Gateway, Inc.

Gateway 2000, Inc.

Larry A Nickum

A method and system for implementing a preferred viewing library of programs are disclosed. Electronic program guide data is searched for a program satisfying a criterion, and a determination is made whether the program satisfies the criterion. The criterion may be based upon the viewing activity profile of the user or may be based upon a criterion entered into the program guide by the user. In the event a program satisfies the criterion, the recording of the program is scheduled to occur at a predetermined time. The time is monitored, and a determination whether the present time is the predetermined time. At the predetermined time, the program is recorded and organized in a program library such that a user may select the program from the program library and view the recorded program at an appropriate time.

Personal preferred viewing using electronic program guide

A system and method for advanced network viewing is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system and method for generating a representation of a linked site is disclosed. A user may view the contents of a linked site from an original site accessed by the user without manually accessing the linked site. One method of accomplishing this task includes the steps of accessing a first site; querying at least one of a link and a second site linked to the first site; generating a representation of the linked second site; and communicating the representation wherein the representation enables a user to preview the linked second site. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention the representation may comprise a thumbnail representation of the second site so that users may preview the contents of the second site by accessing the first site.

System and method for advanced network viewing

A method and apparatus allow use condition determination in a wireless device. A wireless interface is coupled to a processor configured to input subscriber rate plan parameters associated with a service provider. Rate plan parameters include data associated with peak time charges. Rate plan parameters are compared with current parameters to determine if peak time charges are in effect. An indication that the peak time charges are in effect is then generated.

Peak time indicator

An event notification system is described. The system comprises a computer having a CPU and memory and which executes an operating system operative to manage computer programs and wherein the programs generate events, a notification controller connected to the computer and operative to detect the generated events, a notification transceiver communicatively connected to the notification controller and capable of transmitting a message containing data on the event, and a portable transceiver including a notifier for receiving the message.

Event notification within a local system

A personal computer apparatus includes a portable computer, a cellular telephone which can be connected to the portable computer, and a pager which can be connected to the cellular telephone. The portable computer, the cellular telephone, and the pager each have an independent power supply and are each detachable from the apparatus for individual functionality. When connected, the cellular telephone and pager can be coupled to the power supply of the portable computer.

Portable communication apparatus

A method and apparatus for controlling access to television programming uses a remote control device. The remote control device contains program control data which limits the viewer's access to television programming. The program control data is created and modified by a user with the master control user id assigned to the remote control device. The remote control device is optionally assigned one or more user ids for creating, maintaining, and in one embodiment activating a user-customizable profile which controls programming access according to the users preferences. The program control data, user profile data, and related circuitry is stored in the remote control device, or alternatively in the television receiver or a control device attached to the television receiver. Where the circuitry is not in the remote control devices the remote control device has a unique identifying signal which causes the programning control circuitry to employ the program control data and user profile data associated with that particular remote control device.

Multiple user profile remote control

An audio transmission apparatus has a primary speaker and a secondary speaker apparatus. Two primary speakers are provided to correspond with the left channel and the right channel. The secondary speaker apparatus is placed on a first surface of the primary speaker. A switching mechanism, such as a micro switch or a proximity sensor, is disposed between the primary speaker and the secondary speaker apparatus such that removal of the secondary speaker apparatus enables the secondary speaker apparatus and disables the primary speaker. Connected by wire or a wireless medium, the secondary speaker apparatus is an earphone, a head set, or an ear bud, depending on the application. The audio transmission apparatus is used in conjunction with any type of audio output device, such as a television, computer, stereo, and the like.

Combination speaker and earphone apparatus

A cooling apparatus is provided in an electronic device, where the cooling apparatus operates on waste heat provided by a heat producing component, such as a computer processor. The cooling apparatus has at least one chamber which is thermally coupled with the processor such that heat from the processor expands the gas within the chamber. The expansion causes movement to a movable piston disposed within the chamber which rotates a crankshaft and fans coupled therewith. The expanded gas is cooled in another portion of the chamber or in another chamber. The cooled gas decreases in volume causing a piston to move, further rotating the crankshaft. The cycle begins again as the momentum of the crankshaft assists in reciprocating the piston or pistons and as additional heat from the processor is drawn into the chamber. The rotational movement of the crankshaft can be used to drive fans thereby cooling the electronic device. In addition, the rotational movement of the crankshaft can be used to power electromechanical devices, which are then used to provide a trickle charge for batteries.

Apparatus for cooling an electronic device

A position sensor comprises two curved surfaces concentrically aligned to form a container which is filled with a viscous fluid and a bubble of a lighter-weight fluid and placed between a radiation source and a radiation detector. The bubble changes position within the container when the sensor is moved, transmitting a beam of radiation from the radiation source through the bubble to activate a section of the radiation detector while the remainder of the radiation is blocked by the fluid. Position sensing circuitry translates a signal from the activated section of the radiation detector into position coordinates for point in space corresponding to the position of the bubble in the container.

Growing community of inventors

Sioux City, IA, United States of America

Larry A Nickum