Abstract: A merchant uploads products or services to create an online store for purchases. The merchant also specifies the physical location of its store or stores or the service provider may determine a store location based on the location of a merchant device. When a user is near at least one of the stores, the user is presented with items available for purchase through any nearby merchants. The user can then make the purchase through the mobile device. The service provider may approve the transaction based, in part, on the location of the merchant and the user. Thus merchants that do not have a website can take advantage of online transactions. Mobile sellers, such as food trucks, can also use this idea to create stores and have users be notified when they are nearby.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for matching image metadata to a profile database to determine image processing parameters are described. In embodiments, image metadata may be used to match input images against a profile database. For example, camera make and model information and/or lens make and model information may be retrieved from the image metadata corresponding to an input image and used to locate a best match profile in the profile database. Additional custom data may then be retrieved from the located profile to perform processing that may be optimized for a specific camera and lens that captured the images, and in some cases for particular camera settings. The profile database may be generated via a calibration process applied to each of a plurality of camera/lens combinations. In one embodiment, the additional custom data may be adjusted or scaled to account for differences in cameras, lenses, or settings.

Abstract: A thread form measurement device for measuring a threaded object includes two grip arms adjustably spaced apart from each other by a holding gap for holding the threaded object, and a support frame disposed to be movable uprightly relative to the grip arms and carry an illuminating unit and an image capturing unit that are spaced apart from each other such that a light path of a beam emitted from the illuminating unit is in alignment with the holding gap. The contour of an image captured in the image capturing unit is formed by a non-light-exposed area projected by a profile of the threaded object. By processing of a processing unit of a controller, quantitative information of the thread form of the threaded object can be obtained.

Abstract: An intelligent sourcing controller for sourcing potential suppliers from external sources such as the Internet as well as internal sources such as a local data server. The intelligent sourcing engine controller provides a supplier appraisal to the buyer as decision support. The intelligent sourcing controller integrates its supplier appraisal criteria with the buyer's sourcing criteria, classifying the collected information in the same way a buyer configures his requirements for the suppliers. The intelligent sourcing controller synchronizes the Internet sourcing results with the local data server after each search to renew data in the local data server in time and the sourcing criteria can be reused in future for decision support.

Abstract: A sock includes a sock body with a leg section and a foot section. The leg section has a cuff that defines a foot opening for insertion of a foot of a wearer. The foot section is connected to the leg section, and includes a toe section, a heel section, a sole section, and an instep section. The leg section has a back segment that faces away from the toe section and that is formed with an opening. The sock body is convertible when worn on the foot to an ankle protecting state, in which the leg section is folded down so that the cuff surrounds the foot section between the toe section and the heel section and so that the heel section extends through the opening, such that the leg section is able to provide additional protection for an ankle joint of the foot.

Abstract: A cable mounting structure for a telecommunications cable distribution pedestal is provided. The structure has back to back compartments and a universal mounting plate. The structure also includes protection and organization features. The structure is field convertible, reconfigurable and upgradeable. A method for field converting a telecommunications cable distribution pedestal is also given.

Abstract: An intelligent network (20) provides an ability for a user (22) to customize the use of intelligent network services in an automated fashion. A service control point (32) controls operation of the intelligent network services and automatically controls how a service switch point (28) or a home location register (74) maintains a database (72) containing trigger detection point criteria that indicates when an intelligent network service should be provided. In a disclosed example, a user can use a telephone (21) or a mobile station (22) for interfacing with the service control point (32) to set up, modify or cancel an intelligent network service.

Abstract: An intelligent sourcing controller for sourcing potential suppliers from external sources such as the Internet as well as internal sources such as a local data server. The intelligent sourcing engine controller provides a supplier appraisal to the buyer as decision support. The intelligent sourcing controller integrates its supplier appraisal criteria with the buyer's sourcing criteria, classifying the collected information in the same way a buyer configures his requirements for the suppliers. The intelligent sourcing controller synchronizes the Internet sourcing results with the local data server after each search to renew data in the local data server in time and the sourcing criteria can be reused in future for decision support.

Abstract: Communication networks, phones, and associated methods are disclosed that provide directory services to users of phones. A phone displays a directory search screen to a user, and the user enters one or more directory search parameters. The phone generates a request message that includes the directory search parameter(s), and transmits the request message to a communication network (e.g., a wireless network or a VoIP network). An application server in the communication network receives the request message, and queries a directory server based on the directory search parameter(s). The application server receives directory search results from the directory server, and transmits a response message to the phone that includes the directory search results. The phone then displays the directory search results to the user.

Abstract: A chuck is composed of a collet sleeve, a sliding member, at least one linkage member, a collet, and a driving member. The collet sleeve includes an axial hole running therethrough and at least one opening in communication with the axial hole. The sliding member is slidably received in the axial hole of the collet sleeve. The linkage member is inserted through the opening of the collet sleeve and connected to the sliding member. The collet is inserted into the axial hole of the collet sleeve and connected to the sliding member. The driving member drives the linkage member and the sliding member to move for drawing in and pushing out the collet with respect to the collet sleeve.

Abstract: A communication network is described that allows legacy devices to access an IMS network. The communication network includes a switching system, an IMS network, and a non-IMS network. The switching system includes a subscriber database that is pre-provisioned with identities of IMS subscribers using legacy devices. When in operation, a calling party places a call through a legacy device. The switching system receives the call and accesses the subscriber database based on a calling party identifier (e.g., a phone number, URL, etc) to determine if the calling party is an IMS subscriber. If the calling party is an IMS subscriber, then the switching system routes the call to the IMS network. If the calling party is not an IMS subscriber, then the switching system routes the call to the non-IMS network.

Abstract: A chuck is composed of a collet sleeve, a sliding member, at least one linkage member, a collet, and a driving member. The collet sleeve includes an axial hole running therethrough and at least one opening in communication with the axial hole. The sliding member is slidably received in the axial hole of the collet sleeve. The linkage member is inserted through the opening of the collet sleeve and connected to the sliding member. The collet is inserted into the axial hole of the collet sleeve and connected to the sliding member. The driving member drives the linkage member and the sliding member to move for drawing in and pushing out the collet with respect to the collet sleeve.

Abstract: Disposable wrist trap including conductive fibers or yarns and a fabric belt. The conductive fibers or yarns have a conductivity within 10 &OHgr;/sq to 107 &OHgr;/sq capable of removing static electricity entrained by human body. The conductive fibers or yarns are used in the fabric belt to form a wide fabric which is cut into a slender belt. One end of the belt is wound to form a loop, while the other end is connected with an insertion terminal, a clip member or a copper foil for grounding in accordance with conditions of different working sites. A user, especially the one who rarely contacts with electronic parts will be able to fit the wrist trap to the wrist or ankles more conveniently and comfortably.

Abstract: A bathroom hanger in combination with multiple suction disk assemblies, a telescopic tube clamped between the suction disk assemblies, multiple shelves mounted on the telescopic tube, multiple arms extending from the telescopic tube, and a showerhead holder mounted on the telescopic tube. The suction disk assemblies are able to remain securely sucked to a bathroom wall due to pressure of a knob to a suction disk in each of the suction disk assemblies such that the bathroom hanger is securely mounted to the bathroom wall by the suction disk assemblies and the bathroom hanger will not easily fall from the wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a mobile phone to customize user interface is disclosed. The method comprises first providing a default user interface screen on the mobile phone in a local memory. Upon power-up by a first user, the mobile phone displays the first user interface screen for a first user of the mobile phone. Then, the mobile phone can make a data call to a first web server through a global computer information network, e.g. the Internet. The phone can brows a first desired web page at the first web server. If selected, the phone duplicates the first desired web page to the local memory as the default user interface for the first user, such that when the mobile phone is powered up by the first user, the mobile phone displays the desired web page.

Abstract: A handle for an electric floor polishing or burnishing machine comprising a centrally-mounted actuator with safety lock is disclosed. In one embodiment, the handle is generally T-shaped and has a centrally-mounted actuator, which offers an operator more control over the polisher or burnisher and allows for one-handed operation. In another embodiment, the handle also has a safety lock which prevents the accidental operation of the machine.

Abstract: A shielding sticker for use on a cellular phone against electromagnetic waves generated by the phone and having negative influence on a person using such a phone is made up of a conductive shielding screen and a conductive ring. The conductive shielding screen is woven by fiber reeled from a mixed material composed of carbon, lead and sodium. The conductive ring is made of a metal or non-mental material. The conductive shielding screen is adhered to the conductive ring by a conductive adhesive to produce an integral sticker shielding against electromagnetic waves produced by a cellular phone in operation.

Abstract: A drawer type CD-ROM storage cabinet includes a cabinet body having a double-swinging door, and a plurality of CD-ROM racks made to slide in the cabinet body between the side panels and vertical partition boards of the cabinet body, wherein plug pins are inserted in respective holes on the side panels and vertical partition boards to limit the moving range of the CD-ROM racks; each CD-ROM rack consists of an open frame made to slide in respective sliding grooves on the side panels or vertical partition boards of the cabinet body, parallel rods longitudinally spaced within the open frame, a plurality of partition plates equally spaced between the two opposite side rails and the parallel rods and defining a plurality of compartments for keeping a respective CD-ROM, each compartment has a projecting strip transversely disposed between the side rail and parallel rod to support a CD-ROM at the bottom, each partition plate having a top flange projecting outwardly on both sides directions to support a respective CD-