Abstract: A scalable networked computing system scores social influence in an Internet-based social network. The system includes: a storage for storing user records and sponsor records. Each user record includes a user identifier, a user's quantity of credits, and at least one score relating to the user's social network influence. Each sponsor record includes a sponsor identifier, a quantity of sponsor-purchased credits, and at least one score relating to the sponsor's social network influence. A networked interface receives from the user a redemption offer, which is open for bids from at least one sponsor. A processor performs a valuation of the redemption offer to determine an adjusted value for the quantity of credits based on at least one user score and returning the adjusted value to the user and/or the at least one sponsor prior to prompting a bid from the at least one sponsor.

Abstract: Described herein is a system for promoting a user of a social network from a first discount level to a second discount level for purchasing a sponsor's product, comprising: a storage system for storing user records and sponsor records, each user record comprising a user identifier and a quantity of credits allocated to the user and each sponsor record comprising a sponsor identifier, a quantity of sponsor-purchased credits, criteria for allocating credits and a credit threshold for promotion from the first discount level to the second discount level; and a processor for receiving information relating to allocated credits from each user record and promoting the user from a first discount level to a second discount level for purchasing a sponsor's products by comparing the information relating to allocated credits to the credit threshold for the promotion, the second discount level providing a greater discount than the first discount level.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for use with a first device in communication with a second device. The system includes a storage medium that is connectable with the first device, a hardened, stand alone, web browser stored on the storage medium, and client authentication data. The web browser uses the client authentication data to facilitate secure communication between the first device and the second device, and the first device communicates with a third device that provides configuration data that includes one or more approved addresses.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for use with a first device in communication with a second device. The system includes a storage medium that is connectable with the first device, a hardened, stand alone, web browser stored on the storage medium, and client authentication data. The web browser uses the client authentication data to facilitate secure communication between the first device and the second device, and the first device communicates with a third device that provides configuration data that includes one or more approved addresses.

Abstract: A folding portable laptop computer stand mounts to the bottom of a laptop computer. In folded position, its sides and base parallel the bottom of the computer. The base is flat and sits on the lap of a user, or a desktop. When the sides are unfolded they extend from the base, lift the computer above a user's lap, tilt the keyboard for ease of use and provide space under the computer for a full size mouse pad or stylus drawing pad.

Abstract: A system and method of preventing call congestion on outgoing trunks of a local telephone exchange is provided. A virtual trunk group representing a percentage of the total trunk capacity is assigned at the local exchange for carrying calls which are likely to cause congestion. In one embodiment of the invention, call segregation is achieved by using the prefixed dialling code 1+1 followed by the destination number. In another embodiment of the invention, segregation is dynamically achieved using Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) routing.

Abstract: A cardboard sheet whose faces have different light reflective characteristics is foldable into a self-standing configuration and includes an infinitely adjustable connection between overlapping parts of the sheet for adjusting the angular position of a light reflective portion of the sheet. In the preferred embodiment the infinitely adjustable connection consists of a permanent magnet mounted to one end section of the sheet and a ferromagnetic strip mounted to the opposite end section of the sheet, the magnet and the strip being in operative engagement when the two end sections are in mutually overlapping relationship.