Abstract: The apparatus includes a first passive signal repeater and a second passive signal repeater, operable to respond to the wireless data signal and to first and second wireless transceivers, respectively. A mounting device is configured to traverse a structure within the building, and to receive the first and second passive signal repeaters. The mounting device has a transfer path, which is operable to transfer the wireless data received at the first passive signal repeater to the second passive signal repeater, and to transfer the wireless data signal at the second passive signal repeater to the first passive signal repeater. When the mounting device traverses the structure, and the first and second signal repeaters are arranged on the mounting device in such a manner that the transfer path is operating, a wireless signal path traversing the structure is created between the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver.

Abstract: A portable proximity alert detector is provided for a user to determine when at least one companion comes within a predetermined range of the user. The device includes a receiving portion for wirelessly receiving a first signal encoded with a code identifying a companion and a transmitting portion for wirelessly transmitting a second signal encoded with a user identifying code. The device also includes a processor, a modulator operationally coupling the processor to the transmitting portion for modulating the user identifying code, and a demodulator operationally coupling the processor to the receiving portion for demodulating the companion identifying code. A first memory segment is operationally coupled to the processor for storing companion identifying codes received by the receiving portion. A second memory segment is operationally coupled to the processor for storing companion identifying codes of companions whom the user desires to contact.

Abstract: A portable proximity alert detector is provided for a user to determine when at least one companion comes within a predetermined range of the user. The device includes a receiving portion for wirelessly receiving a first signal encoded with a code identifying a companion and a transmitting portion for wirelessly transmitting a second signal encoded with a user identifying code. The device also includes a processor, a modulator operationally coupling the processor to the transmitting portion for modulating the user identifying code, and a demodulator operationally coupling the processor to the receiving portion for demodulating the companion identifying code. A first memory segment is operationally coupled to the processor for storing companion identifying codes received by the receiving portion. A second memory segment is operationally coupled to the processor for storing companion identifying codes of companions whom the user desires to contact.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a first passive signal repeater and a second passive signal repeater, operable to respond to the wireless data signal and to first and second wireless transceivers, respectively. A mounting device is configured to traverse a structure within the building, and to receive the first and second passive signal repeaters. The mounting device has a transfer path, which is operable to transfer the wireless data received at the first passive signal repeater to the second passive signal repeater, and to transfer the wireless data signal at the second passive signal repeater to the first passive signal repeater. When the mounting device traverses the structure, and the first and second signal repeaters are arranged on the mounting device in such a manner that the transfer path is operating, a wireless signal path traversing the structure is created between the first wireless transceiver and the second wireless transceiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for distributing compressed digital information. The method begins by obtaining compressed digital information. The compressed digital information is then broadcast in accordance with a wireless protocol from within a given venue to a mobile information player that enters the given venue in which the compressed digital information is transmitted. The mobile information player is adapted to receive, uncompress, and play the compressed digital information.

Abstract: A portable proximity alert detector is provided for a user to determine when at least one companion comes within a predetermined range of the user. The device includes a receiving portion for wirelessly receiving a first signal encoded with a code identifying a companion and a transmitting portion for wirelessly transmitting a second signal encoded with a user identifying code. The device also includes a processor, a modulator operationally coupling the processor to the transmitting portion for modulating the user identifying code, and a demodulator operationally coupling the processor to the receiving portion for demodulating the companion identifying code. A first memory segment is operationally coupled to the processor for storing companion identifying codes received by the receiving portion. A second memory segment is operationally coupled to the processor for storing companion identifying codes of companions whom the user desires to contact.

Abstract: A computer-assisted method of tracking a balance amount associated with a prepaid card for purchasing digital music is disclosed. The disclosed method includes, via a processor, populating a database with a unique identifier associated with a prepaid card for purchasing digital music. The disclosed method further includes, upon a sale of said prepaid card, associating an initial amount and a personal identifier with the unique identifier in the database, upon receiving a card verification request, verifying said unique identifier, upon receiving a personal verification request, verifying said personal identifier, upon receiving a balance verification request, verifying a balance amount of said prepaid card, and upon receiving transaction information regarding a transaction involving said prepaid card, adjusting said initial amount by a transaction amount corresponding to said transaction to create said balance amount.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus for playing music. The apparatus includes a manually movable spring, a generator mechanically coupled to the manually movable spring, and a controller electrically coupled to the generator. The apparatus also includes a memory interface coupled to the controller, the memory interface, in an operative configuration, coupled to a removable memory device containing digital music data. The apparatus can further include an audio interface coupled to the controller, the audio interface, in an operative configuration, coupled to a speaker.