Abstract: A modular gardening system includes a first monolithic growing pod forming an interior growing volume and including an opening to the growing volume defined by a frame-accommodating lip, and at least a second monolithic growing pod, the second monolithic growing pod being substantially identical to the first monolithic growing pod. The modular gardening system further includes a frame assembly configured to form a perimeter around the opening of the first monolithic growing pod within the frame-accommodating lip of the first monolithic growing pod and the opening of the second monolithic growing pod within the frame-accommodating lip of the second monolithic growing pod, the frame assembly further configured to support the first monolithic growing pod and the second monolithic growing pod in a side-by-side array, stepped array, or elevated array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus route telecommunication calls depending on a detected approach of a user towards a telecommunication device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for detecting acoustic echo in a telecommunications transmission. Detected acoustic echo is analyzed to determine if the acoustic echo includes characteristics indicative of use of a speakerphone by a remote party. Specific characteristics analyzed include the presence of multiple bulk delay values, echo magnitude, and the length of time for echo delays present within the telecommunications system. If the detected acoustic echo falls outside the range of acceptable parameters, or otherwise exceeds threshold limits, a warning signal is transmitted to the user indicating a high likelihood that the remote party is using a speakerphone. Warning the user of speakerphone use by the remote party can be helpful in ensuring that the communications between the parties is maintained in confidence.

Abstract: A messaging system is provided that includes: (a) an interface 206 for receiving a request to play a message audibly to a subscriber; and (b) a message retrieval agent 224 for determining whether the message comprises marked information. When the message comprises marked information, the agent 224 performs one or more of the following operations: (b1) display the marked information to the subscriber; (b2) alter an audio playback speed of the marked information to the subscriber, the playback speed of the marked information being different from a playback speed of unmarked information; and (b3) audibly play only one of the marked information and unmarked information to the subscriber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward methods and systems for providing advanced features to a telecommunication device. The systems and methods determine a hierarchical relationship of participants of a conference call and when one participant is communicating with another participant, the parties are made aware of their hierarchical relationship relative to each other.

Abstract: A game piece management system comprising a piece sales system for allowing players to purchase pieces operable for playing at least one game, an account management system for maintaining player accounts, each player account identifying pieces owned by a player, and, a game interface for providing the player with access to a game session of an online game, the game interface allowing the player to select at least one piece from the player's account for use as an active piece in the game session. The player's active piece interacts with another player's active piece in the game session under control of the player, such that if the player's active piece neutralizes the other player's active piece, the other player's neutralized active piece becomes available to be obtained by the player.

Abstract: A video teleconferencing system is provided that (i) determines whether an image frame of a first participant is appropriate for a second participant to the video call and (ii), when the image frame is not appropriate for the video call, alters the image frame to be appropriate for the second participant; before transmission of the image frame to the second participant, notifies the first participant that the image frame is not appropriate; refocuses a camera receiving an image of the first participant so that the image frame becomes appropriate for the second participant; and/or blocks transmission of the at least one image frame to the second participant.

Abstract: A data card for facilitating a transaction, including a card body having a front surface and a back surface, a first data storage section storing a first set of data, a second data storage section storing a second set of data, a third data storage section storing a third set of data, and a fourth data storage section storing a fourth set of data. At least two of the first data storage section, the second data storage section, the third data storage section, and the fourth data storage section store different data. Each of the data storage sections is operable for facilitating the same transaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus perform call control by obtaining initial biometric information of ears of a user of a handheld audio device; detecting a change in the biometric information of the ears of the user; determining a position and motion of the handheld audio device by analyzing the detected change in biometric information; and performing call control based on the determined position and motion. Further, the method and apparatus perform a first call control operation in response to the determined motion and position if the handheld audio device is communicating with a first endpoint and a second call control operation if communicating with a second endpoint. In addition, the method and apparatus change an internal call control operation of a handheld audio device by determining motion and a position of the handheld audio device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus control the operations of an audio device by obtaining by the audio device biometric information about an ear of a user; identifying the user by processing the biometric information; and controlling the operation of the audio device in response to the identification of the user. Also, a method and apparatus control the operations of an external database by receiving biometric information about the ear of a user from an audio device; identifying the user by processing the biometric information; and transmitting a control message to another system. Further, a method and apparatus control the operations of a telecommunication system by receiving biometric information about an ear of a user from a telecommunication set; identifying the user by processing the biometric information; and controlling the operation of the telecommunication system in response to the identification of the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus configure a handheld audio device to communicate audio information by identifying an ear being used with the handheld audio device and by configuring the handheld audio device in response to the ear identification to communicate audio information to the ear. The identification may use sonic or visual techniques to identify the ear.

Abstract: Adjustable nozzles for directing a solid-stream of fluid and associated methods for using the same are provided. According to one embodiment, the adjustable nozzle includes a base member having an aperture therethrough defining a nozzle inlet. The nozzle includes a plurality of elongate vanes each having first and second ends. The first ends of the vanes extend from the base member in a circumferential configuration so as to form an interior region. The second ends of the vanes are operable to define an expandable nozzle outlet. The nozzle includes a liner extending from the nozzle inlet to the nozzle outlet within the interior region. The liner is structured to direct the fluid from the nozzle inlet to the nozzle outlet. Each of the plurality of vanes is biased towards the liner to thereby support the liner and control the flow of the fluid therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of pressure treating a bioactive composition comprising at least one bioactive component to prevent the growth of at least one unwanted microorganism while retaining a desired level activity of the at least one bioactive component. The bioactive component is selected from one or more proteins protein hydrolysates, one or more lipids or lipid hydrolysates, one or more carbohydrates, one or more probiotic factors, or mixtures thereof. The pressure treatment is at a predetermined pressure from about 350 to 1000 MPa.

Abstract: Using gaze detection to determine image information collected from a scene. In order to determine the gaze of persons within a scene, images of the faces of those persons are obtained, and the gaze or line of sight of those persons is determined. Image information encompassing an area of the scene at which the gazes of persons at the scene are directed is then obtained. The obtained video information may be displayed in realtime, or recorded for later viewing.

Abstract: Adjustable nozzles for directing a solid-stream of fluid and associated methods for using the same are provided. According to one embodiment, the adjustable nozzle includes a base member having an aperture therethrough defining a nozzle inlet. The nozzle includes a plurality of elongate vanes each having first and second ends. The first ends of the vanes extend from the base member in a circumferential configuration so as to form an interior region. The second ends of the vanes are operable to define an expandable nozzle outlet. The nozzle includes a liner extending from the nozzle inlet to the nozzle outlet within the interior region. The liner is structured to direct the fluid from the nozzle inlet to the nozzle outlet. Each of the plurality of vanes is biased towards the liner to thereby support the liner and control the flow of the fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A nanomechanical device includes a nanostructure, such as a MWNT, located between two electrodes. The device switches from an OFF state to an ON state by extension of at least one inner shell of the nanostructure relative to at least one outer shell of the nanostructure upon an application of a voltage between the electrodes. If desired, the device may also switch from the ON state to the OFF state upon an application of a gate voltage to a gate electrode located adjacent to the nanostructure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus determine contact by a participant with a sports object by detecting contact of the sports object with the participant via a personal area network of the participant; transmitting in response to the detection player identification information to a central controller; determining that the sports object has left a field of play by the central controller; and alerting in response to the determination a sports official to identify a last participant to contact the sports object via an official system by the central controller.