Abstract: An improved social networking system enhances text messages in a social networking system with audio content by connecting a social networking session to nearby audio speakers and routing audio messages from the session to the connected speakers in near real-time response to members' transmissions of audio messages. The system includes, for each member, a User Interface Module that provides the member with the ability to connect the social networking session to a nearby speaker. It also allows the user to rapidly select an audio clip from a personalized menu of prerecorded audio clips, and to cause all audio speakers connected to the session to timely play the selected audio clip. The menu of audio clips is chosen to include a variety of sound recordings from a wide range of sources that members will consider amusing or pertinent to recent events, such as pre-recorded “trash-talk” clips, famous movie clips, TV clips, music clips, and radio clips.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses are presented for controlling ambient light transmission through electrochromic devices comprising a plurality of dimmable zones.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses are presented for controlling ambient light transmission through electrochromic devices comprising a plurality of dimmable zones.

Abstract: A ground level illumination system such as a road stud comprises a light source (12) positioned below ground level (8). An optics block (9) and a top block (2) transmit light from the source (12) to the exterior, the light rising at a shallow angle as a collimated beam in the top block (2) to emerge at a window (4) above the ground level (8). The window (4) is shaped to refract the light into a beam (16) that descends at a shallow angle relative to the ground level (8). The emerging beam (16) may be used to illuminate road markings (26) formed from luminous paint that can be re-charged by the illumination system. A feedback mechanism (82) can measure reflected light levels to maintain the optimal “charge” in the paint. A further element (84) of the system may also compare the intensity of reflected light at different wavelengths to detect the presence of fog.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are provided for facilitating the extraction of bodily fluids, including blood, in a medical setting. The disclosed apparatus is configured as a single unit integral apparatus composed of two opposing and interconnected flexible clip components. A proximal end of a unitary apparatus includes two opposing flexible clip components configured to flexibly yet firmly engage a thumb or finger of the medical professional undertaking the blood draw in a manner that secures the apparatus to the thumb or finger of the medical professional during the blood draw evolution. A distal end of the unitary apparatus includes two opposing flexible clip components configured to flexibly yet firmly engage a blood tube holder of a typical standard diameter to securely hold the blood tube holder in place in proximity to the thumb or finger of the medical professional during the blood draw evolution.

Abstract: A group-controlled audio entertainment system provides each member of a group with the ability to rapidly select an audio clip from a menu of canned audio clips, and to cause an audio speaker to timely play the selected audio clip in a room where the group is watching a sporting event. The menu of audio clips is chosen to include a variety of sound recordings that fans will consider amusing or pertinent to certain types of sporting events, such as pre-recorded “trash-talk” clips. The system also allows users from remote locations to send audio clips to the audio speaker, to thereby “trash talk” during game time. Remote users can record audio clips and then forward them to the group-controlled audio speaker, or can send text and/or email messages to the group-controlled speaker that the system converts to corresponding audio.

Abstract: A method of detecting an open arc in a DC plasma arc furnace which is based on detecting a linear decrease in the log of the magnitude of the frequency spectrum of the voltage between the anode and cathode.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods directed to the recording, uploading, processing, viewing, and submitting of video and audio content via a digital asset in an HTML framework. The systems and methods disclose solutions to the problem of incorporating user video commenting systems regardless of framework, type of user device, or browser type. A digital asset can include such video commenting systems within expandable advertisements. Furthermore, such submitted videos can be moderated automatically via an interactive moderation interface.

Abstract: A ground level illumination system such as a road stud comprises a light source (12) positioned below ground level (8). An optics block (9) and a top block (2) transmit light from the source (12) to the exterior, the light rising at a shallow angle as a collimated beam in the top block (2) to emerge at a window (4) above the ground level (8). The window (4) is shaped to refract the light into a beam (16) that descends at a shallow angle relative to the ground level (8). The emerging beam (16) may be used to illuminate road markings (26) formed from luminous paint that can be re-charged by the illumination system. A feedback mechanism (82) can measure reflected light levels to maintain the optimal “charge” in the paint. A further element (84) of the system may also compare the intensity of reflected light at different wavelengths to detect the presence of fog.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods directed to the recording, uploading, processing, viewing, and submitting of video and audio content via a digital asset in an HTML framework. The systems and methods disclose solutions to the problem of incorporating user video commenting systems regardless of framework, type of user device, or browser type. A digital asset can include such video commenting systems within expandable advertisements. Furthermore, such submitted videos can be moderated automatically via an interactive moderation interface.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods directed to the recording, uploading, processing, viewing, and submitting of video and audio content via a digital asset in an HTML framework. The systems and methods disclose solutions to the problem of incorporating user video commenting systems regardless of framework, type of user device, or browser type. A digital asset can include such video commenting systems within expandable advertisements. Furthermore, such submitted videos can be moderated automatically via an interactive moderation interface.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products are provided for threading media responses. An interactive media response interface comprises a main carousel in a default state that displays one or more media items. Selecting a media item causes the interface to visually distinguish the media item, as well as display one or more first layer media item responses on a first overlay. The first overlay is visually distinguished in accordance with the selected media item and the main carousel displays a reduced number of media items. Selecting a first layer media item response causes the interface to reposition the first overlay, visually distinguish the selected first layer media item response, and display one or more second layer media item responses on a second overlay. The second overlay is visually distinguished in accordance with the selected first layer media item response and main carousel displays a further reduced number of media items.

Abstract: A first Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) Internet Protocol (IP) data network transmits data to a second MPLS IP network via a legacy network, which would not otherwise be able to handle the required user network interface (UNI) protocol by configuring the legacy network and its connection computing apparatus (CCA) so that they emulate an MPLS network. When a firt network element (NE) receives a connection (UNI) request from the MPLS network under a UNI protocol, the UNI request is passed to the CCA, which then sets the required connection across the legacy network via a second network element (NE) to an NE of the second network. Once the connection has been set, the CCA instructs the NE to send a return signal to the requesting network indicating that the connection has been successfully set. Data packets may then be transmitted across the network.

Abstract: A method of detecting an open arc in a DC plasma arc furnace which is based on detecting a linear decrease in the log of the magnitude of the frequency spectrum of the voltage between the anode and cathode.

Abstract: A web-based system, method and program product are provided for adding content to a content object stored (e.g., a custom compilation or prepublished work) in a data repository as a group of hierarchically related content entities. Each noncontainer content object is preferably stored as a separate entity in the data repository. Each content entity is also stored as a row in a digital library index class as a collection of attributes and references to related content entities and containers. As the user selects desired objects for inclusion in a content object, the system arranges the objects hierarchically, e.g., into volumes, chapters and sections according to the order specified by the user. The system then creates a file object (e.g., a CBO) defining the content object that contains a list or outline of the container and noncontainer entities selected, their identifiers, order and structure. This file object is stored separately in the data repository.

Abstract: Two-part polyurea-urethane adhesive compositions comprising a Part A prepolymer component having an isocyanate component comprising polymeric isocyanate and an oligomer content greater than 15 weight percent, polyol having a molecular weight of about 5,000 to about 12,000 and about 20 weight percent to about 44 percent weight percent filler; and a Part B curative component comprising polyol having molecular weight of about 5,000 to about 12,000, aromatic amine, about 20 weight percent to about 44 percent weight percent filler and catalyst wherein the adhesive has an 85° C. storage modulus greater than about 20 MPa. The two-part polyurea-urethane adhesive composition can be applied to bond various substrates including composite materials and metal, including making parts for the transportation and assembly markets.

Abstract: An iron salt of an organic acid, selected from formic acid, carboxylic acids having (3) or more carbon atoms and sulphonic acids, is used to reduce the carbon content of the fly ash, when coal is combusted.

Abstract: A web-based system, method and program product are provided for adding content to a content object stored (e.g., a custom compilation or prepublished work) in a data repository as a group of hierarchically related content entities. Each noncontainer content object is preferably stored as a separate entity in the data repository. Each content entity is also stored as a row in a digital library index class as a collection of attributes and references to related content entities and containers. As the user selects desired objects for inclusion in a content object, the system arranges the objects hierarchically, e.g., into volumes, chapters and sections according to the order specified by the user. The system then creates a file object (e.g., a CBO) defining the content object that contains a list or outline of the container and noncontainer entities selected, their identifiers, order and structure. This file object is stored separately in the data repository.