Systems and methods for enhanced display of 411 information on a mobile handset
US Patent 8,996,046
March 31, 2015
Systems and methods for automated retrieval of digital content from vendors upon occurrence of a 411 call event from a mobile device. In an example method, a message is sent from the mobile device based on the detected 411 call event. A server receives the sent message, compiles associated digital content based on information in the received message, and sends the digital content to the mobile device. The mobile device outputs/displays at least a portion of the received digital content to the user soon after the occurrence of the 411 call event.
Apparatus, systems and methods for limiting output volume of a media presentation device
US Patent 8,995,685
March 31, 2015
Volume limiting systems and methods are operable to limit volume output from media presentation devices. An exemplary embodiment detects a sound using a microphone, wherein the sound corresponds to an audio output of at least one controlled media presentation device, and wherein the microphone is remotely located from the at least one controlled media presentation device; compares a level of the detected sound with a predefined maximum volume limit; generates a volume output limit command in response to the detected sound exceeding the predefined maximum volume limit; and communicates the volume output limit command to the media presentation device. The media presentation device then reduces a volume level of its audio output. In some instances, volume may be limited during user specified periods.
Preauthorized wearable biometric device, system and method for use thereof
US Patent 8,994,498
March 31, 2015
Embodiments are directed towards authenticating users using biometric devices. The biometric device may be arranged to capture one or more biometric feature of a user that may be wearing the biometric device such as biometric features that correspond to an electrocardiogram of the user. The user of the biometric device may be authenticated based on one or more biometric features, or a combination thereof. Authenticating the user of the biometric device, may include communicating information that includes biometric features to an authorized authentication device (AAD). When the user is authenticated, the biometric device may be preauthorized for the user. When the preauthorized biometric device senses at least one access point, an authorization signal may be provided to the access point. If the preauthorized biometric device is removed from the user, the biometric device is deauthorized, disabling access to access points by the user.
Process for enantioseparation of chiral systems with compound formation using two crystal steps
US Patent 8,992,783
March 31, 2015
Method for enantioseparation of a chiral system with compound formation comprising a pair of enantiomers. The method comprises the steps of: placing the chiral system to be processed, which is optically enriched by a target enantiomer, in the 3-phase region of the ternary phase diagram of chiral compound forming systems to achieve the establishment of the solid/liquid phase equilibria; phase-separating the liquid and solid phase formed by the placing step; shifting the eutectic composition of the remaining liquid towards a lower eutectic composition (x.sub.E) until the overall composition is located in the 2-phase region of the ternary phase diagram of chiral compound forming systems; and performing crystallization in the 2-phase region of the ternary phase diagram for obtaining the target enantiomer in the solid phase. In some cases the shifting step can be skipped.
Apparatus and methods for tracking ammunition supply in a magazine
US Patent 8,991,084
March 31, 2015
A magazine is disclosed including a storage tube and a biasing member positioned within the storage tube. A strip engages the follower and extends toward a distal end of the storage tube. A display member is coupled to the strip and is viewable through the storage tube. The display member displays a state of the strip. The strip may be coupled to the follower and wrap around an axle or spool engaging an axle. The display member may be a window such that a portion of the strip around the axle is viewable. The strip may include visual indicators that are visible through the window and indicate a number of rounds within the magazine. A switch may be selectively activated to illuminate a portion of the strip viewable through the window.
Tissue fixation and repair systems and methods
US Patent 8,986,382
March 24, 2015
A system and method for securing an implantable medical device to an anatomical feature, such as bony structures and/or soft tissues near the spine. The system includes a tissue fixation device and a tissue fixation device delivery tool. The tissue fixation device includes at least one bone or tissue anchor and a connecting element coupled thereto. The tissue fixation device optionally includes a flexible anchoring strap for engaging the implantable medical device. The bone or tissue anchor are configured to be deployed into the anatomical feature, and the connecting element is tightened to secure the implantable medical device to the anatomical feature.
System and method for processes enabled by metadata associated with documents within a binder file
US Patent 8,990,725
March 24, 2015
A method of presenting documents includes providing a single file comprising a plurality of documents, an identifier for each of the plurality of documents, an indicator for each of the plurality of documents to indicate in which one of a plurality of predefined sections that document belongs and to indicate a position of that document in that section, and a time indicator for each of the plurality of documents to indicate when that document was last updated within the single file if the document has been updated, wherein each document has been created individually and added to the single file. The method further includes updating the single file using a computer application program to, without user intervention, review the time indicator of at least one of the plurality of documents in the single file and update that document if an updated version of that document is available to the computer application program; displaying a graphical interface that appears as a notebook binder; and displaying a portion of at least one of the plurality of documents on a graphical page of the notebook binder of the graphical interface.
Personalization based upon social value in online media
US Patent 8,984,082
March 17, 2015
Embodiments are directed towards personalizing content to be provided to a user. A recommendation score may be determined for a piece of content for a user. The recommendation score may be based on a combination of an intrinsic value and/or a social value of the content to the user. The social value may be calculated based on a combination of an individual social value for each of the user’s friends, which may be determined based on the combination of a social weight, an interest probability, and a recommendation score for the friend. Online personalization of content for a user may provide the user with the tools to be a valuable, appreciated member of the user’s social network. By employing embodiments, as described herein, content may be determined and provided to a user, which may help the user gain the attention of their social circles.
Electrically stimulating patient tissue on or around one or more bony structures
US Patent 8,983,625
March 17, 2015
An implantable lead assembly for providing electrical stimulation to a patient includes a lead body; a terminal disposed along a proximal end of the lead body; and an orthopedic implant coupled to a distal end of the lead body. The orthopedic implant is configured and arranged for anchoring to a bony structure. At least one mounting region is disposed along the orthopedic implant. The at least one mounting region is configured and arranged for anchoring the orthopedic implant to the at least one bony structure. An electrode is disposed along a stimulation region of the orthopedic implant. A conductor electrically couples the terminal to the electrode.
Lead connector for an implantable electric stimulation system and methods of making and using
US Patent 8,983,608
March 17, 2015
A lead-connection system includes a lead and a connector. The lead includes a distal end, a proximal end, a plurality of electrodes disposed at the distal end, a plurality of terminals disposed at the proximal end, and a plurality of conductor wires electrically coupling each of the plurality of electrodes to a different one of the plurality of terminals. The connector defines a port for receiving the proximal end of the lead and a plurality of connector contacts. The number of connector contacts is greater than the number of terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead. When the connector receives the proximal end of the lead, each of the terminals disposed on the proximal end of the lead makes electrical contact with at least one of the connector contacts of the connector and no two terminals make electrical contact with a same one of the connector contacts.
