Abstract: Multiple channel maps are embedded in a television transmission and the appropriate channel corresponding to the particular television service used by the viewer is downloaded for use with the television receiver. Each channel map is accompanied by a channel map identifier which identifies the source of the television transmission and a geographic identifier. The source of a television transmission is automatically detected by monitoring the radio-frequency spectrum allocations of telecast stations. The geographic area identifier is determined by comparison with a user inputted geographic area identifier. The channel map having a channel map identifier corresponding to the detected television transmission source and the user inputted geographic area identifier is downloaded and stored for future use.

Abstract: A method and a system for using a biometric characteristic of an authorized user, such as the user's voice, to grant access to, or activate, functions of the personal information appliance. In one embodiment, a computer implemented method for providing access to functions of a portable information appliance include, while the appliance is operating in a configuration mode, converting input signals from a microphone to a first data set representing a voice of an authorized user and storing the first data set in the portable information appliance. While the portable information appliance is operating in a standby mode, the method further includes converting input signals from the microphone to a second data set representing sound detected at the microphone. Providing access to functions of the portable information appliance then occurs when the first data set matches the second data set.

Abstract: A method and a system for using an internet protocol (IP) address of a user data processing system to obtain from a software vendor an authorization code for activating a software application. In one embodiment, a computer implemented method and system facilitates obtaining an authorization code from a vendor data processing system for activating a software application on a user data processing system. The method includes establishing a license database including a plurality of internet protocol addresses referencing user data processing systems on which the software application is licensed to execute. The vendor data processing system obtains the internet protocol address of the user data processing system. Where the internet protocol address is recorded in the license database, the vendor data processing system transmits the authorization code to the user data processing system. The authorization code activates the software application on the user data processing system.

Abstract: Multiple channel maps are embedded in a television transmission and the appropriate channel map (68) corresponding to the particular television service used by the viewer is downloaded for use with the television receiver. Each channel map (68) is accompanied by a channel map identifier (66) which identifies the source of the television transmission and geographic identifier. The source of a television transmission is automatically detected by monitoring the radio-frequency spectrum allocations of telecast stations. The geographic area identifier is determined by comparison with a user inputted geographic area identifier. The channel map (68) having a channel map identifier (66) corresponding to the detected television transmission source and the user inputted geographic area identifier is downloaded and stored for future use.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, designed to provide sustained dynamic fit about the wearer during use as well as to improve the containment of body exudates and wearer comfort/mobility. Such an absorbent article has an absorbent core preferably designed to fit within the low motion zone of the wearer so that dynamic forces imparted by movements of the wearer on the absorbent core are minimized. The absorbent article is also provided with a closure system for anchoring the absorbent article on the wearer to sustain the dynamic fit of the absorbent article throughout wearing. The closure system is designed so that a primary line of tension, fitting at an angle to the body, is formed to secure the absorbent article on a wearer.

Abstract: A disconnect switch circuit for disconnecting an under-voltage battery from a hard disk drive connected between a voltage supply line and ground includes a MOSFET device connected between the battery and the voltage supply line, control means responsive to the supply voltage on the voltage supply line for generating a control signal powering the gate of the MOSFET switch. The control signal turns on the MOSFET switch when the supply voltage is in normal condition and turns off the MOSFET switch when the supply voltage drops below an under-voltage limit, thereby beginning head retract in the hard disk drive.

Abstract: An imaging contrast medium comprising a physiologically tolerable multinuclear complex (as defined in claim 1) is disclosed. The multinuclear complex contains at least two, but preferably three or more contrast enhancing atoms. For X-ray or ultrasound imaging techniques heavy metal atoms are used to enhance contrast, whereas in Magnetic Resonance Imaging paramagnetic metal atoms are contrast enhancing. Molybdenum and tungsten are preferred contrast enhancing atoms. The medium may also be used therapeutically.

Abstract: A motor control circuit is used to generate positive and negative voltage supply rails. The motor control circuit contains two halfbridges, each of which contains a pair of MOSFETs connected in series, each of the MOSFETs being formed without the customary short between the source and substrate (body). In one embodiment, a common node between the MOSFETs is connected to a positive voltage supply rail, and the body regions of the MOSFETs are connected to a negative voltage supply rail. The positive and negative voltage supply rails are biased by charging respective capacitors, using the positive and negative voltage spikes that appear at the outputs of the motor control circuit as the outputs switch from a low state to a high state, and vice versa.

Abstract: A moving media storage apparatus including a head actuator driven by flyback emf generated by a spindle motor. The spindle motor is driven by V.sub.BAT, whereas the head actuator includes a head-control circuit and an H-bridge MOSFET construction which is driven by V.sub.BAT or V.sub.CC during normal operation, and a head-retract circuit which is driven by V.sub.AUX after a battery failure. A pair of bipolar transistors are provided in the head actuator for increasing the amount of time V.sub.AUX is available to drive a head-retract procedure.

Abstract: A push-pull output stage for driving a motor which provides an auxiliary power supply Vaux above supply voltage Vcc by using highside MOSFETs which do not have source-body shorts, and by connecting a capacitor to the poles of the motor through rectifying diodes which output flyback pulses to the capacitor. Damage to the highside MOSFETs is prevented by limiting the voltage on the capacitor using a zener diode. The push-pull output stage increases the driving potential applied to the motor be eliminating the need for an isolating Schottky diode between the output stage and a power source. Back emf continues to supply energy to Vaux even after Vcc is removed.