Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for recording, sharing, and storing an audio segment are provided. A user's audio segment is recorded by a recording device, in response to an audible prompt generated by the recording device. In some embodiments, the recording device provides a signal to the user that a recording session is in progress. Having recorded the audio segment, the recording device provides a reply to the user's recording, simulating a conversation between the recording device and the user. In embodiments, the recording device transfers the recorded audio to a sharing device for playback of the recorded audio segment. Further, the recorded audio segment may be transferred to a storage device, for storage and retrieval of the audio segment at a later date. The components of the recording device may be housed inside a commercial embodiment, such as a stuffed toy, for concealed recording of the user's audio segment.

Abstract: An interactive toy for interacting with a user while a story is being read aloud from a book or played from a movie/video. The toy includes a speech recognition unit that receives and detects certain triggering phrases as they are read aloud or played from a companion literary work. The triggering phrase read aloud from the book or played in the movie/video may have independent significance or may only have significance when combined with other phrases read aloud from the book or played in the movie/video. In one embodiment, the toy is configured to detect only certain types of triggering prompts in certain states, such as, for example, triggering phrases or triggering terms. In this embodiment, and others, the toy is configured to switch between states such that it can at times respond to triggering terms and at other times respond to triggering phrases.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for recording, sharing, and storing an audio segment are provided. A user's audio segment is recorded by a recording device, in response to an audible prompt generated by the recording device. In some embodiments, the recording device provides a signal to the user that a recording session is in progress. Having recorded the audio segment, the recording device provides a reply to the user's recording, simulating a conversation between the recording device and the user. In embodiments, the recording device transfers the recorded audio to a sharing device for playback of the recorded audio segment. Further, the recorded audio segment may be transferred to a storage device, for storage and retrieval of the audio segment at a later date. The components of the recording device may be housed inside a commercial embodiment, such as a stuffed toy, for concealed recording of the user's audio segment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lossless compression and decompression of digital data. Input data is processed by a binary search procedure to achieve nominal compression in a single iteration. Repeated iterations performed on the output of the first iteration provide significant compression of all types of digital data. The method may be practiced in software on a personal computer or implemented in VLSI hardware using a large number of identical compression circuits connected in series to achieve a systolic pipe architecture.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying straightening forces to vehicle members. A relatively light adjustable rectangular cradle is equipped with clamps for clamping the cradle to the frame or pinch weld of a vehicle to be repaired. A transversely adjustable journal mounted on one of the beams of the cradle acts as a pivot point for a relatively long power beam which rests on the floor under the cradle and the vehicle. A hydraulically driven pivoted arm at the distal end of the power beam provides the straightening forces.