Abstract: A method for combining digital data with a perceptible program signal. The data stream is modulated onto an electromagnetic signal encoding the perceptible signal; the modulating employs a spread spectrum encoding of the data stream. The modulated program signal is transduced into perceptible form. A capture device receives the perceptible signal, and a decoder extracts the spread spectrum encoded data from the received signal. The method is particularly useful in encoding purchase information or watermarking information into the signal.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for controlling an appliance situated within a premises such as a home or office has a premises controller for receiving and storing appliance control information. The premises controller includes a wireless transmitter for generating and transmitting a packet of appliance control information to an appliance controller based on the stored appliance control information. In one aspect of the invention, the appliance controller is spaced from the premises controller but within range of the generated packet transmission for interfacing with the premises appliance. The appliance controller further includes a packet receiver for receiving the packet of control information. In one aspect of the invention, the premises controller has a microprocessor. An infrared pulse generator is operatively connected to the microprocessor and generates and transmits an infrared pulse code to the appliance.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an inexpensive RFID Tag design which uses an inexpensive Backscatter Modulator. The modulator is simply a CMOS gate driven by a shift register containing a modulating signal. The CMOS gate is connected to the antenna such that it modulates the reflectivity of the antenna in accordance with the modulating signal. In a second embodiment, the Tag is incorporated into a single CMOS integrated circuit which comprises all of the components, except for the antenna, necessary to implement an inexpensive read-only RFID Tag.

Abstract: The present invention involves an adaptive digital radio communications architecture which can be reconfigured by reprogramming at least one programmable device, and thus more efficiently use the available bandwidth of a time-varying RF channel and/or to provide a flexible and adaptive digital communications system. In certain embodiments, the programmable device uses a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) to perform the digital communications processing functions of the transmitter or the receiver of a radio communications system. In this context, PLD is a general term representing a family of programmable logic devices; examples of this family are a Programmable Array Logic (PAL), a Complex PLD (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The architecture is reconfigurable in the sense that any or all of the digital communications processing algorithms can be modified by reprogramming the PLD.

Abstract: A time-division-multiplexed fixed wireless loop system and methods therefor are disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of cells each having a base station and a plurality of terminals. The base station includes a steerable and adjustable multibeam antenna for communicating with each of the terminals, which have fixed antennas. A cell controller associated with each base station allocates communication time slots so as to minimize mutual interference between base station/terminal links sharing the same time slot. Slot assignment is based on regional, periodically updated interference measurements that are stored in data bases.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus initiates a transaction and includes an acoustic data receiver, and microphone for receiving an audio signal having encoded data that is non-discernable by a listener and is transmitted as part of the audio signal. The microphone converts the sound waves into an electrical signal. A processor receives the electrical signal and retrieves transaction data that is part of the encoded data. A filter is associated with the microphone and removes a substantial portion of a human voice signal that may have been received within the microphone. Once the transaction data is retrieved, a telephone call can be originated and at least a portion of the transaction data can be transferred to a desired destination for initiating a transaction.

Abstract: A vertical support for supporting a drawer slide mechanism in a cabinet. The vertical support includes a support member that has an opening and a resilient tab member that extends into the opening. The resilient tab member releasably engages the slide mechanism as it is disposed in the opening. Alternatively, a resilient tab member is attached to the slide mechanism and is adapted to releasably engage an opening in the front vertical support member.

Abstract: A vertical support for supporting a drawer slide mechanism in a cabinet. The vertical support includes a support member that has an opening and a resilient tab member that extends into the opening. The resilient tab member releasably engages the slide mechanism as it is disposed in the opening. Alternatively, a resilient tab member is attached to the slide mechanism and is adapted to releasably engage an opening in the front vertical support member. A method is also provided for assembling a drawer support assembly in a cabinet. The method comprises the steps of providing a cabinet housing, a slide mechanism that has a forward and rear portion, and a front vertical support member that has an opening and a resilient tab member extending into the opening. The front vertical support is attached to the housing and the forward portion of the slide mechanism is secured to the front vertical support member such that the resilient tab member releasably engages the forward portion.

Abstract: A system and apparatus controls an appliance situated within a premises, such as a home or office. A premises recording unit is able to receive and store telephone information from a telephone network and includes a wireless transmitter for generating and transmitting a packet of control information to a premises appliance such as a coffee pot. An appliance controller is spaced from the premises recording unit, but within range of the generated packet transmission, for interfacing with the premises appliance. The appliance controller includes a packet receiver for receiving the packet of control information and is responsive to the information for controlling operation of the appliance.

Abstract: A Broadcast receiver system includes a SNAPSHOT feature which searches one or more broadcast bands for currently receivable broadcast signals. Supplemental information accompanying each of the received broadcast signals are processed to determine a program type thereof, e.g. country, jazz, rock, news and the like. Only currently available program types are stored in memory along with all broadcast frequencies corresponding thereto. The receiver system provides means by which a user may select any of the currently available program types, whereupon the user is presented with a number of preset keys automatically programmed with the corresponding number of available broadcast frequencies within the selected program type category. The user may then depress any of the preset keys to tune to a broadcast station broadcasting the selected program type. Alternatively, the user may actuate seek or scan keys to select the broadcast stations within the selected program type.

Abstract: An antenna design for a tag operating in an radio frequency identification system minimizes the influence of reflecting surfaces upon the antenna radiation pattern. The antenna advantageously provides near uniform performance when the tag is in varying proximity to different metal reflecting surfaces. The antenna operates as a quarter wave patch antenna and is constructed from a rectangular metal patch separated from a larger metallic plane. This metallic plane serves as the reference ground plane for a circuit attached to the antenna, with a direct short between the patch and the ground plane along one edge of the patch. The dimensions of the metal patch are selected such that one quarter of a wavelength of incident radiation forms a standing wave on the antenna. A careful choice of dielectric material and lateral dimensions determine the bandwidth of the antenna.

Abstract: A high purity methane product is recovered from a feed gas mixture containing methane and one or more hydrocarbons heavier than methane by cooling, condensing, and rectifying the feed in a dephlegmator. The high purity methane product, containing at least 98 mole % methane, can be liquefied and stored for use as a fuel for internal combustion engines. A hydrocarbon product containing components heavier than methane is also recovered.Methane recovery and C.sub.2.sup.+ hydrocarbon product purity can be improved by the use of a combined stripping heat exchanger and feed gas cooler. External refrigeration is utilized and can be supplemented in part by autorefrigeration provided by vaporizing dephlegmator liquid.

Abstract: A box like container has a length dimension larger then its width dimension so as to provide an interior space capable of storing hypodermic syringes which are placed into the container, where there is insufficient space for the syringes to reverse their orientations in the container once they are placed therein. The container provides a syringe entrance having opposing flexible members so as to accept a syringe that is forcefully pushed through it and into he container, but which will not allow a syringe to back out of the container.

Abstract: A time-division-multiplexed fixed wireless loop system and methods therefor are disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of cells each having a base station and a plurality of terminals. The base station includes a steerable and adjustable multibeam antenna for communicating with each of the terminals, which have fixed antennas. A cell controller associated with each base station allocates communication time slots so as to minimize mutual interference between base station/terminal links sharing the same time slot. Slot assignment is based on regional, periodically updated interference measurements that are stored in data bases.

Abstract: A vertical support for supporting a drawer slide mechanism in a cabinet. The vertical support includes a support member that has an opening and a resilient tab member that extends into the opening. The resilient tab member releasably engages the slide mechanism as it is disposed in the opening. Alternatively, a resilient tab member is attached to the slide mechanism and is adapted to releasably engage an opening in the front vertical support member. A method is also provided for assembling a drawer support assembly in a cabinet. The method comprises the steps of providing a cabinet housing, a slide mechanism that has a forward and rear portion, and a front vertical support member that has an opening and a resilient tab member extending into the opening. The front vertical support is attached to the housing and the forward portion of the slide mechanism is secured to the front vertical support member such that the resilient tab member releasably engages the forward portion.

Abstract: An system and apparatus records and displays information received from a premises such as ambient temperature or information received over a telephone network. A wireless transmitter generates and transmits a packet of telephone information received from the telephone network. The generated signals can be radio, infrared and ultrasonic. A packet receiver is spaced distant from the premises recording unit but within range of the packet transmission generated therefrom for receiving and storing the packet of telephone information. The packet receiver displays at least a portion of the packet of information.

Abstract: An system and apparatus records and displays information received from a premises such as ambient temperature or information received over a telephone network. A premises recording unit is connected to a telephone network and receives and stores telephone information received therefrom. The premises recording unit includes a wireless transmitter for generating and transmitting a packet of telephone information received from the telephone network. The generated signals can be radio, infrared and ultrasonic. A packet receiver is spaced distant from the premises recording unit but within range of the packet transmission generated therefrom for receiving and storing the packet of telephone information. The packet receiver displays at least a portion of the packet of information.

Abstract: A duplex radio communication system includes an Interrogator which generates a first modulated signal by modulating a first information signal onto a radio carrier signal. The Interrogator transmits the first modulated signal to at least one remote Tag of the system. The remote Tag receives and processes the first modulated signal received at its Antenna. A Backscatter Modulator uses a second information signal to modulate the reflection of the first modulated signal from the Antenna, the reflected signal being a second modulated signal. The Interrogator receives and demodulates the second modulated signal to obtain the second information signal.

Abstract: A radio communication system includes an Interrogator for generating and transmitting a first modulated signal by modulating a first information signal onto a radio carrier signal, the first information signal indicating in which of multiple response modes a receiving Tag should respond. One or more Tags of the system receive the first modulated signal and decode it to obtain the first information signal. A Backscatter Modulator modulates the reflection of the first modulated signal using a second information signal whose content, data rate, or modulation is determined by said first information signal, thereby forming a second modulated signal. The Interrogator receives and demodulates the second modulated signal to obtain the indicated second information signal.