Abstract: The present invention pertains to improved communication quality of service (QoS) in cellular communication networks (10) and the like. A customer has the option to pay different fees for different tiers of service relating to voice quality and bandwidth access (S102). Higher service tiers may guarantee that a specific vocoder or bit rate is used; they may also guarantee that communication is supported by such parameters as maximum allowed dropped calls rate, maximum allowed jitter and maximum allowed latency (Table 1). Network availability may be guaranteed as per Service Level Agreements that are the part of the contract between a subscriber and a service provider. Different tiers may be associated with customers' records (208) for billing purposes. The network (200) may also afford high end cellular phones higher voice quality by comparing a given high end phone to a look up table (FIG. 6), which indicates what level of service is associated with the given phone.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to improved communication quality and security of transmission in cellular communication networks. A customer has the option to pay different fees for different tiers of service relating to voice quality, bandwidth access, and different tiers of service relating to communications security. Higher tiers may guarantee a specific vocoder or bit rate is used, or guarantee a specific encryption protocol is use to ensure secure communications. Different tiers may be associated with customers' records for billing purposes. The network may afford high end devices higher voice quality and/or security via a lookup table indicating what level of service is associated with a given device. Calling or receiving devices may negotiate with each other to change to a more robust vocoder or bit rate to ensure a higher quality and/or security. Furthermore, the user may opt to change the quality and/or security level before or during a call.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for facilitating a purchase in conjunction with media content information. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a transmission of media content, information regarding the content, and information for facilitating a purchase of at least one of a copy of the content, a good, and/or a service. The content may include broadcast media content and entertainment media content. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to process the information regarding the content and the information for facilitating a purchase of the copy of the content, the good, and/or the service. The apparatus also includes a display device for displaying information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing emergency broadcast information via a media playing device, including a receiver for receiving an emergency broadcast transmission, wherein the emergency broadcast transmission contains at least one of emergency broadcast information and an emergency broadcast message, media playing equipment for providing the at least one of emergency broadcast information and an emergency broadcast message, and a control device for at least one of detecting a reception of the emergency broadcast transmission, monitoring an emergency broadcast transmission, and determining at least one of an operating state of the media playing equipment and an operating mode of the media playing equipment, and further wherein the control device at least one of activates the media playing equipment and switches the media playing equipment to an operating mode for providing the at least one of emergency broadcast information and an emergency broadcast message.

Abstract: A human interface device (HID), comprising A human activity detector, a wireless communication link for communicating a signal corresponding to at least one human activity to a receiver, and a wireless powering device for supplying power to power at least the wireless communication device. The wireless powering device may be an inductive coil to scavenge magnetic field energy, an electromechanical energy converter, a fuel cell, or the like.

Abstract: A computer-based system and method obtain information regarding a customer's credit accounts and income, and an authorization to receive the customer's credit report. The customer's financial profile, including statements of the credit accounts and credit reports, are periodically reviewed by the system to determine whether better credit terms are likely to be available to the customer. If better terms are likely to be available, the system automatically applies for credit on behalf of the customer, receives approvals, and transfers balances from existing accounts to new accounts with better terms. The system may automatically obtain account information regarding the customer's credit accounts via a network, and schedule and make payments on the accounts in accordance with the information obtained and parameters prescribed by the customer. When each payment is made, a statement is sent, advising the customer of total interest charges and length of the repayment period under various assumptions.

Abstract: The present invention describes a mutant TLR-4 in mice that does not recognize endotoxin and therefore does not stimulate the secretion of TNF from macrophages. Methods of detecting the mutation are provided; as are methods screening for drugs that may stimulate TNF production. Finally methods of incorporating and expressing the mutant TLR-4 genes into a host cell are contemplated.

Abstract: A helicopter includes a main rotor guided and protected in minor impacts by a guide-ring. In selected embodiments, the rotor is powered by an electric motor employing a magnetic field generator carried by the main rotor and stator coils installed on the guide-ring. The helicopter's main rotor thus effectively functions as the rotor of the electric power plant of the helicopter. In selected embodiments, the rotor's blades are arranged so as to create an opening in the center of the rotor, allowing pilot ejection or deployment of a parachute capable of safely lowering the helicopter in case of an emergency.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing travel information, including a database for storing information regarding a travel area, wherein the information includes at least one of road information, street information, intersection information, and traffic control device information, a processor for processing a request for information regarding an optimal travel route from a present location of a vehicle to a destination, wherein the processor processes the request by utilizing the information stored in the database, and further wherein the processor identifies at least two possible travel routes to the destination, and further wherein the processor identifies an optimal travel route to the destination, wherein the processor generates a message containing travel directions or instructions corresponding to the optimal travel route, and an output device for outputting the information contained in the message.