Abstract: A mandrel tool comprising a mandrel head having a body, said body including a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and an exterior surface extending between the first and second ends; and a slit extending at least partially through the exterior surface of the body and having a width to accommodate a sharp edge of a cutting instrument. The slit serves as a guide for the cutting instrument, which cuts through wire wound around the mandrel to simultaneously create a plurality of uniform rings without having to labor further.

Abstract: In summary, there is provided an improved clasp having two mating sections that are in sliding engagement with one another. The first mating section includes an elongated cavity within which a shaft of the second mating section slides when the two mating sections are fastened to one another. The first mating section further includes a small tab that fits into a corresponding slot on a release lever positioned on the second mating section to hold and fasten the first mating section to the second mating section. When the release lever is pressed down, the mating sections slidably disengage from one another. Each of the mating sections incorporate a slide tube with a bendable flap, wherein the slide tube is sized and adapted to receive one or more rows of beads of one end of a beaded band or other assembly of beads.

Abstract: In summary, there is provided an improved clasp having two mating sections that are in sliding engagement with one another. The first mating section comprises an elongated cavity within which a shaft of the second mating section slides when the two mating sections are fastened to one another. The first mating section further comprises a small tab that fits into a corresponding slot on a release lever positioned on the second mating section to hold and fasten the first mating section to the second mating section. When the release lever is pressed down, the mating sections slidably disengage from one another. Each of the mating sections incorporate a slide tube with a bendable flap, wherein the slide tube is sized and adapted to receive one or more rows of beads of one end of a beaded band or other assembly of beads.

Abstract: A method for determining if a pre-configured set of relevant conditions exist that can be used to suggest a mobile device is within the confines of a vehicle operator compartment or passenger vehicle compartment. Then, an application-programming interface can be used to signal a program when those conditions are meet, and what conditions were involved in that determination.

Abstract: An auditory user interactive interface to an application program being installed in the computer controlled system. A routine in an object, in an application program being installed in the computer controlled system for providing an auditory user interface to the program in combination with auditory means for offering the user of the computer controlled system the auditory user interface during installation of said application program, and responsive to the selection of the auditory interface provides the auditory user interface during said installation of the application program.

Abstract: A system and method for advising consumers how much to pay for goods and services by matching consumers' specific objective needs for product or service characteristics as well as subjective needs, such as certainty, closure, security, style or brand. The system and method provides an interactive method of providing this advice, information, referral and transaction capability in a step-by-step intuitive manner over an on-line network.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program are provided for deriving audio that includes singing by a human voice or chorus of voices. The audio is derived from an Enhanced Symbolic Phonetic Representation (ESPR) that incorporates symbolic representations of actions that are associated with singing, such as sustaining and vibrato. The audio output can also be as a result of operation of two types of programs: formant and concatenative.

Abstract: A method, an apparatus, and a computer program are provided for embedding enhancement data into lyrics to generate Enhanced Symbolic Phonetic Representation (ESPR) data file that incorporates symbolic representations of actions that are associated with singing, such as sustaining and vibrato. The ESPR includes data for singing by a human voice or chorus of voices. The lyrics can also be inputting into a processing system in a variety of formats, such as plain text or a Symbolic Phonetic Representation (SPR).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for audio presentations based on environmental context and user preferences. The method includes receiving data indicative of acoustic conditions proximate to an audio presentation device, receiving data associated with at least one audio profile, and determining acoustic data to be provided based on at least a portion of the received data indicative of acoustic conditions proximate to the audio presentation device and at least a portion of the data associated with the at least one audio profile.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for modifying visual presentations based on environmental context, display characteristics, and user preferences. The apparatus includes an interface and a controller coupled to the interface. The controller is adapted to receive data indicative of light conditions proximate to a visual presentation device, receive data associated with at least one visibility profile, and determine visual data to be displayed by the visual presentation device based on at least a portion of the received data indicative of light conditions and the received data associated with the at least one visibility profile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a gaming device in which a player is awarded outright for a winning combination and is eligible for a reward if the displayed outcome can be manipulated by the gaming device to produce a winning combination. A special bar symbol can be coupled with a certain bar subset of the universe of symbols to initiate a further award, perhaps coupled with a multiplier. Preferably, a bonus is provided which includes overlapping exhibitors such as wheels having a sector defining the overlap indicating a bonus element which is placed on an array. A series of elements on the array, when forming a pattern which is recognized by the game results in added credits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a gaming device in which a player is awarded outright for a winning combination and is eligible for a reward if the displayed outcome can be manipulated by the gaming device to produce a winning combination. A special bar symbol can be coupled with a certain bar subset of the universe of symbols to initiate a further award, perhaps coupled with a multiplier. Preferably, a bonus is provided which includes overlapping exhibitors such as wheels having a sector defining the overlap indicating a bonus element which is placed on an array. A series of elements on the array, when forming a pattern which is recognized by the game results in added credits.

Abstract: An integrated financial system that includes a single customer account that permits a customer to perform various financial transactions. The account includes at least banking components and brokerage components. A consistent user interface is provided to allow a customer to access the account from different sources including at least an automatic teller machine, a phone and a personal teller transaction. The account is flexible enough to include a variety of other components such as a credit card component, a line of credit component, a secured credit component and a money market component. A system and method for opening a single integrated account for a customer in a single session is also described.

Abstract: An integrated financial system that includes a single customer account that permits a customer to perform various financial transactions. The account includes at least banking components and brokerage components. A consistent user interface means is provided to allow a customer to access the account from a different sources including at least an automatic teller machine, a phone and a personal teller transaction. The account is flexible enough to include a variety of other components such as a credit card component, a line of credit component, a secured credit component and a money market component. A system and method for opening a single integrated account for a customer in a single session is also described.

Abstract: An integrated financial system that includes a single customer account that permits a customer to perform various financial transactions. The account includes at least banking components and brokerage components. A consistent user interface means is provided to allow a customer to access the account from a different sources including at least an automatic teller machine, a phone and a personal teller transaction. The account is flexible enough to include a variety of other components such as a credit card component, a line of credit component, a secured credit component and a money market component. A system and method for opening a single integrated account for a customer in a single session is also described.