Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering media content to users while other actions are pending, including pending telephone call connections.

Abstract: A retaining block wall, retaining blocks, and a retaining block manufacturing method result in a structural wall with two mechanical interlocks and water management systems.

Abstract: An air core, dry type, power reactor (10) of the type having multiple concentrically positioned winding layers (12) extending along a central axis and above arms (24) of a first spider unit (16) when the reactor is horizontally positioned with respect to a horizontal ground plane, the winding layers (12) arranged in spaced-apart relation providing air gaps (20) between the winding layers allowing air to flow along the winding layers. A deflector (40) is positioned between the winding layers (12) and the ground plane to receive air from wind blowing toward the reactor (10) and guide the air in an upward direction from the deflector (40) and along the gaps (20).

Abstract: An air core reactor (47) including a plurality of concentric conductor winding packages (44, 46) wherein a force (F+) generated by the interaction of current (+) flowing through one package and a magnetic field (42) generated by the reactor is out of phase (F?) with a force generated in another package, thereby effectively mitigating audible sound generated by power operation of the reactor. In one embodiment (FIG. 3), the out of phase force may be generated when at least one winding (38c, 37d) of one package (38) is configured to conduct a current (?) that is at least 10 degrees out of phase with a current (+) conducted by another package (40) or other windings (38a, 38b) of the reactor (36).

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are directed to making multimedia content available over a network to users on-demand. In one representative embodiment, a method of providing sponsored downloads of multimedia content to a user on-demand comprises receiving a request to sponsor one or more downloads of one or more multimedia files by one or more users. The request can originate from a sponsoring entity, and the one or more multimedia files can be available through a multimedia provider service. The method can further comprise receiving a request originating from a multimedia player to download a multimedia file from the multimedia provider service, and transmitting the multimedia file to the multimedia player. The multimedia file can be transmitted to the multimedia player with a commercial message from the sponsoring entity.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are directed to making multimedia content available over a network to users on-demand. In one representative embodiment, a method of providing sponsored downloads of multimedia content to a user on-demand comprises receiving a request to sponsor one or more downloads of one or more multimedia files by one or more users. The request can originate from a sponsoring entity, and the one or more multimedia files can be available through a multimedia provider service. The method can further comprise receiving a request originating from a multimedia player to download a multimedia file from the multimedia provider service, and transmitting the multimedia file to the multimedia player. The multimedia file can be transmitted to the multimedia player with a commercial message from the sponsoring entity.

Abstract: This disclosure is related to methods and systems involving combination of sponsored advertisements with multimedia files and methods of playback. In one representative embodiment, a method of combining advertising content with multimedia content available for download by a user comprises receiving a request to download a multimedia file from a multimedia content server available through a multimedia provider service, the request originating from a client media player. The method further comprises combining the multimedia file with advertisements provided by sponsors to create a combined multimedia and advertisement file, transmitting the combined multimedia and advertisement file to the client media player, saving the combined multimedia and advertisement file for later playback, and playing the advertisements when the combined multimedia and advertisement file is played back.

Abstract: As described herein, a method is provided that includes receiving a request to initiate a file transfer from a user's computing device, initiating the file transfer, and delivering supplemental data to the user to run on the user's computing device during the file transfer.

Abstract: A method for distribution of advertising that includes combining an audio data file that produces an advertising message when processed with a data file that produces a performance of a musical composition when processed. Alternatively the invention may be viewed as a method for distribution of music which includes providing a server connected to a computer network, permitting message data files to be provided for a fee paid by the party providing the message, purchasing rights to multimedia data files from owners of such rights and making available to end users data files comprising a message and a licensed multimedia file by a connection to the network server. Preferably the method provides a multimedia file that comprises a musical composition. An especially preferred embodiment provides a multimedia data file that is an MP3 file comprising a musical composition.

Abstract: A method of operating a telephone system wherein commercial messages may be inserted into telephone calls. Telephone subscribers may be financially rewarded for participating in the system. The subscribers may switch between a mode wherein advertisements are inserted and a mode wherein advertisements are excluded from calls. The subscribers may respond to advertisements by using their telephones to connect with the advertiser. Telephone calls may be recorded at the discretion of the call participants and may be forwarded for posting on social networks. Advertisers may be given the opportunity to buy advertising time wherein their advertisements are inserted into telephone calls. Advertising time may be acquired by bidding or by fixed predetermined price purchasing.

Abstract: A method for distribution of advertising that includes combining an audio data file that produces an advertising message when processed with a data file that produces a performance of a musical composition when processed. Alternatively the invention may be viewed as a method for distribution of music which includes providing a server connected to a computer network, permitting message data files to be provided for a fee paid by the party providing the message, purchasing rights to multimedia data files from owners of such rights and making available to end users data files comprising a message and a licensed multimedia file by a connection to the network server. Preferably the method provides a multimedia file that comprises a musical composition. An especially preferred embodiment provides a multimedia data file that is an MP3 file comprising a musical composition.

Abstract: A method for distribution of advertising that includes combining an audio data file that produces an advertising message when processed with a data file that produces a performance of a musical composition when processed. Alternatively the invention may be viewed as a method for distribution of music which includes providing a server connected to a computer network, permitting message data files to be provided for a fee paid by the party providing the message, purchasing rights to multimedia data files from owners of such rights and making available to end users data files comprising a message and a licensed multimedia file by a connection to the network server. Preferably the method provides a multimedia file that comprises a musical composition. An especially preferred embodiment provides a multimedia data file that is an MP3 file comprising a musical composition.

Abstract: The system includes providing a recorded version of a popular song for download to a plurality of users. One or more of the plurality of users are allowed to download the popular song, record their own voice to the popular song, and save the new version of the modified popular song. The modified popular song is received and providing for download to the plurality of users.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a leavened bread dough, said method comprising the following sequence of processing steps: combining flour, water, yeast and/or leavening agent, and optionally one or more additional bakery ingredients to produce a dough-type mix; mixing and working the dough-type mix in a mixer to produce an underdeveloped dough with a density of 0.9-1.5 g/ml, the total energy input from the mixer into the underdeveloped dough during said mixing and working of the dough-type mix being at least 1 W.h/kg; further working a batch of at least 15 kg of the underdeveloped dough by subjecting it to deformation shear, thereby producing a developed dough; dividing the developed dough into two or more developed dough pieces having an individual mass of 30-3000 g; and leavening the developed dough pieces to yield leavened dough pieces having a specific volume of at least 2.0 ml/g; wherein the aforementioned sequence of processing steps is completed within 3 hours.

Abstract: A disclosed method for incorporating audio content in an Internet communication includes assigning a phone number to the audio content, incorporating the phone number in the communication, and providing the communication to a recipient. The audio content may be a recorded audio message. The communication may be a post or status update on a blogging service, or a post to a Web page. The phone number may be automatically dialed when a recipient of the communication selects the phone number. The method may also include receiving a telephone call from the recipient and directed to the phone number, and providing the audio content to the recipient in response to the received telephone call. Two network servers are described, each including a memory that stores communication software, and a processor to execute the communication software. The communication software configures each processor to carry out steps of the disclosed method.

Abstract: A disclosed wireless phone includes a user interface having at least one button, a processor coupled to the user interface to detect a user's activation of the button, and software stored in a memory including: an acquisition process to obtain a secondary phone number in response to the user's activation of the button, and a display process to display the secondary phone number to the user. A described telecommunications server provides the secondary phone number to the wireless phone, and includes a forwarding process that forwards incoming phone calls directed to the secondary phone number to the wireless phone with modified caller-id information. A described method of enabling anonymous reception of phone calls includes automatically determining a programmed phone number of a wireless phone, and providing a button that causes the wireless phone to automatically obtain a secondary phone number.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a first tube having a first fin of a first predetermined height extending outward therefrom. A second tube is vertically spaced above the first tube. The second tube has a second fin of a second predetermined height extending outward therefrom. A fan is positioned to force ambient air across the second tube and then across the first tube to heat a fluid flowing therethrough. A method of heating a fluid comprises sequentially flowing the fluid upward through a plurality of vertically spaced rows of substantially horizontal tubes, and forcing air downward over the plurality of tubes to heat the fluid.

Abstract: Several methods and systems for providing audio content to callers placed on hold are described. In some on-hold phonecasting methods, a two-way telecommunications link is established between a caller and a call terminus. The caller or the call terminus is temporarily isolated from the link. The audio content is provided via the link while the caller or call terminus is isolated to indicate that the link is still in place. At least a portion of the audio content is specified by a really simple syndication feed. The audio content may include one or more podcasts publicly available via the Internet. The audio content may be generated according to configuration information and by concatenating an audio advertisement or public service essage with the portion of the audio content. The method may also include periodically checking the RSS feed for updates to the audio content, and downloading updated audio content.

Abstract: A disclosed phonecasting system and method involves receiving a telephone call from a caller via a telephone number, and providing an audio signal in response. An audio file including audio content corresponding to the telephone number is played, thereby producing the audio signal. A message is selectively sent to the caller while the audio signal is being provided to the caller. The audio file may include, for example, a podcast publicly available via the Internet. The audio file may also include an audio advertisement or public service message. The message may be, for example, a text message or an electronic mail (email) message. Alternatively, or in addition, the message may be or include one or more images (e.g., pictures, drawings, diagrams, and the like).

Abstract: Incoming phone calls are answered with playback of an audio feed. A listener can enter a phone number or other identifier to refer a friend. A message recommending the phonecast is then sent to the friend, possibly including a link or some other form of a ‘click-to-call’ facilitation. In some embodiments, the message is a text message sent via the short-message service (SMS) system. Email or voice mail messages may alternatively be employed. The referral identifier is captured along with identifying information of the caller and any message the caller wishes to provide. The system generates recommendation messages based on the captured information.