Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing small, bright nanometric light sources from apertures that are smaller than the wavelength of the emitted light. Light is directed at a surface layer of metal onto a light barrier structure that includes one or more apertures each of which directs a small spot of light onto a target. The incident light excites surface plasmons (electron density fluctuations) in the top metal surface layer and this energy couples through the apertures to the opposing surface where it is emitted as light from the apertures or from the rims of the apertures. Means are employed to prevent or severely limit the extent to which surface plasmons are induced on the surface at the aperture exit, thereby constraining the resulting emissions to small target areas. The resulting small spot illumination may be used to increase the resolution of microscopes and photolithographic processes, and to increase the storage capacity and performance of optical data storage systems.

Abstract: A cellular telephone handset stores audio files previously recorded by the user and selectively transmitted to the remote listener at a time when it is inappropriate for the handset user to speak, such as when an incoming call arrives when the user in a meeting or theater. In addition, a designated recorded message may be transmitted at future designated time to a designated telephone number supplied by the user, and may request and save a response recorded by the remote listener after the designed message is transmitted. The handset's keypad is used to accept data and commands from the user in a menu system that controls message recording, selection, playback and transmission, as well as the playback of responses recorded by the recipient of a transmitted message. Messages may be entered as character data and transmitted as spoken messages when prerecorded messages do not satisfy needs that arise during a conversation that is being conducted under “silent” conditions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for establishing a telephone connection with a telephone station set located near to a desired location. Participating telephone users submit log-in data containing their current geographic location, their telephone number and a designation of the service or function they provide. Users submit requests specifying a desired location, a range value, and a desired service and obtain a response identifying participants who are currently located within the stated range of the desired location that perform the desired service, enabling the requestor to establish a telephone connection with the desired party.

Abstract: An Internet controlled telephony system employing a host services processor connected to a subscriber via the Internet and further connected to the public switched telephone system (PSTN). The subscriber employs a web interface to populate a database with preference data which is used by the host services processor to handle incoming calls and establish outgoing telephone connections in accordance with the preference data provided by the subscriber. Incoming calls to a telephone number assigned to the subscriber may be automatically forwarded to any telephone number specified by the preference data.

Abstract: A control circuit for operating a lamp or other electrically operated device using a conventional wall socket outlet that is selectively energized under the control of a conventional wall mounted switch. To permit the lamp to be independently controlled using either the wall switch or the lamp switch, a wall adapter unit is employed that plugs into the wall outlet and into which the lamp's power cord is plugged. Sensing means are employed to detect the operation of either the wall switch or the lamp switch to control an electrically operated switch which turns the lamp ON and OFF whenever either the wall switch or the lamp switch are operated. Different embodiments are provided for use with conventional electrical wiring and with either a conventional lamp or lamp incorporating additional circuitry to adapt it for use with the wall socket adapter.

Abstract: A system for selectively distributing information from a multiplicity of Internet resources to a user in a way that make it easier for the user to quickly identify information of particular interest. The system employs a server for generating a central library of citations, each containing metadata that describes selected information from a resource identified by a URL. The server works in conjunction with a client computer which requests information on a topic or topics of interest by supplying preference data to the server. In response, the server delivers a subset of the citations to the client computer which match the preference data from the client. The client computer places this subset of citations in a local store where they may be compared with user requests by matching the metadata in each citation to criteria specified by the user. In addition, the locally stored citations may be sorted into an particular order in response to a user request.

Abstract: A rules-based system for monitoring the movement and relative location of a plurality of electronic devices and performing specified actions, such as issuing notification messages and actuating alarms, when the conditions specified in tone or more rules are satisfied. The rules are accepted from a user. Each rule includes a condition part and an action part. The condition part includes at least one positional condition which defines the relative position of at least two electronic devices. The action part defines one or more functions to be performed when the corresponding condition part is satisfied. Each electronic device incorporates radio signaling means which preferably takes the form of a Bluetooth chip. The signaling device on at least selected ones of the electronic devices performs inquiry operations to identify other electronic devices which are with range of the inquiring device.

Abstract: A security system includes a proximity sensor to protect against unauthorized access to an electronic device. The security system is armed upon an input from the proximity sensor indicating departure of an authorized user from the vicinity of the electronic device. The security system provides commands to the electronic device as well as other devices coupled to the electronic device to sound an alarm in event of a security violation, clear a display screen of the electronic device or take other security measures to prevent unauthorized use of or access to information contained in the electronic device. The security system can include audio and video input devices to capture and store audio and video information while the system is armed and/or while a security violation is occurring. In certain embodiments, the security system also performs usage tracking of the electronic device.

Abstract: The method of enhancing the safety of individuals who perform activities which are made more hazardous when poorly illuminated, such as hunters who risk being shot by other hunters in the dark, and those who perform activities on or near vehicle roadways, such as joggers, construction workers, motorists is disabled vehicles, and bicyclists. These individuals are provided with an outer garment, preferably taking the form of a vest, which is fitted with a plurality of electrically operated lamps on both its front and rear panels. The lights are energized continuously or in an automatic flashing mode from a battery attached to and carried by the safety vest. Reflective strips or panels are preferably affixed to the exterior of the vest in adjacent to the lamps, thereby increasing the visibility of the individual when illuminated and enhancing the luminosity of the lamps. The vest may be advantageously constructed of a mesh material to permit cooling air to freely circulate.

Abstract: An Internet controlled telephony system employing a host services processor connected to a subscriber via the Internet and further connected to the public switched telephone system (PSTN). The subscriber employs a web interface to populate a database with preference data which is used by the host services processor to handle incoming calls and establish outgoing telephone connections in accordance with the preference data provided by the subscriber. Incoming calls to a telephone number assigned to the subscriber may be automatically forwarded to any telephone number specified by the preference data.

Abstract: A timepiece including means for intermittently changing the indicated time of day to an intentionally fast setting to discourage tardiness. The timepiece, which may be a wristwatch, pocket watch-or clock, computer clock, or any other time of day indicator, intermittently displays a time of day which is several minutes fast to encourage punctuality. The duration of the intentionally introduced time of day error, as well as the times when that error is intermittently introduced, may be cyclically and/or randomly varied so that the person who consults the timepiece does not know whether the timepiece, at any particular time, is fast or on-time. The days, and the time period(s) during each day, when the fast settings are introduced may be programmed so that the timepiece accurately indicates the time of day except at times when promptness is particularly important.

Abstract: This invention is related generally to detachable assemblies and more particularly to novel hardware for easily attaching or removing portable members from stationary structures. A quick acting fastener assembly is described for attaching a portable member, such as a toilet seat, to a stationary member, such as a toilet bowl, for example. The portable member carries a pair of headed pins fixed to the margin thereof and projecting outward to mate with receptacles on the stationary member. Said pins and the mating receptacles are of a unique design such that when the pins are inserted into the matching receptacles the portable member is securely fastened to the stationary member, yet can be removed, disengaged, without any adjustments (levers pulled, fasteners removed, etc.). The distinguishing feature of this invention is in the simplicity of the mechanical hardware, the absence of moving parts, springs, fasteners, levers, or removable nuts, etc.

Abstract: A unit for injecting a disinfectant, deodorant or the like into the inlet stream of flushing water as it is pumped into the bowl of a tankless marine toilet. The injection unit is preferably constructed of commercially-available plastic plumbing components. The main body of the unit provides an additive reservoir which surrounds the flush water inlet pipe and is formed from a conventional plastic sanitary tee jointed fitted at each end with plastic size-reduction bushings. The two bushings connect the injection unit to the flush water inlet tubing and also support an interior flow pipe. Holes drilled at angles in the flow pipe divert a portion of the flush water through the additive reservoir where it mixes with and dissolves the additive (normally a water soluble disk of the type typically placed in the tank of a household toilet).

Abstract: A braid and ponytail holder consisting of a panel formed from flexible material such as leather. Pairs of rivet-on lacing studs are attached to the panel near its opposing edges of the panel so that, when the panel is curled to form a tubular sheath, the two studs are adjacent to one another. A lacing strand which is captured by the outwardly extending hook portion of each of the lacing studs draws the studs together so that the sheath surrounds and firmly retains the hair. A clasp, such as a small ring or ferrule, secures the free ends of the lacing strands to secure the holder in place around the braid or ponytail.

Abstract: An audio program and message distribution system in which a host system organizes and transmits program segments to client subscriber locations. The host organizes the program segments by subject matter and creates scheduled programming in accordance with preferences associated with each subscriber. Program segments are associated with descriptive subject matter segments, and the subject matter segments may be used to generate both text and audio cataloging presentations to enable the user to more easily identify and select desirable programming. A playback unit at the subscriber location reproduces the program segments received from the host and includes mechanisms for interactively navigating among the program segments.

Abstract: A low-cost, low-power, half-duplex communication system provides data transfer to and/or from an electronic watch or similar small electronic device. To accommodate the small size of the watch housing, data transfer is achieved using an infrared photodiode as a detector and an LED as an infrared emitter, directly coupled to the watch microcontroller with a minimum of additional components. Due to the small battery power capacity of electronic watches, the communication system is designed to have a negligible standby power consumption as well as low power consumption during data transfer. The IR emitter is connected directly to an output port on the microcontroller and the IR detector is connected to an input port on the microcontroller through a transistor amplifier. In standby mode, the microcontroller ports render the infrared devices and the transistor non-conducting to minimize power consumption.

Abstract: A Medical Reminder System has an electronic messaging watch which is programmed with a medication regimen for the patient via an infrared or other electronic data transfer link to a health care provider's computer system having custom software. The programmable watch sounds an alarm when a medication is to be taken, or a health care procedure is to be performed. Each watch is programmed with the patient's name, individual medicine names, dosage amounts and specified medication times, as well as with alerts for appointments, prescription refills and medical events. Nonmedical messages may also be programmed into the watch. The alarm consists of distinctive monotone beeps and is sounded by the watch at the preset times programmed by the health care provider. The medication information scrolls across the screen when the patient records the event by pressing a button on the watch.

Abstract: A security system includes a proximity sensor to protect against unauthorized access to an electronic device. The security system is armed upon an input from the proximity sensor indicating departure of an authorized user from the vicinity of the electronic device. The security system provides commands to the electronic device as well as other devices coupled to the electronic device to sound an alarm in event of a security violation, clear a display screen of the electronic device or take other security measures to prevent unauthorized use of or access to information contained in the electronic device. The security system can include audio and video input devices to capture and store audio and video information while the system is armed and/or while a security violation is occurring. In certain embodiments, the security system also performs usage tracking of the electronic device.

Abstract: A computer graphical image manipulation and transmission system which enables a user to create a composite image by using a positional input device to select individual elements of the composite image to be changed. The system automatically presents alternative image elements in a predetermined sequence each time a given zone of the composite image is specified. The image modification proceeds by simply selecting image areas with a mouse or the like, eliminating the need for pop-up or drop-down menus, dialog boxes, tool boxes, or drag-and-drop image palettes. The selection of any image element may also cause an ancillary function to be performed, including the automatic alteration of the image elements associated with another zone of the image.

Abstract: A broadcast recording and playback device employing a "circular buffer" which constantly records one or more incoming audio or video program signals and a microprocessor for accessing the memory to read a playback signal from the circular buffer to display programming material delayed from its receipt by a selectable delay interval. The circular buffer is implemented by a digital memory. Subsystem comprising the combination of a semiconductor RAM memory and a disk memory operated under the control of a microprocessor such that incoming signals are constantly recorded as received while, at the same time, delayed signals are being read from the memory subsystem at a different memory location selected by a microprocessor to provide a user-selected time delay.