Abstract: Systems and methods for a scalable architecture for radio device and systems are disclosed. This architecture employs a scalable bandwidth to deliver higher data rates and transmission ranges to devices that need them, while still delivering lower power solutions for devices which utilize a smaller bandwidth. These systems and methods may divide the available frequency spectrum into a set of fundamental sub-bands. Different devices may use various multiples of these sub-bands depending on their needs. Devices employing this architecture are also capable of interoperation with one another regardless of the bandwidth they utilize. A device may scan through each sub-band within which the device intends to operate, searching for a common beacon transmitted by other devices utilizing the sub-band. If a beacon is found the device can choose to interoperate with the other device or, alternatively, continue scanning the sub-bands until an unused sub-band is found.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for down-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal by aliasing the EM signal, and applications thereof are described herein. Reducing or eliminating DC offset voltages and re-radiation generated when down-converting an electromagnetic (EM) signal is also described herein. Down-converting a signal and improving receiver dynamic range is also described herein.

Abstract: A composition is provided accompanying nonoparticles having diameters in the range of about 100 to 800 nanometers with hollow cores and outer shells with mechanical properties such that they rupture on exposure to predetermined ultrasound energy. The composition is useful for identifying sentinel lymph nodes.

Abstract: A composition for ultrasonic imaging is described having a microparticle population of controlled fragility. A method of using such composition for imaging a fluid filled cavity, vessel or tissue is described.

Abstract: A system and methods for providing offset information on a storage medium are provided by writing at least one unalterable mark on the storage medium during a manufacturing formatting process. The unalterable mark(s) are variably offset from a fixed position. The amount of offset represents a first source of unique information. The unalterable mark(s) themselves comprise a second source of information. Both sources of information are combinable and may be utilized in connection with the generation of a unique serial number for the storage medium or for other digital rights management purposes.

Abstract: A system and methods for providing offset information on a storage medium are provided by writing at least one unalterable mark on the storage medium during a manufacturing formatting process. The unalterable mark(s) are variably offset from a fixed position. The amount of offset represents a first source of unique information. The unalterable mark(s) themselves comprise a second source of information. Both sources of information are combinable and may be utilized in connection with the generation of a unique serial number for the storage medium or for other digital rights management purposes.

Abstract: A data pipeline is secured in a computer system for the delivery of secure, confidential or proprietary content such as audio, video, software, copyrighted media, etc. A third party application seeks authentication information in connection with a request to deliver data to a unique medium. The system includes driver software of a host as an interface between a storage device and the third party software application, the storage device and the unique medium. The system enables authentication of the link between the third party application and the driver software by providing third party application developers a toolkit or API for interacting with the driver software. The toolkit includes means to request and decrypt an encrypted driver software digital signature previously generated based on the host's driver software and to compare the digital signature with a second digital signature generated at runtime based on the host's driver software.

Abstract: A nutritional planning system comprising a plurality of databases such as: a nutrition, a user diet, a recommended diet databases and at least two programs: a nutritional analysis program and a nutritional suggestion program. This nutritional planning system is operational on a host server connected to a computer network for providing communication between the host server and a plurality of remote individual users. The nutrition planning system, further, performs the following step: a) receiving dietary information over a computer network from remote user; b) analyzing the nutritional composition of the dietary information; c) generating suggested modification to the remote user's diet; d) generating suggested modifications to the remote user's diet; e) providing products information which can be used to improve the remote users dietary intake; and f) automatically notifying the remote user over the electronic network of the suggested modification and remote information.

Abstract: A system for transmitting and receiving spread-spectrum communications without having to synchronize the incoming spread-spectrum code at a receiver with a copy of the spreading sequence. A spreading signal itself is modulated with an information signal. Consequently, the various demodulation techniques available to the receiver enable the transmission of unmodified analog as well as digital data. The receiver first removes the carrier wave component, and then the spreading signal from the information stream without costly and complex synchronization of the spreading signals.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for etching a point on the surface of a magnetic medium to reduce the reflectivity of the point and for verifying that proper etching occurred. A light source provides a collimated incident beam of light. The incident beam is focused to a point on the medium and a portion of the beam is reflected. The reflected beam is separated from the incident beam and the intensity of the reflected beam is measured. The measured intensity is compared to a threshold value and verification is indicated if the measured intensity exceeds the threshold value.

Abstract: A flexible, thermal, reflective insulating pad which includes a first outer wall of flexible, transparent, air-impermeable material, a second outer wall of flexible, transparent, air-impermeable material sealed or fused to the first outer wall around the perimeter thereof to form a pneumatically secure chamber. A specularly, infra-red reflective layer is located in the chamber. Means are provided for introducing air into the chamber. The first and second outer walls are fused together along parallel spaced apart lines along a length of the pad so as to form compartments in fluid communication with each other around the ends thereof. Releasable connectors located at the ends of the pad releasably connect to each other. Upon being deflated the pad can be rolled up so as to occupy a relatively small volume.