Abstract: The present invention is a computer-implemented system and method that allows data in different databases to be shared without requiring the data to be remodeled to fit an existing data convention. The invention allows the comparison of two database structures, and facilitates the searching of information from one database to other databases, or from an external set of search criterion against a plurality of databases. The invention allows information to be exchanged from heterogeneous data sources, or database query sources without having to alter the structure of the data sources that are being searched. A number of techniques may be used to do this comparison and facilitate the cross database searching. Tree comparison methods, user defined mapping methods, the use of similarity comparisons to determine similar database structures and data are used to facilitate the cross database searching.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for defining a schema and sending a query to a Similarity Search Engine to determine a quantitative assessment of the similarity of attributes between an anchor record and one or more target records. The Similarity Search Engine makes a similarity assessment in a single pass through the target records having multiple relationship characteristics. The Similarity Search Engine is a server configuration that comprises a Gateway for command and response routing, a Virtual Document Manager for document generation, a Search Manager for document scoring, and an Relational Database Management System for providing data persistence, data retrieval and access to User Defined Functions. The Similarity Search Engine uses a unique command syntax based on the Extensible Markup Language to implement functions necessary for similarity searching and scoring.

Abstract: A method for enabling users to securely share application information and resources by granting resource owners access to user-application combinations. It provides a means for ensuring that only approved and unaltered applications may access available resources. A connection negotiation scheme allows both ends of a communication channel to agree on a specific version of a specific application to be used to access a target resource. Once agreement is reached, a virtual private network channel may be established between approved applications and designated resources that enable channel encryption using an encryption key and a verified signature using a calculated hash value of the negotiated application.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to similarity scoring engines. More particularly, the invention is a computer-implemented similarity scoring system and method that allows for using similarity scoring to store and maintain a unique product and retailer inventory database in a database. It enables users of a database management system to be presented with data that maintains a high level of accuracy and reliability and minimizes the occurrences of redundant data. Users of the databases may then be presented with unique instances of data rather than product and inventory data that appears to be different but are actually duplicates of data already entered into the database.

Abstract: The system and method provides an NDT inspector with a realistic simulation of inspecting a test piece while injecting virtual flaws for display on an NDT instrument, while also presenting actual flaws to the inspector. A conventional NDT test probe and instrument are connected to the system at the probe leads interface. The system provides means for monitoring probe position and probe liftoff, means for storing virtual flaw signals and associated locations on a test piece, and means for providing a virtual flaw signal to the NDT instrumentation to simulate the response of the actual probe. The invention provides for nondestructive test method qualification and probability of detection determination, for establishing and maintaining nondestructive testing proficiency of inspectors, for periodically presenting flaw signals to inspectors during routine inspections, and for ensuring sufficient scan coverage for detection of material defects in a test piece.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes a system and method for monitoring and control of processes and machines.

Abstract: A chaotic receiver estimation engine and method of use. The estimation engine synchronizes and recovers data and performs its decision and tracking processes by mapping probability calculation results onto chaotic dynamics via a strange attractor geometrical approximation. Restrictive standard chaotic synchronization requirements of either a stable/unstable subspace separation or a chaotic system inversion are not required. The receiver determines and models both the logical zero and logical one versions of the strange attractor and the transmitted chaotic sequence probability density function (PDF). Two estimates of the transmitted value are created from each received iterate by probability and the transmitted PDF calculations. A third estimate is generated from the chaotic processing of the previous receiver final decisions. The three estimates are combined using a probability-based weighted average to form the initial current decision.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer-implemented method for optimizing the detecting and scoring of similarities between documents in a source database and search criteria. It uses a set of hierarchical documents having root, interior and leaf nodes where the leaf nodes contain data items. Unique identifiers are assigned to each unique data item contained within each leaf node within the set of documents. Unique identifiers may be assigned to the data items depending upon a selected context in the hierarchy of nodes within the documents. For each data item in each leaf node, a data item score is computed that represents a similarity between the data item in the leaf node and the search criteria. A parent nodes score is then computed by combining the data item scores for all its child nodes. A data and indexing structures provides for efficient similarity searching and the quick reporting of results because the data is organized by the categories a user wants to search.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for detecting successful transfers between a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port and a USB smart card and generating a signal that provides an indication of the USB transaction activity. This USB transaction activity signal is modulated according to the USB transaction activity and drives a Light Emitting Diode (LED) in a preferred embodiment of the invention. A counter internal to the USB smart card scales the transaction activity signal such that it is perceptible to the user. Because the current through the LED depends upon the USB transaction activity, the brightness of the LED varies according to the USB transaction activity. The LED may be driven from a current mirror sink or source, or a current switch sink or source.

Abstract: The dual eccentric motorcycle footrest provides an infinitely and continuously adjustable motorcycle footrest within a defined area on the side of a motorcycle. It may be adjusted in both a vertical and horizontally direction to satisfy the needs of motorcycle operators with various statures, whether on a racetrack or on streets. Normally used in pairs, one for each side of a motorcycle, the invention relies on two eccentric adjustments to provide a reliable, lightweight, strong, durable and easily adjustable motorcycle enhancement.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a computer-implemented method for transforming data in a relational database to a hierarchical database. It comprises creating an import map that maps each relational database field to a hierarchical field in the hierarchical database using a relational database schema and a hierarchical database schema, using the import map to import data from the relational database; and transforming the relational data into hierarchical documents. The method further comprises creating a hierarchical database schema that corresponds to the relational database schema. The hierarchical documents may be stored in computer memory or on disk.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer-implemented method for detecting and scoring similarities between documents in a source database and a search criteria. It uses a hierarchy of parent and child categories to be searched, linking each child category with its parent category. Source database documents are converted into hierarchical database documents having parent and child objects with data values organized using the hierarchy of parent and child categories to be searched. For each child object, a child object score is calculated that is a quantitative measurement of the similarity between the hierarchical database documents and the search criteria. A parent object score is computed from its child object scores using an algorithm.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for producing aquatic specie for consumer consumption within a closed aquaculture system. It provides for growing algae in artificial saltwater under controlled conditions in an algae subsystem, flowing the algae to an artemia subsystem containing adult artemia for feeding the adult artemia which produce smaller artemia, and flowing the algae and artemia to an aquatic specie subsystem containing an immature adult specie. As the immature aquatic specie consumes the algae and artemia, they mature into adult aquatic specie for harvesting. The invention also includes a data acquisition and control subsystem for automated control of the aquaculture system. A unique filtration subsystem accepts waste from the aquatic specie subsystem, pumps the waste through a series of filters, and returns the filtered saltwater to the algae subsystem, the artemia subsystem and the aquatic specie subsystem.

Abstract: A combination lift mechanism and wheelchair which is used to lift a user confined to a wheelchair above the seat of the wheelchair for providing relief and healing from bedsores on the user's lower back and buttocks. A vest is mounted on first and second arm portions of the wheelchair as pivotal first and second assemblies. The user is secured to the vest having hinges and buckle fasteners disposed on the front and back of the lifting vest. Fluid conduits are also disposed within the vest for regulating peripheral body temperature of the user. An actuating mechanism is mounted within first and second support assemblies for selectively lifting or lowering a user a predetermined height for providing circulation, relief and healing from bedsores.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a surge protection device that makes use of metal oxide varistors (MOVs) to limit the magnitude of electrical surges in single phase or multi-phase power distribution networks. Since MOVs generally fail in a low impedance mode when the electrical ratings of the devices are exceeded, current limiting and thermal limiting devices are connected in series with the MOVs to limit the effect of these failures to the surge protection devices. The physical configuration of the surge protection device limits the effects of a current limiter being activated by providing a barrier between the current limiter and the associated MOV. Filler material is also used to limit the effects of debris or plasma gas from an activated current limiter. Multiple surge protection devices may be connected in parallel to provide increased current handling capability, and visual indication of a failed surge protection device may be provided.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a computer-implemented method of searching large metric space databases. It allows fast near neighbor searches in databases where the data elements in the database are high dimensional and each data element represents a point in a large metric space. Given a query item, which also represents a point in the large metric space, one or more data items in the database which are approximately nearest neighbors of the query item are found. A set of data items is first preprocessed by computing distances between pairs of items and storing links between pairs which are near one another. A search of the database proceeds by following links from item to item, usually by following links to items which are nearest the query Q. In one embodiment, the search terminates upon reaching an item R which is closer to Q than are all the items to which R links.

Abstract: A computer-implemented intrusion detection system and method that monitors a computer system in real-time for activity indicative of attempted or actual access by unauthorized persons or computers. The system detects unauthorized users attempting to enter into a computer system by comparing user behavior to a user profile, detects events that indicate an unauthorized entry into the computer system, notifies a control function about the unauthorized users and events that indicate unauthorized entry into the computer system and has a control function that automatically takes action in response to the event. The user profiles are dynamically constructed for each computer user when the computer user first attempts to log into the computer system and upon subsequent logins, the user's profile is dynamically updated. By comparing user behavior to the dynamically built user profile, false alarms are reduced. The system also includes a log auditing function, a port scan detector and a session monitor function.

Abstract: A decentralized asynchronous wireless communication system is disclosed for providing voice and data communication that allows flexibility of communication paths for local communication or for communication to external networks. The system makes use of handsets that may communicate in a local mode with other handsets within a same microcell via signal extenders. In an extended mode, a handset located in a first microcell of a first macrocell may communicate with a second handset in a second microcell of the first macrocell via signal extenders and a network extender. In a remote mode, a handset located in a first microcell of a first macrocell may communicate with a second handset in a second microcell of a second macrocell via signal extenders and network extenders. The system is particularly suitable for operation in rural areas having a low population density.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for assessing the solderability of electronic component leads and adjacent mounting surfaces. The apparatus and method enables assessment of solderability of fine pitch surface mount components that may be “leadless” or have such small leads that other methods are unable to make measurements required for assessing solderability. The invention also provides a reliable automated test technology for electronic component solderability. It is based on the use of measurements of the distinctive changes in the IR radiation signal of a wetted soldered connection during the solder reflow process, resulting from rapid changes in emissivity of the materials. This is accomplished through the use of an IR camera connected to a computer, and a substrate heater controlled by the computer to achieve a predetermined temperature profile at the component leads.