Abstract: Methods and devices for protecting telephone privacy are provided. Privacy is provided by altering the pitch of a person's voice, recording the call, changing caller ID information, routing a call straight to voicemail, playing background sounds during the call, call forwarding, and messaging. The various privacy mechanisms can be performed alone, or in combination with certain triggers, such as receiving a call from a certain number, dialing a call to a certain number, transmitting caller ID information with a certain number, or contacting a certain dial-in number of a call handling system.

Abstract: A device for storing excess electrical cord length on or near an electrical outlet. The device features one or more protrusions or cleats that extend away from the surface of the outlet cover into a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the outlet cover rests. Each protrusion has an attachment portion, a body portion and a flange located at the end or terminus of each protrusion. The flange is shaped to retain electrical cords that are wrapped around the body of the device in that the flange extends away from the terminus of the protrusion into a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane of the outlet cover. Further, the body includes an opening through which a plug can be passed. Alternately, the device could feature two or more protrusions side by side and need not be directly attached to an electrical outlet cover.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The fuel injector includes a first component, a second component, and a braze layer. The first component has a sidewall. The second component also has a sidewall. The braze layer is formed between the sidewall of the first component and the sidewall of the second component. The braze layer is being formed from a Nickel (Ni) alloy brazing material containing non-metallic constituents. The braze layer also has a eutectic-free region with substantially all of the non-metallic constituents diffused away from a centerline area between the first component and the second component.

Abstract: A fuel injector for a combustor assembly for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The fuel injector includes a first component, a second component, and a braze layer. The first component has a sidewall. The second component also has a sidewall. The braze layer is formed between the sidewall of the first component and the sidewall of the second component. The braze layer is being formed from a Nickel (Ni) alloy brazing material containing non-metallic constituents. The braze layer also has a eutectic-free region with substantially all of the non-metallic constituents diffused away from a centerline area between the first component and the second component.

Abstract: A determination of whether to perform telephone call blocking includes initiating a telephone call from a call server, determining whether the call is a solicitation call and determining the area code of the call and performing a lookup operation of the area code in a call suppression database. The process may also include retrieving a call block entry for a current day from the call suppression database, and comparing the area code to the call block entry for the current day to determine whether the call should be blocked.

Abstract: Methods for protecting telephone privacy are provided that utilize the phone number of the other party to a telephone call to automatically determine whether privacy protection is necessary and to automatically take measures to protect the user's privacy. Particular versions, such as an app for a smart phone that performs the methods, are also provided.

Abstract: A carburetor having an inlet opening that includes a pair of concavities operative to direct air toward the metering rod of the carburetor. A carburetor having an inlet opening that includes an arcuate manifold adjacent to the inlet opening and in fluid communication with a fuel reservoir. A carburetor having a slide assembly that includes a positioning mechanism operative to adjust the position of the metering rod relative to the throttle slide. A throttle slide that includes a flow guide that bisects an arcuate relief on an underside thereof. A method for configuring the throat of a carburetor that includes an upper portion of a first diameter and a lower portion of a second diameter that is offset from the first diameter. The method comprises deriving an optimum size for the first and second diameters and the offset based on the pumping efficiency and operating parameters of the engine.

Abstract: A determination of whether to perform telephone call blocking includes initiating a telephone call from a call server, determining whether the call is a solicitation call and determining the area code of the call and performing a lookup operation of the area code in a call suppression database. The process may also include retrieving a call block entry for a current day from the call suppression database, and comparing the area code to the call block entry for the current day to determine whether the call should be blocked.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and non-transitory computer readable medium for determining whether to perform telephone call blocking. One example method of operation provides initiating a telephone call from a call server, determining whether the call is a solicitation call and determining the area code of the call and performing a lookup operation of the area code in a call suppression database. The method may also include retrieving a call block entry for a current day from the call suppression database, and comparing the area code to the call block entry for the current day to determine whether the call should be blocked.

Abstract: A portable system for display storage and use where at least a first and second display can be stored in the portable system and where the portable system includes supporting structures for arranging multiple displays in a viewing configuration. The portable system includes a housing and first and second displays stored in the housing, where the first display is coupled to a movable supporting member operable to move the displays between a stowed and a viewing position. The displays are adapted with corresponding mounts arranged along a peripheral edge of each display such that the displays may be coupled via the corresponding mounts. Housing mounts sized to engage the corresponding mounts on the second display may be directly or indirectly coupled to the housing and may be used to secure the second display within the housing during transport.

Abstract: A carburetor having an inlet opening that includes a pair of concavities operative to direct air toward the metering rod of the carburetor. A carburetor having an inlet opening that includes an arcuate manifold adjacent to the inlet opening and in fluid communication with a fuel reservoir. A carburetor having a slide assembly that includes a positioning mechanism operative to adjust the position of the metering rod relative to the throttle slide. A throttle slide that includes a flow guide that bisects an arcuate relief on an underside thereof. A method for configuring the throat of a carburetor that includes an upper portion of a first diameter and a lower portion of a second diameter that is offset from the first diameter. The method comprises deriving an optimum size for the first and second diameters and the offset based on the pumping efficiency and operating parameters of the engine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an index is created by a first user for a specified video program that is applied when a second user request viewing the specified video program. The index is typically embodied by a file, which identifies one or more content segments of the video program that are not presented to the viewing user. The viewing user selects the program for viewing, typically using a video on-demand service offered by a cable service provider, and potentially indicates the index file to be applied when viewing the program. The cable service provider streams the video program to the user, but excises the one or more content segments identified in the index file, thus providing a customized viewing experience to the viewing user.

Abstract: Methods and systems for intelligent vehicle fleets are disclosed. An intelligent vehicle may function as a mobile office reducing the need for users to perform work functions in a brick-and-mortar building. Methods or systems consistent with the invention may manage vehicle fleets, or provide intelligent vehicle subsystems, or acquire address information using an intelligent vehicle. A method to manage vehicle fleets may include receiving at a remote computer communicated maintenance data from information collection devices installed in the intelligent vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for intelligent vehicle fleets are disclosed. An intelligent vehicle may function as a mobile office reducing the need for users to perform work functions in a brick-and-mortar building. Methods or systems consistent with the invention may manage vehicle fleets, or provide intelligent vehicle subsystems, or acquire address information using an intelligent vehicle. A method to manage vehicle fleets may include receiving at a remote computer communicated maintenance data from information collection devices installed in the intelligent vehicle.