Abstract: Solutions for providing an interactive and intuitive video environment. Some such solutions use a user supersystem as an interactive multimedia system, including various features relating to video capture and processing. In some cases, a “live video thumbnail” is provided as part of a media album application, for example, to entice users to capture video (e.g., a photo or video file) using components of the user supersystem. Other implementations facilitate video processing functionality, such as “best frame” selection and auto-cropping of video data.

Abstract: Solutions for facilitating enhanced video calling functionality. Embodiments include functionality for handling video calling through a communications hub. According to some embodiments, the communications hub is a user supersystem having multiple clients, each with an integrated camera and display, capable of seamlessly handing off video call functionality among the clients. Other embodiments integrate other functionality of the communications hub (e.g., web browsing, multimedia, etc.) into the video call environment.

Abstract: Solutions for providing integrated media services, e.g., in the context of communications services offered through a user supersystem configured as an interactive graphical communications hub. For example, interactions with a messaging interface may provide access to media creation functionality, including doodle functionality, in the context of the messaging and/or in the context of other media. In one implementation, the communications interface allows a user to doodle in the context of an image file (e.g., a photo) while in the context of a chat application.

Abstract: Solutions for providing integrated task list functionality. Some such solutions use a user supersystem as a communications hub to generate, display, and/or handle user-based tasks for a family group. For example, tasks may be assigned to one or more members of the family and associated with various types of dates, rewards, audits, etc. Family members may then interact with the tasks through the communications hub and/or through other devices (e.g., cell phones, etc.).

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for handling graphical interfacing with a group conversation involving a communications hub and multiple member devices. Embodiments provide a “family chat” communications mode for facilitating a synchronous conversation among all the members of the designated family group. Typically, the conversation may involve a user supersystem (e.g., including one or more graphical communications devices) associated with the family and disposed with the family's local network, and member devices associated with each member of the family group (e.g., cell phones, etc). In some embodiments, the family chat conversation is displayed (e.g., rendered) as a substantially continuous feed graphically indicating the party contributing each message to the feed, the temporal relationship of the various contributions, and other useful information.

Abstract: Solutions for providing iconography to entice users to interact with multimedia services. Some such solutions use a user supersystem as an interactive media enticement system. Dynamic, interactive “photo stack” iconography can presented on the user supersystem for enticing users to interact with multimedia functionality of the user supersystem. For example, a “photo stack” icon dynamically displays a “most recent” photo as a top photo on a virtual photo stack. In certain cases, clicking on the “photo stack” icon brings the user to a photo booth application, through which the user may create, edit, post, etc. photos.

Abstract: Solutions for providing context-driven communications mode determinations. Some such solutions use a communications hub located in a home (e.g., a user supersystem) to facilitate context-driven, multi-modal communications. For example, a tablet system may be used as a graphical communications hub in a family's home, used by the family to communicate to and from the home via multiple communications modes (e.g., family chat, family activities, user-based messaging, etc.) over one or more communications channels. Determination of an appropriate mode for communications may be driven by contextual (rather that channel-based) factors relating to the communications.

Abstract: A pneumatic golf disc retriever is provided for retrieval of a Frisbee golf disc. The retriever is extendable to a length of 2-meters for determining a present infraction in violation of the disc-golf 2 meter rule. The retriever includes a telescoping extendable shaft which rapidly extends for retrieving a golf disc and similarly retracts for storing and carrying along a golf course. The pneumatic retriever further includes a pneumatic actuator disposed on a proximal end, a suction cup disposed on a distal end, and a stretchable tubing connecting therebetween. The suction cup can further be attached by a hinge.

Abstract: A device for generating an electrical signal with a wide band arbitrary waveform includes at least two continuous wave lasers each being adapted to produce light at a different wavelength. The device also includes at least one pulse generator adapted to convert the light from the lasers into optical pulse trains and a plurality of optical modulators. Each modulator is adapted to receive an optical pulse train at at least one wavelength and modulate the optical pulse train in response to an electromagnetic signal. An optically dispersive element is adapted to receive the optical pulse trains from the modulators and to introduce a wavelength dependent delay between the optical pulse trains. The device further includes a photodetector for receiving the modulated dispersed optical pulse trains and producing an analogue electrical signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A device for generating an electrical signal with a wide band arbitrary waveform comprising (i) at least two continuous wave lasers each being adapted to produce light at a different wavelength; (ii) at least one pulse generator adapted to convert the light from the lasers into optical pulse trains; (iii) a plurality of optical modulators, each modulator being adapted to receive an optical pulse train at least one wavelength and modulate the optical pulse train in response to an electromagnetic signal; (iv) an optically dispersive element adapted to receive the optical pulse trains from the modulators and to introduce a wavelength dependent delay between the optical pulse trains; and, (v) a photodetector for receiving the modulated dispersed optical pulse trains and producing an analogue electrical signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A device for digitising an electrical signal comprising (A) at least two continuous wave lasers each being adapted to produce light at a different wavelength; (B) a dispersive optical chopper adapted to chop the output of each of the lasers into optical pulse trains, introduce a predetermined delay between each of the optical pulse trains and to combine the optical pulse trains into a single optical path; (C) a modulator having an input port adapted to receive the output of the dispersive optical chopper, an output port and at least one optical path extending therebetween, the modulator being adapted to receive a microwave signal and to modulate the amplitude of the optical signal in the optical path in response to the microwave signal; (D) an optical splitter for splitting the signal received from the output port of the modulator into a plurality of wavelength dependent signal paths; and (E) a plurality of analogue to digital converters each connected at least one wavelength dependent signal path for convert

Abstract: A tuneable electro-optic modulator (1) comprising first and second spaced apart output optical waveguides (2, 3), each output optical waveguide comprising a coupled portion (12) optically coupled to a corresponding coupled portion (13) of the other output optical waveguide, the coupled portions defining a coupling region (14) therebetween; an optical source adapted to symmetrically provide an optical signal to the first and second output optical waveguides; a portion of each of the output optical waveguides having a signal electrode (6, 7) thereon; the modulator further comprising a central optical waveguide (15), at least a portion of which is arranged in the coupling region, the central optical waveguide having a tuning electrode (16) thereon.

Abstract: A method for servicing a well comprises providing at least one trailer, providing at least one towing vehicle, providing servicing equipment, supporting the equipment with the trailer, and moving the towing vehicle, so as to move the trailer along with the equipment. The combination gross weight rating or combination gross vehicle weight of the trailer and the towing vehicle may be less than 26,001 pounds or less than less than the commercial drivers license threshold, under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's regulations.

Abstract: A method for servicing a well comprises providing at least one trailer, providing at least one towing vehicle, providing servicing equipment, supporting the equipment with the trailer, and moving the towing vehicle, so as to move the trailer along with the equipment. The combination gross weight rating or combination gross vehicle weight of the trailer and the towing vehicle may be less than 26,001 pounds or less than less than the commercial drivers license threshold, under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's regulations.

Abstract: A four arm linearized Mach Zehnder modulator comprising first and second primary electro-optic waveguides; first and second secondary electro-optic waveguides, each secondary electro-optic waveguide being arranged adjacent to a primary electro-optic waveguide; an RF electrode having a stub extending therefrom, the stub having a first foot portion extending partially along the first primary electro-optic waveguide and a second foot portion extending at least partially along the first secondary electro-optic waveguide; an RF ground electrode having a stub extending therefrom, the stub having a first foot portion extending partially along the second primary electro-optic waveguide and a second foot portion extending at least partially along the second secondary electro-optic waveguide; an optical source for providing an optical signal to the waveguides; the RF electrodes being arranged such that when a voltage is applied between the RF electrode and RF ground electrode the magnitudes of the phase shifts experie

Abstract: A metrology system includes a positioning system that produces linear and rotational motion between an imaging system and the wafer. The imaging system produces signals representing the image of the wafer in the field of view of the imaging system. A control system receives and processes the image signals, and generates corrected signals that compensate for rotational movement between the imaging system and the wafer. In response to the corrected signals, a monitor displays an image with the orientation of features on the wafer within the field of view unaffected by the rotational movement.

Abstract: A seat cover adapted to removably cover a seat in an automobile includes a cover body being formed from one layer of non-woven material which may be made from spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) fibers. The cover body has a longitudinal direction and a pair of ends. The cover body defines a pair of pockets adapted to receive portions of the seat with the pockets disposed at opposite ends of the cover body.

Abstract: Density-reducing additives comprising low-density particulates, and cement compositions comprising such additives, are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a cement composition comprising: a cement component; a density-reducing additive comprising particulates that comprise an agglomerating material; and a base fluid.

Abstract: Methods of using density-reducing additives comprising low-density particulates in subterranean cementing operations are provided. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of cementing comprising: providing a cement composition comprising a cement component, a base fluid, and a density-reducing additive comprising particulates that comprise an agglomerating material; placing the cement composition in a location to be cemented; and allowing the cement composition to set therein.

Abstract: A method for blending dry material in a plant comprises automatically controlling fluidization of the dry material, transfer of the material, or both. In various embodiments, the automatically controlling comprises optimizing an amount of time that the dry material is fluidized prior to transfer, optimizing the transfer rate of the dry material, detecting and eliminating a developing plug of the dry material, estimating the weight of the dry material in the transfer line, minimizing dribbling during transfer of the dry material, and combinations thereof.