Abstract: A metered-use computer is operable in a number of states or modes to accommodate manufacture, test, operation and end-of-life. During manufacturing, a security module may be set to a non-metered mode, where no measurements are taken. At the end of the manufacturing process, the security module may be set to an active mode where metering and measurement of the computer are enforced. When terms of a purchase contract or other user agreement are satisfied, the computer may be set to a non-enforcement state where all metering and metering-related security are disabled. A one-time reset of the active mode is supported to allow end-of-line quality assurance testing.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically simulating the affect of a plurality of factors on the cost of goods sold (COGS) resulting from changes in the allocation of goods to be sold in a plurality of predetermined markets. A predetermined plurality of markets are defined, each of which is allocated a default percentage of total goods to be sold. A plurality of production sites are then defined, their associated cost factors determined, their respective output assigned to predetermined markets, and the weighted, average unit COGS for each market is then calculated. A defined market is then selected for sensitivity simulation and its associated sales allocation is iteratively decremented by a predetermined percentage for reallocation to other markets. Each market's weighted, average unit cost is recalculated after each iteration, and once reallocation is completed, the global, average unit COGS is calculated.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for gathering investment information of peers and/or other trusted sources and making the investment information and analysis available on a real-time basis. These systems and methods provide investment information and advisory services for individual members generated through peer research, real-time portfolio and trading sharing. Individual member account data is consolidated from a variety of data sources, and members are allowed to share the aggregate data set for the purposes of providing real-time information, insights, and investment recommendations to peers based upon individual performance, real-time trading activity, and summary member data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for gathering investment information of peers and/or other trusted sources and making the investment information and analysis available on a real-time basis. These systems and methods provide investment information and advisory services for individual members generated through peer research, real-time portfolio and trading sharing. Individual member account data is consolidated from a variety of data sources, and members are allowed to share the aggregate data set for the purposes of providing real-time information, insights, and investment recommendations to peers based upon individual performance, real-time trading activity, and summary member data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for gathering investment information of peers and/or other trusted sources and making the investment information and analysis available on a real-time basis. These systems and methods provide investment information and advisory services for individual members generated through peer research, real-time portfolio and trading sharing. Individual member account data is consolidated from a variety of data sources, and members are allowed to share the aggregate data set for the purposes of providing real-time information, insights, and investment recommendations to peers based upon individual performance, real-time trading activity, and summary member data.

Abstract: A method within and wireless communications unit (WCU) arranged to operate in a fixed wireless network including a transceiver for receiving and transmitting signals within the network; an antenna system having adjustable visibility to the fixed wireless network; and a controller, coupled to the transceiver and the antenna system, to control the transceiver and to adjust the visibility of the antenna system such that the visibility of the WCU to the fixed wireless network is adjustable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the environmental conditions within a predefined area based on a network user's preferences using a personal area network is provided. The personal area network includes at least one portable communication unit associated with a network user, and has stored therein the environmental preferences (e.g., preferred temperature settings, lighting and sound conditions, etc.) of the network user for a given area (e.g., a conference room of an office building). According to one embodiment, a controller detects the presence of each portable communication unit located within the predefined area and obtains each network user's preferences from their associated portable communication units. In one embodiment, the controller considers all of the preferences of the users present within the predefined area and formulates an optimal environmental condition setting based upon all the users' preference obtained.

Abstract: A wireless control unit (WCU) arranged and constructed to operate as a wireless router within a wireless network and to facilitate dynamic reconfiguration of a routing map within the wireless network and method thereof, the WCU including a receiver for receiving a presented load; a transmitter for transmitting a transmitted load; a controller for; scheduling the presented load to be transmitted on a number of wireless links with other nodes; and dynamically increasing or decreasing a number of wireless links with other nodes within the wireless network to increase a network capacity, decrease an average queue size at the WCU, decrease an average latency for the network, or decrease an average latency for a portion of the presented load that is destined for another WCU.

Abstract: A system (10) alerts mobile devices (12) that are powered by replenishable power sources (14). A communications link is established between a replenishment service provider and the mobile devices (12). The replenishment service provider alerts the mobile devices (12) as to the availability of one or more replenishment services within a service area.

Abstract: A method of and wireless communications unit (WCU) for providing service in a mesh network includes a receiver for receiving a first signal from a first WCU in the mesh network; a directional antenna system for coupling the signal to the receiver, the signal arriving from a first selected one of a first plurality of directions; a controller to control the directional antenna system such that the signal is coupled to the receiver according too a local predetermined pattern of the first plurality of directions; and a transmitter to send a second signal in a second selected one of the first plurality of directions, where the controller interrupts the local predetermined pattern and selects the second direction.

Abstract: A wireless control unit (WCU) arranged and constructed to operate as a wireless router within a wireless network and to facilitate dynamic reconfiguration of a routing map within the wireless network and method thereof, the WCU including a receiver for receiving a presented load; a transmitter for transmitting a transmitted load; a controller for; scheduling the presented load to be transmitted on a number of wireless links with other nodes; and dynamically increasing or decreasing a number of wireless links with other nodes within the wireless network to increase a network capacity, decrease an average queue size at the WCU, decrease an average latency for the network, or decrease an average latency for a portion of the presented load that is destined for another WCU.

Abstract: The disclosed swivel adaptor (20) is assembled into two sections: tool member (40), and adaptor member (60). These two sections are pivotally attached, and can pivot with respect to each other around pivot axis (54). Pivot axis (54) is angled off-axis with respect to the longitudinal axises of the adaptor sections to allow various angled positions for adaptor (20). The angle between the tool port end (42) and adaptor port end (64) being adjustable between an in-line position where members (40) and (60) form a relatively straight adaptor, and a plurality of angled positions where the longitudinal axises of ports (42) and (64) are not parallel. Adaptor (20) has an pivotal air passageway connecting end (45) to end (65). In the straight position, tabs (72) snap into place to provide a holding force to keep the two sections from pivoting during use. By applying a sufficient twisting force on the two sections, tab (72) slips loose and the two sections can rotate about axis (54).

Abstract: A method of and wireless communications unit (WCU) for providing service in a mesh network includes a receiver for receiving a first signal from a first WCU in the mesh network; a directional antenna system for coupling the signal to the receiver, the signal arriving from a first selected one of a first plurality of directions; a controller to control the directional antenna system such that the signal is coupled to the receiver according too a local predetermined pattern of the first plurality of directions; and a transmitter to send a second signal in a second selected one of the first plurality of directions, where the controller interrupts the local predetermined pattern and selects the second direction.

Abstract: A method within and wireless communications unit (WCU) arranged to operate in a fixed wireless network including a transceiver for receiving and transmitting signals within the network; an antenna system having adjustable visibility to the fixed wireless network; and a controller, coupled to the transceiver and the antenna system, to control the transceiver and to adjust the visibility of the antenna system such that the visibility of the WCU to the fixed wireless network is adjustable.

Abstract: A broadband noise barrier includes Helmholtz-type resonator cavities. The barrier has a core section made up of one or more layers of cellular cavities of varying sizes sandwiched between a substantially planar face section placed toward a noise source, and an impermeable, substantially planar base section placed away from the noise source. The face section has apertures of specified sizes to permit disturbed air from the noise source to interact with the cavities in the core section. The variable cavity sizes permit resonant interactions with selected frequencies commonly associated with traffic noise, thus providing broadband acoustic absorption. Since the performance of the system derives from the resonator configuration rather than the constitutive properties of the materials used, the structure requires neither special materials, unconventional manufacturing processes, nor thick, heavy panel structures.

Abstract: A peer device (132) is arranged and programmed for maintaining a virtual queue for an event, and a personal presence identifier (122) is carried by a user and coupled to the peer device by a short-range two-way wireless link. The peer device and the personal presence identifier are arranged and programmed to establish (58) a two-way personal area network with one another when the personal presence identifier is within wireless transmission range of the peer device. The personal presence identifier and the peer device are also arranged and programmed to exchange (82) needs specifications and capability specifications with one another after establishing the two-way personal area network.

Abstract: A method for determining a final propagation loss of a signal transmitted from a transmitter (302) and received at a receiver (303) located in a proximity of a road (340) in a predefined area (350) includes calculating an environmental factor based on a transportation network information associated with predefined area (350), and determining the final propagation loss based on the environmental factor. A method of creating a data base used for calculating the propagation loss includes providing a preliminary data base, calculating a road density constant based on a road profile of predefined area (350), calculating a road constant based on a road classification profile of road (340), calculating the environmental factor by summing the road density constant, and the road constant, and modifying the preliminary data base according to the environmental factor to produce the data base.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the electrical characteristics of an antenna in a communications system includes first and second conductive portions separated by a slot. Circuit elements are coupled between the first and second conductive portions, the circuit elements being operably controlled by a bias current to control flow of RF current within the first and second conductive elements, wherein the path of the RF current is directed to be in substantially different locations within the first and second conductive elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assigning location estimates from a first transceiver of a plurality of wireless transceivers to a second transceiver is disclosed. The present invention makes use of a low power short-range auxiliary communication link incorporated within networked devices to interact with nearby devices for obtaining location estimates of the current location of a device. Confidence levels are then assigned to the information obtained from the interactions with the nearby devices, and a determination of whether to update the location estimate is made.