Abstract: A topographic profile of a structure is generated using atomic force microscopy. The structure is scanned such that an area of interest of the structure is scanned at a higher resolution than portions of the structure outside of the area of interest. An profile of the structure is then generated based on the scan. To correct skew and tilt of the profile, a first feature of the profile is aligned with a first axis of a coordinate system. The profile is then manipulated to align a second feature of the profile with a second axis of the coordinate system.

Abstract: A software and/or hardware facility for presenting action-based menus on a portable media player. An action-based menu is a list of action options contextually displayed to a user of the portable media player that includes actions that are relevant to the particular piece of media or group of media. Each action in the action-based menu is selectable by the user, and the facility initiates an activity corresponding to a selected action. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A software and/or hardware facility for generating menu trails for a portable media player. A menu trail is a visual cue to a user, repeated on each menu item in the media player navigation interface, that highlights a path for the user to follow to a content item stored on or accessible by the media player, or to a capability of the media player. Menu trails may highlight new content and capabilities, or may highlight existing content or capabilities. A user using the media player may easily follow the visual cues through the player's menus in order to navigate to the content item or capability.

Abstract: A non-modal search box with a text-entry ribbon for a portable media player. The non-modal search box enables a user to quickly and efficiently locate media on the portable media player, without having to enter a specific search mode. The non-modal search box may be present on one or more media player screens, without the user first having to select a search option or otherwise indicate a desire to search for a piece of media. The non-modal search box allows a user to navigate between the search box and search results without having to switch modes. The search box is an input box for character entry. The search box may utilize a text-entry ribbon to allow a user to input characters into the search box.

Abstract: A dry change water filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly includes a filter head including a water by-pass valve, and a filter body configured to removably attach to the filter head. The water by-pass valve is actuated by at least one of attaching the filter body to the filter head and removing the filter body from the filter head.

Abstract: A topographic profile of a structure is generated using atomic force microscopy. The structure is scanned such that an area of interest of the structure is scanned at a higher resolution than portions of the structure outside of the area of interest. An profile of the structure is then generated based on the scan. To correct skew and tilt of the profile, a first feature of the profile is aligned with a first axis of a coordinate system. The profile is then manipulated to align a second feature of the profile with a second axis of the coordinate system.

Abstract: A modular water treatment system includes a plurality of water treatment components including selected from a group of a particulate filter component, a taste and odor filter component, a lead and mercury filter component, a water softener component, and a water disinfection component. A plurality of interfaces are provided for coupling to the selected water treatment components. Plumbing lines provide flow communication between the selected water treatment components, and the plumbing lines include a system water inlet and a system water outlet. A controller is configured to control the flow of water through the system, and a sensor is configured to transmit a signal to the controller.

Abstract: A water treatment assembly includes a housing having a plurality of water treatment component interfaces. The water treatment assembly also includes a plurality of water treatment components selected from a group of a particulate filter component, a taste and odor filter component, a lead and mercury filter component, a water softener component, and a water disinfection component, wherein each of the water treatment components are coupled to a respective one of the water treatment component interfaces. Plumbing lines provide flow communication between the components, and the plumbing lines include a system water inlet and a system water outlet.

Abstract: A modular water treatment system includes a plurality of water treatment components selected from a group of a particulate filter component, a taste and odor filter component, a lead and mercury filter component, a water softener component, and a water disinfection component. The water treatment system also includes a plurality of interfaces for coupling to the selected water treatment components, and plumbing lines providing flow communication between the selected components, the plumbing lines comprising a system water inlet and a system water outlet.

Abstract: A firewood delivery apparatus comprising a platform mounted on a plurality of cross-support members coupled to one or more roller mechanisms, a base upon which each roller mechanism is supported, an apron for connecting the platform and base, wherein the apron encloses a cavity formed between the platform and the base, a frame for coupling with the apron; and a divider mounted to the frame and the platform. The platform and cross-support members rotate along a circumference measuring up to and including 360 degrees.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a communication device, is provided with emoticon input logic associated with an input key to improve the ease-of-use of the apparatus for entering emoticons, e.g. into a text message, while the apparatus is operating e.g. in a text mode. Responsive to a selection of the associated input key, one or more emoticons are displayed for selection. A user may “scroll” through the one or more displayed emoticons to “select” an emoticon. In one embodiment, current focus is place on one of the displayed emoticons, and the emoticon with the current focus is automatically selected upon elapse of a predetermined amount of time after the current focus was placed.

Abstract: A method for creating and managing a computer network management agent that includes a Java development management kit (“JDMK”)-created object is provided. In one embodiment, the method a JDMK agent object configured to provide computer network management functions is created. Address, type, and object class information are provided for the JDMK agent object. The JDMK agent object is installed on the computer network. In another embodiment, the method of the invention includes communicating with the JDMK agent object over the computer network.

Abstract: Software, systems, and methods for facilitating the development and implementation of computer network management software containing Java-based instructions is provided. In one aspect, the invention includes a system for implementing Java-based software network management objects configured to implement computer network management functions on a computer network. In one embodiment, the system of the invention includes a computer network management information server. The network management server performs communications using a first computer network management communications protocol. The system further includes a Java development management kit (“JDMK”) methods protocol adapter (“MPA”) that is configured to translate the first computer network management communications protocol into a JDMK communications protocol. A JDMK agent that is configured to communicate with the JDMK MPA using the JDMK communications protocol also is included.

Abstract: Software, systems, and methods for facilitating the development and implementation of computer network management software containing Java-based instructions is provided. In one aspect, the invention includes a system for implementing Java-based software network management objects configured to implement computer network management functions on a computer network. In one embodiment, the system of the invention includes a computer network management information server. The network management server performs communications using a first computer network management communications protocol. The system further includes a Java development management kit (“JDMK”) methods protocol adapter (“MPA”) that is configured to translate the first computer network management communications protocol into a JDMK communications protocol. A JDMK agent that is configured to communicate with the JDMK MPA using the JDMK communications protocol also is included.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer program products are disclosed that allow the user of an application to customize the graphical user interface (GUI) for the user's needs. The invention engages in a dialog with the user to determine which GUI features are desired by the user. Depending on the user's answers a model representation of the GUI (a configuration) is saved. The invention provides the user with the ability to select and use the saved configurations.