Abstract: A computer system that is adapted for: (A) displaying a geographical map on a display screen; (B) displaying a plurality of icons on the geographical map, each of which generally represents the current location of at least one individual; (C) allowing a user to select a group of the icons; and (D) after the user selects the group of icons, providing messaging functionality for allowing the user to send a common message to the respective portable computing devices of at least substantially all of the individuals who correspond to the selected group of icons. In particular embodiments, the system allows the user to send the message by executing a single activity, such as selecting a single button. The system may also be configured to approximate the current location of an individual based on the individual's current travel itinerary.

Abstract: A computer system that is adapted for: (A) displaying a geographical map on a display screen; (B) displaying a plurality of icons on the geographical map, each of which generally represents the current location of at least one individual; (C) allowing a user to select a group of the icons; and (D) after the user selects the group of icons, providing messaging functionality for allowing the user to send a common message to the respective portable computing devices of at least substantially all of the individuals who correspond to the selected group of icons. In particular embodiments, the system allows the user to send the message by executing a single activity, such as selecting a single button. The system may also be configured to approximate the current location of an individual based on the individual's current travel itinerary.

Abstract: A computer system that is adapted for: (A) displaying a geographical map on a display screen; (B) displaying a plurality of icons on the geographical map, each of which generally represents the current location of at least one individual; (C) allowing a user to select a group of the icons; and (D) after the user selects the group of icons, providing messaging functionality for allowing the user to send a common message to the respective portable computing devices of at least substantially all of the individuals who correspond to the selected group of icons. In particular embodiments, the system allows the user to send the message by executing a single activity, such as selecting a single button. The system may also be configured to approximate the current location of an individual based on the individual's current travel itinerary.

Abstract: A computer system that is adapted for: (A) displaying a geographical map on a display screen; (B) displaying a plurality of icons on the geographical map, each of which generally represents the current location of at least one individual; (C) allowing a user to select a group of the icons; and (D) after the user selects the group of icons, providing messaging functionality for allowing the user to send a common message to the respective portable computing devices of at least substantially all of the individuals who correspond to the selected group of icons. In particular embodiments, the system allows the user to send the message by executing a single activity, such as selecting a single button. The system may also be configured to approximate the current location of an individual based on the individual's current travel itinerary.

Abstract: A computer system that is adapted for: (A) displaying a geographical map on a display screen; (B) displaying a plurality of icons on the geographical map, each of which generally represents the current location of at least one individual; (C) allowing a user to select a group of the icons; and (D) after the user selects the group of icons, providing messaging functionality for allowing the user to send a common message to the respective portable computing devices of at least substantially all of the individuals who correspond to the selected group of icons. In particular embodiments, the system allows the user to send the message by executing a single activity, such as selecting a single button. The system may also be configured to approximate the current location of an individual based on the individual's current travel itinerary.

Abstract: Computer systems for facilitating the sale and distribution of vouchers (e.g., restaurant vouchers) that may, for example, only be redeemable during a particular time window on a particular day. The system may display fixed prices for vouchers or allow consumers to bid on day and/or time-specific vouchers having a particular value. The system may sell the same day and/or time-specific voucher at different prices and set the price of the voucher based on, for example: (1) purchaser/bidder status; (2) the number of the vouchers that have already been sold; or (3) a substantially random methodology. The restaurant may set fixed criteria that must be satisfied before the system will award a bidding consumer a particular voucher. In other embodiments, in cases where a particular bid does not satisfy a pre-determined set of minimum bid criteria, the system may facilitate direct negotiations between the bidding consumer and the restaurant.

Abstract: A computer system that is adapted for: (A) displaying a geographical map on a display screen; (B) displaying a plurality of icons on the geographical map, each of which generally represents the current location of at least one individual; (C) allowing a user to select a group of the icons; and (D) after the user selects the group of icons, providing messaging functionality for allowing the user to send a common message to the respective portable computing devices of at least substantially all of the individuals who correspond to the selected group of icons. In particular embodiments, the system allows the user to send the message by executing a single activity, such as selecting a single button. The system may also be configured to approximate the current location of an individual based on the individual's current travel itinerary.

Abstract: A computer system that is adapted for: (A) displaying a geographical map on a display screen; (B) displaying a plurality of icons on the geographical map, each of which generally represents the current location of at least one individual; (C) allowing a user to select a group of the icons; and (D) after the user selects the group of icons, providing messaging functionality for allowing the user to send a common message to the respective portable computing devices of at least substantially all of the individuals who correspond to the selected group of icons. In particular embodiments, the system allows the user to send the message by executing a single activity, such as selecting a single button. The system may also be configured to approximate the current location of an individual based on the individual's current travel itinerary.

Abstract: A mobile internet radio receiver is disclosed which includes a radio interface for internet communication over a cellular mobile phone network. An internet audio signal source selects and outputs a first audio signal. At least one receiver part receives digital and/or analog radio signals, derives a second audio signal identical in content with the first audio signal from the radio signals, and outputs the second audio signal. A compare entity assesses the reception quality of the first and second audio signals, and outputs an audio signal output to which depending on the assessed reception quality, the first audio signal or the second audio signal can be applied.

Abstract: Location-based directed advertisement systems, according to particular embodiments, direct merchant-created advertisements to users when those advertisements meet the user's shopping preferences. The user's shopping preferences may include, for example, preferences to receive advertisements for particular items or classes of items, preferences to receive advertisements from particular stores or types of stores, and preferences to receive advertisements for items that are geographically close to the user's location. In particular embodiments, merchants can limit the recipients of the merchant's created advertisements to particular groups of users such as users of a certain age, gender, or occupation. In various embodiments, merchants can view consumer demand data in order to tailor offers to maximize profits, potential unit sales, etc.

Abstract: A computer system that is adapted for: (A) displaying a geographical map on a display screen; (B) displaying a plurality of icons on the geographical map, each of which generally represents the current location of at least one individual; (C) allowing a user to select a group of the icons; and (D) after the user selects the group of icons, providing messaging functionality for allowing the user to send a common message to the respective portable computing devices of at least substantially all of the individuals who correspond to the selected group of icons. In particular embodiments, the system allows the user to send the message by executing a single activity, such as selecting a single button. The system may also be configured to approximate the current location of an individual based on the individual's current travel itinerary.

Abstract: A computer system that is adapted for: (A) displaying a geographical map on a display screen; (B) displaying a plurality of icons on the geographical map, each of which generally represents the current location of at least one individual; (C) allowing a user to select a group of the icons; and (D) after the user selects the group of icons, providing messaging functionality for allowing the user to send a common message to the respective portable computing devices of at least substantially all of the individuals who correspond to the selected group of icons. In particular embodiments, the system allows the user to send the message by executing a single activity, such as selecting a single button. The system may also be configured to approximate the current location of an individual based on the individual's current travel itinerary.

Abstract: Computer systems for facilitating the sale and distribution of vouchers (e.g., restaurant vouchers) that may, for example, only be redeemable during a particular time window on a particular day. The system may display fixed prices for vouchers or allow consumers to bid on day and/or time-specific vouchers having a particular value. The system may sell the same day and/or time-specific voucher at different prices and set the price of the voucher based on, for example: (1) purchaser/bidder status; (2) the number of the vouchers that have already been sold; or (3) a substantially random methodology. The restaurant may set fixed criteria that must be satisfied before the system will award a bidding consumer a particular voucher. In other embodiments, in cases where a particular bid does not satisfy a pre-determined set of minimum bid criteria, the system may facilitate direct negotiations between the bidding consumer and the restaurant.

Abstract: The invention describes the production of a wire from copper or from a copper alloy in a continuous method, starting from an alloy block which is extruded in an extrusion press into a raw wire and is drawn, without interruption, to the finished dimension in a drawing apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for determining the duration a motor vehicle engine may operate while operator authorization is verified in response to an ignition request. In one embodiment the method includes the steps of decrementing a pre-authorization timer from a first predetermined time limit and a maximum authorization timer from a second predetermined time limit in response to the ignition request. Also upon receipt of the ignition request an authorization process is initiated. Decrementing of the pre-authorization timer is halted in response to active operation of the starter motor of the motor vehicle, and operation of the motor vehicle is inhibited if either the pre-authorization timer or the maximum authorization timer decrements to zero before completion of the authorization operation.