Abstract: A system for path control for a mobile unmanned vehicle in an environment is provided. The system includes: a sensor connected to the mobile unmanned vehicle; the mobile unmanned vehicle configured to initiate a first fail-safe routine responsive to detection of an object in a first sensor region adjacent to the sensor; and a processor connected to the mobile unmanned vehicle. The processor is configured to: generate a current path based on a map of the environment; based on the current path, issue velocity commands to cause the mobile unmanned vehicle to execute the current path; responsive to detection of an obstacle in a second sensor region, initiate a second fail-safe routine in the mobile unmanned vehicle to avoid entry of the obstacle into the first sensor region and initiation of the first fail-safe routine.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging interface device is provided. The device includes a chassis having a top, a bottom, a front side, and a back side opposite the front side, the chassis configured to move between an uncompressed position and a compressed position relative to a longitudinal axis. The device further includes two electrodes extending from the front side of the chassis, and, a biasing portion configured to bias the chassis towards the uncompressed position.

Abstract: A system for path control for a mobile unmanned vehicle in an environment is provided. The system includes: a sensor connected to the mobile unmanned vehicle; the mobile unmanned vehicle configured to initiate a first fail-safe routine responsive to detection of an object in a first sensor region adjacent to the sensor; and a processor connected to the mobile unmanned vehicle. The processor is configured to: generate a current path based on a map of the environment; based on the current path, issue velocity commands to cause the mobile unmanned vehicle to execute the current path; responsive to detection of an obstacle in a second sensor region, initiate a second fail-safe routine in the mobile unmanned vehicle to avoid entry of the obstacle into the first sensor region and initiation of the first fail-safe routine.

Abstract: Media content associated with a playlist is provided for remote access over a packet-based network. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a host server provides access to a user-defined playlist depicting media content available from user's media content source (e.g., at a registered user's PC). User-defined playlists and associated media content are managed to facilitate access to media in accordance with characteristics of the media content and/or playlist such as format and bitrate, and as may be related to an intended playback use of the playlist. Media content for the playlists is stored in a network storage device for remote access, with the storage managed to facilitate remote access in appropriate formats, with selective cross-referencing among playlists for different playlist types, content format and content bandwidth.

Abstract: A mobile platform for materials transport is provided. The platform includes a pair of suspension devices that in turn include a pair of rocker beams which can be rotated between two positions: a first position where central wheels attached thereto can be used to drive the platform; and a second position where the central wheels are retracted and the platform can be rolled on end wheels without the friction of the central wheels, and an associated drive system, impeding movement of the platform. Furthermore, data from sensors and/or load cells can be used to control movement of the platform; specifically, shifts in load distribution and/or sensed forces at the suspension devices can indicate that a load (and/or materials) has shifted and/or is shifting and movement of the platform is adjusted accordingly, for example to prevent the platform and/or the load (and/or materials) from tipping.

Abstract: Media content associated with a playlist is provided for remote access over a packet-based network. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a host server provides access to a user-defined playlist depicting media content available from user's media content source (e.g., at a registered user's PC). User-defined playlists and associated media content are managed to facilitate access to media in accordance with characteristics of the media content and/or playlist such as format and bitrate, and as may be related to an intended playback use of the playlist. Media content for the playlists is stored in a network storage device for remote access, with the storage managed to facilitate remote access in appropriate formats, with selective cross-referencing among playlists for different playlist types, content format and content bandwidth.

Abstract: Data transfer between remote and base locations over a network is effected. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a data router controls the routing of data between base and remote network appliances as a function of metadata describing the data and capabilities of the remote network appliance.

Abstract: A battery and control module to which a powered surgical tool is releasably attached. Internal to the module there is: a cell for energizing the tool; a sensor for monitoring an operational state of the tool; a sensor for monitoring a trigger external to the module; and a control circuit. Based on the signals output by the sensors, the control circuit selectively applies energization signals from the cell to the power generating unit internal to the surgical tool. In some versions of the invention, the trigger is attached to the module.

Abstract: A system and method allows a consumer to purchase goods and services from merchants and redeem offers made by a merchant with a digital transaction on a smart phone. The merchant receives and enters the consumer's telephone number into an application. The consumer's telephone number is sent to a server, which checks for electronic coupons and loyalty points. Accounting for the value of any coupon/accumulated loyalty points, the merchant enters the payment amount into the application. which. in turn sends it back to the server. The server then sends the payment amount, any coupon details and the merchant's name to the consumer's phone. The consumer can choose to accept or decline the sale with or without using the coupon/loyalty points. A PIN number confirms the sale, which transmits to the server and then to the merchant. A digital sales receipt is sent to the merchant and consumer.

Abstract: A system and method allows a consumer to purchase goods and services from merchants and redeem offers made by a merchant with a digital transaction on a smart phone. The merchant receives and enters the consumer's telephone number into an application. The consumer's telephone number is sent to a server, which checks for electronic coupons and loyalty points. Accounting for the value of any coupon/accumulated loyalty points, the merchant enters the payment amount into the application. which. in turn sends it back to the server. The server then sends the payment amount, any coupon details and the merchant's name to the consumer's phone. The consumer can choose to accept or decline the sale with or without using the coupon/loyalty points. A PIN number confirms the sale, which transmits to the server and then to the merchant. A digital sales receipt is sent to the merchant and consumer.

Abstract: An approach is provided for presenting polymorphic notes in a graphical user interface. A polymorphic note manager receives a request to display a plurality of polymorphic notes on a graphical user interface of a device. In response to the request, the polymorphic note manager determines an order of the plurality of polymorphic notes according to either an associated date or, if there is no associated date, a creation date corresponding to each of the plurality of polymorphic notes. The polymorphic note manager then causes, at least in part, actions that result in display of the plurality of polymorphic notes in the graphical user interface according to the determined order.

Abstract: A system and method allows a consumer to purchase goods and services from merchants and redeem offers made by a merchant with a digital transaction on a smart phone. The merchant receives and enters the consumer's telephone number into an application. The consumer's telephone number is sent to a server, which checks for electronic coupons and loyalty points. Accounting for the value of any coupon/accumulated loyalty points, the merchant enters the payment amount into the application. which. in turn sends it back to the server. The server then sends the payment amount, any coupon details and the merchant's name to the consumer's phone. The consumer can choose to accept or decline the sale with or without using the coupon/loyalty points. A PIN number confirms the sale, which transmits to the server and then to the merchant. A digital sales receipt is sent to the merchant and consumer.

Abstract: An automated bandwidth monitoring and control method and system provides for real time, dynamic control of the allocation of bandwidth to selected applications in a communications network based on the selected operational context and the fixed bandwidth available at a network access point. A graphical user interface, using operational terms common to the overall enterprise in which and for which the network is implemented and understandable by an operator, displays the bandwidth allocation strategy, and in substantially real time displays statistics representative of actual bandwidth use at the access point, input functions for modifying the bandwidth allocation strategy in substantially real time and estimated message delay distributions for the applications of the strategy determined based on the actual bandwidth use statistics.

Abstract: A medical laser device is disclosed comprising a laser source and an optical fibre which is inserted in use within an introducer sheath. A withdrawal assist device is provided to assist a user to withdraw the optical fibre and/or the introducer sheath at a controllable rate. The introducer sheath may have graduations provided on an outer surface of the sheath which are detected by the withdrawal-assist device.

Abstract: A multi-application payment system and method operates in a hybrid closed/open manner. The multi-application payment system and method features a smart card wherein funds are added to the card at point of sale (POS) locations. The card keeps track of the available balance and is used to purchase goods/services at any POS location. During a transaction, the POS location verifies the amount of funds available and then debits the funds available on the card. Transactions between the card and the POS location are preformed in a substantially closed manner. The POS location then transfers data about the transaction (preferably in a batch manner) to a central processing system. The central processing system processes the data in a generally open manner to move funds to the appropriate account, preferably using the Federal ACH interface.

Abstract: An automated bandwidth monitoring and control method and system provides for real time, dynamic control of the allocation of bandwidth to selected applications in a communications network based on the selected operational context and the fixed bandwidth available at a network access point. A graphical user interface, using operational terms common to the overall enterprise in which and for which the network is implemented and understandable by an operator, displays the bandwidth allocation strategy, and in substantially real time displays statistics representative of actual bandwidth use at the access point, input functions for modifying the bandwidth allocation strategy in substantially real time and estimated message delay distributions for the applications of the strategy determined based on the actual bandwidth use statistics.

Abstract: A jig (10) for use in sharpening a cutting implement used in wood turning including a tubular body or housing (12) being mountable nearby a grinder. A tool holder (11) is located by and guided within the housing (12) so as to be pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the housing and slidable along that axis. Part of the tool passes through the housing (12) and holder (11), being attached to holder (11) so as to present a tip of the tool toward the grinder. The tool holder (11) further has a guide boss (14) engageable with a guide surface (13) on the housing such that throughout engagement a correlation exists between linear movement of the tool along the longitudinal axis and pivotal movement of the tool about the longitudinal axis, so as to enable a desired, controlled interaction between the tip of the tool and the grinder.