Abstract: A license plate security device comprises a spin barrel into which a license plate mounting machine screw is inserted. These are inserted into a spin barrel assembly with a closed bottom and an open top. The license plate is installed on the vehicle using at least one of these license plate security devices, more machine screws, and an ordinary screwdriver. A machined slug is inserted into the opened end of the spin barrel and secured by security set screw to keep from getting access to the head of the machine screw. With slug in place it helps keep out dirt, water, and rust. Removing the license plate now requires a security tool to remove the security set screw from the spin barrel and slug to access the head of the machine screw. Turning the spin barrel only will not remove the machine screw because it cannot transmit enough torque.

Abstract: A license plate security device comprises a spin barrel into which a license plate mounting machine screw is inserted. These are inserted into a spin barrel assembly with a closed bottom and an open top. The license plate is installed on the vehicle using at least one of these license plate security devices, more machine screws, and an ordinary screwdriver. A machined slug is inserted into the opened end of the spin barrel and secured by security set screw to keep from getting access to the head of the machine screw. With slug in place it helps keep out dirt, water, and rust. Removing the license plate now requires a security tool to remove the security set screw from the spin barrel and slug to access the head of the machine screw. Turning the spin barrel only will not remove the machine screw because it cannot transmit enough torque.

Abstract: A system and method of offering a redemption account that allows users to purchase in advance and subsequently redeem products and services from one or more vendors that are affiliated with the system. The present invention imparts a process by which users enrolled in a biometric authorization system can access a redemption account for advance purchased products and services by submitting their biometric data. Information stored in the user record can then be utilized to enable the fulfillment of the advance purchase.

Abstract: MRI-Surgical systems include: (a) at least one MRI-compatible surgical tool; (b) a circuit adapted to communicate with an MRI scanner; and (c) at least one display in communication with the circuit. The circuit electronically recognizes predefined physical characteristics of the at least one tool to automatically segment MR image data provided by the MRI scanner whereby the at least one tool constitutes a point of interface with the system. The circuit is configured to provide a User Interface that defines workflow progression for an MRI-guided surgical procedure and allows a user to select steps in the workflow, and wherein the circuit is configured to generate multi-dimensional visualizations using the predefined data of the at least one tool and data from MRI images of the patient in substantially real time during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: MRI-Surgical systems include: (a) at least one MRI-compatible surgical tool; (b) a circuit adapted to communicate with an MRI scanner; and (c) at least one display in communication with the circuit. The circuit electronically recognizes predefined physical characteristics of the at least one tool to automatically segment MR image data provided by the MRI scanner whereby the at least one tool constitutes a point of interface with the system. The circuit is configured to provide a User Interface that defines workflow progression for an MRI-guided surgical procedure and allows a user to select steps in the workflow, and wherein the circuit is configured to generate multi-dimensional visualizations using the predefined data of the at least one tool and data from MRI images of the patient in substantially real time during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: Recording data for an optical disc such as a DVD has video content data and navigation data. Button data defines one or more user-selectable selection buttons to enable a viewer to select content data when the recording medium is played. Further button data defines at least one phantom button that is not selectable by a viewer because, for example, it is not visually distinguishable, it is hidden within the video data or it is displayed for a short period of time. Although the at least one phantom button is not selectable by a viewer, a copying apparatus parsing the recording data will erroneously identify the phantom button as a user-selectable selection button and will copy data associated with the phantom button. The data associated with the phantom button may adversely affect the copying process or render the copy unplayable or unwatchable.

Abstract: Program code in a Web page hosted by a server and/or in server side code executed by the server is specially configured so that a modified media file whose source is embedded in the Web page and which is streamed by the server is properly playable only in browsers of media devices accessing the Web page. Thus, if a copy of the modified media file is downloaded to the media device or otherwise procured, the user of the media device is unable to properly play the downloaded copy by using a conventional media player. Further, if the downloaded copy is shared on a file sharing network, users of the file sharing network that download copies from the media device are also unable to properly play their downloaded copies by using conventional media players.

Abstract: Program code in a Web page hosted by a server and/or in server side code executed by the server is specially configured so that a modified media file whose source is embedded in the Web page and which is streamed by the server is properly playable only in browsers of media devices accessing the Web page. Thus, if a copy of the modified media file is downloaded to the media device or otherwise procured, the user of the media device is unable to properly play the downloaded copy by using a conventional media player. Further, if the downloaded copy is shared on a file sharing network, users of the file sharing network that download copies from the media device are also unable to properly play their downloaded copies by using conventional media players.

Abstract: A system and method of obtaining and storing a signed agreement authorizing the use of a user's biometric data for the purpose of offering legal consent to agreements and transactions with one or more operators. The present invention imparts a process by which merchants and other service providers can access a verifying agreement indicating a user's intent to submit biometric data as a substitute for a written signature and the user's consent to abide by the terms and conditions of any agreements entered into by the submission of biometric data.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards improved mounting structures and methods for formation of window regulator systems for vehicles. In one exemplary embodiment, a method of securing a pulley to a panel of a window regulator system is provided.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards improved mounting structures and methods for formation of window regulator systems for vehicles. In one exemplary embodiment, a mounting structure for a window regulator system is provided. The mounting structure includes a main body defining cavity for rotatably receiving a portion of a pulley; and an engagement feature depending away from the main body, the engagement feature engaging the portion of the pulley and preventing movement of the pulley away from the main body, the engagement feature being substantially free of fasteners for preventing movement of the portion of the pulley away from the main body.

Abstract: An improved method enables markup content on an electronic device, such as a web page or other markup content, that includes its own rendering parameters to be rendered on the electronic device according to the theme rendering parameters of the device rather than the rendering parameters included on the web page.

Abstract: A system and method of allowing individuals to categorize transaction information. A user of the system may establish transaction identifiers that may be employed during or subsequent to a transaction in order to categorize transaction information.

Abstract: A system and method of providing users with an accessible system and convenient method for conducting purchase benefit transactions. When enrolling in a biometric authorization system, a user may authorize the system to apply for purchase benefits on the user's behalf at subsequent transactions.

Abstract: A system and method of offering subscriptions to periodical publications or other products and services at a point of sale using subscription enabling information stored in a database. The present invention imparts a process by which users enrolled in a biometric authorization system may accept subscription offers at a point of sale by submitting their biometric data. Subscription information stored in the user record may then be utilized to enable the fulfillment of the subscription offer.

Abstract: A system and method of assistance procedures that involve a negotiable instrument casher in the negotiable instrument validity determination process. The present invention involves the casher in the determining process by providing a walkthrough and network assistance procedures.

Abstract: An improved application development tool enables the creation of an application and provides for the creation of additional context-sensitive menu items.

Abstract: A method for generating power, comprising the steps of: a) providing a Rankine Cycle device that includes a plurality of turbo-generators, each including a turbine coupled with an electrical generator, and at least one of each of an evaporator, a condenser, and a refrigerant feed pump; b) disposing the one or more evaporators within an exhaust duct of a power plant of a marine vessel; c) operating the power plant; and d) selectively pumping refrigerant through the Rankine Cycle device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for developing software for a computing device are provided. One method includes accessing input received from an input peripheral, accessing a definition file defining a plurality of tools for code development, providing a development assistance tool on an output peripheral based on conditions and instructions in the definition file that match the input. Another method includes receiving an engine definition file corresponding to a development assistance engine incorporated into the IDE, editing the engine definition file to include programming tools that correspond with the a computer language that is native to the computing device, and saving the edited engine define file for subsequent use by the IDE.

Abstract: A system and method of allowing individuals to categorize transaction information. A user of the system may establish transaction identifiers that may be employed during or subsequent to a transaction in order to categorize transaction information.