Author: claimsbot

What is claimed is:

1. A method for finding value and reducing risk in purchasing portfolios of assets, said method comprising the steps of:
calculating an initial asset value for the portfolio; and
recalculating asset value based on progressively improving asset valuation data.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of recalculating asset value further comprises the step of pre-underwriting assets to determine asset value.
3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of recalculating asset value further comprises the step of partially underwriting assets to determine asset value.
4. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of recalculating asset value further comprises the step of fully underwriting assets to determine asset value.
5. A method according to claim 4 wherein said step of fully underwriting assets further comprises the steps of:
underwriting a number of the assets on a full cash basis manner; and
underwriting a number of the assets on a partial cash basis manner.
6. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of recalculating asset value further comprises the step of performing an automated valuation using statistical algorithms to make inferences of value of assets within the portfolio.
7. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of recalculating asset value further comprises the step of using supervised and unsupervised learning processes to determine a cash flow recovery and a probability of recovery.
8. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of recalculating asset value further comprises the step of stopping recalculations when asset valuation mean variance is below a predetermined percentage.
9. A method according to claim 8 wherein said step of stopping recalculations when asset valuation mean variance is below a predetermined percentage further comprises the step of stopping recalculations when asset valuation mean variance is below ten percent.
10. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of recalculating asset value further comprises the step of stopping recalculations when mean variance in a valuation of a tranche of assets is below fifteen percent.
11. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of recalculating asset value further comprises the step of stopping recalculations when mean variance in a valuation of a tranche of assets is below fifteen percent.
12. A portfolio valuation system for finding value and reducing risk in purchasing portfolios of assets, said system comprising:
a computer configured as a server and further configured with a database of asset portfolios and to enable valuation process analytics;
at least one client system connected to said server through a network, said server configured to:
calculate an initial asset value for the portfolio; and
recalculate asset value based on progressively improving asset valuation data.
13. A system according to claim 12 wherein said server configured to pre-underwrite assets to determine asset value.
14. A system according to claim 12 wherein said server configured to partially underwrite assets to determine asset value.
15. A system according to claim 12 wherein said server configured to fully underwrite assets to determine asset value.
16. A system according to claim 15 wherein said server configured to:
underwrite a number of the assets on a full cash basis manner; and
underwrite a number of the assets on a partial cash basis manner.
17. A system according to claim 12 wherein said server configured to perform an automated valuation using statistical algorithms to make inferences of value of assets within the portfolio.
18. A system according to claim 12 wherein said server configured to use supervised and unsupervised learning processes to determine a cash flow recovery and a probability of recovery.
19. A system according to claim 12 wherein said server configured to stop recalculations when asset valuation mean variance is below a predetermined percentage.
20. A system according to claim 19 wherein the predetermined percentage is ten percent.
21. A system according to claim 12 wherein said server configured to stop recalculations when mean variance in a valuation of a tranche of assets is below a predetermined percentage.
22. A system according to claim 21 wherein the predetermined percentage is fifteen percent.
23. A computer for finding value and reducing risk in purchasing portfolios of assets, said computer including a database of asset portfolios said computer programmed to:
calculate an initial asset value for the portfolio; and
recalculate asset value based on progressively improving asset valuation data.
24. A computer according to claim 23 programmed to pre-underwrite assets to determine asset value.
25. A computer according to claim 23 programmed to partially underwrite assets to determine asset value.
26. A computer according to claim 23 programmed to fully underwrite assets to determine asset value.
27. A computer according to claim 26 programmed to:
underwrite a number of the assets on a full cash basis manner; and
underwrite a number of the assets on a partial cash basis manner.
28. A computer according to claim 23 programmed to perform an automated valuation using statistical algorithms to make inferences of value of assets within the portfolio.
29. A computer according to claim 23 programmed to use supervised and unsupervised learning processes to determine a cash flow recovery and a probability of recovery.
30. A computer according to claim 23 programmed to stop recalculations when asset valuation mean variance is below a predetermined percentage.
31. A computer according to claim 30 wherein the predetermined percentage is ten percent.
32. A computer according to claim 23 programmed to stop recalculations when mean variance in a valuation of a tranche of assets is below a predetermined percentage.
33. A computer according to claim 32 wherein the predetermined percentage is fifteen percent.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

I claim:

1. A can trimmer apparatus comprising:
a sealed outer housing;
a removable power connection on the exterior of and extending through the housing, wherein said power connection is operatively and removably connected to a first shaft;
a first rotating blade mounted on the first shaft;
a second rotating blade mounted on a second shaft, wherein the second rotating blade is spaced apart from the first rotating blade by an adjustable gap and wherein the first and second shafts have substantially the same mass;
an inner housing connected to the second shaft;
a first keyed spur bearing rotated by the first shaft;
a second, third, and fourth spur bearings rotated by the first spur bearing, wherein the fourth spur bearing is keyed to rotate the second shaft;
an adjustment mechanism accessible from the exterior of the outer housing to adjust a third shaft that is connected to the inner housing by zero end play bearings, wherein adjustment of the third shaft changes the gap between the first and second rotating blades;
a fourth shaft receiving external power for movement in a direction along the length of the fourth shaft; and
a motion translator mechanism that translates movement and power from the fourth shaft to a direction perpendicular to the length of the fourth shaft, wherein the motion translator is connected to the inner housing to cause the second rotating blade to move in the perpendicular direction to pivot between an open position and a closed position.
2. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 1 wherein the removable power connection comprises a tang.
3. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 2 wherein the tang has a square cross-section.
4. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 2 wherein the tang has an octagonal cross-section.
5. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 2 wherein the tang is secured to the first shaft by means of a setscrew.
6. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
a blade guard, and a piece of rubber mounted on the first shaft; and
wherein the second rotating blade moves the against the blade guard to compress against the piece of rubber so the second rotating blade overlaps the first rotating blade when in a closed position.
7. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second rotating blade is maintained substantially parallel to the first rotating blade to maintain the gap between the blades during the perpendicular movement of the second rotating blade.
8. A can trimmer apparatus comprising two blades and an adjustment mechanism to adjust a gap between the blades, wherein the adjustment mechanism is accessible from the exterior of the trimmer apparatus.
9. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 8 further comprising:
a first shaft on which one of the blades is mounted;
a housing connected to the first shaft;
a second shaft connected to the second blade at least partially contained in the housing; and
wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises an adjustment screw accessible from the exterior of the trimmer apparatus, wherein rotation of the adjustment screw moves the second shaft in a direction along its length to adjust the gap between the blades.
10. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a locking mechanism to substantially maintain the position of the second shaft once the gap is adjusted.
11. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 8 wherein the gap is about 8-25% of the thickness of the metal of a can.
12. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 8 wherein the gap is about 8-15% of the thickness of the metal of a can.
13. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 8 wherein the gap is about 8-10% of the thickness of the metal of a can.
14. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a sealed gear housing.
15. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 14 wherein the housing is sealed by o-rings.
16. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 8 further comprising spur gears.
17. A can trimmer apparatus comprising:
a first blade mounted on a first shaft; and
a second blade mounted on a second shaft, wherein the first and second shafts are about the same mass.
18. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 17 further comprising:
an adjustment mechanism to adjust a gap between the first and second blades, wherein adjustment of the gap is in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement between the open and closed positions; and
a motion translator to translate the direction of motion of the second blade between the open and closed positions with substantially no motion in the direction of the gap.
19. The can trimmer of claim 18 further comprising a sealed gear housing.
20. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 18 wherein the gap is about 8-25% of the thickness of the metal of a can.
21. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 18 wherein the gap is about 8-15% of the thickness of the metal of a can.
22. The can trimmer apparatus of claim 18 wherein the gap is about 8-10% of the thickness of the metal of a can.
23. The can trimmer of claim 18 wherein the adjustment mechanism is accessible from the exterior of the apparatus.
24. The can trimmer of claim 23 wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises:
an adjustment screw;
an adjustment nut; and
a locking mechanism.
25. A can trimmer apparatus comprising a housing and a power connection accessible from the exterior of the housing, wherein said power connection is replaceable without opening the housing.
26. The can trimmer of claim 25 wherein the power connection is a tang.

1. A method for distributing digital content from a sending device to an authorized receiving device which is located at a predetermined location and whose authentication data has been compromised by an unauthorized receiving device, the method comprising the steps of:
determining a predetermined distance from said sending device to said authorized receiving device, where said authorized receiving device is located at a predetermined location that is known to said sending device;
receiving a request for digital content from a device purporting to be said authorized receiving device;
sending, in response to said request for digital content, a request for acknowledgement to said purported receiving device;
receiving an acknowledgement, including device authentication data, from said unauthorized receiving device that corresponds to valid device authentication data from said authorized receiving device;
determining, in response to receiving said acknowledgement from said purported receiving device, an actual round-trip response time for said request for said acknowledgement and the associated acknowledgement; and
using said actual round-trip response time to determine if said purported receiving device is located a distance from said sending device corresponding to said predetermined distance from said sending device to said authorized receiving device.
2. The method for distributing digital content of claim 1 wherein said step of using said round-trip response time comprises:
if said actual round-trip response time corresponds to a response time for said predetermined distance, said request for digital content is granted and if said actual round-trip response time does not correspond to a response time for said predetermined distance, denying said request for digital content.
3. The method for distributing digital content of claim 1 wherein said predetermined location is identified by a one of location specific parameters including: a physical address representing a present physical location of said receiving device, and a geographical area in which said receiving device is located.
4. The method for distributing digital content of claim 1 wherein the step of sending a request for acknowledgement comprises:
recording a first rime representing when said request for said acknowledgement was sent.
5. The method for distributing digital content of claim 4 wherein the step of determining an actual round-trip response time comprises:
recording a second time representing when said acknowledgement was received at said sending device.
6. The method for distributing digital content of claim 5 wherein the step of determining an actual round-trip response time comprises:
comparing said first time and said second time to determine said actual round-trip response time.
7. A method for detecting a request for digital content from an unauthorized receiving device which has compromised the authentication of an authorized receiving device, the method comprising the steps of:
establishing a predetermined reference distance between a sending device and an authorized receiving device, said predetermined reference distance having a corresponding predetermined response time;
receiving said request for digital content at said sending device from said unauthorized receiving device;
in response to receiving said request for digital content, sending a request for an acknowledgement to said unauthorized receiving device;
receiving an acknowledgement including device authentication data, from said unauthorized receiving device that corresponds to valid device authentication data from said authorized receiving device;
in response to receiving said acknowledgement from said unauthorized receiving device at said sending device, determining an actual round-trip response time; and
comparing said actual round-trip response time to said predetermined response time, wherein if said actual round-trip response time fails to correspond to said predetermined round-trip response limit for said authorized receiving device, said unauthorized receiving device is not authorized to receive said digital content.
8. The method for detecting a request for digital content from an unauthorized receiving device of claim 7 wherein the step of determining an actual round-trip response time comprises:
calculating a difference between sending said request for said acknowledgement from said sending device and receiving said acknowledgement from said unauthorized receiving device at said sending device.
9. The method for detecting a request for digital content from an unauthorized receiving device of claim 7 wherein said authorized receiving device is identified by a one of location specific parameters including: a physical address representing a present physical location of said authorized receiving device, and a geographical area in which said authorized receiving device is located.
10. The method for detecting a request for digital content from an unauthorized receiving device of claim 7 wherein the step of sending a request for an acknowledgement comprises:
recording a time representing when said request for said acknowledgement was sent to said receiving device.
11. The method for detecting a request for digital content from an unauthorized receiving device of claim 10 wherein the step of receiving said acknowledgement from said unauthorized receiving device comprises:
recording a receive time representing when said acknowledgement was received at said sending device.
12. The method for detecting a request for digital content from an unauthorized receiving device of claim 10 wherein the step of determining an actual round-trip response time comprises:
calculating a difference between said send time and said receive time to determine said actual round-trip response time.
13. A method for preventing distribution of digital content from a source device to an unauthorized destination device located outside of a predetermined geographical area, the method comprising the steps of:
establishing a predetermined reference distance between a source device and an authorized receiving device located in said predetermined geographic area, said predetermined reference distance having a corresponding predetermined response time;
receiving a request from a destination device for said digital content;
said sending device requesting an acknowledgement from said destination device;
receiving an acknowledgement, including device authentication data, from said destination device that corresponds to valid device authentication data from said authorized receiving device;
recording a first time denoting the time that said request for acknowledgement was sent to said destination device;
recoding a second time denoting the time that said acknowledgement from said destination device was received at said source device;
calculating a difference between said first time and said second time to determine a round-trip response time; and
comparing said round-trip response time to said predetermined response time, if said round-trip response time fails to correspond to said predetermined response time, denying said request for digital content and if said round-trip response time corresponds to said predetermined response time, granting said request for said digital content.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A method for characterizing patterns which are present as stored information,
characterization proposals being automatically generated in a computer system,
and the pattern and the characterization proposal being presented to a processing employee by means of a computer program, characterized in that the processing employee can evaluate andor modify the characterization proposal which is assigned to the pattern.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the characterization proposals which are generated are stored in a database until they are checked by the processing employee, and are presented to the processing employee on a screen while the pattern is being characterized.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the characterization proposal is generated directly on the screen while the pattern is being characterized.
4. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pattern is an image and the image is presented on the display together with the characterization proposal.
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the characterization proposal is presented in the form of a closed line configuration, and in that the line configuration is superimposed on the image.
6. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the proposal is accepted by the processing employee and stored in the system as a characterization.
7. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the proposal is deleted or modified by the processing employee, and in that a characterization proposal is generated manually.
8. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the proposal is rejected by the processing employee, and in that the proposal is used as a basis for a further method.
9. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the proposal is deleted completely, and in that a suitable proposal is generated using a more complex method.
10. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for a large number of samples the characterization method is carried out using the Internet.
11. A server system for carrying out the method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the server system has
a device for storing patterns,
a unit for generating characterization proposals for the stored patterns,
a memory for storing the characterizations which are assigned to the patterns,
and a communications device for communicating with a processing device for evaluating and processing the characterization proposals.
12. A processing device for evaluating and processing characterization proposals for patterns within the scope of the method as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the processing device has
a display for displaying the patterns and the associated characterization proposals,
an input unit for inputting the assessment of the characterization of the pattern andor
for deleting or modifying the characterization
and a communications unit for communicating with a server system for storing patterns and characterizations, and for generating characterization proposals.