Abstract: In a method of managing electrical power consumption by a group of energy storage devices, each energy storage device estimates a forecasted input energy amount for a future time period and communicates the forecasted input energy amount to a system controller. The system controller calculates an aggregate input energy based on a sum of the forecasted input energy amounts, generates a charging schedule identifying a group energy consumption rate for each of a plurality of intervals of the future time period, and communicates the charging schedule to each device controller. Each device calculates a device energy consumption rate based on the corresponding forecasted input energy amount and the group energy consumption rate for each interval, and consumes electrical power based on the device energy consumption rate for the interval. A portion of the consumed electrical power is stored in the storage medium.

Abstract: An electronic mail management system is operable to receive electronic mail message components from a user. Prior to sending of the email message, a plurality of predetermined categories for classifying the electronic message are presented to the user. The email system receives a user selection from the predetermined categories. A determination is made as to whether or not the email recipient is a member of a predetermined class of recipients. The electronic mail is then sent to the recipient. The user selection is embedded within the email message if the recipient is a member of the predetermined class of recipients. Finally, the email is stored in a manner dependent upon the user selection. Similarly, the email management server may also be operable to categorize received email messages. Further, email messages may be selected or programmed to automatically be deleted upon certain events.

Abstract: An electronic mail management system is operable to receive electronic mail message components from a user. Prior to sending of the email message, a plurality of predetermined categories for classifying the electronic message are presented to the user. The email system receives a user selection from the predetermined categories. A determination is made as to whether or not the email recipient is a member of a predetermined class of recipients. The electronic mail is then sent to the recipient. The user selection is embedded within the email message if the recipient is a member of the predetermined class of recipients. Finally, the email is stored in a manner dependent upon the user selection. Similarly, the email management server may also be operable to categorize received email messages. Further, email messages may be selected or programmed to automatically be deleted upon certain events.