Abstract: Methods and devices related to wireless networking. A wireless device has multiple directional antennas and multiple backhaul radio modules which provide point to point wireless links with other wireless devices. Each radio module can use any one of the available directional antennas to link to one other routing device. Antennas are automatically selected for each wireless device by merely setting one device in a “hunt” mode and setting another device in a “listen” mode. Devices in a hunt mode cycle through the available antennas by sequentially transmitting transmit messages to devices in the listen mode using each of the available antennas in turn. Devices in the listen mode also cycle through their available antennas by sequentially “listening” for transmit messages. A listen mode device, receives transmit messages on each of its available antennas, and, after gathering the relevant data, determines which of its antennas is best suited for communicating with the hunt mode device.

Abstract: Polypeptides with desirable biophysical properties such as solubility, stability, high expression, monomericity, binding specificity or non-aggregation, including monomeric human VHs and VLs, are identified using a high throughput method for screening polypeptides, comprising the steps of obtaining a phage display library, allowing infection of a bacterial lawn by the library phage, and identifying phage which form larger than average plaques on the bacterial lawn. Sequences of monomeric human VHs and VLs are identified, which may be useful for immunotherapy or as diagnostic agents. Multimer complexes of human VHs and VLs are also identified. The VHs and VLs identified may be used to create further libraries for identifying additional polypeptides. Further, the VHs and VLs may be subjected to DNA shuffling to select for improved biophysical properties.

Abstract: A guard rail support and assembly is disclosed for use in providing a safe work area for workmen working at dangerous heights, particularly in the construction industry. The guard rail support assembly comprises a plurality of guard rail supports arranged in a spaced fashion and wooden guard rails extending between and attached on either end to each support. Each guard rail support comprises an attachment base having quick fastening means for quick attachment and release of the support to a ground surface of the site under construction, a plurality of rail supports having quick fastening means for quick attachment and release of the wooden guard rails and a fall-protection or tarp tie-off ring. Advantageously, a portable and lightweight guard rail assembly may be constructed with the guard rail supports in an expedient and efficient manner to provide safe, unobstructive protection against falls.

Abstract: Networks, devices and methods related to wireless networking. A wireless network using nodes that perform both distribution and backhaul functions is provided. These nodes constitute the key elements of a wireless network that would be deployed and controlled by a wireless network operator. Each node contains a distribution wireless module which is wirelessly coupled to the wireless end user device using a point to multipoint scheme. Also integrated into each node is at least one backhaul wireless module with a directional wireless antenna. Each backhaul wireless module communicates by way of a point to point wireless link with the backhaul module of one other node. The nodes in the wireless network are interconnected to form a mesh backhaul network. Because of the nature of a mesh network, data traffic can be routed around obstacles that may prevent line of site links. Furthermore, the mesh network allows dynamic routing of data traffic to avoid congestion points or downed links in the network.

Abstract: Methods and devices for scanning an incoming datastream for a plurality of target patterns. The scanning system receives an incoming data stream and stores the stream as sequential symbols in a register array. Previously received symbols are shifted in the array as incoming symbols are shifted in. A trigger stage computes a hash value based on the k most recently received symbols. The trigger stage then uses the hash value to determine whether a more detailed symbol by symbol comparison is required between a group of sequential symbols stored in the array and a target pattern stored in external storage. This is done by comparing the hash value with the indices of the target patterns in the external storage. If the more detailed comparison is indicated, a full comparison stage retrieves the relevant target pattern and compares the target pattern with the sequentially stored symbols in the array.

Abstract: A chimeric transactivator comprises a transcription activation domain, a repressor protein DNA binding domain and the bacterial DNA gyrase B subunit. A target gene is operatively linked to operator DNA sequences recognized by the repressor binding domain. The addition of the antibiotic coumermycin results in a coumermycin-switched dimerization of the transactivator, which then binds to operator DNA sequences and activates transcription of the target gene. The addition of novobiocin switches off expression of the target gene by abolishing coumermycin-induced dimerization of the transactivator.

Abstract: Networks, devices and methods related to wireless networking. A wireless network using nodes that perform both distribution and backhaul functions is provided. These nodes constitute the key elements of a wireless network that would be deployed and controlled by a wireless network operator. Each node contains a distribution wireless module which is wirelessly coupled to the wireless end user device using a point to multipoint scheme. Also integrated into each node is at least one backhaul wireless module with a directional wireless antenna. Each backhaul wireless module communicates by way of a point to point wireless link with the backhaul module of one other node. The nodes in the wireless network are interconnected to form a mesh backhaul network. Because of the nature of a mesh network, data traffic can be routed around obstacles that may prevent line of site links. Furthermore, the mesh network allows dynamic routing of data traffic to avoid congestion points or downed links in the network.

Abstract: Methods and devices related to wireless networking. A wireless device has multiple directional antennas and multiple backhaul radio modules which provide point to point wireless links with other wireless devices. Each radio module can use any one of the available directional antennas to link to one other routing device. Antennas are automatically selected for each wireless device by merely setting one device in a “hunt” mode and setting another device in a “listen” mode. Devices in a hunt mode cycle through the available antennas by sequentially transmitting transmit messages to devices in the listen mode using each of the available antennas in turn. Devices in the listen mode also cycle through their available antennas by sequentially “listening” for transmit messages. A listen mode device, receives transmit messages on each of its available antennas, and, after gathering the relevant data, determines which of its antennas is best suited for communicating with the hunt mode device.

Abstract: An automatic ground surface dryer, system and method for automatically, conveniently, quickly and effectively drying a ground surface without the need for manual labor and capable of quickly drying a large ground surface is described. The automatic ground surface dryer has a frame, a drying apparatus mounted to the frame, a support for the frame to facilitate movement of the frame over the ground surface, a motor coupled to the frame to move the frame over the ground surface, and a controller coupled to the motor and the drying apparatus to drive the motor and to operate the drying apparatus in response to a rainfall data signal from a rainfall data gathering system which gathers rainfall data.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of wireless communications and more specifically to an high quality, low power wireless audio system. More specifically, the invention comprises an audio source for receiving audio signals (e.g. music) and audio status information (e.g. song title) from a first external device (e.g. an MP3 player) and transmitting the audio signals and the audio status information over a wireless connection; and at least one audio sink for receiving the audio signals and said audio status information from the audio source and communicating the audio signals and the audio status information to a second external device (e.g. headphones), wherein a specified one of the at least one audio sink receives audio control information (e.g. pause) from the second external device and transmits said audio control information to said audio source via said wireless connection.

Abstract: The application relates to wireless networks and more particularly to a method of reducing factory test time of receiver sensitivity in a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) wireless device. Under TIA/EIA/-98E, the radio frequency (RF) sensitivity of a CDMA wireless receiver is the minimum received power, measured at the mobile station antenna connector, at which the frame error rate (FER) does not exceed 0.5% with 95% confidence. In order to reduce the test time of FER test method, the relation between correlated energy (or Ec/Io) and FER is determined using simulated traffic and the correlated energy (or Ec/Io) measurement is then used as the test parameter on like models to achieve the same or superior test confidence with significantly reduced test time.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods relating to network firewalls and VPN gateways for controlling and securing access to networks. An integrated VPN/firewall system comprises at least one policy engine module, a switch module, a cryptographic engine module, and at least one flow engine module. Each flow engine module receives DTUs from either side of the integrated VPN/firewall system. The DTUs are then compared to entries in a listening table and entries in a flow table. The entries in these tables consist of characteristics of DTUs expected to arrive for specific flows. Entries to both listening tables and flow tables are made by the policy engine with listening table entries generally denoting flows potentially allowed by policy to be established between computers on opposite sides of the system. Flow tables, on the other hand, correspond to flows already allowed to be established between computers on opposite sides of the firewall system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a real-time wideband compressor for multi-dimensional data. The compressor comprises a plurality of compression engines for simultaneously compressing a plurality of data subsets of a set of input data vectors and providing compressed data thereof using one of SAMVQ or HSOCVQ data compression. Each compression engine comprises an along spectral vectors codevector trainer as well as an across spectral bands codevector trainer. The compression engines are programmable to perform either along spectral vectors codevector training or across spectral bands codevector training in combination with one of the SAMVQ or HSOCVQ techniques without changing hardware. The compressor further comprises a network switch for partitioning the set of input data vectors into the plurality of data subsets, for providing each of the plurality of data subsets to one of the plurality of compression engines, and for transmitting the compressed data.

Abstract: An optical based identification system that is easily deployable and can be used in broad daylight. Fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots) that fluoresce at specific wavelengths are distributed in a suitable polymer. The resulting mixture can then be applied as paint or on an adhesive label for application to a portion of any equipment or member of a friendly unit. The system also has a corresponding detectional processing unit which may be mounted on ordnance or on any other equipment such as aircraft. The detection unit uses a laser, which when active, causes a laser beam to strike the paint or adhesive able applied to the friendly unit. This causes the quantum dots to fluoresce. The fluorescence of the quantum dots can be detected by the sensor portion of the detection/processing unit.

Abstract: Methods and devices for processing captured video frames to detect specific changes observable in video using three consecutive video frames. The images in the first video frame are compared with the second frame and the images of the second frame are compared with the third frame to produce two intermediate images which show the first order change observable in video. These interim images are then analyzed. A geometric transformation is found such that when the transformation is applied to one of these intermediate images, the number of pixels which match between the interim is maximized. This geometric transformation, which may include a linear as well as a rotational component, is then applied to one of the intermediate images to result in a transformed image. The transformed image is then subtracted from the other intermediate image to arrive at an end image which shows the second order change or the change in a change observable in video.

Abstract: Methods and devices related to wireless networking. A wireless device has multiple directional antennas and multiple backhaul radio modules which provide point to point wireless links with other wireless devices. Each radio module can use any one of the available directional antennas to link to one other routing device. Antennas are automatically selected for each wireless device by merely setting one device in a “hunt” mode and setting another device in a “listen” mode. Devices in a hunt mode cycle through the available antennas by sequentially transmitting transmit messages to devices in the listen mode using each of the available antennas in turn. Devices in the listen mode also cycle through their available antennas by sequentially “listening” for transmit messages. A listen mode device, receives transmit messages on each of its available antennas, and, after gathering the relevant data, determines which of its antennas is best suited for communicating with the hunt mode device.

Abstract: Networks, devices and methods related to wireless networking. A wireless network using nodes that perform both distribution and backhaul functions is provided. These nodes constitute the key elements of a wireless network that would be deployed and controlled by a wireless network operator. Each node contains a distribution wireless module which is wirelessly coupled to the wireless end user device using a point to multipoint scheme. Also integrated into each node is at least one backhaul wireless module with a directional wireless antenna. Each backhaul wireless module communicates by way of a point to point wireless link with the backhaul module of one other node. The nodes in the wireless network are interconnected to form a mesh backhaul network. Because of the nature of a mesh network, data traffic can be routed around obstacles that may prevent line of site links. Furthermore, the mesh network allows dynamic routing of data traffic to avoid congestion points or downed links in the network.

Abstract: An energy efficient method and apparatus for manufacturing a biodegradable, compostable, liquid-impermeable lined paper bag for containing wet (i.e. food) wastes by which all adhesives used in the process are cold glues applied without using heat and are applied through an extrusion and/or metering application means. Cellulose film is advantageously used for the paper liner and a dot matrix configuration of adhesive is applied between the cellulose and paper layers to laminate them together. The matrix-defined size of spacings between the points of application of adhesive on the cellulose film is such that both loss of the permeability of the cellulose film to water vapour and oxygen and creation of stress points on the cellulose film are minimized.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for communicating between a host optical systems controller and an optical subcontroller. A database residing in the optical subcontroller contains multiple possible valid command identifiers which define the format of any data following the command identifiers. Each device is equipped with a copy of the database. Each command identifier can be paired with a different action for a different device based on the database mapping. These command identifiers are sent from the host to the subcontroller with each command denoting a specific action to be taken by the subcontroller. Upon receipt of the command message, the subcontroller will determine the interpretation of a command identifier contained in the command message and execute the action associated with that command identifier. The subcontroller will then send a response message back to the host controller indicating the success or failure of the action denoted by the command identifier.

Abstract: Circuits and systems for use in monitoring and adjusting an optical signal strength of an optical data transmission system. A closed feedback loop which automatically controls an optical device's output uses an analog operational amplifier based circuit instead of a conventional microprocessor that uses complex calculations. The parameters of the operational amplifier circuit are monitored and controlled by a microcontroller to provide flexible operational settings. The analog circuit containing discrete analog components is used as a power meter for measuring an optical power signal strength of an optical signal. The optical signal is tapped by an optical coupler and the signal is received by a photodetector. The output of the photodetector is received by the analog circuit which produces an intermediate signal based on the level of optical power in the optical signal. The intermediate signal is used to control an optical device.