Abstract: An application device (401) is connectable with a donor device (541) such as a portable memory card (560) or widely accessible central database (550). The donor device (541) stores and provides preferences to the application device (401). The donor device (541) contains a reference preference memory capable of storing preferences for a particular user. A controller (450) accesses the donor device to obtain preferences that pertain to the particular user under certain conditions and stores preferences obtained from the donor device in the session preference memory (490) of the application device (401) for use in a session by the particular user.

Abstract: An application device (401) is connectable with a donor device (541) such as a portable memory card (560) or widely accessible central database (550). The donor device (541) stores and provides preferences to the application device (401). The donor device (541) contains a reference preference memory capable of storing preferences for a particular user. A controller (450) accesses the donor device to obtain preferences that pertain to the particular user under certain conditions and stores preferences obtained from the donor device in the session preference memory (490) of the application device (401) for use in a session by the particular user.

Abstract: An application device (401) is connectable with a donor device (541) such as a portable memory card (560) or widely accessible central database (550). The donor device (541) stores and provides preferences to the application device (401). The donor device (541) contains a reference preference memory capable of storing preferences for a particular user. A controller (450) accesses the donor device, when the donor device is available, to obtain preferences that pertain to the particular user under certain conditions and stores preferences obtained from the donor device in the session preference memory (490) of the application device (401) for use in a session by the particular user. When the donor device is unavailable, alternate preference establishment procedures are used.

Abstract: A hierarchical communication network includes primary, secondary, and tertiary communication systems. The primary system uses orbiting satellites as communication nodes and forms a pattern of cells that may cover the entire earth and that move over the earth. A given spectrum is divided among the cells in accordance with a reuse plan. Any number of secondary, terrestrial-based systems have secondary region areas of coverage that are substantially smaller than the distance to the orbits of the satellites used by the primary system. Secondary systems monitor the primary system to determine which channels of the spectrum are available for use in their secondary regions. Any number of tertiary, terrestrial-based systems reside within a secondary region and have tertiary region areas of coverage that are substantially confined within buildings. Tertiary systems use channels concurrently used by the primary system in the same area where their tertiary regions are located.

Abstract: A telephone system employs a novel message system for calling parties. The switch controller includes selectable and programmable announcement machines, while the telephone devices include indicators which allow call transferees the ability to determine the reason the call was transferred, e.g., the called telephone was busy, did not answer or the called telephone party is in conference. When desired, a telephone party is capable of programming the switch controller to reply to any particular incoming phone calls with one of a number of customized or preselected messages.