Abstract: A fluid dispersal node is disclosed that includes one or more fluid outlets, an electromechanical valve, one or more hardware processors, hardware memory, a hardware wireless communication module, an antenna, and a fluid-tight, substantially radio frequency (RF) transparent enclosure. The valve is disposed in the node, and controls fluid flow to the outlets. The processors, in turn, control the valve. The wireless module receives instructions for operating the valve and forwards those instructions to one or more of the processors and the memory. The processors, memory, wireless module and antenna are disposed within the RF-transparent housing. In some embodiments, the antenna is disposed on a riser associated with the node outside the enclosure. In other embodiments, the antenna is disposed in a fluid line connected to the node.

Abstract: A fluid dispersal node is disclosed that includes one or more fluid outlets, an electromechanical valve, one or more hardware processors, hardware memory, a hardware wireless communication module, an antenna, and a fluid-tight, substantially radio frequency (RF) transparent enclosure. The valve is disposed in the node, and controls fluid flow to the outlets. The processors, in turn, control the valve. The wireless module receives instructions for operating the valve and forwards those instructions to one or more of the processors and the memory. The processors, memory, wireless module and antenna are disposed within the RF-transparent housing. In some embodiments, the antenna is disposed on a riser associated with the node outside the enclosure. In other embodiments, the antenna is disposed in a fluid line connected to the node.

Abstract: A third-party server is disclosed herein for managing settlement services between two or more businesses, the server being third-party with respect to each of the businesses. The server may include one or more hardware processors and hardware memory. The hardware memory may store various instructions executable by the processors, including: instructions for accessing and updating first and second digital accounting platforms utilized by a first and a second business, respectively; receiving first transaction data from a first business designated for settlement with a second business, and for receiving second transaction data from the second business for settlement with the first business; aggregating the first and second transaction data to determine a payable and receivable between the first and the second business; and directly accessing and updating the respective first and second digital accounting platforms to record the payable and receivable.

Abstract: A method in accordance with the invention includes establishing a cooperative network of businesses, establishing a first entity configured to own and invest in intellectual property assets utilized by the cooperative network of businesses, and establishing a second entity configured to own and invest in physical assets shared and utilized by the cooperative network of business.

Abstract: A method for facilitating transactions between a network of businesses includes determining, for a given time period, a first invoice directed from a first business to a second business, and a second invoice directed from the second business to the first business. The method further includes aggregating the first and second invoices to determine a net payment needed to pay both the first invoice and the second invoice. The net payment is transferred between the first business and the second business. The method further includes updating an accounting platform for each of the first business and the second business to indicate that the first invoice and the second invoice have been paid.

Abstract: A method for automatically allocating the time of an individual to a project is disclosed. Such a method includes associating a project with a location, such as the location of an asset, and tracking proximity of an individual to the location. A “project” may include work associated with a particular client, work order, assignment, or the like. A “location” may include a stationary or changing location. The method further determines an amount of time that the individual is deemed to be proximate the location. The method automatically allocates time of the individual to the project during the time the individual is proximate the location. In certain embodiments, the method further enables the individual to manually adjust the time that is allocated to the project during the time the individual is proximate the location. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for automatically allocating the time of an asset is disclosed. Such a method includes tracking proximity of a first asset relative to a second asset. The first asset may include, for example, a work order or one or more individuals. The second asset may include, for example, a piece of equipment, a room, or a work area. The method determines a duration of time the first asset is deemed to be proximate the second asset. In accordance with the duration of time, the method automatically allocates time of the second assert to at least one of the first asset, an entity associated with the first asset, and a project associated with the first asset. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for automatically determining allocations of time or use is disclosed. Such a method includes gathering, using at least one sensor, environmental information describing an environment around an entity. The entity includes at least one of a person and a physical asset. The method further determines what supplemental information is needed to supplement the environmental information in order to determine an allocation for the entity, wherein the allocation includes at least one of an allocation of time and an allocation of use. The method is configured to automatically request the supplemental information from an individual. The method is further configured to receive the supplemental information from the individual and use the environmental information and supplemental information to determine the allocation for the entity. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for automatically allocating use of an asset is disclosed. Such a method includes tracking proximity of a first asset relative to a second asset and determining when the first asset is proximate the second asset. The method further senses use of the second asset while the first asset is proximate the second asset. Sensing use may include sensing vibration of the second asset, temperature of the second asset, electrical current drawn by the second asset, or the like. The method automatically allocates use of the second assert to at least one of the first asset, an entity associated with the first asset, and a project associated with the first asset. A corresponding system and computer program product are also disclosed herein.