Abstract: A method and system for conducting a chat session with multiple chat members. The chat system receives chat comments from the chat members. The chat system attempts to identify a topic or subject of the chat comment. The chat system may then retrieve product or product category advertisements relevant to the identified topic. The chat system then effects the display of the chat comment along with the retrieved advertisements to each chat member. The chat system thus dynamically recognizes the topic of chat comments and displays relevant additional information along with the chat comments.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing a smart-mesh socket. The smart-mesh socket may be sized and shaped to be engaged with a conventional electrical socket of one or more types (e.g., a USB receptacle providing DC electrical power) to provide power to one or more circuits housed within the smart-mesh socket. These circuits may include, for example, a main circuit that includes at least a dual processor for controlling the operation and communications of at least two communication circuits. The dual processors may execute instructions for an operating system, thus allowing the smart-mesh socket to provide enhanced capabilities for networked devices. One or more first communication circuits may each include one or more transceivers that allow the first communication circuit to send and receive communications with other devices over wireless network(s) using one or multiple wireless communication protocols.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing a smart-mesh socket. The smart-mesh socket may be sized and shaped to be engaged with a conventional electrical socket of one or more types (e.g., a USB receptacle providing DC electrical power) to provide power to one or more circuits housed within the smart-mesh socket. These circuits may include, for example, a main circuit that includes at least a dual processor for controlling the operation and communications of at least two communication circuits. The dual processors may execute instructions for an operating system, thus allowing the smart-mesh socket to provide enhanced capabilities for networked devices. One or more first communication circuits may each include one or more transceivers that allow the first communication circuit to send and receive communications with other devices over wireless network(s) using one or multiple wireless communication protocols.

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating interactions between computing systems, such as in accordance with usage models that are configured for available services by the providers of the services. In some situations, the services are Web services, and an electronic Web service (“WS”) marketplace is provided via which third-party WS providers make their WSes available to third-party WS consumers who purchase access to those WSes via the electronic marketplace based on configured usage models selected by the consumers. Some or all of the one or more usage models configured for an available WS may each have associated use prices and/or non-price use conditions, and if so access to those WSes using those usage models may be provided only if a consumer requesting access provides appropriate payment and otherwise satisfies the specified use conditions for a selected usage model.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing a smart-mesh socket. The smart-mesh socket may be sized and shaped to be engaged with any convention light socket to provide power to one or more circuits housed within the smart-mesh socket. These circuits may include, for example, a main circuit that includes at least a dual processor for controlling the operation and communications of at least two communication circuits. The dual processors may execute instructions for an operating system, thus allowing the smart-mesh socket to provide enhanced capabilities for networked devices. The first communication circuit may include a transceiver that allows the first communication circuit to send and receive communications with other devices over a wireless network. The second communication circuit may include a passive receiver that allows the second communication circuit to track and monitor devices as those device move through a smart-mesh network.

Abstract: Techniques are described for controlling distributed operations of devices, such as for devices that are each part of or otherwise associated with a mechanical system containing actuators to manipulate a surrounding environment and optionally further containing sensors to obtain information from the surrounding environment, and with such a device controlling the associated system to perform industrial operations. The described techniques may include identifying a group of multiple such devices to perform one or more assigned tasks, such as in a cooperative distributed manner with each device performing part of the assigned tasks, and/or in a competitive manner with some or all devices independently performing at least one assigned task. The performances of the devices may further be evaluated in various manners, and the devices selected to perform one or more tasks may be identified in various manners (including based at least in part on past performance evaluations).

Abstract: Techniques are described for controlling distributed operations of devices, such as for devices that are each part of or otherwise associated with a mechanical system containing actuators to manipulate a surrounding environment and optionally further containing sensors to obtain information from the surrounding environment, and with such a device controlling the associated system to perform industrial operations. The described techniques may include identifying a group of multiple such devices to perform one or more assigned tasks, such as in a cooperative distributed manner with each device performing part of the assigned tasks, and/or in a competitive manner with some or all devices independently performing at least one assigned task. The performances of the devices may further be evaluated in various manners, and the devices selected to perform one or more tasks may be identified in various manners (including based at least in part on past performance evaluations).

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing a smart-mesh socket. The smart-mesh socket may be sized and shaped to be engaged with any convention light socket to provide power to one or more circuits housed within the smart-mesh socket. These circuits may include, for example, a main circuit that includes at least a dual processor for controlling the operation and communications of at least two communication circuits. The dual processors may execute instructions for an operating system, thus allowing the smart-mesh socket to provide enhanced capabilities for networked devices. The first communication circuit may include a transceiver that allows the first communication circuit to send and receive communications with other devices over a wireless network. The second communication circuit may include a passive receiver that allows the second communication circuit to track and monitor devices as those device move through a smart-mesh network.

Abstract: Techniques are described for controlling distributed operations of devices, such as for devices that are each part of or otherwise associated with a mechanical system containing actuators to manipulate a surrounding environment and optionally further containing sensors to obtain information from the surrounding environment, and with such a device controlling the associated system to perform industrial operations. The described techniques may include identifying a group of multiple such devices to perform one or more assigned tasks, such as in a cooperative distributed manner with each device performing part of the assigned tasks, and/or in a competitive manner with some or all devices independently performing at least one assigned task. The performances of the devices may further be evaluated in various manners, and the devices selected to perform one or more tasks may be identified in various manners (including based at least in part on past performance evaluations).

Abstract: An airfoil profile-shaped seal is disposable between an inside surface of a hollow airfoil body and a seal support. The seal includes an elongated member defining a generally closed curve having a generally straight portion, a generally curved portion, and having a solid cross-section across and along the length of the elongated member. When the seal is disposed in an airfoil profile-shaped groove of a seal support adjacent to the inner surface of the hollow airfoil body, and a fluid pressure on one side of the seal is greater than a fluid pressure on the other side of the seal, portions of the seal engage the inner surface of the hollow airfoil body and a surface of the groove to form a seal to inhibit leakage of fluid from the one side to the other side.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing functionality to users of mobile devices, including coordinating the inter-connection of multiple mobile devices, such as for multiple mobile devices of multiple distinct types, and optionally using multiple different types of inter-connections. In some situations, the described techniques include performing matchmaking operations to determine whether and/or how a group of multiple inter-connected mobile devices will provide functionality to each other and/or will access functionality from one or more remote server computing systems, including to select a host mobile device for the group. In addition, in some situations, the described techniques include providing a distributed display canvas functionality, by using the displays of multiple inter-connected mobile devices of a group to display some or all of the graphical user interface (“GUI”) of an application, such as by displaying on each mobile device a distinct portion of the GUI specific to that mobile device.

Abstract: A location of a mobile device can be determined. Common search queries can be provided that are associated with the location of the mobile device. Information associated with the common search queries can be transmitted to the mobile device automatically or upon user request. The information associated with the common search queries can include timing information, type of user information, user grouping, search type information, results of the common search queries, advertising relating to the common search queries, or links to additional information based on the current location.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing functionality to users of mobile devices, including coordinating the inter-connection of multiple mobile devices, such as for multiple mobile devices of multiple distinct types, and optionally using multiple different types of inter-connections. In some situations, the described techniques include performing matchmaking operations to determine whether and/or how a group of multiple inter-connected mobile devices will provide functionality to each other and/or will access functionality from one or more remote server computing systems, including to select a host mobile device for the group. In addition, in some situations, the described techniques include providing a distributed display canvas functionality, by using the displays of multiple inter-connected mobile devices of a group to display some or all of the graphical user interface (“GUI”) of an application, such as by displaying on each mobile device a distinct portion of the GUI specific to that mobile device.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting a chat session with multiple chat members. The chat system receives chat comments from the chat members. The chat system attempts to identify a topic or subject of the chat comment. The chat system may then retrieve product or product category advertisements relevant to the identified topic. The chat system then effects the display of the chat comment along with the retrieved advertisements to each chat member. The chat system thus dynamically recognizes the topic of chat comments and displays relevant additional information along with the chat comments.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing functionality and information to users, including providing promotional information and opportunities to users of mobile devices in manners that are based at least in part on activities and locations of the users (e.g., based on games played by the users on their mobile devices and/or based on user satisfaction of system-directed tasks associated with offers or other activities). At least some of the promotional information and opportunities may be made available by various companies or entities that provide products and/or services (e.g., retailers, merchants, wholesalers, distributors, etc.) and/or by various companies or entities that provide advertising for available products and/or services. Various types of activities may be defined and used to provide promotional information and opportunities to users of mobile devices in particular embodiments and situations.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying information to be associated with content of a display page. The system provides a web service through which associates of a vendor can request and receive information such as product data to be displayed on the associate's display pages. The system may receive from an associate's computer a request for product data that may include content derived from a web page on which the product is to be displayed. Upon receiving the request, the system identifies a query based on popularity of the query among users, executes the query, and provides an associate with information relating to the results of the executed query.

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating interactions between computing systems, such as in accordance with usage models that are configured for available services by the providers of the services. In some situations, the services are Web services, and an electronic Web service (“WS”) marketplace is provided via which third-party WS providers make their WSes available to third-party WS consumers who purchase access to those WSes via the electronic marketplace based on configured usage models selected by the consumers. Some or all of the one or more usage models configured for an available WS may each have associated use prices and/or non-price use conditions, and if so access to those WSes using those usage models may be provided only if a consumer requesting access provides appropriate payment and otherwise satisfies the specified use conditions for a selected usage model.

Abstract: Techniques are described for using loyalty program points and other non-monetary loyalty rewards from a first organization in a monetary manner at a distinct second organization, such as to acquire an item from a merchant at a cost that is reduced by a monetary amount based on the loyalty reward used. In some situations, the first organization programmatically interacts with a merchant to cause a gift certificate to be dynamically created for the merchant in an appropriate monetary amount, and later applies the gift certificate to reduce the cost of the item acquisition. In addition, in some situations such acquiring of items by a user from a merchant is performed based on interactions between the user and the merchant that are performed so as to appear to the user to be with the first organization and such that subsequent interactions continue between the user and the first organization.

Abstract: Techniques are described for providing functionality and information to users, including providing promotional information and opportunities to users of mobile devices in manners that are based at least in part on activities and locations of the users (e.g., based on games played by the users on their mobile devices and/or based on user satisfaction of system-directed tasks associated with offers or other activities). At least some of the promotional information and opportunities may be made available by various companies or entities that provide products and/or services (e.g., retailers, merchants, wholesalers, distributors, etc.) and/or by various companies or entities that provide advertising for available products and/or services. Various types of activities may be defined and used to provide promotional information and opportunities to users of mobile devices in particular embodiments and situations.

Abstract: Common search queries can be provided that are associated with a predicted path of movement of a mobile device. A location of a mobile device can be determined, along with a destination or direction of movement. Common search queries associated with the path of movement and locations along the path can be transmitted to the mobile device. A user of the mobile device is able to execute the common search queries from the mobile device.