Abstract: Jitter application techniques are described for vector objects as implemented by a vector object jitter application system. In an implementation, the vector object jitter application system receives an input defining a stroke to be drawn on a user interface. A vector object is then generated representing the stroke and having a variable width determined by applying jitter to the stroke. The vector object having the variable width is displayed in the user interface as the input is received.

Abstract: Jitter application techniques are described for vector objects as implemented by a vector object jitter application system. In an implementation, the vector object jitter application system receives an input defining a stroke to be drawn on a user interface. A vector object is then generated representing the stroke and having a variable width determined by applying jitter to the stroke. The vector object having the variable width is displayed in the user interface as the input is received.

Abstract: A computer-based aggregated security investment service interacts with one or more customers via one or more communication links. The service allows multiple customers to execute aggregated purchase orders of securities in dollar increments. Customers setting up accounts have the ability to select numerous different types of individual, joint, conventional, or tax advantaged accounts. The present invention also provides a mechanism for reducing the exposure of the investment service to purchases of securities with fluctuating prices by staggering share purchases as two or more sub-orders. Finally, the present invention provides a method of producing customized communications for users associated with a non-affiliated organization without requiring separate hardware components for each organization.

Abstract: Input is received that selects an animation aspect associated with an object within an animation. The animation involves the object and an original frame of reference through which the animation is displayed, and the selected animation aspect is one that changes over time with respect to the original frame of reference. The animation is displayed through a new frame of reference defined by holding the selected animation aspect constant over time. During the animation display through the new frame of reference, input is received that manipulates the object to create a new animation aspect associated with the object. The new animation aspect associated with the object is recorded in the animation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program apparatus, implementing techniques for processing digital artwork. In one aspect, the techniques process aggregations of artwork where both the aggregation and at least some of the aggregated artwork have attached styles. The techniques handle various combinations of conditions resulting in applying style elements to the aggregation before or after applying style elements to underlying artwork. In another aspect, the techniques implement editable path objects having multiple attached fills and/or strokes. The techniques provide user interfaces for using the foregoing features.

Abstract: A computer-based aggregated security investment service interacts with one or more customers via one or more communication links. The service allows multiple customers to execute aggregated purchase orders of securities in dollar increments. Customers setting up accounts have the ability to select numerous different types of individual, joint, conventional, or tax advantaged accounts. The present invention also provides a mechanism for reducing the exposure of the investment service to purchases of securities with fluctuating prices by staggering share purchases as two or more sub-orders. Finally, the present invention provides a method of producing customized communications for users associated with a non-affiliated organization without requiring separate hardware components for each organization.

Abstract: A pilot-operated valve can include a manifold assembly with a plate cavity and a valve plate positioned within the cavity. The valve plate includes a first surface facing a cavity surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The valve plate also includes a first aperture extending through the first surface and the second surface and configured to be aligned with a first opening of the manifold body and a second aperture extending through the first surface and the second surface and configured to be aligned with the second opening of the manifold body. The manifold assembly further includes at least one seal configured to provide a first fluid tight seal between the first aperture and the first opening and configured to provide a second fluid tight seal between the second aperture and the second opening.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program apparatus, implementing techniques for processing digital artwork. In one aspect, the techniques process aggregations of artwork where both the aggregation and at least some of the aggregated artwork have attached styles. The techniques handle various combinations of conditions resulting in applying style elements to the aggregation before or after applying style elements to underlying artwork. In another aspect, the techniques implement editable path objects having multiple attached fills and/or strokes. The techniques provide user interfaces for using the foregoing features.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for defining a smooth shading across an object for display on a raster output device. The method including converting the object to a mesh, rendering the mesh displaying the object having a shading defined by the mesh and editing the mesh until a desired result is achieved in the displayed object. The method may include a method for defining a gradient across an object for display on a raster output device where the object includes a boundary comprising multisegment edges in which the method includes selecting the object and finding the boundary for the object. Thereafter a bounding box is created including four corners that encloses the object boundary. Four points on the boundary of the object are identified that are closest to the four corners of the boundary box. A single patch mesh may be constructed from the four points and segments connecting pairs of the four points.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for aligning objects includes receiving a current cursor position, receiving task information and receiving a set of alignments each having an associated priority. The method also includes screening the set of alignments based on task information and a predetermined set of priority factors, determining a highest priority alignment, and outputting a new cursor position corresponding to the highest priority alignment if such an alignment exists.