Abstract: Applicant's underground storm-pod structure is directed to a system for collecting and utilizing storm-water. A pod structure includes at least one pod member. This pod member's structure is defined by sidewall members, end flanges, sidewall interfacing members, an upper section base member, reinforcing members, and a slab member. The sidewall member and the end flange form an opening. A retention chamber formed within the pod member is structured to store liquid. Weep holes formed through the sidewall members permit liquid to flow between a partially-elliptically-shaped pathway and a corresponding chamber. The liquid retention chamber can be in further communication with an outlet mechanism, which is itself in communication with an external environment. In one embodiment, adjacent pod members are fixedly coupled with respect to each other by coupling corresponding flange members.

Abstract: Applicant's underground storm-pod structure is directed to a system for collecting and utilizing storm-water. A pod structure includes at least one pod member. This pod member's structure is defined by sidewall members, end flanges, sidewall interfacing members, an upper section base member, reinforcing members, and a slab member. The sidewall member and the end flange form an opening. A retention chamber formed within the pod member is structured to store liquid. Weep holes formed through the sidewall members permit liquid to flow between a partially-elliptically-shaped pathway and a corresponding chamber. The liquid retention chamber can be in further communication with an outlet mechanism, which is itself in communication with an external environment. In one embodiment, adjacent pod members are fixedly coupled with respect to each other by coupling corresponding flange members.

Abstract: This invention provides a network access system that permits communication device users to access a network such as the Internet, a cable network, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network or a broadband network (which may include cable and DSL networks). A network access device receives commands from users and executes the commands such as send e-mail, search the network, log on to pages supported by other parties on the network, download information from the network, request information such as movies from the network, bidding in an auction, etc. A user profile saves preferences of a user for interacting with the network. The network access device may supply primitive commands for the user to use individually or to construct complex command macros so that by a single command, more complex functions may be performed using the network.

Abstract: A system and method for providing for a wireless calling party to configure his or her wireless service on a call-by-call or on a permanent basis so that only those calls where the caller wants his or her location to be available carry location information. To enable the capability of blocking and/or altering location, the caller can pre-configure his or her service so that the location information of the wireless calling party is either altered or blocked to the called party on a permanent basis. The wireless caller can also select on a call-by-call basis to either alter or block the location information to the called party by entering a particular code prior to making a call. Furthermore, a wireless caller may also select to block the storage of location information in the network by entering a pre-defined number prior to making a call, which in turn can then be used to place the outgoing call.

Abstract: A system and method for providing for a wireless calling party to configure his or her wireless service on a call-by-call or on a permanent basis so that only those calls where the caller wants his or her location to be available carry location information. To enable the capability of blocking and/or altering location, the caller can pre-configure his or her service so that the location information of the wireless calling party is either altered or blocked to the called party on a permanent basis. The wireless caller can also select on a call-by-call basis to either alter or block the location information to the called party by entering a particular code prior to making a call. Furthermore, a wireless caller may also select to block the storage of location information in the network by entering a pre-defined number prior to making a call, which in turn can then be used to place the outgoing call.

Abstract: This invention provides a network access system that permits communication device users to access a network such as the Internet, a cable network, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network or a broadband network (which may include cable and DSL networks). A network access device receives commands from users and executes the commands such as send e-mail, search the network, log on to pages supported by other parties on the network, download information from the network, request information such as movies from the network, bidding in an auction, etc. A user profile saves preferences of a user for interacting with the network. The network access device may supply primitive commands for the user to use individually or to construct complex command macros so that by a single command, more complex functions may be performed using the network.

Abstract: An air conditioner control assembly for use with a room air conditioner having an electrical plug adapted to be plugged into an electrical socket in order to supply electrical power to the air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner control assembly includes a control unit having an electrical plug adapted to be plugged into an electrical power socket in a home, an electrical socket adapted to receive the electrical plug of the air conditioner, and a relay electrically connected between the two to selectively relay electrical power from the electrical power socket in a home to the air conditioner in response to a control signal. A thermostat located remotely from the control unit and from the air conditioner is electrically connected to the control unit, the thermostat generating the control signals to which the relay is responsive as a function of temperature sensed by the thermostat and time of day.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a greeting from a group of individuals to an individual or another group of individuals is disclosed. Recipient information, contributor information, billing information, and an input from each contributor are received by the system. The system composes the greeting using the contributor inputs and delivers the greeting to the recipient in the form of an audio or multimedia greeting. All the contributors can simultaneously provide their input to the greeting or individual contributors can connect to the system (at any time before a pre-determined time limit) and add an input to the greeting after reviewing the prior inputs of other contributors.

Abstract: An air conditioner control assembly for use with a room air conditioner having an electrical plug adapted to be plugged into an electrical socket in order to supply electrical power to the air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner control assembly includes a control unit having an electrical plug adapted to be plugged into an electrical power socket in a home, an electrical socket adapted to receive the electrical plug of the air conditioner, and a relay electrically connected between the two to selectively relay electrical power from the electrical power socket in a home to the air conditioner in response to a control signal. A thermostat located remotely from the control unit and from the air conditioner is electrically connected to the control unit, the thermostat generating the control signals to which the relay is responsive as a function of temperature sensed by the thermostat and time of day.

Abstract: A common adjunct switch integrated with a telecommunications network and associated with a plurality of predetermined telephone numbers prefixed by a common code is provided with a facility which allows telephone subscribers that are assigned respective ones of the telephone numbers to personalize the way in which they receive long distance telephone calls. For example, such a subscriber may program his/her associated service record to put into effect call forwarding or call screening. In addition, each such subscriber may be associated with one or more caller identification numbers, in which a caller identification number is used to determine whether a call placed to a service number is billed to the called subscriber or the calling party.