Abstract: A freestanding sound attenuating apparatus for a kitchen appliance has a rigid plastic dome defining an interior having an inner surface area and having a coplanar rim surrounding an inferior opening. The dome can therefore stand on a substantially planar surface with the kitchen appliance inserted via the inferior opening to be contained within the interior. The dome has a transparent window and sound absorbing material partially lining the inner surface area of the dome and which avoids the window. The sound absorbing material may line between 20-75% of the interior surface of the dome whilst conferring substantial sound attenuation properties evident from measurements contained herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel gamma secretase inhibitors of the formula. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting gamma-secretase, methods of treating neurodegenerative diseases, and methods of treating Alzheimer's Disease. Also disclosed are processes for preparing alkenes in one reaction step using a mixture of an aldehyde (or ketone) and an alkyl substituted with two electron withdrawing groups, and reacting the mixture with: (a) a sulfonyl halide (e.g., a sulfonyl chloride) and a basic tertiary amine, or, (b) a sulfonyl anhydride and a basic amine, or (c) an aryl-C(O)-halide and a basic tertiary amine, or (d) an aryl-C(O)—O—C(O)-aryl and a basic tertiary amine, or (e) an heteroaryl-C(O)-halide and a basic tertiary amine, or (f) a heteroaryl-C(O)—O—C(O)-heteroaryl and a basic tertiary amine.

Abstract: An inflatable form comprising a distal portion that is generally elongate and cylindrical in shape and a proximal portion that is generally bulbous, providing a grasping and manipulation means. The inflatable form is engaged with a comfortable surface, also known as a comfort-sleeve that is fitted over the elongate portion that is intended to be inserted into the body cavity. Inflatable forms provide a compact, discrete item that may be reused or may be disposed of after use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, device, and system for taking voice memos during a communication session. More specifically, voice memos may be taken using the same communication device that is used in the communication session. This can be accomplished by automatically muting the communication device and establishing a communication channel with another endpoint, such as a recording endpoint, to record audio signals transmitted by the communication device.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for automated media filtering are disclosed. For example, some methods include receiving an indication of a situational difference via an automatic sensor, and based at least in part on the situational difference, a program played on a media player is modified. In some cases, the methods further include accessing a filter that compares the change in situational difference with a predefined access control rule set. As just some of many examples, the situational difference may include a change in persons within proximity of the media player and/or a change in programming selection in relation to the media player.

Abstract: A decorative article support device which can be attached to a container or container lid. The device includes a chassis, a mount with a receptacle for displaying a decorative or other article and flexible legs attached to the chassis. The flexible legs enable the support device to be detachably attached to the container or container lid. In one embodiment, the flexible legs have an extensible part which enables the support device to be attached to containers of varying sizes. Decorative or other articles, such as small balloons, may be engaged with the receptacle on the chassis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for improving VoIP quality in speech and similar communications. More specifically, various lower limits for network performance may be identified and in the event that the communication network begins performing below the lower limits a buffered conversation may be employed in an attempt to improve conversation quality.

Abstract: This application discloses a novel process to synthesize 3-amino-4-substituted pyrazole derivatives, which may be used, for example, as intermediates to prepare compounds having, for example, pharmaceutical utility.

Abstract: A voice communications terminal is provided that includes: a microphone 208 operable to receive an audio stream; and a voice activity detector 220 operable to (a) determine whether the audio stream comprises voice signals and (b) when the audio stream comprises voice signals, at least one of (i) notify a communications server 110 and (ii) provide at least a portion of the audio stream to the communications server 110.

Abstract: An enterprise network 100 for tracking objects is provided. The network 100 includes: (a) a plurality of subscriber communication devices 134 and 138; (b) a plurality of readers 160, each of the communication devices being in communication with a corresponding reader, wherein each reader is operable to read a set of object identifiers, each object identifier in the set corresponding to an Identification device 168 positioned on a respective object 164; and (c) a location agent 324 operable to determine, from at least one of the sets of object identifiers, a physical location of each object 164 having an object identifier in the at least one of the sets of object identifiers.