Gateway, Inc.

Edward G Yong

Glen J Anderson

Systems and methods for navigating through multiple channels of broadcast content to locate channels that are running programs of interest include monitoring a plurality of channels of baseband channel information to detect commercials and commercial segments, buffering the baseband channel information for at least one channel; and switching the channel feed for a broadcast receiver to the buffered baseband channel information whenever the receiver is changed to a channel in which commercials or commercial segments are detected.

System and method for improved channel surfing

An attenuator for fiber optic cable has a device for receiving a length of the cable. A series of attenuation structures is defined on the device, the attenuation structures being located proximate to each other. Each of the attenuation structures is adapted to bend the cable through a corresponding arc to alter the path of the fiber optic cable so that a signal traveling through the fiber optic cable is attenuated. Additionally, the attenuation structures are individually accessible to select a desired amount of attenuation.

Inexpensive fiber optic attenuation

A method for correlating an electronic mail message with related (e.g., reply or forwarded) electronic mail messages is disclosed. When a user initiates a reply to an electronic mail message on an electronic mail system, the system checks for reply or other (e.g., forwarded) messages which are related to the original electronic mail message and are received by the user at a later time.

Method for correlating an electronic mail message with related messages

A peripheral input device having a retractable cord operably coupling the device to a computer system is disclosed. A reel assembly disposed within the body of the peripheral input device allows the cord to be alternately extended and retracted as desired by the user. The reel assembly may include a stop mechanism for limiting tension on the cord while the device is being manipulated by the user.

Growing community of inventors

Sioux City, IA, United States of America

Edward G Yong