Abstract: A method and system of providing postage indicia to a user. The method includes receiving an account number of the user at a computer server associated with a postage provider and receiving a request to print one or more postage indicia from the user at the computer server. The method further includes selectively prompting the user to enter an activation code associated with a plurality of postage labels by the computer server, wherein the prompting is waived if a predetermined parameter is satisfied; and sending, by the computer server, an authorization to print one or more postage indicia on at least one of the plurality of postage labels to the user if the activation code is valid.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for controlling a user's interaction with a keyboard of a multi-application electronic device such as a personal digital assistant. In one embodiment, a keyboard usage statistic for the user is determined and compared with a usage limit. Responsive to the comparison, an input mode capability of the device may be altered by throttling keyboard input to a first application such as a text input application while permitting unlimited input to a second application such as a speech input application. Altering an input mode capability may include at least one of: disabling a keyboard function, enabling an alternate input mechanism, and instructing the user to use the alternate input mechanism.

Abstract: A method and system of providing postage indicia to a user. The method includes receiving an account number of the user at a computer server associated with a postage provider and receiving a request to print one or more postage indicia from the user at the computer server. The method further includes selectively prompting the user to enter an activation code associated with a plurality of postage labels by the computer server, wherein the prompting is waived if a predetermined parameter is satisfied; and sending, by the computer server, an authorization to print one or more postage indicia on at least one of the plurality of postage labels to the user if the activation code is valid.

Abstract: The invention concerns an accessory (2) designed to be positioned around a user's body so as to retain a plurality of electrode modules (19), arranged to be connected to at least one electric power generator for localized muscle maintenance and/or muscle development, characterized in that it is equipped with linking means (5) adapted to be removably connected to those provided by another accessory so as to form an accessory of larger dimensions.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrode module (1) for muscle maintenance and/or muscle development designed to be retained in position by means of an accessory. The invention is characterized in that it comprises a housing delimited by an outer wall (2) attached to an inner wall (9) made of a deformable electrically conductive material and designed to be urged into contact with the region to be treated, said housing including at least one lining block (3) made of a deformable material supported on said outer wall and a conductive end (5) of an electric cable (6) sandwiched between the lining block and the inner wall.

Abstract: A system, method, and program product are provided that receives an instant messaging request from a sender over a network, such as the Internet. The instant messaging request is directed to requesting an instant messaging session with a primary recipient. The system determines whether the primary recipient is available. If the primary recipient is available, the system sets up the instant messaging session with the primary recipient. On the other hand, if the primary recipient is unavailable, the system identifies a backup recipient. This is accomplished by retrieving stored backup recipient identifiers that correspond to one or more backup recipients associated with the primary recipient. At least one available backup recipient identifier from the one or more stored backup recipient identifiers is identified, and the instant messaging session is set up with the identified (available) backup recipient.

Abstract: An emergency drop system allows ballasted advertising banner (14) if disconnected from an aircraft to descend slowly to the ground. Banner (14) is suspended below an aircraft by line (4) held taut by ballasted container (24). Static line (26) attached to the aircraft will, on release of loop (6) of line (4) from the aircraft, pull on closures (12) and release parachute (8) from its container (10). Drag of parachute (8) in the slipstream will slow the fall of banner (14) and also pull on lanyard (20) so that it activates 3-ring release (22) causing container (24) to invert and disperse the ballast.

Abstract: We claim a therapeutic method of inducing programmed cell death comprising administering to a recipient a peptide of 10–25 amino acids, comprising the sequence: (KR)xxYxxx(F/Q)L(L/M) wherein x is any amino acid.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) strain gauge includes at least one flexible arm that can be caused to oscillate. Transverse strain on the arm changes the resonant frequency of the arm, providing an indication of the transverse strain of the substrate.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device is used to transfer power from a source generator to a power generator that delivers electrical power to a load, while maintaining electrical isolation between the source generator and power generator for size critical applications where transformers or coupling capacitors would not be practical, but where electrical isolation is desired.

Abstract: In a MEMS device employing a beam supported by transverse arms, potential bowing of the transverse arms caused by fabrication processes, temperature or local self-heating from resistive losses is accommodated by flexible terminations of the transverse arms. Alternatively, this bowing is controlled so as to provide selective biasing to the beam or mechanical advantage in the sensing of beam motion.

Abstract: An emergency drop system allows ballasted advertising banner (14) if disconnected from an aircraft to descend slowly to the ground. Banner (14) is suspended below an aircraft by line (4) held taut by ballasted container (24). Static line (26) attached to the aircraft will, on release of loop (6) of line (4) from the aircraft, pull on closures (12) and release parachute (8) from its container (10). Drag of parachute (8) in the slipstream will slow the fall of banner (14) and also pull on lanyard (20) so that it activates 3-ring release (22) causing container (24) to invert and disperse the ballast.

Abstract: A technique, system, and computer program for quickly and efficiently selecting or deselecting a spatially-related group of objects using a single selection or deselection operation, while preserving the ability to select or deselect individual items within a group or subgroup. A new set of graphical control objects is defined, any of which will graphically indicate the members of the group with which it is associated without requiring a textual explanation. Alternatively, a control object such as a slider bar may be used, where the technique of controlling the selection status of the group is defined for the slider bar in a novel manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a member for transferring solar energy by a heat transfer fluid.It comprises an assembly of three tubes, the first being introduced into the hollow part of cross-section (SV) of a collector envelope, the second providing the upstream connection of the general circuit to the said member, comprising a straight portion which penetrates the first tube and a flattened portion which is to be engaged with the flattened portion of a third tube which, downstream, connects said member to the general fluid circulation circuit. The first tube is sealed by means of a hollow connecting plug and the cross-sections (S1) and (S2), respectively of the first and second tubes are selected in such a way that (S1-S2) is substantially equal to (S2), the cross-section (S1) being itself close to the cross-section (SV) of the hollow part of the envelope.