Abstract: In one embodiment of this invention, identical communicating node elements are constructed and placed throughout a power delivery network. Each of these node elements supplies features and options that facilitate peer-to-peer communications, data and service aggregation, propagated interfaces and distributed computational power. The network of interacting node elements, built with a common architecture, gives the power delivery network advanced capabilities for utilities and customers. These advanced capabilities include self-healing, highly secure communications, real-time interactions between any devices, and so on.

Abstract: An augmented battery for providing power to a powered vehicle includes a case adapted for removably mounting on the vehicle that encloses: at least one cell disposed within the case that provides power to the vehicle; a power port supported by the case that is adapted to electrically couple the at least one cell to the vehicle; and a processor disposed within the case and having an associated memory that stores program code executable by the processor to selectively communicate through an electronic communication circuit.

Abstract: A handheld device (12) integrates personal information scheduler (252) with a program list view (250) selection and operation of a wide variety of media devices. Specifically, the handheld device (12) includes a database containing program content downloaded during the vertical blanking interval (VBI) or from the Internet (174). Viewing the EPG database and personal calendar simultaneously, the user incorporates program into his/her personal schedule for viewing or recording. Further, the device is capable of analyzing usage patterns to set defaults of the handheld device, and other devices under its control, according to user preferences.

Abstract: Personal jewelry or other wearable electronic devices provide a visual, audio, vibration and/or tactile indication to the user when an incoming call, instant message, presence attribute change, calendar event or proximity reminder occurs. A personal area network mediates the incoming information and communicates it with one or more wearable devices associated with the user. The personal area network may communicate directly with other communication devices operated by the user, and also with networked devices via a gateway.

Abstract: Presence and availability information is disseminated through a computer system architecture having four interactive elements. A schedule publication element acquires information about user schedules. A schedule management element communicates with the publication element to acquire schedule information and to store integrated schedule information in a storage system. A schedule distribution element acquires schedule information from the schedule management element and selectively disseminates the information to subscribers who have interacted with a schedule subscribing element. Both current and future presence and availability information is thus collected and disseminated in an orderly manner.

Abstract: In one embodiment of this invention, identical communicating node elements are constructed and placed throughout a power delivery network. Each of these node elements supplies features and options that facilitate peer-to-peer communications, data and service aggregation, propagated interfaces and distributed computational power. The network of interacting node elements, built with a common architecture, gives the power delivery network advanced capabilities for utilities and customers. These advanced capabilities include self-healing, highly secure communications, real-time interactions between any devices, and so on.