Abstract: In some aspects, a method of carbonation control can include monitoring, via a first sensor, an environmental condition in a contactor unit, the contactor unit including a plurality of carbonation vessels including carbonation medium, monitoring, via a second sensor, an environmental condition at a location outside of the contactor unit, predicting, based on the measured environmental condition in the contactor unit and the measured environmental condition at the location outside of the contactor unit, a local humidity in a carbonation vessel from the plurality of carbonation vessels, a water content of the carbonation medium in the carbonation vessel from the plurality of carbonation vessels, and a carbonation extent of the carbonation medium in the carbonation vessel from the plurality of carbonation vessels for a carbonation forecasting period, and executing an action on the plurality of carbonation vessels based on the predicted water content and predicted carbonation extent.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to technology for determining locations of approaching recipients of online pre-requested or pre-ordered goods/services. Physical waiting queues and/or wait-lists are managed so that the goods/services will be provided without excessive wait times or unacceptably long wait lines or inferior quality in the provided goods/services. Resolution of location determination becomes finer and finer in one embodiment as the recipients get closer to the provisioning spot. If there is a change of plans, the recipients are notified ahead of time so as to avoid last minute surprises or disappointments.

Abstract: Methods and systems for biometric identification. Identification accuracy confidence is improved in one-to-many biometric matching by determining the mobile devices present in the area of the subject-to-be-identified, and determining the set of people associated with the mobile devices. Biometric profiles may be filtered using the set of people determined to be in the location of the subject-to-be-identified based on mobile device presence. The resulting subset provides higher confidence identification if a match is found with a profile belonging to a member of the subset.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to technology for determining locations of approaching recipients of online pre-requested or pre-ordered goods/services. Physical waiting queues and/or wait-lists are managed so that the goods/services will be provided without excessive wait times or unacceptably long wait lines or inferior quality in the provided goods/services. Resolution of location determination becomes finer and finer in one embodiment as the recipients get closer to the provisioning spot. If there is a change of plans, the recipients are notified ahead of time so as to avoid last minute surprises or disappointments.

Abstract: A multi-tool device is disclosed including a separable hinge architecture and an open-ended wrench mechanism. The open-ended wrench mechanism including a frame member with integrated or separate outer jaw, and a sliding and rotating inner jaw, and a spring to bias the jaws closed. Various means to arrest the motion on the stroke are presented. The hinge embodies two parallel rotational joints through positive or negative orifice allowing mechanical fastening of two multi-tool modules to be paired and locked rotationally through common means in selectable positions.

Abstract: Methods and systems for biometric identification. Identification accuracy confidence is improved in one-to-many biometric matching by determining the mobile devices present in the area of the subject-to-be-identified, and determining the set of people associated with the mobile devices. Biometric profiles may be filtered using the set of people determined to be in the location of the subject-to-be-identified based on mobile device presence. The resulting subset provides higher confidence identification if a match is found with a profile belonging to a member of the subset.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and deploying cargo from a motor vehicle includes a liftgate, a liftgate drive module to displace the liftgate between a closed position and an opened position, a cargo receiver carried on the liftgate and an actuator to raise and lower cargo with respect to the cargo receiver. Related methods of deploying cargo and loading cargo are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and deploying cargo from a motor vehicle includes a liftgate, a liftgate drive module to displace the liftgate between a closed position and an opened position, a cargo receiver carried on the liftgate and an actuator to raise and lower cargo with respect to the cargo receiver. Related methods of deploying cargo and loading cargo are also provided.

Abstract: An ESD grounding apparatus for grounding mats or other equipment to provide a ground connection to mat as well as receptacles for operator wrist straps, and other equipment. The apparatus attaches to a mat by means of securing member such as a clamp or compressing screw rather than using destructive rivets or snaps that create holes in the mat. By using a securing member to secure the device to the mat, the device can be easily removed and reused in another location without damaging or weakening the mat, whereas the previous devices require installing an additional snap into the mat in each location that requires a ground.

Abstract: A table or desk includes: a surface; a substrate, wherein the surface is attached to an upper plane of the substrate; and at least one leg directly or operatively connected to an underneath side of the substrate, wherein the leg is height adjustable. The height of the table or desk can be adjusted by raising and lowering the surface and the substrate via a motor. The motor can be controlled by a variety of mechanisms and can adjust the height by moving telescoping leg segments into and out of position with each other. The table or desk can be used in a home or office setting.

Abstract: A method for transmitting digital data to a recipient via a communications network includes providing digital data and digitally signing the digital data using N cryptographic keys. Each of the N cryptographic keys is associated with a same sender of the digital data, and N>1. The recipient receives the digital data and verifies the digital signature using N cryptographic keys associated with the N cryptographic keys used to sign the digital data. In dependence upon verifying the digital signature, the recipient accepts the digital data as being authentic.

Abstract: An ESD grounding apparatus for grounding mats or other equipment to provide a ground connection to mat as well as receptacles for operator wrist straps, and other equipment. The apparatus attaches to a mat by means of securing member such as a clamp or compressing screw rather than using destructive rivets or snaps that create holes in the mat. By using a securing member to secure the device to the mat, the device can be easily removed and reused in another location without damaging or weakening the mat, whereas the previous devices require installing an additional snap into the mat in each location that requires a ground.

Abstract: A method for transmitting digital data to a recipient via a communications network includes providing digital data and digitally signing the digital data using N cryptographic keys. Each of the N cryptographic keys is associated with a same sender of the digital data, and N>1. The recipient receives the digital data and verifies the digital signature using N cryptographic keys associated with the N cryptographic keys used to sign the digital data. In dependence upon verifying the digital signature, the recipient accepts the digital data as being authentic.

Abstract: A method for transmitting digital data to a recipient via a communications network includes providing digital data and digitally signing the digital data using N cryptographic keys. Each of the N cryptographic keys is associated with a same sender of the digital data, and N>1. The recipient receives the digital data and verifies the digital signature using N cryptographic keys associated with the N cryptographic keys used to sign the digital data. In dependence upon verifying the digital signature, the recipient accepts the digital data as being authentic.

Abstract: A network management system (100) has a communications interface (110), a memory (104), and a controller (102). The controller is programmed to retrieve (202) a plurality of call detail records (CDRs), reconstruct (208) call paths from attributes in the plurality of CDRs, and generate (210) extended CDRs from reconstructed call paths.

Abstract: A controller (104) for managing operations of a communication network has a communication element (202) for monitoring data traffic of an IP address in the communication network and for controlling operations of the communication network, a memory for storage (204), and a processor (206) for controlling operations of the communication element, and the memory. The processor is programmed to select (302) an IP (Internet Protocol) address to analyze, monitor (304) for the effects of malicious software originating from the IP address utilized by one or more customers, detect (306) a suspected malicious event, and restrict (312) Internet access to one or more customers suspected of interrupting service of the communication network.

Abstract: A shear band that may be used as part of a structurally supported wheel is provided. More particularly, a shear band constructed from resilient, cylindrical elements attached between inextensible members is described. In certain embodiments, the shear band may be constructed entirely or substantially without elastomeric or polymer-based materials. Multiple embodiments are available including various arrangements of the cylindrical elements between the members as well as differing geometries for the cylindrical elements.

Abstract: A method for transmitting digital data to a recipient via a communications network includes providing digital data and digitally signing the digital data using N cryptographic keys. Each of the N cryptographic keys is associated with a same sender of the digital data, and N>1. The recipient receives the digital data and verifies the digital signature using N cryptographic keys associated with the N cryptographic keys used to sign the digital data. In dependence upon verifying the digital signature, the recipient accepts the digital data as being authentic.

Abstract: A network management system (100) has a communications interface (110), a memory (104), and a controller (102). The controller is programmed to retrieve (202) a plurality of call detail records (CDRs), reconstruct (208) call paths from attributes in the plurality of CDRs, and generate (210) extended CDRs from reconstructed call paths.

Abstract: A network management system (100) has a communications interface (110), a memory (104), and a controller (102). The controller is programmed to retrieve (202) a plurality of call detail records (CDRs), reconstruct (208) call paths from attributes in the plurality of CDRs, and generate (210) extended CDRs from reconstructed call paths.