Abstract: A method for shifting between a low speed range and a high speed range for a two-speed transfer case in a four-wheel drive vehicle includes determining a target transmission gear ratio and a desired transfer case range based on the current vehicle speed and the initial transfer case range. The transmission is shifted to the target transmission gear ratio when it is determined that the vehicle speed is in an appropriate range. The transfer case input torque is reduced to a minimum value, and the transfer case is shifted to neutral. The method further includes adjusting the engine speed and transmission gear setting to control the transmission output shaft speed to a desired range. The transfer case is shifted from neutral to the desired transfer case range when the transmission output shaft speed is within the desired range of transmission output shaft speed.

Abstract: A method for shifting between a low speed range and a high speed range for a two-speed transfer case in a four-wheel drive vehicle includes determining a target transmission gear ratio and a desired transfer case range based on the current vehicle speed and the initial transfer case range. The transmission is shifted to the target transmission gear ratio when it is determined that the vehicle speed is in an appropriate range. The transfer case input torque is reduced to a minimum value, and the transfer case is shifted to neutral. The method further includes adjusting the engine speed and transmission gear setting to control the transmission output shaft speed to a desired range. The transfer case is shifted from neutral to the desired transfer case range when the transmission output shaft speed is within the desired range of transmission output shaft speed.

Abstract: Maintaining a social network and providing corresponding access to digital content. A social network includes at least one social group having a defined membership. The content items that collectively correspond to content resource devices of the group members are identified, and feedback information for the content items is maintained based upon feedback respectively provided by group members. The feedback includes ratings, amount of usage and recommendations of the content items. Members, are then provided with displays wherein the feedback is conveyed in association with the corresponding content items.

Abstract: Maintaining a social network and providing corresponding access to digital content. A social network includes at least one social group having a defined membership. The content items that collectively correspond to content resource devices of the group members are identified, and feedback information for the content items is maintained based upon feedback respectively provided by group members. The feedback includes ratings, amount of usage and recommendations of the content items. Members, are then provided with displays wherein the feedback is conveyed in association with the corresponding content items.

Abstract: Maintaining a social network and providing corresponding access to digital content. A social network includes at least one social group having a defined membership. The content items that collectively correspond to content resource devices of the group members are identified, and feedback information for the content items is maintained based upon feedback respectively provided by group members. The feedback includes ratings, amount of usage and recommendations of the content items. Members are then provided with displays wherein the feedback is conveyed in association with the corresponding content items.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method and apparatus that provides software products for installation on a user terminal is provided. The method begins by receiving over a communications network a user selection that includes a choice of a plurality of user-selected software products to be downloaded. In response to receipt of the user selection, an installation guide is assembled that includes installation instructions associated with each of the user-selected software products. A single user command is received over the communications network that includes a request to begin downloading the user-selected software products. In response to the request, the user-selected software products and the installation instructions are sequentially downloaded over the communications network to the user terminal.

Abstract: Maintaining a social network and providing corresponding access to digital content. A social network includes at least one social group having a defined membership. The content items that collectively correspond to content resource devices of the group members are identified, and feedback information for the content items is maintained based upon feedback respectively provided by group members. The feedback includes ratings, amount of usage and recommendations of the content items. Members are then provided with displays wherein the feedback is conveyed in association with the corresponding content items.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a method and apparatus that provides software products for installation on a user terminal is provided. The method begins by receiving over a communications network a user selection that includes a choice of a plurality of user-selected software products to be downloaded. In response to receipt of the user selection, an installation guide is assembled that includes installation instructions associated with each of the user-selected software products. A single user command is received over the communications network that includes a request to begin downloading the user-selected software products. In response to the request, the user-selected software products and the installation instructions are sequentially downloaded over the communications network to the user terminal.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a first passive signal repeater and a second passive signal repeater, operable to respond to the wireless data signal and to first and second wireless transceivers, respectively. A mounting device is configured to traverse a structure within the building, and to receive the first and second passive signal repeaters. The mounting device has a transfer path, which is operable to transfer the wireless data received at the first passive signal repeater to the second passive signal repeater, and to transfer the wireless data signal at the second passive signal repeater to the first passive signal repeater. When the mounting device traverses the structure, and the first and second signal repeaters are arranged on the mounting device in such a manner that the transfer path is operating, a wireless signal path traversing the structure is created between the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver.

Abstract: A portable proximity alert detector is provided for a user to determine when at least one companion comes within a predetermined range of the user. The device includes a receiving portion for wirelessly receiving a first signal encoded with a code identifying a companion and a transmitting portion for wirelessly transmitting a second signal encoded with a user identifying code. The device also includes a processor, a modulator operationally coupling the processor to the transmitting portion for modulating the user identifying code, and a demodulator operationally coupling the processor to the receiving portion for demodulating the companion identifying code. A first memory segment is operationally coupled to the processor for storing companion identifying codes received by the receiving portion. A second memory segment is operationally coupled to the processor for storing companion identifying codes of companions whom the user desires to contact.

Abstract: A portable proximity alert detector is provided for a user to determine when at least one companion comes within a predetermined range of the user. The device includes a receiving portion for wirelessly receiving a first signal encoded with a code identifying a companion and a transmitting portion for wirelessly transmitting a second signal encoded with a user identifying code. The device also includes a processor, a modulator operationally coupling the processor to the transmitting portion for modulating the user identifying code, and a demodulator operationally coupling the processor to the receiving portion for demodulating the companion identifying code. A first memory segment is operationally coupled to the processor for storing companion identifying codes received by the receiving portion. A second memory segment is operationally coupled to the processor for storing companion identifying codes of companions whom the user desires to contact.

Abstract: A portable proximity alert detector is provided for a user to determine when at least one companion comes within a predetermined range of the user. The device includes a receiving portion for wirelessly receiving a first signal encoded with a code identifying a companion and a transmitting portion for wirelessly transmitting a second signal encoded with a user identifying code. The device also includes a processor, a modulator operationally coupling the processor to the transmitting portion for modulating the user identifying code, and a demodulator operationally coupling the processor to the receiving portion for demodulating the companion identifying code. A first memory segment is operationally coupled to the processor for storing companion identifying codes received by the receiving portion. A second memory segment is operationally coupled to the processor for storing companion identifying codes of companions whom the user desires to contact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for distributing compressed digital information. The method begins by obtaining compressed digital information. The compressed digital information is then broadcast in accordance with a wireless protocol from within a given venue to a mobile information player that enters the given venue in which the compressed digital information is transmitted. The mobile information player is adapted to receive, uncompress, and play the compressed digital information.

Abstract: A portable proximity alert detector is provided for a user to determine when at least one companion comes within a predetermined range of the user. The device includes a receiving portion for wirelessly receiving a first signal encoded with a code identifying a companion and a transmitting portion for wirelessly transmitting a second signal encoded with a user identifying code. The device also includes a processor, a modulator operationally coupling the processor to the transmitting portion for modulating the user identifying code, and a demodulator operationally coupling the processor to the receiving portion for demodulating the companion identifying code. A first memory segment is operationally coupled to the processor for storing companion identifying codes received by the receiving portion. A second memory segment is operationally coupled to the processor for storing companion identifying codes of companions whom the user desires to contact.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a first passive signal repeater and a second passive signal repeater, operable to respond to the wireless data signal and to first and second wireless transceivers, respectively. A mounting device is configured to traverse a structure within the building, and to receive the first and second passive signal repeaters. The mounting device has a transfer path, which is operable to transfer the wireless data received at the first passive signal repeater to the second passive signal repeater, and to transfer the wireless data signal at the second passive signal repeater to the first passive signal repeater. When the mounting device traverses the structure, and the first and second signal repeaters are arranged on the mounting device in such a manner that the transfer path is operating, a wireless signal path traversing the structure is created between the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver.

Abstract: A method of facilitating data updates between a base processing unit and one or more portable processing units includes receiving an update request signal at the portable processing unit from the base processing unit over a wireless communication channel, the update request signal indicating that a data update between the base processing unit and the portable processing unit is advisable; and issuing an alarm at the portable processing unit that is perceivable by a user of the portable processing unit in response to the update request signal indicating that a data update routine between the base processing unit and the portable processing unit should be initiated by the user.

Abstract: A method of facilitating data updates between a base processing unit and one or more portable processing units includes receiving an update request signal at the portable processing unit from the base processing unit over a wireless communication channel, the update request signal indicating that a data update between the base processing unit and the portable processing unit is advisable; and issuing an alarm at the portable processing unit that is perceivable by a user of the portable processing unit in response to the update request signal indicating that a data update routine between the base processing unit and the portable processing unit should be initiated by the user.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method of tracking a balance amount associated with a prepaid card for purchasing digital music is disclosed. The disclosed method includes, via a processor, populating a database with a unique identifier associated with a prepaid card for purchasing digital music. The disclosed method further includes, upon a sale of said prepaid card, associating an initial amount and a personal identifier with the unique identifier in the database, upon receiving a card verification request, verifying said unique identifier, upon receiving a personal verification request, verifying said personal identifier, upon receiving a balance verification request, verifying a balance amount of said prepaid card, and upon receiving transaction information regarding a transaction involving said prepaid card, adjusting said initial amount by a transaction amount corresponding to said transaction to create said balance amount.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus for playing music. The apparatus includes a manually movable spring, a generator mechanically coupled to the manually movable spring, and a controller electrically coupled to the generator. The apparatus also includes a memory interface coupled to the controller, the memory interface, in an operative configuration, coupled to a removable memory device containing digital music data. The apparatus can further include an audio interface coupled to the controller, the audio interface, in an operative configuration, coupled to a speaker.