Abstract: An automated system for matching a calling potential buyer on a VoIP phone with a prospective commercial business within their current area. The buyer may accept or reject connection with a best available prospective business to be automatically presented with the next prospective business as ranked by the presenting business locating service. The location of the potential buyer is provided or obtained, and the best available business selected from the database based on proximity to the buyers current location. A secondary prioritization may be applied to highest bidding businesses. The business finding module establishes a VoIP conference bridge, and invites the buyer and best available business. A pre-recorded message may be played into the conference bridge or directly to the buyer or business. The businesses may be ranked based on how much they pay or bid to be presented first to potential buyers.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that buffers data inside of a byte-stream protocol at a transport layer on a client, which is receiving the data from an external source. The system operates by receiving a configuration parameter at the transport layer from an application executing on the client, wherein the configuration parameter specifies a condition upon which data buffered at the transport layer is to be sent to the application. The system then buffers data destined for the application at the transport layer on the client, and sends the buffered data to the application when the condition specified by the configuration parameter is met. Buffering data at the transport layer on the client facilitates more efficient processing of system calls.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that dynamically changes the TCP behavior of a network connection. First, the system receives a request to change the TCP behavior for a network connection that allows communication between a first computer system and a second computer system. In response, the system changes a function associated with the TCP behavior of the network connection to a new function that provides TCP behavior better-tuned to the needs and environment of the network connection.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a plug-in architecture for a network stack in an operating system. The network stack includes a set of functions configured to modify a set of parameters that are likely to change based on the network environment. The architecture includes a plug-in framework within the network stack that allows the set of functions to be dynamically changed in order to change the TCP behavior of the network stack to suit the network environment.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) includes a housing (22) containing a fluid (32) at a first pressure. A portion of the housing (22) includes a nickel-based alloy. The nickel-based alloy has a strain hardening index less than about 0.2. In one embodiment, the housing (22) has an outflow opening (42) closed by a membrane (44). A surface (110) of the membrane (44) extends across the opening (42) and includes a plurality of indentations (130).

Abstract: A “PSAP Proxy”, including VoIP functions of call/content delivery to a PSAP, is IP addressable by multiple different VPCs, from multiple VoIP service providers. If the PSAP address is known and the Location Object (LO) is known when a VoIP caller dials 911, the VoIP service provider's softswitch sends the call to the PSAP Proxy for delivery over the determined call access type. If the PSAP address or LO is not known when a VoIP caller dials 911, the softswitch sends the VoIP call to a VPC for addition of the LO. Then the VPC selects the correct PSAP Proxy and passes the call, with LO, over an IP connection to the correct PSAP Proxy. The PSAP Proxy determines capability of the PSAP, and delivers the call. Thus, PSAPs appear IP capable to VoIP service providers, and a SIP URI is provided for PSAPs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing a pool of I/O interfaces associated with one or more I/O devices are disclosed. The I/O bandwidth utilization of the I/O devices is ascertained and compared with an upper threshold and a lower threshold. When the I/O bandwidth utilization is greater than the upper threshold, the resources provided by the pool of I/O interfaces are increased. When the I/O bandwidth utilization is less than the lower threshold, the resources provided by the pool of I/O interfaces are decreased.

Abstract: Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) devices are invited to a conference bridge based on a pre-defined criteria for the conference bridge (e.g., passengers on a plane. The conference invite messages are transmitted using Internet Protocol, which they may or may not accept. The invited VoIP users may be determined based on their physical proximity to the initial caller and other pre-determined characteristics. A VoIP soft switch includes conference bridges that eliminate the conventional requirement that they dial the phone number of another specific VoIP communications device. Instead, location information relating to the initial VoIP user is passed to the VoIP conference bridge, either from the user's VoIP communication device or from their respective location server. Location and other information is then compared by the VoIP soft switch against other VoIP devices, to find potential VoIP conference participants.

Abstract: Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) emergency calls to an Emergency Response Center (ERC) are handled through a VoIP conference bridge on a VoIP service provider's soft switch. The soft switch works with a VoIP positioning center (VPC) to obtain location information, which is compared against a PSAP database to find an initial best-appropriate PSAP for the location of the emergency caller. The PSAP is issued an Invite message to join the conference, establishing an emergency call. Third parties such as police, ambulance may be issued Invite messages to join the conference. Cold transfers are avoided by Inviting participants to join a single emergency conference rather than passing an emergency call from party to party (e.g., from PSAP to police to ambulance, etc.) The PSAP, other emergency responders, and even the initial VoIP emergency caller may leave and rejoin the VoIP conference without dropping the conference between the others.

Abstract: An inflator (10) includes a container (12) having a chamber (120). An exit opening (48) is provided in the container (12) and is connected to the chamber (120). A substance (122, 180) is stored in the chamber (120) and is responsive to heat for providing inflation fluid. An igniter (130) is associated with the container (12) and is actuatable to provide combustion products for heating the substance (122, 180). A nozzle (80) is interposed between the igniter (130) and the chamber (120). A passage (90) extends from the igniter (130) and through the nozzle (80). The passage (90) includes a divergent portion (110) for focusing a flow of combustion products from the igniter (130) into the chamber (120).