Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for self-formation and self-management of full-duplex communication networks. In an embodiment, a communication device determines whether there is an available self-assignable device-data time slot. If there is, the device selects an available time slot for outbound transmissions, updates its network-status table to associate the selected time slot with a device identifier of the communication device, and transmits outbound device data during the selected time slot of at least one ensuing frame. The device also, during each of a plurality of ensuing frames, makes a determination as to whether to transmit a maintenance packet during a shared time slot of the current frame. If the determination is made in the affirmative, the device transmits such a packet during that shared time slot. Each such packet contains at least a subset of the network-status table.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for self-formation and self-management of full-duplex communication networks. In an embodiment, a communication device determines whether there is an available self-assignable device-data time slot. If there is, the device selects an available time slot for outbound transmissions, updates its network-status table to associate the selected time slot with a device identifier of the communication device, and transmits outbound device data during the selected time slot of at least one ensuing frame. The device also, during each of a plurality of ensuing frames, makes a determination as to whether to transmit a maintenance packet during a shared time slot of the current frame. If the determination is made in the affirmative, the device transmits such a packet during that shared time slot. Each such packet contains at least a subset of the network-status table.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for self-formation and self-management of full-duplex communication networks. In an embodiment, a communication device determines whether there is an available self-assignable device-data time slot. If there is, the device selects an available time slot for outbound transmissions, updates its network-status table to associate the selected time slot with a device identifier of the communication device, and transmits outbound device data during the selected time slot of at least one ensuing frame. The device also, during each of a plurality of ensuing frames, makes a determination as to whether to transmit a maintenance packet during a shared time slot of the current frame. If the determination is made in the affirmative, the device transmits such a packet during that shared time slot. Each such packet contains at least a subset of the network-status table.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for self-formation and self-management of full-duplex communication networks. In an embodiment, a communication device determines whether there is an available self-assignable device-data time slot. If there is, the device selects an available time slot for outbound transmissions, updates its network-status table to associate the selected time slot with a device identifier of the communication device, and transmits outbound device data during the selected time slot of at least one ensuing frame. The device also, during each of a plurality of ensuing frames, makes a determination as to whether to transmit a maintenance packet during a shared time slot of the current frame. If the determination is made in the affirmative, the device transmits such a packet during that shared time slot. Each such packet contains at least a subset of the network-status table.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled beverage dispenser is disclosed, which provides a cold plate having disposed therein beverage lines and refrigerant lines. The refrigerant lines may be connected to a cooling system, such as a heat exchanger, which is configured to remove heat from the cold plate. The beverage lines may be connected to a beverage supply for dispensing a desired beverage. Valves and a pressure sensor in the refrigerant line are connected to a microprocessor. At regular intervals, the microprocessor closes the valves, waits a short time, and then takes a pressure reading, which corresponds to a temperature. If the temperature falls below a desired value, then the cooling system is shut off. This permits the microprocessor to closely control the temperature of the beverage being dispensed.

Abstract: A seat handle for providing a clean handhold surface for lifting or lowering a toilet seat having a bottom surface, the seat handle comprising a plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, a shield having a depth, the shield extending substantially at right angle to the plate from the bottom surface dividing the bottom surface of the plate into an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the shield includes an inner surface and an outer surface and an attachment pad configured to attach the plate to a portion of the bottom surface of the toilet seat such that the shield blocks potential splashes from a toilet to keep the outer surface and outer portion clean.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled beverage dispenser is disclosed, which provides a cold plate having disposed therein beverage lines and refrigerant lines. The refrigerant lines may be connected to a cooling system, such as a heat exchanger, which is configured to remove heat from the cold plate. The beverage lines may be connected to a beverage supply for dispensing a desired beverage. Valves and a pressure sensor in the refrigerant line are connected to a microprocessor. At regular intervals, the microprocessor closes the valves, waits a short time, and then takes a pressure reading, which corresponds to a temperature. If the temperature falls below a desired value, then the cooling system is shut off. This permits the microprocessor to closely control the temperature of the beverage being dispensed.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and system for monitoring and locating an object using secure communications without relying on GPS. A monitoring device may activate a monitored unit (unit monitored by monitoring device) by transmitting a seed of an algorithm and a time synchronization to the monitored unit. The seed and time synchronization may be used in conjunction with an algorithm, e.g., frequency hopping table, stored in both the monitoring device and the monitored unit, to allow both the monitoring device and the monitored unit to communicate with one another at a uniquely synchronized time and frequency thereby making it more difficult for a third party to locate the monitored unit. An alert may be generated when the monitored unit is located beyond a predetermined zone. The monitored unit may be located by activating a directional antenna in conjunction with a digital compass on the monitoring device.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and system for monitoring and locating an object using secure communications without relying on GPS. A monitoring device may activate a monitored unit (unit monitored by monitoring device) by transmitting a seed of an algorithm and a time synchronization to the monitored unit. The seed and time synchronization may be used in conjunction with an algorithm, e.g., frequency hopping table, stored in both the monitoring device and the monitored unit, to allow both the monitoring device and the monitored unit to communicate with one another at a uniquely synchronized time and frequency thereby making it more difficult for a third party to locate the monitored unit. An alert may be generated when the monitored unit is located beyond a predetermined zone. The monitored unit may be located by activating a directional antenna in conjunction with a digital compass on the monitoring device.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and system for monitoring and locating an object using secure communications without relying on GPS. A monitoring device may activate a monitored unit (unit monitored by monitoring device) by transmitting a seed of an algorithm and a time synchronization to the monitored unit. The seed and time synchronization may be used in conjunction with an algorithm, e.g., frequency hopping table, stored in both the monitoring device and the monitored unit, to allow both the monitoring device and the monitored unit to communicate with one another at a uniquely synchronized time and frequency thereby making it more difficult for a third party to locate the monitored unit. An alert may be generated when the monitored unit is located beyond a predetermined zone. The monitored unit may be located by activating a directional antenna in conjunction with a digital compass on the monitoring device.

Abstract: A method, computer program product and system for monitoring and locating an object using secure communications without relying on GPS. A monitoring device may activate a monitored unit (unit monitored by monitoring device) by transmitting a seed of an algorithm and a time synchronization to the monitored unit. The seed and time synchronization may be used in conjunction with an algorithm, e.g., frequency hopping table, stored in both the monitoring device and the monitored unit, to allow both the monitoring device and the monitored unit to communicate with one another at a uniquely synchronized time and frequency thereby making it more difficult for a third party to locate the monitored unit. An alert may be generated when the monitored unit is located beyond a predetermined zone. The monitored unit may be located by activating a directional antenna in conjunction with a digital compass on the monitoring device.