Abstract: In an exemplary system, a content hub subsystem is selectively and communicatively coupled to a plurality of access devices. At least a subset of the access devices is associated with a predefined group of users. The content hub subsystem is configured to receive data representative of content from at least one of the access devices associated with the predefined group of users, map the content to the predefined group of users, and provide data representative of the content to the access devices associated with the predefined group of users. Each of the access devices associated with the predefined group of users is configured to generate at least one interactive graphical object representative of the content, and generate and present a graphical user interface including the interactive graphical object.
Type:
Application
Filed:
November 5, 2007
Publication date:
May 7, 2009
Applicant:
Verizon Data Services Inc.
Inventors:
James Mark Kondziela, Health Stallings, Don Relyea, Brian Roberts
Abstract: Data is extracted from at least one data source. The data is translated according to a metadata model and is stored in a staging data store. A migration management user interface is provided that includes a mechanism for indicating at least some of the data to be included in a migration event. The migration event is initiated based at least in part on the input received via the user interface. The at least some of the data is migrated from the staging data store to a target data store according to a hierarchy of controls.
Abstract: A method, a computer program product, and apparatus are provided for delivering information and commands regarding a media program. An advertisement is provided that allows a user to request more information about the media program by clicking on or otherwise selecting the advertisement. The information may be based on the identity of the user. The information may include programming guide information regarding the media program that is available to an associated set top box of the user. The user may also be able to send commands, such as record the media program or set up a reminder about the media program, through a DVR scheduling facility to the set top box. The set top box may be able to send an acceptance of the command or a notice of conflict to the user through the DVR scheduling facility.
Abstract: A system for interfacing data between at least a first and a second software program, the system hosting the execution of the software programs and each software program respectively executing computer instruction code, the system including: a computing device operable by a user and with which the user submits authentication data, the computing device indicating the grant of access to the user of the first and second software programs upon independent verification of the user's credentials by the first and second software programs where verification is required; a first selection means operable by the user to select data available to the first software program; a second selection means operable by the user to initiate a first browser and causing the first browser to post the selected data; a receiving means enabling the second software program to receive and process the posted selected data; and transmitting means enabling the second software program to return the processed data to a second browser in a form
Type:
Application
Filed:
July 14, 2006
Publication date:
May 7, 2009
Applicant:
Accenture Global Services GmbH
Inventors:
Mark Jeffrey Dowlan, Saneel Vasram, Nick Shelomanov
Abstract: An approach is provided for providing auto-completion of information functions utilizing strings. Textual input is received from a user via an application, an auto-complete variable (e.g., string) is retrieved based on the textual input, wherein the auto-complete variable includes a plurality of trigger strings from a predetermined number of matched data, the auto-complete variable is transmitted to the application, wherein the application compares the textual input with the auto-complete variable, an indication is received from the application that a match is found based on the comparison of the textual input and one of the trigger strings, information is retrieved in response to the indication, and the information is transmitted to the application for auto-completion of the textual input.
Abstract: A device may receive a request to authenticate a user, automatically establish a multimedia session with the user in response to receiving the request, and capture a group of biometric identifiers for the user from the multimedia session. The device may further perform a group of biometric authentication operations using the analyzed or captured biometric identifiers to obtain a group of authentication scores, determine whether the user is properly authenticated based on the group of authentication scores, and transmit a message representing the determination of whether the user is properly authenticated.
Abstract: A gear assembly for transmitting torque from one shaft to another comprises two intermeshing gears mounted on respective shafts. One of the gears comprises a hub member for receiving one of the shafts, a toothed annular member mounted for rotation with the hub member. At least one spring provided between the hub member and the annular member has stiffness capable of reducing torsional vibrations and noise induced during rotation of the gears by the eccentricity of at least one of the gears.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 22, 2005
Publication date:
May 7, 2009
Applicant:
Ira Lee Zebrak The BOC Group, Inc., Legal-Services-IP
Inventors:
Tristan Richard Ghislain Davenne, John Cambridge Smith
Abstract: Methods and apparatus to operate an intermodal facility are disclosed. In a method described herein, a carrier enters into a contractual agreement with a separate intermodal facility owner to have exclusive use of the intermodal facility. Alternatively, a rail-to-truck and/or truck-to-rail intermodal facility owner may provide non-exclusive use to multiple railroads. In one embodiment, the contractual agreement is a contingent lease. For example, if intermodal facility use falls below a threshold, a carrier may terminate the contingent lease. Preferably, the carrier has no minimum use requirements associated with the intermodal facility. Instead, the shipper associated with the carrier is charged by the intermodal facility owner based on the amount of intermodal facility use (e.g., on a per container basis). In one preferred embodiment, a real estate developer owns the intermodal facility and builds a business park near the intermodal facility in order to capture the related business.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 31, 2008
Publication date:
May 7, 2009
Applicant:
CenterPoint Realty Services, Inc.
Inventors:
Brian Swindle, Paul Fisher, Michael Mullen, Daniel Hemmer, James Ford
Abstract: A filter support for a vacuum cleaner is provided with a frame suitable for supporting a filter and with a shaking device for making the frame vibrate in use, which has an actuator provided with a fan that is rotated by an air flow that in use passes through the Frame.
Abstract: The invention discloses a vertical pipe lining method comprising placing a repair material having a first end and a second end into a pipe having a bottom opening and a top opening. The repair material is inflated to press the repair material against the inside wall surface of the pipe; and heated air is conveyed through the inflated repair material from the bottom opening to the top opening to cure or mold a thermal responsive component of the repair material to the pipe. The invention also teaches a repair material for vertically oriented pipes comprising a multi-layered lining comprising a first outer layer and a second inner layer wherein the first outer layer comprises a resin impregnated fiber and the second inner layer is air impermeable. The invention also teaches a system for repairing. vertical pipe utilizing a repair material inflation device, an air blower and an air heater.
Abstract: A wellbore may be cemented by preparing a cementitious composition comprising water, a metal oxide or hydroxide compound, a phosphate compound, a borate compound, and a sugar, followed by displacing the cementitious composition into the wellbore. The metal oxide or hydroxide compound reacts with the phosphate compound in the wellbore to set into a hard mass. The synergistic effect of the borate compound and the sugar may increase a thickening time of the cementitious composition to in a range of from about 2 hours to about 11 hours at ambient temperatures in the wellbore. As such, the thickening time is sufficient to allow the cementitious composition to be placed in its desired location in the wellbore before setting.
Abstract: A variable ratio power divider (VRPD) used for adjusting a calibration signal for a dual polarization radar system has been developed. The VRPD includes an input line that receives a calibration signal and splits the calibration signal into two separate test signals that have a 0° phase shift between them. The VRPD also includes a horizontal polarization output port for a horizontal calibration signal and a vertical polarization output port for a vertical calibration signal. A waveguide switch receives one of the test signals. If the waveguide switch is operating in an open position, it passes the test signal through a variable 0°-180° phase shifter. This evenly divides the power of the test signals between the horizontal and vertical output ports. If the waveguide switch is operating in a closed position, it causes the test signal to bypass the phase shifter so that the entire power of the both test signals is directed entirely to either the horizontal phase output port or the vertical phase output port.
Abstract: A system and method for automatically determining a plurality of pieces of different information about a textual document from the text of the textual document are provided in which one or more particular characteristics of the text of the textual document are identified to generate a file containing the text of the textual document with the particular characteristics marked up within the text.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 22, 2000
Date of Patent:
May 5, 2009
Assignee:
West Services, Inc.
Inventors:
Bob Haschart, Jack Conrad, Forrest Rhoads, Dan Dabney, Howard Turtle, Kinley Larntz, Po Yang Bokyung Yang Stephens, Dan Gannon
Abstract: Methods of improving the thermal stability of an aqueous wellbore treatment fluid are provided. The wellbore treatment fluid comprises at least one polysaccharide and an effective amount of at least one polyacrylamide to maintain its stability at a temperature greater than about 250° F. A formate compound is not required to achieve high-temperature stability in the fluid. Thus, the fluid is less expensive than conventional polymer-containing aqueous wellbore treatment fluids. The aqueous fluid may serve as, for example, a drilling fluid in the wellbore. It may be circulated through the wellbore without being concerned that it could become unstable due to exposure to relatively high downhole temperatures.
Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and related methods for flexibly tracking the position of one or more mobile devices using a satellite positioning system. The embodiments of the invention are particularly adapted to provide an inexpensive, reliable, flexible, and readily scalable solution that can be readily applied without requiring large capital expenditures. Various embodiments of the invention are particularly suitable for scalable use in a variety of areas on a temporary basis.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 25, 2006
Date of Patent:
May 5, 2009
Assignee:
Accenture Global Services GmbH
Inventors:
Joseph R. Schlesier, William E. Vallier, Ryan M. Bell, Andrew J. Bodart, Steven V. Rimar
Abstract: Certain thiol and acylthiol compounds inhibit retrovirus growth by attacking the highly conserved zinc finger regions of essential viral proteins. These compounds, compositions containing them, and methods of using them to treat retroviral infections such as HIV are described. These compounds are also useful for preparation of vaccines comprised of inactivated retroviruses such as HIV, prevention of the transmission of such retroviruses, and detection of retroviral proteins.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 25, 2002
Date of Patent:
May 5, 2009
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Department of Health and Human Services
Inventors:
John K. Inman, Atul Goel, Ettore Appella, Jim Turpin, Marco Schito
Abstract: A method of reducing target metal oxides and passivated metals to their metallic state. A reduction reaction is used, often combined with a flux agent to enhance separation of the reaction products. Thermal energy in the form of conventional furnace, infrared, or microwave heating may be applied in combination with the reduction reaction.
Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for generating power. The systems and methods provide techniques for agitating fuel stored in a fuel storage tank and then combusting that fuel to generate power.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 1, 2006
Date of Patent:
May 5, 2009
Assignee:
United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
Abstract: An automated method and system for facilitating timely use and/or redemption of the unused portion of an electronic ticket are provided. In accordance with the method, an aging period is set and is added to the scheduled departure date of the issued ticket, and a reminder period is set and subtracted from the scheduled date of a ticket. If the scheduled departure date plus the aging date is earlier than the current date, a determination is made as to whether the ticket has been used. If the scheduled date minus the reminder period is earlier than the current date, then a message is communicated to the traveler reminding him to use or redeem the ticket. A residual value of the ticket is calculated and communicated to a client to facilitate redemption of the unused ticket and issuance of appropriate redemption credit.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 14, 2002
Date of Patent:
May 5, 2009
Assignee:
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Inventors:
Robert G. Barnes, Diego Espinosa, Meg Rediess, Lisa Steury, Warren P. Warner
Abstract: A structured composite is comprised of particulates having particle size distribution of at least two modes and a binder. The particle size distribution is preferably bi-modal or tri-modal. The composite may further contain a density-modifying agent for modifying the density of the composite. The particulates are preferably substantially spherical and may be ultra lightweight (ULW) materials. The resulting composites exhibit the requisite strength to survive downhole imposed stresses and temperatures.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 8, 2006
Date of Patent:
May 5, 2009
Assignee:
BJ Services Company
Inventors:
Harold Dean Brannon, Allan Ray Rickards, Phillip B. Kaufman