Abstract: Devices and methods are presented for elevating seat devices. The device allows a vertical and forward motion of a seat from a first position to a second position. Such motion more resembles a natural body motion during the standing motion. A similar but converse motion is also possible with movement from a standing position to a sitting position.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making same are presented that act as substitutes for tobacco and tobacco products. Use is made of a genus of plants called pueraria, and more specifically the kudzu species, which is processed and packaged to taste and feel similar to natural tobacco. Various enhancers and flavors are added to appeal to various tastes.

Abstract: Various portable electronic devices are respectively equipped so that manually provided mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy and stored there in. The stored electrical energy can be used to power the respective portable electronic device for at least a brief period. Suitably equipped portable electronic devices can thus be operated in emergency situations without external sources of electrical power, replacement batteries, or the like.

Abstract: A mobile communication device scans a barcode of a product and comprises a scanner, a processing module, and a receiving module. The scanner scans the barcode. The processing module is in communication with the scanner, and sends a coded information received from the scanner to an information provider. The receiving module is in communication with the processing module, and receives a product information from the information provider as a voice message and sends the product information to the processing module.

Abstract: A technique for controlling power consumption in a wireless device detects data frames indicating a pause in the reception of speech frames from the wireless network. The mobile unit places the receiver circuitry in a low-power or sleep mode to thereby reduce processor cycles and save battery power. At the end of a time period, the receiver circuitry awakens to receive and process additional speech frames or to return to the low-power mode if no additional speech signals have been received.

Abstract: A method and system for sending information in the form of a wireless message to a wireless device subscriber requesting advertising, product, or service information is described. The method includes assigning an information request code by a service provider to the information provided by an advertiser, presenting or displaying the information request code along with an advertisement to potential consumers, receiving the information request code from the wireless device, and sending a wireless message to the potential consumer's wireless communication device. The system includes an advertisement comprising an information request code, a wireless communication device operable for sending the information request code and receiving a wireless data message, a wireless communication center in communication with a wireless network and operable for relaying, storing, and forwarding the wireless data message to the wireless communication device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for intelligently providing and charging for services on a network. A Service Controller aggregates usage history for a subscriber using a service on a network. An IICR consolidates the information into a subscriber profile and links the subscriber profile to community profiles or “segmentation” profiles. The Service Controller then seeks patterns in the subscriber profile, and adjusts the level of service for the subscriber based on said patterns. Services are dynamically provisioned and de-provisioned in real-time based on the subscriber's usage of the services, along with demographics and network conditions. Additionally, the subscriber is charged for the services based on his real-time use of the services and based on the Quality of Service (QoS) actually delivered.

Abstract: A component of the wireless network detects when a party who is sending an electronic message desires to have the sender's ID information blocked. If a determination is made that the sender's ID information is to be blocked, the network component removes the ID information from the communication and transmits the message to the intended recipient without the sender's ID information being included in the transmission.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining and maintaining user presence information include capturing user presence data with an application presence server. The application presence server can be configured to update user presence data as a user initiates or exits an application. Applications associated with user presence data are configured to query an application proxy client concerning user presence data of a selected user and, based on a returned user status, deliver, discard, or redirect a message intended for the user. User presence data is stored in a user presence repository and can be provided via Internet-based or other connections to applications executed on external networks. User activity status can be used to select or update user presence data. In some examples, an application server of an external network is configured to receive user presence data from the presence server.

Abstract: A portable diagnostic device. The portable diagnostic device includes a housing, a processor located within the housing, an input device located on the housing and coupled to the processor, and a display screen located on the housing and coupled to the processor. The processor includes a microbrowser module configured for communicating with an external source of information and a diagnostic module configured for analyzing information received from the external source of information.

Abstract: A system for generating and working with communities of interests is disclosed. In various forms, the present system allows multiple users sharing common interests to interact with each other seamlessly, seek out times when each is available, and other such convenience functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for programming a cellular telephone with activation parameters. A cellular telephone to be programmed is connected to a computer via a communications interface. A user input device is provided to allow a user to provide programming information, including a cellular telephone type, to the computer. A visual representation of the cellular telephone type is displayed on a display monitor to allow the user to interactively verify the inputted programming information. Upon such user verification, the computer determines activation parameters and transmits the activation parameters to the cellular telephone. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, certain activation parameters are dynamically computed based on the user provided programming information. In one embodiment, the user enters a cellular telephone number to be assigned to the cellular telephone. The computer looks up a system identification associated with the cellular telephone number in a memory unit.

Abstract: An apparatus such as an HTTP proxy server compares information of a request by HTTP client logic with a known pattern of information for the client logic. When the information of the request matches the known pattern, the HTTP proxy server causes content and/or software to be communicated to the client in response to the request. Depending upon the results of the comparison, the HTTP proxy may also validate or invalidate the request before communicating it to the server.

Abstract: A wireless mobile telecommunications device includes a detachable camera that wirelessly communicates data with the device body. The device is usable not only to make and receive telephone calls in the conventional manner but also to take photographs or video. When the camera portion is detached from the device body, the camera can be used in essentially the same manner as any digital photography or video camera. Images captured by the camera are wirelessly transmitted to the device body.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a wireless communication device including a housing assembly formed from a first section that is rotatably coupled about an axis to a second section such that the first and second sections are movable between a closed position in which a first side of the first section is aligned with and in close proximity to a first side of the second section. The wireless communication device can also include a first display screen positioned in the first section and a second display screen positioned in the second section. The first and second display screens can be configured to display images. The wireless communication device can also include a keypad including keys on the first and second sections, thereby creating a foldable keypad rotatable about the axis between the first and second sections. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for silencing communication devices is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a silencing system having a controller element to transmit an RF signal to an RF receiver of a mobile communication device. An audible alerting function of the mobile communication device can be adjusted in response to the RF signal. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A hands-free teleconferencing apparatus for use with a wireless telephone for enabling multiple users to participate in a telephone call in a hands-free environment. An adapter of the apparatus configured to connect to a wireless telephone includes circuitry for communicating with at least two external speakers and at least one external microphone. The communications between the adapter and the external speakers and microphone may be wired or wireless. If wired, the external speakers and microphone may be part of respective earbud devices or headsets that connect to the adapter. Each earbud device includes an acoustic transducer that functions as an audio speaker and may include a microphone that converts the users' voices into electric audio signals. If wireless, the external speakers and microphone may be in respective headsets that have respective wireless transducers for communicating wirelessly with respective wireless transducers in the adapter.

Abstract: A method for communicating on a wireless network includes receiving a mode signal from a network node. The mode signal represents an operational mode of the network node. The operational mode is defined by selecting from among a plurality of services at least one service whose reception over the wireless network is to be suspended or reinstated. Communication between the network node and the wireless network is subsequently conducted by taking into account the received mode signal. The network node may be a wireless communicator such as a cellular telephone or a fixed station device. Alternatively, the network node may be a wireless switch or a cellular base station.

Abstract: Information relevant to internet security is received at a data center server. Such information, for example, a network intrusion alert or details on a recent outbreak of an network virus, may be examined to determine the nature and scope of the security-related information. A security alert is promptly generated in response to the information, using previously stored multimedia content divided into categories of security alerts and/or multimedia content generated at the data center shortly after receiving the security information. The security alert is then disseminated to a plurality of mobile device users. The alerts may be disseminated only to the users associated with a certain security event category, or may be sent to different groups of users depending on other relevant criteria.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for tagging or identifying bad, faulty or objectionable media resource files in real time, as the media is playing, by users who are exposed to the media. The tagging is simple to use and easy to remember, allowing for increased use of the tagging process to identify, correct and replace bad, faulty or objectionable media.