Abstract: A “forward” delta data management technique uses a “sparse” index associated with a delta file to achieve both delta management efficiency and to eliminate read latency while accessing history data. The invention may be implemented advantageously in a data management system that provides real-time data services to data sources associated with a set of application host servers. To facilitate a given data service, a host driver embedded in an application server connects an application and its data to a cluster. The host driver captures real-time data transactions, preferably in the form of an event journal that is provided to the data management system. In particular, the driver functions to translate traditional file/database/block I/O into a continuous, application-aware, output data stream.

Abstract: An excitation reference source (FC) is split through a 90 degree splitter. One output from the splitter is fed to the LO port of a mixer. Data is fed to the mixer's IF port and causes PRK modulation of the LO port's signal. The output of the mixer at the RF port is a PRK modulated quadrature signal. This is attenuated and added back onto the reference by a zero degree combiner ready for transmission to the transponder.

Abstract: A method for enhancing computer data backup is disclosed. The method includes storing identifications and corresponding functionalities for a plurality of storage devices in a database. A storage device that is in data communication with a computer that is to be backed up is selected. An identification of the storage device selected for use in the backup is determined. If functionalities for the selected storage device are contained in the database, then at least one of the functionalities for the selected storage device is used to enhance a data backup to the selected storage device if functionalities for the selected storage device are stored in the database. If functionalities for the selected storage device are not contained in the database, then the selected storage device can be queried in an attempt to match it to one of the storage devices contained in the database, so that functionalities for the storage device contained within the database can be used to enhance data backup.

Abstract: A data management system or “DMS” provides data services to data sources associated with a set of application host servers. The data management system typically comprises one or more regions, with each region having one or more clusters. A given cluster has one or more nodes that share storage. When providing continuous data protection and data distribution, the DMS nodes create distributed object storage to provide the necessary real-time data management services. The objects created by the DMS nodes are so-called active objects. The distributed object store can be built above raw storage devices, a traditional file system, a special purpose file system, a clustered file system, a database, and so on. According to the present invention, the DMS active object store provides an indexing service to the active objects. In an illustrative embodiment, any object property that has a given attribute is indexed and, as a result, the attribute becomes searchable.

Abstract: A method for functionalizing the wall of single-wall or multi-wall carbon nanotubes involves the use of acyl peroxides to generate carbon-centered free radicals. The method allows for the chemical attachment of a variety of functional groups to the wall or end cap of carbon nanotubes through covalent carbon bonds without destroying the wall or endcap structure of the nanotube. Carbon-centered radicals generated from acyl peroxides can have terminal functional groups that provide sites for further reaction with other compounds. Organic groups with terminal carboxylic acid functionality can be converted to an acyl chloride and further reacted with an amine to form an amide or with a diamine to form an amide with terminal amine. The reactive functional groups attached to the nanotubes provide improved solvent dispersibility and provide reaction sites for monomers for incorporation in polymer structures. The nanotubes can also be functionalized by generating free radicals from organic sulfoxides.

Abstract: Re-programmable antifuses and structures utilizing re-programmable antifuses are presented. Such structures include a configurable interconnect circuit having at least one re-programmable antifuse, wherein the at least one re-programmable antifuse is configured to be programmed to conduct by applying a first voltage across it and is configured to be re-programmed not to conduct by applying second voltage across it, wherein the second voltage is higher than the first voltage. Other embodiments of antifuses include an initializing step prior to programming.

Abstract: A direction and speed control device for an electronic wheelchair includes: a base member mounted on the electronic wheelchair; a manually operable pointing unit mounted on the base member and including a control stick pivotable relative to the base member; first and second three-axis g acceleration sensors, each generating a voltage output indicative of tilt of a respective one of the control stick and the base member in three orthogonal axes; and a control unit operable so as to process the voltage outputs of the first and second three-axis g acceleration sensors to generate corresponding control signals for controlling rotation direction and speed of a wheel unit of the electronic wheelchair.

Abstract: An example of a caisson system that surrounds a conductor that extends from a head member positioned above a water surface to below a mud line includes a caisson positioned about the conductor, the caisson having a lowest end; a lower centralizer connected within the caisson proximate the lowest end of the caisson; and a second centralizer connected within the caisson above the lower centralizer relative to the mud line; wherein each centralizer includes a plurality of bow members extending between a first and a second collar, the first collar immovably connected within the caisson and the second collar moveable relative to the first collar, and each bow member curving inward from the caisson defining a bore disposing the conductor.

Abstract: A digital-content-analysis system includes a network services component adapted to receive a remote service request, a stream monitor adapted to form digital content into at least one data stream, and a stream analyzer interoperably coupled to the network services component and the stream monitor and adapted to receive and analyze the at least one data stream. The stream analyzer includes a lexical analyzer adapted to separate the at least one data stream into a plurality of tokens, a classifier adapted to classify the at least one data stream into at least one category by processing at least a subset of the plurality of tokens and computing a classification rating for at least one category, and a set of parameters. At least a subset of the parameters contains information developed from previous operation of the stream analyzer.

Abstract: A patella stabilization system having a unitary patella stabilizer sleeve extending at both ends into a plurality of straps for securing the patella stabilizer sleeve around a knee region and an upper inner strap extending from a first upper end of the patella stabilizer sleeve and an upper outer strap extending from a second upper end of the patella stabilizer sleeve, the upper outer strap comprising a fastener at a distal end of the upper outer strap. The system further includes a lower inner strap extending from a first lower end of the patella stabilizer sleeve and a lower outer strap extending from a second lower end of the patella stabilizer sleeve, the lower outer strap comprising a fastener at a distal end of the lower outer strap, a plurality of slots around a patella opening, and a buttress comprising a plurality of straps adapted to be adjustably positioned on an inside surface of the patella stabilizer band around a location on a circumferential edge of the patella opening.

Abstract: The machine control 30 drives the winder 1 according to the invention in such a manner that for the winding of a reel 6, the pair of supporting arms 17 is continuously moved away from the contact roller 4 in accordance with the calculated desired radius of the reel 6 which is building up. The contact roller is exposed to the contact pressure through the cylinder arrangement 24 and remains in its desired position without any perturbations (out-of-round reel, incorrectly calculated desired radius) but in the event of perturbations, can avoid the perturbation due to its floating mounting.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclose devices and methods for fabricating microporous particulate filters with regularly space pores wherein sheet membrane substrates are exposed to energetic particle radiation through a mask and the damaged regions removed in a suitable developer. The required depth of field is achieved by using energetic particles to minimize diffraction and an energetic particle source with suitably small diameter.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for monitoring, collecting, storing, transmitting, calculating and uploading to a secure web server real-time balancing solutions for at least the N1 Low Pressure Compressor portion of a jet engine. The method comprises collecting a series of engine vibration data strings and transmitting a data string set to a ground stations for conditioning, formatting and forwarding to a source for calculating and providing fan balance solutions to a secure server wherein the data strings comprise at least phase angle of imbalance data, N1 RPM and the magnitude of the N1 vibration. The balance solution determined comprises the required weight (mass) and location of weight (mass) installation necessary to correct a fan imbalance in a turbine engine.

Abstract: The present invention provides polymer nanocomposites with dispersed nanotubes and methods of making same. The polymer may be a polyether. For example, the present invention provides an effective method to successfully disperse single walled nanotubes (SWNTs) into both Polyethylenoxide (PEO) and its low molecular weight analog polyethylene glycol (PEG) with hydrodynamic percolation at about 0.09 wt % and an electrical percolation at about 0.03 wt % SWNTs at room temperature, and the resulting nanocomposites. The method may include providing a surfactant. Most notably the present inventors achieved a decrease in the melting point of the polymer and a retardation of polymer crystallization due to the presence of the nanotubes.

Abstract: A method of retrieving at least a first plug and a second plug of the same type from a wellbore, wherein when the plugs are set in the wellbore each plug has a valve in a closed position blocking flow of fluid through the plug and a sealing mechanism expanded into engagement with a wellbore casing providing a seal between the plug and the casing, includes the steps of connecting a conveyance to the first plug; releasing the first plug; moving the first plug into connection with the second plug; and retrieving the first and the second plug from the wellbore simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for recording, playing, handling, and storing a plurality of media disks in a plurality of configurations and a device for moving any disk into and out of a media disk storage mechanism and into or out of a selected media player/recorder on demand, and a controller for directing operation of the device for moving the disks and controlling selection of operation of the media disk storage mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which are highly biologically and pharmacologically active as therapeutic drug for the treatment of diseases related to sarcoidosis. The peptides which can be used according to the invention for the treatment of said disease comprise at least one specific highly conservative amino acid residue sequence which seem to play an important role in connection with pulmonary and arteriolar hypertension events. It could be shown that the known naturally occurring peptides “vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)” and “pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)”, having these specific sequences are potent drugs which can be successfully used for treatment of sarcoidosis. Furthermore, the present invention discloses a method for the treatment patients suffering from sarcoidosis.

Abstract: A compactable wheeled transport system with a first pivotal shelf for ease of transporting a first object in a first mode of operation. A compactable wheeled transport system with a second pivotal shelf for use as a work surface and support a second object thereon. Additionally, a pivotal foot is disclosed for stabilization of the system.