Abstract: A method and apparatus collect and distribute geographic information for the purposes of securing marketing information such as real estate information selected by reference to geographic information. The method includes a transmission of audio information such as DTMF tones by electromagnetic signals such as Bluetooth™ from a position information acquiring device to a wireless device for communicating the request for marketing information to a server. The method and apparatus provide for an inexpensive method of commanding a wireless device to retrieve marketing information selected according to geographic position of a user seeking such information without having to modify or manipulate most commercially available wireless devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus route geographic information for the purposes of securing marketing information such as real estate information selected by reference to geographic information. A request for marketing information from a user is passed onto a database server for selecting information without knowing the actual identity of the user but knowing a profile of the user, the geographic location of the user when the request was made and the fact that the user made the request voluntarily. The method and apparatus provide useful data to a marketing entity without compromising the relationship between the user and the entity enabling the means to provide the requested information.

Abstract: A system and method gather market information associated with consumer activity considering the geographic position of the consumer. The system and method employ mobile locator devices that can compile geographic information and transmit a request from a user for target information (usually marketing information), along with geographic information to a server capable of logging the requests with the geographic information and target information sought. The server can then distribute the requests to servers to provide the target information. The resulting information can be used to create a database of information requests made and then provide a profile of consumer activity based on the database created with the geographic information associated with each request.

Abstract: A method of obtaining an advance irrevocable purchase order from a buyer for future delivery of a manufacturer's product. A buyer is issued a right to obtain a selected number of warrants of a manufacturer when the buyer places a revocable purchase order before the start of a vesting period for a selected number of products or services, the number of obtainable warrants being related to the size or value of the purchase order. A strike price is set for the warrants before the start of the vesting period. A selected number of warrants are granted to the buyer at the strike price when the buyer irrevocably confirms the purchase of at least part of the purchase order before the end of the vesting period, the number of granted warrants being related to the size or value of the purchase order that is irrevocably confirmed and being up to the number of remaining obtainable warrants.

Abstract: Various service port configurations for the transfer of fluids, gases and electricity between a service terminal and a vehicle are provided. The service port includes a receptacle and a controller. The receptacle includes a clamp and a clamp actuator for actuating the clamp; a service exchange interface in between the clamp; and sensors inside the receptacle and configured to monitor the position of a plug inside the receptacle. The controller is connected to the sensors and the actuator, and monitors the sensors. When a sensor detects that a plug is in position for engagement, the controller instructs the clamp actuator to move the clamp until the plug is clamped with sufficient force to enable a service to be exchanged. The receptacle and the plug are couplable to either the service port or a vehicle and a service terminal, and both are implementable at a multiplicity of locations on a vehicle.

Abstract: An energy delivery system for regenerative fuel cell vehicles includes a plurality of geographically distributed stations (100). Each station includes an external port 109 that supplies the chemical constituents for manufacturing hydrogen fuel on-board a vehicle. Specifically, the port provides water from a municipal water supply (124) and an electricity connection to the electrical transmission and distribution grid (122) and the building's local electrical distribution system (114). Additionally, the port provides for the transmission of data from the vehicle over the Internet to the electrical service providers that sell electrical power to retail customers over the distribution grid. Supply of power, and the flow of data, through the external port is automatically controlled via a port controller.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wheel stop service port for coupling to a connectivity device of a wheeled vehicle such that one or more services, namely electricity, data, and fluids, are transferable therebetween. The service port includes a housing having a receptacle recess with a recess opening on an outside surface of the housing; a fastener on the housing for fastening the service port to the ground; a receptacle inside the recess and comprising an opening shaped to receive a service plug of a vehicle connectivity device, and a service engagement portion inside the receptacle for engaging a corresponding service engagement portion on the plug; a service conduit junction coupled to the receptacle and couplable to a service conduit to enable the transfer of a service therebetween; and a wheel contact surface located on the housing outside surface such that upon contact of the contact surface by a wheel of a vehicle, the connectivity device of the vehicle is within coupling range of the service port.

Abstract: Various service port configurations for the transfer of fluids, gases and electricity between a service terminal and a vehicle are provided. The service port includes a receptacle and a controller. The receptacle includes a clamp and a clamp actuator for actuating the clamp; a service exchange interface in between the clamp; and sensors inside the receptacle and configured to monitor the position of a plug inside the receptacle. The controller is connected to the sensors and the actuator, and monitors the sensors. When a sensor detects that a plug is in position for engagement, the controller instructs the clamp actuator to move the clamp until the plug is clamped with sufficient force to enable a service to be exchanged. The receptacle and the plug are couplable to either the service port or a vehicle and a service terminal, and both are implementable at a multiplicity of locations on a vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wheel stop service port for coupling to a connectivity device of a wheeled vehicle such that one or more services, namely electricity, data, and fluids, are transferable therebetween. The service port includes a housing having a receptacle recess with a recess opening on an outside surface of the housing; a fastener on the housing for fastening the service port to the ground; a receptacle inside the recess and comprising an opening shaped to receive a service plug of a vehicle connectivity device, and a service engagement portion inside the receptacle for engaging a corresponding service engagement portion on the plug; a service conduit junction coupled to the receptacle and couplable to a service conduit to enable the transfer of a service therebetween; and a wheel contact surface located on the housing outside surface such that upon contact of the contact surface by a wheel of a vehicle, the connectivity device of the vehicle is within coupling range of the service port.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for operating an urban infrastructure of land ports. This infrastructure includes Truck Terminals that physically provide the land port service; a Central Scheduling Agency that transacts and dispatches pick ups and deliveries; a Land Port Credit Exchange that trades land port delivery credits between heavy duty diesel truck tractor (HDDT) owners; and a Government Fee Collection Agency. Land ports are adapted truck terminals located near transportation arteries at the perimeters of urban areas, that have been suitably configured to exchange trailer loads between HDDTs and zero emission hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (ZEVs). The ZEVs ferry trailer loads between land ports and the inner city, thereby causing a reduction in the vehicle miles traveled by HDDTs within dense urban areas. This reduces the inner city emissions of toxic diesel exhaust, mitigating damage both to the environment and to human health.