Abstract: A gaming system and method of game play is provided wherein the gaming is earned out within a themed physical play space comprising an existing or specially configured entertainment facility or play structure. The game utilizes electronically identifiable objects, such as colored balls, shaped objects, cards, bands, tags and/or the like, to provide an interactive game play experience generally simulative of a computer adventure game experience. Play participants are challenged to work and cooperate with other play participants to find identified objects, clues or other information and to use the objects, clues or information to solve various puzzles or problems that present encumbrances inhibiting players' advancement in the game.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for valuing patent assets based on statistical survival analysis. An estimated value probability distribution curve is calculated for an identified group of patent assets using statistical analysis of PTO maintenance fee records. Expected valuations for individual patent assets are calculated based on a the value distribution curve and a comparative ranking or rating of individual patent assets relative to other patents in the group of identified patents. Patents having the highest percentile rankings would be correlated to the high end of the value distribution curve. Conversely, patents having the lowest percentile rankings would be correlated to the low end of the value distribution curve. Advantageously, such approach brings an added level of discipline to the overall valuation process in that the sum of individual patent valuations for a given patent population cannot exceed the total aggregate estimated value of all such patents.

Abstract: A string tension regulation system and method is provided comprising a spring element formed of a superelastic alloy material tensioned, compressed or otherwise strained to its superelastic state and being provided in mechanical communication with the vibratory string so as to maintain proper tension and pitch. One or more optional heating elements may be used (with or without feedback control) to precisely control or adjust the temperature of the tension regulation element and to thereby more precisely regulate and/or adjust the tension of each vibratory string.

Abstract: An improved vibratory string is provided for use in musical instruments such as pianos, guitars, violins and the like. The string is formed from one or more wires of a selected alloy material, such as Ni—Ti alloy, having desired superelastic properties at ambient room temperature. Such a vibratory string tensioned or strained to its superelastic state has improved harmonic and tonal stability characteristics.

Abstract: A statistical patent rating method and system is provided for independently assessing the relative breadth (“B”), defensibility (“D”) and commercial relevance (“R”) of individual patent assets and other intangible intellectual property assets. The invention provides new and valuable information that can be used by patent valuation experts, investment advisors, economists and others to help guide future patent investment decisions, licensing programs, patent appraisals, tax valuations, transfer pricing, economic forecasting and planning, and even mediation and/or settlement of patent litigation lawsuits. In one embodiment the invention provides a statistically-based patent rating method and system whereby relative ratings or rankings are generated using a database of patent information by identifying and comparing various characteristics of each individual patent to a statistically determined distribution of the same characteristics within a given patent population.

Abstract: An endodontic file is provided that is fabricated from a superelastic alloy material such as an alloy of nickel, titanium and niobium. The superelastic alloy material is selected to have a relatively high loading plateau greater than about 500 MPa. Such alloy material allows the formation of precision ground flutes and cutting edges with reduced incidence of burrs, rolled metal deposits and other imperfections. Thus, the cutting edges of an endodontic file constructed in accordance with the invention are sharper and cleaner than heretofore achieved and less susceptible to wear. The resulting file is also stiffer than comparable files fabricated from conventional NiTi alloys such that improved tactile feedback and manipulation control are provided.

Abstract: An improved vibratory string is provided for use in musical instruments such as pianos, guitars, violins and the like. The string is formed from one or more wires of a selected alloy material, such as Ni—Ti alloy, having desired superelastic properties at ambient room temperature. Such a vibratory string tensioned or strained to its superelastic state has improved harmonic and tonal stability characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive play structure including an active targeting system for automatically sensing the location of a play participant and spraying or propelling water or other play media at the sensed location. Play participants race against the clock to determine and enter a secret code to disable the active targeting system or otherwise activate a desired self-destruct sequence or other desired sequence of events. But the active targeting system sprays water or shoots other play media at play participants who attempt to approach the structure. The secret code is periodically scrambled so that play participants must act quickly and cooperate with one another to determine and enter the correct code. These and other improvements increase the challenge and enjoyment of interactive play structures incorporating such improvements.

Abstract: A method of interactive game play is provided wherein a seemingly magical wand toy is provided for enabling a trained user to electronically send and receive information to and from other wand toys, a master system and/or to actuate various play effects within a play environment. The toy wand or other seemingly magical object is configured to use a send/received radio frequency communications protocol which provides a basic foundation for a complex, interactive entertainment system to create a seemingly magical interactive play experience.

Abstract: An improved vibratory string is provided for use in musical instruments such as pianos, guitars, violins and the like. The string is formed from one or more wires of a selected alloy material, such as Ni--Ti alloy, having desired superelastic properties at ambient room temperature. Such a vibratory string tensioned or strained to its superelastic state has improved harmonic and tonal stability characteristics.

Abstract: A remotely controllable power control system wherein the power supplied to a load may be varied locally via an actuator, positionable through a continuous range, on a wall control or from a remote location using a remote control device not electrically wired to the wall control. The load control system includes a transmitter and a wall control/receiver, each having a control actuator for adjusting the power supplied to the load. Control can be obtained by either the transmitter or the wall control/receiver immediately upon manipulation of either control actuator, with the adjustment in power level occurring substantially instantaneously. Communication between the transmitter and the wall control/receiver is by digitally encoded infrared signal.

Abstract: A circuit and apparatus for sensing the adjustment of a variable impedance device includes an elongated switching element having an alternating series of conductive and non-conductive areas. The conductive areas are electrically connected. As the device is adjusted, a wiper alternately operates the switch between open and closed states. A circuit detects the switch-state change and provides a signal which indicates that the device is being adjusted. The signal can, in turn, determine the output of a dimming circuit, a wireless transmitter, etc., or can determine whether power is provided to a microprocessor or the like. In another embodiment of the invention, a variable impedance device includes an end-of-travel return mechanism.

Abstract: A remotely controllable power control system wherein the power supplied to a load may be varied locally via an actuator, positionable through a continuous range, on a wall control or from a remote location using a remote control device not electrically wired to the wall control. The load control system includes a transmitter and a wall control/receiver, each having a control actuator for adjusting the power supplied to the load. Control can be obtained by either the transmitter or the wall control/receiver immediately upon manipulation of either control actuator, with the adjustment in power level occurring substantially instantaneously. Communication between the transmitter and the wall control/receiver is by digitally encoded infrared signal.

Abstract: A position-sensing circuit includes an elongated electrically-conductive element divided into two elongated segments. A conductor moves along the element, maintaining electrical contact with at least one of the segments. A first capacitor is connected to the conductor and a second capacitor is connected to one of the segments. When the conductor bridges a gap between the segments, a step-wise change in the time constant of the circuit results. This step-wise change precisely and reproducibly indicates the position of the conductor as being across the gap. The circuit finds particular advantage in a three-way dimming system that permits a remote switch to provide power to a load even if a dimmer that controls the load has been set to provide minimum or no power to the load.