Abstract: A disclosed method for rewarding a commentator includes enrolling the commentator to create commentary on a computer network. A sponsor is enrolled to distribute a message. The message is incorporated in the commentary created by the commentator. A fee is collected from the sponsor each time the commentary is displayed. At least a portion of the fee is provided to the commentator. The commentary may be a network post, such as a post to a thread, a blog, a newsgroup, or a bulletin board. The message may be an announcement or an advertisement. The commentary may be stored on a network server. A described network server includes a memory storing reward system software, and a processor coupled to the memory to execute the reward system software. A disclosed communication system includes a memory storing embedding software, and a processor coupled to the memory to execute the embedding software.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing a cryogenic fluid comprises a heat transfer fluid closed circulation loop at least partially defined by an ambient air heat exchanger, a heater, and a vaporizer. The heat exchanger is configured to direct air downward across a plurality of heat exchanger tubes. A cryogenic fluid flows through the vaporizer. The plurality of tubes comprise a first tube having a first fin of a height, h1, and a second tube spaced adjacent the first tube, where the second tube has a second fin of a height, h2, wherein h2 is different from h1.

Abstract: A user of an interactive entertainment computing device can capture media representing aspects of the interactive entertainment. The media can be uploaded to a server that can extract appropriate information from the media, including identifiers of the user and the interactive entertainment. The media can then be presented to a user through a user interface, enabling the user to download and share the media. The presented media can be tailored to the user based on a relationship between authentication information used to access the media and a user identifier from within the context of the interactive entertainment.

Abstract: Multimedia files, such as audio programming, are currently available to Internet users through a combination of their personal computer, an optional portable digital audio player, and an Internet connection. Many audio programs are now currently distributed over the Internet in a syndicated form known as a “podcast”, allowing users to access the latest version or “episode” of the program. The disclosed systems and methods provide a convenient, publicly-accessible system for allocating and using dedicated phone numbers to enable access to these programs. A person can simply place a telephone call and listen to such syndicated or otherwise distributed audio programming through the telephone network without the use of a computer or portable digital audio player.

Abstract: The invention in one embodiment provides a data file suitable for transmission over a computer network that comprises a first segment having data which results in the delivery of a commercial advertising message when the data file is processed and a second segment comprising data which results in the performance of a musical composition when the data file is executed. Preferably the data file is in a wav file format, more preferably it is in a compressed file format, most preferably it is in an MP3 format. Alternatively the invention may be viewed as a method for distribution of advertising that comprises 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. Preferably the method includes the step wherein the files are combined by use of a sound editor. More preferably the files are combined are combined by use of a hexadecimal editor.

Abstract: A device and method to be used in treating sleep apnea comprising a headband adapted by reason of its size and shape to fit around a person's head, a garment adapted to being secured to the torso portion of a person using the device consisting of a front section and a back section, a first strap affixed at an upper end to a location on the headband, a second strap affixed at an upper end to a second location on the headband, and wherein the first and second straps are affixed at their lower ends to the back section of the garment so as to provide sufficient tension in the straps to cause the person's head to be tilted backwards thereby opening the person's airway.

Abstract: A concrete mold device for vertically forming a concrete panel includes a plurality of concrete forms for collectively defining a mold cavity for receiving an uncured concrete mixture therein. The concrete forms can include a pair of opposing side wall forms to define side wall surfaces of the mold cavity and a pair of opposing end wall forms to define end wall surfaces of the mold cavity. An elongate lower support gasket can also be provided and can have an upper surface that defines a bottom surface of the mold cavity. The lower support gasket can have gasket side walls to abut against at least a portion of each of the side wall forms to provide a seal between the lower support gasket and the side wall forms to retain the concrete mixture within the mold cavity.

Abstract: A multi-modal system and method for providing automated directory assistance that can be personalized, and provide current information and promotions from a variety of businesses customers in need of goods and services that can be location sensitive. The multi-modal system can contain a database where business information can be categorized using parameters such as location sensitivity to make dialogs between customers and the system more efficient and valuable. Search results can be presented to customers using algorithms that prioritize the results using weighting schemes based on factors comprising for example proximity, relevancy, location, availability of promotions, and accessibility, and that randomize the prioritized results. The system abstracts the interface to this contact point, allowing businesses and customers to use different types of communication devices, including voice, messaging, web, and wap.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for gas assisted energy beam engraving of a target object. This invention employs and energy beam, such as a laser beam or an electron beam, to irradiate a target object in the presence of a selected gaseous environment in order to engrave a mark in the object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for marking metallic alloys using laser alloying. Specifically, the present invention is directed toward the use of laser alloying steel or aluminum alloys with a mark that provides protection against wear and corrosion and greater permanency.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for gas assisted energy beam engraving of a target object. This invention employs and energy beam, such as a laser beam or an electron beam, to irradiate a target object in the presence of a selected gaseous environment in order to engrave a mark in the object.

Abstract: According to various exemplary embodiments, a content-providing system for a flight simulator suitably includes a gateway having an interface to a digital network and at least one host computer system executing a server portion of the flight simulator program such that the gateway is operable to receive a request for a connection to the server portion from a user executing a client portion of the flight simulator program over the digital network, and to establish a connection between the client portion and the server portion such that primary processing for the flight simulator takes place at the server portion, and such that interface updates are processed at the client portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for marking metallic alloys using laser alloying. Specifically, the present invention is directed toward the use of laser alloying steel or aluminum alloys with a mark that provides protection against wear and corrosion and greater permanency.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for gas assisted energy beam engraving of a target object. This invention employs and energy beam, such as a laser beam or an electron beam, to irradiate a target object in the presence of a selected gaseous environment in order to engrave a mark in the object.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for plasma assisted laser surface alloying. Specifically, the present invention is directed toward a method for surface alloying using a laser beam having a rectangular cross sectional area and a plasma arc, in order to produce an alloyed substrate on the surface of the material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for marking, tracking, and managing hospital instruments. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for marking instruments with information indicative of the manufacturer, part number, and serial number of each instrument, inputting such information into a database, inputting information into the database regarding the desired maintenance schedule for each instrument, inputting information into the database regarding the usage of each instrument, and tracking the usage and/or maintenance of each instrument by using the information in the database. The method also includes asset management, instrumentation identification and counting, and assembly of surgical trays and kits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vibrating a dental scaler insert at its resonant frequency which includes an energizing coil and an automatically tuned oscillating circuit is disclosed. The oscillating circuit is automatically tuned to vibrate a scaler insert at its resonant frequency in response to an impedance of the energizing coil. The energizing coil impedance is responsive to a scaler insert positioned within the energizing coil. Additionally, the dental scaler device can be operated with scaling inserts having different mechanical resonant frequencies associated therewith. Accordingly, dental scaler inserts resonant at about 25kHz or 30kHz may be inserted and operated by the dental scaler device of the present invention. The apparatus for vibrating a dental scaler may also include a feature permitting the operator to temporarily increase an amplitude of vibration of the scaler insert to enable the operator to dislodge stubborn calculus from a patient's teeth.