Abstract: A method for providing information to requestors that includes the step of receiving a request from a remotely located information requestor. The request can be associated with an information controller and with a designated purpose. A transaction can be initiated to handle the request and to deliver a result to an information receiver. A record store can be queried for information associated with the information controller and associated with the designated purpose. The information requestor and the information receiver may not be authorized to directly access content of the record store. At least one request result can be generated based at least in part upon information returned from the querying step. Each request result can correspond to each information receiver and be tailored for information privileges of the information receiver. The information privileges can be established by the information controller. The request result can be conveyed to the information receiver.

Abstract: A broadband multi-server proxy server (BMPS) enables customers to select an ISP of their choice from the Internet. The BMPS has a database and is coupled to a router. In operation, the cable customers register with a selected ISP of their choice. The selected ISP sends the customers a customer ID, password, a log on script and updates its database and the database of the BMPS with the customer information. The BMPS sends a customer logon request to the requested ISP using the customer ID, password and the BMPS as the source address for any customer message. The ISP verifies the customer address against its database and updates the router address tables to accept customer messages with the new address. Future customer messages are sent directly to the selected ISP bypassing the standard Internet DHCP protocol.

Abstract: Content such as computer software, data representing audiovisual works, and electronic documents can converted from a machine-bound state to user-bound state without modification to the content data itself. Instead, keys used to access the content are converted from the machine-bound state to the user-bound state. In particular, the keys are kept in a passport data structure which can represent either a machine-binding or a user-binding. A machine-bound passport can be upgraded to a user-bound passport without modifying the bound content. The private key of the machine-bound passport, in cleartext form, is included in the user-bound passport and encrypted using a user-supplied password to bind the private key to the user. In addition, private user information is collected and verified and included in the user-bound passport.

Abstract: A method and system for electronic distribution and redemption of coupons on a computer network. The method includes the steps of: providing an electronic coupon in the form of a machine readable computer file; permitting a user of a client machine to receive the computer file via the computer network when the user accesses a selected coupon distribution web site; storing the computer file on the client machine; and authorizing a benefit when the computer file is received by a selected coupon redemption web site via the computer network. The method can further include the steps of transmitting the computer file from the coupon redemption web site to the centralized computer facility; and verifying the authenticity of the computer file prior to authorizing the benefit.

Abstract: A stand mixer having an electrical speed control circuit for providing a temporary incremental power burst to the motor of the mixer.

Abstract: A blast nozzle apparatus which includes a circular inlet to an entry portion with converging top and bottom surfaces and diverging side surfaces which terminate in a throat portion and an outlet portion including diverging side surfaces and top and bottom surfaces terminating in a substantially rectangular outlet opening.

Abstract: A method for engaging in electronic commerce (e-commerce) over a network from an e-commerce site, comprises the steps of: storing data representing an inventory of items for sale at the e-commerce site; storing historic and active shopping lists of respective shoppers at the e-commerce site; providing logged on shoppers with a shopping list builder tool for constructing entirely new shopping lists and for constructing new shopping lists from said stored shopping lists; accepting completed active shopping lists from the logged on shoppers; consummating purchases of products on the accepted lists; and, delivering the purchased products to the shoppers. The method can further comprise the step of: storing authorization data enabling shoppers to purchase the items at the e-commerce site on credit. Shoppers can use the shopping list builder to create, modify, delete and merge named lists. A permanent cumulative shopping list can be compiled for each shopper.

Abstract: A personal communication device which includes the ability to generate dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals to provide automatic telephone dialing of a numbers received in messages. A message which includes a number is received, decoded, and displayed on a display device. The user may then select to have a number which is included as part of the message encoded into an audible DTMF, series of signals which can be coupled to a conventional “touch-tone” telephone (i.e. a telephone that supports tone dialing) through speaker in the personal communication device and the microphone of the conventional telephone. The user may select all or any part of the message to be encoded into DTMF signals. Accordingly, if the message includes other information in addition to a telephone number, the user can parse the message to indicate which portion of the message includes the number to be dialed.

Abstract: A blast head for abrasive blasting has a nozzle for directing a blast media at a surface being treated and a housing for containing the blast media after it passes through the nozzle and for facilitating recirculation of the blast media. An adjustment mechanism facilitates varying of the orientation of the nozzle with respect to the surface being treated, so as to facilitate enhanced blasting thereof.

Abstract: A steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel mounted on an outer end of a steering shaft. The steering shaft extends at least partially into a clock spring housing having a rotor rotatably disposed at least partially in the clock spring housing. A lower portion of the rotor includes at least one cancel cam extending radially from its outer surface. A wire ribbon is coiled about an upper portion of the rotor within the clock spring housing. Rotation of the rotor by the steering wheel causes the cancel cam to contact a cancel member of a turn signal switch, thereby returning the turn signal switch from an activated position to a deactivated position.

Abstract: A portable, compact ironing board is adapted for use in tight quarters, such as dorm rooms, motor homes, travel trailers, apartments, etc. A plurality of short legs or pegs extend downwardly from the rear portion of the board, with the rear set being positionally fixed relative to the board and the front set being adjustably affixed to the board to adjust the spacing between the front and rear sets of legs. These rearwardly disposed legs are adjusted to fit closely about a generally horizontal ledge or edge, such as a windowsill, countertop edge, etc. to secure the rear portion of the board. Preferably, the rearwardly disposed sets of legs comprise a fixed rear pair and an adjustable forward pair. The forward portion of the board is supported by a single telescoping leg which is extended to a suitable length and braced in some manner. The upper surface of the board is generally conventional, with a suitable pad and ironing surface installed thereover.

Abstract: A mobile, hand-held personal communicator includes a casing for housing a cellular phone, modem, and data processing system. Graphics image files are stored and can be selectively displayed on a touchscreen display. A zoom function magnifies areas of a graphics image, such as a fax image, that has been received and stored in the PC. When the zoom function is selected, the user touches the screen, and a magnification frame or window appears. When the user removes his/her finger, the area within the frame is magnified. The user can also drag the frame around the screen, while still touching the screen, to select a specific area to be magnified when the user releases the screen. A pan function allows the user to shift the image within a viewing area. The user can pan the image by touching the display at an initial touch point, and moving his/her finger keeping it in contact with the screen, to shift the touch point to a new touch point.

Abstract: A method for aiding in the diagnosis of, and monitoring the progression or course of, lung cancer in a patient by measuring the amount of NCA 50/90 in a blood sample, e.g., serum sample, obtained from the patient. Measurement in a single sample of an amount of NCA 50/90 significantly higher than the mean amount of NCA 50/90 in the normal population is an indication of lung cancer in a symptomatic patient. The course of lung cancer can also be monitored by performing a series of specific immunoassays over time to determine changes in the level of NCA 50/90 in blood samples. Increases in blood NCA 50/90 levels over time are indicative of a deteriorating condition whereas decreasing levels of blood NCA 50/90 over time indicate an improving condition.

Abstract: A method for aiding in the diagnosis of, and monitoring the progression of, breast cancer in a patient by measuring the amount of NCA 50/90 in a blood sample, e.g. serum sample, obtained from the patient. Measurement in a single sample of an amount of NCA 50/90 significantly higher than the mean amount of NCA 50/90 in the normal population is an indication of breast cancer in the patient. The progression of breast cancer can also be monitored by performing a series of specific immunoassays over time to determine changes in the level of NCA 50/90 in blood samples. Increases in blood NCA 50/90 levels over time are indicative of a deteriorating condition whereas decreasing levels of blood NCA 50/90 over time indicate an improving condition.

Abstract: A field programming tool for a personal communications device, provides an automatic, capability to update computer programs stored in the device. The personal communications device includes an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), that stores the operating system programs and the applications programs to be loaded into a random access memory (RAM) for executed by a central processing unit (CPU) in the device. A reprogramming card is provided for the device, containing pre-stored new programs that are to be loaded into the EPROM of the device. A method is provided for automatically loading the new programs from the reprogramming card into the EPROM, in an accurate, foolproof manner. This is accomplished using a sequencing program stored on the reprogramming card and loaded into the RAM of the device, where it is executed. An option attach connector alerts the device that the reprogramming card is connected to the PCMCIA slot of the device.

Abstract: A cam follower assembly for use in a latching switch assembly comprises a case having opposed walls with a slot in one of the walls. A cam follower disposed in the case has a post movable within the slot. A spring adjacent the cam follower biases the cam follower toward a longitudinal axis of the case. The cam follower assembly cooperates with a cam in the latching switch assembly to operate an electrical switch. In a preferred embodiment, the cam follower assembly moves in a plane parallel to the plane of the cam surface. When an operator depresses the latching switching in the latching switch assembly, the cam follower rides along the cam to an "on" position where the latching switch is held in place. Upon depressing the latching switch once more, the cam follower moves out of the first position and into its original "off" position. The slot guides the cam follower for proper desired movement. The spring is preferably a C-shaped spring with two arms positioned on each side of the cam follower.

Abstract: An option attach connector has a first indicator bit combination that alerts the device that a public switched telephone network connection has been made to it. The presence of the first indicator bit combination is a signal to the device that telephone, FAX, and E-MAIL communications applications are to be conducted over a PSTN link. The presence of the first indicator bit combination invokes a stored computer program to provide appropriate connections between the PSTN link and the telephone, FAX, and modem hardware in the device. The connections are made by an audio multiplexer that receives control signals from the system CPU, while executing the stored computer program. The program determines the communications application selected by the user and selectively configures the PSTN link to be connected to the either the ear piece and microphone for voice communications, or to the FAX/modem for FAX communications, or to the modem alone for E-MAIL communications.

Abstract: A new and improved spare tire and axle system for a trailer, comprising a spare tire, rim and hub assembly with an attachment plate secured thereto for coupling to a trailer. A handle raises the assembly and attachment plate to a storage position and lowers the assembly to an operative position. Locking components secure the assembly and attachment plate in one position or the other.

Abstract: A radio telephone which communicates via cellular telephone networks and by direct connection to a PSTN. The radio telephone includes a random access memory for storing a character string comprising dialing digits defining a calling number and DTMF digits representing signalling tones for accessing information to called equipment. The character string includes a delimiting character for separating dialed digits and DTMF digits. In a dialing sequence, the cellular radio will dial numbers defined by the dial digits and send the remaining characters as DTMF tones to connected telephone.

Abstract: An assay for photometrically detecting and/or quantitating the presence of an analyte in a sample in which the signal generated by a label associated with the analyte is photometrically detected in the presence of a suspended solid support.