Author: claimsbot

What is claimed is:

1. A method for controlling acquisition of services, said method comprising the steps of:
receiving a request via a centralized interface for at least one service selected from a plurality of available services comprising communication and media services;
determining a compatibility of said request with said available services; and
providing interface capability to compatible available services.
2. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising the step of configuring a system to provide said compatible available services in response to said request and in accordance with said compatible available services.
3. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising the step of billing for provided services in a single billing statement.
4. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said request is received via one point of access and a compatible service is provided via a point of access selected from a group consisting of said one point of access and another point of access.
5. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said request and information indicative of service providers are received via at least a combination of communication means selected from the group consisting of a digital subscriber loop (DSL), a wireless medium, a wireline medium, a dialup modem, a cable modem, and an integrated services digital network (ISDN).
6. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising the step of receiving an identification designator for granting permission to accept said request.
7. A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising the step of receiving an identification designator for granting permission to provide said compatible available services.
8. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said step of determining a compatibility comprises determining a compatibility of requested services with equipment used to receive said services.
9. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said step of determining a compatibility comprises the step of comparing said requested services with stored information indicative of said available services and stored information indicative of equipment used to receive said services.
10. A method in accordance with claim 1, wherein said services comprise multimedia services, phone services, Internet services, streaming media services, voice communication with others, e-mail, e-commerce, Web browsing, and messaging.
11. A system for controlling acquisition of services, said system comprising:
a customer relations manager portion comprising information indicative of a user profile;
a supply chain manager portion comprising information indicative of available services comprising communications and media services; and
an application engine for receiving a signal indicative of a request for at least one of said services and for processing said request in accordance with information contained in said supply chain manager portion and said customer relations manager portion.
12. A system in accordance with claim 11, further comprising a network operations system portion for facilitating a configuration of said system to accommodate said processing of said request.
13. A system in accordance with claim 11, further comprising a security and authentication portions for verifying access authorization.
14. A system in accordance with claim 11, wherein said system is configured to receive said signal indicative of said request via one point of access and receive a signal indicative of service provider attributes via a point of access selected from the group consisting of said one point of access and another point of access.
15. A system in accordance with claim 11, wherein said system is configured to receive said signal indicative of said request and to receive a signal indicative of service provider attributes via at least a combination of communication means selected from the group consisting of a digital subscriber loop (DSL), a wireless medium, a wireline medium, a dialup modem, a cable modem, and an integrated services digital network (ISDN).
16. A system in accordance claim 11, wherein said services comprise multimedia services, phone services, Internet services, streaming media services, voice communication with others, e-mail, e-commerce, Web browsing, and messaging.
17. A computer readable medium having embodied thereon a program for causing a processor to control acquisition of services, said program readable medium comprising:
means for causing said processor to receive a request via a centralized interface for at least one service selected from a plurality of available services comprising communication and media services;
means for causing said processor to determine a compatibility of said request with said available services; and
means for causing said processor to provide interface capability to compatible available services.
18. A computer readable medium in accordance with claim 17, further comprising:
means for causing said processor to configure a system to provide said compatible available services in response to said request and in accordance with said compatible available services;
means for causing said processor to receive said request via one point of access and provide a compatible service via an access point selected from the group consisting or said one point of access and another point of access; and
means for causing said processor to verify access authorization.
19. A computer readable medium in accordance with claim 17, further comprising:
means for causing said processor to bill for provided services in a single billing statement; and
means for causing said processor to receive said request and information indicative of service providers via at least a combination of communication means selected from the group consisting of a digital subscriber loop (DSL), a wireless medium, a wireline medium, a dialup modem, a cable modem, and an integrated services digital network (ISDN).
20. A computer readable medium in accordance with claim 17, wherein:
said services comprise multimedia services, phone services, Internet services, streaming media services, voice communication with others, e-mail, e-commerce, Web browsing, and messaging; and
said means for determining a compatibility comprises the means for comparing said requested services with stored information indicative of said available services and stored information indicative of equipment used to receive said services.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A process for the preparation of a microencapsulated composition containing lipophilic compounds comprising of the following steps:
(i) Particle size reduction of the lipophilic compound in the presence of a surface active agent;
(ii) Preparing a solution of alkali metal alginate.
(ii) Combining the solutions of step (i) and step (ii).
(iv) Adding dropwise the solution obtained from stage (iii) to a solution containing Ca2, obtaining beadlets, and removing the formed beadlets from said solution;
(v) Rinsing the beadlets with an acidic solution and dying;
(vi) Coating the beadlets obtained from step (v) to obtain the microcapsules.
2. A process according to claim 1, wherein the particle size of the lipophilic compound is reduced to a particle size not greater than 20 m.
3. A process according to claim 2 wherein the particle size of the lipophilic compound is reduced to a particle size not greater than 10 m.
4. A process according to claim 1, wherein the alkali metal alginate is sodium or potassium alginate.
5. A process according to claim 1 wherein a filler is added to stage (i).
6. A process according to claim 1, wherein the lipophilic compound is selected from among a group comprising of lycopene, beta and alpha-carotene, lutein, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, omega 3, omega 6 oils and mixtures thereof.
7. A process according to claim 1 wherein a filler is added to stage (ii).
8. A process according to claim 1, wherein the lipophilic-compound-containing alginate beadlets are in the size range of 100 to 425 m.
9. A process according to claim 1 wherein the acidic solution is an acidic aqueous solution of comprising of an acid selected from among a group comprising of citric, aspartic, acetic, ascorbic, lactic, phosphoric or hydrochloric acid.
10. A process according to claim 1 wherein the coating material is selected from among a group comprising of cellulose derivatives, waxes, fats, proteins and polysaccharides.
11. A process according to claim 10 wherein the cellulose derivative is hydroxypropylcellulose.
12. A process according to claim 1 wherein size reduction of step (i) is carried out in a liquid medium wherein said liquid medium is water or a water miscible liquid.
13. A microencapsulated composition comprising of one or more lipophilic compounds enveloped by a surfactant agent, encapsulated in an alginate mat and further coated with an outer coating, wherein the particle size of the lipophilic substance is not greater than 20 m.
14. A composition according to claim 13 wherein the lipophilic compound is selected from among a group comprising of lycopene, beta and alpha-carotene, lutein, astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, omega 3, omega 6 oils and mixtures thereof.
15. A composition according to claim 13 wherein the paricle size of the lipophilic compound is not greater than 10 m.
16. A composition according to claim 15 wherein the particle size not greater than 5 m.
17. A composition according to claim 13 wherein the size of the microcapsules is in the range of 50 m to 950 m.
18. A composition according to claim 17 wherein the size of the microcapsules is in the range of 100 m to 450 m.
19. A composition according to claim 13 comprising 0.1% to 40% of a lipophilic compound or mixtures thereof.
20. A composition according to claim 13 wherein the coating is of a material selected from among a group comprising of cellulose derivatives, waxes, fats, proteins and polysaccharides.
21. A composition according to claim 19 wherein the coating is hydroxypropylcellulose.
22. A composition according to claim 13 wherein said composition is tablet grade.
23. A method for incorporating lipophilic compounds in food stuff comprising of encapsulating the lipophilic compound according to the process of claim 1 and adding the encapsulated composition to food stuff.
24. A method for masking the flavor andor smell of lipophilic compounds comprising encapsulating the lipophilic compound according to the process of claim 1.

1. A method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient, the method comprising:
during at least one therapy session, applying electrical stimulation to a cortical stimulation site and simultaneously having the patient engage in a behavioral therapy, wherein applying electrical stimulation to the stimulation site includes applying electrical stimulation to the stimulation site at a level below a threshold level of neurons at the stimulation site; and
discontinuing the electrical stimulation delivered to the cortical stimulation site after expiration of a therapy period that includes the at least one therapy session.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a length of the therapy period based on an expected time to recover, develop, or recover and develop a functional ability corresponding to the neural function.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising identifying the stimulation site in, on, or in and on the brain of the patient.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising implanting an electrode at least proximate to the stimulation site, and wherein applying electrical stimulation includes applying electrical stimulation by transmitting electrical signals from the electrode.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein having the patient engage in a behavioral therapy comprises having the patient engage in at least one of an activity of daily living, a volitional use of an affected body part, a speech therapy, a visual task, a reading task, a memory task, a comprehension task and an attention task.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising preventing the electrical stimulation from being delivered to the stimulation site after expiration of the therapy period.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the behavioral therapy to include a physical therapy.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein having the patient engage in a behavioral therapy comprises the patient intentionally using a body part in a manner that reinforces the neural function.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the behavioral therapy to include a cognitive therapy.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the behavioral therapy to include activities of daily living.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the behavioral therapy to include a volitional use at an affected body part.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the behavioral therapy to include a visual task.
13. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the behavioral therapy to include a reading task.
14. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the behavioral therapy to include a comprehension task.
15. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting the behavioral therapy to include an attention task.
16. A method for treating a neural function in a brain of a patient, the method comprising:
during at least one therapy session, applying electrical stimulation to a cortical stimulation site at a level below a threshold level of neurons at the stimulation site, and simultaneously having the patient engage in a behavioral therapy; and
discontinuing the electrical stimulation delivered to the cortical stimulation site after expiration of a therapy period that includes the at least one therapy session, wherein discontinuing the electrical stimulation includes discontinuing the electrical stimulation after the patient achieves a predetermined level of functional recovery.
17. The method of claim 8 wherein intentionally using a body part in a manner that reinforces the neural function comprises the patient intentionally moving a body part associated with the neural function.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the patient has had a stroke affecting a hand, arm or leg of the patient, and wherein intentionally moving a body part associated with the neural function comprises the patient intentionally moving at the affected hand, arm or leg.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein the patient has had a stroke affecting speech, and wherein intentionally moving a body part associated with the neural function comprises the patient intentionally speaking.
20. The method of claim 6, further comprising implanting a pulse generator in the patient, implanting an electrode at the cortex, electrically coupling the electrode to the pulse generator, and wherein preventing the electrical stimulation from being delivered to the stimulation site after expiration of the therapy period comprises discontinuing electrical pulses from the pulse generator to the electrode for a period during which the patient retains functional recovery gained during the therapy session.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. An apparatus comprising:
a host unit comprising a data device including a processor; and
a wireless communication unit removably coupled to the host unit and including a transceiver, wherein the host unit and the wireless communication unit are configured to use a host interface protocol in communicating between the host unit and the wireless communication unit over a first interface, the host interface protocol defining a message header with a length field and message id field, the message id field allowing multiplexing between data stream transfers and status transfers for information sent between the host unit and wireless communication unit and wherein the host unit and the wireless communication unit are further configured to use a control and status protocol for control and status message transfers over the first interface between the host and the wireless communication unit, control and status messages being wrapped within host interface protocol messages, the wireless communication unit further configured to transmit data over a wireless network using a second interface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein transmissions between the host unit and the wireless communication unit include a data-link protocol.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the message ID field of the host interface protocol distinguishes between requests, responses, and indications.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication unit is configured as a slave to the host unit.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the host unit is configured to produce request messages to send toward the wireless communication unit, and the wireless communication unit is configured to produce response messages in response to the requests.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a control message with a corresponding host interface protocol header message ID can be received within a buffer interspersed with messages for the data transmission to allow for multiplexing.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication unit is configured as a modem unit.
8. An apparatus comprising:
a host unit comprising a data device; and
a wireless communication unit removably coupled to the host unit, the host unit and the wireless communication unit configured to use a host interface protocol for communications between the host unit and the wireless communication unit over a first interface, the host interface protocol defining a message header with a length field and message id field, the message id field allowing multiplexing between data stream transfers and control and status transfers for information sent into buffers of the host and wireless communication unit, the host unit and the wireless communication unit further configured to use a control and status protocol for control and status message transfers over the first interface between the host unit and the wireless communication unit, control and status messages being wrapped within host interface protocol messages, the wireless communication unit further configured to transmit data over a wireless network using a second interface.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the host unit and the wireless communication unit are further configured to use data link protocols.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the host interface protocol allows additional protocols besides the control and status protocol to be wrapped within the host interface protocol messages.
11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the host interface protocol message id fields can be used to indicate whether the messages are requests, responses or indications.
12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the data stream transfers are a type of indication.
13. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the control message with the corresponding host interface protocol message ID can be received interspersed with messages for data transmission to allow for multiplexing.
14. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the wireless communication unit is configured as a modem unit.
15. A computer implemented method comprising:
at a wireless communication unit removably coupled to a host unit, receiving a control message from the host unit over a first interface, the host unit comprising a data device coupled to the wireless communication unit, the control message conforming to a host interface protocol by having a message header with a length field and a message identification field; and
multiplexing the control message among one or more data transfers, the data transfers conforming to the host interface protocol by having a message header with a length field and a message identification field, the multiplexing accomplished using the message identification fields of the control message and the data transfers, the wireless communication unit further configured to transmit data over a wireless network using a second interface.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:
sending a response control message toward the host unit, the response control message corresponding to the control message but having a different value in the message identification field.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the control message is a request message and the message identification field identifies it as a request message.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein a request message asks the wireless communication unit to perform an operation andor return a value.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein a response control message corresponding to the request message must be received by the host unit before the host unit generates another request message of the same type.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the control message is an indication message and the message identification field identifies it as an indication message.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein a control message sends unsolicited data without the need for a response.
22. An apparatus comprising:
means for, at a wireless communication unit removably coupled to a host unit, receiving a control message from the host unit over a first interface, the host unit comprising a data device coupled to the wireless communication unit, the control message conforming to a host interface protocol by having a message header with a length field and a message identification field; and
means for multiplexing the control message among one or more data transfers, the data transfers conforming to the host interface protocol by having a message header with a length field and a message identification field, the multiplexing accomplished using the message identification fields of the control message and the data transfers, the wireless communication unit further configured to transmit data over a wireless network using a second interface.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising:
means for sending a response control message toward the host unit, the response control message corresponding to the control message but having a different value in the message identification field.
24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the control message is a request message and the message identification field identifies it as a request message.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein a request message asks the wireless communication unit to perform an operation andor return a value.
26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein a response control message corresponding to the request message must be received by the host unit before the host unit generates another request message of the same type.
27. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the control message is an indication message and the message identification field identifies it as an indication message.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein a control message sends unsolicited data without the need for a response.