Abstract: A system establishes a telephone call between a calling party and a called party. The system receives a telephone call connection request, including identification of the called party, from the calling party and determines, based on the identification information, if the called party is currently connected to a data network. If the called party is currently connected to the data network, the system establishes the telephone call between the calling party and an instant messaging client of the called party.

Abstract: A system establishes a telephone call between a calling party and a called party. The system receives a telephone call connection request, including identification of the called party, from the calling party and determines, based on the identification information, if the called party is currently connected to a data network. If the called party is currently connected to the data network, the system establishes the telephone call between the calling party and an instant messaging client of the called party.

Abstract: A system establishes a telephone call between a calling party and a called party. The system receives a telephone call connection request, including identification of the called party, from the calling party and determines, based on the identification information, if the called party is currently connected to a data network. If the called party is currently connected to the data network, the system establishes the telephone call between the calling party and an instant messaging client of the called party.

Abstract: A system establishes a telephone call between a calling party and a called party. The system receives a telephone call connection request, including identification of the called party, from the calling party and determines, based on the identification information, if the called party is currently connected to a data network. If the called party is currently connected to the data network, the system establishes the telephone call between the calling party and an instant messaging client of the called party.

Abstract: A structurally self supporting shipping package adapted for use with mechanical handling equipment. The package may be embodied as a base or as a unitary carton formed by bending a single sheet of material such as fiberboard. The package includes a horizontal panel elevated by adjacent upward facing rectangular channels. Flaps formed at the ends of the channels engage rails formed along the sides of the panel, to transfer shear stress away from the channels and towards the rails. The rails may be assisted by flaps formed adjacent their connection to the panel. The package may be further strengthened if certain portions are formed by placing multiple thicknesses of material adjacent each other. The structurally self-supporting package allows accommodation of a variety of oddly shaped items. Package assembly may be expedited if the rails are formed in sections.

Abstract: A shipping base for elevating the bottom of a load to provide an entry slot for a mechanical lifting device. Cardboard is cut and folded to form a horizontal panel integrally connected to upward-facing rectangular channels along opposing panel edges. Polystyrene shipping pads are inserted in the channels for supporting the weight of an item to be shipped and partially encapsulating the item.

Abstract: An animated toy is disclosed containing, in combination, a toy figurine, decorated as a scuba swimmer, adapted to be placed in a belly down prone position atop a carriage. The figurine includes a torso and first and second legs pivotally coupled to said torso. A wheel is rotatably coupled to the carriage and rotates responsive to movement of the carriage along a supporting surface. And a leg pivoting means is supported by the carriage, for engaging the front side of said figurine's legs for alternately forcing each of said legs to pivot upwardly responsive to the rotation of said wheel. The figurine's legs alternately move up and down to simulate a swimmer's kick as the user moves the toy figurine and carriage along a supporting surface.