Abstract: Information is automatically identified and shared between individuals who wish to become socially or professionally “connected.” An electronic communication is sent from one person to another including a request or invitation to be personally connected. If the request is accepted by the other person, a computer network is automatically accessed without further user intervention to search of one or more electronic databases to locate information related to the persons. If such information is found during the search, it is provided to the persons wishing to be connected. The initial request to become connected may be sent through an electronic mail message, through physical contact between two smartphones or other portable electronic devices, or through a wireless electronic network communication. The method may include searching multiple Internet websites or electronic databases, including social or professional media Internet websites, to locate the information to be shared.

Abstract: A ballot marking system and apparatus for marking a paper ballot listing a plurality of candidates which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the marking apparatus. The marking apparatus includes a touchscreen device on which the voter can enter his selections. The touchscreen is pivotally mounted atop the ballot marking apparatus such that it fits within a recess in the apparatus housing when in its closed position, and is ergonomically presented to the voter when in its open position.

Abstract: A holder for drinkware, the drinkware having at least a bowl and a foot, is described. In a first embodiment, the holder comprises a wall, the wall having a top end and a bottom end, a cap on the bottom end, and a cap on the top end, the wall and the caps each having at least one perforation. In another embodiment, the holder comprises a frame forming a wall, the frame comprising a plurality of fingers, the wall forming a space, the fingers each having a top end and a bottom end, a base component comprising a base wall forming an opening and a plurality of spokes extending radially into the opening, the base component configured to hold the bottom ends of the fingers; and a top component comprising a plurality of arms extending radially outward from an axial element, an aperture in the axial element, and a slit through the axial element to the aperture, the arms comprising bores at their distal tips opposite the axial element, each of the bores configured to hold the top end of a one of the fingers.

Abstract: A holder for drinkware, the drinkware having at least a bowl and a foot, is described. In a first embodiment, the holder comprises a wall, the wall having a top end and a bottom end, a cap on the bottom end, and a cap on the top end, the wall and the caps each having at least one perforation. In another embodiment, the holder comprises a frame forming a wall, the frame comprising a plurality of fingers, the wall forming a space, the fingers each having a top end and a bottom end, a base component comprising a base wall forming an opening and a plurality of spokes extending radially into the opening, the base component configured to hold the bottom ends of the fingers; and a top component comprising a plurality of arms extending radially outward from an axial element, an aperture in the axial element and a slit through the axial element to the aperture, the arms comprising bores at their distal tips opposite the axial element, each of the bores configured to hold the top end of a one of the fingers.

Abstract: A terminal for marking a paper ballot which lists a plurality of candidates and which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the terminal. The terminal scans the ballot to determine the ballot format, and then presents candidate selection options to the voter. Candidate selections are entered through a touch screen menu or through an audio menu and are accurately marked on the front and back sides of the ballot in marking spaces corresponding to the selected candidates. A skew correction mechanism ensures accurate marking.

Abstract: A ballot marking system and apparatus for marking a paper ballot listing a plurality of candidates which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the marking apparatus. The marking apparatus includes a touchscreen device on which the voter can enter his selections. The touchscreen is pivotally mounted atop the ballot marking apparatus such that it fits within a recess in the apparatus housing when in its closed position, and is ergonomically presented to the voter when in its open position.