Abstract: In one embodiment a method is disclosed for monitoring a multiplicity of set top boxes (STBs) in an internet protocol television (IPTV) network including receiving in an IPTV network server, conditional message data pushed from the multiplicity of set top boxes (STBs); analyzing in the IPTV server, the STB conditional message data to determine network status information data related to a set of STBs selected from the multiplicity of STBs; and pushing network status information data to the set of STBs. In another embodiment a system for monitoring an internet protocol television (IPTV) network is disclosed including an IPTV head-end server processor coupled to a memory in the IPTV server; a computer program embedded in the memory, the computer program including instructions to acquire conditional message data; and a computer program embedded in memory, the computer program including instructions to push the conditional message data to memory when the conditional message data exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for searching and processing contacts. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a mobile communication device (MCD) (116) has a transceiver (202), and a controller (212) for controlling operations thereof. The controller is programmed to receive (302) from an end user of the MCD a request for a contact, and search (304) for the contact in a phonebook of the MCD. If the entry cannot be found in the MCD, the controller is, programmed to search (318) for the contact in a phonebook of a local communication device (LCD). If the contact cannot be found in the LCD, the controller is programmed to search (330) for the contact in a directory of an enterprise server. Additional embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Troubleshooting of customer premise equipment installation includes receiving a request for troubleshooting information over a wireless link. The troubleshooting also includes providing information relating to an attempt to activate the customer premise equipment over the wireless link in response to receiving the request for troubleshooting information over the wireless link.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for processing ideas and managing intellectual property assets. The present invention provides a patent portfolio development portal for control and implementation of a workflow for the management of ideas such as intellectual property assets. The intellectual property assets comprise proprietary concepts and ideas captured or described in documents which are filed as applications for patent, trade marks, service marks or copyright. In the case of ideas, the intellectual property assets may also be published in defensive publications or held privately as trade secrets. The present invention provides an interface for comparing an intellectual property concept to other intellectual property concepts in a data base. The comparison enables easy access to similar and related intellectual property concepts so that similar concepts can be used to boot strap descriptions of new ideas based on improvements over and new combinations of other ideas.

Abstract: Connecting mechanisms for pivotally coupling a shoe with a sporting device are described. In one embodiment, the connecting mechanism can include a support element for supporting a shoe, a connecting element disposed on a sporting device, and a coupling element for coupling the support element to the connecting element. The support element can include a first end liftably disposable on the sporting device and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The coupling element can include a first end attachable via a first pivot to the second end of the support element and a second end attachable via a second pivot to the connecting element. The first and second pivots can be active successively with the progression of a bending movement of a foot in a shoe supported by the support element.

Abstract: Connecting mechanisms for pivotally coupling a shoe with a sporting device are described. In one embodiment, the connecting mechanism can include a support element for supporting a shoe, a connecting element disposed on a sporting device, and a coupling element for coupling the support element to the connecting element. The support element can include a first end liftably disposable on the sporting device and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The coupling element can include a first end attachable via a first pivot to the second end of the support element and a second end attachable via a second pivot to the connecting element. The first and second pivots can be active successively with the progression of a bending movement of a foot in a shoe supported by the support element.

Abstract: A connecting body for bone pieces to be joined together, characterized in that it has turned ends at both sides of a substantially elongated which may be completely driven into the bone pieces to be joined. At least one side of the body between the ends is preferably provided with a sharp edge. The body is preferably provided with at least one tooth pointing sideways and projecting away from the sharp edge.

Abstract: A connecting organ for coupling a shoe with a sporting device such as a skate or a roller skate, ski or the like, such as to be pivotable around a pivoting point, which is equipped with a first and a second pivoting point which during use are successively active with a progression of a foot's bending. the shoe can be mounted onto a support element which at a first end thereof liftably rests upon the sporting device and at a second end removed from the first end is via the first pivoting point connected with an end of a coupling element whose other end is connected via the second pivoting point with a connecting organ that is mounted on the sporting device.

Abstract: A pouch for a truncheon or baton having a body with an open upper end with a retaining flap to hold the truncheon in the pouch; and a lower end having at least one finger to enable the passage therethrough of the shaft of the truncheon when in the extended position, yet preventing unwanted extension of the shaft when the truncheon is placed in the pouch in the retracted position.

Abstract: The invention is a swivel holster to enable the pouch of a holster to move in a rotational and/or swivel manner relative to the belt-engaging member. The holster has an adjustable assembly between the holster and the belt loop. The assembly includes a concave first member for mating engagement with a convex second member, there being at least one friction-increasing surface between the first and second members to prevent unwanted relative movement therebetween. A bolt is used to secure the portions together.

Abstract: A lure retriever includes a bobbin section having a cylindrical bobbin or reel on which a string is wound with a hollow interior into which the lure retriever body is inserted for storage. The lure retriever body itself includes a cast metal cylindrical core with spring wire arms extending out from one end of the core. The spring wire arms are bent so as to extend along the core and inclined outwardly from the sides of the core at an angle of the order of 45.degree. . The spring arms act to retain the body in its storage position within the bobbin. One of the arms extends to a cross bar and loop portion which can be inserted through a loop member at the upper end of the body to form a complete loop for wrapping around a fishing line on which the lure and hook is entrapped. When so positioned the body can slide along the fishing line to the entrapped lure with the weight of the body and the arms acting to release the entrapped lure for reeling in by pulling the string attached to the lure retriever body.