Qwest Communications International Inc.

Other

Level 3 Communications, LLC

Michael Gibson

Peter Riering-Czekalla

Richard Cerami

Elger Oberwelz

Matthew Robert Adams

Rich Cerami

Andrew Switky

Afshin Frederick Mehin

Nicholas Zambetti

Katrin B Gosling

Astrid Van Der Flier

Jesse Tane

Coe Leta Rayne Stafford

Martin Nicholas John Heaton

Gilman R Stevens

Zubin Ingah

Suzanne Gibbs Howard

Cory Sawyer

Adam Saenger

Len Brannen

Gene Clark

Anil Simlot

Valentina Venza

Johan J Shane

Kurt Deshazer

Matthew Holway

Jim Anderson

Andrew White

James Yurchenco

Adam Mekeel Mack

Adam Patrick Vollmer

Astrid Jantina Van Der Flier

Daniel Stillion

Darrell Andrew Joye

Robert Pickney Elliott

Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods relating to adaptive virtual services. In an example, a user specifies a device configuration for a platform device. As a result, a service provider installs selected virtual-network functions and defines network connections as specified by the device configuration. Management software may also be installed, thereby enabling the service provider to communicate with and remotely manage the platform device. The installed virtual-network functions are activated on the platform device once it is delivered to the user. In some instances, the user changes the device configuration. For example, the user may install new virtual-network functions, reconfigure or remove existing virtual-network functions, or change defined network connections. As a result, the service provider reconfigures the platform device accordingly. Thus, the user need not purchase new specialized hardware in order to change the available functions of the computer network.

Adaptive virtual services

A novel fishing tackle rig generally consisting of an open-eye formed by double 'U' bends on the shaft of a hook or other tackle, a hook-shield which threads onto a fishing line with a hollow rear section to slide over the open-eye, a solid front section to provide structure, and a pin extending perpendicular to secure the hook-shield to the bait, and a cone shaped bait protecting device where the narrow end threads onto the fishing line and the wide end fits over the bait and other components of fishing tackle holding everything together. In an alternative embodiment, the hook-shield is replaced by integrating onto the shaft of the hook or other tackle a closing mechanism that slides along the shaft from an open position to a closed position that completes the open-eye.

Easy rig bait tackle

A molded pool step, a method of fabricating the pool step and a method of matching a decorative pattern on the pool step to the decorative pattern on a pool liner is disclosed. The pool step is fabricated by applying a decorative pattern to one surface of a transparent sheet of moldable material; positioning the sheet of material on a pool step mold such that the sheet contacts a molding surface of the pool step mold; molding the sheet of material on the pool step mold such that the decorative pattern is located a distance inwardly from an outer surface of the pool step and is thereby prevented being contacted by pool water or people using the pool. When the pool step is molded and installed the decorative pattern on the three-dimension pool step is substantially continuous with the decorative pattern on the liner adjacent the pool step.

Method and apparatus for manufacturing pool steps

Method and apparatus for matching pool step patterns with liner patterns

Solutions for facilitating enhanced video calling functionality. Embodiments include functionality for handling video calling through a communications hub. According to some embodiments, the communications hub is a user supersystem having multiple clients, each with an integrated camera and display, capable of seamlessly handing off video call functionality among the clients. Other embodiments integrate other functionality of the communications hub (e.g., web browsing, multimedia, etc.) into the video call environment.

Video call handling

Solutions for capturing and displaying conversation history for providing conversation capture functionality. Some such solutions use a user supersystem as a communications hub to capture and/or generate relevant information for enhancing conversations with contacts, including address book information, contact notes, conversation history information, and/or conversation anchors. The information may then be processed for display to the user via a graphical interface.

Conversation capture

Solutions for providing integrated task list functionality. Some such solutions use a user supersystem as a communications hub to generate, display, and/or handle user-based tasks for a family group. For example, tasks may be assigned to one or more members of the family and associated with various types of dates, rewards, audits, etc. Family members may then interact with the tasks through the communications hub and/or through other devices (e.g., cell phones, etc.).

Multi-user integrated task list

Novel stands for tablet computers and other electronic devices. A stand for a tablet may comprise a body having one or more attachment mechanisms at one location and a crossbar at a second location. The crossbar may comprise a portion of a first material disposed to magnetically interact with a portion of a second material that is provided by the tablet. The magnetic interaction may cause the crossbar to serve as one or more detents that movably affixes the stand in a desired position relative to the tablet.

Integrated magnetic tablet stand

Solutions for providing integrated media services, e.g., in the context of communications services offered through a user supersystem configured as an interactive graphical communications hub. For example, interactions with a messaging interface may provide access to media creation functionality, including doodle functionality, in the context of the messaging and/or in the context of other media. In one implementation, the communications interface allows a user to doodle in the context of an image file (e.g., a photo) while in the context of a chat application.

Doodle-in-chat-context

Solutions for providing context-driven communications mode determinations. Some such solutions use a communications hub located in a home (e.g., a user supersystem) to facilitate context-driven, multi-modal communications. For example, a tablet system may be used as a graphical communications hub in a family's home, used by the family to communicate to and from the home via multiple communications modes (e.g., family chat, family activities, user-based messaging, etc.) over one or more communications channels. Determination of an appropriate mode for communications may be driven by contextual (rather that channel-based) factors relating to the communications.

Integrated multi-modal chat

Integrated multi-client communications system

Systems and methods for determining an optimal range of frequencies of electromagnetic waves are described. In some embodiments, mobile voice communications devices measure average power received from certain ranges of such frequencies, each range associated with a communications service provider. A cost may be associated with each range. An optimal range of frequencies may be determined based on these factors. Each device may also receive a set of data identifying the location of the device. Each device may transmit one or more communications signals to a CIP with such measurements and location information, and some of this information may be stored in a database.

Multi-MVNO wireless service

Growing community of inventors

Evergreen, CO, United States of America

Michael Gibson