Abstract: A method, system and apparatus that advantageously provide a security protocol for data security. The apparatus includes a random number generator for generating random numbers and a share calculator in communication with the random number generator, the share calculator processes the data to generate one or more encoded data shares where the processing is based at least in part on the random numbers. The apparatus may further include a router that routes the encoded data shares, a switching fabric and associated logic. The data security system includes one or more storage devices that store client data and a splitter that controls access to the client data stored on the one or more storage devices where the splitter apparatus encodes at least a portion of the client data that is stored on the one or more storage devices.

Abstract: A method automatically discovers a topology of a communication network ring. The ring includes a plurality of nodes. Each node includes a first port and a second port. A ring topology request or a response to the ring topology request is received from at least one node on the ring. The ring topology request or the response to the ring topology request includes an identification of the at least one node and an indication of a hop count needed to reach the at least one node. The ring topology request or the response to the ring topology request is forwarded to at least one neighboring node on the ring through the first port. The topology is determined based on the identification of the at least one node, the hop count, and an identification of the first port.

Abstract: A method, system and mobile sensor node for monitoring a supply chain. A communication network is established which includes a plurality of mobile sensor nodes. Status information for each mobile sensor node is periodically transmitted. Each mobile sensor node receives status information for at least one other mobile sensor node in the communication network. A log file which includes the received status information is compiled and stored in the mobile sensor node that received the corresponding status information.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dynamic stabilization device positionable about a portion of a spinal column. The stabilization device may generally include a first component and a second component, where the first and second components are movably coupled to one another to define an arcuate path of motion. The stabilization device may also include one or more adjustment elements positionable within first and second adjustment openings to affect the path of motion between the first and second components and/or the behavior and characteristics of the movement. In addition, one or more resistive elements may be adjustably positionable within either and/or both of the first and second adjustment openings to provide resistance and/or dampening of the forces experienced as the first and second components move relative to one another. The stabilization device may further define a joint having three degrees of freedom to adapt to movement of a spinal column.

Abstract: A woven filtration fabric for cellulosic sheet formation. The warp yarns comprise intrinsic binder yarn pairs, and a set of dedicated machine side layer warp yarns. The members of each intrinsic binder yarn pair alternate with each other to define a single combined path in each layer. Whenever a member interweaves with a machine side layer weft yarn, at least one machine side layer warp yarn interweaves with the same weft yarn in the same knuckle. In some embodiments, the members form double knuckles in the machine side layer, firstly together with a first machine side layer warp yarn and then together with a second machine side layer warp yarn. The warp yarn path ratio of machine side layer warp yarns to single combined paths of the intrinsic binder yarn pairs is at least 1.5:1. The fabrics provide increased center plane resistance, resulting in improved drainage and sheet uniformity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus has been shown and described which allows Quality of Service to be controlled at a temporal granularity. Time-value curves, generated for each task, ensure that mission resources are utilized in a manner which optimizes mission performance. It should be noted, however, that although the present invention has shown and described the use of time-value curves as applied to mission workflow tasks, the present invention is not limited to this application; rather, it can be readily appreciated by one of skill in the art that time-value curves may be used to optimize the delivery of any resource to any consumer by taking into account the dynamic environment of the consumer and resource.

Abstract: A combination EAS/RFID antenna for use in an EAS/RFID surveillance system. The antenna includes an EAS antenna element and an RFID antenna element. The EAS antenna element includes an EAS loop antenna defining an interior portion. The RFID antenna element includes an RFID patch antenna having a hatched conductor pattern. The RFID antenna element is situated proximate the EAS loop antenna in such a fashion that the overall size of the antenna is reduced.

Abstract: A method selects a path for forwarding a data packet in a wireless communication system. A system capacity versus delay impact curve is calculated for a direct path to mobile station. The direct path has a capacity cost based on communication quality of a direct link between a base station and the mobile station. This curve is shifted by a predetermined time corresponding to an additional delay over a relay path to produce a projected capacity curve for the relay path having a second capacity cost determined according to a combined measure of signal quality of multiple links in the relay path. The second capacity cost is multiplied by a capacity cost ratio to produce a relay capacity curve. The direct path or the relay path is selected based on a comparison of the system capacity versus delay impact curve and the relay capacity curve according to a QoS requirement.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and program storage device for providing automated tracking of security vulnerabilities is disclosed. Security problems are reported, aged and tracked. A time to fix the vulnerability identified by the vulnerability assessment of the system is based on the determined vulnerability score. The vulnerability factor is based upon consideration of a plurality of identified parameters.

Abstract: Call Control entities in a network communicate between themselves by amending call processing messages to include encrypted network information. As such, a call may be established whose path through the network is dependent on the paths of other calls. Information of a scope larger than a Call Controller normally possesses can, as a result of this communication, be made available to Call Controllers for constraining call establishment. This information could relate to other calls and connections associated with those other calls. The information may also relate to gateways in and to adjacent networks and the Call Controllers in the adjacent networks that are related to the current Call Controller.

Abstract: Described is a method of reducing transmitter error in an optical communications channel. An optical signal transmitted from an optical transmitter that has impairment due to transmitter error is processed to generate a digitally-equalized signal. A nonlinear characteristic of the digitally-equalized signal that relates to the transmitter error is determined. An optical control signal comprising data that are based on the nonlinear characteristic is transmitted to the optical transmitter. The optical transmitter modifies a transmitter parameter in response to the optical control signal to change the nonlinear characteristic and thereby reduce the impairment.

Abstract: A system and process for gas homogenization is disclosed. This has application in the areas of generation of gas and its conversion to electricity in downstream applications. The homogenization system minimizes variance in the gas characteristics (composition, flow, pressure, temperature), thereby rendering a steady stream of gas of consistent quality to the downstream machinery. This homogenization system can be adjusted to optimize the output gas stream for specific end-applications, or to optimize the output gas stream for different input feedstocks. This ensures that overall conversion efficiencies are maximized while keeping the process cost-effective. Such a uniform, steady output gas stream has a wide range of applications in the broad areas of generation of electricity (e.g. using internal combustion engines and combustion turbine engines), chemical synthesis (e.g.

Abstract: A method of identifying a connectivity characteristic structure in a network provided between a plurality of nodes in a network comprises the steps of acquiring node information detailing for each port of each node a connection characteristic of that port; collating for at least a plurality of nodes forming a plurality of trails in the network each node's respective acquired node information to form a set of connection characteristics; and analyzing the set of connection characteristics to determine a set of at least one rule describing a connectivity characteristic structure of the plurality of nodes.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to control hydronic systems having a plurality of sources, including at least one of an on-demand source, a semi-on-demand source, and an intermittent source that are fluidly or thermally coupled to a plurality of load zones. The hydronic system device obtains performance measurements for system components to provide system metrics, including failure diagnostics, energy capture, and usage optimization. The hydronic system device may also calculate British Thermal Units produced and used by the plurality of sources and loads to calculate incentives, including renewable energy credits.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the absence and presence of items in an RFID interrogation zone. At least one RFID reader transmits interrogation signals in an interrogation zone. Each RFID reader transmits interrogation signals having a forward amount of RF energy and receives response signals from the items in the interrogation zone having a reflected amount of RF energy. A detection circuit determines the presence and absence of items within the interrogation zone based at least in part on the reflected amount of RF energy.

Abstract: In a mesh network, a network element for providing protection switching in a 1:N shared mesh protection scheme having a first protection path associated with a pair of working paths selected from the N working paths is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described which enables location information associated with a client to easily be obtained by a service provider in a packet-based network. The location information may be the location of the client itself, or may be location information associated with devices in a communication facility established by the client. Location information associated with the client may be provided to services such as emergency services to facilitate fast dispatch of resources to assist the client. Location information associated with facilities of the client may be used to facilitate lawful interception of client communications. In one embodiment, the location information is obtained using information included in one of a Provider Backbone Bridge (PBB) or Provider Backbone Transport (PBT) packet.

Abstract: A method and electronic article surveillance (“EAS”) system reduce interference. The EAS system includes a detection zone. At least one reference pattern of transmission windows for an interfering EAS system is provided. The reference pattern indicates a sequence of time slots for which the interfering EAS system is transmitting. A sample pattern of signals is received. Each signal has a corresponding amplitude. The received sample pattern is compared to the at least one reference pattern. Responsive to determining that the received sample pattern matches the at least one reference pattern, the at least one reference pattern is used to trim samples received during receive windows corresponding to the time slots for which the interfering EAS system is transmitting.

Abstract: A system and method for switching packet traffic over an optical transport network comprises a network element having first and second mappers for mapping packet traffic to electrical streams. A network interface includes a packet switch that directs a first packet stream to the first mapper based on a destination of the packets in the first packet stream and a second packet stream to the second mapper based on a destination of the packets in the second packet stream. The first mapper produces a first stream of electrical signals from the first packet stream, and the second mapper produces a second stream of electrical signals from the second packet stream. Each electrical signal stream is allocated a portion of bandwidth of an optical interface. The optical interface produces an optical signal that includes the first and second electrical signal streams according to the bandwidth allocated to each electrical signal stream.