Abstract: A framework is provided for managing heterogeneous computing environments. The framework includes at least a first computing device having a Windows based operating system, at least a second computing device having a non-Windows or a Windows based operating environment, and a framework module for providing account management, event log management and security management. In one embodiment, the framework module including a secure store technology component and a task automation framework. The task automation framework is interchangeable to provide at least one of a plurality of functions. The secure store technology component is a Windows based file system that is integrated to administrative tasks for controlling and managing non-Windows and Windows based systems remotely. Also disclosed is a system for transferring data, in the form of files, from a first location in the cloud to a second location in the cloud.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a luminaire; power input for the luminaire; a modulation circuit for modulating the power input so that light output includes an identifier of the luminaire; and a programmable memory for storing at least one of the identifier of the luminaire and a modulation scheme for modulation of the luminaire to place a signal on the light. A method for modulating light includes storing in programmable memory an identifier for the luminaire, the identifier being used to modulate the light, and/or a modulation scheme for modulation of the luminaire; and changing content of programmable memory to change the identifier and/or the modulation scheme. A method of efficiently deploying the luminaires and identifying their locations to a network is disclosed. A method of multi-factor authentication using authentication data transmitted by modulating the light emitted by a luminaire is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a luminaire; power input for the luminaire; a modulation circuit for modulating the power input so that light output includes an identifier of the luminaire; and a programmable memory for storing at least one of the identifier of the luminaire and a modulation scheme for modulation of the luminaire to place a signal on the light. A method for modulating light includes storing in programmable memory an identifier for the luminaire, the identifier being used to modulate the light, and/or a modulation scheme for modulation of the luminaire; and changing content of programmable memory to change the identifier and/or the modulation scheme. A method of efficiently deploying the luminaires and identifying their locations to a network is disclosed. A method of multi-factor authentication using authentication data transmitted by modulating the light emitted by a luminaire is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for transferring data, in the form of files, from a first location in the cloud to a second location in the cloud includes storage for credentials to allow the system to access the data in a plurality of locations in the cloud; storage for data accessed in a first location in the cloud; and data transfer components for transferring the data accessed at the first location to a second location in the cloud. A method for transferring data stored in the cloud, includes providing credentials to a service to allow the service to access the data in a plurality of locations in the cloud; using the service to access data stored in a first location in the cloud; and using the service to transfer the data accessed at the first location to a second location in the cloud.

Abstract: A device having a processor and at least one apparatus for the device to interact with the environment in which the device is located. The at least one apparatus exchanges signal with the processor. Memory associated with the processor has a first program or programs for operating the processor and application-related activities, and a second program for performing operations related to the state of the device. A network connection connects the device to a network so that operations relating to the state of the device can be remotely performed using the network. A method for communicating with the device includes accessing in its memory a program for interacting with the processor, the program performing operations related to the state of the device; and sending tasks relating to the state of the device to the processor so that the operation of the device or apparatus interacting with the environment is managed.

Abstract: A framework is provided for managing heterogeneous computing environments. The framework includes at least a first computing device having a Windows based operating system, at least a second computing device having a non-Windows or a Windows based operating environment, and a framework module for providing account management, event log management and security management. In one embodiment, the framework module including a secure store technology component and a task automation framework. The task automation framework is interchangeable to provide at least one of a plurality of functions. The secure store technology component is a Windows based file system that is integrated to administrative tasks for controlling and managing non-Windows and Windows based systems remotely. Also disclosed is a system for transferring data, in the form of files, from a first location in the cloud to a second location in the cloud.

Abstract: A method of operating a power plant is provided. The method includes channeling saturated steam at a first pressure to a pressure control device, superheating the steam by decreasing the pressure of the saturated steam from the first pressure to a second pressure using the pressure control valve, and channeling the superheated steam towards a steam turbine component to facilitate cooling the component.

Abstract: A method of operating a power plant is provided. The method includes channeling saturated steam at a first pressure to a pressure control device, superheating the steam by decreasing the pressure of the saturated steam from the first pressure to a second pressure using the pressure control device, and channeling the superheated steam towards a steam turbine component to facilitate cooling the component.

Abstract: A faucet having a plurality of water discharges includes a housing, diverter valve within the housing, a stream discharge on the housing, an upward fountain discharge on the housing, and an upward spray discharge on the housing. The diverter valve connects the mixed water conduit to the water discharges. A handle external to the housing engages the diverter valve to selectively define a flow path between the mixed water supply and the selected water discharge.

Abstract: A faucet having a plurality of water discharges includes a housing, diverter valve within the housing, a stream discharge on the housing, an upward fountain discharge on the housing, and an upward spray discharge on the housing. The diverter valve connects the mixed water conduit to the water discharges. A handle external to the housing engages the diverter valve to selectively define a flow path between the mixed water supply and the selected water discharge.