Abstract: The present invention relates generally to underwater wings for providing lift to boats. More particularly, the invention comprises an underwater wing that attaches to the hull or hulls of a pontoon or tri-toon boat. The purpose of the wing is to provide a designated amount of lift to reduce drag and improve performance of the watercraft. This is different from a traditional hydrofoil, which is designed to lift a boat completely out of the water.

Abstract: Among other things, embodiments of the present disclosure improve the functionality of electronic messaging software and systems by generating and selecting customized media content items (such as images) with avatars of different users within electronic messages based on the context of communications between the users. For example, users of different mobile computing devices can exchange electronic communications with each other, and the system can analyze these communications to present options for media content items containing the users' avatars based on content in the communications, actions or events taken by or involving the users, or combinations thereof. The users may select such media content items for inclusion in their electronic communications.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a vehicle resource usage control system includes a vehicle computer having security policies that define usage rules for one or more vehicle resources. One or more devices communicating with the vehicle computer may have installed in memory software applications that use one or more vehicle resources for operation. Programmed instructions may be received that define which of the one or more vehicle resources the software applications use for operation. These programmed instructions may be associated with the one or more security policies. The security policy associated with the software applications may be determined based on the programmed instructions. Operation of the software applications may be permitted according to the security policy.

Abstract: An in-car communication and entertainment system including an international keyboard having a key (e.g., an ABC key) located on a display/screen (e.g., touch screen) enabling a user to toggle through multiple pages of characters, for example accented or special characters associated with a particular language. The key also includes jewels/indicators representing the amount of pages of characters associated with a particular keyboard wherein each jewel or indicator is lit or highlighted to indicate the specific page. Additionally, another key (e.g., a Globe key) enables the user to change the typing language without changing the system language. In this manner, the international keyboard enables users to interface and communicate with the system in a number of different languages.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a vehicle resource usage control system includes a vehicle computer having security policies that define usage rules for one or more vehicle resources. One or more devices communicating with the vehicle computer may have installed in memory software applications that use one or more vehicle resources for operation. Programmed instructions may be received that define which of the one or more vehicle resources the software applications use for operation. These programmed instructions may be associated with the one or more security policies. The security policy associated with the software applications may be determined based on the programmed instructions. Operation of the software applications may be permitted according to the security policy.

Abstract: A friction surfacing apparatus and method for depositing one or more metals, metal alloys, or other materials is disclosed. The friction surfacing apparatus includes a pin tool holder, a non-consumable shoulder having an inside diameter and an outside diameter, the inside diameter terminating at an end wall and includes an angled side wall that forms a substantially frustoconical opening at one end, and a consumable pin tool coupled to the pin tool holder and at least partially protruding from the end wall of the shoulder. The shoulder is maintained at a predetermined distance from a surface of a workpiece such that the consumable pin tool deposits pin tool material onto the surface of the workpiece during a friction surfacing operation.

Abstract: A friction surfacing apparatus and method for depositing one or more metals, metal alloys, or other materials is disclosed. The friction surfacing apparatus includes a pin tool holder, a non-consumable shoulder having an inside diameter and an outside diameter, the inside diameter terminating at an end wall and includes an angled side wall that forms a substantially frustoconical opening at one end, and a consumable pin tool coupled to the pin tool holder and at least partially protruding from the end wall of the shoulder. The shoulder is maintained at a predetermined distance from a surface of a workpiece such that the consumable pin tool deposits pin tool material onto the surface of the workpiece during a friction surfacing operation.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the conditioning of bowling lanes, and, more particularly to an apparatus and method for automatically applying a predetermined pattern of dressing fluid along the transverse and longitudinal dimensions of a bowling lane.

Abstract: A method and system for network timing recovery that recovers the timing reference by multiplying an 8 kHz reference clock up to one of a number of higher frequencies whilst maintaining phase alignment. Further, the present invention allows the 8 kHz reference signal to be generated from a software controlled frequency generator where no external reference is available. It also provides a configuration whereby the choice of external or internal 8 kHz reference is controlled by software, and further than said 8 kHz reference is always used as the input to the phase locked loop (PLL) clock multiplier. An algorithm to control the internal 8 kHz generator will not require to take into account “phase jumps” where the frequency suddenly changes by a large amount by passing the generated 8 kHz clock through the phase locked loop (PLL), where any large phase increase or decrease on the input clock will be filtered out and not passed though directly to the multiplied clock output.

Abstract: A cat scratching post that incorporates a clamping mechanism for secure and stable attachment to a receiving object like a doorjamb. A resilient main superstructure has an adhesive interface securing a surface material that is appropriate for cats to scratch or climb. A user of the scratching post can pry open the superstructure and clamp it onto a receiving object. The device is an improvement over other scratching posts because of its space saving implications, as virtually no floor area is required. No base is required to stabilize the device; stability is derived from the receiving object combined with the clamping force the scratching post provides. A detachable base element may be incorporated for freestanding use. Perch elements and hanging toys can be attached providing climbing, perching, and playing opportunities. (Two units of the invention can be clamped end to end to make a climbing area twice as long.

Abstract: A cat scratching post design that incorporates a clamping mechanism for secure and stable attachment to a receiving object like a doorjamb. A resilient main superstructure has an adhesive interface that provides a means for securing a surface material that is appropriate for cats to scratch or climb. A user of the scratching post can either pry open the superstructure and clamp it onto a receiving object, or use a mechanical clamping device that can be incorporated into the design to provide a secure and stable means of attachment. The device is an improvement over other scratching posts in terms of its space saving implications, as virtually no floor area is required for application. No base is required to stabilize the device; stability is derived from the receiving object combined with the clamping force provided by the scratching post itself. A detachable base element may be incorporated for freestanding use.