Abstract: A communications network enabling a plurality of entities to obtain digital information from one another, which communications network includes a plurality of systems which are mutual peers on the network configured and arranged to operate as agents for respective entities, wherein the plurality of such agents includes a first agent for a first said entity requiring an item of said digital information and a second agent for accessing the information item, and wherein said first and second agents have individual policies defining standards for their management of said digital information and a common operating protocol whereby: said first entity initiates an information exchange process by entering a request for the required information item on the first agent, the first agent connects to the second agent and the first and second agents then engage in a conversation in which they request and exchange germane data.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a lack of compliance with a load handling procedure is provided. The apparatus comprises processing circuitry communicatively coupled to at least one memory. The processing circuitry is to: obtain data relating to a vehicle identifier detected at a load handling site, the data indicating: whether the vehicle identifier was detected in a load handling monitoring zone of the load handling site during a visit thereto by a corresponding vehicle; and whether the vehicle performed at least one action at the load handling site during the visit. The processing circuitry is further to determine whether to generate a notification indicating the vehicle to have not complied with the load handling procedure during the visit depending on the data. The processing circuitry is further to generate the notification depending on the determination.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for remote operation of one or more weighbridges. The method comprises: receiving, at a user terminal comprising a display: weight signaling from a weighbridge, the weight signaling indicative of a weight of a load present on the weighbridge; and image signaling from an image capture device located at the weighbridge, the image signaling indicative of a real-time image of the weighbridge captured by the image capture device; displaying, on the display, a weighbridge use indicator indicative of the weight present on the weighbridge in dependence on the weight signaling and a real-time image of the weighbridge in dependence on the image signaling; receiving, from the user terminal, control signaling indicative of an operator user input to control an operation element of the weighbridge; and in response to receiving the control signaling, controlling the operation element according to the control signaling.

Abstract: A communications network enabling a plurality of entities to obtain digital information from one another, which communications network includes a plurality of systems which are mutual peers on the network configured and arranged to operate as agents for respective entities, wherein the plurality of such agents includes a first agent for a first said entity requiring an item of said digital information and a second agent for accessing the information item, and wherein said first and second agents have individual policies defining standards for their management of said digital information and a common operating protocol whereby: said first entity initiates an information exchange process by entering a request for the required information item on the first agent, the first agent connects to the second agent and the first and second agents then engage in a conversation in which they request and exchange germane data.

Abstract: A method of controlling revelation of one or more metadata items is disclosed. Each of the one or more metadata items is associated with one or more parts of an audio-visual data stream (101). The method comprises: for a given one or more parts (103,105) of the audio-visual data stream (101), revealing one or more metadata items (113,115,117) associated with the given one or more parts (103,105) of the audio-visual data stream (101) only after the given one or more parts (103,105) of the audio-visual data stream (101) have been accessed.

Abstract: A method of controlling revelation of one or more metadata items is disclosed. Each of the one or more metadata items is associated with one or more parts of an audio-visual data stream (101). The method comprises: for a given one or more parts (103, 105) of the audio-visual data stream (101), revealing one or more metadata items (113, 115, 117) associated with the given one or more parts (103, 105) of the audio-visual data stream (101) only after the given one or more parts (103, 105) of the audio-visual data stream (101) have been accessed.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for implementing vehicle simulation. The present invention also relates particularly, though not exclusively, to flight/aircraft simulation.

Abstract: A peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus memory addressing system comprising a memory address decoder and disconnection means connected to a PCI bus, the disconnection means being arranged to disconnect one or more signals of the PCI bus from a first PCI device, wherein the memory address decoder is arranged to selectively activate the disconnection means such that an address which falls within an address range identified in a base address register of the first PCI device and a base address register of a second PCI device will be received by the second PCI device but not by the first PCI device.

Abstract: A communications device, connectable to a digital network, such as an ISDN, for setting up a voice call to a remote telephone via the network, the device comprising logic for sending a call signal to the network to establish a call via the network to a local telephone, characterized by call transfer logic for sending further signals to the network to transfer the established call to the remote telephone in response to a confirmation signal from the network indicating that the local telephone has been answered, thereby establishing a voice call between the local telephone and the remote telephone. In one embodiment the device is in the form of a communications adapter for a personal computer.

Abstract: A mechanism which is operable as a clutch or vibration damper comprises two rotatable members. One of the members is mounted coaxially within the other member and has a radial extension which extends into a chamber formed in the other member. Particulate drive transmitting medium is contained in the chamber. Relative rotation between the two members is permitted up to a certain limit velocity, above which the drive transmitting medium, under the action of centrifugal force, provides sufficient frictional contact between the two members as to permit drive to be transmitted between the two members. A passage extends radially outwardly from the chamber. A screen across the passage permits only particles smaller than the particles of drive transmitting medium to escape therethrough out of the chamber in use of the mechanism.

Abstract: A collar for a golf bag tube, comprising an annular member having axially directed inner and outer surfaces, and a plurality of axially spaced projections on said external surface.