Abstract: A tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction (TAG) lens and system are provided that permit, in one aspect, dynamic selection of the lens output, including dynamic focusing and imaging. The system may include a TAG lens and at least one of a source and a detector of electromagnetic radiation. A controller may be provided in electrical communication with the lens and at least one of the source and detector and may be configured to provide a driving signal to control the index of refraction and to provide a synchronizing signal to time at least one of the source and the detector relative to the driving signal. Thus, the controller is able to specify that the source irradiates the lens (or detector detects the lens output) when a desired refractive index distribution is present within the lens, e.g. when a desired lens output is present.

Abstract: A residential de-icing apparatus, system and method. The apparatus, system and method include a first saline solution having a salinity in a range of 150-360 ppt, a residential container having a volume in a range of 2-5 gallons, a second saline solution resident in the residential container and having a salinity in a range of 30 ppt-250 ppt, wherein the second saline solution results from a mixing of the first saline solution with a volume of water, and a hand-held output nozzle physically associated with the residential container for dispersing the second saline solution at a rate in a range of 6-12 gallons per ¼ mile.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying that a document is included in a document management system is disclosed. This system and method includes radio frequency scanning at least a portion of the document, generating document data dependently upon the radio frequency scanning, comparing the generated document data to stored document data, the stored document data generated dependently upon a prior radio frequency scanning of at least a portion of the document, and outputting an indication of the document being included in the document management system as determined by the comparing.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for inserting messages, and in particular, commercial information or advertisements, into a wireless mobile communication. The messages are targeted to the subscriber of the basis of: the location of the terminal at the time of the wireless mobile communication; demographic and personal preference data pertaining to the subscriber; responses made to the messages previously provided to the subscriber; or the historical movement patterns of the subscriber. In yet another alternative embodiment, the subscriber is queried at the conclusion to select one of several options. Based on the subscriber's response, the system may provide additional information relating to the targeted message; insert another message; forward a voce mail, e-mail, of facsimile copy of the targeted message to the subscriber; or establish a direct link with a representative of the sponsor of the message, such as a telemarketer.

Abstract: An optical display panel which provides improved viewing contrast for front projection applications, and a method of producing a stacked optical waveguide panel for front projection applications, are disclosed. The optical panel includes a plurality of stacked optical waveguides, wherein each waveguide has a back face and an outlet face at opposing ends of each waveguide, and wherein each waveguide is formed of a core between an opposing pair of cladding layers, and at least one reflector connected to the back face of at least one waveguide, wherein the at least one reflector receives image light incident through at least one waveguide from the outlet face, and wherein the at least one reflector redirects the image light back through the at least one waveguide out of the outlet face. In the preferred embodiment, the outlet face is rendered black by inclusion of black within or between cladding layers.

Abstract: A system and method for generating automobile insurance certificates from a remote computer terminal connected by a computer network to a central computer, wherein an expiring automobile insurance policy is identified by viewing on the remote computer terminal data, stored on the central computer, relating to expiring policies and an automobile insurance certificate relating to the expiring policy is ordered electronically, in response to such identification, from the remote computer terminal.

Abstract: A telephone-based automatic meter reading (AMR) system includes a telemetry device through which a host computer can collect meter readings remotely. So that the telemetry device does not interfere with customer usage of other telephone devices on the telephone line, an apparatus and method is provided which enables the telemetry device to sense both the static off-hook status and the dynamic off-hook status of the telephone line. Numerous circuit components in the telemetry device are shared in sensing both the static and the dynamic off-hook status. Whenever it is determined that a telephone device is, or has become, off-hook, the telemetry device is prevented from using the telephone line. Isolation between the telephone line and the meters is ensured using a transformer and optocouplers.

Abstract: A method for forming a radio frequency responsive target formed of a pattern of thin dipoles, each of which has a position and angular orientation within the pattern, which produce a composite analog radio frequency signal in response to an interrogating signal. A first metallic film layer is deposited on top of a non-conductive substrate, an etchant resistant pattern correspondent to the thin dipole pattern is deposited on top of the first metallic film layer, and a second metallic layer occupying the first metallic layer in at least one area without etchant is applied on top of the first metallic film layer. The etchant resistant pattern is removed to expose portions of the first metallic film layer, and the second metallic layer and the exposed portions of the first metallic film layer are etched simultaneously.

Abstract: Transmitting an analog information signal, such as a standard analog television signal, with a digital information signal, such as a high or standard definition television signal, in single channel. A transmitter processes and band limits the analog information signal to have its own carrier signal and fit within one portion of the channel. The transmitter also processes the digital information signal to have its own carrier signal in another portion of the channel. The processed analog and digital information signals are added together and converted for RF transmission as a common transport signal.