Great Stuff, Inc.

Other

Actv Inc.

Open Tv Corporation

Jeffrey M Harrington

Craig Ullman

Michael R Abato

Carl R Duda

Ramon Anthony Caamano

Martin Koebler

Norbert Kozar

Example embodiments of compiling and maintaining information for use in transmitting content to a machine via a network are presented. In an example embodiment, a request for information regarding a user of a client device is received at the client device via a communication network from a server storing a user profile. An input including a user response to the request for information is received at the client device. The user response to the request for information is transmitted from the client device via the communication network to the server for updating the user profile. Selected content pushed by the server based on the updated user profile is received at the client device via the communication network from the server.

Enhanced video programming system and method utilizing user-profile information

Example methods of providing media content via a network are presented. In one example, a user profile and a group profile are accessed. The user profile includes information describing a user of media content, and the group profile includes information describing a group of users of media content. Based on the information of the user profile, the user profile is assigned to the user group, in which the user profile is linked as a child profile to the group profile. Based on the information of the user profile and on the assigning of the user profile to the user group, an item of media content is determined for transmission to a user device of the user. The item of media content is transmitted via the network to the user device.

A hose control system is provided. A flow controller has an inlet, an outlet, a fluid flow path defined between the inlet and outlet, and an electrically actuated valve positioned to selectively open or close the fluid flow path. A hose reel device comprises a rotatable spool member onto which a hose can be wound. An electrically controllable motor is connected to rotate the spool member in wind and unwind directions. A hose has a proximal end connected to the spool member. The hose is in fluid communication with the outlet of the flow controller and is configured to be wound upon the spool member. Electronic components are in communication with the valve and the motor. A wireless remote control is configured to transmit wireless command signals to the electronic components for controlling the valve and the motor. The remote control is mounted near a distal end of the hose.

Remote control for hose operation

Maintaining a file specifying a 'donut' of dynamic, hierarchical, shared user-profile information. The donut contains a user profile or acts as a key to a data repository containing it, and it specifies user-profile information such as user characteristics, viewing preferences, hobbies, and spending habits. The donut is accessed by browser programs, associated web server programs, and other applications for use in routing content to the user associated with the donut.

A hose control system comprising a receiver and a transmitter by which one can remotely control both the flow of water through a hose and the winding or unwinding of the hose onto a reel. The system preferably has power saving advantages, for example, by the use of a power control unit that reduces the power consumed by the electronics of the devices, but does not unreasonably disrupt the use of the devices. The receiver may be used with different aspects or all of the hose control system.

A pedal connection arrangement includes a pedal having a spherical portion with an outer spherical surface. The pedal connection arrangement also includes a bicycle shoe that has a pedal gripping cavity that directly engages at least portions of the outer spherical surface of the pedal when the shoe is engaged with the pedal. The shoe is configured so that the pedal gripping cavity securely grips outer spherical surface of the pedal, yet remains free to swivel in various directions about the spherical portion of the pedal when the shoe is engaged with the pedal. The various directions include directions other than about the pedal longitudinal axis, thereby giving more flexibility for movement of the rider's foot while maintaining positive contact between the shoe and the pedal.

Bicycle shoe

A battery assembly comprises a battery and a housing adapted for use in an environment often exposed to water. The housing preferably has recessed portions spaced far apart at the top end thereof, with electrical terminals disposed in the recessed portions. The recessed portions are configured to securely receive corresponding downward-facing compartments disposed at the top of the battery, wherein the compartments have recessed openings housing electrical terminals. Accordingly, the electrical terminals of the housing are configured to contact the electrical terminals of the battery when the battery's compartments are disposed in the housing's recessed portions, forming a substantially watertight seal.

Battery assembly with shielded terminals

A web page staging area for construction of web pages hidden from view of the user. Once the web page is constructed, it is displayed to the user based upon timer event information or receipt of a particular command instructing that it be displayed. Use of the staging area provides the user with a more television-like experience in viewing content from the Internet or other source in that the user need not view a web page being constructed on a display device. Use of timer event information for displaying the constructed web page permits synchronization of the web page with associated programming.

Enhanced video programming system and method utilizing a web page staging area

Bicycle pedal and shoe connection system and method

A linear material reel design promotes the uniform spooling of a linear material around a reel drum, while also reducing stress acting on the end of the linear material that is connected to the drum. A connector ramp has a connector face generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the drum and is configured to orient the connecting section of a linear material substantially parallel to the outer surface of the drum. A guide groove promotes uniformity of spooling. A retraction limiting band maintains a length of the linear material wrapped around the drum. The retraction limiting band, guide groove, and connector ramp can be employed together or independently. Methods of spooling linear material with the use of such apparatus are also provided.

Reel having apparatus for improved connection of linear material

A distributed community network for providing services to an arbitrarily large community of end users by distributing the load among many machines. The network uses hubs on the machines for routing packets. The hubs obtain routing instructions from a router and use those instructions for routing the packets. The packets include content for the machines based upon a particular network service, such as a chat service for permitting users to interact in chat rooms or a push/pull service for pushing content to the user machines either directly or based upon information received from the users.

Growing community of inventors

Vancouver, WA, United States of America

Jeffrey M Harrington