Abstract: A system and method for increasing the effective bandwidth of a communications network is provided by overlaying a “super” transport and caching structure over the conventional TCP/IP communications network, for example, the Internet, which increases the transfer rate of information in the communications network. The “super” transport and caching structure includes software or hardware or both added to at least two modules separated by a communications link in the communications network. The net result is that the users of the communications network have their time to access and/or retrieve information significantly reduced, and the communications network, particularly a large network, e.g., the Internet, becomes an efficient means of performing commercial transactions by both businesses and individuals.

Abstract: An earpiece for a headset, especially a headset incorporating active unwanted noise suppression, wherein the earshell incorporates a baffle plate carrying a sound drive and an ear cushion, whereby the baffle plate also carries an upstanding projection, more especially in the form of a sound transparent dome, which limits the extent to which the cushion can be compressed when the earpiece is pressed inwardly against the ear from its normally fitted condition.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing the effective bandwidth of a communications network is provided by overlaying a “super” transport and caching structure over the conventional TCP/IP communications network, for example, the Internet, which increases the transfer rate of information in the communications network. The “super” transport and caching structure includes software or hardware or both added to at least two modules separated by a communications link in the communications network. The net result is that the users of the communications network have their time to access and/or retrieve information significantly reduced, and the communications network, particularly a large network, e.g., the Internet, becomes an efficient means of performing commercial transactions by both businesses and individuals.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for reducing the time a user needs to wait for information requested from a remote server on a communications network, for example, a Web server on the Internet. In an exemplary embodiment the system is user centric and the goal is to keep all data the user needs as the close to the user as practical. The user's characteristics and usage patterns are used to determine what to cache and for how long, what to pre-fetch, what to refresh, and what to retrieve. In addition, by segmenting information and utilizing parallel communication channels, data transfer across the last mile can be significantly increased.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for increasing the efficiency of information transfer in a network and for modifying application data in a data stream from a server to a user. In an exemplary embodiment application data, e.g., HTML, XML, SGML, scripts, or other software code, coming from a Web server at the request of a user, can be parsed into elements by an intermediary server located between the user's PC and the Web server. The intermediary server can modify, delete, add, search for, filter, or replace one or more of the elements based on a set of user defined rules and forward the changed application data to the user.

Abstract: A network of centrally controlled, customizable digital broadcast stations capable of broadcasting music, videos, audible advertisements, and visual advertisements is disclosed. The invention includes a program database, a station demographic database, a central controller, and a plurality of digital broadcast stations. The central controller includes one or more servers, multiple computer workstations, and multiple call directors. Each digital broadcast station includes a computer, a loudspeaker(s), and a microphone. Optionally, a digital broadcast station may include a projector(s) or flat screen television(s). The central controller completely controls the broadcast content and broadcast schedule of the plurality of digital broadcast stations. The present invention allows advertisers to conduct targeted advertising campaigns within the network of digital broadcast stations.

Abstract: An earphone having a drive unit (22) carried by an earphone shell (20) and covered by an ear cushion (24) of auxetic foam.

Abstract: An electro-acoustic transducer comprises first and second panels (18A,18B) each of which can be vibrated to generate sound, a frame (10) for mounting the panels, and first and second seals (20A,B) arranged between the frame and the edges of the panels for holding the panels in the frame, substantially isolating the frame acoustically from the edges of the panel, and substantially sealing the frame to the edges of the panel. One or more actuators (22), such as piezoelectric elements, are provided for receiving a driving signal and vibrating in response thereto, and the actuators are mechanically and acoustically coupled to the first panel at one or more locations remote from the edges of the first panel so that the first panel vibrates in response to vibration of the actuators.