Abstract: Protocols, systems, and methods are disclosed for at least one RFID tag and a device, to communicate with each other using direct connections, wherein the at least one RFID tag and the device are configured to mate and directly exchange identification information. A message comprising a tag identification may be sent directly from the RFID tag to the device, and the RFID tag may receive a first acknowledgement from the device if the first tag identification was correctly received. A connection may be detected between the RFID tag and the device prior to directly exchanging information. The exchange of information may include sending data from the device to the RFID tag.

Abstract: Protocols, systems, and methods are disclosed for two or more RFID tags to communicate with each other using direct connections, wherein the two or more RFID tags are configured to mate and directly exchange identification information. A disclosed method includes detecting that a first RFID tag is connected to a second RFID tag. A first message comprising a first tag identification is sent directly from the first RFID tag to the second RFID tag, and the first RFID tag receives a first acknowledgement from the second RFID tag if the first tag identification was correctly received. A second message comprising a second tag identification may be sent directly from the second RFID tag to the first RFID tag and a second acknowledgement may be received from the first RFID tag if the second tag identification was correctly received.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and maintaining the consistency of replicated databases in a shared-nothing database cluster architecture is presented. In order to improve the ability of the system to maintain data consistency between the various database replicas in the cluster, an enhanced relational database management system is described that: (a) tags each data change record in the transaction log for a given managed database with a unique transaction identifier that is associated with the transaction request that initiated the data change; and, (b) tags each data change record in the transaction log for a given managed database with a client identifier that identifies the client that submitted the transaction request that initiated the data change. The enhanced relational database management system also includes an extended client interface that makes the unique transaction identifier for each transaction request available to the client application that submitted the transaction request.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID)-based configuration detection system for automatically detecting, directing, and/or configuring the physical configuration of a complex system constituted by a set of one or more types of mateable components. The RFID configuration detection system utilizes a set of mateable RFID tags arranged so that each mateable component includes at least one mateable RFID tag. Each RFID tag includes information about its associated component and is arranged so that when the components are mated, their associated RFID tags also are mated. The system uses at least one RFID reader to read RFID tag signals from the RFID tags. The RFID tag signals provide information about mating status of the component, as well as information about components themselves. An information processing system operably connected to the RFID reader receives and process information concerning the number and type of mated connections and thus the configuration.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and maintaining the consistency of replicated databases in a shared-nothing database cluster architecture is presented. The method involves the continuous monitoring of the database transaction logs that are maintained by the autonomous database managers that manage the individual database replicas in the cluster. In the event that data discrepancies are detected via the comparison of the transaction logs of the individual database replicas, remedial action is carried out according to configured rules in the main cluster controller. These remedial actions may include, but are not limited to, making a database node inactive within the cluster, or automatically repairing any data discrepancies that are detected among the database replicas in the cluster.

Abstract: An equipment cabinet (2) includes a front wall (4), a side wall (6,8), and an equipment rack (20) having a width (28) and a front face plane (32). The front wall includes a front opening (16) having a width (18). The width of the rack is approximately equal to or larger than the width of the front opening. A space (14) is disposed between the rack and the side wall, and between the rack and the front wall. A mounting bracket (40) includes a plate (42) and a protrusion (44), wherein the plate is coupled to one of the rack, the front wall and the side wall. The protrusion is disposed in the space, and includes a substantially planar surface (45) that is neither parallel to, nor in the same plane as, the front face plane. A patch panel (50), an adapter module (54), RFID components (60), or an RFID reader and/or reader antenna (64), may be coupled to the protrusion.

Abstract: A passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) system has an RFID reader that communicates with and provides power to an RFID tag. The RFID tag has an RFID integrated circuit chip that contains a memory device for storing information to be transmitted to the RFID reader, and energy storage device that stores energy for powering the integrated circuit chip. In the event that the RFID tag is activated during periods when the RFID integrated circuit chip is not receiving sufficient energy from the RFID reader, then either an energy storage device is provided to allow the activation event to be recorded at the RFID integrated circuit chip, or a memory device is provided that senses and records the activation event and communicates this activation event once power has been restored.

Abstract: Antenna systems for passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags. The antenna systems have a very small form factor with good power harvesting and good performance in proximity to other antennas. The antenna system includes at least one, and preferably two, parallel serpentine antenna elements formed on, or otherwise supported by, an antenna substrate so that a RFID-tag integrated circuit (IC) can be electrically contacted to the antenna system at one end of the antenna substrate. A conducting wire that runs in the same direction as the at least one serpentine antenna element is used to match impedance and enhance antenna performance and power flow between the antenna and the IC. An impedance-matching circuit may be employed in place of the conducting wire to facilitate impedance matching between the antenna and the IC.

Abstract: Components having one or more sensors adapted to provide sensor data relating to a condition(s) of the component are disclosed. The component is adapted to communicate with another mating component to associate sensor data with identity information of the mating component. The sensor and identity information can be communicated remotely including via radio-frequency communications employing RF identification devices (RFIDs). Location of the mating component can be determined using the identity information of the mating component. In this manner, the sensor data can be associated with the location of the mating component using the identity information in a “component-to-component” configuration to provide location-specific sensor data.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and maintaining the consistency of replicated databases in a shared-nothing database cluster architecture is presented. The method involves the continuous monitoring of the database transaction logs that are maintained by the autonomous database managers that manage the individual database replicas in the cluster. In the event that data discrepancies are detected via the comparison of the transaction logs of the individual database replicas, remedial action is carried out according to configured rules in the main cluster controller. These remedial actions may include, but are not limited to, making a database node inactive within the cluster, or automatically repairing any data discrepancies that are detected among the database replicas in the cluster.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID)-based configuration detection system for automatically detecting, directing, and/or configuring the physical configuration of a complex system constituted by a set of one or more types of mateable components. The RFID configuration detection system utilizes a set of mateable RFID tags arranged so that each mateable component includes at least one mateable RFID tag. Each RFID tag includes information about its associated component and is arranged so that when the components are mated, their associated RFID tags also are mated. The system uses at least one RFID reader to read RFID tag signals from the RFID tags. The RFID tag signals provide information about mating status of the component, as well as information about components themselves. An information processing system operably connected to the RFID reader receives and process information concerning the number and type of mated connections and thus the configuration.

Abstract: An optical-fiber-network (OFN) radio-frequency identification (RFID) system for deploying and/or maintaining and/or provisioning service and/or locating faults in an OFN. The system includes a plurality of OFN components, and at least one RFID tag that includes RFID tag data that has at least one property of the OFN component associated with the RFID tag. The RFID tag data is written to and read from the RFID tags using one or more mobile RFID readers either prior to, during or after deploying the OFN components. An OFN-component-data database unit is used to store and process the RFID tag data and is automatically updated by the one or more mobile RFID readers. This allows for different maps of the OFN to be made, such as an inventory map and a maintenance map, and for the maps to be automatically updated. The OFN-RFID system allows for mobile automated operations and management of OFN components by service personnel, and provides for faster and more accurate OFN system deployment and maintenance.

Abstract: Antenna systems for passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags. The antenna systems have a very small form factor with good power harvesting and good performance in proximity to other antennas. The antenna system includes at least one, and preferably two, parallel serpentine antenna elements formed on, or otherwise supported by, an antenna substrate so that a RFID-tag integrated circuit (IC) can be electrically contacted to the antenna system at one end of the antenna substrate. A conducting wire that runs in the same direction as the at least one serpentine antenna element is used to match impedance and enhance antenna performance and power flow between the antenna and the IC. An impedance-matching circuit may be employed in place of the conducting wire to facilitate impedance matching between the antenna and the IC.

Abstract: An elongated beam assembly for a tracked suspension includes an inverted “U” shaped member having a first upper surface disposed at an outwardly descending lateral angle; and a plurality of track wheels coupled to the bottom of the member and disposed inside the member. In another arrangement the assembly includes a curved plate disposed between and fixed to both an inner wall and outer wall of the “U” shaped member, with the free edge of the curved plate extending outward over the top edge of the outer wall.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the consistency of replicated databases in a shared-nothing database cluster architecture is presented. The method involves the continuous monitoring of the database transaction logs that are maintained by the autonomous database managers that manage the individual database replicas in the cluster. In the event that data discrepancies are detected via the comparison of the transaction logs of the individual database replicas, remedial action is carried out according to configured rules in the main cluster controller. Additionally, if the database management system running within each node of the cluster possesses a database history file that records key events pertaining to a database replica, such as the occurrence of non-logged bulk loads of table data, or the modification of tables, a method can be instituted for the monitoring of the history files for discrepancies between the database replicas.

Abstract: A computer system for an inventory management and recommendation tool is provided. The computer system has a platform, at least one input device, and a central processing unit in communication with the platform and the at least one input device. The central processing unit is configured to obtain a list of parts and select a product configuration for performing inventory analysis. The central processing unit is also configured to obtain part attributes for the parts included in the selected product configuration and filter the part attributes. Furthermore, the central processing unit is configured to generate an inventory recommendation based on the filtered part attributes for the selected product configuration.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a slot aperture disposed in a dispensing wall centered between two end walls, while being disposed a distance away from one of the side walls. The slot aperture has a length about 20% to about 50% of a width of individual sheet products. A second aperture is disposed in one of the side walls, and is sufficiently large to permit the sheet products to be grasped by one or more fingers of a human hand from above the second aperture in order to pass individual sheet products at least partially through the slot aperture.

Abstract: A lift assembly 20 includes an enclosure 24 secured to the bottom floor F of the baggage compartment BC, a carriage 28 reciprocally mounted within the enclosure 24, and a lift platform 32 pivotally coupled to the carriage 28. The lift platform 32 may be equipped with a variety of safety features, such as a ramp barrier, a bridge barrier, a pair of handrails, and combinations thereof for providing protection and a sense of security for a passenger while on the lift platform.

Abstract: A dispenser includes a housing having a dispensing wall, a bottom wall disposed opposite the dispensing wall, a side wall connecting the dispensing wall to the bottom wall, and an end wall disposed adjacent to the side wall and connecting the dispensing wall and the bottom wall. A first aperture has a first portion located in a center of the dispensing wall and the second portion that is located in the side wall and intercommunicates with the first portion. A second aperture is independent of the first aperture and has at least a first portion located in the dispensing wall.

Abstract: An elongated beam assembly for a tracked suspension includes an inverted “U” shaped member having a first upper surface disposed at an outwardly descending lateral angle; and a plurality of track wheels coupled to the bottom of the member and disposed inside the member. In another arrangement the assembly includes a curved plate disposed between and fixed to both an inner wall and outer wall of the “U” shaped member, with the free edge of the curved plate extending outward over the top edge of the outer wall.