Abstract: Various of the disclosed embodiments contemplate a computer-implemented method of energy consumption and energy demand management in a building. In accordance with some embodiments, interval energy data of a specific building may be collected with a fixed time interval and paired with local historical weather data and other forms of operational data, as well as financial data including historical utility bills, utility rate structures and billing cycle dates. Paired energy interval data and the local historical weather data may be analyzed according to one or more analytic algorithms.

Abstract: Automatic rating optimization is described. In an embodiment, ratings of a program can be received from one or more rating sources. Based on these ratings, a representation of a content selection mechanism can be sent to potential consumers of the content. Access events for the content can be counted over a duration of time so a determination can be made regarding how the ratings provided by each of the rating sources affect popularity of the content. A weight accorded to ratings received from each of the rating sources can be adjusted based on the determination. Profiles can be established for consumers and/or rating sources.

Abstract: A communications network is operated by providing a plurality of redundant links between a first network node and a second network node. A first identifier is associated with a first one of the plurality of redundant links and a second identifier is associated with a second one of the plurality of redundant links. The first and second identifiers are associated with the regulatory constraint. Traffic that is marked with the first identifier is routed to the first one of the plurality of redundant links and traffic that is marked with the second identifier is routed to the second one of the plurality of redundant links so that operation of the communications network is in compliance with the regulatory constraint.

Abstract: A method of operating a data network may include establishing a data path through the data network between a routing gateway and service provider equipment providing a data service. Moreover, the data service may be provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session. A request may be received from the service provider equipment where the request defines a data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider equipment providing the data service. The data flow characteristic may then be transmitted to a network element along the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider equipment. A request from service provider equipment can include an allowed bandwidth or prioritization. Related methods, data networks, data service providers, routing gateways, and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method comprising encoding, by a server comprising a processor, media content to generate a plurality of media content files each having a filename and a uniform resource locator. The method also comprises receiving a channel request from a client media processor and generating a playlist. The playlist is mapped to the requested channel, and includes a filename and uniform resource locator for a personalized content file that is not included in the media content files. The method further comprises receiving a file request from the client media processor in accordance with the playlist, multicasting the plurality of media content files so that the client media processor receives the plurality of media content files, and delivering the personalized content file to the client media processor to enable presentation of personalized content in accordance with the playlist. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Bandwidth and/or Quality of Service (QoS) for a user session may be modified in a network that includes a Regional/Access Network (RAN) that facilitates differentiated end-to-end data transport between a Network Service Provider (NSP) and/or an Application Service Provider (ASP) and a Customer Premises Network (CPN) that includes a Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) by receiving a request at the NSP and/or the ASP to change the bandwidth and/or QoS associated with the user's session. An Application Programming Interface (API) is used at the NSP and/or the ASP to communicate with the RAN to modify the bandwidth and/or QoS associated with the user's session.

Abstract: A ventilation insert for textiles, with at least one layer, covered at least partially by an absorption material and having ventilation openings, the openings being at least partially closeable via a liquid by swelling of the absorption material, obtainable by: a) treating a layer having ventilation openings with a mixture, containing a wetting agent, initiator, polymerizable monomer or oligomers, and a cross-linking agent, as a preliminary stage for the absorption material; and b) polymerizing the monomer or oligomer to form the absorption material while forming a bonded connection between the absorption material and the layer. The ventilation insert has a relatively low thickness, a low weight per unit area, and high flexibility permanently and independently of moisture after economical production, via one layer, self-sealingly closing ventilation openings, and containing the absorption material. The absorption material is connected to the layer by bonding, at least in some regions.

Abstract: A method of operating a data network may include establishing a data path through the data network between a routing gateway and service provider equipment providing a data service. Moreover, the data service may be provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session. A request may be received from the service provider equipment where the request defines a data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider equipment providing the data service. The data flow characteristic may then be transmitted to a network element along the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider equipment. A request from service provider equipment can include an allowed bandwidth or prioritization. Related methods, data networks, data service providers, routing gateways, and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: A composite sheet material in one embodiment includes a porous core layer. The porous core layer includes a thermoplastic polymer, about 20 weight percent to about 80 weight percent of reinforcing fibers based on a total weight of the porous core layer, and an effective amount of a flame retardant agent.

Abstract: Bandwidth and/or Quality of Service (QoS) for a user session may be modified in a network that includes a Regional/Access Network (RAN) that facilitates differentiated end-to-end data transport between a Network Service Provider (NSP) and/or an Application Service Provider (ASP) and a Customer Premises Network (CPN) that includes a Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) by receiving a request at the NSP and/or the ASP to change the bandwidth and/or QoS associated with the user's session. An Application Programming Interface (API) is used at the NSP and/or the ASP to communicate with the RAN to modify the bandwidth and/or QoS associated with the user's session.

Abstract: A method of operating a data network may include establishing a data path through the data network between a routing gateway and service provider equipment providing a data service. Moreover, the data service may be provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session. A request may be received from the service provider equipment where the request defines a data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider equipment providing the data service. The data flow characteristic may then be transmitted to a network element along the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider equipment. A request from service provider equipment can include an allowed bandwidth or prioritization. Related methods, data networks, data service providers, routing gateways, and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: A method of operating a mobile electronic device includes detecting at least one other mobile electronic device within a predetermined distance of the mobile electronic device, and determining a spatial relationship of the at least one other mobile electronic device relative to the mobile electronic device. An ad hoc wireless connection is established with the at least one other mobile electronic device based on the determined spatial relationship. Data may be transmitted to and/or received from the at least one other mobile electronic device over the ad hoc wireless connection based on the determined spatial relationship. Related systems, devices, and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: A method of operating a mobile electronic device includes detecting at least one other mobile electronic device within a predetermined distance of the mobile electronic device, and determining a spatial relationship of the at least one other mobile electronic device relative to the mobile electronic device. An ad hoc wireless connection is established with the at least one other mobile electronic device based on the determined spatial relationship. Data may be transmitted to and/or received from the at least one other mobile electronic device over the ad hoc wireless connection based on the determined spatial relationship. Related systems, devices, and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: Bandwidth and/or Quality of Service (QoS) for a user session may be modified in a network that includes a Regional/Access Network (RAN) that facilitates differentiated end-to-end data transport between a Network Service Provider (NSP) and/or an Application Service Provider (ASP) and a Customer Premises Network (CPN) that includes a Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) by receiving a request at the NSP and/or the ASP to change the bandwidth and/or QoS associated with the user's session. An Application Programming Interface (API) is used at the NSP and/or the ASP to communicate with the RAN to modify the bandwidth and/or QoS associated with the user's session.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a Power Over Ethernet (PoE) device (PD) having a controller to receive signals over a first cable having twisted pair wires from at least one of a network element and a gateway where the network element is associated with a service provider where the gateway is associated with a premises and where the service provider provides network communications to the premises, adjust the signals, transmit the adjusted signals over a second cable having twisted pair wires to at least one of the network element and the gateway, and receive power from at least one of the network element and the gateway, where the power is received over at least one of the first and second cables, where the power is received according to PoE protocol, and where the PD is positioned between the network element and the gateway. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A valve drive device for switching the stroke of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine includes a camshaft configured, at least in part, as a hollow shaft. A cam unit includes at least two different cams disposed on the camshaft so as to be rotationally engaged and axially displaceable with respect thereto. An adjustment sleeve is disposed so as to be rotationally engaged on an adjustment shaft and rotatable and axially displaceable inside the camshaft. The adjustment sleeve includes thereon a closed adjustment contour extending about a circumference of the adjustment sleeve and is operatively connected to the cam unit through an adjustment clearance in the camshaft via a first coupling element configured to permanently engage in the adjustment contour. A further coupling element is configured to permanently engage in the adjustment contour and connect to the camshaft so as to be fixed in position.

Abstract: A communications network is operated by providing a plurality of redundant links between a first network node and a second network node. A first identifier is associated with a first one of the plurality of redundant links and a second identifier is associated with a second one of the plurality of redundant links. The first and second identifiers are associated with the regulatory constraint. Traffic that is marked with the first identifier is routed to the first one of the plurality of redundant links and traffic that is marked with the second identifier is routed to the second one of the plurality of redundant links so that operation of the communications network is in compliance with the regulatory constraint.

Abstract: A method of operating a data network may include establishing a data path through the data network between a routing gateway and service provider equipment providing a data service. Moreover, the data service may be provided for use at the routing gateway over the data path during a data session. A request may be received from the service provider equipment where the request defines a data flow characteristic for the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider equipment providing the data service. The data flow characteristic may then be transmitted to a network element along the data path between the routing gateway and the service provider equipment. A request from service provider equipment can include an allowed bandwidth or prioritization. Related methods, data networks, data service providers, routing gateways, and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: A known device for curing of coatings or plastic liners on the internal wall of elongated hollow spaces includes a UV lamp having a bulb for emission of optical radiation. Based on this known device, it is proposed to provide a device for the curing of coatings or plastic liners on the internal wall of elongated hollow spaces that has a long service life and has a reduced attendant risk of damage to health and materials. The proposed device has an optical filter element to reduce the emission of an ultraviolet fraction of the optical radiation. The optical filter element has a spectral transmission of at least 80% cm?1in a wavelength range of 400 nm to 450 nm, and has an edge wavelength in the range of 350 nm to 380 nm.

Abstract: A variable valve train for actuating a plurality of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine includes a plurality of individual cam sleeves axially displaceable relative to one another and disposed so as to form the camshaft. Each of the plurality of individual cam sleeves include a plurality of different cam profiles. A switching shaft is disposed inside the plurality of cam sleeves and is configured to rotate together with the plurality of cam sleeves. A switching ball operatively connects one of the plurality of cam sleeves to a switching contour disposed on the switching shaft. A displacement piece is disposed so as to be rotationally engaged but axially displaceable on one of the plurality of cam sleeves and connected to the switching shaft. An actuator is operatively connectable to the displacement piece by the switching ball so as to displace the one of the plurality of cam sleeves.