Abstract: A computer-implemented dating service employs a selectively programmed searching processor that includes a hierarchical calendar availability protocol as key search criteria in ascertaining responsive qualified candidates. System implementation is preferably cell phone and/or web portal based communications with selection processing and data storage accomplished remotely.

Abstract: A method and system for searching for content are disclosed. One or more search terms may be received from a user. The search term(s) may be received by, for example, a computer system. A plurality of information items may then be selected from, for example, a database. Each selected information item may include at least one search term received from the user. For at least one selected information item, a content supplier for the information item and a relationship index between the user and the content supplier may be determined. The selected information items may be ordered, at least in part, based upon the relationship index determined for the information item. A representation of at least one of the ordered information items may then be displayed to, for example, the user.

Abstract: A method and system for organizing and displaying a message thread list is disclosed. A current counter value and a set of message threads that a user has permission to access are determined. For each message thread in the set, the method determines an elapsed counter value between the current counter value and the first updated message counter value. The first updated message counter value equals the counter value when the first message is added to the message thread after the user last accessed the message thread if the user has accessed the message thread. Otherwise, the first updated message counter value equals the counter value when the message thread was created. The message threads are then ordered based on their elapsed counter value and displayed to the user. A message thread may include emails and/or message board messages.

Abstract: A method and system for accessing and having access-controlled photographs printed is disclosed. A user posting one or more photographs may set access control criteria restricting the set of other users who may display the photographs, print the photographs and/or have the photographs printed. A social networking environment may compare a second user's information with the access control criteria to determine if the second user has access rights. The access control criteria may include a relationship designator, a group designator, a tier designator, a proximity index, a geographical location, and/or a family name. An accessing user may have one or more photographs printed by a print service. The user may set print and delivery options for the photographs, individually or collectively. The social networking environment may provide the photographs to the print service, which prints and delivers the photographs according to the print and delivery options.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating and using proximity thresholds in a social networking environment are disclosed. A first user defines relationships with a plurality of second users by assigning a relationship designator for each connection of a relationship. The first user stores content within the social networking environment and denotes individuals allowed to or prevented from accessing the content by entering one or more proximity thresholds. The social networking environment may generate a proximity index based on a variety of factors. The proximity index may be assigned a particular proximity index grouping depending upon a range in which a proximity index lies. The first user may control access to content and/or allow or prevent the reception and/or display of content from other users based on the other users' proximity index or proximity index grouping with respect to the first user. The user may further order a contact list based on proximity thresholds.

Abstract: A method and system for associating a discussion thread with content uploaded to a social networking environment is disclosed. When a first user uploads content, an alert, in the form of an e-mail message or a link on a Web page, is transmitted to one or more second users to inform them of the content. The first user assigns access control criterion defining the second users to whom the alert is sent. Optionally, access control criteria define second users who can submit comments to the discussion thread. Second users submit comments by replying to the alert or by selecting a link on a Web page containing the content. The social networking environment maintains a Web page containing messages sent to a user. The user filters the messages based on a proximity index, relationship designators, group designators and/or tier designators.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling access to content in a social networking environment are disclosed. A first user defines relationships with a plurality of second users by assigning one or more relationship designators for each relationship. The first user stores content within the social networking environment and denotes individuals allowed to or prevented from accessing the content by entering one or more relationship designators. The first user may further control access by using tier designators. The social networking environment may generate a proximity index based on the relationships between a first user and a particular second user. The first user may control access to content based on the proximity index. The first user may also allow or prevent the reception of content from other users having particular relationship designators, tier designators, and/or proximity indices with respect to the first user.

Abstract: A multi-pass optical cell for measuring the concentration of one or more species in a fluid to be monitored includes a sample region; a source of collimated radiation; a detector device for sensing the intensity of the radiation; at least two reflective surfaces for reflecting in a first direction in the sample region a number of times the radiation from the source and delivering it to the detector device.

Abstract: An off-line-locked laser diode species monitor system includes: reference means for including at least one known species having a first absorption wavelength; a laser source for irradiating the reference means and at least one sample species having a second absorption wavelength differing from the first absorption wavelength by a predetermined amount; means for locking the wavelength of the laser source to the first wavelength of the at least one known species in the reference means; a controller for defeating the means for locking and for displacing the laser source wavelength from said first absorption wavelength by said predetermined amount to the second absorption wavelength; and a sample detector device for determining laser radiation absorption at the second wavelength transmitted through the sample to detect the presence of the at least one sample species.