Abstract: The present invention provides a stackable, space saving system of bowls which may form a three- or four-tiered tower of bowls that are stably locked upright in place using a twist and lock mechanism located on each of the bowls. The present invention also includes different-sized, molded, elongated elliptical members that telescopically fit one into the other so that the tower is collapsible into a compact, space-saving configuration. In addition, each bowl may be used singly and includes an accompanying airtight lid.

Abstract: The present invention, referred to as “STACKABLES,” consists of 3 or 4 bowls/strainers stacked upright using a twist and lock mechanism to raise, lower and lock in place for stability. These molded oval telescopic posts fit into or onto the post molded in the bottom of each bowl/strainer. When upright, the post is secured in an approximately ½ inch oval choke to keep in an elevated position, and when condensed, a 90-degree turn allows the post to slide into or onto the oval post above or below. Each bowl has an accompanying airtight lid.

Abstract: The “Old Country Apple Launcher” is a toy designed to bring games to urban area kids and more. The shaft will be held and then propelled forward which launches the connected apple at the point system target.

Abstract: The “Bed Nurse” is a pad with 7 inflatable air bladders strategically placed to aide a user/patient or caregiver in moving person from supine to a lifted position in bed. The seven air bladders are placed in the following regions: head/shoulder, upper left torso, upper right torso, waist, upper leg left, upper leg right and lower leg. The air bladders are inflated to varying heights and deflated individually using a small lightweight air compressor with controls. The compressor uses household electric.

Abstract: STACKABLES consists of 3 food bowls/strainers stacked upright and connected together using posts. These posts securely connect to the molded, closed stem in the bottom of each bowl/strainer. Each bowl has an accompanying airtight lid. There is an optional tray that may be used as a base of the tower.

Abstract: A stroboscopic timing device for an internal combustion engine includes a switchable light source having a light emitter and a base for mounting the light source on an exterior surface of an engine adjacent to a rotating shaft such as a camshaft or a crankshaft. A power source and trigger circuit are operatively associated with the light source, and at least the trigger circuit is enclosed within a housing mounted to the base. A sensor, which is removeably cabled to the switchable light source, triggers energization of the light source when a predetermined engine operating condition, such as a spark voltage, is detected.

Abstract: A method is provided for establishing a telephone call between a trusted Internet Protocol (IP) telephone and an untrusted device. The method includes receiving a call initiation request from the untrusted device that indicates a desired communication with the trusted IP telephone. The method evaluates the call initiation request, and establishes a telecommunication link between the untrusted device and the trusted IP telephone in response to a positive evaluation of the call initiation request.

Abstract: A method of providing communication service, includes receiving user identification information and first communication service criteria. The user identification information identifies a user, while the first communication service criteria describe a first communication service requested by the user. The method also includes generating a first communication service order based on the first communication service criteria. The first communication service order includes the user identification information and the communication service criteria; The method further includes selecting premise equipment for the user and generating an equipment order, wherein the equipment order includes the user identification information and identifies the selected premise equipment. Additionally, the method includes transmitting the first communication service order to a first service provider and transmitting the equipment order to an equipment provider.

Abstract: A method for initiating communication service includes coupling a communication device to a network, the communication device storing a trusted address that is associated with a trust server and requesting, with the communication device, a portal address from the trust server located at the trusted address. The method also includes authenticating the communication device at the trust server and transmitting from the trust server to the communication device the portal address in response to the trust server authenticating the communication device. Furthermore, the method includes requesting, with the communication device, a proxy address from a portal located at the portal address and receiving, at the communication device, a proxy address from the portal. The method also includes initiating communication on a network coupled to the portal using the communication device.

Abstract: A method of providing communication service, includes receiving user identification information and first communication service criteria. The user identification information identifies a user, while the first communication service criteria describe a first communication service requested by the user. The method also includes generating a first communication service order based on the first communication service criteria. The first communication service order includes the user identification information and the communication service criteria; The method further includes selecting premise equipment for the user and generating an equipment order, wherein the equipment order includes the user identification information and identifies the selected premise equipment. Additionally, the method includes transmitting the first communication service order to a first service provider and transmitting the equipment order to an equipment provider.

Abstract: A method for supporting communications includes establishing a packet-based audio communication link with a remote device and informing a local computing device of the audio communication link. A message requesting identification of enhanced media capabilities associated with the remote device is received from the local computing device and tunneled in the audio communication link to the remote device. A tunneled response in the audio communication link is received from the remote device and forwarded to the local computing device. The response identifies the enhanced media capabilities associated with the remote device.

Abstract: A method for supporting communications involves establishing a communications conference that includes multiple conference participants that each provide an audio stream. Audio data packets in the audio streams are identified, and audio information from selected audio data packets is mixed to generate a conference audio stream that is communicated to the conference participants. Enhanced media packets in at least one of the audio streams are identified, and the enhanced media packets are communicated to selected conference participants.

Abstract: An improved assembly for a computer that includes at least two through hole mounted components, which are mounted to a printed circuit board, and a heat resistant strip mounted to the top of each of those components.

Abstract: A printed circuit board that includes first and second outer layers and a rigid core block that is positioned between those layers. An integrated circuit is positioned within the rigid core block and a heat pipe is formed within the rigid core block. The heat pipe is thermally coupled to the integrated circuit.