Abstract: This invention provides a network access system that permits communication device users to access a network such as the Internet, a cable network, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) network or a broadband network (which may include cable and DSL networks). A network access device receives commands from users and executes the commands such as send e-mail, search the network, log on to pages supported by other parties on the network, download information from the network, request information such as movies from the network, bidding in an auction, etc. A user profile saves preferences of a user for interacting with the network. The network access device may supply primitive commands for the user to use individually or to construct complex command macros so that by a single command, more complex functions may be performed using the network.

Abstract: A first transmitting device is used to transmit a first signal on a first carrier frequency to a relay device. The relay device receives the signal by demodulating the first carrier frequency. Subsequently, the relay device retransmits the signal by modulating a second and/or a third carrier frequency. The signal is then recovered at one or more receiving devices by demodulating the second and/or third carrier frequencies. Further, a second transmitting device transmits a second signal on a fourth carrier frequency and the relay device retransmits the signal by modulating a fifth and/or a sixth carrier frequency. The signal is then recovered at one or more receiving devices by demodulating the fifth and/or sixth carrier frequencies. The transmitting and/or receiving devices are preferably voice terminals, such as a wireless telephones or data terminals, such as portable computers.

Abstract: A hybrid power supply includes a switching type DC/DC boost type converter that receives energy from a primary battery cell and is arranged to deliver the energy to a rechargeable cell, set to provide a fixed output voltage that is less than the full charge voltage of the rechargeable cell. The hybrid power supply includes a circuit including a primary battery current control that senses primary battery current, and controls in part operation of the converter to provide constant current discharge on the primary battery side of the hybrid power supply.

Abstract: A first transmitting device is used to transmit a first signal on a first carrier frequency to a relay device. The relay device receives the signal by demodulating the first carrier frequency. Subsequently, the relay device retransmits the signal by modulating a second and/or a third carrier frequency. The signal is then recovered at one or more receiving devices by demodulating the second and/or third carrier frequencies. Further, a second transmitting device transmits a second signal on a fourth carrier frequency and the relay device retransmits the signal by modulating a fifth and/or a sixth carrier frequency. The signal is then recovered at one or more receiving devices by demodulating the fifth and/or sixth carrier frequencies. The transmitting and/or receiving devices are preferably voice terminals, such as a wireless telephones or data terminals, such as portable computers.

Abstract: A primary battery having at least one flat side running along its length. The battery can be used, for example, in a digital camera. The battery can have an anode comprising lithium and low resistance contacts. The anode and cathode can be in the form of sheets which are spirally wound with separator therebetween. The negative and positive contacts are uniquely positioned to prevent recharging the battery in the event that the battery is inserted into a conventional recharger designed for same size rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: An air conditioner control assembly for use with a room air conditioner having an electrical plug adapted to be plugged into an electrical socket in order to supply electrical power to the air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner control assembly includes a control unit having an electrical plug adapted to be plugged into an electrical power socket in a home, an electrical socket adapted to receive the electrical plug of the air conditioner, and a relay electrically connected between the two to selectively relay electrical power from the electrical power socket in a home to the air conditioner in response to a control signal. A thermostat located remotely from the control unit and from the air conditioner is electrically connected to the control unit, the thermostat generating the control signals to which the relay is responsive as a function of temperature sensed by the thermostat and time of day.

Abstract: A hybrid power supply includes a fuel cell and an interface between the fuel cell and a fuel cartridge or external battery and a switching type DC/DC boost type converter that receives energy from the fuel cell or external battery and is arranged to deliver the energy to a rechargeable cell. The hybrid power supply also includes a fuel cell current sensor/comparator, included in a feedback control loop disposed about the DC/DC converter, which controls in part operation of the converter to provide constant current discharge on the fuel battery side of the hybrid power supply. An adapter that couples a source of AC power such as a charger to the interconnect is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a greeting from a group of individuals to an individual or another group of individuals is disclosed. Recipient information, contributor information, billing information, and an input from each contributor are received by the system. The system composes the greeting using the contributor inputs and delivers the greeting to the recipient in the form of an audio or multimedia greeting. All the contributors can simultaneously provide their input to the greeting or individual contributors can connect to the system (at any time before a pre-determined time limit) and add an input to the greeting after reviewing the prior inputs of other contributors.

Abstract: A hybrid power supply includes a switching type DC/DC boost type converter that receives energy from a fuel cell cell and is arranged to deliver the energy to a rechargeable cell, set to provide a fixed output voltage that is less than the full charge voltage of the rechargeable cell. The hybrid power supply includes a circuit including a fuel cell current control that senses fuel cell current, and controls in part operation of the converter to provide constant current discharge on the fuel cell side of the hybrid power supply.

Abstract: An air conditioner control assembly for use with a room air conditioner having an electrical plug adapted to be plugged into an electrical socket in order to supply electrical power to the air conditioner is provided. The air conditioner control assembly includes a control unit having an electrical plug adapted to be plugged into an electrical power socket in a home, an electrical socket adapted to receive the electrical plug of the air conditioner, and a relay electrically connected between the two to selectively relay electrical power from the electrical power socket in a home to the air conditioner in response to a control signal. A thermostat located remotely from the control unit and from the air conditioner is electrically connected to the control unit, the thermostat generating the control signals to which the relay is responsive as a function of temperature sensed by the thermostat and time of day.

Abstract: A hybrid power supply includes a switching type DC/DC boost type converter that receives energy from a primary battery cell and is arranged to deliver the energy to a rechargeable cell, set to provide a fixed output voltage that is less than the full charge voltage of the rechargeable cell. The hybrid power supply includes a circuit including a primary battery current control that senses primary battery current, and controls in part operation of the converter to provide constant current discharge on the primary battery side of the hybrid power supply.

Abstract: A common adjunct switch integrated with a telecommunications network and associated with a plurality of predetermined telephone numbers prefixed by a common code is provided with a facility which allows telephone subscribers that are assigned respective ones of the telephone numbers to personalize the way in which they receive long distance telephone calls. For example, such a subscriber may program his/her associated service record to put into effect call forwarding or call screening. In addition, each such subscriber may be associated with one or more caller identification numbers, in which a caller identification number is used to determine whether a call placed to a service number is billed to the called subscriber or the calling party.