Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods in which user-created and user-selectable personas are used to enhance a search string for submission to a search engine. The persona information can also be used to filter or rank search results. A given user can combine multiple characteristics in various ways to produce different persona, and can choose among different as desired for a given search. Software to capture, maintain, store, and use persona information can be physically spread out across multiple computers operated by different companies, with a third party hosting the persona capturing interfaces.

Abstract: A method for deterring or detecting the unauthorized dissemination or copying of a work is presented. Personal identification data is embedded into a work before the work is sent over a communication link to a receiver. The work is sent over the communication link to the receiver.

Abstract: An entertainment device is provided for adaptively tuning to a content signal. The entertainment device includes a receiver responsive to content signals provided to the entertainment device. A selected channel of the receiver provides an output signal to an output terminal of the automobile entertainment device. A data processor is operably linked to the receiver for receiving a signal index of the content signal. The data processor is responsive to a predetermined signal index for actuating the receiver to select the specific channel corresponding to the predetermined signal index. A memory stores the predetermined signal index in accordance with an operator preference. Thus, the predetermined signal index enables the entertainment device to adaptively adjust to an operator's preferred content.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for use in a communication system utilizing multiple bands to improve transmission error rates are disclosed. Error rates are improved by mapping a portion of an input bit stream within a data stream to first and second bands of the multiple bands, transmitting the portion of this bit stream in the first and second bands, receiving bit streams in the first and second bands corresponding to the portion of the bit stream, demapping the first and second bands, and processing the first and second band bit streams to yield the original portion of the input bit stream.

Abstract: A primary mammalian cell which may be infected with a pathogen is cultivated under reduced oxygen to improve susceptibility to infection with a pathogen, pathogen propagation, and/or to change or maintain a degree of differentiation of the cell in a predetermined manner. In preferred aspects, the cell is a hepatocyte, optionally infected with HCV, or a blastomere from a single-cell biopsied blastocyst. Such biopsied cell may then be expanded to a population of stem cells under concurrent cultivation of the blastocyst, which is then used for IVF implantation.

Abstract: Contemplated drug delivery systems allow controlled release of a drug in a manner that is independent of the physicochemical parameters of both the drug and its carrier. In one preferred aspect, the drug and the carrier are released from a second carrier that has a predefined release characteristics, which is predominantly determined by the physicochemical properties of the second carrier.

Abstract: High flow, toughened and weatherable compositions are disclosed herein, comprising 40-94 percent by weight polyamide, 6-60 percent by weight toughener (rubber or ionic copolymer), 0.1 to 10 percent by weight organic acid, and 0.3 to 10 percent by weight of a stabilizer combination (inorganic stabilizer(s) and organic stabilizer(s)). These compositions are suitable for injection molding and can be melt mixed together. Articles of manufacture so formed exhibit outstanding appearance and integrity, even after subjected to rigorous oven aging.

Abstract: A process for producing plasticized polyamide blends containing additives such as tougheners, reinforcing agents, and/or filler. High average molecular weight plasticized blends containing additives may be made using the process of the invention. Pipes and tubing may be made from the blends prepared using the process of the invention.

Abstract: Shaped articles having polyamide and metal layers are disclosed having improved barrier resistant properties. These are suitably bonded by a carboxyl-substituted polyolefin that acts to chemically secure the polyamide and metal layers together. Methods for the preparation of these articles and their use in a variety of applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved digital camera is provided that detects pictures of human subjects whose eyes are not closed. The improved digital camera generally includes an eye detection activation element that is operable to initiate an eye detection mode; an image sensor that captures image data for a target subject; an image processor that converts the image data into a digital image form; and an eye detection component that evaluates the digital image form for the target subject and determines whether at least one eye of the target subject is closed.

Abstract: A global positioning system (GPS) is provided for displaying static cartographical data in accordance with a GPS signal and integrating dynamically updated data during display. The GPS system includes a receiver responsive to the global positioning signal. The receiver has a first communication module responsive to a signal of a content provider. The signal of the content provider defines dynamic content. The receiver has a data processor for integrating the dynamic content with the static cartographical data. A display device of the GPS system displays the integrated cartographical data and dynamic content. In this way, the dynamic content is provided to the global positioning system to alert an operator of traffic patterns and hospitality venues in relation to displayed static cartographical data.

Abstract: A new composition is formed by combining a reduced waste rubber, a heavy paraffin and a reduced waste thermoplastic, and then further reducing the resulting material while holding it at an elevated temperature. In preferred embodiments the rubber and thermoplastic are pre-processed by reduction to mesh sizes of about 0.25 inch and 0.5 inch respectively, and the paraffin is pre-processed by being fluidizing to have a viscosity of at most about 1.0 Centipoise. It is also contemplated that the rubber and paraffin can be advantageously combined with each other prior to inclusion of the thermoplastic, with the paraffin/rubber combination being heated to a temperature of about 220° F. to about 250° F. for about 3 minutes. It is still further contemplated that the combination of rubber, paraffin and thermoplastic can be heated to between about 360° F. and about 500° F.

Abstract: A global positioning system (GPS) is provided for displaying static cartographical data in accordance with a GPS signal and integrating dynamically updated data during display. The GPS system includes a receiver responsive to the global positioning signal. The receiver has a first communication module responsive to a signal of a content provider. The signal of the content provider defines dynamic content. The receiver has a data processor for integrating the dynamic content with the static cartographical data. A display device of the GPS system displays the integrated cartographical data and dynamic content. In this way, the dynamic content is provided to the global positioning system to alert an operator of traffic patterns and hospitality venues in relation to displayed static cartographical data.

Abstract: An entertainment device is provided for adaptively tuning to a content signal. The entertainment device includes a receiver responsive to content signals provided to the entertainment device. A selected channel of the receiver provides an output signal to an output terminal of the automobile entertainment device. A data processor is operably linked to the receiver for receiving a signal index of the content signal. The data processor is responsive to a predetermined signal index for actuating the receiver to select the specific channel corresponding to the predetermined signal index. A memory stores the predetermined signal index in accordance with an operator preference. Thus, the predetermined signal index enables the entertainment device to adaptively adjust to an operator's preferred content.

Abstract: A global positioning system (GPS) is provided for displaying static cartographical data in accordance with a GPS signal and integrating dynamically updated data during display. The GPS system includes a receiver responsive to the global positioning signal. The receiver has a first communication module responsive to a signal of a content provider. The signal of the content provider defines dynamic content. The receiver has a data processor for integrating the dynamic content with the static cartographical data. A display device of the GPS system displays the integrated cartographical data and dynamic content. In this way, the dynamic content is provided to the global positioning system to alert an operator of traffic patterns and hospitality venues in relation to displayed static cartographical data.

Abstract: A global positioning system (GPS) is provided for displaying static cartographical data in accordance with a GPS signal and integrating dynamically updated data during display. The GPS system includes a receiver responsive to the global positioning signal. The receiver has a first communication module responsive to a signal of a content provider. The signal of the content provider defines dynamic content. The receiver has a data processor for integrating the dynamic content with the static cartographical data. A display device of the GPS system displays the integrated cartographical data and dynamic content. In this way, the dynamic content is provided to the global positioning system to alert an operator of traffic patterns and hospitality venues in relation to displayed static cartographical data.

Abstract: A portable computer is configured to receive programming that is automatically updated by a subscription service. The portable computer includes a facility to connect to one or more subscription services on or through a host computer. The portable computer identifies itself to the subscription service and automatically receives updates for any services registered to it. A log file records information and stimuli received by the portable computer. The subscription service uses the log file to update subscriptions. One embodiment of the portable computer is configured to fit within a shell representing a character or object associated with a subscription. The portable computer may include one or more interface ports allowing the portable computer receive stimulus from sensors in the shell and or to activate transducers in the shell. In one embodiment of the invention, the portable computer is coupled to a cellular telephone.

Abstract: A vehicle data archive system is provided. An instrumentation interface receives at least one sensory data signal of the vehicle. A memory stores the at least one sensory data signal. A first transponder responds to a periodic provider signal of a trusted third party (TTP)/service provider for creating a corresponding shared encryption key, which is used to generate a digital signature from the stored data, the signature may be stored with the data or returned to the TTP/service provider. The signature is used to authenticate the data stored in the archive system. The encryption value used to generate the signature may be stored locally in the data archive or obtained from the TTP/service provider. The data in the data archive may also be stored without encryption. The system also allows an authorized user to delete a portion of the stored encrypted sensory data.

Abstract: An entertainment device is provided. The entertainment device includes a main processing station which provides an output signal. The main processing station includes a control interface. A front panel is removably connected to the control interface. The front panel includes a memory for storing multimedia content. The front panel provides control parameters to the main processing station. The content of the memory is provided to the main audio processing station for output. In addition, the front panel processes and presents the stored multimedia content as a portable device. Both control parameters and multimedia (e.g. audio or video) information may be exchanged between the front panel and the main processing station. The front panel also includes a telecommunications device and an alarm transponder.