Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for generating a spatial user interface for an application, system or device. The user interface includes a means of representing user interface functions or commands as audio signals, with the audio signals being perceived by the user in a spatially different location depending on the function or command. A user input device is provided to enable a user to select a function or command, or to navigate through the spatial representations of the audio signals.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, devices, and methods for wireless communications. An antenna in which nulls or directions of reduced performance can be selectively introduced is provided, and the performance of a communication link to a wireless communication device is monitored. By correlating the selectively reduced sensitivity of the antenna with reductions in the communication link performance, the direction of the wireless communication device may be estimated. Embodiments of the present invention may be used in numerous applications, such as cell phones, PDA's, and laptops.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, or method for controlling access to a network and to the associated network resources or services. The invention may be used to provide a user authentication or authorization process for a computer network, a telecommunications network, or other suitable system, apparatus, device, process, operation, etc. In some embodiments, the present invention uses a combination of device identification data (such as a device identifier or other form of token) and user-specific biometric data (such as a physical characteristic associated with the user or data generated as a result of a signal being altered by a physical characteristic of a user) to identify a user and permit the user to access the network or network resources or services.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, devices, and methods for wireless communications are disclosed. A detection system is used to detect a usage mode or orientation of a wireless communication device. The usage mode or orientation is used to vary the radiation pattern of the antenna of the wireless communication device. By varying the radiation pattern based on the usage mode or orientation, battery life and the quality of transmission and reception can be increased, while the size and cost of the device can be reduced. Embodiments of the invention may be used in numerous applications, such as mobile phones, PDA's, and laptops.

Abstract: An audio system that may be used in multiple modes or use scenarios, while still providing a user with a desirable level of audio quality and comfort. The inventive system may include multiple components or elements, with the components or elements capable of being used in different configurations depending upon the mode of use. The different configurations provide an optimized user audio experience for multiple modes of use without requiring a user to carry multiple devices or sacrifice the audio quality or features desired for a particular situation. The inventive audio system includes a use mode detection element that enables the system to detect the mode of use, and in response, to be automatically configured for optimal performance for a specific use scenario. This may include, for example, the use of one or more audio processing elements that perform signal processing on the audio signals to implement a variety of desired functions (e.g., noise reduction, echo cancellation, etc.).

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for enabling a communication device to be paired with multiple other communication devices that are connected to a network without the need to conduct a separate pairing operation between the first communication device and each of the other network-connected devices. The data exchanged between a user's communication device and a peer communication device (e.g., one of a group of network-connected communication devices) that is used to authenticate communications between the user device and the peer device (i.e., link key) is stored in a network-accessible data storage and retrieval system. The link key is used by the user device when attempting to establish communications with a different peer device (e.g., another one of the network-connected devices) and is retrieved by the other network-connected peer device and used to enable authenticated communications between the other peer device and the user device.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, devices, and methods for converting electrical signals into sound using an acoustic transducer. The inventive acoustic transducer utilizes the motion of an airfoil shaped element to generate a sound wave, with the airfoil element being driven in response to an electrical signal input to a suitable driving element. In some embodiments, the airfoil element or elements act to mechanically couple the motion of an armature attached to the driver to the surrounding air, producing sound waves in a more efficient manner than typical acoustic transducer devices. Embodiments of the invention may be used in the design of loudspeakers, earpieces, headphones, and other devices for which a high efficiency transducer is desired.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, devices, and methods for wireless communications. An antenna in which nulls or directions of reduced performance can be selectively introduced is provided, and the performance of a communication link to a wireless communication device is monitored. By correlating the selectively reduced sensitivity of the antenna with reductions in the communication link performance, the direction of the wireless communication device may be estimated. Embodiments of the present invention may be used in numerous applications, such as cell phones, PDA's, and laptops.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, devices, and methods for wireless communications are disclosed. A detection system is used to detect a usage mode or orientation of a wireless communication device. The usage mode or orientation is used to vary the radiation pattern of the antenna of the wireless communication device. By varying the radiation pattern based on the usage mode or orientation, battery life and the quality of transmission and reception can be increased, while the size and cost of the device can be reduced. Embodiments of the invention may be used in numerous applications, such as mobile phones, PDA's, and laptops.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, devices, and methods for converting electrical signals into sound using an acoustic transducer. The inventive acoustic transducer utilizes the motion of an airfoil shaped element to generate a sound wave, with the airfoil element being driven in response to an electrical signal input to a suitable driving element. In some embodiments, the airfoil element or elements act to mechanically couple the motion of an armature attached to the driver to the surrounding air, producing sound waves in a more efficient manner than typical acoustic transducer devices. Embodiments of the invention may be used in the design of loudspeakers, earpieces, headphones, and other devices for which a high efficiency transducer is desired.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for enabling a communication device to be paired with multiple other communication devices that are connected to a network without the need to conduct a separate pairing operation between the first communication device and each of the other network-connected devices. The data exchanged between a user's communication device and a peer communication device (e.g., one of a group of network-connected communication devices) that is used to authenticate communications between the user device and the peer device (i.e., link key) is stored in a network-accessible data storage and retrieval system. The link key is used by the user device when attempting to establish communications with a different peer device (e.g., another one of the network-connected devices) and is retrieved by the other network-connected peer device and used to enable authenticated communications between the other peer device and the user device.

Abstract: A method of preparing a joint for a prosthesis in a patient. The method includes obtaining scan data associated with the joint of the patient, preparing a three-dimensional image of the joint based on the scan data, preparing a pre-operative surgical plan based on the scan data, and preparing an image of a patient-specific alignment guide, and intra-operatively modifying the surgical plan.

Abstract: An audio system that may be used in multiple modes or use scenarios, while still providing a user with a desirable level of audio quality and comfort. The inventive system may include multiple components or elements, with the components or elements capable of being used in different configurations depending upon the mode of use. The different configurations provide an optimized user audio experience for multiple modes of use without requiring a user to carry multiple devices or sacrifice the audio quality or features desired for a particular situation. The inventive audio system includes a use mode detection element that enables the system to detect the mode of use, and in response, to be automatically configured for optimal performance for a specific use scenario. This may include, for example, the use of one or more audio processing elements that perform signal processing on the audio signals to implement a variety of desired functions (e.g., noise reduction, echo cancellation, etc.).

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for generating a spatial user interface for an application, system or device. The user interface includes a means of representing user interface functions or commands as audio signals, with the audio signals being perceived by the user in a spatially different location depending on the function or command. A user input device is provided to enable a user to select a function or command, or to navigate through the spatial representations of the audio signals.

Abstract: A method of preparing a joint for a prosthesis in a patient. The method includes obtaining scan data associated with the joint of the patient, preparing a three-dimensional image of the joint based on the scan data, preparing a pre-operative surgical plan based on the scan data, and preparing an image of a patient-specific alignment guide, and intra-operatively modifying the surgical plan.

Abstract: A plurality of knee joint prostheses comprise a first femoral implant and a second femoral implant. The first femoral implant has a first maximum interior anterior to posterior dimension, a first maximum overall exterior anterior to posterior dimension, a first lateral condyle, and a first medial condyle. The second femoral implant has a second maximum interior anterior to posterior dimension that is substantially the same as the first maximum interior anterior to posterior dimension, a second maximum overall exterior anterior to posterior dimension that is different than the first maximum overall exterior anterior to posterior dimension, a second lateral condyle having a medial to lateral dimension that is substantially the same as a medial to lateral dimension of the first lateral condyle, and a second medial condyle having a medial to lateral dimension that is different than a medial to lateral dimension of the first medial condyle.

Abstract: Method of printing individual header cards with a limited amount of information, such as a barcode, employing continuous movement of each of the header cards through a gap defined between a backup roll and a thermal printing head, each header card partially wrapping the backup roll only in the immediate vicinity of the printer head.

Abstract: Searching different data stores based on a classification of a search term may include receiving at least one search term and classifying the search term among at least first and second categories. When the search term is classified within the first category, the search term is compared to first electronic information within a first electronic information store to determine whether matches exist. When the search term is classified within the second category, the search term is compared to at least second electronic information within at least a second electronic information store that differs from the first electronic information store to determine whether matches exist. A result is displayed based on the matches that are determined to exist.

Abstract: A femoral adjustment device to balance a flexion gap. The device includes a body attachable to a distal femur, the body having a cutting guide and an adjustment mechanism operable to balance the flexion gap, wherein upon balancing the flexion gap, the cutting guide is operable to guide at least one cut in the distal femur.

Abstract: Method of printing individual header cards with a limited amount of information, such as a barcode, employing continuous movement of each of the header cards through a gap defined between a backup roll and a thermal printing head, each header card partially wrapping the backup roll only in the immediate vicinity of the printer head.