Abstract: A system and method are provided for updating multiple active conversations in an instant messaging application. A menu item may be provided that, when selected enables the user to enter a common message that, when sent is applied to each of the active conversations. This allows the user to convey the same information to multiple parties, e.g. when they suddenly become unavailable. The user may also use one or more default messages to further speed up the process.

Abstract: To promote efficient transmission of presence update information to a presence service client associated or integrated with a communication client such as an instant messaging (IM) client, a separate computing device may be notified when the communication client becomes dormant. The separate device may buffer presence updates destined for the communication client, each presence update containing information regarding availability of at least one of a set of contacts for intercommunication via said communication client. When the separate device learns that either the communication client has ceased being dormant or that an event has occurred which shall cause the communication client to cease being dormant, the buffered presence updates may be sent to the presence service client. Presence updates within the buffered set may be reconciled to eliminate obsolete information. The result may be a conservation of wireless connection bandwidth or reduction in device power consumption.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for a mobile station, or other radio communication device, operable pursuant to an instant message, or other push message, service. Prior to effectuation of the communications pursuant to the service, the mobile station logs-in. The log-in utilizes encrypted log-in information pursuant to a log-in procedure, e.g., keys are exchanged between the mobile station and a communication network. The network approves the log-in of the mobile station, and admits the mobile station. A detector at the mobile station detects the admittance. Subsequently, messages are generated and sent and received pursuant to the instant message, or other push message, service.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for replacing existing actuator driven zone valves in an HVAC system, and particularly valves of the rubber paddle type having actuators providing less than 90 degrees of rotation, with a ball valve including a skewed seat bearing that blocks flow through the flowpath when a valve member of the ball valve is rotated through an angle of substantially less than 90 degrees from a fully open position of the valve at which a bore in the valve member is substantially fully aligned with the flowpath. The actuator from the existing zone valve being replaced may be used with the provided ball valve apparatus and method.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing a secure over-the-air (OTA) connection between a connection owner and a server, the connection owner being associated with a wireless device connected to the server via a communications network. A secure session is instantiated on behalf of the connection owner, the secure session being maintained by the server and defining a context for the secure OTA connection. A registration key and a reset key are defined, and stored in association with the secure session on both the server and the wireless device. Access to the secure session is controlled using at least the registration key, and the secure session is maintained on the server only as long as the connection owner has a valid registration key.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method of authenticating a user to a network. For the method, it comprises: when the user at the device initiates a request for the restricted resource, the network receives the request and automatically initiates an authentication step relating to the user prior to providing the device access to the restricted resource, the authentication step including requesting a user account and a password; processing an input stream from the device from the user in response to the authentication step, the input stream comprising account data and a password; comparing the input stream against account data associated with the restricted resource; if the input stream matches the account data, providing the device with access to the restricted resource; and when the user at the device initiates a request for a non-restricted resource, providing the device with access to the non-restricted resource automatically.

Abstract: A method is set forth of displaying a document identified by a URL on a mobile browser, comprising registering an attachment viewer plug-in to the mobile browser for a predetermined data stream content type, registering a mobile data service transcoder for predetermined document types, sending a request for the document of one of the predetermined document types from the mobile browser to the mobile service transcoder, retrieving and converting the document to the predetermined data stream content type, and forwarding the converted document from the mobile data service transcoder to the mobile browser for display via the attachment viewer plug-in.

Abstract: A valve apparatus includes selectively releasable engagement apparatus for operatively connecting an actuator to a valve body of a valve having an operating member extending outwardly from the valve body along an axis of the operating member are provided. The engagement apparatus includes a latch arm extending from the valve side of a base, rather than the actuator side of the base. A plurality of protrusions on the valve body and corresponding mating receptacles on the base resist torque forces on the base. A slot in the base adjacent an edge of the latch arm provides passage for tooling used in forming the base. A base in the form of an adapter allows attachment of an actuator not having a selectively releasable engagement apparatus to a valve body that does include a selectively releasable engagement apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for modifying a flow characteristic, such as a valve characteristic, through use of a flow characterizing device having a segmented flow characterizing channel therein including three or more discrete segments, at least one of which is a through-hole, for modifying a flow of fluid through a flowpath, in which the flow characterizing device is mounted, when a controlling edge, mounted in the flowpath adjacent the flow characterizing device, is aligned with one or more of the three or more discrete segments of the flow characterizing channel. Either or both of the flow characterizing channel and the controlling edge are selectively movable relative to one another.

Abstract: A manual override mechanism is presented for a motor-driven linear actuator that allows the output rack and pinion of the actuator to be manually positioned. Once positioned, the output may be locked by a locking mechanism to prevent this output from translating to its quiescent position. When incorporated in a spring-return linear actuator, the manual override may be used to apply a preload on the spring before the driven device is connected. When the actuator is used to drive a valve or damper, the preload applies a positive closing force on the valve or damper in its zero position to ensure a tight closure of the valve or damper. The locking mechanism engages the gear train and opposes the closing force applied by the spring return of the actuator. To disengage the locking mechanism automatically, the motor applies a forward kick to the gear train. Manual disengagement is also provided.

Abstract: A wheeled hydraulic jack with a suspensory lifting device comprises a hydraulic unit, two pivotal cantilever arms and two movable tension links each pivotally mounted on each of the pivotal cantilever arms. The free end of each movable tension link is connected with one end of a cross-wise shaft of the hydraulic unit. A piston of the hydraulic unit moves upwardly and bears against the cross-wise shaft to lift a loading terminal of the pivotal cantilever arms by a suspensory device.

Abstract: A wheeled hydraulic jack with a suspensory lifting device comprises a hydraulic unit, two pivotal cantilever arms and two movable tension links each pivotally mounted on each of the pivotal cantilever arms. The free end of each movable tension link is connected with one end of a cross-wise shaft of the hydraulic unit. A piston of the hydraulic unit moves upwardly and bears against the cross-wise shaft to lift a loading terminal of the pivotal cantilever arms by a suspensory device.

Abstract: A vehicle waxing/buffing appliance capable of having a removable/repositionable secondary handle. The appliance includes at least one adaptor to receive and hold the handle installed in the outer plastic molded housing. The user may install or reposition the handle as desired to help in both the efficiency of the operation and the comfort of the user.

Abstract: A manual override mechanism is presented for a motor driven rotary actuator that allows the output of the actuator to be manually positioned. Once positioned, the output of the actuator may be locked by a locking mechanism to prevent this output from rotating to its quiescent position. When incorporated in a spring return rotary actuator, the manual override may be used to apply a preload on the spring before the driven device is connected. When the actuator is used to drive a valve or damper, the preload applies a positive closing force on the damper in its zero position to ensure a tight closure of the valve or damper. The locking mechanism engages the gear train and opposes the closing force applied by the spring return of the actuator. To disengage the locking mechanism automatically, the motor applies a forward kick to the gear train. Manual disengagement is also provided.

Abstract: A manual override mechanism is presented for a motor-driven linear actuator that allows the output rack and pinion of the actuator to be manually positioned. Once positioned, the output may be locked by a locking mechanism to prevent this output from translating to its quiescent position. When incorporated in a spring-return linear actuator, the manual override may be used to apply a preload on the spring before the driven device is connected. When the actuator is used to drive a valve or damper, the preload applies a positive closing force on the valve or damper in its zero position to ensure a tight closure of the valve or damper. The locking mechanism engages the gear train and opposes the closing force applied by the spring return of the actuator. To disengage the locking mechanism automatically, the motor applies a forward kick to the gear train. Manual disengagement is also provided.

Abstract: A manual override mechanism is presented for a motor driven rotary actuator that allows the output of the actuator to be manually positioned. Once positioned, the output of the actuator may be locked by a locking mechanism to prevent this output from rotating to its quiescent position. When incorporated in a spring return rotary actuator, the manual override may be used to apply a preload on the spring before the driven device is connected. When the actuator is used to drive a valve or damper, the preload applies a positive closing force on the damper in its zero position to ensure a tight closure of the valve or damper. The locking mechanism engages the gear train and opposes the closing force applied by the spring return of the actuator. To disengage the locking mechanism automatically, the motor applies a forward kick to the gear train. Manual disengagement is also provided.

Abstract: A manually operated zero-load rapid lifting hydraulic jack. The jack has a lifting arm and a lever which are connected properly together by contacting one another. A lifting arm is formed with an integral receiver portion, which could be in the form of a receiving hole, a receiving tube, a receiving block or any infinite variety of receiver configurations, such that one end of the lever can be inserted into or locate over those receivers as described above. In zero load, as the lever is being pressed downwards and the lifting arm axle serves as a fulcrum to drive the lifting arm to move upwards rapidly to a position of contacting with a lift point.

Abstract: A manually operated zero-load rapid lifting hydraulic jack has a lifting arm and a lever which are connected properly together by contacting one another. As a contact way of the jack lifting arm and the lever, a lifting arm is formed with an integral receiver portion, which could be in the form of a receiving hole, a receiving tube, a receiving block or any infinite variety of receiver configurations, there by, one end of the lever can be inserted into or locate over those receivers as described above. Thereby, in zero load, as the lever being pressed downwards and the lifting arm axle serving as a fulcrum to drive the lifting arm to move upwards rapidly to a position of contacting with a lift point.

Abstract: A Vehicle Waxing/Buffing Appliance capable of having a removable/repositionable secondary handle comprises a vehicle buffing/waxing appliance and a handle. At least one adaptor to receive and hold the handle is installed in the outer plastic molded housing. Therefore the user may install or reposition the handle as desired to help in both the efficiency of the operation and the comfort of the user.

Abstract: An air compressor capable of being mounted across a lifting jack is disclosed. The air compresssor outer housing has a lower section that has a inverted “u” shape cavity to be mounted across the two vertical side plates of the lifting jack to be combined into a single unit. Therefore the air compressor can be stored, transported or operated. Within the outer housing of the air compressor, on each side face there is a cavity with a cover for opening and closing. These cavities create storage for the power-cord and hose/connector when not in use. The top surface inside the inverted “u” section is formed with a sloping angle approximately matching the sloping top edge of the two vertical plates. This allows the air compressor to be clamped in an approximate horizontal inclination for easier operation.