Abstract: A latching assembly has a tubular housing having an inner surface that defines an inner bore and an outer surface. A latch moves between a latch position that extends out from the outer surface and an unlatched position that is retracted from the latch position. A latching actuator moves between a first axial position that moves the latch to the latch position and a second axial position that moves the latch to the unlatched position. A manual release moves axially in response to a mechanical force to selectively move the latching actuator to the second axial position.

Abstract: Methods for authenticating a security device at a local network location for providing a secure access from the local network location to a remote network location are provided. A security device is registered by installing private security software on the security device that generates an asymmetrical encryption key pair including an encryption key and a decryption key. The encryption key is stored only on the security device and the decryption key is stored only on a remote server. Embodiments of the present invention provide increased security by not storing the encryption key on the remote server so that attackers stealing data from the server cannot pretend to a user having the registered security device. A corresponding system for authenticating a security device is also provided.

Abstract: Humidifying apparatus includes a body comprising a chamber into which water is supplied by a water tank. An air flow is generated over water stored in the chamber, and a humidifying system humidifies the air flow with water from the chamber. Water in the chamber is irradiated by an ultraviolet radiation emitting lamp. The lamp forms part of a cartridge removably locatable within the body so that the lamp is received within an ultraviolet radiation transparent tube of the chamber. The body includes a plurality of supports for supporting the cartridge therebetween. Each support has a curved track for guiding movement of the cartridge towards the tube, the tracks being shaped to orient the cartridge for insertion of the lamp into the tube as the cartridge moves along the tracks towards the tube.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance comprising a main body and a separating apparatus including a dirt collector having a base that is openable that allows the dirt collector to be emptied. The cleaning appliance includes an actuator that is operable sequentially such that, during a first operation, the actuator causes the base to be opened and, during a second operation, the actuator causes the dirt collector to disengage from the separating apparatus. A single actuator is therefore used for two functions: firstly to open the dirt collector for emptying purposes and, secondly, to disengage the dirt collector from the separating apparatus for example for cleaning purposes. Such an arrangement is space efficient and intuitive for the user.

Abstract: A centralized social network tool is configured to interface with and integrates into one or more videogames and/or videogame series. The social network tool may be integral to the theme of the games and be pervasive within game play. The social network may drive progression of the story and interaction between characters. According to another aspect of the invention, the members of the social network may include actual members (corresponding to real people) and virtual members (e.g., artificial intelligence controlled bot members). The virtual members may be part of the social network and may interact with real members within and outside of the game as part of the theme of the game.

Abstract: System and method for providing access to remote computing services in an application server are described, where the authentication and authorization processes are separated, excluding service access privileges from the authenticating process and transferring the privileges to the authorization process. A client device and a user are authenticated, and upon successful authentication, the authorization process is performed, including establishing an authorization connection between the client device and the server computer; at the server computer, detecting and verifying the authorization connection; and upon successful verification, allowing access of the client device to the service on the server computer.

Abstract: Methods for preparing boneless thigh meat poultry products from poultry thighs comprise isolating a portion of thigh meat (a “premium thigh cut”) that cooks more evenly than the thigh generally and has an appealing texture. The methods provide boneless thigh products that have a low fat content, and are substantially free of undesirable components such as sinew and cartilage.

Abstract: A system and method are configured to provide a videogame to one or more players. The videogame may involve a series of different sets of content within which players perform activities. A group of players may be associated with the content sets. The players may include virtual players controlled by artificial intelligence and one or more real world players. Players may progress through the videogame by moving from content sets to content sets, performing objectives in the various content sets, and interacting with the players within those content sets.

Abstract: System, method, and apparatus for providing access to remote computing services are described. The method includes authenticating a user and a client device; establishing a connection to a server computer including: a server program executing on the server computer detecting the connection; the server program creating a blocking process on the server computer to block access of the user to a service on the connection, authorizing, using a client program executing on the client device and the server program, the user to use the service on the server computer including: terminating the blocking process, the user using the service; and the user closing the connection to the server computer. Embodiments of the present invention provide secure remote access to computing services.

Abstract: The present technology provides a method, system and computer program product for managing the synchronization of a mobile electronic device, wherein management and adjustment of the synchronization process can be provided at least in part on a session by session basis. The synchronization process may be configurable via a user interface. Aspects of the user interface, such as prompts or degree of user configurability, may be adjusted depending on one or more factors, such as link effective speed or expected synchronization time.

Abstract: System, method, and apparatus for providing access to remote computing services are described. The method includes authenticating a user and a client device; establishing a connection to a server computer including: a server program executing on the server computer detecting the connection; the server program creating a blocking process on the server computer to block access of the user to a service on the connection, authorizing, using a client program executing on the client device and the server program, the user to use the service on the server computer including: terminating the blocking process, the user using the service; and the user closing the connection to the server computer. Embodiments of the present invention provide secure remote access to computing services.

Abstract: A cleaning appliance comprising a main body and a separating apparatus including a dirt collector having a base that is openable that allows the dirt collector to be emptied. The cleaning appliance includes an actuator that is operable sequentially such that, during a first operation, the actuator causes the base to be opened and, during a second operation, the actuator causes the dirt collector to disengage from the separating apparatus. A single actuator is therefore used for two functions: firstly to open the dirt collector for emptying purposes and, secondly, to disengage the dirt collector from the separating apparatus for example for cleaning purposes. Such an arrangement is space efficient and intuitive for the user.

Abstract: A system and method are configured to provide a videogame to one or more players. The videogame may involve a series of different sets of content within which players perform activities. A group of players may be associated with the content sets. The players may include virtual players controlled by artificial intelligence and one or more real world players. Players may progress through the videogame by moving from content sets to content sets, performing objectives in the various content sets, and interacting with the players within those content sets.

Abstract: The present technology provides a method, system and computer program product for managing the synchronization of a mobile electronic device, wherein management and adjustment of the synchronization process can be provided at least in part on a session by session basis. The synchronization process may be configurable via a user interface. Aspects of the user interface, such as prompts or degree of user configurability, may be adjusted depending on one or more factors, such as link effective speed or expected synchronization time.

Abstract: A system and method are configured to provide a videogame to one or more players. The videogame may involve a series of different sets of content within which players perform activities. A group of players may be associated with the content sets. The players may include virtual players controlled by artificial intelligence and one or more real world players. Players may progress through the videogame by moving from content sets to content sets, performing objectives in the various content sets, and interacting with the players within those content sets.

Abstract: A cat litter box having a side wall defining an interior and a bottom surface within the interior formed from a main door and multiple secondary doors which form on opening. Each door includes a slat connected below the slatted edge on an underside thereof traveling most of a length of the slatted edge, and the doors are hingedly attached to the side wall of the housing. Provided is a means for manipulating the main door upwards and downwards such that the main free edge can be pushed against the slat of an adjacent one of the secondary doors to provide a downward force against each the secondary door to reveal the opening. In this manner, any contained soiled litter can periodically be dumped and the contents removed, resulting in an easy-to-use, sanitary cat litter box system.

Abstract: A control circuit detects an initial interaction between a touch-sensitive surface and a stylus and responsively automatically displays a corresponding fresh electronic ink writing façade. By one approach the initial interaction can comprise a non-touching interaction. The fresh electronic ink writing façade can comprise a representation of an unmarked sheet of paper. If desired, upon detecting the initial interaction, the control circuit can first determine whether an electronic ink writing façade already exists for the presently-displayed content. When true, the control circuit can automatically display at least a portion of the already existing electronic ink writing façade. Otherwise, the control circuit can provide the aforementioned fresh electronic ink writing façade.

Abstract: System, method, and apparatus for providing access to remote computing services are described. The method includes authenticating a user and a client device; establishing a connection to a server computer including: a server program executing on the server computer detecting the connection; the server program creating a blocking process on the server computer to block access of the user to a service on the connection, authorizing, using a client program executing on the client device and the server program, the user to use the service on the server computer including: terminating the blocking process, the user using the service; and the user closing the connection to the server computer. Embodiments of the present invention provide secure remote access to computing services.

Abstract: A centralized social network tool is configured to interface with and integrates into one or more videogames and/or videogame series. The social network tool may be integral to the theme of the games and be pervasive within game play. The social network may drive progression of the story and interaction between characters. According to another aspect of the invention, the members of the social network may include actual members (corresponding to real people) and virtual members (e.g., artificial intelligence controlled bot members). The virtual members may be part of the social network and may interact with real members within and outside of the game as part of the theme of the game.