Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for controlling environmental systems in containers. A first set of environmental conditions for a first product to be stored in a container is received and it is determined if the first set of environmental conditions are compatible with a second set of environmental conditions for one or more second products in the container. An acceptable set of environmental conditions for both first and second products based on the first set of environmental conditions and the second set of environmental conditions is determined and the acceptable set of environmental conditions are stored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for controlling environmental systems in containers. A first set of environmental conditions for a first product be stored in a container is received and it is determined if the first set of environmental conditions are compatible with a second set of environmental conditions for one or more second products in the container. An acceptable set of environmental conditions for both first and second products based on said first set of environmental conditions and said second set of environmental conditions is determined and the acceptable set of environmental conditions are stored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Energy Supply and Demand Control. It is determined if energy demand is above a threshold and, if so, a location one or more mobile devices is determined, wherein said one or more mobile devices are associated with a premises. One or more corrective actions are triggered at the premises if the location of the one or more mobile devices is greater than a predefined distance from the premises.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for controlling a vending machine. A product that is next to be dispensed in a vending machine is identified and the expiry date of the product is determined. One or more corrective actions are triggered if the current date is within a predefined time period of the expiry date of the product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for allocating sensors. Data from an unallocated sensor is received and a unique sensor link identifier is received where the unique sensor link identifier relates to the unallocated sensor from a user device. It is determined which unallocated sensor corresponds to the unique sensor link identifier such that the user device can access the data received from the unallocated sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a flow rate of a component of a stratified two-phase fluid flow within a substantially horizontally extending pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) determining a first fluid velocity value and a second fluid velocity value within the pipe section; b) determining a density of the fluid flow within the pipe section, and creating a measured fluid density value; c) determining a degree of fluid phase stratification of the fluid flow using at least one of the top and bottom fluid flow velocity values, and the measured fluid density value; and d) determining a flow rate value for at least one of a liquid component of the fluid flow and a gas component of the fluid flow within the pipe section.

Abstract: Methods and system for delivering updates to recipients in a social network includes receiving event related data in response to triggering of an event at a client. In response to the triggering of the event at the client, recipient data related to a recipient that is authorized to receive the event related data is retrieved. An agent is provided for the recipient. The agent includes logic for formatting and delivering the event related data to the recipient. The recipient's interaction in response to delivery of the event related data is tracked. The logic within the agent is refined based on the interaction of the recipient. The agent with the refined logic is used for subsequent formatting and delivering of event related data to the recipient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a flow rate of a component of a stratified two-phase fluid flow within a substantially horizontally extending pipe is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) determining a first fluid velocity value and a second fluid velocity value within the pipe section; b) determining a density of the fluid flow within the pipe section, and creating a measured fluid density value; c) determining a degree of fluid phase stratification of the fluid flow using at least one of the top and bottom fluid flow velocity values, and the measured fluid density value; and d) determining a flow rate value for at least one of a liquid component of the fluid flow and a gas component of the fluid flow within the pipe section.