Abstract: Example embodiments include methods and apparatus for exchanging, using a contactless interface included in a portable device, transaction information associated with an electronic merchant device when the portable device is brought into close proximity to a contactless interface associated with the electronic merchant device, with the information identifying the electronic merchant device and identifying a handover wireless network connected to the electronic merchant device and with information including security credentials required to form a secure connection, establishing a persistent, secure wireless connection with the electronic merchant device, using a wireless network interface in the portable device and the transaction information, over the handover wireless network and exchanging transaction messages between the portable device and the electronic merchant device over the persistent, secure wireless connection during a shopping interval.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a one piece axle tube housing with an integral spindle includes providing a tube blank, providing the blank with a region of increased thickness, inserting a mandrel having a reduced diameter profile, passing a reducing die over the tube to conform the tube to the shape of the mandrel; and extraction of the mandrel from the tube to cause outward deformation of the tube at specific locations. A further swaging step may be used to form the final spindle structure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a one piece axle tube housing with an integral spindle includes providing a tube blank, providing the blank with a region of increased thickness, inserting a mandrel having a reduced diameter profile, passing a reducing die over the tube to conform the tube to the shape of the mandrel; and extraction of the mandrel from the tube to cause outward deformation of the tube at specific locations. A further swaging step may be used to form the final spindle structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system to display information about an object. The system includes a mobile device to relay information about an object to a location content provider. The location content provider formats the information into a visual representation and transmits the information to one or more digital television provides. One or more of the digital television provides can forward the information to a recipient to display on the recipient's television.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for verifying customer addresses before using those addresses in an asset tracking system. More specifically, the enhanced asset tracking system can accept multiple characteristics of the location. An operator or GIS system can check that these descriptors are identifying the same location. If descriptors do identify a same location, then the operator or GIS system can allow the location information to pass to the assets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus to maintain a data connection over a public, packet-switched, wireless network. An asset tracking system sends heartbeat signals between a mobile device and an asset server. The heartbeats perform several functions. First, the heartbeats inform the asset server that the mobile device is active and on the network and vice versa. Second, a heartbeat from the mobile device provides the dynamic IP address to the asset server for successive communications. Third, a first heartbeat from a mobile device opens a hole in the firewall of the wireless network. Finally, successive communications maintain the hole in the firewall.

Abstract: A wireless communication device (10) operates using a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) operating environment for enabling various data services. The wireless communication device (10) includes an application manager (22) coupled to the WAP operating environment that is operable to receive from the WAP operating environment a request to launch an external application. The application manager (22) operates launch the external application and to generate a handle. The handle is configured to control the external application within the WAP operating environment and is returned to the WAP operating environment responsive to the request to launch the external application. A library is associated with the external application, and the library includes information to configure the external application to operate within the WAP operating environment.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with permutation locks having a wheel pack comprising a plurality of rotatable permutation discs, each having a recess which must be correctly aligned before the bolt of the lock can be withdrawn. One known method for determining the positions of the permutation discs is by analysis of X-radiation which has passed through the wheel pack parallel to the axis of rotation of the discs. In locks according to this invention, the opacity of the wheel pack to penetrating electromagnetic radiation along any line parallel to the axis of rotation of the discs is independent of their orientation.