Abstract: A system includes a client which can communicate through a network and a database layer with any of several databases. The client communicates with the database layer using a public network communication protocol, in a manner independent of respective protocols specific to each of the databases. The database layer handles communication with each database according to the respective protocol of that database.

Abstract: A telephone is provided for delivering content to a client that is coupled to a communications network. The telephone includes a processor and a network interface operable to couple the telephone to the communications network. The telephone also includes a handset operable to provide oral communication by a user of the telephone using the network interface. Furthermore, the telephone includes a memory that is coupled to the processor and operable to store content for delivery to the client using the network interface. The content that is stored is associated with the operation of the telephone. In a particular embodiment, the client to which the content is delivered is a Web browser, and the content is at least one HyperText Markup Language document to be displayed in the Web browser.

Abstract: A system (10) includes a network (12) of the type used to interconnect computers, and includes a plurality of telephone units (21-26) which are coupled to the network. These telephone units have sufficient embedded intelligence so that they can carry out all of their intended functionality as telephones. The system thus does not include a physically separate master control computer which is coupled to the network to serve as a call manager server or key system unit that treats the telephones as slaves. Each telephone has a manually operable device such as thumbwheels (108), which can be used to specify a unique number that forms part of the network address of the telephone and which also serves as the extension number for that telephone. One or more of the telephones can optionally be coupled to respective telephone lines (31-33) of a conventional public switching telephone network (36).

Abstract: A system includes a client which can communicate through a network and a database layer with any of several databases. The client communicates with the database layer using a public network communication protocol, in a manner independent of respective protocols specific to each of the databases. The database layer handles communication with each database according to the respective protocol of that database.

Abstract: A telephone is provided for delivering content to a client that is coupled to a communications network. The telephone includes a processor and a network interface operable to couple the telephone to the communications network. The telephone also includes a handset operable to provide oral communication by a user of the telephone using the network interface. Furthermore, the telephone includes a memory that is coupled to the processor and operable to store content for delivery to the client using the network interface. The content that is stored is associated with the operation of the telephone. In a particular embodiment, the client to which the content is delivered is a Web browser, and the content is at least one HyperText Markup Language document to be displayed in the Web browser.

Abstract: A system (10) includes a network (12) of the type used to interconnect computers, and includes a plurality of telephone units (21-26) which are coupled to the network. These telephone units have sufficient embedded intelligence so that they can carry out all of their intended functionality as telephones. The system thus does not include a physically separate master control computer which is coupled to the network to serve as a call manager server or key system unit that treats the telephones as slaves. Each telephone has a manually operable device such as thumbwheels (108), which can be used to specify a unique number that forms part of the network address of the telephone and which also serves as the extension number for that telephone. One or more of the telephones can optionally be coupled to respective telephone lines (31-33) of a conventional public switching telephone network (36).

Abstract: A system (10) includes a packet-switched network (12). A plurality of telephones (21-26) are each coupled to the network. A call manager server (31) is also coupled to the network, in order to interact with the telephones to implement telephony functions. Each of the telephones has the capability to act as an independent network client, by using Internet-compatible protocols to communicate directly with a resource server, without the participation or even the awareness of the call manager server. The resource server may be a local server (32) coupled directly to the network, or a remote server (66-68) coupled to the network through some other network, such as the Internet (52).

Abstract: A system is provided for securing voice mail messages. The system includes a packet network and a telephony device that is coupled to the packet network. The system also includes a voice mail system that is coupled to the packet network and that receives a voice mail message from a caller attempting to communicate with a user of the telephony device. The voice mail system encrypts the voice mail message using a public key associated with the telephony device and stores the encrypted voice mail message in an open file system coupled to the packet network.

Abstract: A telephone is provided for delivering content to a client that is coupled to a communications network. The telephone includes a processor and a network interface operable to couple the telephone to the communications network. The telephone also includes a handset operable to provide oral communication by a user of the telephone using the network interface. Furthermore, the telephone includes a memory that is coupled to the processor and operable to store content for delivery to the client using the network interface. The content that is stored is associated with the operation of the telephone. In a particular embodiment, the client to which the content is delivered is a Web browser, and the content is at least one HyperText Markup Language document to be displayed in the Web browser.

Abstract: A system (10) includes a client (14, 21) which can communicate through a network (12) and a database layer (29) with any of several databases (31-33). The client communicates with the database layer using a public network communication protocol, in a manner independent of respective protocols specific to each of the databases. The database layer handles communication with each database according to the respective protocol of that database.

Abstract: Producers and handlers of various grown commodities commingle products together during storage and transportation. The commingling of similar varieties of products with different attributes or characteristics makes it difficult to distinguish between like products. For example, the same variety of grain may have a bio-engineered version and a conventionally grown version that are difficult to differentiate between. A system is described that tracks lots of these products from their creation through the entire storage and transportation process, which can be very complex. Thus, a customer receiving the lot uses the system to trace the lot and determine any important characteristics. Furthermore, the system allows the customer to define the programs that are used in handling products.

Abstract: A catalytic combustor assembly includes a housing containing a catalytic combustor for insertion into the firebox of an existing stove. The housing engages and hermetically seals against the ceiling of the firebox surrounding the flue outlet of the stove to define an airtight passageway for volatile gases from the firebox to the flue outlet. The housing further defines a pair of secondary combustion air inlets and connected conduit for heating and then directing secondary air into the defined passageway to mix with the volatile gases upstream of the catalytic combustor. A bypass door is also mounted within the housing for selectively allowing the volatile gases to bypass the combustor in passing from the firebox to the flue outlet.

Abstract: An automatic television camera setup system includes a memory for storing the measured data detected from the camera viewing a setup chart. Addresses for and control of the data to be stored in the memory is provided by left, center, and right column counters where the left counter increments in response to features detected at the left side of the television raster, the center column counter increments in response to features detected at the horizontal center of the television raster and the right column counter increments in response to features detected at the right side of the television raster. A 2-bit address is also associated with which of the left, center or right side of the raster is being scanned.