Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method an apparatus for buffering an anesthetic solution prior to an injection. The inventive apparatus employs a modified carpule which hold two solutions in fluid isolation. The buffering solution is separated from the anesthetic solution within the same carpule by way of a fluid impervious thin film. The thin film has a weakened central area which can be easily pierced by a harpoon affixed to one side of a plunger. As the plunger is advanced forward, the harpoon breaks through the thin film and causes mixing of the two solutions.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the identity of a product and then calculating an offer price for the product are disclosed. The identity of the product may be determined using near-field communication in one aspect. The system and method are operable to enable retailers to provide a lowest price for the product and conduct a series of offer calculations to determine an offer for a consumer. The offer is based, in part, on costs to the consumer in executing the transaction (e.g., travel time, fuel, etc.). The offer may be higher than the lowest price as determined by each retailer, respectively, while still providing a discount to the consumer to entice a purchase of the product.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the identity of a product and then calculating an offer price for the product are disclosed. The identity of the product may be determined using near-field communication in one aspect. The system and method are operable to enable retailers to provide a lowest price for the product and conduct a series of offer calculations to determine an offer for a consumer. The offer is based, in part, on costs to the consumer in executing the transaction (e.g., travel time, fuel, etc.). The offer may be higher than the lowest price as determined by each retailer, respectively, while still providing a discount to the consumer to entice a purchase of the product.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the identity of a product and then calculating an offer price for the product are disclosed. The identity of the product may be determined using near-field communication in one aspect. The system and method are operable to enable retailers to provide a lowest price for the product and conduct a series of offer calculations to determine an offer for a consumer. The offer is based, in part, on costs to the consumer in executing the transaction (e.g., travel time, fuel, etc.). The offer may be higher than the lowest price as determined by each retailer, respectively, while still providing a discount to the consumer to entice a purchase of the product.

Abstract: A method and system for remote activation of computer based applications uses Simple Message Service (SMS) messages to inform a remote computer that an application should be activated. The SMS message may be sent by a cell phone or from a computer. The remote computer receives the SMS message, parses the message to determine the application to be started, and starts the indicated application. If the remote computer is turned off, the SMS message can be received by an SMS receiver within a modem which can be configured to start the computer so the application can be activated.

Abstract: An intermediary such as a gateway will intercept a markup document being sent in a response message from a web server to a client station and will determine that the client station does not have stored locally the set of objects necessary to render the markup document. The intermediary will then modify the response message to include both the markup document and the necessary set of objects. Upon receipt of the response, the client station will extract and store the objects as non-cached objects, to be used when rendering the markup document. Preferably the client station is a cell phone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating custom format messages. Upon user selection of a message-destination, application logic identifies a set of template customization data corresponding to the message-destination and uses the template customization data to customize a generalized message template, so as to produce a custom format message. Advantageously, a single messaging application can thereby be made to produce custom format messages respectively for many different message-destinations.

Abstract: A content management system includes a mobile station, a service provider, and a content distribution kiosk. A content encryption key is associated with the mobile station, and a copy of the key is provided to the mobile station. In providing content to the mobile station, the content is first encrypted with the content encryption key, and it is sent to the mobile station in its encrypted form. The mobile station keeps the content in memory in its encrypted form. To make use of the content, the mobile station decrypts the content for use, and deletes the decrypted content once it has been used. The content in its encrypted form remains in memory on the mobile station. Multiple mobile devices may use the same content encryption key, in which case the devices may exchange encrypted content using, for example, a Bluetooth connection. Content may also be retrieved from a content distribution kiosk.

Abstract: A method and system for remote activation of computer based applications uses Simple Message Service (SMS) messages to inform a remote computer that an application should be activated. The SMS message may be sent by a cell phone or from a computer. The remote computer receives the SMS message, parses the message to determine the application to be started, and starts the indicated application. If the remote computer is turned off, the SMS message can be received by an SMS receiver within a modem which can be configured to start the computer so the application can be activated.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the identity of a product and then calculating an offer price for the product are disclosed. The identity of the product may be determined using near-field communication in one aspect. The system and method are operable to enable retailers to provide a lowest price for the product and conduct a series of offer calculations to determine an offer for a consumer. The offer is based, in part, on costs to the consumer in executing the transaction (e.g., travel time, fuel, etc.). The offer may be higher than the lowest price as determined by each retailer, respectively, while still providing a discount to the consumer to entice a purchase of the product.

Abstract: A mobile information device may download and execute Java MIDlet and non-MIDlet applications. The mobile information device may use generic content descriptors to download and manage non-Java applications.

Abstract: A mobile information device may execute a Java MIDlet or a non-MIDlet application. The mobile information device may further include an object-oriented application program interface that allows one or more object-oriented object classes to allow input and output data to be communicated between Java MIDlets in different MIDlet Suites and between non-MIDlet applications.

Abstract: A mobile information device may execute a Java MIDlet or a non-MIDlet application. The mobile information device may further include an object-oriented application program interface that allows one or more object-oriented object classes to allow input and output data to be communicated between Java MIDlets in different MIDlet Suites and between non-MIDlet applications. The application program interface may be used to allow applications to access a universal message handler executing on the mobile information device.

Abstract: A mobile information device may execute a Java MIDlet or a non-MIDlet application. The mobile information device may further include an object-oriented application program interface that allows one or more object-oriented object classes to allow input and output data to be communicated between Java MIDlets in different MIDlet Suites and between non-MIDlet applications. The application program interface may be used to push launch applications with context on the mobile information device.

Abstract: A mobile information device may execute a Java MIDlet or a non-MIDlet application. The mobile information device may further include an application management system that allows one or more object-oriented object classes to allow input and output data to be communicated between Java MIDlets in different MIDlet Suites and between non-MIDlet applications.

Abstract: A method and system provides for restricting access to particular network content. In one embodiment, a gateway can receive, from a client device, a content request that includes a rating-allowance for the requested content. The gateway can also receive, from a content provider, a content-rating for the requested content. The gateway can then compare the content-rating to the rating-allowance and, in response, either allow or block the delivery of that content to the client device.

Abstract: A mobile information device may execute a Java MIDlet or a non-MIDlet application. The mobile information device may further include an object-oriented application program interface that allows one or more object-oriented object classes to allow input and output data to be communicated between Java MIDlets in different MIDlet Suites and between non-MIDlet applications. The application program interface may be used to allow applications to access a universal message handler executing on the mobile information device.

Abstract: A mobile information device may execute a Java MIDlet or a non-MIDlet application. The mobile information device may further include an object-oriented application program interface that allows one or more object-oriented object classes to allow input and output data to be communicated between Java MIDlets in different MIDlet Suites and between non-MIDlet applications. The application program interface may be used to push launch applications with context on the mobile information device.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a wireless phone having both communications and non-communications functions may be operated in a communications disabled operating mode appropriate for transmission restricted environments, such as an airplane in flight. Power may be supplied to a component in a communications module of the phone, for example, one or more local oscillators in a frequency converter. A processor in the phone may control a switch to cut off power to that component in response to a command input to the phone while maintaining control and the power supply to components supporting non-communications of the phone. A user may enter the command through a user interface including, for example, a display screen, a speaker, and input keys, buttons, and/or switches. The display screen may display an indicator such as a graphical icon or textual banner that indicates that the phone is operating in the communications disabled operating mode.

Abstract: A portable electronic device has at least one battery pack with each pack having its own capacity gauge. A reserve power option system monitors power level information received from the capacity gauge to determine if the portable electronic device should be transitioned into a power-saving, low-current mode.