Abstract: A service support system has one or more computerized servers each coupled to one or more digital memories and to a network, software executing on individual ones of the one or more computerized servers from a non-transitory medium, one or more rule sets stored in one or more of the one or more digital memories, a plurality of interaction ports enabling two-way communication between the one or more computerized servers and individual ones of a plurality of different sorts of computerized communication devices using one or more of voice, text, email, and interactive display interfaces provided by the one or more servers, and instantiation and configuration functions accessible by users of the computerized communication devices, the functions to instantiate and configure active agents.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a computerized appliance connected to a network, a physical processor in the computerized appliance, a data repository coupled to the computerized appliance, and coded instructions executing on the processor from a non-transitory medium, the coded instructions providing a stand-alone executable active agent comprising: one or more specifically-defined actions executable by the active agent, one or more specifically-defined commands by which individual ones of the one or more specifically-defined actions may be initiated, rule sets associated with individual ones of the specifically-defined actions, the rule sets imposing conditions upon initiation and/or performance of the actions, and one or more interactive configuration interfaces through which actions, commands, and rule sets may be defined, related, and edited.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a computerized appliance connected to a network, a physical processor in the computerized appliance, a data repository coupled to the computerized appliance, and coded instructions executing on the processor from a non-transitory medium, the coded instructions providing a stand-alone executable active agent comprising: one or more specifically-defined actions executable by the active agent, one or more specifically-defined commands by which individual ones of the one or more specifically-defined actions may be initiated, rule sets associated with individual ones of the specifically-defined actions, the rule sets imposing conditions upon initiation and/or performance of the actions, and one or more interactive configuration interfaces through which actions, commands, and rule sets may be defined, related, and edited.

Abstract: An active information model constructed from an aggregation of personal information portals containing an active agent. In a preferred embodiment, the system of this invention can be offered as a network service providing for information access and exchange according to the individual users' preferences.

Abstract: A control system, method and computer program are provided for communicating control information in a control system. The control system includes a master controller and a plurality of devices. Each of the plurality of devices have a number of channels. Each channel has an identifying number and a plurality of channel states. The method includes at least initially directing one or more messages sent to and from each device to the master controller, sending a first type of control message from the master controller to respective devices, and sending a second type of control message and a third type of control message from the master controller to respective devices. A control message of the first type directs the respective device to place one of its channels in a specified channel state. A control message of the second type directs the respective device to set the level of a specified parameter to a certain value, and a control message of the third type comprises a character string of variable length.

Abstract: An active information model constructed from an aggregation of personal information portals containing an active agent. In a preferred embodiment, the system of this invention can be offered as a network service providing for information access and exchange according to the individual users' preferences.

Abstract: A method and computer program for controlling a device in a control area network having a plurality of communication paths. The method and computer program include providing one or more first application programming interfaces, each first application programming interface including one or more first sets of functions, associating a detection algorithm with at least one of the plurality of communication paths, detecting, by the detection algorithm, the device via one of the associated communication paths, and associating one of the first sets of functions with the detected device.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program for controlling devices in a control area network that includes providing a first application programming interface containing a first set of functions in a control area network and coupling one or more functions of the first set of functions with a physical device. The control area network includes a master controller, one or more physical devices, and one or more physical communication interfaces. Coupling one or more functions of the first set of functions with a physical device.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for forming annotations for use with a computer that has a desktop for displaying images. Annotations are formed by one or more user interface devices, each located at a different remote location. The computer is provided with an Annotation application that generates a transparent window, or canvas, disposed to overlay all other images displayed on the desktop by other simultaneously running applications. Annotations are transmitted to the computer from respective user interface devices, and are displayed on the transparent canvas, so that the annotations likewise overlay other images displayed on the desktop. User interface devices may include a number of devices, such as other computers or touch sensitive panels.

Abstract: A method for setting piles at an offshore location is disclosed in the preferred and illustrated embodiment. A preferred apparatus is also disclosed. A pile formed of individual segments is placed inside a jacket at a location offshore. The first pile segment is supported by releasable hangers inside the jacket, and the two are floated together as a unit to the location. The jacket is aligned with the desired point on the bottom at a desired angle to enable pile driving to commence through the jacket. As the pile is driven into the bottom, additional sections of the pile are added to thereby increase its length. This enables the pile to be completed to any length and angle required for its construction.

Abstract: In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, a scaffold is shown for attachment on the bottom side of an offshore drilling rig or platform. The scaffold is quickly installed and removed. It is fabricated with a set of upright hanger straps which, in turn, clamp to eye beams spanning the bottom side of the offshore structure. The hanger straps incorporate opposing hooks at the upper end. The central portion is comprised of an elongate strap or hanger, the length accommodating workmen. Each strap terminates at its lower end with a support to receive framing members such as horizontally deployed structural beams. The beams support deck planking arranged horizontally thereon and spaced from the bottom side of the offshore structure.