Abstract: A method for class-based per-flow queuing for use with multiple link-sharing hierarchies, where each one of multiple link-sharing hierarchies imposes a different resource allocation program at one or more levels of differentiation, extending from the link root node to each individual data flow. A new queuing decision layer is introduced that considers all hierarchies simultaneously and arrives at a single queuing solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a navigation path for a visitor to a Web site, the determination being based, at least in part, on one or more search terms or keywords supplied by the visitor when conducting a search at the Web site are provided. The method and apparatus allow a Web site to dynamically determine one or more navigation path options to impose on a visitor to the Web site based on one or more search terms supplied by the visitor. The method includes a step during which one or more search terms are received directly or indirectly from a visitor to a Web site; a step during which a navigation path is determined from a set or plurality of navigation paths based, at least in part, on one of the search terms received during the previous step; and a step during which the visitor's navigation in the Web is directed in accordance with the determination made.

Abstract: In a multinode data processing system capable of partitioning operations a method is provided for adding nodes to a configuration of nodes in a manner which node quorums are employed but in which two quorum values (ideal and enforced) are employed and in which old nodes using a given file system are distinguished from new nodes. The method prevents even the transient use of inappropriate quorum values.

Abstract: A remote vehicle operation system has a control unit in communication with at least one subsystem of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a transmitter communicates with the control unit and transmits feedback signals to a portable receiver carried by the operator. One such subsystem may be a climate control subsystem. A communication unit communicates with the climate control subsystem and transmits a feedback signal when the subsystem meets a predetermined condition. The communication unit may have a transmitter in communication with the control unit. This embodiment may thus be a climate control subsystem in a vehicle and a control unit in communication with the subsystem.

Abstract: A colored based lock and key, wherein the key includes a color indication incorporated thereon, and the lock includes a color sensor for identifying the color indication, so as to open the lock. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the key includes a blank or blanks on which at least one, and preferably a plurality of colors are incorporated. The blank or blanks can be formed of metal, plastic, or any other material on which colors or color emitting or color reflecting materials can be incorporated by various methods. According to other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the lock includes at least one color sensor arranged to sense the color incorporated on the key or on a predefined sequence of keys, when the key or keys are inserted in the lock, or put across the lock or rotated in the lock, and further includes a decision mechanism activated by an electric signal generated upon identification of the color incorporated on the key, to permit opening of the lock.

Abstract: A system for providing the identification and tracking of motor vehicles that includes a probe device that transmits a radio frequency modulated signal to a transponder unit that is located within a vehicle registration tag of a vehicle. The transponder unit responds to the probe unit's request by transmitting its own radio frequency modulated signal containing any information requested by the probe device.

Abstract: The vehicle disabling system includes a vehicle control unit for positioning in a vehicle with a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals to receive an inquiry signal and transmit an identification code upon the receipt of the inquiry signal. A central database station includes memory for storing a plurality of identification codes of vehicle control units. An authorization code is associated each identification code. A mobile law enforcement unit is positionable in a law enforcement vehicle, and includes a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals to transmit the inquiry signal to a vehicle control unit. The law enforcement unit receives an identification code from the vehicle control unit and transmits the identification code to central database station. The law enforcement unit transmits the stop signal with the authorization code to the vehicle control unit upon receiving the authorization code from the central database station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accessing a destination web site in a global communication network through a cluster of web server proxies is presented. Login information and user activity information are shared among the nodes of the cluster on a weighted basis such that an active user is not prematurely logged off while advantageously traffic load is reduced.

Abstract: Simplified data message terminals and data communicating voice terminals are described for providing additional functionality in a facility using a wireless data communication system. The simplified data message terminals provide message and paging communication to employees or customers in a simplified terminal configuration using the existing data communication system. By performing voice to data and data to voice conversions, the same system provides voice communication without interruption of data communication services.

Abstract: A card, particularly a digital line card is provided for use with a chassis having a slot for receiving the digital line card. The chassis has an Ethernet bus for receiving packets from the line card and has a power supply and power strip for supplying power to the line card. The line card includes a public switched telephone network (PSTN) digital line input/output interface for sending digital signals over the PSTN and for receiving digital signals from PSTN. A line card control processor is connected to the digital line input/output interface. An Ethernet input/output is provided for sending packets over a local network corresponding to signals received from the telephone line and for receiving packets from the local network and forwarding received signals to the digital line input/output interface.

Abstract: An Internet based personal tracking system for tracking the position of a portable location unit by a remote user comprising a web host connected to the Internet having a computer storage medium, a portable location unit having a processor for receiving geo-position information, and generating geo-position data representing the position of said location unit, a transceiver included in said location unit for transmitting said position signal to said web host in response to a call signal being received from said web host, a power supply for supplying power to said processor and said transceiver; and a computer program residing on said web host having an input module for receiving a tracking request signal from the remote user via the Internet, a processing module for processing said tracking request signal, and a communication module for initializing communication with said location unit in response to tracking said request signal, and a location module for outputting said call signal to said location unit and

Abstract: The vehicle port control system has a capaciflective sensor, a port, a lock securing the port, and a control unit. The capaciflective sensor senses the presence of objects a predetermined distance from the vehicle port. The sensor communicates its readings to the control unit, which controls the actuation of the lock.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a moveable part and a transmission and reception device, for remote control of an electronic device, in particular of an entertainment electronic device, using a transponder. In order to initiate various functions, there are stored in a memory of the movable part in the form of a modulated transmitted signal that is analysed in the device in order to produce control signals.

Abstract: A system for tracking a person from a system subscriber who affixes a location unit to the person to be tracked is provided wherein the location unit calculates the location of the person at any given time. The system includes a web host connected to a wide area web network, such as the Internet, the web host includes a computer readable medium and is accessible by the subscriber from a remote computer terminal. A computer program resides on the web host for receiving a tracking request from the subscriber and transmitting a tracking call to the location unit carried by the person. The computer program includes instructions embodied in computer readable code for automatically transmitting the tracking call, receiving location data from the location unit in response to the tracking call, and transmitting the location data to the subscriber's terminal where the current location of the person is displayed.

Abstract: A maintenance/inspection support apparatus including an inspection information storage section storing inspection information of a plurality of equipments serving as maintenance/inspection targets, an inspection information write section for writing, in a noncontact manner, the inspection information stored in the inspection information storage section on a plurality of information recording media corresponding to the plurality of equipments, an inspection information read section for reading, in a noncontact manner, the inspection information written on the information recording media by the inspection information write section, and a display section for displaying the inspection information read by the inspection information read section.

Abstract: A method for receiving messages in an appliance such as a clock radio modified to retrieve messages from a remote computer, converting the retrieved messages into corresponding audio messages, generating a wake up signal to the user at a selected time in the radio appliance, starting the delivery of the audio messages from a speaker in the radio appliance in response to the generated wake up signal, and receiving audible commands in the radio from the user to control delivery of the messages. In a first embodiment, these method steps are performed in the radio appliance and, in a second embodiment, a remote computer performs all of the messages except delivery of the audio messages and receiving audible commands which occur at the appliance. Where two or more appliances are used, audio commands can cause the delivery of messages to stop in one appliance and resume in another appliance.

Abstract: A combined monitor and display assembly at an infant location, and at a caregiver location. The apparatus includes a light box having a semi-reflective mirror behind which is a film transparency having a photographic image of the infant's mother. When a light bulb in the box is energized to illuminate the transparency, the image of the mother becomes visible to the infant. There is a sound-activated switching device connected between the bulb and a power source. The switching device, when activated by the infant's crying, remains activated for a predetermined period to energize the bulb and illuminate the transparency. There is a record playback unit having a stored voice message recorded by the mother, the unit being rendered operative when the bulb is energized. When the infant cries, it is presented with an image of its mother and hears her comforting message.

Abstract: A system (10) for remotely controlling a function includes a portable transceiver (34) that outputs a request signal (30) at one of a plurality of frequencies. A base unit (24) receives the request signal (30) and performs the requested function in response to the receipt. The base unit (24) includes components (e.g., 66, 70 and 74) that select the one frequency at which the portable transceiver (34) outputs the function request signal (30) and that provide the selected frequency to the portable transceiver.

Abstract: A control device for a motor vehicle having a fingerprint scanning surface via which a fingerprint sensor detects a fingerprint in the form of a fingerprint signal of a user. Motor vehicle functions can be released as a function of the fingerprint signal. The motor vehicle functions can also be released by a key. A control element is provided with the fingerprint scanning surface and a mechanical receptacle for the key.

Abstract: A system of locker compartments at various locations is controlled by a central system processor. A communication system from the central processor to all locations, and all lockers within a location, enables central control of rewritable locker access codes, reservation of appropriate lockers for delivery of orders, and monitoring of status of all lockers in the system. The assignment of lockers and codes can be web-based, and can be done by a vendor, a delivery company or an online customer.