Abstract: Systems and methods for a communications and power hub for a sporting object are provided. A power hub includes sensors configured to track one or more parameters corresponding to the sports object, and communications circuitry configured to transmit information to and receive information from devices external to the sports object. The power hub is configured to communicate with the sports object as well as one or more devices external to the sports object. Methods of collecting and displaying data corresponding to parameters measured by the sports object and power hub system are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of a foamed drink comprising the steps of: providing a capsule containing a foamable ingredient; providing a receptacle positioned to collect fluid escaping from the capsule; injecting liquid into the capsule to mix with the foamable ingredient; allowing the foamable ingredient mixed with the liquid to escape from the capsule into the receptacle; followed by injecting further liquid into the receptacle in a jet having a diameter of from about 0.5 to about 2 mm to produce foamed liquid in the receptacle. The invention also provides capsules, apparatus and systems specifically adapted for use in the method. Preferably, the food ingredient is a milk powder, and the method produces a hot foamed beverage such as a cappuccino coffee.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for capturing data which satisfy data requirements of a particular data capture process. Schema including input requests for the data which satisfy the data requirements of the particular data capture process are specified. The schema can then be transformed into a template which includes the input requests and which conforms to the schema. The template can then be interpreted, and the input requests can be presented to a data provider. Structured data which satisfy the data requirements of the particular data capture process can then be generated based on responses to the input requests.

Abstract: A method for total effective cost management in an organization includes creating a maintenance plan for the organization, the maintenance plan including at least one task performed during maintenance of the organization. Then, a plurality of different maintenance schedules are created for performing the task(s) of the maintenance plan. A total effective cost (TEC) associated with each maintenance schedule is then determined based upon a cost and an availability associated with the maintenance schedule, the availability being based upon a down time and a mission time associated with the maintenance schedule. Thereafter, a maintenance schedule is selected from the plurality of different maintenance schedules based upon the TEC for each maintenance schedule.