Abstract: A telematics device coupled to vehicle onboard computer system calculates carbon dioxide output of the vehicle. The device uses inputs from existing vehicle performance and parameter sensors, such as speed, fuel efficiency, mass air flow and oxygen present in the vehicle's exhaust, to calculate carbon dioxide output. Speed divided by fuel efficiency results in gallons per hour. An emmission factor, EF, multiplied by the gallons per hour results in weight of carbon dioxide produced by the vehicle per hour. Dividing EF by the efficiency results in pounds per mile. Using input from the mass air flow and oxygen sensors, with an approximation of gasoline molecular weight may produce more accurate results without using EF. If the sensors do not provide values in the units needed, a calibration curve for the mass air flow sensor and oxygen sensor may be used. The telematics device can display the results or upload them.

Abstract: A user, either in a vehicle with a telematics device, at a home having a computer device, using a handheld wireless device, or other type of communication device, can request services such as to repair a flat tire, unlock a locked door, repair cable television service, etc. using the communication device. The user's communication device sends a request message over the communication network to a second server. The second server creates a request for service record and forwards the message to a first server that determines a resource to dispatch to the user's location. The first server sends resource information, including location information, to the user's device, and either the device, or a device coupled to the user's communication device, displays the current location of the service resource on a map as the resource makes its way toward the user's location.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for monitoring a vehicle that features the steps of: 1) generating a data packet including vehicle data retrieved from the vehicle using a wireless appliance; 2) transmitting the data packet over an airlink with the wireless appliance so that the data packet passes through a network and to a host computer system; 3) processing the data packet with the host computer system to generate a set of data; and 4) displaying the set of data on a web page hosted on the internet.

Abstract: A cooking device and method heats a removable vessel with heaters of a cooking capsule, which includes a separator wall between the heaters and vessel. The heaters mount to the separator wall. The capsule is fixed in a housing, which also mounts a motor that rotates the vessel. The housing tiltably mounts on a base. Accessories can be fixed to the vessel or a lid secured to the housing, so the accessories can rotate with the vessel or remain stationary with respect to the vessel as it rotates. A locking mechanism that secures the lid to the housing prevents lid detachment when the vessel counter-rotates and an accessory is fixed to the lid. A heat sink wall reflects heat toward the vessel and fins draw heat from the heat sink wall away from the housing and out vent holes. Computer hardware and software control power to the motor and heaters.

Abstract: Provided are methods, systems, and apparatuses for determining driver behavior based on vehicle operating parameters, adjusting insurance premiums accordingly, and preventing fraudulent manipulation of the methods, systems, and apparatuses.

Abstract: A telematics method and system includes, and uses, a telematics device with a controller in communication with a diagnostic system configured to receive diagnostic information from a host vehicle; a position-locating system configured to determine location information of the host vehicle; a wireless transceiver configured to transmit and receive information through a wireless network to and from at least one Internet-accessible website; and, a communication interface including at least a short range wireless interface link. The telematics device may be embodied in an access device, which may include the position-locating system. The access device may be a smartphone, or similar device, that retrieves/transmits diagnostic data/information, and other data/information to/from the vehicle via the short range wireless link.

Abstract: A cable positioner is formed integrally with a connector and/or a plug, or is shaped and sized to matingly engage a connector and/or a plug. The connector cable positioner can define at least one groove. The groove is sized to secure the cable in a desired position and direct it in a desired direction. The positioner may define at least one retaining tab, or lip, at the extent of at least one groove wall to produce an interference fit with the cable when pushed through the retaining tab, while surrounding the groove enough to effectively create a groove wall more than 180 degrees around the grove to retain the cable in the groove. The at least one tab can pinch, or otherwise secure, at least a portion of the cable to hold the cable in desired position and direction.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a system for connecting a telematics device to a host vehicle. The system may comprise a short-range wireless transmitter and a short-range wireless receiver. The short-range wireless transmitter may be connected to an in-vehicle diagnostic system. The short-range wireless receiver may be connected to the telematics device installed in the host vehicle. The short-range wireless transmitter may be configured to wirelessly transmit diagnostic data to the short-range wireless receiver.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for monitoring a vehicle that features the steps of: 1) generating a data packet including vehicle data retrieved from the vehicle using a wireless appliance; 2) transmitting the data packet over an airlink with the wireless appliance so that the data packet passes through a network and to a host computer system; 3) processing the data packet with the host computer system to generate a set of data; and 4) displaying the set of data on a web page hosted on the internet.

Abstract: A flexible tongue having guide tabs is used in a battery capturing mechanism to engage alignment grooves formed in a battery cartridge. The guide tabs form hooks so that when the battery has been inserted, thereby causing the tongues to deflect at a flexible hinge as the battery slides into the capturing mechanism, the hooks retain the battery. Preferably tapered guide rails are aligned with the tabs and are formed on a rigid floor to which the tongue's flexible hinge attaches, thereby guiding a connector of the battery into electrical engagement with a corresponding connector that is part of the device into which the battery capturing mechanism is used. To remove the battery, the tongue may be depressed and battery grips grasped to retrieve the battery from the mechanism.

Abstract: CMTS software keeps track of the number of call requests accepted during a given monitoring period, this number being referred to as Count. As each call request is received, Count is compared to the current value stored in an overload state MIB (which can change multiple times during a monitoring period based on the actual overload state as reported by fault management). If Count exceeds the MIB value, the call request is denied. After the monitoring period ends, the Count of call requests accepted is reset to zero and the count value begins incrementing at the start of the next monitoring period as calls are accepted.

Abstract: A spring-loaded rotatable support integrated into the end of a cable modem housing can be deployed to prevent tipping of the modem housing when it is placed in the vertical position, and stowed to allow placement of the modem in a horizontal position. The support is formed so that its ends are shaped similarly to the front edge of the modem near the bottom end where the support is located. Thus, when the support is stowed, it blends into the overall shape of the modem, facilitating horizontal modem-placement and does not detract from the aesthetics of the modem. The support is shrouded at the rear of the bottom end to the extent that the support extends from the bottom end to provide level support.

Abstract: An active optical network switch having a switch module, a plurality of uplink modules and a plurality of downlink modules connected to a backplane for connecting the modules and passing signals among them. A CPU module assists in managing the routing of traffic signals by the switch module; said modules and backplane are enclosed in an environmentally hardened housing. Six downlink modules may include four downlink ports each, for connecting the switch to twenty-four subscribers. Multiple switches may be daisy-chained together; one being a master and the remainder being slaves, to increase the number of subscribers that are served by an uplink fiber/pair. Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing may aggregate traffic signals between many subscribers and a CO/head end along a single backhaul fiber. Switch software may provide “network edge” functions including traffic shaping, policing, filtering and aggregation, and address control.

Abstract: A software routine that writes downloaded updated operating system software over existing application code to flash memory of a cable modem in an inverted arrangement. If the download process is interrupted before the update can be verified, a pointer still points to the existing code to facilitate update-interruption recovery. After verifying a successful update, a new pointer is generated that points to the updated operating system. Then, updated application code can be downloaded and stored in the flash memory over the old operating system code. Thus, each time an update is performed, the location of the operating system within the flash memory with respect to the location of the application code is inverted. This allows the size of flash memory to be reduced, as only one copy of the operating system and application code must be stored, while retaining capability to recovery from an incomplete download.

Abstract: Subscriber-associated authentication, authorization and policy control information is stored on a SIM (preprogrammed or user programmed) to facilitate an NIU at a location granting or denying access to a plurality of services when the programmed SIM or virtual SIM resides in the NIU. A provider stores a message in the SIM based on a payment, which determines the level and period of services to be provided. The SIM can be removed and transported among a plurality of NIUs so that paid-for services follow the SIM Each NIU may receive data from a single source and distribute appropriate telephony, data and video services to telephones, computers and televisions, respectively, based on the level and duration of the services requested by a user/subscriber. Thus, services access and billing are user-associated and location-independent. The SIM can be renewable or disposable, and can be programmed before or after purchase by a subscriber.

Abstract: A software routine that writes downloaded updated operating system software over existing application code to flash memory of a cable modem in an inverted arrangement. If the download process is interrupted before the update can be verified, a pointer still points to the existing code to facilitate update-interruption recovery. After verifying a successful update, a new pointer is generated that points to the updated operating system. Then, updated application code can be downloaded and stored in the flash memory over the old operating system code. Thus, each time an update is performed, the location of the operating system within the flash memory with respect to the location of the application code is inverted. This allows the size of flash memory to be reduced, as only one copy of the operating system and application code must be stored, while retaining capability to recovery from an incomplete download.

Abstract: A circuit provides current from a high voltage output to a low voltage output through a resistor when a load at the low voltage output is removed. The resistor provides current to keep the VBL voltage above the set point of a switching regulator that provides output power to the VBL output. Accordingly, the regulator's output stage provides a switched 0% duty cycle output and saves power until a load is presented again. Presenting a signal to either a shutdown circuit or a sleep pin shuts down the entire controller until a load is presented again. A zener diode is used to clamp the VBL at a voltage higher than the set point of the controller to ensure that the controller operates with a 0% duty cycle output while in a no-load condition. The circuitry can be configured to operate in either a positive or negative powering scheme.

Abstract: A method uses circuitry in a data interface that provides telephony service over a high-speed network to detect the presence of a secondary source of VBH battery voltage on a tip-ring system. If a detected source other than the data interface is impressing battery voltage on the tip-ring system, the circuitry disconnects the data interface's battery source and produces a message that another source is VBH. The determination that another source is present may be based on a threshold value to account for noise. The message is used to produce an alarm at a user interface device. The alarm may be a light indication mounted on the data interface. The alarm may also be a web page that is retrieved from a memory device and displayed on a PC, a PDA or the data interface. The alarm may be provided locally and remotely to a provider's server.

Abstract: A method and system for using a database that associates a specific set of line interface specifications to a specific design requirement. The design requirement may correspond to a particular country's telephony operating requirements, or one of multiple sets of operating requirements within a country. This allows loading of generic line interface data at manufacturing. Specific criteria can be provided to the line interface at installation and/or startup. The database contains the specifications for all potential operating requirements, and a template code, sent to a line interface device from a central controller, is used to determine the corresponding set of line interface specifications from the database, which is indexed on template code.