Abstract: A method provides for permission-based access to personal information over a communication network. The method includes entering specified owner personal information in an owner terminal, by an owner, to establish a secure owner profile, which is stored in an owner database. The method also includes entering specified user personal information in a user terminal, by a user, to establish a secure user profile, which is stored in a user database. The method further includes entering a user request in the user terminal requesting permission to receive a designated piece of the owner personal information from the secure owner profile. A server determines whether to approve the user request; and provides permission to use the designated piece of the owner personal information to the user over the communication network after the user request is approved by the server.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing coordination between two or more different media distribution channels. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a server and associated client processes disposed ob various components of a managed content distribution network (e.g., cable or satellite network). The server process coordinates with the client processes to obtain user interactivity data useful is assessing the efficacy of certain secondary content (e.g., advertisements). In one variant, input is received from, and provided to, other associated media campaigns (e.g., print, online, and/or telephonic) so as to allow rapid and effective coordination between the campaigns. Mechanisms for improving user engagement to the secondary content are also disclosed.

Abstract: A persona determination approach can be utilized to apply digital personas across multiple communications domains. A service gateway can determine whether to transfer a request for communications services to a Persona Determination Mechanism (PDM). The PDM can select a digital persona based on available information and transmit the digital persona to the service gateway. The service gateway can process the communications services based on the selected digital persona or based on the determination not to transfer the request. In some methods, the service gateway can forward the processed request to one or more network elements for further processing. Related systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A moisture sensor includes a first electrode (a conductive substrate) having a first sensor portion and a first terminal portion as well as a second electrode having a second sensor portion and a second terminal portion. The moisture sensor also includes a layer of porous dielectric material sandwiched between the first sensor portion and the second sensor portion. Further the moisture sensor includes a layer of dense insulating material sandwiched between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion. Leads are then connected to the two terminal portions.

Abstract: A method for providing cellular access to a mobile device when the device is out of a home network operated by a home wireless service provider. The method includes presenting an option to initiate a process to establish a temporary roaming agreement between the home wireless service provider and a foreign wireless service provider operating a foreign network in a location of the mobile device outside of the home network. The method also includes receiving a selection of the option, accessing a web application associated with a negotiation server in response to the selection, providing subscriber credentials to the negotiation server for use by the negotiation server to negotiate the temporary roaming agreement, and allowing the mobile device to access a foreign network operated by the foreign wireless service provider in accordance with the temporary roaming agreement.

Abstract: A birdfeeder that is easy to disassemble and clean and re-assemble. The birdfeeder further having a configuration such that it can be affixed to like birdfeeders to increase the amount of birdfood being offered.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for communicating multimedia content over a service provider network. A network server may receive an audio-video stream from a content provider server, relaying the audio-video stream to a receiver device via the service provider network, receive an operating mode notification identifying a user behavior from the receiver device, and ceasing the relaying of the audio-video stream to the receiver device based on the user behavior. The network server may also alter the audio-video stream based on the received operating mode notification and send the altered audio-video stream to the receiver device via the service provider network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to conveniently carry a mobile device, among others, on a wrist brace. The systems include a case to enclose the mobile device and a system to wear the apparatus on a wrist. The system is comprised of the case; a case tether coupled to the case; a wristband tether coupled to a wrist brace; a finger ring to loop around a finger and a case lock to secure the case in a closed position. Also presented, a method to carry and use the device while tethered to a wrist.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, computer-readable media, and computer systems implemented to provide user interfaces for audio editing. An item of digital multimedia content that includes video content and audio content that is synchronized with the video content is displayed in a user interface. The audio content includes audio from multiple audio components. Multiple audio objects, each representing an audio component of the multiple audio components, are displayed in the user interface. In response to detecting an input to an audio object, at least one feature of an audio component that the audio object represents is modified while maintaining a synchronization of the video and audio contents.

Abstract: An animated toy having a body and head includes a mechanism for reviewing input audio signals from a microphone and/or sound jack, and controls movement of the head from side-to-side and up-and-down depending on a characteristic of the input signals. The head has a mouth which is opened and closed to simulate talking also in response to the input signals. A voice chip with associated control circuitry control two motors to effect the head movement and mouth movement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to conveniently carry a mobile device, among others, on a hand brace. The systems include a case to enclose the mobile device and a system to wear the apparatus on a hand. The systems comprise of a case; a case tether coupled to the case; a hand brace shaft coupled to a hand brace and a case lock to secure the case in a closed position. Also presented, a method to carry and use the device while tethered to a hand.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices that integrate a subscriber's communication services, including home wireline communication services, and a service-entity communication services are presented. User equipment (UE) is associated with a subscription for communication services, comprising wireline and wireless communication services, of a subscriber. The UE communicates with an enhanced service management component (ESMC) associated with a service entity to facilitate integration of at least a portion of the subscriber's communication services with the service entity's communication services while the UE is registered with the ESMC.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the need of the industry for a simple and comfortable latch mechanism that automatically latches a window when the window is returned to a closed position. A latch mechanism for a window includes a housing defining an opening therein, a latch bolt slidably disposed in the housing and selectively positionable between an extended position and a retracted position wherein such latch bolt is adapted to be actuated by an actuating mechanism from the retracted position to the extended position, and a stopping mechanism adapted to automatically engaged and retain the latch bolt in the retracted position as the latch bolt is positioned from the extended to the retracted position.

Abstract: A method for providing cellular access to a mobile device when the mobile device is out of a home network operated by a home wireless service provider that has no pre-arranged roaming agreements with any foreign wireless service provider in a location of the mobile device, The method includes implementing an intelligent Mobile Device Access Network Manager (iMDANM) application on a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). The iMDANM application being configured to allow a foreign wireless service provider to lease a portion of the UICC from the home wireless service provider to provision service credentials to the leased portion of the UICC, thereby providing the mobile device access to a foreign network operated by the foreign wireless service provider.

Abstract: A persona determination approach can be utilized to apply digital personas across multiple communications domains. A service gateway can determine whether to transfer a request for communications services to a Persona Determination Mechanism (PDM). The PDM can select a digital persona based on available information and transmit the digital persona to the service gateway. The service gateway can process the communications services based on the selected digital persona or based on the determination not to transfer the request. In some methods, the service gateway can forward the processed request to one or more network elements for further processing. Related systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes a casing body having opposite first and second ends, a receiving notch proximate to the second end, and a through hole communicating with the receiving notch. A positioning unit includes a bushing disposed in the receiving notch and having a protrusion, and an adjustment member having a rotary portion retained rotatably in the through hole, and a head portion fixed to the tubular portion. The bushing is rotatable relative to the casing body between protruded and retracted positions, where the protrusion is protruded out of and retracted into the receiving notch so that the bushing interlocks and uninterlocks with blocking portions of a pressure cylinder, respectively. A sensing module is disposed in the casing body in proximity to the first end.

Abstract: A clip assembly may safely secure sliding sashes of a window or door during transportation, and, in one embodiment, be comprised of a strap member and a pawl member. The strap member may be comprised of a bumper portion, and a strap portion extending therefrom, where the strap portion may have a plurality of teeth formed within the thickness of the strap. The pawl member may have a pair of sidewalls supported by a top wall and an intermediate wall. The top wall may have a protrusion which includes a plurality of pawl teeth formed to complement the strap teeth, and be located proximate to the intermediate wall. The strap may be introduced through the gap between the top rail of an upper sash and bottom rail of the second sash, to then be inserted into the pawl, and thereby be retained by the respective teeth to secure the sashes.

Abstract: A device is configured to enter a stealth mode in response to a trigger and/or triggering event. The trigger/triggering event can be a voice command, a depression(s) of a button(s) or pattern of buttons on the device, a keyboard and/or softkey entry, entry of a pattern on the display of the device, a designated movement of the device, detection of an event, and/or lack of detection of an event. The device activates the stealth mode without any indication to the user of the device that the device is activating the stealth mode. The stealth mode operates concurrently with all other functions of the device. A virtual secure channel can be established that allows communication with the device without providing an indication that the device is communicating via the virtual secure channel. A token can be utilized for authentication and to discriminate be stealth and normal modes.

Abstract: An auto cam lock is disclosed here. The disclosed auto cam lock comprises a lock housing assembled with a cam and an actuator; a cam adapted to rotate between an extending position and a retracted position, the cam being adapted to be engaged with and retained by the lock housing when the cam is in the retracted position; a cam resilient means for giving the cam a resilient force adapted to drive the cam to rotate from the retracted position to the extending position; an actuator operatively coupled with the cam, said actuator being adapted to move between an extending position and a retracted position, and said the actuator being adapted to release the cam from the cam's retracted position retained by the lock housing when the actuator moves from the actuator's extending position to the actuator's retracted position; and an actuator resilient means for giving the actuator a resilient force adapted to drive the actuator to move from the retracted position to the extending position.