Abstract: A downhole system for multistage fracturing wherein a stopper assembly is installed in a plugging device in manner that allows pressure integrity from above the plugging device, and the stopper assembly is further configured to allow a bore of the plugging device to open with an at least minimal pressure from therebelow in order to remove a stopper from a baffle in order to open a flow path through the plugging device in either direction.

Abstract: A directional sheath for use in angiography, thrombectomy and/or chemotherapy procedures. The sheath includes a distal end and proximal end, defines aperture(s) between the ends, and includes an occlusion balloon adjacent the distal end. An inflation lumen is in fluid communication with the balloon, so the balloon can be inflated to occlude a blood vessel. The sheath can include a dilator. In one method, the sheath is inserted in a blood vessel, and the balloon is inflated to occlude it. A substance is introduced through the sheath, while the distal end remains occluded by a dilator distal end. The substance passes a dilator intermediate portion and exits the sheath through the apertures, whereby the substance is introduced retrograde in the blood vessel. In another method, the sheath is introduced into a vessel having a thrombus, the balloon is inflated to occlude it, and the thrombus is pulled into the sheath.

Abstract: A case for an electronic device is provided including a sleeve sized and shaped to engage a housing of an electronic device, a bracket sized and shaped to engage the housing of the electronic device and to engage the sleeve; and a thermal pad sized and shaped to fit within the sleeve such that the thermal pad is held in contact with the electronic device when the electronic device is held within the sleeve.

Abstract: A case for an electronic device is provided including a sleeve sized and shaped to engage a housing of an electronic device, a bracket sized and shaped to engage the housing of the electronic device and to engage the sleeve; and a thermal pad sized and shaped to fit within the sleeve such that the thermal pad is held in contact with the electronic device when the electronic device is held within the sleeve.

Abstract: An augmented sight and sensing system that allows both improved pointing accuracy and improved detail of sensing information through a plurality of means that superimposes situation-relevant information on a target image in a manner that allows a composite image, with or without additional sensed information, to be detected at one or more subsequent sensory locations or devices. The system includes beam-splitting means to divide incoming light beams from a target image into two separate beams, one beam that may be collected by a first sensor (such as seen by an observer's eye or alternate sensor such as a camera) and the other collected by a second imaging sensor or module, and means to generate and superimpose information (such as a reticle) on the target image seen by both, and means to collect and transmit the composite image and information.

Abstract: A way for securely protecting secret information—for example, a secret key—in a programmed electronic device is provided. A technique is disclosed for protecting secret information in a programmed electronic device that includes a non-trusted memory containing software, a data memory containing the secret information, and an access restriction logic unit that is adapted to allow or block access to the secret information wherein the secret information is adapted to be used for verifying the integrity of the software. In one embodiment, when starting up the programmed electronic device, the access restriction logic unit allows access to the secret information. Then the secret information is accessed for use in verifying the integrity of the software, and subsequently the access restriction logic unit blocks further access to the secret information. Embodiments of a semiconductor device and a programmed electronic device comprising similar features are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a way for securely protecting secret information—for example, a secret key—in a programmed electronic device. A technique is disclosed for protecting secret information in a programmed electronic device that includes a non-trusted memory containing software, a data memory containing the secret information, and an access restriction logic unit that is adapted to allow or block access to the secret information wherein the secret information is adapted to be used for verifying the integrity of the software. In one embodiment, when starting up the programmed electronic device, the access restriction logic unit allows access to the secret information. Then the secret information is accessed for use in verifying the integrity of the software, and subsequently the access restriction logic unit blocks further access to the secret information. Embodiments of a semiconductor device and a programmed electronic device comprising similar features are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an apparatus including a programmable memory, a data write path for writing data into the memory and a data read path for reading data from the memory. The memory comprises at least one protected memory field. The data write path comprises a decryption unit that is adapted for receiving encrypted data, decrypting the encrypted data, and writing resulting plain data into the at least one protected memory field. The data read path is adapted for reading out the plain data stored in the protected memory field. The at least one protected memory field is only writable by applying the data to be written into the at least one protected memory field in encrypted form to the data write path.

Abstract: There is provided a platform stirrup for supporting an equestrian rider's foot. The improved stirrup allows the rider to rest his weight on each foot by placing weight on both the heel of the foot and the ball of the foot. The stirrup still allows the rider to make good heel contact with the barrel of the horse. The platform stirrup includes a substantially planar platform defining an inner edge and an outer edge, a front edge and a rear edge, and the platform is shaped so as to accommodate the rider's foot. A forward arch extends from the inner edge of the platform in a substantially right angle; and a rear support extends from the rear edge of the platform in a substantially right angle. A forward strap is affixed to the inner forward arch; and a rear strap is affixed to the rear support or edge of the platform. The forward strap and the rear strap are also affixed to the saddle and the straps are configured so as to position the platform substantially parallel to the ground.

Abstract: A mobile communication device (e.g., a wireless telephone) capable of making stereoscopic images. In one embodiment, the mobile communication device includes: (1) a main body, (2) first and second camera modules rotatably attached to the main body and (3) a drive structure coupled to the first and second camera modules and configured to rotate the first and second camera modules relative to the main body about corresponding first and second axes of rotation.

Abstract: A mobile communication device, in particular a mobile telephone, a PDA or a MDA. In one embodiment, the mobile communication device includes: (1) a main body and (2) a camera module, coupled to the main body and configured for rotation relative to the main body about at least one axis of rotation. In another embodiment, the main body has a camera module mechanical interface, the camera module has a main body mechanical interface that is complementary to the camera module mechanical interface and the camera module is configured to be removably coupled to the main body and further configured for rotation relative to the main body about at least one axis of rotation.

Abstract: A mobile communication device having a camera module and a method of operating a mobile communication device having a camera module. In one embodiment, the mobile communication device includes: (1) a main body and (2) a camera module, coupled to the main body and configured for movement with respect thereto between a retracted position and an exposed position and rotatable in the exposed position about at least one axis of rotation.

Abstract: A mobile device and associated methods are disclosed that allow a mobile device subject to a communication restriction from a wireless network to respond to a priority call. If a call in the wireless network is destined for the mobile device, then the mobile device receives a paging request message for the call from the wireless network. The mobile device then determines if the call is a priority call. If the call is a priority call, then the mobile device determines that it is exempt from the communication restriction. The mobile device may be exempt for this particular call, for a defined time period, etc. The mobile device may then transmit a response message to the wireless network to initiate the setup of the priority call to the mobile device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are presented for protecting data in microcontrollers from both malicious software processes running inside the device as well as from unauthorized attempts to read the data from an external data bus and/or external memory. An illustrative embodiment of the invention accomplishes these security improvements, in part, by utilizing an enhanced memory management unit (MMU). The enhanced MMU is configured to prevent one software process running on the microcontroller from accessing data associated with a different software process running on the same microcontroller. Moreover, data transmitted over an external data bus or stored in an external memory is encrypted, thereby reducing the chances that unauthorized users will gain exploitable information from this data.

Abstract: A mobile communication device and a method of operating the same to prevent unintentional activation thereof. In one embodiment, the mobile communication device includes: (1) a first body part, (2) a second body part, (3) a slider mechanism configured to slidably attach the second body part to the first body part, the second body part movable at least from a first position to a second position with respect to the first body part by means of the slider mechanism and (4) a lock configured to lock the second body part in the first position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for authenticating a digital data unit of a mobile communications device. In one embodiment, the invention provides for the capture of a digital data unit with a mobile communications device and generating authentication data to confirm at least one of the source or integrity of the digital data unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wireless telephone networks, and more particularly to the allocation of radio channels to calls in CDMA-based systems when their Radio Access Networks (RAN) are congested. A Base Station (BS) receives a call origination from a mobile device. The BS communicates information about the call and about its radio availability to a Mobile Switching Center (MSC). The MSC determines the priority of the call and how the call should be treated by the BS based on the supplied information. The MSC communicates the treatment information and the priority information back to the BS. When the RAN is congested, high-priority calls are queued. These high-priority calls are served based on allocation specification in which radio channels may be assigned to low-priority calls, which are not queued, while there are still calls in the queue.

Abstract: A wireless network and method are disclosed that provide temporary data service to a party. For the invention, a temporary data service system receives a request from a first party to establish temporary data service for a second party. The temporary data service system then configures the wireless network to establish temporary data service for the second party, such as by setting up a temporary subscriber profile or temporary account for the second party in the wireless network. A notification system then generates a notification message indicating that the temporary data service has been established for the second party, and transmits the notification message to the second party. The second party may use the temporary data service to access some type of data message or data file, such as a picture message sent by the first party.

Abstract: A communication network is disclosed that uses voice authentication to provide call control. The communication network includes a call control function, a voice collection system, a voice authentication system, and a permission system. The voice collection system collects voice samples of a first party during the call to a second party, and transmits the collected voice samples to the voice authentication system. The voice authentication system compares the collected voice samples to stored voice samples to determine the identity of the first party. The permission system determines whether the first party is authorized for the call based on the identity of the first party. The permission system generates results based on the determination and transmits the results to the call control function. The call control function then processes the results, and interrupts the call if the first party is not authorized.

Abstract: A method for forming a sheet of label material is provided. The label material is used to form a label for placement on an object and for subsequent removal from the object without damaging the object. The method includes providing a paper substrate that has an adhesive receiving face and coating an adhesive on the adhesive receiving face of the paper substrate using a gravure coater to form a repetitive pattern of adhesive areas. For example, repetitive dots of adhesive assure a uniform, discontinuous coating of adhesive that allows repositioning of the label, that prevents tearing of or damage to a substrate when the label is removed, including from a newspaper, and that maintains sufficient adhesion to adhere to difficult substrates such as textured surfaces. The adhesive is a water based adhesive. In alternative embodiments, the adhesive is coated on an adhesive receiving face of a release liner, and the adhesive receiving face of the paper substrate removably adheres to the release liner.