Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling access to software via a physical object. The system may include one or more of a physical object, such as a toy, a computing device, and a server. The toy may include a unique identifier that permits an owner of the toy to download software to the computing device via the server. In some variations, a purchaser of the toy may be permitted to download software to the computing device directly from a storage device associated with the toy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems involving a gift card comprising a principal value and auxiliary value. The principal value may represent a monetary or pre-sale value, while the auxiliary value may represent a virtual good.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and systems involving an enhanced social expression card that comprises machine-readable storage for data relating to one or more virtual goods. The one or more virtual goods may be, for example, redeemable in a virtual environment such as a videogame or an online virtual world.

Abstract: A group of embodiments for enabling the replacement of damaged shackles for multiple types of portable locks is disclosed. The embodiments have the ability to alter the shackle size and configuration for multiple types of portable locks by substituting one type of shackle with a different shackle, with no tools or special skills required.

Abstract: A group of embodiments for enabling the replacement of damaged shackles for multiple types of portable locks is disclosed. The embodiments have the ability to alter the shackle size and configuration for multiple types of portable locks by substituting one type of shackle with a different shackle, with no tools or special skills required.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling access to software via a physical object. The system may include one or more of a physical object, such as a toy, a computing device, and a server. The toy may include a unique identifier that permits an owner of the toy to download software to the computing device via the server. In some variations, a purchaser of the toy may be permitted to download software to the computing device directly from a storage device associated with the toy.

Abstract: A group of embodiments for enabling the replacement of damaged shackles for multiple types of portable locks is disclosed. The embodiments have the ability to alter the shackle size and configuration for multiple types of portable locks by substituting one type of shackle with a different shackle, with no tools or special skills required.

Abstract: A group of embodiments for enabling the replacement of damaged shackles for multiple types of portable locks is disclosed. The embodiments have the ability to alter the shackle size and configuration for multiple types of portable locks by substituting one type of shackle with a different shackle, with no tools or special skills required.

Abstract: A group of embodiments for enabling the replacement of damaged shackles for multiple types of portable locks is disclosed. The embodiments have the ability to alter the shackle size and configuration for multiple types of portable locks by substituting one type of shackle with a different shackle, with no tools or special skills required.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and systems involving an enhanced social expression card that comprises machine-readable storage for data relating to one or more virtual goods. The one or more virtual goods may be, for example, redeemable in a virtual environment such as a videogame or an online virtual world.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems involving a gift card comprising a principal value and auxiliary value. The principal value may represent a monetary or pre-sale value, while the auxiliary value may represent a virtual good.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods which allow rapid and convenient mounting, aligning and patterning strings of decorative light bulbs and Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) on flat surfaces, curved surfaces, generally cylindrical structures such as the trunks of outdoor and indoor trees, branching objects such as branching tree structures and the like. The included devices would be used as part of a decorative lighting attachment process, which can include 1 or a plurality of flexible holiday decorative lighting mounting strips and various types of mounting devices as required. Light covers might be used to cover and darken lights that disrupt patterns. A single decorative lighting attachment strip can be used to position and align lights on a roughly cylindrical object.

Abstract: The deployable pad described herein protects vehicle painted and decorative rear bumpers, and downward opening rear tailgates on certain type of vehicles from accidental damage when cargo is loaded or off-loaded. The deployable device folds flat onto the cargo area floor, a cargo area liner or the trunk floor when not in use. This invention provides protection when needed yet is stored out of sight when not in use and thereby does not detract from the intended exterior design and finish of the vehicle. The device can be attached to the cargo area itself either with mechanical fasteners, adhesives, 2-sided tape or hook and loop fasteners. The cargo area in question may be an automobile trunk, or the cargo area of a SUV, station wagon or panel van.

Abstract: A subscriber distribution terminal is connected to the transmission medium for serving a group of subscribers. Within the distribution control terminal is located a plurality of television converters. A local oscillator in each of the converters is controlled by a microprocessor, which establishes the channel selected from the multi-channel television signal received from the transmission medium. The output of each converter is connected to a subscriber drop which is connected to the subscribers television set.