Abstract: Various of the disclosed embodiments contemplate a computer-implemented method of energy consumption and energy demand management in a building. In accordance with some embodiments, interval energy data of a specific building may be collected with a fixed time interval and paired with local historical weather data and other forms of operational data, as well as financial data including historical utility bills, utility rate structures and billing cycle dates. Paired energy interval data and the local historical weather data may be analyzed according to one or more analytic algorithms.

Abstract: Various of the disclosed embodiments contemplate a computer-implemented method of energy consumption and energy demand management in a building. In accordance with some embodiments, interval energy data of a specific building may be collected with a fixed time interval and paired with local historical weather data and other forms of operational data, as well as financial data including historical utility bills, utility rate structures and billing cycle dates. Paired energy interval data and the local historical weather data may be analyzed according to one or more analytic algorithms.

Abstract: A device to encourage hand washing which provides visual feedback to a user who can control a video game, blow bubbles, or view other visual feedback device while washing their hands. The device in one mode features at least one controller configured to operate when wet or continually doused with water while the user is washing their hands. The user may view a video or other means for visual interaction while washing their hands, and control a portion of the display with the controller. A video game or the like may thus be played by washing their hands thereby providing user encouragement to wash their hands. In a hand powered mode of the device, a compressible shell is employed to blow bubbles while squeezed and concurrently washing the user's hands. The controller or the shell may be employed with components providing a dermabrasive action against the palm of the user.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus that comprises a wireless device and a wireless headset is described. Additionally, a method for controlling the operations of a wireless communications apparatus is also described. The wireless device is configured to communicate with at least one remote base station using at least one communication standard. The wireless device is configured to perform at least one local application by locally processing computer instructions. The wireless headset is communicatively coupled to the wireless device and comprises a headset communications module, a headset selection means, and a headset display. The headset wireless communications module is configured to wirelessly communicate with the wireless device. The headset scrolling wheel is configured to control the local application on the wireless device from the headset. The headset display is configured to present a synchronized output that is synchronized with the local application that is executed on the wireless device.

Abstract: A device to encourage hand washing which provides visual feedback to a user who can control a video game, blow bubbles, or view other visual feedback device while washing their hands. The device in one mode features at least one controller configured to operate when wet or continually doused with water while the user is washing their hands. The user may view a video or other means for visual interaction while washing their hands, and control a portion of the display with the controller. A video game or the like may thus be played by washing their hands thereby providing user encouragement to wash their hands. In a hand powered mode of the device, a compressible shell is employed to blow bubbles while squeezed and concurrently washing the user's hands. The controller or the shell may be employed with components providing a dermabrasive action against the palm of the user.

Abstract: A stringed instrument wireless communication device includes a wireless communication device housing including a front; graphical elements on the front corresponding to data to be input into the wireless communication device; and a stringed instrument keypad including a plurality of frets extending along the front of the wireless communication device housing and a plurality of strings extending substantially perpendicular to and above the plurality of frets. The graphical elements are respectively disposed on the front between frets and adjacent to the strings, and the stringed instrument keypad is configured to input data corresponding to a pressed string and a graphical element adjacent to the pressed string.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a digital product electronically is disclosed. The system and method comprises providing an electronic license certificate (ELC) from an end-user to a server and then validating the ELC by the server. Finally, the method and system includes sending the digital product from the server to the user based upon validation of the electronic license certificate by the server. Accordingly, a digital product delivery system that is based on the concept of an active license (AL) which contains a plurality of active license objects (ALPOs) is disclosed. An ALPO is a software program that contains a digitally signed certificate document that may entitle the holder to receive, possess, and use a specific product.

Abstract: A bidirectional article pusher for a conveying system, which includes a multiplicity of spaced rollers for moving articles along a longitudinal path. There is a push up stop arranged below the conveyor and movable between adjacent rollers to a position above the rollers to stop forward movement of an article which is on the rollers. There are lateral stations, one on each side of a section of the conveying system, and lateral diverters move articles which are on the rollers and stopped by the push up stop, to a position off of the rollers and out of the longitudinal path and at a right angle to the longitudinal path. A stop activator is controlled based upon information, such as that on a bar code sort label on an article and which has been previously provided to the control device upstream of the push up stop. There are three jam detection/correction devices provided to assure proper operation. One is a proximity sensor to detect the presence of the pusher fingers while in their home position.

Abstract: A digital miniature, flip-open pocketable camera for video teleconferencing in which the camera lens is positionable on a computer display level with the user's eyes. The camera includes a first housing and a second housing pivotally mounted to the first housing. The first housing comprises a rear lens enclosure and a front lens enclosure which together enclose a lens and a first printed circuit board. The second housing comprises a top base enclosure and a bottom base enclosure which together enclose a second printed circuit board. A flat ribbon cable is further provided for electrically connecting the first and second printed circuit boards contained in the respective housings. The pivotal interconnection permits the first and second housings to open to an angle of 90 degrees with respect to one another.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a video teleconferencing camera including a base member having a flat metal base portion and a vertically depending metal arm, the base portion and arm being covered with an elastomeric material, the elastomeric material being shaped to form a socket on the arm which receives a ball member extending from in camera body to form a ball-and-socket connection.

Abstract: An improved external connector of a portable communication device that is perpendicular to the backplate of the communication device. The external connector is a common interface connector with fourteen data connections and one radio frequency connector. The external connector is placed directly on a circuit board within the communication device and avoids the use of bent leads. This configuration allows removable modules, such as battery extension packs, battery rechargers or system connector packs, to be placed off the backplate of the device. The external connector on the communication device is a female-type connector adapted to receive a male-type connector on the front side of the removable module. The removable module may have a female-type connector on the back side for receiving the male-type connector of another removable module. Multiple removable modules may be stacked on the back of the communication device one on top of another.

Abstract: Techniques are described for processing electronic check payments authorized by an issuer via a public network. Processing an electronic check is initiated when a user supplies, via a client connected to the Internet or other public network, authorization information that authorizes one or more check payments. According to an aspect of the present invention, the authorization information is forwarded to one or more servers that may validate the information and effect settlement of the check. The information is stored and retained in a manner that complies with laws and regulations regarding retention of electronic check authorizations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable folding communication device comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and a cylindrical hinge connecting the top and bottom portions. The cylindrical hinge houses an integrated battery compartment. In a preferred embodiment, the device uses a rechargeable AA lithium ion cell, which can be inserted from one end of the cylindrical hinge.