Abstract: Bioplastic compositions and methods of making are described herein. The various mechanical and physical properties of the bioplastic may be varied by altering the thermoforming or incorporating an additive depending on the desired mechanical and physical properties of the end product. The bioplastic may be made entirely of biomatter and be backyard compostable.

Abstract: A system for conditionally redeeming an electronic coupon includes a distribution module distributing the adaptive electronic coupon (14) to a user. Electronic coupon metadata automatically changes redemption characteristics of the coupon based on predetermined conditions relating to personal data (24) of the user and a redemption environment (26). A redemption system honors the adaptive electronic coupon at a time and place of redemption based on the predetermined conditions relating to the personal data (24) of the user and the redemption environment (26).

Abstract: A multi-user e-mail reader system allows several users to access their e-mail accounts simultaneously and have the e-mail messages played back with speech synthesis. The user navigates through various functional states of the system using either touch-tone keypad commands or optionally voiced commands interpreted by a speech recognizer. Users can send reply e-mail messages without the use of a computer, by invoking the system's text processor. The text processor operates in conjunction with a keypad-to-ASCII conversion mechanism that allows fully punctuated and properly addressed e-mail messages to be composed from the touch-tone phone. Digital audio sound file attachments may be recorded through the telephone handset and attached to an outgoing e-mail message. A system for storing canned messages allows the user to quickly send pre-composed reply messages, either as stored or after editing using the text processor.

Abstract: A motor-driven, window mounted portable fan with cigarette-lighter plug. The fan, or impeller, is mounted in an impeller housing which in turn is mounted centrally on one face of a window prop. The window prop is rectangular in shape and has lengthwise slideways on both of its sides. Extension pieces fit in the slideways so that the slideways can be lengthened to fit different sized windows. Opposite the impeller housing is a rain cover and a vent lid, which covers a vent. The vent lid is opened and closed by a motor, via an activation arm.