Abstract: The invention is generally related to the systems and methods through which household appliances can provide intuitive and enhanced interactivity through visual inputs. In particular, the disclosure presents methods relating to control of a household appliance, such as a microwave or a refrigerator, via recognition of visual indicia, such as graphics, text, and the like, using a visual sensor such as a camera.

Abstract: A search engine for dynamically generating search results for the user is disclosed. In one embodiment, the user submits a first search query for searching a primary database, such as the content obtained from the World Wide Web, and the search engine obtains primary search listings based upon the search query, which search listings are distinguished from banner advertisements. The system then performs a further search of one or more secondary databases. The secondary search is initiated by the user or automatically by the system, based upon one or more search parameters. The secondary databases may include internal databases maintained by a provider of goods or services, databases that are updated in real time, or databases that include data obtained from a variety of different sources. Examples of secondary databases include inventory databases, product information databases, scheduling databases, market-related databases, location databases or any other database.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that generates search results using a transparent search engine. The system enables the sorting and filtering of search listings based upon one or more metrics or categories of information, listed on the search results page as part of a multi-dimensional sort list. The system may also determine relevancy of a document based upon a weighting of the listing metrics corresponding to a given search listing. The system further includes functionality for displaying conversion rates and ancillary information along with the search results. The system also provides the ability to charge for paid advertisements or listings only when an actual transaction takes place, and to display transaction-related data as part of a listing metric associated with a given search listing.

Abstract: In accordance with the foregoing, in one embodiment of the present invention, an email processing system comprises a first database configured to store a user's email routing preferences. The system further comprises a second database configured to store registration information on paying email senders. The system further comprises email identification analysis code configured to determine whether an incoming email is commercial bulk email. The system further comprises email routing code configured to selectively deliver the incoming email to a folder or to delete the incoming email. The email routing code routes email based at least partially on the user's email routing preferences, the determination of the email identification analysis code, and the email sender registration information.

Abstract: A tracking heliostat array comprises a plurality of optical elements. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a frame separated from the optical elements. Each of the optical elements has an orientation with respect to the frame. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a plurality of supports coupled to at least one of the optical elements. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a turnbuckle coupled to at least one of the supports and to the frame. Rotation of the turnbuckle causes the corresponding support to be displaced relative to the frame. The orientation of the optical element relative to the frame is adjustable. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a traveling actuator configured to rotate at least one of the turnbuckles. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a positioning mechanism supporting the traveling actuator. The positioning mechanism is configured to move the traveling actuator from a first selected turnbuckle to a second selected turnbuckle.

Abstract: A tracking heliostat array comprises a plurality of optical elements. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a frame separated from the optical elements. Each of the optical elements has an orientation with respect to the frame. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a plurality of supports coupled to at least one of the optical elements. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a turnbuckle coupled to at least one of the supports and to the frame. Rotation of the turnbuckle causes the corresponding support to be displaced relative to the frame. The orientation of the optical element relative to the frame is adjustable. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a traveling actuator configured to rotate at least one of the turnbuckles. The tracking heliostat array further comprises a positioning mechanism supporting the traveling actuator. The positioning mechanism is configured to move the traveling actuator from a first selected turnbuckle to a second selected turnbuckle.

Abstract: An automobile collision warning system includes a sensor system configured to generate a sensor signal corresponding to at least a first sensed object in the vicinity of the automobile. A processor is coupled to the sensor system, wherein the processor is configured to determine if a potential collision risk exists based on the sensor signal and to generate a corresponding collision warning signal. A turn signal inhibition apparatus coupled to the processor configured to inhibit movement of a turn signal stalk in response to the collision warning signal, to thereby warn an automobile operator of the potential collision.

Abstract: A search system comprises code. The code, when executed, is configured to generate a search mode interface including a search field, a list area for displaying a list of search result items, and a view area for displaying at least a portion of the contents of a selected search item. The code, when executed, is further configured to transmit a search query entered into the search field to an Internet search application. The code, when executed, is further configured to display search results received from the Internet search application. The code, when executed, is further configured to automatically retrieve webpages corresponding to at least a portion of the search results. The code, when executed, is further configured to display at least a portion of a first retrieved webpage in the view area at least partly in response to a selection of an item in the search results. The code, when executed, is further configured to detect a change of user focus from the list area to the view area.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a rotatable fairing apparatus comprises a vertical support member anchored in a foundation and subjected to an aerodynamic drag force. The rotatable fairing apparatus further comprises a hollow elongate fairing sleeve that covers at least a portion of the vertical support member. The hollow elongate fairing sleeve is rotatably secured to the vertical support member. Additionally, the hollow elongate sleeve has a shape configured to reduce the aerodynamic drag force acting on the vertical support member.

Abstract: The present invention provides for quick and efficient searches. In one embodiment, a search system, comprises an email search interface having at least a first email-specific attribute search field, a file search interface having at least a first file-specific attribute search field, a Web history search interface having at least a first Web-specific attribute search field, and an apparatus configured to perform incremental searching as the user enters characters into one or more attribute search fields.

Abstract: The present invention provides for quick and efficient searches over a network. In one embodiment, program and formatting code is transmitted to a client having a browser, the code generates in the browser a search mode interface including a search field, a list area for displaying a list of search result items, a view area for displaying contents of a selected search result item. The code detects changes search field changes, transmit change information to a remote search system, displays in the list area search results, including a plurality of search result items, received from the remote search system, and displays at least a portion of a first retrieved document in the view area in response to a selection of a corresponding item.

Abstract: The present invention provides for quick and efficient searching. One embodiment includes a first instruction configured to read at least a first search string and a second search string entered into a same first search field, and a second instruction configured to incrementally filter search results to locate at least a first document that has a least a first word that begins with the first string and a second word that begins with the second string.

Abstract: An optical pressure sensor useable in robotic applications. The optical pressure sensor can be included in a robotic grasping device. The pressure sensor includes a sensor structure having an interior wall and indicia. The indicia, apparent by viewing the interior wall, appearance change in response to pressure on the structure. An image sensor is positioned to view at least a portion of the interior wall, wherein the image sensor is configured to provide images of the indicia as the sensor structure is subject to pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for utilizing non-ICANN compliant top-level domain (TLD) names. In one embodiment of the present invention, client-based address conversion software is used to intercept a requested Internet address having a non-ICANN compliant TLD. The address conversion software then appends an extension, including at least an ICANN-compliant TLD, to the end of an Internet address. Further, one embodiment of the present invention is operable with proxy servers. In addition, an email address conversion method and system is provided that intercepts emails whose recipient address includes a non-standard TLD and appends at least a standard TLD thereto. When an email is received, including a sender's email address with a domain having a predetermined ICANN compliant TLD, at least the predetermined TLD is stripped from the sender's email address for display.

Abstract: A system and method for ranking items is disclosed. In one embodiment, the items constitute offerings offered by at least one on-line vendor. The system includes a ranking module that estimates the likelihood that a user will select the offerings and the likelihood that the user will purchase the items offered in the offerings. Based on this information, the ranking module calculates the expected revenue to be generated by the offerings. The ranking module then ranks the offerings relative to one another so as to increase income received by the system administrator.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved process for the preparation of chloroalkynes from alkynyl alcohols. The chloroalkynes can be employed to prepare alkynyl amines which are useful for the manufacture of biologically active materials. The present invention reduces the hazards of the chlorination reaction, eliminates or greatly reduces by-product formation, and provides certain environmental benefits.

Abstract: The present invention provides test flow assurance using memory imprinting. The device being tested includes a nonvolatile memory portion for storing an information imprint in a present test status field. The imprint indicates the bin category to which the device is to be directed according to the results of a test sequence. During the start of a test in the test flow, the present test status field is read to determine whether the device has already passed through the present test. If so, the device is not retested according to that test step, and it is binned out according to the imprinted information. If the imprint indicates that the device has not already passed through the present test, then the present test sequence is performed, the device programmed with its imprint, and binned out accordingly.

Abstract: A zirconium catalyzed transesterification process for preparing synthetic wax monomers is disclosed. The monomers are useful in a wide range of polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides test flow assurance using memory imprinting. The device being tested includes a nonvolatile memory portion for storing an information imprint in a present test status field. The imprint indicates the bin category to which the device is to be directed according to the results of a test sequence. During the start of a test in the test flow, the present test status field is read to determine whether the device has already passed through the present test. If so, the device is not retested according to that test step, and it is binned out according to the imprinted information. If the imprint indicates that the device has not already passed through the present test, then the present test sequence is performed, the device programmed with its imprint, and binned out accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention provides test flow assurance using memory imprinting. The device being tested includes a nonvolatile memory portion for storing an information imprint in a present test status field. The imprint indicates the bin category to which the device is to be directed according to the results of a test sequence. During the start of a test in the test flow, the present test status field is read to determine whether the device has already passed through the present test. If so, the device is not retested according to that test step, and it is binned out according to the imprinted information. If the imprint indicates that the device has not already passed through the present test, then the present test sequence is performed, the device programmed with its imprint, and binned out accordingly.