Abstract: A method to enable improved analysis and use of sociological data, the method comprising identifying causal relationships between a plurality of documents, identifying a plurality of characteristics of a communication, including a modality used, actors involved, proximate events of relevance, and enabling a user to query based on available characteristics.

Abstract: A method to enable improved analysis and use of sociological data, the method comprising identifying causal relationships between a plurality of documents, identifying a plurality of characteristics of a communication, including a modality used, actors involved, proximate events of relevance, and enabling a user to query based on all of the characteristics available.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a ramp system for use with standardized cargo containers. In one advantageous embodiment, a container system comprises a container, a hinge, and a movable ramp. The container may have an opening and the hinge may be connected to the container at the opening of the container. The moveable ramp may be connected to the hinge.

Abstract: A method of organizing information is disclosed. The method comprises providing a visualization of actor communications in the context of one or more discussion, a discussion including at least one actor and at least one documented communication.

Abstract: A method of organizing information is disclosed. The method comprises providing a visualization of actor communications in the context of one or more discussion, a discussion including at least one actor and at least one documented communication.

Abstract: Training pants for a human male having a front portion and a rear portion, the portions forming a single body, the front and rear portions having front edges, the edges defining an opening between the front and rear portions. The training pants also having a breach cover associated with the front portion and disposed over the opening, the breach cover being capable of releasable engagement with the front portion to cover the opening when properly disposed. When the training pants are worn correctly by a male, the breach cover may be disengaged from the pants to expose the opening and allow the male to urinate without soiling the pants, and the breach cover may be reengaged with the pants over the opening upon completion of urination.

Abstract: A method to enable improved analysis and use of sociological data, the method comprising identifying causal relationships between a plurality of documents, identifying a plurality of characteristics of a communication, including a modality used, actors involved, proximate events of relevance, and enabling a user to query based on all of the characteristics available.

Abstract: A method of organizing information is disclosed. The method comprises providing a visualization of actor communications in the context of one or more discussion, a discussion including at least one actor and at least one documented communication.

Abstract: A portable auxiliary power source system and method of the present invention facilitates extended portable use of a handheld computer without being unconnected to a fixed power source. A present invention portable auxiliary power source system is mobile and accommodates energy resources that are easily replenished. In one embodiment a portable auxiliary power source system includes a battery compartment, coupling component and electrical interface. The battery compartment holds a energy source such as battery. The coupling component is configured to couple with a handheld computer. The electrical interface is fabricated to provide a communications port for communicating electrical signals from the portable auxiliary power source system to a handheld computer. In one exemplary implementation of the present invention the battery compartment includes terminal tabs comprising electrically conductive material (e.g.

Abstract: An adapter having an L-shaped housing is configured for removable attachment to a conventional PDA. The adapter is electrically coupled with the PDA and includes a laser or other light source configured to selectively emanate a light beam that can be modified into a digital signal. The digital signal can be received by a photo detector on a computer for facilitating a download of data from the PDA to the computer. The light beam from the laser can also be used as a presentation pointer. The adapter further includes a photo detector which is selectively positioned relative to the laser so that the light beam from the laser can be reflected off a bar code and received by the photo detector. The reflected signal is then converted to a digital signal which is then forwarded to the PDA for storage or access of other corresponding information.