8095results about How to "Improve functionality" patented technology

A content provider system for enabling content providers to create voice pages with audio files included for use in a network for voice page delivery through which subscribers request a voice page and a voice page server system delivers the voice page audibly to the subscriber. A content provider selects a voice page into which the audio file is to be incorporated, selects the audio file and the content provider system then transfers the audio file to a voice page server system which generates a voice page with the audio file included using XML-based tags designated for audio files. The audio files are uploaded from a number of user devices including a telephony device, a web-based system and a PDA.

A tamper-proof electronic security seal which includes a bolt and a locking element and an electronic seal element. The bolt has a head and a hollow shank extending therefrom having a longitudinal bore formed therein. The shank is dimensioned to pass through a lock hasp and has a free end formed for locking engagement with the locking element. The electronic seal element is formed for mechanical connection to the bolt head, and includes an electrical power source, a control unit, communications means responsive to the control unit and a sensor adapted for insertion into the longitudinal bore of the shank, and connected to the control unit. In response to a severing of the shank and the sensor inserted therein, the control unit is operative to activate the communications means to emit an alarm signal.

Disclosed herein are methods and devices for repairing articular surfaces in a knee joint. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable for each patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. Kits are also provided to enable customized repairs to be performed.

A method of preparing an interpositional implant suitable for a knee. The method includes determining a three-dimensional shape of a tibial surface of the knee. An implant is produced having a superior surface and an inferior surface, with the superior surface adapted to be positioned against a femoral condyle of the knee, and the inferior surface adapted to be positioned upon the tibial surface of the knee, The inferior surface conforms to the three-dimensional shape of the tibial surface. The implant may be inserted into the knee without making surgical cuts on the tibial surface. The tibial surface may include cartilage, or cartilage and bone.

The present invention describes methods, devices and instruments for resurfacing or replacing facet joints, uncovertebral joints and costovertebral joints. The joints can be prepared by smoothing the articular surface on one side, by distracting the joint and by implant insertion. Implants can be stabilized against a first articular surface by creating a high level of conformance with said first articular surface, while smoothing the second articular surface with a surgical instrument with a smooth mating implant surface.

The present invention is directed to an expandable spinal fusion intervertebral implant that provides for maintaining and creating lordosis in the human spine that can be filled with biologics while in situ to encourage spinal fusion. A threaded rod that traverses an insertion / injection handle can be rotated to operate a screw within the interbody cage that displaces opposing vertical tapped sliding wedges, causing them to converge towards each other. Such contact causes the operation of a horizontal wedge that acts as a lift to expand the interbody cage to one of various dimensions in a preferred range. At its desired expansion, the spinal fusion implant of the present invention is sized to fit within the disc space between two vertebral bodies and fill all voids left while the vertical and horizontal wedges operate within, due to the biologics being contained within the interbody cage.

A method for effectively implementing a multi-room television system includes a digital base station that processes and combines various program sources to produce a processed stream. A communications processor then responsively transmits the processed stream as a local composite output stream to various wired and wireless display devices for flexible viewing at variable remote locations. The transmission path performance is used to determine the video encoding process, and special attention is taken to assure that all users have low-latency interactive capabilities.

Systems and methods are provided for caching media data to thereby enhance media data read and / or write functionality and performance. A multimedia apparatus, comprises a cache buffer configured to be coupled to a storage device, wherein the cache buffer stores multimedia data, including video and audio data, read from the storage device. A cache manager coupled to the cache buffer, wherein the cache buffer is configured to cause the storage device to enter into a reduced power consumption mode when the amount of data stored in the cache buffer reaches a first level.

The present invention relates to an injection device comprising a generally elongated tubular housing, a syringe containing medicament and having a needle, a needle shield slidably arranged to the housing and protruding a distance outside the front end of the housing, a plunger arranged to act on the syringe and a pre-tensioned drive member arranged the drive the plunger, characterized in that it comprises radially acting holding elements capable of releasably holding the plunger, axially acting actuator elements connected to the needle shield and capable of releasably locking the holding elements and axially acting activator elements capable of releasing the holding elements from the actuator elements have when the needle shield and the actuator elements has moved axially a certain distance due to that injection device has been placed against an injection site.

A voice page directory system for enabling users of a voice page delivery system to locate voice pages of interest. A database system stores location identification information and description information regarding a plurality of voice pages available to users through a voice page delivery system. Users then input voice page identifying information whereupon the system outputs a directory or searches voice pages based on keywords provided to output voice pages of interest.

A sports electronic training system with electronic gaming features, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises at least one monitor and a portable electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual's performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. Other monitors might include a heart rate monitor, a temperature monitor, an altimeter, et cetera. In an embodiment, an input is provided to an electronic game based on data obtained from the at least one monitor that effects, for example, an avatar, a digitally created character, an action within the game, or a game score of the electronic game.

The present invention concerns methods and compositions for stably tethered structures of defined compositions, which may have multiple functionalities and / or binding specificities. Particular embodiments concern homodimers comprising monomers that contain a dimerization and docking domain attached to a precursor. The precursors may be virtually any molecule or structure, such as antibodies, antibody fragments, antibody analogs or mimetics, aptamers, binding peptides, fragments of binding proteins, known ligands for proteins or other molecules, enzymes, detectable labels or tags, therapeutic agents, toxins, pharmaceuticals, cytokines, interleukins, interferons, radioisotopes, proteins, peptides, peptide mimetics, polynucleotides, RNAi, oligosaccharides, natural or synthetic polymeric substances, nanoparticles, quantum dots, organic or inorganic compounds, etc. Other embodiments concern tetramers comprising a first and second homodimer, which may be identical or different. The disclosed methods and compositions provide a facile and general way to obtain homodimers, homotetramers and heterotetramers of virtually any functionality and / or binding specificity.

Methods and systems for viewing aggregated financial obligations utilizing a mobile device such as a mobile telephone (cellphone) or wireless connected personal digital assistant (PDA). A mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) is coupled for wireless communications with a mobile device of a user. The MFTS is also coupled for electronic communications with an aggregator that collects information from a plurality of payees with whom a user has a financial relationship. The MFTS receives payment to make information from the aggregator corresponding to a payment to be made by the user to a payee. The MFTS generates summarized payment to make information comprising a predetermined selected subset of the payment to make information received from the aggregator. The MFTS wireless communicates the summarized payment to make information to the user's mobile device. The summarized payment information is then displayed on a user's mobile device.

Enabling remote customer service and maintenance using a visual identifier is disclosed. In response to a user enrolling in a service capability associated with a mobile device, the process utilizes a visual identifier to associate the service capability with the customer account, the service and the mobile device. The system allocates a visual identifier for each service capability and enables customer service agents to identify the service capability and mobile device, verify the user and retrieve information for the service interaction.

An object of the present invention is to; miniaturize, increase the capacity, and reduce the price of piezoelectric components. The present invention relates to a piezoelectric component and a manufacturing method thereof, characterized in that: there are bonded and laminated at least two or more piezoelectric elements in which comb-teeth electrodes, wiring electrodes having element wirings that are arranged adjacent to the comb-teeth electrodes, and electrode terminals connected to the wiring electrodes, are formed on a principal surface of a plurality of piezoelectric substrates, while forming hollow sections between the respective piezoelectric elements; through electrodes are formed in the respective piezoelectric substrates so as to pass therethrough; the through electrodes are connected to the electrode terminals; and the piezoelectric substrates are sealed by a resin sealing layer.

Systems and methods according to the invention provide a surveillance, monitoring and real-time events platform to (i) enable the integration and communication of information between government agencies and organizations specifically tasked with ensuring the security and safety of our nation and its communities, (ii) to integrate information systems from federal, state and / or local agencies (from disparate data sources if necessary) in order to obtain a single, real-time view of the entire organization, and (iii) to extract more complete, actionable information from their existing systems, thereby dramatically improving decision making speed and accuracy.

A database of personal information is built and controlled by the individual users creating it. This database can then be used to enhance the functionality and user experience associated with multi-participant online communities. By collecting information from users themselves, and by allowing users to maintain such data, the data can have significant added value both to the users and to any commercial services that wish to use it. Appropriate precautions are taken to ensure that users maintain control over the data they choose to share. Data is owned by the user that provided it, and any application or release of such data is only performed at user direction and under user control. The users are also given incentives to provide such data, in the form of promised rewards. These mechanisms improve the amount and quality of collected data, so that comprehensive databases describing users can be built more easily and effectively.

Enabling remote customer service and maintenance using a visual identifier is disclosed. In response to a user enrolling in a service capability associated with a mobile device, the process utilizes a visual identifier to associate the service capability with the customer account, the service and the mobile device. The system allocates a visual identifier for each service capability and enables customer service agents to identify the service capability and mobile device, verify the user and retrieve information for the service interaction.

Disclosed herein are methods and devices for repairing articular surfaces in a knee joint. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable for each patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. Kits are also provided to enable customized repairs to be performed.

An integrated, fully automated video production system provides a video director with total control over all of the video production devices used to produce and broadcast a show. Such devices include, but are not limited to, cameras, robotic pan / tilt heads, video tape players and recorders (VTRs), video servers and virtual recorders, character generators, still stores, digital video disk players (DVDs), audio mixers, digital video effects (DVE), video switchers, and teleprompting systems. The video production system provides an automation capability that allows the video director to pre-produce a show, review the show in advance of “air time,” and then, with a touch of a button, produce the live show. In one embodiment, the invention provides a video production system having a processing unit in communication with one or more of the video production devices. The processing unit also records the show or elements from the show following its production. The show or elements can be recalled for subsequent broadcasts. An Internet interface supports live or on-demand requests for content from the video production. In an embodiment, an online user selects specific. elements and reorganizes the elements to personalize a broadcast. The processing unit receives and executes the online request to continuously stream or download the content to the user. In an embodiment, various supporting features enhance and extend the content of the video production, such as real time polling, hyperlinks to related web sites, video captions, and the like.

A rule set is used to determine at least one rule for authorizing a transaction debiting an account of an authorized user. Subsequently, the account is debited, according to the at least one rule, in real time if the transaction is authorized. The real time debit is settled with transaction providers in accordance with at least one settlement rule. If it is determined that the authorized user does not have sufficient funds in an authorized user account to debit for the transaction, the authorized user account may be recharged by a recharge routine that includes determining a recharge user account to transfer funds from and authorizing the transfer by at least one of referring to a pre-authorized transfer and requesting authorization from the authorized user. The transaction may be requested and the transaction providers may be connected via heterogeneous networks.

A modular system of devices, in which a (master) device can be combined with one or more of other (slave) devices to transform to functional electronic devices having expanded functionalities and features in different form factors and / or platforms. The master device is docked to the slave device via a data / electrical interface, to transform the master device to the larger form factor of the slave device, with the master device maintaining control of the slave device, substantially based on the operating system installed in the master device, with access to the data, application programs, functionalities and features embodied in the master device. An intermediate removable physical interface adaptor (or docking adaptor) is provided to facilitate docking compatibility of the master device to the slave device. An enhanced charging and power management scheme is provided to optimize power management for the master device and the slave device.

A system and method for enabling improved management of SMS messages, and in particular automatic replies, forwarding, filtering, saving and deleting of SMS messages on a wireless handset or alternative SMS enabled device. An SMS Center is used for managing SMS messages, an Auto-Reply Message Server (ARMS) stores Auto-Reply Messages and allows a message receiver to set up, change, or delete Auto-Reply Messages, and an SMS Automatic Handling Server (SAHS) handles message instructions for a message receiver. The ARMS and SAHS may be separate components, a unified component, and may be operational such that only one of them may be included in the system.

Methods and systems of stereolithography for building cost-efficient and time-saving multi-material, multi-functional and multi-colored prototypes, models and devices configured for intermediate washing and curing / drying is disclosed including: laser(s), liquid and / or platform level sensing system(s), controllable optical system(s), moveable platform(s), elevator platform(s), recoating system(s) and at least one polymer retaining receptacle. Multiple polymer retaining receptacles may be arranged in a moveable apparatus, wherein each receptacle is adapted to actively / passively maintain a uniform, desired level of polymer by including a recoating device and a material fill / remove system. The platform is movably accessible to the polymer retaining receptacle(s), elevator mechanism(s) and washing and curing / drying area(s) which may be housed in a shielded enclosure(s). The elevator mechanism is configured to vertically traverse and rotate the platform, thus providing angled building, washing and curing / drying capabilities. A horizontal traversing mechanism may be included to facilitate manufacturing between components of SL cabinet(s) and / or alternative manufacturing technologies.

A system and method for managing perceived response time includes transmitting a request or response. If the request or response is dropped, response time is managed by providing a retransmission from a response time manager, without the response time manager satisfying the request or response. The response time manager is located between a client and a server.

A production system automates the control of production devices used to produce and broadcast a show. The system automation allows a video director to pre-produce, preview, and produce the live show from a single user interface. In an embodiment, a processing unit displays graphical controls for the production devices. A video director interacts with the graphical controls to thereby remotely control the production devices from one location. In an embodiment, a video director defines a set of production commands or instructions (i.e., “transition macro”). Upon execution, each production command directs the processing unit to transmit in series and / or parallel one or more control commands to one or more of the production devices. Production commands can be included to enable the show to be broadcast live or recorded for on-demand access. Live and / or on-demand productions are distributed over traditional television mediums and / or a computer network, including the Internet.

A through-wafer interconnect for imager, memory and other integrated circuit applications is disclosed, thereby eliminating the need for wire bonding, making devices incorporating such interconnects stackable and enabling wafer level packaging for imager devices. Further, a smaller and more reliable die package is achieved and circuit parasitics (e.g., L and R) are reduced due to the reduced signal path lengths.

Provided is a wearable, self-contained drug infusion or medical device capable of communicating with a host controller or other external devices via a personal area network (PAN). The medical device utilizes a PAN transceiver for communication with other devices in contact with a user's body, such as a physiological sensor or host controller, by propagating a current across the user's body via capacitive coupling. The wearable nature of the medical device and the low power requirements of the PAN communication system enable the medical device to utilize alternative energy harvesting techniques for powering the device. The medical device preferably utilizes thermal, kinetic and other energy harvesting techniques for capturing energy from the user and the environment during normal use of the medical device. A system power distribution unit is provided for managing the harvested energy and selectively supplying power to the medical device during system operation.

A switch fabric system comprises a first chassis for receiving a plurality of line cards each having a plurality of ports and at least two switch fabric cards wherein each line card comprises a plurality of link ports for linking the line card with the switch fabric card. Each switch fabric card provides a switching bandwidth. The system comprises a management unit for managing the traffic on the switch fabric cards wherein the management unit removes the traffic from one switch fabric card if the one switch fabric card is to be removed while the other switch fabric card operates and transfers the traffic to the other switch fabric card.

The present invention relates to an endoscope shaft comprising a movable distal end portion which is bendable by means of an operating device, the distal end portion having at least one decentralized hose member extending along the distal end portion, said hose member being integrally formed of a plurality of directly superimposed expansion bellows and forming a continuous pressure chamber so as to expand in the longitudinal direction when pressure is applied.