Abstract: A method is provided to transmit a message over a wireless mesh network. According to the method, a node connects to a second node by a first communications band and a second communications band, such that the node is configured to communicate with the second node over both the first communications band and the second communications band. The node identifies a message for transmission to the second node. The node determines that the second node is capable of receiving the message by way of the first communications band and is capable of receiving the message by way of the second communications band. The node dynamically determines a selected communications band, from the first communications band and the second communications band, to use to transmit the message to the second node over the wireless mesh network. The node transmits the message to the second node over the selected communications band.

Abstract: A method is provided to transmit a message over a wireless mesh network. According to the method, a node connects to a second node by a first communications band and a second communications band, such that the node is configured to communicate with the second node over both the first communications band and the second communications band. The node identifies a message for transmission to the second node. The node determines that the second node is capable of receiving the message by way of the first communications band and is capable of receiving the message by way of the second communications band. The node dynamically determines a selected communications band, from the first communications band and the second communications band, to use to transmit the message to the second node over the wireless mesh network. The node transmits the message to the second node over the selected communications band.

Abstract: The determination and advertisement of a node's rank in an RF mesh network reflects sustained network changes. A node's advertised rank may be based on the node's induced rank and a previous rank candidate. Induced rank is the rank of the node at a particular point in time. Rank candidate is based on a running average of the node's past rank. The advertised rank may be based on a weighted sum of the induced rank and a previous rank candidate. Induced rank may consider a Link Quality Indicator (LQI), which may be based on a running average LQI.

Abstract: The determination and advertisement of a node's rank in an RF mesh network reflects sustained network changes. A node's advertised rank may be based on the node's induced rank and a previous rank candidate. Induced rank is the rank of the node at a particular point in time. Rank candidate is based on a running average of the node's past rank. The advertised rank may be based on a weighted sum of the induced rank and a previous rank candidate. Induced rank may consider a Link Quality Indicator (LQI), which may be based on a running average LQI.

Abstract: Access Control Lists control permitted actions on protected network computer system resources by providing an access control policy associated with the requested protected system resource containing a permission list of permitted identities and at least one action group tag with associated action indicators; reusing a finite quantity of action indicators among a plurality of action group tags to control a number of unique permissions less than or equal to the product of the quantity of allowable action indicators and a quantity of allowable action group tags; evaluating the permission list according to a specific permission definition associated with the action group tag, the permission definition providing a correlation between members of a set of action indicators; and granting authorization to perform actions on the requested protected system resource to the requesting user if the access control policy permission list includes an appropriate action indicator correlated to an action group tag.

Abstract: Access Control Lists (ACLs) are used to describe the permitted actions (permissions) on protected network computer system resources or objects associated with an client or user identity. An identity may be an individual user or group of users. The actions are used to represent the different access methods available on a particular projected object or resource. A new action grouping mechanism is provided which tags each action with an action group name. The grouping of actions facilitates a larger permission set to be defined in an ACL, whereas action permission indicators can be reused for unique action definitions within various action groups. This effectively extends the finite total number of permissions available within a security system, allows a more descriptive and extensible permission mechanism in an Access Control List, as well as aiding in the simplification of management and definition of security policies.

Abstract: A fiber grating that is written into birefringent optical fiber may be placed between two loading plates and bonded in place. The principal polarization axes of the fiber grating written into birefringent optical fiber are approximately 45 degrees relative to the plane of the loading plates and utilizing spacers of a thickness approximately equal to the diameter of the fiber grating written onto birefringent fiber between the plates to measure shear. The principal polarization axes of the fiber grating written onto birefringent optical fiber at approximately 90 degrees relative to the loading plates may be used to measure pressure. When the top and bottom loading plates are of unequal size adhesive and strain relief tubes may be used in conjunction with the loading plates to provide strain relief to the shear and pressure sensors.

Abstract: A fiber grating strain sensor package that is optimized for axial strain sensitivity and usage on a civil structure that may be a bridge or building is described in this invention. Transverse strain effects are minimized and axial strain sensitivity is enhanced through the design of a substrate with an optimized geometry. These sensors have been deployed and tested on a bridge demonstrating very high sensitivity and the ability of this design to be packaged in an environmentally rugged housing necessary for a commercially successful product.

Abstract: Access Control Lists (ACLs) are used to describe the permitted actions (permissions) on protected network computer system resources or objects associated with an client or user identity. An identity may be an individual user or group of users. The actions are used to represent the different access methods available on a particular projected object or resource. A new action grouping mechanism is provided which tags each action with an action group name. The grouping of actions facilitates a larger permission set to be defined in an ACL, whereas action permission indicators can be reused for unique action definitions within various action groups. This effectively extends the finite total number of permissions available within a security system, allows a more descriptive and extensible permission mechanism in an Access Control List, as well as aiding in the simplification of management and definition of security policies.