Abstract: Techniques for reconfiguring utility meters from a mobile mode to a network mode are discussed. A utility meter may be configured for operation in a mobile mode environment, wherein it transmits data using radio frequency (RF) transmissions, such as by “bubbling-up” a “standard consumption message” at intervals. However, a switchover from mobile mode to network mode may be scheduled. The switchover may involve a plurality of endpoints (i.e., metering devices together with associated mobile mode and network mode functionality) transitioning from mobile mode functionality to network mode functionality. In one example, processors on an endpoint using a first “image” including executable software providing mobile mode functions may reboot to use a second image providing fixed network mode functions (e.g., mesh or star network operability). Following the transition, the endpoints may discover adjacent or nearby endpoints, and a fixed network having network mode functionality may be configured.

Abstract: A vehicle panel (2) having a body (3) that extends longitudinally and in elevation, said body (3) having a movable window (10) and guide means (15) for guiding movement of said window (10) relative to the body (3), said window (10) having a frame (11) within which there is a transparent surface (12). The window (10) includes release means (30) for manually releasing the window (10) from the body (3) in order to provide an emergency exit, the release means (30) co-operating with the guide means (15).

Abstract: Techniques for reconfiguring utility meters from a mobile mode to a network mode are discussed. A utility meter may be configured for operation in a mobile mode environment, wherein it transmits data using radio frequency (RF) transmissions, such as by “bubbling-up” a “standard consumption message” at intervals. However, a switchover from mobile mode to network mode may be scheduled. The switchover may involve a plurality of endpoints (i.e., metering devices together with associated mobile mode and network mode functionality) transitioning from mobile mode functionality to network mode functionality. In one example, processors on an endpoint using a first “image” including executable software providing mobile mode functions may reboot to use a second image providing fixed network mode functions (e.g., mesh or star network operability). Following the transition, the endpoints may discover adjacent or nearby endpoints, and a fixed network having network mode functionality may be configured.

Abstract: The present specification discloses methods and systems to enable a peripheral device, which otherwise lacks intrinsic networking capabilities, to be accessible over a network once attached to a local multi-function device, such as computers, laptops, printers, copiers, or other computing devices. An enabling application executing on the multi-function device includes a first layer that communicates with the local peripheral device using a driver specific to the peripheral device, a second layer that abstracts a subset of functions from the first layer and exposes the subset of functions to a third layer, and the third layer which communicates over the network with a client and provides the client access to the subset of functions through standardized calls.

Abstract: A method, service, system, computer program, etc., provides a list of acceptable authentication servers that a user could use to log in when accessing a networked device, such as a networked printer or document processing device. The embodiments include preparing a module, such as a dynamically loadable module (DLM) for use in the networked system accessed by the users. Each of the networked devices is enabled to accept the DLM. The embodiments forward the DLM to the networked devices as a print job along a print job submission path within the network. The networked devices recognize the DLM as a special job. Further, the networked devices use the DLM to install the XML file on each of the networked devices. Thus, the authentication server lists and authentication programs are updated within each of the networked devices using the DLM.

Abstract: A vehicle panel (2) having a body (3) that extends longitudinally and in elevation, said body (3) having a movable window (10) and guide means (15) for guiding movement of said window (10) relative to the body (3), said window (10) having a frame (11) within which there is a transparent surface (12). The window (10) includes release means (30) for manually releasing the window (10) from the body (3) in order to provide an emergency exit, the release means (30) co-operating with the guide means (15).

Abstract: The present specification discloses methods and systems to enable a peripheral device, which otherwise lacks intrinsic networking capabilities, to be accessible over a network once attached to a local multi-function device, such as computers, laptops, printers, copiers, or other computing devices. An enabling application executing on the multi-function device includes a first layer that communicates with the local peripheral device using a driver specific to the peripheral device, a second layer that abstracts a subset of functions from the first layer and exposes the subset of functions to a third layer, and the third layer which communicates over the network with a client and provides the client access to the subset of functions through standardized calls.

Abstract: A storage medium for managing a supply chain is provided. The storage medium includes instructions for implementing a method. The method includes transmitting a bid request from a bill of material (BOM) file to a web site and receiving a response from a supplier, resulting in an award notice. The method also includes identifying component prices incurred by the supplier that manufactures products using the components, comparing the prices with those available to the manufacturer from a component supplier. For components in which the supplier incurs a price greater than that available to the manufacturer, the method includes requesting authorization for the supplier to purchase a quantity of the component from the component supplier at the purchase price available to the manufacturer. Upon approval, the method includes transmitting an authorization to the supplier to purchase the component directly from the component supplier. The authorization includes guidelines for the contract manufacturer to follow.

Abstract: A method, service, system, computer program, etc., provides a list of acceptable authentication servers that a user could use to log in when accessing a networked device, such as a networked printer or document processing device. The embodiments include preparing a module, such as a dynamically loadable module (DLM) for use in the networked system accessed by the users. Each of the networked devices is enabled to accept the DLM. The embodiments forward the DLM to the networked devices as a print job along a print job submission path within the network. The networked devices recognize the DLM as a special job. Further, the networked devices use the DLM to install the XML file on each of the networked devices. Thus, the authentication server lists and authentication programs are updated within each of the networked devices using the DLM.

Abstract: A storage medium for managing a supply chain is provided. The storage medium includes instructions for implementing a method. The method includes transmitting a bid request from a bill of material (BOM) file to a web site and receiving a response from a supplier, resulting in an award notice. The method also includes identifying component prices incurred by the supplier that manufactures products using the components, comparing the prices with those available to the manufacturer from a component supplier. For components in which the supplier incurs a price greater than that available to the manufacturer, the method includes requesting authorization for the supplier to purchase a quantity of the component from the component supplier at the purchase price available to the manufacturer. Upon approval, the method includes transmitting an authorization to the supplier to purchase the component directly from the component supplier. The authorization includes guidelines for the contract manufacturer to follow.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a computer-based system and method for automating supply chain functions in a network environment, and more particularly, for identifying and implementing cost-savings techniques within the parts procurement and production planning system of an extended enterprise. The system includes a manufacturing enterprise or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) system comprising a host system operating a web server, an applications server, and a database manager; a data storage device in communication with the host system, and at least one terminal for accessing the host system. The OEM system runs on a network that is coupled to the Internet and is accessible to a supplier enterprise system and/or contract manufacturer system identified with proper permissions. The applications server executes a set of programs for managing the OEM system, including the A-source application of the present invention.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for implementing part performance management services is provided. The method includes gathering service data for products. The serviced components of the products are identified in the service data by replacement component part numbers. The method also includes mapping the service data to manufacturing data for products of manufacture by matching at least one data element common to both of the service data and the manufacturing data. The components of the products of manufacture are identified in the manufacturing data by production part numbers. The method further includes identifying which of the products of manufacture have been serviced based upon results of the mapping.

Abstract: A searching method in the Internet that correlates publicly available product reviews for products by initially predetermining a set of review terms indicative of a favorable review and also predetermining a set of review terms indicative of an unfavorable review. From a requesting station, databases in the Internet are searched for the product reviews as follows. Product reviews are distinguished from other documents mentioning the product that may also be in the searched databases. Each distinguished product review is then analyzed using the predetermined review terms indicative of favorable reviews and predetermined review terms indicative of unfavorable reviews. An overall determination is made as to whether each individual product review was favorable, unfavorable or balanced.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for monitoring user specific information on websites by searching websites and displaying the results based at least partially on geographical region are disclosed. Embodiments may include receiving a search request including one or more keywords and searching a database based on the received search request to generate search results, where the search results include an indication of one or more websites each with an associated geographical region. Embodiments may also include generating a geographical user interface page based on the search results, where the page includes an indication of the one or more opinion websites superimposed on a map based on their associated geographical region. Embodiments may further include transmitting the generated geographical user interface page. Further embodiments may include generating geography-based directed advertising based on the search results or receiving and storing a rating for a website from a user.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a substrate or wafer edge support having an emmisivity greater than that of a silicon wafer, where the edge support is for supporting a wafer during processing to form circuit devices on or in the wafer. Embodiments also include temperature sensors, heat conducting gas jets, and photonic energy can be directed to sense and control the temperature of the edge support and/or wafer edge during annealing to reduce temperature roll-off or roll-up at the edge as compared to the center of the wafer. Specifically, use of an edge support having an emmisivity greater than or equal to that of the wafer during processing allows helium gas jets directed at the edge support and/or wafer edge to reduce temperature roll-up at the edge during annealing. Because wafers from different processes and anneal locations may all have different emmisivities, use of the feedback loop will enable one edge ring to support the uniform anneal of wafers with a range of different emmisivities.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a substrate or wafer edge support having an emmisivity greater than that of a silicon wafer, where the edge support is for supporting a wafer during processing to form circuit devices on or in the wafer. Embodiments also include temperature sensors, heat conducting gas jets, and photonic energy can be directed to sense and control the temperature of the edge support and/or wafer edge during annealing to reduce temperature roll-off or roll-up at the edge as compared to the center of the wafer. Specifically, use of an edge support having an emmisivity greater than or equal to that of the wafer during processing allows helium gas jets directed at the edge support and/or wafer edge to reduce temperature roll-up at the edge during annealing. Because wafers from different processes and anneal locations may all have different emmisivities, use of the feedback loop will enable one edge ring to support the uniform anneal of wafers with a range of different emmisivities.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a computer-based system and method for automating supply chain functions in a network environment, and more particularly, for identifying and implementing cost-savings techniques within the parts procurement and production planning system of an extended enterprise. The system includes a manufacturing enterprise or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) system comprising a host system operating a web server, an applications server, and a database manager; a data storage device in communication with the host system, and at least one terminal for accessing the host system. The OEM system runs on a network that is coupled to the Internet and is accessible to a supplier enterprise system and/or contract manufacturer system identified with proper permissions. The applications server executes a set of programs for managing the OEM system, including the A-source application of the present invention.