Abstract: In some implementations, a sensing apparatus for an appliance connector, set forth by way of example and not limitation, includes at least one substrate including one or more openings operative to receive a corresponding number of prongs of the appliance connector. At least one sensor is coupled to the substrate and is operative to sense at least one characteristic of an environment. A transmitter is coupled to the substrate and is operative to transmit one or more signals derived from the at least one sensed characteristic, where the transmitted signals are capable of being received by a receiving device. A power circuit is coupled to the substrate and is operative to provide power to the at least one sensor and to the transmitter, where the power circuit can receive electric current from at least one of the prongs of the appliance connector to drive the transmitter and the sensor.

Abstract: In some implementations, a gasket, set forth by way of example and not limitation, includes a housing having a plurality of openings operative to receive a plurality of prongs of a power connector for an appliance. At least one sensor is operative to sense at least one characteristic of an environment. A transmitter is operative to transmit one or more signals derived from the at least one sensed characteristic, where the transmitted signals are capable of being received by a receiving device. A power circuit is operative to provide power from the electric current to the at least one sensor and the transmitter.

Abstract: A system and method for a distributor of information technology (IT) products and services that has acquired business customers through direct sales matches these customers with IT service providers through an online bidding process. The system and method includes a customer system that is connected to the Internet and is configured to store information about subscriptions and account information about customers and IT providers, and process this information in order to appropriately solicit, analyze, and select bids.

Abstract: A system of billing for subscription products and services from multiple vendors across multiple layers of buyers and sellers is presented. Each subscription is charged according to a rate plan, which may include volume, tiered, or usage-based pricing. In billing for subscriptions, sellers may use a single standard rate plan for each product, or may use a variety of rate plans depending on the type of customer, time period, or other attributes. The rate plans stored in the system are dynamic, such that a seller can instantly modify an existing rate plan in order to create a new rate plan.

Abstract: A distributed cloud disk system includes a computer system that is connected to the Internet or another external network, to which storage services can be remotely provisioned, connected, and monitored by a managed service provider on behalf of the user of the computer system. The system is structured in a hierarchical manner such that all parties involved in supplying or utilizing a given service can interact appropriately with all or some of the provisioning and monitoring processes, while tracking usage information and other data for the purposes of billing and commission payment. This is accomplished by an account with appropriate permissions, which a given party uses to log into the system.

Abstract: In some implementations, a sensing apparatus for an appliance connector, set forth by way of example and not limitation, includes at least one substrate including one or more openings operative to receive a corresponding number of prongs of the appliance connector. At least one sensor is coupled to the substrate and is operative to sense at least one characteristic of an environment. A transmitter is coupled to the substrate and is operative to transmit one or more signals derived from the at least one sensed characteristic, where the transmitted signals are capable of being received by a receiving device. A power circuit is coupled to the substrate and is operative to provide power to the at least one sensor and to the transmitter, where the power circuit can receive electric current from at least one of the prongs of the appliance connector to drive the transmitter and the sensor.

Abstract: In an embodiment, set forth by way of example and not limitation, a power line surge protector circuit includes a first input node, a second input node, a first output node and a second output node; a semiconductor shunt having an avalanche breakdown potential, the shunt being coupled between the first input node and the second input node, whereby a voltage potential between the first input node and the second input node which is in excess of the avalanche breakdown potential shunts current between the first input node and the second input node; and a resettable circuit breaker coupled between the first input node and the shunt.

Abstract: A non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM) cell of condensed size employs a pair of programmable threshold voltage devices, e.g. MNOS (metal nitride oxide semiconductor), SNOS (silicon nitride oxide semiconductor), SONOS (silicon oxide-nitride-oxide semiconductor) or floating gate transistors, in which different threshold voltage levels are established in accordance with the data signal levels existing on the data nodes of a flip flop, when the volatile data is stored in the programmable devices. During recall of the non-volatile stored data to the data nodes of the flip flop, the programmable devices actively conduct current to the data nodes to set the flip flop in the same state that existed when the data was stored. Power is supplied to the flip flop independently of the power supplied to the programmable devices. A single polysilicon conductor forms gates of transistors which connect the programmable devices to the data nodes and the gates of the flip flop transistors.