Abstract: A method of providing interoperability among communications network nodes. Interoperability types, including a basic type of interoperability, are defined. For each interoperability type, a support capability is defined for implementation on a node without modification to the node application layer. On each node is provided at least the basic interoperability type support capability. Each node can use the basic interoperability type support capability to obtain, on an ad-hoc basis, a support capability for another type of interoperability with another node. This method facilitates system-of-systems interoperability while lowering complexity and risk.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring network communications between a consumer making a request for information on a network, and a provider that is providing the requested information. The system detects when the provider has not responded to an information request and provides stored information from a database that either matches, or nearly matches, the information being requested by the consumer. A network agent is used to continuously monitor and to supply the monitoring system with captured information requests and captured information sent by the provider in response to information requests from the consumer. The monitoring system uses metadata or other suitable parameters to categorize the information request and to associate it with the specific information that was captured, before storing both the information and the metadata and/or parameters in the database. Thus, the database is continuously populated as routine, successful communications occur over the database.

Abstract: A new approach to creating network-centric systems such as those used in warfare and for other purposes is provided. One technique for providing a collaborative capability that achieves a high level of asset utilization includes the steps of specifying a role for each node in a system, assigning a pre-defined functionality level to each node as a function of the node's role in the system, and allowing each node to share information with other nodes in the system according to each node's capabilities using the assigned functionality level. Data sharing and collaboration between nodes having different assigned functionality levels may be facilitated by adjusting the functionality level for at least one of the nodes such that both are able to communicate at the same level. The adjustment in functionality may take place directly between the nodes, or may be processed by a gateway or other intervening system.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring network communications between a consumer making a request for information on a network, and a provider that is providing the requested information. The system detects when the provider has not responded to an information request and provides stored information from a database that either matches, or nearly matches, the information being requested by the consumer. A network agent is used to continuously monitor and to supply the monitoring system with captured information requests and captured information sent by the provider in response to information requests from the consumer. The monitoring system uses metadata or other suitable parameters to categorize the information request and to associate it with the specific information that was captured, before storing both the information and the metadata and/or parameters in the database. Thus, the database is continuously populated as routine, successful communications occur over the database.

Abstract: A method of providing interoperability among communications network nodes. Interoperability types, including a basic type of interoperability, are defined. For each interoperability type, a support capability is defined for implementation on a node without modification to the node application layer. On each node is provided at least the basic interoperability type support capability. Each node can use the basic interoperability type support capability to obtain, on an ad-hoc basis, a support capability for another type of interoperability with another node. This method facilitates system-of-systems interoperability while lowering complexity and risk.

Abstract: A new approach to creating network-centric systems such as those used in warfare and for other purposes is provided. One technique for providing a collaborative capability that achieves a high level of asset utilization includes the steps of specifying a role for each node in a system, assigning a pre-defined functionality level to each node as a function of the node's role in the system, and allowing each node to share information with other nodes in the system according to each node's capabilities using the assigned functionality level. Data sharing and collaboration between nodes having different assigned functionality levels may be facilitated by adjusting the functionality level for at least one of the nodes such that both are able to communicate at the same level. The adjustment in functionality may take place directly between the nodes, or may be processed by a gateway or other intervening system.

Abstract: A retainer (10) mechanically and thermally couples an electronic cardboard (12) to a heatsink (14) between first and second continuous surfaces (30, 38) of walls (26, 28) on a base (22). Clamping is effected by moving a pair of wedges (54) and (56) and their slanted surfaces (58, 60) against corresponding slated surfaces (42, 44) of a clamping block (36). The clamping block has an oblique surface (40) which cooperates with a surface (32) on wall (28) to move the block and its surface (38) toward surface (30), thus clamping the card at both surfaces in tight mechanical and thermal contact.