Abstract: A method for automatically generating a custom name list for use in an order form which can be submitted to an Internet shopping site to complete an order. The method utilizes address book data, stored primarily online utilizing a third party service. In one method, names and addresses are read from an address book database and incorporated into a form which enables the user to easily select recipients for one or more gifts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism for sharing user generated music videos in an online community. User generated visual content that can be synchronized with a soundtrack is shared independent of the soundtrack. In this way the copyrighted material is not shared and digital rights can be respected and enforced. Members of the online community that own the soundtrack can view the shared visual content automatically synchronized to the soundtrack they are listening to on their local machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods of obtaining or providing search results in a computer-based social network in a manner that allows users to maintain a certain level of control over their privacy, and systems and methods of controlling undesired unsolicited communications between users in a computer-based social network. Users enter privacy settings which are used to filter search results by comparing privacy settings to available data concerning the searcher. Users are identified in the searches only if the searcher meets the privacy settings provided by the user. Privacy settings may include permission search terms, identification of a school, evaluating the number of connections of the searcher, evaluating a number or percentage of common connections between the user and the searcher, background checks, or a combination thereof as examples.

Abstract: Systems and methods of obtaining or providing search results in a computer-based social network in a manner that allows users to maintain a certain level of control over their privacy, and systems and methods of controlling undesired unsolicited communications between users in a computer-based social network. Users enter privacy settings which are used to filter search results by comparing privacy settings to available data concerning the searcher. Users are identified in the searches only if the searcher meets the privacy settings provided by the user. Privacy settings may include permission search terms, identification of a school, evaluating the number of connections of the searcher, evaluating a number or percentage of common connections between the user and the searcher, or a combination thereof as examples.

Abstract: A method for automatically generating a custom name list for use in an order form which can be submitted to an Internet shopping site to complete an order. The method utilizes address book data, stored primarily online utilizing a third party service. In one method, names and addresses are read from an address book database and incorporated into a form which enables the user to easily select recipients for one or more gifts.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interactive method for people to assist one another in identifying titles to songs, artists of songs, or both. The method is preferably performed over a distributed computer network such as the Internet, with some users providing voice clips and others responding with proposed artist or song name identifications corresponding to the voice clip. The voice clip author, in addition to being provided the song name and/or artist, also can be provided with portions of the actual song, the entire song, other tracks from an album or compact disc (“CD”), and perhaps other information concerning the artist, song, era of music, or other relevant content once one or more other users have provided matching identification responses. Users can be further provided with an opportunity to purchase songs, albums, cassettes, CDs or other media containing music through a vendor on the Internet.

Abstract: A method for automatically generating a custom name list for use in an order form which can be submitted to an Internet shopping site to complete an order. The method utilizes address book data of the customers that visit such shopping sites to populate an order form, or to populate a selection list, the contents of which can be selectively submitted to the shopping site. In one method according to the invention, names and addresses are read from an address book database and incorporated into a form which enables the user to easily select recipients for one or more gifts.

Abstract: A mechanism whereby pants, particularly women's denim jeans, can be customized by the user makes use of interchangeable rear outer pocket walls. The pockets differ in their embellishments on the outer pocket wall but not in the size of the outer pocket walls. Embellishments are not limited to those that can be washed with the rest of the garment, as the outer pocket walls can be removed for the washing process.

Abstract: A point-of-sale non-contact charging system to charge portable electronic devices through their packaging on store shelves makes use of electromagnetic induction so that the integrity of the packaging can be maintained and the products can be freely positioned on store shelves. Since the current can be induced in a conductive coil outside of the portable electronic device, the device need not be modified to be charged through this mechanism.

Abstract: An effluent disposal apparatus for railways includes a storage tank adapted to be fitted to a railway vehicle. The tank has an inlet for receiving effluent, an outlet for release of the effluent stored in the tank, and an effluent release valve movable between a closed position in which the effluent is prevented from passing through the outlet, and an open position in which the effluent is allowed to pass through the outlet. A controller controls operation of the valve in response to an effluent release signal generated by a release signal generator to automatically open the release valve to release the effluent from the tank when the vehicle is at a predetermined position with respect to an effluent receptacle located under or alongside the track.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the subject invention comprises a method for scheduling call consultations, comprising: receiving an electronic request from a first participant for one or more on call dates; assigning one or more on call dates to the participant; and notifying potential callers of the first participant's on call dates and qualifications. In other embodiments, the invention comprises the method above, as well as: receiving electronic feedback information from one or more callers who have called the first participant during the one or more assigned on call dates; and recording the feedback information in an electronic database and/or assigning the participant to a group associated with a topic. In a further embodiment, the method comprises associating the participant with a topic, wherein a predetermined number of callers have expressed interest in the topic, and wherein the participant has received positive feedback for calls related to the topic.

Abstract: An effluent disposal apparatus for railways includes a storage tank (7) adapted to be fitted to a railway vehicle. The tank has an inlet (6) for receiving effluent, an outlet (8) for release of the effluent stored in the tank; and an effluent release valve (9) moveable between a closed position in which effluent is prevented from passing through the outlet, and an open position in which effluent is allowed to pass through the outlet. A control means (13) controls operation of the valve in response to an effluent release signal generated by release signal generation means (10, 11) to automatically open the release valve to release the effluent from the tank when the vehicle is at a pre-determined position with respect to an effluent receptacle located under or alongside the track (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a workout bench-coffee table that is capable for use as a both a coffee table and a workout bench. In accordance with the present invention, the workout bench coffee table consists of a tri-fold resting portion, a base, and an incline means. The tri-fold resting portion is comprised of three panels, two outside panels hingedly connected to the center panel. Said outside panels each having a width essentially equal to ½ the width of the center panel. Each of said outside panel can fold onto the center panel, to expose a padding which the user can lay on for exercising, while placing their feet on the ground and laying on their back. The tri-fold resting portion is supported by a base. The tri-fold resting portion can be raised by an incline means to allow the user to incline said base, to hold a barbell in a horizontal position so the user can perform the exercise known as, “bench pressing”.

Abstract: A rotary cutter (A) adapted to open a pre-drilled hole to a larger diameter, comprises a shank (3) of industry-standard external profile adapted to fit into a chuck, arbor, etc of a drilling machine, a co-axial cutting section (5) extending from the shank (3) and a co-axial, non-cutting pilot boss (9) extending from the cutting section (5), the latter being of the required larger diameter (D) for the pre-drilled hole, and the pilot boss (9) being of smaller diameter (d) and, hence, undersize with respect to the pre-drilled hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a workout bench-coffee table that is capable for use a both a coffee table and a workout bench. This device includes a resting portion comprising a resting portion top face and a resting portion bottom face. The resting portion top face makes up a portion of the table top when used as a coffee table, and makes up the back rest when used as a bench press. A leg frame supporting the resting portion. At least one folding side is hingedly attached to the resting portion. The folding side completes the table top when in is folded up in the horizontal position, planar to the resting portion, secured by a lock. The folding side can be folded down in an essentially vertical position, or to a position adjacent to and above the resting portion top face. A barbell support for supporting a weight is secured to the leg frame, above the resting portion.

Abstract: An immediate slow burning granular composite for firing up fireplace logs and kindling wood. The composite is wrapped in a cellophane film and packaged in an aluminum tray to be placed beneath the grate of the fireplace. Upon lighting the composite, a constantly increasing flame ensues, which ignites the logs and kindling wood within the grate. One pound of the composite burns for approximately one hour. The composite consists of wood by-products, hydrocarbons, liquid fuel, scent producing materials, and hydrocarbon impregnated particulate ammonium nitrate.