Abstract: The system of the preferred embodiment includes a container that functions to hold objects for shipping and storage; a sensor system coupled to the container that functions to detect the state of the container and an area surrounding the container; an output element that functions to display the detected information; a power supply that functions to collect, convert, store, and supply energy to the elements of the system; and a processor that functions to collect and store detected information from the sensors in order to connect the power supply to the elements of the system and to supply power to these elements on an as-needed basis to conserve energy.

Abstract: The system 10 of the preferred embodiment includes a sensor 12 to detect temperature; a user interface 14 that includes a display 16 to output the detected temperature, controls 18 to receive a target temperature, and an alert 20 to signal the user when an event occurs; and a base 22. The system 10 of the preferred embodiment has been specifically designed to grasp the neck of a wine bottle of any various size, detect the temperature of the wine, compare the detected temperature to the target temperature, and signal the user when the detected temperature is equivalent to the target temperature.

Abstract: A environmental sensor network having at least two environmental sensor units and a central display unit. Each sensor unit includes a sensor adapted to measure a condition and a transmitter adapted to operate in an “activation” mode in which the transmitter transmits a predefined sequence and a sensor ID and a “data” mode in which the transmitter transmits data based on the measurement. The central display unit includes a receiver adapted to receive a transmission from the two environmental sensors, a memory device, and a processor adapted to selectively operate in an “add” mode in which the processor records the presence of an environment sensor unit in the memory device upon the receipt of the predefined sequence and the sensor ID, and a “display” mode in which the processor outputs information based on the measurement.

Abstract: The container 10 of the preferred embodiment comprises an outer shell 12 and an inner membrane 14 which cooperatively define a first compartment 16 and a second compartment 18. The first compartment 16 defines a first opening 20, through which the first compartment 16 receives a consumable liquid. The second compartment 18 defines a second opening 22, through which the second compartment 18 receives a second liquid. The first compartment 16 and the second compartment 18 are shaped and arranged such that greater than 50% of the surface area of the second compartment 18 is located adjacent to the first compartment 16. Alternatively, the first compartment 16 and the second compartment 18 may be shaped and arranged such that the first compartment 16 substantially surrounds at least a portion of the second compartment 18.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, the system 10 includes a sensor 12, a transmitter 14 coupled to the sensor 12 and adapted to transmit a signal, a receiver 16 adapted to receive the signal, and a remote indicator 18 coupled to the receiver 16. In a second embodiment, the receivers 16? are actually transceivers that can retransmit the signals to a receiver 16? of another remote indicator 18 and that cooperatively form a mesh network. This arrangement may be quite useful in certain environments, such as a tall apartment building and a long private street, where multiple users are relatively spread out.

Abstract: A wireless soil moisture meter network includes a central display unit and a plurality of remote sensor units. Each sensor unit uses a probe to measure moisture content in soil, and uses a wireless transmitter to transmit the measurement through a wireless channel to the central display unit. The central display unit receives and displays the measurement in a format selectable by a user. The user may add to or remove from the network a sensor unit using a user interface of the central display unit.

Abstract: A wireless soil moisture meter network includes a central display unit and a plurality of remote sensor units. Each sensor unit uses a probe to measure moisture content in soil, and uses a wireless transmitter to transmit the measurement through a wireless channel to the central display unit. The central display unit receives and displays the measurement in a format selectable by a user. The user may add to or remove from the network a sensor unit using a user interface of the central display unit.

Abstract: A collaborative design process is described. The management of the collaborative design process involves placing an incomplete design onto a secure website. An engineering authority for the various parts of the design is identified. Outside parties who agree to acknowledge the proprietary nature of the design may access the secure website, and may provide information relating to the completion of the design. The system that manages the design process may report one or more of the following: a number of services offered using the design, a number of units produced using the design, and a number of units sold using the design. Based on the reported numbers, the system may calculate an amount of payment owed by the outside party to the owner of the secure website.