Abstract: A voicemail system enabling various components of the voicemail system to be distributed geographically yet operate as a seamlessly integrated system is disclosed. A signal gateway interfaces with a telephone network. In addition, one or more media servers interface with the signal gateway as well as the telephone network. The signal gateway is configured to block calls to malfunctioning media servers. The signal gateway monitors the media servers, and responsive to determining that a media server has malfunctioned, the signal gateway initiates auto-blocking such that the telephone network does not route calls to the malfunctioning media server. In addition, the signal gateway is configured to auto-detect a media server responsive to the media server being initialized. The voicemail system can include a variety of other elements, such as one or more system management units and one or more central data and message store systems.

Abstract: A method for providing a personalized bidirectional channel in broadcasting systems. In cellular broadcasting system the method contains the steps of: allocating a first group of subcarriers to broadcast transmission and a second group of subcarriers to personalized channels; reducing interference in the broadcast transmission by using equalizer; and reducing interference in the personalized channels by using controlled allocation of subcarriers in the second group to each subscriber. In OFDM broadcasting system the method contains the steps of: transmitting OFDM transmission from the base-station to the subscriber units; transmitting from the subscriber units to the base-station signals that are orthogonal to signals transmitted from the base-station; and receiving the orthogonal signals at the base-station.

Abstract: The present invention provides the ability to solicit and obtain updated information about a customer or person. The present invention can be incorporated into a service provision system and thus, request updated information from a customer attempting to access the service. In operation, when the customer requests a service, the customer either provides or is requested to provide sufficient information to identify the customer. The system then extracts a customer profile based on the identity of the customer. Portions or all of the customer profile is then presented to the customer to verify for correctness. If the information is incorrect, the customer can provide updated information immediately to the system. The system can force the customer to either update the information or affirmatively indicate the information is correct before providing the service.

Abstract: A closed loop system for and method of delivering information obtained from an information content source to a playback device and to receive response information related to the information content. The system comprises an information source (710), a mobile-content server (735) and a playback device (755). The mobile content server (735) comprises a web site, a database, and a server application. The web site interfaces to the information content source (710) and is available for access by a user. The database stores, among other things, user information. The server application operates on the mobile-content server (735) and enables the mobile-content server (735) to: retrieve the user information from the database; retrieve content segments or programming information from the information content source (710); deliver the content segments or programming information to the playback device (755) to the client platform; and receive response information from the playback device (755).

Abstract: The communication between a remote email or application program and the server to which it interfaces, such as a mailbox exchange server, is improved. The present invention operates by tricking or controlling the application program in such away that the application program operates as thought it is on-line although in actuality it is off-line. This is accomplished by spoofing the application program and as a result, the application program operates off-line but the user has on-line type experience. More specifically, the present invention replaces the MAPI/RPC as the transport provider while the user is operating the application program in an off-line mode. The data transfer between the email application program and the email server is handled by the present invention in the background. On the server end of the connection, the present invention operates to spoof the server and thus causes the server to operate as though the remote customer is an interactive user presently connected to the domain.

Abstract: A a system for allocating subcarriers to subscribers, comprising a subcarriers allocation controller, connected to a subcarrier modulation unit in a transmitter and to a subcarrier demodulation unit in a receiver for setting a group of subcarriers to be used therein. The transmitter and the receiver are part of the transceiver and subcarriers allocation is made according to a Reed-Solomon code. In a multicarrier system, a method for allocating subcarriers to subscribers, comprising: A. keep a table of R-S codes for frequency group allocation to base stations; B. assign one set of subcarriers based on R-S codes to a base station; C. assign other sets of subcarriers based on R-S codes to other base stations in such a way that adjacent base stations have different R-S codes.

Abstract: A multi-pack packaging and dispenser that is suitable for carrying and dispensing glass bottles, such as beer bottles, as well as a variety of other objects. The packaging includes a main access panel that is generally located on the top of the package but, could also be located on the sides or bottom. The main access panel includes a weakened portion that extends the entire width of the panel and less the half of the depth of the panel. When the weakened portion is removed and the main access panel is turned to face a point of access, the contents can be removed through the opening in the access panel created by removing the weakened portion. By orienting the opening to be in the lower portion of the access panel and orienting the access panel to be perpendicular to the surface on which the package rests, as objects are removed from the package, other objects fall into the opening for dispensing.

Abstract: A control device with a switchable bandwidth including: an integrating element with a first capacitance, which is charged and discharged by at least one current; at least one second capacitance, which can be connected in parallel with the first capacitance via a first switch; and at least one voltage follower, via which the voltage present at the first capacitance can be fed to the second capacitance. In this case, the first switch is open if the voltage present at the first capacitance is fed to the second capacitance by means of the voltage follower. The first switch is closed if the second capacitance is connected in parallel with the first capacitance. The invention enables a further capacitance to be supplementarily connected without a disturbance signal arising.

Abstract: A technique for downloading multiple objects from at least one server in an accelerated manner. Typically, in a TCP/IP environment, a client is limited in the number of sockets that can be opened for a single server. A spoofer (410) is utilized to intercept traffic between the server and the client and modify the traffic so that from the client's perspective, it appears as though objects from a single server are actually being sourced from multiple servers. Thus, the client is able to open additional sockets to receive objects from the server thereby allowing for a parallel download of the objects. This greatly reduces the amount of time necessary to download the objects.

Abstract: Customer enrollment in a stored value card program is provided. One embodiment is a method for enrolling a customer in a stored value card program. One such method comprises: generating a list of unaffiliated stored value card programs; and when enrolling a new customer in a new stored value card program at a device, determining whether the new customer has a stored value account with one of the unaffiliated stored value card programs.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, devices, etc. for simulating obesity and enhancing caloric expenditure in daily activities are provided. One embodiment is a device for wearing over a body joint to simulate obesity and enhance caloric expenditure in daily activities. One such device comprises a distally/proximally-weighted sleeve joint.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing digital media assets to a plurality of users. A portal is provided comprising at least one server computer. The portal executes a media library database server application that manages access a master library of media 5 assets that can be accessed by users via one or more communication networks. A plurality of media player devices communicate with the portal to access media assets for use. Each media player device may comprise a processor that executes a database client application that manages media assets licensed for use by a user.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing digital media assets to a plurality of users. A portal is provided comprising at least one server computer. The portal executes a media library database server application that manages access a master library of media 5 assets that can be accessed by users via one or more communication networks. A plurality of media player devices communicate with the portal to access media assets for use. Each media player device may comprise a processor that executes a database client application that manages media assets licensed for use by a user.