Abstract: Systems and methods for connecting a plurality (even a large plurality) of recipients or destinations to an originating caller across, for example, a phone network. In preferred embodiments, the phones are connected within a single private branch exchange (PBX), which can be distributed across individual nodes over large distances. The size of the groups included in the destinations can be indefinitely large and can be configured to parse recipients as desired. In preferred embodiments, an originator selects from among various pre-defined groups (or, alternatively, the originator defines new groups) and initiates a one-way or two-way call to recipients. The recipients' control over refusing the announcement are optional, but preferably include non-override options so that emergency announcements may not be ignored or blocked.

Abstract: A server federation cooperatively interacts to fulfill service requests by communicating using data structures that follow a schema in which the meaning of the communicated data is implied by the schema. Thus, in addition to the data being communicated, the meaning of the data is also communication allowing for intelligent decisions and inferences to be made based on the meaning of the data. Cooperative interaction is facilitated over a wide variety of networks by messaging through a common API that supports multiple transport mechanisms. Also, mid-session transfer between client devices is facilitated by schema and the transport-independent messaging structure. The user interfaces of the client devices will appear consistent even if the client devices have different user interface capabilities.

Abstract: A server federation cooperatively interacts to fulfill service requests by communicating using data structures that follow a schema in which the meaning of the communicated data is implied by the schema. Thus, in addition to the data being communicated, the meaning of the data is also communication allowing for intelligent decisions and inferences to be made based on the meaning of the data. Cooperative interaction is facilitated over a wide variety of networks by messaging through a common API that supports multiple transport mechanisms. Also, mid-session transfer between client devices is facilitated by schema and the transport-independent messaging structure. The user interfaces of the client devices will appear consistent even if the client devices have different user interface capabilities.

Abstract: A server federation cooperatively interacts to fulfill service requests by communicating using data structures that follow a schema in which the meaning of the communicated data is implied by the schema. Thus, in addition to the data being communicated, the meaning of the data is also communication allowing for intelligent decisions and inferences to be made based on the meaning of the data. Cooperative interaction is facilitated over a wide variety of networks by messaging through a common API that supports multiple transport mechanisms. Also, mid-session transfer between client devices is facilitated by schema and the transport-independent messaging structure. The user interfaces of the client devices will appear consistent even if the client devices have different user interface capabilities.

Abstract: A server federation cooperatively interacts to fulfill service requests by communicating using data structures that follow a schema in which the meaning of the communicated data is implied by the schema. Thus, in addition to the data being communicated, the meaning of the data is also communication allowing for intelligent decisions and inferences to be made based on the meaning of the data. Cooperative interaction is facilitated over a wide variety of networks by messaging through a common API that supports multiple transport mechanisms. Also, mid-session transfer between client devices is facilitated by schema and the transport-independent messaging structure. The user interfaces of the client devices will appear consistent even if the client devices have different user interface capabilities.

Abstract: A server federation cooperatively interacts to fulfill service requests by communicating using data structures that follow a schema in which the meaning of the communicated data is implied by the schema. Thus, in addition to the data being communicated, the meaning of the data is also communication allowing for intelligent decisions and inferences to be made based on the meaning of the data. Cooperative interaction is facilitated over a wide variety of networks by messaging through a common API that supports multiple transport mechanisms. Also, mid-session transfer between client devices is facilitated by schema and the transport-independent messaging structure. The user interfaces of the client devices will appear consistent even if the client devices have different user interface capabilities.

Abstract: A graphic display panel for displaying, monitoring, and controlling conditions of a process plant, the graphic display panel including a graphic display sandwiched between translucent support surfaces, and permitting quick and easy rearrangement and repositioning of a lamp assembly associated with the display. The lamp assembly is selectively removably attached to the rear surface of the panel in juxtaposition with a graphic symbol in the graphic display, and illuminates only the localized region including that symbol. Attachment of the lamp assembly directly to the rear surface of the translucent panel permits accurate positioning of the lamp assembly in juxtaposition with a corresponding graphic symbol visible from the rear surface of the display panel.

Abstract: A control panel for systems or processes, equipped with relatively shadow-free back illumination. The control panel includes a display panel, and a backing panel mounted behind the display panel to receive and support display interactive devices such as indicating devices or control devices. The display interactive devices may be equipped with magnetic bases for mounting on a steel backing panel. A source of back-lighting illumination is disposed behind the backing panel, and perforations in the backing panel allow the illumination to strike the rear of the display panel for relatively shadow-free back lighting.

Abstract: A control panel for displaying, monitoring and controlling conditions of a process plant, the control panel includes a graphic display, and permits quick and easy rearrangement and repositioning of control switches associated with the graphic display. The control switches are mounted behind a graphic display panel without extending through the display panel, and the control switches are actuated by the presence of an object such as an operator's finger at the outside of the display panel. The control switches may be magnetically secured in place, so as to permit ease of repositioning.