Abstract: A connector for pivotably connecting two structural members together includes a generally planar member having a plurality of semi-circular tabs extending from the planar member. The tabs are semi-circular to pivotably receive a vertically extending rod member of one of the structural elements. The connector may include a semi-cylindrical wall portion that is adapted to receive and capture a horizontally extending rod member of one of the structural members.

Abstract: A handheld article carrier is designed to accommodate dumbbells and other personal items such as water bottles, cellphone, keys etc. The carrier may be formed from a single piece of sheet metal material and is generally U-shaped. The carrier includes sidewalls each having a slot for supporting the shaft portion of one or more dumbbells. The carrier includes a handle that may be integrally formed in a central portion of the frame of the carrier, or attached as a separate piece. The article carrier can be made from a single sheet of metal, multiple sheets of metal, a combination of metal and natural materials, all natural materials, a combination of metal and synthetic materials, or all synthetic materials.

Abstract: A handheld article carrier is designed to accommodate dumbbells and other personal items such as water bottles, cellphone, keys etc. The carrier may be formed from a single piece of sheet metal material and is generally U-shaped. The carrier includes sidewalls each having a slot for supporting the shaft portion of one or more dumbbells. The carrier includes a handle that may be integrally formed in a central portion of the frame of the carrier, or attached as a separate piece. The article carrier can be made from a single sheet of metal, multiple sheets of metal, a combination of metal and natural materials, all natural materials, a combination of metal and synthetic materials, or all synthetic materials.

Abstract: A liner (18) for a shaped charge (10) that utilizes a high performance powered metal mixture to achieve improved penetration depths during the perforation of a wellbore is disclosed. The high performance powdered metal mixture includes powdered tungsten and powdered metal binder. The powered metal binder may be selected from the group consisting of tantalum, molybdenum, lead, cooper and combination thereof. This mixture is compressively formed into a substantially conically shaped liner (18).

Abstract: A liner (18) for a shaped charge (10) that utilizes a high performance powered metal mixture to achieve improved penetration depths during the perforation of a wellbore is disclosed. The high performance powdered metal mixture includes powdered tungsten and powdered metal binder. The powered metal binder may be selected from the group consisting of tantalum, molybdenum, lead, cooper and combination thereof. This mixture is compressively formed into a substantially conically shaped liner (18).

Abstract: A liner (18) for a shaped charge (10) that utilizes a high performance powered metal mixture to achieve improved penetration depths during the perforation of a wellbore is disclosed. The high performance powdered metal mixture includes powdered tungsten and powdered metal binder. The powered metal binder may be selected from the group consisting of tantalum, molybdenum, lead, cooper and combination thereof. This mixture is compressively formed into a substantially conically shaped liner (18).

Abstract: An approach for providing instant messaging (IM) services is disclosed. A request is received from a source client to establish communication with a destination client associated with a subscriber over a first IM environment, wherein the request specifies a first user name derived from a unique identifier of the subscriber. A unique identifier is determined from the first user name. Further, a profile of the subscriber is accessed based on the unique identifier to determine a second user name corresponding to a second IM environment. An IM session is established between the source client and the destination client over the first and second IM environments using the respective first user name and second user name.

Abstract: An approach is provided for supporting a plurality of communication modes through universal identification. A core identifier is generated for uniquely identifying a user among a plurality of users within the communication system. One or more specific identifiers are derived based upon the core identifier, wherein the specific identifiers serve as addressing information to the respective communication modes. The specific identifiers and the core identifier are designated as a suite of identifiers allocated to the user.

Abstract: An approach is disclosed for providing an extended directory service over a communication system including a data network and a telephony network. A subscriber submits a request for directory information to the communication system according to a first communication mode. The system accesses a directory among multiple directories in response to the request, wherein the directories include an internal directory associated with the subscriber and an external directory not associated with the subscriber. The directory information from the selected directory is retrieved and forwarded to the subscriber according to a second communication mode.

Abstract: An approach is provided for offering communication services supported by a data network and a telephony network. A primary identifier is assigned to a user for access to the communication services, wherein the primary identifier is used by a party seeking to communicate with the user via one of the communication services. The primary identifier is mapped to one of a plurality of secondary identifiers corresponding to the respective communication services. The one secondary identifier is used by at least one of the data network and the telephony network to establish a communication session between the party and the user.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for analyzing qualitative data. The method includes the step of providing a plurality of evaluation categories and a respective ranking system. Providing a closed curvilinear graph in which each unit of radius corresponds to a rank in the ranking system is another step of the method. Another step in the method includes placing each evaluation category at a location on the circumference of the closed curvilinear graph. The steps of the method also include providing the evaluation categories and ranking system to an entity being evaluated. The entity selects a rank in response in each respective category according to the method. Plotting the ranking of each respective category as a node in the closed curvilinear graph in response to the ranking by the entity is another step in the method.

Abstract: A system and methods for shipping a package (12) from a package sender (16) to an intended recipient (18), utilizing Internet communications (30) to place shipping orders, request on demand package pickup, maintain and utilize prestored profile information, view shipping history, track orders, etc. A package sender (16) with an Internet-accessible computer (20) accesses an Internet site and associated shipping system (10) operated by a shipping service provider (14). The package sender (16) enters information required for shipping the package (12), including shipping options and methods for payment. The options and payment for the shipment transaction are validated. If the transaction is validated, printer indicia are communicated to the customer's computer (20), which is enabled to locally print a prepaid label (25) containing special machine-readable (876) as well as human-readable indicia (904).

Abstract: A liner (18) for a shaped charge (10) that utilizes a high performance powered metal mixture to achieve improved penetration depths during the perforation of a wellbore is disclosed. The high performance powdered metal mixture includes powdered tungsten and powdered metal binder. The powered metal binder may be selected from the group consisting of tantalum, molybdenum, lead, cooper and combination thereof. This mixture is compressively formed into a substantially conically shaped liner (18).