Abstract: A communication system is provided that includes a cellular phone communication device in communication with a cellular phone service provider having a remote server. The communication device includes a device for determining a current position and a transceiver for transmitting at least one of the determined current position and geographic identifier to the remote server. The communication device further receives at least one of a geographic identifier and alert information relevant to the determined position from the server and includes an output for outputting alert information relevant to the determined position.

Abstract: Multiple receivers may be enabled to receive satellite-based digital audio radio (SDAR) services under a single subscription. For example, an SDAR service provider can enable multiple vehicles, a home-based digital radio, or a portable digital radio, singly or in any combination. Multiple receivers transmit information to each other. One receiver is designated as a primary receiver, and the other receivers are designated as secondary receivers. The SDAR service provider transmits a list of associated secondary receivers to the primary receiver. The primary receiver enables the associated secondary receivers to receive SDAR services by placing them in an authorized state. The secondary receivers must periodically communicate with the primary receiver to remain authorized. A secondary receiver that fails to communicate with the primary receiver within a prescribed time period is switched to an unauthorized state. In this unauthorized state, the secondary receiver no longer performs as an authorized receiver.

Abstract: An SDARS receiver for use with at least two antennae, each of which receives bitstreams from a first satellite, bitstreams from a second satellite, and bitstreams from a terrestrial repeater, including demodulators configured to switch between demodulating bitstreams from the satellites and to switch between demodulating bitstreams from the terrestrial repeater, and a processor coupled to the demodulators, the processor being configured to switch the demodulators according to a variety of algorithms.

Abstract: A telephone communication system and method for transmitting reply messages are provided. The telephone communication system includes a plurality of telephone devices, wherein at least a first telephone device has hardware circuitry, a display, and a processor. The hardware circuitry receives a signal from a second telephone device. The display is in communication with the hardware circuitry and displays an image when the signal is received. The processor is in communication with the hardware circuitry and the display, and the processor performs the steps including communicating the image that is displayed on the display when the signal is received, wherein at least one prerecorded reply message is made available for selection when the signal is received, and receiving a command inputted by a user of the first telephone device selecting one of the available reply messages, wherein the selected reply message is transmitted to the second telephone device.

Abstract: Multiple receivers may be enabled to receive satellite-based digital audio radio (SDAR) services under a single subscription. For example, an SDAR service provider can enable multiple vehicles, a home-based digital radio, or a portable digital radio, singly or in any combination. Multiple receivers transmit information to each other. One receiver is designated as a primary receiver, and the other receivers are designated as secondary receivers. The SDAR service provider transmits a list of associated secondary receivers to the primary receiver. The primary receiver enables the associated secondary receivers to receive SDAR services by placing them in an authorized state. The secondary receivers must periodically communicate with the primary receiver to remain authorized. A secondary receiver that fails to communicate with the primary receiver within a prescribed time period is switched to an unauthorized state. In this unauthorized state, the secondary receiver no longer performs as an authorized receiver.

Abstract: An SDARS receiver for use with at least two antennae, each of which receives bitstreams from a first satellite, bitstreams from a second satellite, and bitstreams from a terrestrial repeater, including demodulators configured to switch between demodulating bitstreams from the satellites and to switch between demodulating bitstreams from the terrestrial repeater, and a processor coupled to the demodulators, the processor being configured to switch the demodulators according to a variety of algorithms.

Abstract: A system optimizes terrestrial signal acquisition in a communication system by initially determining whether a first synchronization signal is available from a first ensemble, which has an associated first programmed content of a terrestrial signal. Next, when the first synchronization signal is not available from the first ensemble, the system switches to a second ensemble of the terrestrial signal to acquire a second synchronization signal, which is synchronized with the first synchronization signal. Finally, the system switches back to the first ensemble to retrieve the associated first programmed content.

Abstract: A system optimizes terrestrial signal acquisition in a communication system by initially determining whether a first synchronization signal is available from a first ensemble, which has an associated first programmed content of a terrestrial signal. Next, when the first synchronization signal is not available from the first ensemble, the system switches to a second ensemble of the terrestrial signal to acquire a second synchronization signal, which is synchronized with the first synchronization signal. Finally, the system switches back to the first ensemble to retrieve the associated first programmed content.

Abstract: A mobile weather band radio and method of tuning the radio to select a signal channel based on geographic position. The radio has a weather band tuner adjustable for a plurality of radio wave signal channels. A position indicative receiver is provided for receiving position indicative signals and determining a current position of the radio. A controller automatically tunes the tuner to a select signal channel based on the determined geographic region.

Abstract: A mobile weather band radio and method with dynamic geographic message updating. The radio has a weather band tuner for receiving weather band signals containing a message and a geographic identification code. A position indicative receiver is provided for receiving position indicative signals and determining a current position of the radio. Geographic identification codes and electronic map data are stored in memory for defining geographic regions corresponding to the geographic identification codes. A controller determines one of the geographic codes corresponding to the determined current position based on the position indicative signals, and further performs an operation, such as playing the message, when the determined geographic code corresponds to the received geographic code.

Abstract: An open-top elongated, foldable V-shaped urination trough for use following prostatic surgery to channel urine away from a patient's body and to prevent its discharge onto clothing and skin, has base and tab portions formed from a single sheet of flexible material. The sheet is folded so that the base portions form sidewalls of an elongated trough. The tab portions are bent into engagement with each other to form a finger hold and to define an opening near one end of the trough.