Abstract: A distributed storage network receives data that is to be transmitted. The data is processed via one or more error-coding dispersed storage functions and sliced into data slices. A certain number of the data slices are selected for wireless communication via a plurality of wireless modules wherein a first wireless module sends a first portion of the data slices, and a second wireless module sends a second portion of the data slices, and so on until the data slices are fully communicated. The wireless modules may be of different hardware, software, protocols, throughputs, bandwidth, speeds, encoding schemes, algorithms, etc. The transmission over several different wireless modules that potentially have different (and potentially changing over time) characteristics may increase both performance and security.

Abstract: A computer system which includes one or more wireless interface devices that are adapted to communicate with a remote host over a radio link. Each of the wireless interface devices is a pen-based device which includes an ink field in which pen events are translated into pen data packets and transmitted to the remote host over the radio link. Local inking is provided at the wireless interface device in order to maintain the pen paradigm in essentially real time.

Abstract: A billing process is disclosed for a information dispersal system or digital data storage system. In one embodiment of the invention, the original data to be stored is separated into a number of data “slices” or shares in such a manner that the data in each subset is less usable or less recognizable or completely unusable or completely unrecognizable by itself except when combined with some or all of the other data subsets. These data subsets are stored on separate digital data storage devices as a way of increasing privacy and security. As dispersed file shares are being stored or removed from a grid of distributed storage locations, a set of metadata tables are created, separate from the dispersed file share storage, to maintain information about the original data size of each block, file or set of file shares dispersed on the grid.

Abstract: A digital data file storage system is disclosed in which original data files to be stored are dispersed using some form of information dispersal algorithm into a number of file “slices” or subsets in such a manner that the data in each file share is less usable or less recognizable or completely unusable or completely unrecognizable by itself except when combined with some or all of the other file shares. These file shares are stored on separate digital data storage devices as a way of increasing privacy and security. As dispersed file shares are being transferred to or stored on a grid of distributed storage locations, various grid resources may become non-operational or may operate below at a less than optimal level. When dispersed file shares are being written to a dispersed storage grid which not available, the grid clients designates the dispersed data shares that could not be written at that time on a Rebuild List.

Abstract: An efficient method for breaking source data into smaller data subsets and storing those subsets along with coded information about some of the other data subsets on different storage nodes such that the original data can be recreated from a portion of those data subsets in an efficient manner.

Abstract: A that receives impact energy from its environment during use is disclosed. The watercraft comprising a hull, a deck coupled to the hull, and an apparatus that provides structural support to the hull and the deck. The apparatus comprises a member disposed along an interior surface of the hull and extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the hull, and a first support coupled to the member and the deck. The apparatus is configured to return at least a portion of the energy to the environment. An apparatus to provide structural support for a watercraft having a hull and a deck and configured to receive impact energy from its environment during use is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises a member coupled to the hull and extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the hull, a front support coupled to the deck and the member, and a rear support coupled to the deck and the member.

Abstract: A system which enables a plurality of wireless interface devices to be interfaced with a server. The server is configured to communicate with a plurality of wireless interface devices over a radio link. The server may be connected to wither a wired or wireless local area network (LAN).