate section, a differential assembly module secured to the central plate section through at least two threaded studs extending from the central plate section. The differential assembly module includes a differential carrier frame member having two bearing hubs receiving differential bearings. A method for verifying a predetermined bearing preload of the differential assembly module comprises the steps of preloading the differential bearings to the predetermined bearing preload, inserting mounting bores in the bearing hubs of the frame member onto the mounting studs, and determining that the differential bearings are properly preloaded if the mounting studs are received in the mounting bores in the differential carrier frame member without substantial resistance, or determining that the differential bearings are not properly preloaded if the mounting studs may not be received in the mounting bores easily.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly for motor vehicles, includes a support beam member having a substantially flat, enlarged central plate section and two opposite arm sections, a differential assembly module secured to the central plate section and enclosed into a housing formed by a rear cover and a front cover secured to opposite surfaces of the central plate section. A method for assembling the drive axle assembly comprises the steps of securing the front cover to a front mounting surface of the support beam member, fastening the differential assembly module to the central plate section of the support beam member, and fastening the rear cover to the rear mounting surface of the support beam member.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a support beam member, a differential assembly module secured to the support beam member and a cover member fastened to the support beam member to cover at least a portion the differential assembly module. The cover member includes two spaced access openings with adjustable sealing flange devices for sealing an interior cavity within the cover member between the access openings and corresponding axle shaft members. The sealing flange device is positionally adjustable relative to the cover member. A method for adjusting position of the sealing flange device relative to the cover member comprises the steps of securing the cover member to the axle support member, mounting the sealing flange device to the cover member, adjusting the position of the sealing flange device relative to the cover member and securing the sealing flange device to the cover member.