Abstract: User interface techniques provide user vocalists with mechanisms for seeding subsequent performances by other users (e.g., joiners). A seed may be a full-length seed spanning much or all of a pre-existing audio (or audiovisual) work and mixing, to seed further contributions of one or more joiners, a user's captured media content for at least some portions of the audio (or audiovisual) work. A short seed may span less than all (and in some cases, much less than all) of the audio (or audiovisual) work. For example, a verse, chorus, refrain, hook or other limited “chunk” of an audio (or audiovisual) work may constitute a seed. A seeding user's call invites other users to join the full-length or short-form seed by singing along, singing a particular vocal part or musical section, singing harmony or other duet part, rapping, talking, clapping, recording video, adding a video clip from camera roll, etc.

Abstract: A distributed wide area coverage system is disclosed that effectively expands the coverage area of the local wireless links by combining the signals from local area base stations and routing the combined signal back to the base stations. The base stations provide two-way open wireless communication channels among mobile devices situated within wireless signal coverage area of each of the base stations.

Abstract: A flexible automatic broiler and method of use for variable batch cooking for particular use in quick serve and fast food service restaurants. The automatic cooking devices include a conveyorized cooking surface for alignment and discharge of food products, an altering/pulsating infrared energy radiation heat sources, and a control system. The arrangement and method facilitate a combination of batch preparation and made-to-order assembly of fast-food sandwiches.

Abstract: A flexible automatic broiler and method of use for variable batch cooking for particular use in quick serve and fast food service restaurants. The automatic cooking devices include a conveyorized cooking surface for alignment and discharge of food products, an altering/pulsating infrared energy radiation heat sources, and a control system. The arrangement and method facilitate a combination of batch preparation and made-to-order assembly of fast-food sandwiches.

Abstract: A flexible automatic broiler and method of use for variable batch cooking for particular use in quick serve and fast food service restaurants. The automatic cooking devices include a conveyorized cooking surface for alignment and discharge of food products, an altering/pulsating infrared energy radiation heat sources, and a control system. The arrangement and method facilitate a combination of batch preparation and made-to-order assembly of fast-food sandwiches.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled grill apparatus for simultaneous two-sided cooking of food items. The grill apparatus includes a stationary lower cooking platen, and an upper cooking platen which is raised and lowered by a unique linear actuator. This actuator provides for two distinct types and phases of movement. The upper platen is lowered from its uppermost, angled open position first by an arcing movement which rotates the rear edge of the upper platen about a slide or thrust bearing and arcs the front edge of the upper platen downward until the upper platen is substantially parallel to but raised, or floating, above the lower platen and uncooked food. Next, the linear actuator lowers the upper platen toward the food, while keeping the upper platen horizontal and parallel to the lower platen.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled grill apparatus for simultaneous two-sided cooking of food items. The grill apparatus includes a stationary lower cooking platen, and an upper cooking platen which is raised and lowered by a unique linear actuator. This actuator provides for two distinct types and phases of movement. The upper platen is lowered from its uppermost, angled open position first by an arcing movement which rotates the rear edge of the upper platen about a slide or thrust bearing and arcs the front edge of the upper platen downward until the upper platen is substantially parallel to but raised, or floating, above the lower platen and uncooked food. Next, the linear actuator lowers the upper platen toward the food, while keeping the upper platen horizontal and parallel to the lower platen.