Abstract: A waveguide includes a grating structure with discontinuous regions of diffraction; regions of diffraction are interleaved with regions of no diffraction. The regions of diffraction and no diffraction may vary in size such that the width of each successive region of diffraction increases across the face of the waveguide. Neighboring regions of diffraction, separated by regions of non-diffraction, may define different periods.

Abstract: A high endurance mobile unmanned aerial vehicle system includes a base station and an unmanned aerial vehicle interconnected by a tether which is releasable from the unmanned vehicle. The unmanned vehicle receives electrical power from the base station to operate the vehicle while connected. The unmanned vehicle further includes a hybrid drive system operable to produce electrical power from a fuel carried by the unmanned vehicle such that the unmanned vehicle can start the hybrid drive system, release the tether and fly in a fully mobile mode, away from the base station and tether when desired.

Abstract: A remote control system and method for controlling and interacting with a variety of devices and systems is disclosed. The system comprises at least one command server which is operable to receive control commands from a handheld communications device and to generate and transmit command signals in response to the received control commands, the transmitted command signals interacting with one or more devices controlled by the system. In one embodiment, the handheld communications device is operable to exchange data with an account server that maintains data and configuration information for the system and the devices to be controlled by it over a first communications modality. The handheld communications device transfers control commands and other data with the command server via a second communications modality and the handheld communications device can transfer data between the account server and the command server as needed.

Abstract: A remote control system and method for controlling and interacting with a variety of devices and systems is disclosed. The system comprises at least one command server which is operable to receive control commands from a handheld communications device and to generate and transmit command signals in response to the received control commands, the transmitted command signals interacting with one or more devices controlled by the system. In one embodiment, the handheld communications device is operable to exchange data with an account server that maintains data and configuration information for the system and the devices to be controlled by it over a first communications modality. The handheld communications device transfers control commands and other data with the command server via a second communications modality and the handheld communications device can transfer data between the account server and the command server as needed.

Abstract: A method which allows a callee and/or a caller to be billed for telecommunications and which permits notice of charges to be provided to callers, and permits acceptance of charges by callers, prior to completing a connection is disclosed. The invention allows callees to define charges to be applied to calls they receive to be credited to their billing account and/or to waive such charges for some callers and/or in some time periods. Additional information can also be supplied to a caller before the call is completed to the callee, such as an identification of a difference in time zones between the caller and the callee.