Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for explaining credit scores, for example in connection with a credit score explanation service, in which consumers can identify the sources of information used to establish their credit score, supply their credit report and credit score information in connection with their application for credit-related products and services, such as loans, and determine the effect on their credit score and cost for credit-related products and services based upon various hypothetical changes in their credit behavior.

Abstract: A wireless communication device (100) includes an obligation manager (101) that is configured to cause a processor (102) operable with a memory (103) to determine which member of a group is to be responsible for fulfillment of a group obligation. The obligation manager (101) determines which member will fulfill the obligation by comparing the current obligation to an obligation register (300) having fulfillment entries (301,302,303) indicating past obligations and members fulfilling those obligations.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that provides tools to consumers to help consumers understand their credit scores and how to take action to improve their credit scores. A system and method for each of and for a combination of a score estimating tool, a best action simulation tool, an easy error correction tool, and a score improvement tool are provided.

Abstract: The disclosed are methods and computing devices configured to engage in Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) conference calls and configured to participate as a moderator of VOIP conference calls allow a moderator or delegate to monitor the mute status of call participants and/or control which participants are muted. In this way, a participant would not be required to necessarily adhere to conference call muting etiquette. For example, in the event that a participant's line is noisy, which may be unknown to the participant, the moderator could mute the line. Other distractions to the conference call as a whole could therefore be controlled as well. The ability to mute determine and/or control the muting of a participant device furthermore enables the moderator to engage rules of conduct and/or adhere to rules of order that may be desirable in particular types of conference calls.

Abstract: A face recognition system is provided, which is incorporated as part of traditionally worn items, so as to allow for face recognition assistance without being obvious to the person whose face is being recognized. The face recognition system includes a viewfinder, which has an image capture module and a display module, and includes a user actuatable selector. The face recognition system further includes a data storage element, which includes a data structure, having one or more images of faces of people, and associated identification information. The face recognition system still further includes a controller, where the controller is communicatively coupled to the viewfinder, the user actuatable selector, and the data storage element.

Abstract: An reciprocating saw comprising a housing, a motor, a spindle movably supported within said housing and having a front end adapted to support a saw blade, a drive assembly, and an adjustable shoe assembly. The adjustable shoe assembly includes a shoe, a shoe support member pivotally supporting the shoe, a locking member pivotally supported by the housing, and a lever connected to the locking member.

Abstract: Apparatus for compression molding plastic articles includes a plurality of molds mounted for travel around a first axis. Each mold includes an upper mold section and a lower mold section, with at least one of the upper and lower mold sections being moveable in a non-circular first endless path, and being moveable with respect to the other mold section to form a mold cavity. A mold charge delivery system delivers individual mold charges to the mold cavities and includes at least one delivery mechanism that travels in a second endless path around a second axis spaced from the first axis, wherein the second endless path overlies a portion of the first endless path.

Abstract: A system and a method for controlling a container manufacturing machine include a thickness monitor (10) for determining an average wall thickness of containers produced by the machine. The system uses the average wall thickness to adjust machine control to change operation of the machine and adjust the quality of the containers being produced. The system also responds to feedback from pneumatic devices (104), heaters (103), mechanical devices and temperature sensors (108, 109) to determine corrections to be made to the machine operation.

Abstract: A polymeric preform that can be blow molded into a plastic article includes an open neck portion, a body portion with a sidewall, and a closed end opposite the neck portion with a thickness of not more than 70 percent of the thickness of the sidewall. The thickness of the closed end is preferably in the range of 30 percent to 70 percent of the thickness of the sidewall, and more preferably between 30 percent to 50 percent of the sidewall thickness. This reduces the volume or amount of material needed to form the preform without adversely impacting the structural integrity or physical properties of a container formed from the preform. According to one presently preferred aspect of the invention, the preform is compression molded.

Abstract: A method for distributing content (120) from a subscriber terminal (110) in a wireless communication system and sharing revenue between the subscriber and the service provider (130) by generating, at the subscriber terminal, a content available notification message (125). The content available notification message is associated with the content to be broadcast by the service provider. The subscriber terminal sends (230) the content available message and the content (120) to the service provider. The subscriber terminal receives consideration for the content which is sent to other subscribers from the service provider.

Abstract: An reciprocating saw comprising a housing, a motor, a spindle movably supported within said housing and having a front end adapted to support a saw blade, a drive assembly, and an adjustable shoe assembly. The adjustable shoe assembly includes a shoe, a shoe support member pivotally supporting the shoe, a locking member pivotally supported by the housing, and a lever connected to the locking member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securely transferring medical information is provided, which included storing information relating to a medical prescription item on a smart card using an encryption method that provides independent verification as to the source of the information, verifying the source of the information by the provider of the medical prescription item and modifying the stored information relating to the medical prescription item when the prescription is filled, and storing the modified information on the smart card using an encryption method that provides independent verification of the source of the modified information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securely transferring medical information is provided, which includes storing information relating to a medical prescription item on a smart card using an encryption method that provides independent verification as to the source of the information, verifying the source of the information by the provider of the medical prescription item and modifying the stored information relating to the medical prescription item when the prescription is filled, and storing the modified information on the smart card using an encryption method that provides independent verification of the source of the modified information.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for explaining credit scores, for example in connection with a credit score explanation service, in which consumers can identify the sources of information used to establish their credit score, supply their credit report and credit score information in connection with their application for credit-related products and services, such as loans, and determine the effect on their credit score and cost for credit-related products and services based upon various hypothetical changes in their credit behavior.

Abstract: An internet radio for portable applications and uses such as in an automobile. The internet radio allows access to a host of audio, visual and other information. Normal radio channel function is provided along with programmable content and channel selection, as well as automatic content and channel updating by location and style. Internet access is also provided. Direct or targeted advertising, as well as electronic commerce is supported. Connection to the internet is through wireless communications. Programmability is achieved off-line via a web page and remote computer. Customized information is also communicated to the radio such as stock quotes, travel information, advertising, and e-mail.

Abstract: An reciprocating saw comprising a housing, a motor, a spindle movably supported within said housing and having a front end adapted to support a saw blade, a drive assembly, and an adjustable shoe assembly. The adjustable shoe assembly includes a shoe, a shoe support member pivotally supporting the shoe, a locking member pivotally supported by the housing, and a lever connected to the locking member.

Abstract: An orbital reciprocating saw comprising a housing, a motor, a spindle movably supported within said housing and having a front end adapted to support a saw blade, a reciprocating drive assembly, an orbital drive assembly connected to said spindle to selectively drive the saw blade in an orbital path, an orbital adjustment assembly connected to the orbital drive assembly to adjust the orbital path of the saw blade, and an adjustable shoe assembly. The orbital drive assembly includes an eccentric cam member removably supported on the motor drive shaft and engageable with the spindle to cause orbital movement of the saw blade upon rotation of the motor drive shaft. The orbital adjustment assembly selectively disengages the spindle from the cam member during at least a portion of the rotation of the cam member to change the orbital path of the saw blade.

Abstract: A closeable communication device (102), such as a cellular telephone, has a housing (105), an input device, such as a button (208), carried on the housing (105), and a controller (304) disposed in the housing (105) and coupled to the button (208). The housing (105) is movable between a closed position (200) and an opened position (114). The button (208) is accessible in the closed position (200). The controller (304) is configured to employ one or more features that increase the usability of the device (102) in the closed position (200). For example, the controller (304) answers an incoming call to the device (102) upon opening of the housing (105) and, alternatively, disables answering of the incoming call upon opening of the housing (105) during actuation of the button (208) so as to allow, for example, opening of the device (102) to view caller identification information without answering the call.

Abstract: A universal housing can assembly used as a component of a recessed downlight fixture and which can be utilized in both insulation contact (I.C.) and non-insulation contact (non-I.C.) applications. The preferred housing can is deep drawn of aluminum or other suitable materials and is configured to operate at or below thermal standards for I.C. applications and also for non-I.C. applications. The housing can assemblies formed according to the invention utilize thermal protective devices positioned within the assemblies to shut the fixture off or "cycle" the fixture in the event that predetermined thermal conditions are exceeded in either an I.C. or a non-I.C. application. According to the invention, a single can assembly can be used as and marked as both I.C. and non-I.C.

Abstract: A mobile station (102) has electrical circuitry (301) that operates to reduce power consumption. A synthesizer (318) is tuned so that a receiver (314) receives a home radio frequency (RF) signal during a receive slot (504) of a PCH subframe (209). A controller (310) detects if an upcoming subframe has an uplink requirement and if data from the home RF signal indicates that an idle condition exists. If the upcoming subframe does not have an uplink requirement, synthesizer (318) is tuned during a long idle slot (506) of PCH subframe (209) to measure signal strengths of two peripheral RF signals. If the idle condition does exist, electrical circuitry (301) is placed into a low power mode throughout a transmit slot (508), a receive slot (512), a long idle slot (514), and a transmit slot (516).