Abstract: A market making node in a network routes machine readable documents to connect businesses with customers, suppliers and trading partners. The self defining electronic documents, such as XML based documents, can be easily understood amongst the partners. Definitions of these electronic business documents, called business interface definitions, are posted on the Internet, or otherwise communicated to members of the network. The business interface definitions tell potential trading partners the services the company offers and the documents to use when communicating with such services. Thus, a typical business interface definition allows a customer to place an order by submitting a purchase order or a supplier checks availability by downloading an inventory status report.

Abstract: A market making node in a network routes machine readable documents to connect businesses with customers, suppliers and trading partners. The self defining electronic documents, such as XML based documents, can be easily understood amongst the partners. Definitions of these electronic business documents, called business interface definitions, are posted on the Internet, or otherwise communicated to members of the network. The business interface definitions tell potential trading partners the services the company offers and the documents to use when communicating with such services. Thus, a typical business interface definition allows a customer to place an order by submitting a purchase order or a supplier checks availability by downloading an inventory status report.

Abstract: A method of operating a communications system including a mobile phone and a media playback device is disclosed. When the mobile phone is uncoupled from the media playback device, voice telephony services are provided by the mobile phone using an onboard RF transceiver of the mobile phone. When the media playback device is uncoupled from mobile phone, media playback services are provided by the media playback device using an onboard CODEC and an onboard display screen of the media playback device. When the media playback device and the mobile phone are operatively coupled together to form a tandem device, video telephony services are provided by the tandem device using the RF transceiver of the mobile phone, the CODEC of the media playback device and the display screen of the media playback device. Methods of operating a GPS system including a screenless GPS device and a mobile phone are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A videophone device including two units 30, 34 is disclosed. When decoupled from each other, the first unit is a mobile phone 34 (for example, a cellular phone or a VOIP phone) that provides voice telephony services, and the second unit 30 is a video playback device (for example, an MP4 player) that provides media playback services. When coupled to each other to form a ‘tandem device’ 32, the tandem device 32 is operative to provide video telephony services using an onboard CODEC 224 of the media playback device, a screen 250 of the media playback device, and an RF transceiver 130 of the mobile phone. Various packaging features are disclosed. A tandem device including a screenless GPS device 330 and a mobile phone is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A mapping engine, capable of receiving descriptions of manageable software objects in a first language, for generating management information in a second language. The mapping engine is further capable of generating a set of mapping metadata, corresponding to the management information as generated. The mapping engine may be further responsive to user input. In another embodiment, a metadata compiler is provided, capable of receiving management information in a second language, and corresponding mapping metadata, for generating compiled metadata, applicable when using said management information in a first language. The metadata compiler may be used in connection with the above first aspect.

Abstract: A vehicle axle construction comprises a suspension for supporting the axle from first and second frame rail members. Elongated support members extend forwardly from respective locations along the frame rail members that are rearwardly of the axle and are clamped or otherwise coupled to the axle. A single pivot may be utilized to couple the respective rearmost end portions of the supports to the respective frame members. The forward ends of the supports may be coupled to respective air springs. Desirably, at least a portion of each air spring is positioned forwardly of the axle. In addition, at least one lateral stabilizer rigidifies the suspension. An alternative suspension utilizes leaf springs. A double acting rack-and-pinion steering mechanism may be rigidly coupled to the axle for use in steering the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mapping engine, capable of receiving descriptions of manageable software objects in a first language, for generating management information in a second language. The mapping engine is further capable of generating a set of mapping metadata, corresponding to the management information as generated. The mapping engine may be further responsive to user input. In another embodiment, a metadata compiler is provided, capable of receiving management information in a second language, and corresponding mapping metadata, for generating compiled metadata, applicable when using said management information in a first language. The metadata compiler may be used in connection with the above first aspect.

Abstract: Machine readable documents connect businesses with customers, suppliers and trading partners. The self defining electronic documents, such as XML based documents, can be easily understood amongst the partners. Definitions of these electronics business documents, called business interface definitions, are posted on the Internet, or otherwise communicated to members of the network. The business interface definitions tell potential trading partiers the services the company offers and the documents to use when communicating with such services. Thus, a typical business interface definition allows a customer to place an order by submitting a purchase order or a supplier checks availability by downloading an inventory status report. Also, composition of the input and output documents, coupled with interpretation information in a common business library, programs the transaction in a way which closely parallels the way in which paper based businesses operate.

Abstract: Machine readable documents connect businesses with customers, suppliers and trading partners. The self defining electronic documents, such as XML based documents, can be easily understood amongst the partners. Definitions of these electronics business documents, called business interface definitions, are posted on the Internet, or otherwise communicated to members of the network. The business interface definitions tell potential trading partners the services the company offers and the documents to use when communicating with such services. Thus, a typical business interface definition allows a customer to place an order by submitting a purchase order or a supplier checks availability by downloading an inventory status report. Also, composition of the input and output documents, coupled with interpretation information in a common business library, programs the transaction in a way which closely parallels the way in which paper based businesses operate.

Abstract: Participant servers in a network of customers, suppliers and other trading partners exchange machine readable documents. The participants in the network use self defining electronic documents, such as XML based documents, which can be easily understood amongst the partners. Definitions of the electronic business documents, called business interface definitions, are posted on the Internet, or otherwise communicated to members of the network. The business interface definitions tell potential trading partners the services the company offers and the documents to use when communicating with such services. Thus, a typical business interface definition allows a customer to place an order by submitting a purchase order or a supplier checks availability by downloading an inventory status report.

Abstract: A market making node in a network routes machine readable documents to connect businesses with customers, suppliers and trading partners. The self defining electronic documents, such as XML based documents, can be easily understood amongst the partners. Definitions of these electronic business documents, called business interface definitions, are posted on the Internet, or otherwise communicated to members of the network. The business interface definitions tell potential trading partners the services the company offers and the documents to use when communicating with such services. Thus, a typical business interface definition allows a customer to place an order by submitting a purchase order or a supplier checks availability by downloading an inventory status report.