Abstract: Enabling a content publisher and a receiving user to control access to content updates based on user relationships. The content publisher and the receiving user may assign a relationship degree, relationship category, and/or relationship rating to each other and to other users. The content publisher and/or receiving user also specify a required relationship that is needed to access or accept a content update. The content publisher and receiving user may further specify acceptable types of content updates, such as blog entries, product reviews, photos, and the like that are accessible or acceptable. Upon logon or other event, a summary of content updates is provided to each receiving user that meets each content publisher's required relationship, and the content updates are delivered according to a selected delivery method from those content publishers that meet the relationship requirements of the receiving users. Delivery includes email, instant message, RSS feeds, and the like.

Abstract: Enabling a content publisher and a receiving user to control access to content updates based on user relationships. The content publisher and the receiving user may assign a relationship degree, relationship category, and/or relationship rating to each other and to other users. The content publisher and/or receiving user also specify a required relationship that is needed to access or accept a content update. The content publisher and receiving user may further specify acceptable types of content updates, such as blog entries, product reviews, photos, and the like that are accessible or acceptable. Upon logon or other event, a summary of content updates is provided to each receiving user that meets each content publisher's required relationship, and the content updates are delivered according to a selected delivery method from those content publishers that meet the relationship requirements of the receiving users. Delivery includes email, instant message, RSS feeds, and the like.

Abstract: A push-to-email system comprises a mobile communication device configured to generate a voice message and transmit the voice message to a message authority via, e.g., a single transmit action, such as a push-to-talk transmit action. The system can also comprise a message authority configured to receive the voice message, a time stamp associated with the voice message and location information related to the location of the mobile device when the message was sent. The message authority can then generate a data message intended for a recipient associated with the voice message, such as an email message and embed the voice message, time stamp and location information, or a link to the voice message, time stamp and location information. Alternatively, the mobile communication device can be configured to generate the data message.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are directed towards seeding a user's contacts for their online social network. The invention is arranged to automatically recommend to the user a set of seed contacts that the user may employ to invite to join their social network. The set of seed contacts may be harvested from the user's existing portal activities, as well as other sources. In one embodiment, the invention analyzes portal activity, such as email exchanges with the user, and the like, to determine a frequency of contact with the user. Other sources may include but not be limited to emails, names within an address book of the user, names within an address book of another person, a buddy list, an instant messaging list, an activity, a mailing list, an online discussion group, a membership in a category, chat group, and the like.

Abstract: A communication system comprises a communication device configured to receive a data message, such as a text message, and to generate and send a voice reply to the data message using a simple transmit action. The data message comprises an identifier that can be used to determine a reply path related to the data message. Thus, when a user receives the data message, they can read the message initiate the simple transmit action, and reply to the data message by speaking an appropriate reply into the communication device. The spoken response is stored as a voice message and attached to a data message that is sent using the reply path identified by the identifier.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are directed towards enabling information filtering using measures of an affinity of a relationship between subscribers of an online portal system. The affinity of a relationship may be determined based, in part, on the tracking of various online behaviors of and between subscribers of the portal system. Any of a variety of behaviors may be tracked, including message communications between subscribers, participation in instant messaging groups, purchases, activities, categories, and so forth. Such behaviors may be employed to determine a level of trust (or affinity) between subscribers of the portal system. This affinity measurement may be used to filter various information, including, but not limited to, product recommendations, ratings, polling queries, advertising, social network communications, personal ads, search results, and the like. Moreover, this affinity measurement may also be employed to perform message spam detection.

Abstract: A communication system comprises a communication device configured to receive a data message, such as a text message, and to generate and send a voice reply to the data message using a simple transmit action. The data message comprises an identifier that can be used to determine a reply path related to the data message. Thus, when a user receives the data message, they can read the message initiate the simple transmit action, and reply to the data message by speaking an appropriate reply into the communication device. The spoken response is stored as a voice message and attached to a data message that is sent using the reply path identified by the identifier.

Abstract: A push-to-email system comprises a mobile communication device configured to generate a voice message and transmit the voice message to a message authority via, e.g., a single transmit action, such as a push-to-talk transmit action. The system can also comprise a message authority configured to receive the voice message, a time stamp associated with the voice message and location information related to the location of the mobile device when the message was sent. The message authority can then generate a data message intended for a recipient associated with the voice message, such as an email message and embed the voice message, time stamp and location information, or a link to the voice message, time stamp and location information. Alternatively, the mobile communication device can be configured to generate the data message.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are directed towards managing a view of a social network user's personal information based, in part, on user-defined criteria. The user-defined criteria may be applied towards a user's relationship with each prospective viewer. The user-defined criteria may include degrees of separation between members of the social network, a relationship to the prospective viewer, as well as criteria based, in part, on activities, such as dating, employment, hobbies, and the like. The user-defined criteria may also be based on a group membership, a strength of a relationship, and the like. Such user-defined relationship criteria may then be mapped against various categories of information associated with social network user to provide customized views of the social network user.

Abstract: A system for originating, storing, processing and delivering data includes a transmission device, a server system, and a recipient connected by various networks. According to one method, the transmission device employing a simple transmit action transmits a message along with metadata to a receiver connected with the server system. Particular metadata are mapped to an address identifier associated with the receiver to determine a location for storing the message, as well as other parameters such as information relating to one or more intended recipients. An intended recipient is notified of an accessible message via e-mail, and can access a copy of the message via a web browser served a web page by the server system.

Abstract: A system and method of forming a project log for a project. A project includes a set of defined steps or states. An observation is made for each step or state of the project in a project management system. The observation is captured by a transmission device, which transmits data representing the observation. The data is received by a receive device. A computer receives the received data and converts the data into a digital file. One or more reference indicia, related to the received data by source identification, project identification, or other indication, is appended to the received data. The digital file is stored in a file storage, and the reference indicia are stored as tables in a database record in order to later access the digital file. By reference to at least one of the reference indicia, each digital file may be retrieved and accessed, for re-transmission or reproduction.

Abstract: A convertible tandem stroller includes a releasable lateral and longitudinal coupling system for permitting cojoint and independent movement of a pair of strollers. The coupling system does not have to be removed and stowed for independent operation. To permit compact lateral coupling of the strollers one of the front wheels may be raised during tandem operation by a hinge assembly and tethering connector.

Abstract: A system for originating, storing, processing and delivering data includes a transmission device, a server system, and a recipient connected by various networks. According to one method, the transmission device employing a simple transmit action transmits a message along with metadata to a receiver connected with the server system. Particular metadata are mapped to an address identifier associated with the receiver to determine a location for storing the message, as well as other parameters such as information relating to one or more intended recipients. An intended recipient is notified of an accessible message via e-mail, and can access a copy of the message via a web browser served a web page by the server system.

Abstract: There is provided a versatile article carrier (10) generally comprising a pair of longitudinally extended frame members (100), a carrier body member (200) coupled to the frame members (100); a securing device (300) coupled to at least one of either the frame or carrier body members (100, 200); and, a handling strap (400) coupled to the frame members (100). The carrier body member (200) includes a substantially flexible panel portion (215) and a pair of end portions (210) coupled to the frame members (100) between which the panel portion (215) extends to form an article carrying structure. The carrier body member (200) has formed thereon at least one article-receiving compartment. Preferably, the carrier body member (200) is formed of flexible cloth, and the securing device (300) includes at least a pair of looped strap members (310) which engage one of the frame members (100) to adjustably and firmly secure an item, such as a folded beach umbrella, against that frame member (100).

Abstract: A nozzle for delivering particulate matter into a molten pool created on a substrate includes a core through which the particulate is delivered, an annulus surrounding the core for simultaneously delivering a shield gas toward the molten pool and shield gas conditioning apparatus. The conditioning apparatus includes a system of wire mesh screens and a cup for directing the gas flow.

Abstract: A method of applying abrasive materials to a substrate includes the steps of forming a relatively small pool of superheated molten metal at the surface of the metal substrate by creating an interaction area on the substrate with a localized high energy source. A powder system is injected into the pool. The powder system comprises metal matrix powder and abrasive powder. The abrasive powder includes abrasive particles having an encapsulating thermal insulating layer for preventing the abrasive particles from being melted by the molten metal in the pool. The substrate is then moved relative to the energy source, thereby allowing the pool to resolidify.

Abstract: A process for preventing crack formation in nickel alloy substrates having a gamma-prime phase includes providing a substrate comprised of a nickel alloy having a gamma-prime phase. A portion of the substrate is irradiated with a laser beam and thereby forms a molten pool of the alloy. A supply of coating particles are dispersed within the pool, the particles are comprised of a nickel alloy having gamma-prime forming constitutents. Rapid relative motion between the beam and the pool is effected so that the pool rapidly solidifies and thereby minimizes the formation of gamma-prime therein and adjacent thereto.