Abstract: Apparatus for holding an article against a fabric panel, for instance on an article of clothing, including a base having a top side and a generally planar bottom side, a plurality of fabric penetrating elements extending from the bottom side, and a resilient retaining loop disposed on the top side, the resilient loop having an article engaging through slot configured to accept and releasably capture an elongate element of an article inserted through the through slot.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding an article against a fabric panel, for instance on an article of clothing, including a base having a top side and a generally planar bottom side, a plurality of fabric penetrating elements extending from the bottom side, and a resilient retaining loop disposed on the top side, the resilient loop having an article engaging through slot configured to accept and releasably capture an elongate element of an article inserted through the through slot.

Abstract: A method of collecting, graphically displaying, managing, and directing individual contributions and distributions of pooled funds and/or investments online to enable participants to share in the purchase of lottery tickets, to bankroll casino table game players, to invest, or to bet, alone or in any combination. A Pool-in-Pool method is included to allow some proportion of a pool to be used to buy into other pools, thereby enabling players to increase the odds of winning a given prize by increasing the number of games to which their bets apply and the jackpots to which they have some claim. The method is enhanced by user determined combinations of games combined within a pool and participation of pools in varying percentages of other pools, allowing users to set the statistical advantage sought and to determine the level of acceptable rate of loss.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing, aggregating, and transferring data to detect windshield wiper motion in a motor vehicle so as to alert the driver of the need to turn on headlights. The apparatus includes motion-sensing hardware having a microprocessor programmed to detect rhythmic movement of shadows at regular intervals or to receive digitized signals from inertial sensors and to sense rhythmic patterns of vibration or motion in the car and characterize and filter the patterns to accurately distinguish wiper motions from other motions. The software then instructs the microprocessor to output a perceivable alert to the driver indicating that vehicle lights must be turned on.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing, aggregating, and transferring data to detect windshield wiper motion in a motor vehicle so as to alert the driver of the need to turn on headlights. The apparatus includes motion-sensing hardware having a microprocessor programmed to detect rhythmic movement of shadows at regular intervals or to receive digitized signals from inertial sensors and to sense rhythmic patterns of vibration or motion in the car and characterize and filter the patterns to accurately distinguish wiper motions from other motions. The software then instructs the microprocessor to output a perceivable alert to the driver indicating that vehicle lights must be turned on.

Abstract: A method to authorize, facilitate, and mediate transfer of DRM protected files from one portable multimedia player (1050) to another portable multimedia player (1080), while ensuring appropriate royalty payments are made to appropriate Copyright Owners A source i2i device includes a file transfer counting mechanism for monitoring and disabling the transfer of digital files between portable digital media devices, and further includes hardware for providing a secure Internet interface (1020) capable of connecting the source device a Credit Vendor server (1040) via a network-connected computer (1070) A Credit Vendor (1000) pays a fee to a DRM File Source Company (1010) to obtain virtual credits for transferring DRM files The user connects the source i2i device to the Credit Vendor server (1040) via a global computer network and downloads virtual credits, which authorize and enable the transfer of content between the source i2i device and a target i2i device The Credit Vendor (1000) then pays appropriate royaltie

Abstract: A system for matching the currently tuned frequency of a signal transmitting device with that of a signal receiving device, including a transmitter having an illuminated color display which changes colors in relation to the channel or frequency on which the transmitter is currently tuned, and a signal receiving device having an illuminated color display which changes colors in relation to the channel or frequency on which the signal receiving unit is currently tuned. Each device has a channel selector function so that the frequency to which the device is tuned can be changed, thereby changing the color displayed.

Abstract: A wireless phone headset for cell and office phone systems, including a flexible headband having an integral annulus on one end of the headband adapted for placement over and around a user's ear. An earpiece/microphone combination is provided and has an annular portion swivelingly connected to the headband annulus using the swiveling connection means. The headset also includes an electronics housing with a base portion integral with the earpiece/microphone member and extending inwardly from said annular portion of said earpiece/microphone annulus into the generally open interior area region formed by the annular portion. The base portion has an interior side and a cover that combine to create an open interior space for housing electronic elements. An earpiece is disposed on the interior side of the base portion. A microphone boom extends outwardly from the electronics housing and a microphone is provided at the end of the boom.

Abstract: An AM/FM/SW receiver coupled with an FM transmitter for personal multimedia players for both listening and recording uses innovative antenna and shielding design and placement to raise the signal-to-noise ratio of the intended broadcast content to a level which is acceptable to the listener.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing an auto-off capability for a wireless transmitter, of a type having an audio plug which mates with the output jack of an audio source. The portable transmitter modulates signals from a baseband signal source onto a carrier and transmits the RF carrier to a receiver. The auto-off capability is provided to prolong battery life and eliminate the transmission of unmodulated RF carriers. The auto-off capability comprises turning power off to the transmitter circuit when baseband input signal is absent for more than a predetermined amount of time, and immediately turning on the transmitter circuit when baseband signal is present.

Abstract: A headphone receiver apparatus for use with low power transmitters includes a pair of headphone speaker enclosures connected by a headband. An antenna element in the form of a spring steel band or a plastic cable/antenna band where one of the conductors is utilized as the antenna is configured generally concentric with but offset from the headband and the user's head by at least 0.5 inches over at least some length of the antenna. Low-noise performance is improved by a low noise amplifier incorporated before the receiver IC, and a bandpass filter interposed between the low noise amplifier and the receiver IC. A base-loading inductor is used to tune the antenna element to resonance, with or without capacative end-loading. Lumped inductors, ferrite beads, or a parallel resonant LC circuit may be used to isolate the shield conductor at RF frequencies, and/or to reduce the loading of the other conductors.

Abstract: A pull-based method for disseminating marketing information to customers based on specific customer requests through a web based portal connected to a sever with a database of product information. The customer can receive the information via a variety of mediums from a distribution hub connected to the server. Information on consumer choices is stored on the server, which can be collated, ranked, and prioritized for use in tracking consumer requests for information.

Abstract: A circuit (FIGS. 2A-2D) and method of providing an auto-on and/or auto-off capability for an audio device, of a type having an audio plug (14) which mates with the output jack of an audio source. The portable transmitter (10) modulates audio signals from the audio source onto a carrier and transmits them to a receiver. The auto-on and auto-off capability is provided to prolong battery life and degradation of the transmitter circuit and comprises pinching off a FET (Q2) when the circuit is in an “off” state. This occurs when a pre-determined threshold in a capacitor is reached by not discharging that capacitor. The capacitor (C29) is discharged by dropping a comparator input below a pre-determined threshold limit when presented with an audio peak and wherein the drop in value causes the comparator output to go low, causing the capacitor to discharge and causing the FET (Q2) to supply power to the regulator.

Abstract: A low-current transceiver, powered by two small low-voltage batteries, for use in wireless headset/phoneset applications, such as hands-free headsets used with cellular telephones. Re-use of current from at least one circuit to provide power to at least one other power-consuming element of the transceiver, along with interrupt-driven control of the current made available to transmit and receive circuits, enables extended battery life (e.g., 120 hours). The headset/phoneset circuits incorporate a technique that draws an extremely low supply current from two low-voltage batteries while providing clear two-way communication over a range of about 3 meters.

Abstract: An audio circuit digitizes raw analog input and uses a digital signal processor (DSP) to filter, modulate, and mix the input to produce a multiplex composite signal. The multiplex composite signal is output from the DSP through a digital/analog converter (DAC), and modulates a conventional FM RF stage. In a first preferred, hydrid embodiment, the composite signal is output from the DSP through a digital/analog converter (DAC), and modulates a conventional FM RF stage. In a second preferred, fully digital embodiment, carrier modulation takes place in the DSP, and FM modulated RF is output via a fast DAC for final filtering and radiation.

Abstract: An Internet-based digital content recording system and method which obviates the need to utilize an analog system or to address the logistical demands of physically preparing a recording medium and ensuring that it is adequate to the task and set to commence recording at the appropriate time. The invention system allows radio listeners to record and enjoy a favorite radio program at any time, in any location. It opens the user's radio experience to include any online radio station around the world, including commercial, public, and personal stations. It provides this functionality through a seamless combination of online and hardware-based interfaces that deliver a consistent user experience.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing an auto-off capability for a wireless transmitter, of a type having an audio plug which mates with the output jack of an audio source. The portable transmitter modulates signals from a baseband signal source onto a carrier and transmits the RF carrier to a receiver. The auto-off capability is provided to prolong battery life and eliminate the transmission of unmodulated RF carriers. The auto-off capability comprises turning power off to the transmitter circuit when baseband input signal is absent for more than a predetermined amount of time, and immediately turning on the transmitter circuit when baseband signal is present.

Abstract: The invention is a circuit and method for providing an auto-off capability for a wireless transmitter, of a type having an audio plug which mates with the output jack of an audio source. The portable transmitter modulates audio signals from the audio source onto a carrier and transmits them to a receiver. The auto-off capability is provided to prolong battery life and degradation of the transmitter circuit and comprises pinching off a FET when the circuit is in an “off” state. This occurs when a pre-determined threshold in a capacitor is reached by not discharging that capacitor. The capacitor is discharged by dropping an input to a comparator below a pre-determined threshold limit when presented with an audio peak and wherein the drop in value causes the comparator output to discharge the capacitor and causing the FET to supply power to the regulator.

Abstract: The invention is a circuit and method for providing an auto-off capability for a wireless transmitter, of a type having an audio plug which mates with the output jack of an audio source. The portable transmitter modulates audio signals from the audio source onto a carrier and transmits them to a receiver. The auto-off capability is provided to prolong battery life and degradation of the transmitter circuit and comprises pinching off a FET when the circuit is in an “off” state. This occurs when a pre-determined threshold in a capacitor is reached by not discharging that capacitor. The capacitor is discharged by dropping an input to a comparator below a pre-determined threshold limit when presented with an audio peak and wherein the drop in value causes the comparator output to discharge the capacitor and causing the FET to supply power to the regulator.