Abstract: Systems and methods of facilitating trades of instruments are provided. A master node and a plurality of intermediate nodes store counterparty credit matrices. Trades are executed based on the information stored in these matrices. The systems and methods allow selection of trading options that not only accept or reject a trade, but also can indicate a credit status to be assigned to a counterparty to the trade.

Abstract: Systems are presented in which a network database is populated and updated with delay values representing measured network delays in routing calls between call control entities of a communications network. The network entities can query the database to make informed decisions regarding call routing based on the delay values, and the database entries are provided by the network elements, which measure actual or pseudo calls routed in the network.

Abstract: A method of processing a call by proxy in a network is provided. The method comprises: receiving a request from a first party for a proxy call on behalf of a second party at a first call control entity, whether or not an active call exists between the first and second parties; signaling the proxy call through the network; and establishing the proxy call to an appropriate destination, such as an emergency call center near the second party.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) emission spectroscopy and microscopy apparatus with X-ray excitation or electron excitation and an improved process for extending spatial relation of infrared (IR) microscopy and performing microscopic infrared (IR) analysis by X-ray or electron radiation are provided. By utilizing nanometer sized X-ray beams or electron beams to produce IR emission, the spatial resolution of IR microscopy is extended. Simultaneously performing X-ray or electron-based spectroscopy as well as structural studies are enabled.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a gateway component that provides an identifier of a service provider to a sender of a message through employment of a user address associated with the recipient of the message.

Abstract: This invention is a guitar strap lock apparatus for connection to a guitar strap button on a guitar. The apparatus has a lock body defining a cavity with a resilient retainer latch attached to the lock body. The resilient retainer latch partially protrudes over a side opening in the lock body so that a securing portion of the button is secured within the latch when the button is received in the cavity.

Abstract: Systems and methods of facilitating trades of instruments are provided. A master node and a plurality of intermediate nodes store counterparty credit matrices. Trades are executed based on the information stored in these matrices. The systems and methods allow selection of trading options that not only accept or reject a trade, but also can indicate a credit status to be assigned to a counterparty to the trade.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) emission spectroscopy and microscopy apparatus with X-ray excitation or electron excitation and an improved process for extending spatial relation of infrared (IR) microscopy and performing microscopic infrared (IR) analysis by X-ray or electron radiation are provided. By utilizing nanometer sized X-ray beams or electron beams to produce IR emission, the spatial resolution of IR microscopy is extended. Simultaneously performing X-ray or electron-based spectroscopy as well as structural studies are enabled.

Abstract: To address the need to have new techniques that are able to improve handoff decision-making, the network may employ a method such as that depicted in diagram 200 or 300. In one method, the network receives (201) a user handoff approval indication from a UE regarding handoff of the UE to a target cell and then determines (202) whether to allow the handoff based on this user handoff approval indication. In another method, the network compares (301) attributes of a target cell to stored user handoff policies associated with a UE to determine a user policy approval indication regarding handoff to the target cell and then determines (302) whether to allow the handoff based on this policy approval indication. These methods afford users greater control in managing handoffs in the more varied and less uniform networking landscapes that technologies such as femto cell technology are creating.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for multiple leg call processing, in which the timing of a plurality of outgoing call legs is determined according to a plurality of parameters in order to achieve near simultaneous notification of a group of member directory numbers. The parameters can include static information obtained from a network database such as end user device technology type, call forwarding disposition, answering machine or voicemail service, geographic distance to the member directory number, and/or signaling type and carrier or other local information. Actual setup times may be measured for use in determining the timing of the outgoing call leg processing, which may be used alone or in combination with the local and static information parameters to determine the outgoing call schedule for routing the call to multiple member directory numbers.

Abstract: A method of synchronizing ported number data within a telecommunications network in which a number portability administration center has received a request from a subscriber having a directory number (DN) to port is provided. The method comprises the steps of: a Number Portability data manager sending a subscription request to the NPDB to receive future notifications about subscriber ports to/from specific Location Routing Number(s); the NPDB honoring these subscriptions when a user ports their DN. If this is the initial LRN assigned to the DN, then the NPDB derives the LRN of the code holder. If the LRN from which the subscriber ported has a subscription, then the NPDB sends a notification message to the NP data manager with which the LRN is associated indicating that the DN ported out. If the LRN to which the subscriber ported has a subscription, then the NPDB sends a notification message to the NP data manager with which the LRN is associated indicating that the DN ported in.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining a zip code of where a user is at the moment is provided. The apparatus comprises: a core network; an access server operatively connected to the core network providing network access for the communication device; and a zip code location database server operatively connected to the core network, wherein the zip code location database server is adapted to store zip code location information for one or more IDs in the core network.

Abstract: Included herein is an instrument component for mounting to the body of an instrument having strings, for example a guitar. The instrument component comprises a plurality of attachment devices, an elongated bracket, and a biasing element. The elongated bracket includes a plurality of attachment apertures where each aperture includes a center and is shaped to accept one of the attachment devices. A biasing element is positioned in each attachment aperture wherein each biasing element engages one of the attachment devices. Each biasing element includes a plurality of protrusions wherein each protrusion biases the attachment device toward the center of the attachment aperture.

Abstract: Included herein is an instrument component for mounting to the body of an instrument having strings, for example a guitar. The instrument component comprises a plurality of attachment devices, an elongated bracket, and a biasing element. The elongated bracket includes a plurality of attachment apertures where each aperture includes a center and is shaped to accept one of the attachment devices. A biasing element is positioned in each attachment aperture wherein each biasing element engages one of the attachment devices. Each biasing element includes a plurality of protrusions wherein each protrusion biases the attachment device toward the center of the attachment aperture.

Abstract: This invention is a guitar strap lock apparatus for connection to a guitar strap button on a guitar. The apparatus has a lock body defining a cavity with a resilient retainer latch attached to the lock body. The resilient retainer latch partially protrudes over a side opening in the lock body so that a securing portion of the button is secured within the latch when the button is received in the cavity.

Abstract: A method of processing a call by proxy in a network is provided. The method comprises: receiving a request from a first party for a proxy call on behalf of a second party at a first call control entity, whether or not an active call exists between the first and second parties; signaling the proxy call through the network; and establishing the proxy call to an appropriate destination, such as an emergency call center near the second party.

Abstract: A system and method of call delivery from an Originating End to a Terminating End in a telecommunications network is provided in which the Calling Party can direct the call to be forwarded directly to the Called Party's Call Forwarding Destination. An Originator Initiated Direct To Call Forwarding Destination indicator is associated with the call and sent from the Originating End of the telecommunications network to the Terminating End for notifying the Terminating End that the call is to be sent directly to the Called Party's Call Forwarding Destination.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises a gateway component that provides an identifier of a service provider to a sender of a message through employment of a user address associated with the recipient of the message.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises one or more information sender components that upon engagement of a communication device with a communication session that involves a plurality of communication devices, send to one or more information receiver components identification information of two or more communication devices of the plurality of communication devices and the communication device.

Abstract: An optical mount device for holographic and diffractive beam shaped image speckle reduction by active beam sampling by means of low and high frequency vibrations induced in the HOE/DOE optical mount. A holographic optical element or a diffractive optical element is placed into an optical mount which is isolated by small flexures or springs and is moved in an x-y plane at variable frequencies ranging from 1 to 50 kHz.