Abstract: A flexible, programmable messaging system and method for associating specific happenings with particular services and users associated with those services is disclosed. The contact means for the users are held in a single database with retrievable historical information regarding the user and/or the service. Users and administrators are defined where the user may exercise a group of predetermine privileges. Users may subscribe and un-subscribe to one or more services. The administrator may exercise more privileges or all the privileges, and the additional privileges will include creating messages related to specific happenings, editing of the billing for the service, editing subscription forms, managing the members of a service and tracking the delivery of message. The presentation pages and the messaging format are arranged using templates with predetermined information and formats that may be programmable. The system is arranged in a client/server arrangement where standard servers can be used.

Abstract: A pipe fitting comprises a number of orifices defined in a number of connecting ends, a gate housing dividing the pipe fitting into a first section and a second section; and a gate disposed within the gate housing to selectively seal the first section from the second section, in which the gate comprises a manufactured breakaway. A pipe fitting comprises a number of orifices defined in a number of connecting ends, a gate housing dividing the pipe fitting into a first section and a second section, and a gate within the gate housing to selectively seal the first section from the second section, in which the gate comprises a manufactured breakaway, and in which at least portions of the pipe fitting are constructed of a transparent material.

Abstract: A pipe fitting comprises a number of orifices defined in a number of connecting ends, a gate housing dividing the pipe fitting into a first section and a second section, a gate disposed within the gate housing to selectively seal the first section from the second section, and a gate plug to selectively seal the gate housing upon removal of the gate from the gate housing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implement techniques for delivering a rights object granting one or more rights to a media object. The rights object has an associated return address, and the return address is usable to initiate a subsequent rights transaction relating to the rights granted by the rights object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for defining rights applicable to a digital object. A set of initial rights and a set of modifying rights are received for the digital object. At least one of the set of initial rights and the set of modifying rights specifies one or more conditions on rights in the respective set of rights. A new set of rights is defined for the digital object based on the set of initial rights and the set of modifying rights. The new set of rights specifies one or more new conditions on rights in the new set of rights. The new conditions are defined based on one or more of the conditions in the set of initial rights and/or the set of modifying rights.

Abstract: A portable antenna structure that employs a plurality of antenna modules that collectively cover a venue and provide telecommunications services to customers within the venue, arranged to produce a plurality of beams that have non-overlapping regions, regions where adjacent beams overlap with each other, and collectively the beams fully cover the venue. Customers that are located at a spot in the venue where only one beam provides coverage are served by that beam, and customers that are located at a spot in the venue where two adjacent beams overlap are served by one of the beams, or both (depending on the technology used) and if appropriate they are handed off from one beam to the other beam in a conventional manner.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for defining rights applicable to a digital object. A set of initial rights and a set of modifying rights are received for the digital object. At least one of the set of initial rights and the set of modifying rights specifies one or more conditions on rights in the respective set of rights. A new set of rights is defined for the digital object based on the set of initial rights and the set of modifying rights. The new set of rights specifies one or more new conditions on rights in the new set of rights. The new conditions are defined based on one or more of the conditions in the set of initial rights and/or the set of modifying rights.

Abstract: Sending a discovery agent to a computing device determines the services provided by that first computing device. As a result, a first set of information is received from the agent that provides information indicative of the services provided by the computing device. That information can then be compared to other information, either from the same computing device at a different point in time, or from a second computing device. The other information is indicative of services performed by that computing device at a different point in time or the second computing device. From that, services provided by the computing device that were previously different on the first computing device or that are not available on the second computing device can be determined.

Abstract: A control system for a refrigeration system having a refrigeration compartment and a quick chill/thaw pan. A main controller board, electrically connected to a temperature adjustment board and a dispenser board through the serial communications bus, controls the temperature of the refrigeration compartment and the quick chill/thaw pan. The control system accepts a plurality of inputs to determine a refrigeration mode and to execute a plurality of software algorithms to control the refrigeration compartment as both a chill pan to rapidly chill food and beverage items without freezing and a thaw pan to timely thaw frozen items at controlled temperature levels.

Abstract: Sending a discovery agent to a computing device determines the services provided by that first computing device. As a result, a first set of information is received from the agent that provides information indicative of the services provided by the computing device. That information can then be compared to other information, either from the same computing device at a different point in time, or from a second computing device. The other information is indicative of services performed by that computing device at a different point in time or the second computing device. From that, services provided by the computing device that were previously different on the first computing device or that are not available on the second computing device can be determined.

Abstract: Transmission of messages composed on one or more input devices to a single or multiple recipients by means of one or plural communication modes is facilitated. Such communication modes may include conventional or wireless telephone, facsimile transmission, pager, e-mail, postal mail or courier. Thus, a message may be directed to a single recipient via multiple modes, such as e-mail and fax, in order to ensure the earliest possible receipt of the message; or may be directed to multiple recipients by a single mode or by different modes. In the case of multiple-mode delivery, “escalation” rules may specify conditions under which different delivery modes may be sequentially employed. Automatic follow-up to determine whether a message has been received, as well as automatic sender notification upon confirmation of receipt, may be employed. The system is capable of sending messages having embedded questions, and facilitating multi-question surveys.

Abstract: Transmission of messages composed on one or more input devices to a single or multiple recipients by means of one or plural communication modes is facilitated. Such communication modes may include conventional or wireless telephone, facsimile transmission, pager, e-mail, postal mail or courier. An application program interface (API) mediates between remote applications requesting messaging functions and a message server that actually implements these functions. The API is capable of processing high-volume requests for message routing, status information, and various other functions on an automated basis, enabling businesses to make routine use of these functions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for defining rights applicable to a digital object. A set of initial rights and a set of modifying rights are received for the digital object. At least one of the set of initial rights and the set of modifying rights specifies one or more conditions on rights in the respective set of rights. A new set of rights is defined for the digital object based on the set of initial rights and the set of modifying rights. The new set of rights specifies one or more new conditions on rights in the new set of rights. The new conditions are defined based on one or more of the conditions in the set of initial rights and/or the set of modifying rights.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for post-layout optimization of an integrated circuit. In one instance, only local transformations accomplished by incremental changes to placement and routing are provided, so as to avoid the costly design iteration loop that requires re-synthesis, re-place and re-route. Optimization can be provided in multiple optimization phases each accomplishing a specified set of transformations. Static timing analysis is performed at the end of each set of local transformations to determine if further optimization steps are required. In one instance, the physical design is first scanned for mismatch between drivers and loads. Then, in a second optimization phase, “hot spots” in the physical design are identified for local transformation using a “bidirectional combinational total negative slack” (BCTNS) algorithm. In subsequent phases, optimization based on meeting setup times and hold times in a critical path are performed.

Abstract: Transmission of messages composed on one or more input devices to a single or multiple recipients by means of one or plural communication modes is facilitated. Such communication modes may include conventional or wireless telephone, facsimile transmission, pager, e-mail, postal mail or courier. Thus, a message may be directed to a single recipient via multiple modes, such as e-mail and fax, in order to ensure the earliest possible receipt of the message; or may be directed to multiple recipients by a single mode or by different modes. In the case of multiple-mode delivery, “escalation” rules may specify conditions under which different delivery modes may be sequentially employed. Automatic follow-up to determine whether a message has been received, as well as automatic sender notification upon confirmation of receipt, may be employed. The system is capable of sending messages having embedded questions, and facilitating multi-question surveys.

Abstract: A detection apparatus for detecting refrigerator door openings is coupled to at least one switch configured to be activated by a door opening. When the door is opened, the switch is activated and inputs a signal to the detection apparatus. The detection apparatus rectifies the signal; and phase-shifts the rectified signal so that it leads or lags the line voltage. The shifted output signal is fed to a processor that detects the opening of the door based upon the shifted signal. Signals output by a plurality of switches that generate a signal when activated mixed using an opto-coupler. Relative impedance of the lead and lag circuits may be adjusted to differentiate a phase shift of one shifted signal relative to another signal. The processor converts a value in degrees of phase shifting of the mixed signal to a time value, and based upon the time value, the processor determines which of the doors is open.

Abstract: Transmission of messages composed on one or more input devices to a single or multiple recipients by means of one or plural communication modes is facilitated. Such communication modes may include conventional or wireless telephone, facsimile transmission, pager, e-mail, postal mail or courier. Thus, a message may be directed to a single recipient via multiple modes, such as e-mail and fax, in order to ensure the earliest possible receipt of the message; or may be directed to multiple recipients by a single mode or by different modes. In the case of multiple-mode delivery, “escalation” rules may specify conditions under which different delivery modes may be sequentially employed. Automatic follow-up to determine whether a message has been received, as well as automatic sender notification upon confirmation of receipt, may be employed. The system is capable of sending messages having embedded questions, and facilitating multi-question surveys.

Abstract: Transmission of messages composed on one or more input devices to a single or multiple recipients by means of one or plural communication modes is facilitated. Such communication modes may include conventional or wireless telephone, facsimile transmission, pager, e-mail, postal mail or courier. An application program interface (API) mediates between remote applications requesting messaging functions and a message server that actually implements these functions. The API is capable of processing high-volume requests for message routing, status information, and various other functions on an automated basis, enabling businesses to make routine use of these functions.

Abstract: Transmission of messages composed on one or more input devices to a single or multiple recipients by means of one or plural communication modes is facilitated. Such communication modes may include conventional or wireless telephone, facsimile transmission, pager, e-mail, postal mail or courier. An application program interface (API) mediates between remote applications requesting messaging functions and a message server that actually implements these functions. The API is capable of processing high-volume requests for message routing, status information, and various other functions on an automated basis, enabling businesses to make routine use of these functions.

Abstract: A system for measuring a biopotential signal produced by a body in free space at a location adjacent to the body, and if desired, through clothing, includes a probe that can be positioned adjacent to the body. The probe includes a conductive electrode to receive the biopotential signal and a conductor that is maintained at a fixed distance from the electrode. The potential of the conductor can be maintained substantially equal to the potential of the electrode to shield the electrode from stray electrical noise. The system further includes a high impedance first stage amplifier that is incorporated into the probe and electrically connected to the electrode using a relatively short connector to minimize connector noise. Functionally, the first stage amplifier compares the electrical potential of the electrode to a second potential (e.g. a local ground) and generates a signal that is indicative of the biopotential.