Abstract: Vehicles (106) are equipped with two-way communication units (401) that communicate with roadside (114) and vehicular mounted two-way communication units to receive and/or exchange journey-related information. When approaching a geographic zone that does not support such services, a given vehicle (106) can receive at least a partial download of journey-related information concerning the second geographic zone (102) while still proximal to the entry border (107) for that zone (102). The download can be implemented wirelessly, through hard physical contact, or both. The download may also be at least partially concluded while traveling within the second geographic zone (102) through use of a second non-compatible wireless service such as wireless telephony.

Abstract: A vehicle (30), such as an automobile, has an indicia controller (31) that can determine, via one or more direction-of-visual-attention sensors (32) a likely direction of visual attention for a given occupant of the vehicle such as, for example, the driver or another passenger. When a predetermined condition is sensed by one or more condition sensors (34, 35) (such as, for example, a predetermined hazard or other unsafe operating condition), the indicia controller can determine whether the monitored person is likely looking in a direction that likely includes the condition of concern. A particular condition indicia (36) as corresponds to the detected condition can then be provided as a function, at least in part, of whether the driver or other monitored person is already likely looking at, and is hence aware of, the detecting condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mitral valve prosthesis comprising flexible leaflet-like elements with curved coapting surfaces and means for maintaining continuity of the valve when inserted into the mitral annulus, which mimics the continuity between the papillary muscles, the chordae tendineae, the mitral valve leaflets and the mitral annulus of a natural valve. The present invention also relates to a method of fitting such a prosthesis to heart of a patient.

Abstract: Vehicles (106) are equipped with two-way communication units (401) that communicate with roadside (114) and vehicular mounted two-way communication units to receive and/or exchange journey-related information. When approaching a geographic zone that does not support such services, a given vehicle (106) can receive at least a partial download of journey-related information concerning the second geographic zone (102) while still proximal to the entry border (107) for that zone (102). The download can be implemented wirelessly, through hard physical contact, or both. The download may also be at least partially concluded while traveling within the second geographic zone (102) through use of a second non-compatible wireless service such as wireless telephony.

Abstract: A vehicle (30), such as an automobile, has an indicia controller (31) that can determine, via one or more direction-of-visual-attention sensors (32) a likely direction of visual attention for a given occupant of the vehicle such as, for example, the driver or another passenger. When a predetermined condition is sensed by one or more condition sensors (34, 35) (such as, for example, a predetermined hazard or other unsafe operating condition), the indicia controller can determine whether the monitored person is likely looking in a direction that likely includes the condition of concern. A particular condition indicia (36) as corresponds to the detected condition can then be provided as a function, at least in part, of whether the driver or other monitored person is already likely looking at, and is hence aware of, the detecting condition.

Abstract: A method for creating communities between communication devices includes a first step of creating a digital credential identifying a common affiliation or interest. A next step includes distributing the digital credential to a communication device. A second device can then query the communication device to compare whether the devices have the same or similar digital credentials. If the devices are credentialed similarly then they can communicate to form a community. In addition, other similarly credentialed devices can be queried to join into the community.

Abstract: Substantive informational conflicts as between navigation information provided by an in-vehicle navigation unit (101) and an in-vehicle roadside information service receiver (107) are detected (203). When detected, information from one source or the other is modified (207). Such modification can include alteration and/or deletion of one information item or the other. The modification can alleviate the conflict and/or otherwise provide alternative information to a user of the vehicle to support journey goals.

Abstract: In a vehicle equipped with a dedicated short-range two-way communications system to acquire and otherwise participate in a roadway information service, method and apparatus are provided to detect (301) an absence of the availability of such a service and to respond by substituting (302) roadway information from other sources and to provide notice (303) to the driver regarding the absence of realtime service information and/or the present use of substituted roadway information.

Abstract: Substantive informational conflicts as between navigation information provided by an in-vehicle navigation unit (101) and an in-vehicle roadside information service receiver (107) are detected (203). When detected, information from one source or the other is modified (207). Such modification can include alteration and/or deletion of one information item or the other. The modification can alleviate the conflict and/or otherwise provide alternative information to a user of the vehicle to support journey goals.

Abstract: In a vehicle equipped with a dedicated short-range two-way communications system to acquire and otherwise participate in a roadway information service, method and apparatus are provided to detect (301) an absence of the availability of such a service and to respond by substituting (302) roadway information from other sources and to provide notice (303) to the driver regarding the absence of realtime service information and/or the present use of substituted roadway information.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for manufacturing a lampshade from a heat-deformable sheet material. The apparatus includes a first supporting assembly for supporting a hollow body formed from the heat-deformable sheet material, the hollow body having upper and lower peripheral edges. A second supporting assembly is provided for releasably supporting a forming and stiffening ring in peripheral engagement with an interior surface of the hollow body adjacent a peripheral edge of the hollow body so that a marginal edge portion of the hollow body projects beyond the forming and stiffening ring. The second supporting assembly is located adjacent the first supporting assembly and includes a retractable supporting assembly for engaging an underside and an upper side of the forming and stiffening ring.