Abstract: A system for diagnosing the configuration and use of devices in an interconnected network. The system may be used to analyze a network and/or discrete network devices, and then suggest steps that a user may take to improve the performance or usability of the network and/or device.

Abstract: A tool for monitoring the use of devices in an interconnected network. Desired network information, such as the use of browsers on the networked devices, the use of other applications hosted on the networked devices, and the speed and volume of data traffic to and within the network, may be collected by one or more network management tools operating within the network, and then provided to an outside reporting server. In response, the reporting server then organizes and reports the collected information to one or more authorized parties associated with the network. The reporting server may send the collected network information directly to the authorized parties via electronic mail, or provide access to the collected network information by posting it on a secured Web site.

Abstract: An interface for enabling a user to quickly access contact information automatically displays a list of expected contacts that are most likely to be selected by the user when attention is directed to an appropriate object requiring contact information. When a contact is selected, the corresponding and appropriate contact information is automatically entered. If a user does not select a listed contact, but instead begins manually typing in the contact information then the interface performs a search and displays a list of unexpected contacts having contact information matching the typed input from the user. Various criteria can be used to identify which contacts will be presented to the user and how they will be presented.

Abstract: A contact text box interface for resolving user input with contact information selected from contact directories and compared against usage patterns. Users are provided with a list of potentially relevant contacts from which a selection can be made. When a contact is selected, the corresponding and appropriate contact information is automatically provided to the application. Various criteria can be used to identify which contacts will be presented to the user and how they will be presented.

Abstract: An interface for enabling a user to quickly access contact information automatically displays a list of expected contacts that are most likely to be selected by the user when attention is directed to an appropriate object requiring contact information. When a contact is selected, the corresponding and appropriate contact information is automatically entered. If a user does not select a listed contact, but instead begins manually typing in the contact information then the interface performs a search and displays a list of unexpected contacts having contact information matching the typed input from the user. Various criteria can be used to identify which contacts will be presented to the user and how they will be presented.

Abstract: The present invention is suitable for use in a communications system that downloads applications over a broadcast file system (BFS). An application services interface (ASI) provides the BFS an application file including a configuration file and an image file that are stored in a service manager in set-tops. Additionally, the ASI provides the BFS a content file that is included in the application file. The provided content file is separated into service files, where each service file is associated with a particular service. When a set-top requests a service, the associated service file is subsequently loaded onto the set-top. Alternatively, a service file is stored in memory until such time as another service is requested, which at that point the older service file is removed from memory to allow space for the newly requested service file.

Abstract: A combined heat and power system comprising a Stirling engine (1) the head (2) of which is heated by a burner. A heat exchanger (10) absorbs heat from exhaust gases from the burner which have heated the engine head. A supplementary burner (22, 23) generates additional heat which is directly absorbed by the heat exchanger. The supplementary burner is a multi-stage burner with separate stages (22, 23) which are independently controlled.

Abstract: A fan blade is provided with a recess for mounting an air freshener insert therein. The air freshener insert, after being mounted in the recess provided in the blade, releases a fragrance which is dispersed in the air when the fan blade is in rotary motion due to airflow over the air freshener insert.

Abstract: A contact text box interface for resolving user input with contact information selected from contact directories and compared against usage patterns. Users are provided with a list of potentially relevant contacts from which a selection can be made. When a contact is selected, the corresponding and appropriate contact information is automatically provided to the application. Various criteria can be used to identify which contacts will be presented to the user and how they will be presented.

Abstract: The present invention is suitable for use in a communications system that downloads applications over a broadcast file system (BFS). An application services interface (ASI) provides the BFS an application file including a configuration file and an image file that are stored in a service manager in set-tops. Additionally, the ASI provides the BFS a content file that is included in the application file. The provided content file is separated into service files, where each service file is associated with a particular service. When a set-top requests a service, the associated service file is subsequently loaded onto the set-top. Alternatively, a service file is stored in memory until such time as another service is requested, which at that point the older service file is removed from memory to allow space for the newly requested service file.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using entangled fibers (120) to remove scuffs from flooring are described. A pad (100) for removing scuffs includes a non-metallic fabric (110) attached to a non-spherical backing (140). The non-metallic fabric (110) has a surface of entangled fibers (120) that extend away from the pad. The scuffs are contacted by the entangled fibers (120), and a rubbing motion of the pad (100) is used to remove the scuffs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using entangled fibers (120) to remove scuffs from flooring are described. A pad (100) for removing scuffs includes a non-metallic fabric (110) attached to a non-spherical backing (140). The non-metallic fabric (110) has a surface of entangled fibers (120) that extend away from the pad. The scuffs are contacted by the entangled fibers (120), and a rubbing motion of the pad (100) is used to remove the scuffs.

Abstract: A user is able to informatively control how contact information is provided to one or more applications through the use of a persona interface object, corresponding personas and contact information, and an information picker interface. The persona interface identifies available personas, each persona having different contact information. The user can select a persona to use in response to an applications request for information. The personas can be modified and developed through the information picker interface, which can also be used to inform the user about what information is being requested and how it will be used.

Abstract: An interface for enabling a user to quickly access contact information automatically displays a list of expected contacts that are most likely to be selected by the user when attention is directed to an appropriate object requiring contact information. When a contact is selected, the corresponding and appropriate contact information is automatically entered. If a user does not select a listed contact, but instead begins manually typing in the contact information then the interface performs a search and displays a list of unexpected contacts having contact information matching the typed input from the user. Various criteria can be used to identify which contacts will be presented to the user and how they will be presented.

Abstract: A hybrid surge protector architecture is configured to accommodate a plurality of replaceable L-shaped communication signal surge protection modules and a multi receptacle AC voltage terminal strip in the same housing architecture. The modules may be configured to provide surge protection for different types of communications signal lines. The hybrid surge protector has a housing structure which contains a floor, a vertical wall and convex cover. A first portion of the wall has an opening in which an AC voltage terminal strip is installed. A second portion of the wall has an aperture for a plurality of communication signal surge protection circuit modules. Hot and neutral leads of the terminal strip are coupled to input ports of the AC voltage surge protection circuit. A reference ground conductor for the terminal strip and the AC voltage surge protection circuit is mounted along the housing floor adjacent to the terminal strip.

Abstract: A hybrid surge protector architecture is configured to accommodate a plurality of replaceable L-shaped communication signal surge protection modules and a multi receptacle AC voltage terminal strip in the same housing architecture. The modules may be configured to provide surge protection for different types of communications signal lines. The hybrid surge protector has a housing structure which contains a floor, a vertical wall and convex cover. A first portion of the wall has an opening in which an AC voltage terminal strip is installed. A second portion of the wall has an aperture for a plurality of communication signal surge protection circuit modules. Hot and neutral leads of the terminal strip are coupled to input ports of the AC voltage surge protection circuit. A reference ground conductor for the terminal strip and the AC voltage surge protection circuit is mounted along the housing floor adjacent to the terminal strip.