Abstract: A method is provided for a wireless message receiving apparatus to selectively and independently respond to received messages having multiple directory numbers associated therewith. Each directory number associated with the wireless communication unit is considered to be associated with one of a plurality of user personas or identities. For example, a first directory number may be associated with a “worker” identity, a second directory number may be associated with a “homemaker” identity” and so on. When a caller dials one of the directory numbers, the caller is considered to be accessing the associated user persona. The communication unit, upon receiving a call, responsively identifies the persona that is being accessed and independently responds in accordance with a pre-stored general disposition instruction.

Abstract: There is disclosed for use in a video playback device containing a disk storage device, an apparatus for retrieving from remote data servers in an external network supplemental data files related to a first television program stored on the disk storage device. The apparatus comprises: 1) a recording controller capable of recording on the disk storage device the first television program and link data associated with the first television program; and 2) an update controller capable of identifying the link data associated with the first television program, wherein the update controller is further capable of using the link data to access the supplemental data files on the remote data servers and to retrieve the supplemental data files.

Abstract: A new, interactive, television program profile interface and method are described. The interface is used to capture and display the likes and dislikes of a television viewer in multi-axis format. The weighting of the viewer's preferences proportionately changes over time. Those preferences are illustrated in bar graph format with respect to time or other axes. The viewer interacts with the graphical representations by time traversing the preferential chart, and providing necessary modifications and updates.

Abstract: A method for making a recommendation in a lifestyle recommendation machine. The method includes the steps of: generating a user profile based on explicit and/or implicit directions of a user; making a recommendation for an item, service, and/or event based on the user profile; and reporting the recommendation to the user through an agent, where the agent is preferably a celebrity. In another embodiment the method includes the steps of: substituting a user profile based on explicit and/or implicit directions of a user with a celebrity profile of a celebrity; making a recommendation for an item, service, and/or event based on the celebrity profile; and reporting the recommendation to the user.

Abstract: A ball grid array for a multilayer ceramic package 500 is disclosed. Package 500 contains dielectric multilayer substrates 502 having transmission lines 504 deposited therebetween and at least a first of the substrates having receptacles 506 therein each complementarily configured to respectively receive a set of solder balls 508. Contacts 510 within the receptacles 506 connect transmission lines 504 to solder balls 508. Terminal pads 512 are deposited on a base substrate 514 substantially in registration and aligned with the solder balls 508 to define an electrical interconnection. A method of manufacturing a multilayer ceramic package 500 with a ball grid array is also disclosed which involves orienting package 500 so receptacles 506 face upward and flooding a major surface with solder balls 508. Subsequently, solder balls 508 that did not enter receptacles 506 are removed resulting in a low profile package with minimum height above a circuit board.

Abstract: A sleeve-type package having upper and lower rows of individual product containing containers wherein the upper row is located within the tubular rectangular sleeve and the lower row has its container tops within the rectangular sleeve with the bottoms of the lower rows projecting down out of a cutout in the bottom of the rectangular sleeve. A generally flat spoon insert having a spoon panel with a plurality of spoon blanks and at least one protective panel is positioned within the rectangular sleeve between the upper and lower rows of product containers. Several embodiments of blanks with a plurality of spoons are shown and described.

Abstract: A device for scooping or grasping an object on the floor and then lift it to hand level. This device is primarily for use by a person who cannot bend to pick up an object from the floor. An extendable/retractable lazy tong assembly is connected at one end to an extension on a cane-like member and at the other to a scoop assembly. The scoop includes two hinged halves that move apart, are placed around an object, are moved together to scoop up the object. By pressing the cane extension against the floor, the lazy tongs are caused to rotate and extend, lifting and moving the scoop to within reach of the user's hands without requiring the user to bend over. The scoop can also include pinch bars for pinching, then lifting, a flexible sheet, such as paper or cloth. A thin bar may be provided on the scoop for insertion into items such as key rings or necklaces to lift them to the user's hand level.

Abstract: Material such as chewing gum is treated to reduce its density by working it and feeding it through a twin-screw corotating extruder configured to provide flow at first and second longitudinal rates, pulling in a plane normal to the axis of flow, and further working and homogenization.

Abstract: A carton divider formed from an elongated unitary blank which is formed with a plurality of fold lines which extend from its upper edge toward its lower edge in a spaced relationship. The fold lines serve to divide the blank into first, transverse divider panels, a first side wall panel, a second transverse divider panel, a second side wall panel, a third transverse divider panel and a central handle panel. The blank being cut to form a second handle panel and a first glue flap which extends downwardly from the upper edge. The second handle panel has one edge hingedly connected to the second divider panel along one of the fold lines. The second handle panel has a length which matches that of the first handle panel. The first glue flap is hingedly connected to the second handle panel along one of the fold lines. The blank is cut to form a third handle panel and a second glue flap which extends downwardly from the upper edge. The third handle panel has one edge hingedly connected to the central handle panel.

Abstract: A preloaded electrical connector is described which comprises a housing having a mating face, a wire entry face, and cavities extending through the housing and between the faces. A contact terminal is contained in each of the cavities and each terminal has a wire connecting portion adjacent to the wire entry face. One of the housing sidewalls has an integral housing flap which is hinged to the housing between the faces. The housing flap is in an open condition so that rearward portions of the cavities are open. Each terminal has a channel-shaped wire connecting portion and has a clamping flap integral therewith which is also in an open condition. The clamping flap extends beside the housing flap and when the housing flap is moved to its closed position, it moves the clamping flap to its closed position. In use, wires are positioned in alignment with the channel-shaped connecting portions of the terminals and the housing flap is moved from its open position to its closed position.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for effecting a line tap for modular unit, residence, or similar wiring situations. The device allows for a power cable to be tapped without utilizing a junction box, which would necessarily require severing and rejoining of the cable. The device further provides for the tapping cable to be connected to the subject power cable tap by means of known electrical connector.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for use in a wiring system for connecting conventional components, such as duplex outlets or switches, to the system. In such a wiring system insulated conductors in jacketed cables are strung about a construction and are confined within hollow walls thereof. Access to the cables is by defined apertures in wall boards with the device making an insulation displacing engagement with the conductors of the cable. The subject devices include improved terminals and cover for use in such a device to make an improved one or two conductor interconnect as well as improved means for mounting the device on a wall board or the like, a gang mounting version, and further a one piece assembly obviating the necessity for a separate face plate to cover the device and the aperture in the wall board.

Abstract: A convenience outlet is disclosed for use in groups or alone at any point where it is desirable to have electrical power available. The individual convenience outlet has a housing of rigid insulative material enclosing terminals which have a receptacle configuration on one end adapted to mate with a conventional plug and on the opposite end are adapted to mate with conductors. The other end of each terminal is preferably profiled to effect an insulation displacement termination of a conductor but also can be profiled to mate with a terminated conductor. The terminals also include means for grounding the outlet to a mounting box, panel, or the like.

Abstract: A power connector includes a shunting bar which will shunt the terminals of one mating member prior to unmating of the connector and maintain the shunt condition during the initial phases of mating of the connector. This connector finds particular use where it is desirable to shunt the secondary of a current transformer when a control module is removed. Likewise the connector can be used to insure discharge of capacitance from associated circuitry thereby making them safe to handle.

Abstract: An improved electrical connector is disclosed having means included therein providing contact retention and release without requiring the use of special or additional tools. The subject connector has a closed entry feature for sockets and functions cooperatively with a flexure guard, strain relief and/or coupling apparatus.

Abstract: Improved pin and socket type electrical terminals are disclosed. Each terminal includes a terminal body received in a tubular sleeve of metal having low corrosion characteristics, such as stainless steel. The tubular sleeves are secured to the respective terminal bodies by a first annular crimp intermediate the ends of the sleeves and engaging in an annular recess in the respective bodies. The socket terminal body includes a plurality of cantilevered arms which are protected against damage from overstressing by the sleeve. A second annular crimp in the socket terminal sleeve is used to set the contact arms to control the normal force applied to a mating pin terminal. An annular pad of lubricant can be positioned within the end of the socket terminal sleeve and held in position by the ends of the arms.