Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides for systems and methods that allow for LEDs to be effectively incorporated into existing lighting fixtures, including chandeliers and sconces. In some exemplary embodiments, the light source itself can include a heat sink disposed within a sleeve, a base disposed at the bottom of the sleeve and conductively coupled with the heat sink, an LED component disposed on the top of the heat sink, and one or more optical distributors associated with either or both of the heat sink and sleeve. For example, there can be both an inner and optical distributor, with at least the outer distributor being removable and replaceable. The present disclosure enables LEDs to perform effectively in lighting fixtures such as chandeliers where such performance was previously not achievable. Additionally, the present disclosure provides for ways to retrofit existing lighting fixtures having incandescent lights with LED modules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing an one of a plurality of highly localized weather broadcasts based on the reception by a weather forecast service of call related information (e.g., Caller ID information) relating to an incoming call. A server associated with the weather service includes separate weather forecasts each based on call related information, e.g., an area code and/or exchange number. The highly localized weather forecast may be downloaded in analog or digital form, and may be played as received by a caller or stored for later playback. An off-line automatic dialer and record control module establishes a telephone call to a weather server at a predetermined time, e.g., just before sunrise, and automatically activates the downloading and storage of the weather forecast without further instruction required by the user.

Abstract: A pocket speakerphone adapter for a landline-based common telephone to provide the common telephone with speakerphone capabilities. The conventional handset of a conventional common telephone is disconnected from the handset jack of its base unit, and the pocket speakerphone is temporarily connected in its place to the handset jack of the base unit using a conventional handset cord. The conventional common telephone base unit provides interconnection with the public switched telephone network (PSTN), while the pocket speakerphone in accordance with the principles of the present invention provides a temporary adaptation of the land line common telephone to operate as a speakerphone.

Abstract: A voice messaging system includes an externally accessible interface for accepting a removable digital memory card for storage of received voice messages. The removable digital memory card may be removed from the voice messaging system to archive previously recorded voice messages. The removed digital memory card may be either re-installed at a later time at the digital voice messaging system for playback, or in another playback device separate from the originally recording voice messaging system for playback. Removal and replacement of digital memory cards on a regular basis provides an unlimited capacity for even the most basic voice messaging devices. A general outgoing greeting message may be recorded in non-removable memory, or it may be customized in separate removable digital memory cards for quick and easy interchange of an outgoing greeting message corresponding to status changes of the user, e.g., one removable digital memory card used while on vacation, another while at work, etc.

Abstract: An Internet audio appliance which receives audio content from a content provider via the Internet. In one embodiment, the Internet audio appliance plays the audio information data stream as it is received. In another embodiment, the audio information data stream is obtained at a convenient time, e.g., in the middle of the night, and stored in audio memory for later playback. A channel selector module allows a user to select from among a plurality of possible audio information sources available from various content providers on the Internet. In one embodiment, the channel selector module includes memory to store Internet access information (e.g., a phone number of an Internet service provider) and IP address information to identify the selected content provider.

Abstract: A telephone voice messaging system and method for accessing, selecting, and downloading a pre-recorded outgoing voice message from an external source. The pre-recorded outgoing greeting messages may be downloaded in digital format using a modem, or in audible, analog format. In digital format, the pre-recorded outgoing greeting messages may be selected from a server through the public switched telephone network, and/or using the Internet.

Abstract: Wireless communication paths between a PC and a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) are utilized to synchronize data files between the PC and the PDA. Example wireless communication paths include ) a one-way paging network, a two-way paging network, a Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) network, and a cordless telephone network. Automated updating of remote files is accomplished by invisibly updating using a paging or CDPD network, e.g., either after each change to the data file, after a series of changes to the data file, after exiting the scheduling application program, at predetermined intervals and/or even on-demand. A simple and efficient wireless way to synchronize data files on separate computers which do not require a fixed, direct connection to each other, such as a direct connection through the PSTN, infrared link, or wired or wireless LAN type connection. The synchronization of data files can be updated on a frequent, inconspicuous and convenient basis.