Abstract: A sonic label welding device for welding multiple labels together using ultrasonic welding is disclosed. The sonic label welding device comprises a digital controls main menu screen which includes touch screen buttons that are utilized to go to specific screens to program the device to perform in a certain manner. For example, a user can press the cut to length button if wanting to cut a label to a specific length, or the label weld count button to specify the number of labels being sonically welded. Further, the sonic label welding device comprises a head for allowing multiple labels to be assembled under pressure and an anvil for directing the high frequency vibrations. A method of manufacturing a multi-layer care label is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sonic label welding device for welding multiple labels together using ultrasonic welding is disclosed. The sonic label welding device comprises a digital controls main menu screen which includes touch screen buttons that are utilized to go to specific screens to program the device to perform in a certain manner. For example, a user can press the cut to length button if wanting to cut a label to a specific length, or the label weld count button to specify the number of labels being sonically welded. Further, the sonic label welding device comprises a head for allowing multiple labels to be assembled under pressure and an anvil for directing the high frequency vibrations. A method of manufacturing a multi-layer care label is also disclosed.

Abstract: A facility for maintaining a subscriber history pertaining to the use of a mobile device with an IP-based telecommunications service offered by a service provider. When a connection request is made by a mobile device to access an IP-based telecommunications service, one or more identifiers associated with the requesting mobile device and access point are provided in the request and stored by the facility. In some cases, the identifiers are stored even if the mobile device is unable to, or not authorized to, access the telecommunications service. Additional parameters associated with the request from the mobile device, such as a time stamp and details of a subsequent telecommunications session, are also associated with the stored request. The history of requests to access the IP-based telecommunications service from the mobile device are maintained by the facility and provided to a service support provider.

Abstract: A base unit is mechanically connected to the structure of a first electronic device. The base unit is round and includes conductive threads around the inside surface of an outer ring. The base unit may also include a center threaded post with conductive threads. The first electronic device is electrically connected to the base unit. A replaceable unit is sized such that it may screw into the base unit, the replaceable unit including matching threads which engage with the threads of the base unit. The threads of the replaceable unit are also electrically conductive, and are electrically connected to a second electronic device which is encapsulated within the replaceable unit. When the two pieces are screwed together the two electronic devices are thereby electrically connected. The first electronic device may be a solar panel. Another version of the invention does not include electrical connections.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed to enable users of mobile devices to have an easy out of the box experience. In some examples, during the initial powering on of a mobile device, subsequent powering on of the mobile device, or at user direction, the device queries a user about connecting to an alternate wireless access network supported by the mobile device and upon receiving an indication from the user of the mobile device to proceed with the connection to the alternate wireless access network, connects the mobile device to an alternate wireless access network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for connecting a mobile device to an alternate wireless network are disclosed. The method includes determining alternate wireless networks available to access by the mobile device, ordering the available alternate wireless networks by signal strength, connecting the mobile device to the alternate wireless network with a highest signal strength, measuring a quality of the connected alternate wireless network and, when the quality of the connected alternate wireless network is above a predetermined threshold, operating the mobile device over the connected alternate wireless network.

Abstract: A tailgate ramp system includes a truck bed having a bottom wall, a front wall, a first lateral wall and second lateral wall. A tailgate is hingedly coupled to the rear edge of the bottom wall. A liner is positioned in and covers an inner surface of the truck bed. The liner includes a base wall that is positioned on the bottom wall. The base wall has a back edge that is aligned with the rear edge and which has a pair of elongated wells extending therein. A pair of ramps is provided. Each of the ramps has a first end and a second end. Each of the ramps is removably positioned in one of the wells to define a stored position. The first ends are attached in the tailgate and the second ends abut a ground surface to define a deployed position.

Abstract: A facility for maintaining a subscriber history pertaining to the use of a mobile device with an IP-based telecommunications service offered by a service provider. When a connection request is made by a mobile device to access an IP-based telecommunications service, one or more identifiers associated with the requesting mobile device and access point are provided in the request and stored by the facility. In some cases, the identifiers are stored even if the mobile device is unable to, or not authorized to, access the telecommunications service. Additional parameters associated with the request from the mobile device, such as a time stamp and details of a subsequent telecommunications session, are also associated with the stored request. The history of requests to access the IP-based telecommunications service from the mobile device are maintained by the facility and provided to a service support provider.

Abstract: Systems and methods for connecting a mobile device to an alternate wireless network are disclosed. The method includes determining alternate ireless networks available to access by the mobile device, ordering the available alternate wireless networks by signal strength, connecting the mobile device to the alternate wireless network with a highest signal strength, measuring a quality of the connected alternate wireless network and, when the quality of the connected alternate wireless network is above a predetermined threshold, operating the mobile device over the connected alternate wireless network.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed to enable users of mobile devices to have an easy out of the box experience. In some examples, during the initial powering on of a mobile device, subsequent powering on of the mobile device, or at user direction, the device queries a user about connecting to an alternate wireless access network supported by the mobile device and upon receiving an indication from the user of the mobile device to proceed with the connection to the alternate wireless access network, connects the mobile device to an alternate wireless access network.

Abstract: A marine riser assembly having a first tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of first axially spaced formations, a second tubular member having an external surface with a plurality of second axially spaced formations thereon, a segmented ring in surrounding relationship to the first and second tubular members, the segmented ring having an inner surface with a plurality of formations engageable with the formations on the first and second tubular members, the engageable formations serving to urge the first and second tubular members toward each other when the segmented ring is subjected to radially inwardly directed compressive forces, a sleeve in surrounding relationship to force the engageable formations together and a seal assembly for sealing against external and internal pressure.

Abstract: A drinking water pitcher is provided including an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir, and preferably a filter or filter housing. The upper and lower reservoirs are removably mated with one another. The interface between the upper and lower reservoirs restricts or prevents water flow from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir unless the reservoirs are properly mated/seated together, such as by a water restriction means in the upper reservoir. In another aspect, a drinking water purification system is provided including a base unit and a drinking water pitcher. The drinking water pitcher includes an upper reservoir, a lower reservoir and preferably a filter or a filter housing. The base unit can include a sanitization means. The upper and lower reservoirs are removably mated with one another, and the upper reservoir can be removably mated with the base unit. A method of purifying water is also described.

Abstract: A filter housing for a drinking water pitcher is provided. The filter housing includes an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion. A filter media can be housed in between the upper and lower housing portions. The upper and lower housing portions co-operate to provide increased water flow through rate. The filter housing includes a necked down inlet port. Chambers in the upper housing are filled with air. Preferably, an angle of the lower housing preferably extends to the exit port to create a consistent surface tension across the entire surface of the filter media. The filter housing is preferably placed between an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir of the drinking water pitcher, and can be removably attached to, or seated within, the lower reservoir.

Abstract: A container for holding a product including a holding means for removably holding a product measuring device adjacent the upper end of the container. The holding means is connected to the container and the measuring device may be replaced in the holding means to secure the measuring device therein during use of the product.

Abstract: A centralizer system is provided for use in a marine riser system to provide a stress joint or keel joint with a upset portion. The centralizer is preferably heat-shrink fitted to the upset portion of the keel joint. The upset portion has tapered sections on the upper and lower ends which may be of various shapes and lengths that gradually blend into the outer diameter of the pipe used as the keel joint. The centralizer may also be heat-shrink fitted to one of the tapered sections. The centralizer may or may not utilize guide sections mounted on either end thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the centralizer comprises axially extending annular grooves in surrounding relationship to the upset portion, the grooves serving to permit forces acting on the centralizer to be redirected or dissipated to thereby prevent excessive buildup on a selected region of the upset portion adjacent the radial grooves.

Abstract: A centralizer system is provided for use in a marine riser system with an insulated pipe, which may be a titanium stress joint. The centralizer system utilizes one or more centralizers mounted such that insulation material is provided in an annulus between the one or more centralizers and the stress joint. A clamp is utilized to axially affix either one centralizer or multiple centralizers to the stress joint. The clamp is comprised of a plurality of sections with cylindrical interior surfaces which are tightened together using fasteners. The cylindrical interior surfaces avoid damage to the insulation layer which may be elastomeric. The clamp and each centralizer have radially directed projections thereon which interlock the clamp with each centralizer. Because the clamp is axially affixed, the centralizer is then also axially affixed. In one embodiment, the centralizer is axially moveable to a desired axial position prior to being interlocked to the tightened clamp.

Abstract: A multi-use sanitization system is disclosed which includes one or more containers in fluid communication with other system components. Components of the system include an ozone contacting device, such as a vortex-venturi or a sparger, for incorporating ozone into a liquid, an ozone generator to provide ozone to the vortex-venturi, a fluid transfer valve to allow simultaneous flow of liquid into and out of the container, and a pump to promote fluid flow through the system. Optionally, a gas-liquid separator with an optional integral gas release valve, an ozone destructor, an oxidation-reduction potential ozone sensor, or a pour-through type pre-filter may be incorporated into the system.