Abstract: A method and system for receiving, processing and distributing SMS and MMS messages, which consists of a message processor and virtual or desktop clients. The message processor comprises of a rule processing agent that intelligently analyses incoming messages using a set of predetermined logic rules and directs the dispatching agent to deliver the final processed message to the recipients using one or more communication channels such as SMS, MMS, pop up message, e-mail, fax or phone call. The message processing system consists of virtual secretaries that are customizable for each user of the message processing system, each virtual secretary contains a set of user specific processing rules that accepts the user's request and applies its own set of processing rules, conducts a set of processing actions, and if required invokes the message processor to further carry rule processing or uses the dispatching agent to distribute the message.

Abstract: A teleconference system and method in which an initiator of a teleconference sends a request or instructions to the teleconference server. The teleconference server communicates with the intended participants using basic communication tools that are generally compatible regardless of the network that the participant is subscribed to. The teleconference server stores the information, creates and sends a teleconference notification message to the intended participant that she has been invited to a teleconference. The notification message includes a unique access address associated with the teleconference, at which the participant can access to join the teleconference at the prescribed time. Different unique access addresses are associated with different teleconferences.

Abstract: A technique for enabling a browser to update its state upon a change between voice and visual mode. A deck of visual content cards is loaded into a visual browser, wherein one card contains a link to change from visual to voice mode. Selecting the link directs the visual browser to an update card, which has a first event handler which enters voice mode by placing a voice call to a telephone number in response to forward entry into the update card. The update card also includes a second event handler which contacts an update site to determine what content to point the visual browser to when visual mode resumes. In a first embodiment, the second event handler is actuated by backward entry into the update card upon completion of the voice call. In a second embodiment, the second event handler is actuated by expiration of a timer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for multiplexing and selectively encrypting application flows, such as VoIP services, over a pre-allocated bandwidth reservation protocol session. According to one embodiment, a pre-allocated reservation protocol session, such as an RSVP session, is shared by one or more individual application sessions. The reservation protocol session is pre-allocated over a path between a first network device associated with a first user community and a second network device associated with a second user community based upon an estimated usage of the path for individual application sessions between users of the first and second user communities. Subsequently, the one or more individual application sessions are dynamically aggregated by multiplexing application flows associated with the one or more individual application sessions onto the pre-allocated reservation protocol session at the first network device and demultiplexing at the second network device.

Abstract: A technique for allowing an automated participant in a telephone conversation, such as an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system or a voice browser, to react to the placing of the conversation “on hold.” When a conversation between an automated participant and a human participant is placed on hold, a signal is provided to the automated participant indicating that the voice circuit between the two participants has been broken. In response to the signal, the automated participant may take appropriate action, such as suspending its participation in the conversation, extending the time for which it awaits a response from the human participant, continuing the conversation in a “visual” mode using the keypad and display on the human participant's handset, or some other appropriate action.

Abstract: A method and system that enables a customer to delegate or authorize another individual to perform a financial transaction is provided. This system uses a smart card and a biometric scanner or reader writer, or a biometric device without a smart card. The smart card holds personal and financial accounts information about the customer including a set of biometric templates of the customer. The second smart card owner is identified as the true owner of a smart card after the second smart card passes a biometric authentication using a read write device. The first smart card owner specifies the desired transaction that is to be performed by the second smart card. The delegated or authorized transaction created by the first smart card is encrypted and stored in the second smart card and/or to a remote back-end host server.

Abstract: A system and method for interacting with content, such as web-based markup content, using visual and voice browsers. A first browser facilitates communication in a first mode (e.g., an HTML browser that facilitates visual/tactile interaction with HTML content), and a second browser facilitates communication in a second mode (e.g., a VXML browser that facilitates audio interaction with VXML content). HTML and VXML content is created that: (1) indicates a correspondence between HTML and VXML pages that represent the same underlying content; and (2) contains specialized tags that indicate information to be send from one browser to the other to synchronize each browser to equivalent parts of the content. The HTML browser is adapted to use relative links as signals that information is to be sent to the VXML browser, and the platform on which the VXML browser runs is adapted to recognize a “hit” on its own port 80 as a signal that information is to be sent to the HTML browser.

Abstract: A system and method of designing an accelerator for a processor-based system. The accelerator design problem is partitioned into a data communicate module design problem and a data compute core module design problem. The hardware design of the data communicate module is achieved through a predetermined communication template which is customized for the particular application. The communication template has individual configurable communication components and a programmable control flow path. The components of the communicate template include a host bus interface, a memory bus interface, a direct memory access, a local memory and a control module. The combination of the communication components in a single configurable communication template and their optimized interconnections increase the speed of data transfer and data control processes in the accelerator.

Abstract: Combining speech with existing text wireless Short Message Service (SMS), to create a multimodal SMS service. A user of standard SMS text service is provided with a link within each message that allows adding or retrieval of a voice message associated with an SMS text message. A speech server in the wireless network may be used for recognition of voice commands, rendering of text into speech, and recording or playing back voice recordings. The messages may be retrieved or sent using any wireless handset. Additional services that may be used include message lists, prerecorded messages, integration with voicemail systems, image and video messages, cross-functional applications with Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS) and Enhanced Message Services (EMS), and extensions of the combination of voice with text SMS to other computing devices such as PDAs and PCs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and computer program product for developing distributed applications, integrating component programs, integrating enterprise applications and managing change. The invention provides for an infrastructure where component programs that are the computational logic of the distributed application are installed over a network of computing units having controller programs running on each of these computing units. The invention provides for separating the concerns of computation, installation, execution and monitoring of the distributed application in terms of time, space and people involved. This is accomplished as the component programs simply perform the computation task and the communication between the component programs and their monitoring is handled by the controller programs.

Abstract: The present Invention is an apparatus for controlling a load in a vehicle, particularly a pickup truck where the load is longer than the bed of the truck. The apparatus comprises a channel mounted to or defined by the bed or tailgate of the truck. A load-restraining member slidably engages the channel to adjust for loads of different sizes. The load-restraining member also rotatably engages the channel and may move between an upright position for use and a horizontal position for storage. The load-restraining member may be secured in the upright position.

Abstract: The Invention is an apparatus for refilling ink cartridges, such as ink cartridges for ink jet printers. The cartridge is attached to a table. The table is rotatable with respect to a base through a series of stations. The stations include guides to locate an aperture in the ink cartridge and to locate a reservoir for filling the ink cartridge. A cartridge sealing assembly seals the aperture, but allows a hollow pin to be inserted for filling the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for applying high tension to strap in an automatic strapping machine. A rotatable frame has a first and a second position. Two driving wheels are mounted on the frame. In the first position of the rotatable frame, strap passes freely through a gap between the two driving wheels to allow feeding of the strap around an object and take-up of excess strap. In the second position of the rotatable frame the strap frictionally engages the periphery of the two driving wheels. Rotation of the two driving wheels when the rotatable frame is in the second position places high tension on the strap.

Abstract: A new computing architecture that mimics the behavior of biological cells, called a Whole Cell Computer (WCC) is disclosed. The WCC is a computational architecture based on the biochemical processing of cells. It represents both a specialization and an extension of membrane computing. It is derived from the properties of biological cells and has extensive statistical redundancy built in. It can be programmed using genetic programming techniques.

Abstract: A lid for a well plate is provided. Pins penetrate the lid and project downwardly into the wells of the well plate. Thermal energy is applied to the upper end of the pin to regulate the temperature of liquid samples in the well plate. Ultrasonic energy is applied to the upper end of the pin to sonicate the liquid sample. An electrical charge is applied to the upper end of the pin to attract charged materials, such as DNA, and to selectably segregate charged materials from the liquid sample.

Abstract: The Invention is a brassiere to be worn after breast surgery. The fabric of the brassiere includes antimicrobial fibers that control microbes on the skin of the woman's breast area both before and after surgical incisions are healed. The antimicrobial fiber is a synthetic fiber incorporating a silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate ion exchange resin. The antimicrobial fiber contains silver ions in antimicrobial amounts.

Abstract: A hygienic utensil having improved cleansing members for effectively cleaning and massaging the scalp is provided. The utensil for cleansing and massaging skin includes, a body and a plurality of branched bristle bundles. The plurality of branched bristle bundles extend outward from the body. The branched bristle bundles are grouped together to form cleansing members and attached to pedestals extending from the body. The cleansing members have a centermost portion in which the bristle lengths are shorter relative to the outermost bristle lengths.

Abstract: The invention is a kaleidoscope that folds to a substantially flat condition. The kaleidoscope has at least two mirrored surfaces joined one to another, each pair of mirrored surfaces defining a mirrored interior angle of less than 180 degrees. The kaleidoscope may be open on the third side. The kaleidoscope may be attached to folding body members such that when the body members are folded the mirrored surfaces of the kaleidoscope are folded as well. The kaleidoscope may be provided with a wheel, an eyepiece and an eyepiece lens.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for displaying indicia, such as a logo or trademark, on a shoe. A window is provided in the shoe, for example the heel of the shoe. Indicia appear on a removable member such as an insole and are displayed through the window.

Abstract: A primary, normally open, DC monitoring circuit with a circuit continuity test device is disclosed which will also test one or more additional sensors connected to the circuit. The sensing of lack of continuity or of a fault condition detected by an additional sensor governs the status of a single indicator, generally a warning light.