Abstract: A conversation-based user interface (UI) is described. The presenting of the UI includes receiving communications from numerous people. The communications include media that is electronic. A conversation list is generated that includes conversation information of each of the communications. The conversation information includes information of a sender and the media of each communication. The conversation list is displayed.

Abstract: Automatic determination of message format according to status information is described. The formatting includes selecting via a calling device a recipient to receive a communication. A communication request is generated corresponding to the communication. A status of the recipient is automatically determined. The status includes information of a service that supports the communication request. The communication request is formatted to have a format that corresponds to the status, and the formatted communication request is transferred to a target device of the recipient via a data coupling that supports the format.

Abstract: Provisioning is described for use in communications systems. The provisioning includes receiving a message at an inbox of a device. The message includes information of an electronic location of a source device from which to download the appropriate application and device and user-specific information used for configuration of the application. An application is automatically transferred to the device in response to selection of the received message by a user of the device. The application is automatically installed on the device. The application is auto-started, at which time it self-configures using the original message.

Abstract: A transfer wheel removes flat products from one location, such as an overhead conveyor, spaces the products apart, reorients them and then transfers the products to a second conveyor or other location. The transfer wheel is eccentrically mounted within a circular frame. Grippers mounted on radially-moving spokes of the transfer wheel rotate as the wheel turns, to reorient the products, for example from vertical to horizontal, so they can be laid flat on the second conveyor. The eccentric mounting of the wheel causes the spokes to increase the spacing between adjacent products as the wheel turns, to prepare the products for later processing.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an accessory retainer apparatus for a vehicle may include one or more of the following features: (a) a handle member, (b) a shaft pivotally coupled to the handle member at the proximal end, the handle member pivotally rotatable between an open and closed position to move the shaft in an axial direction, (c) a grommet located on the shaft at the distal end, (d) a fastener coupled to the shaft at the distal end, whereby the accessory retainer is adapted to retain an accessory to a mounting aperture located on the vehicle, (e) a spacer member located proximal of the grommet, (f) a second grommet located between the handle member and the spacer, and (g) a bracket member coupled at the proximal end of the shaft between the handle member and the spacer member.

Abstract: An array tester (10) characterizes individual ones (111) of a semiconductor devices of an array (11) based on polarization-resolving an optical far-field measurement of the individual chips (111) as a function of angular position. Two pairs of TM and TE detectors (41a-b and 42a-b) or one pair displaceable by ninety degrees, move in vertical and horizontal arc paths or fixed around a fixed position of a selected device of an array to sample the far-fields.

Abstract: A laparoscopic forceps comprising a handle; a tubular housing extending axially from the handle and carrying an actuator rod; a jaws mechanism disposed at the end of the tubular housing remote from the handle engaged to the actuation rod and arranged so that the jaws may be opened or closed by actuation of the handle; wherein the handle comprises left and right bow members pivotally connected to a mounting core in a scissors-like arrangement, and adapted to engage a user's finger and thumb in use; the forceps including a switchable ratchet mechanism moveable between locked and unlocked positions, adapted when locked to allow closure and prevent opening of the jaws, and when unlocked to allow free opening and closing of the jaws.