Abstract: A virtual conferencing system is described for implementing a speaker queue.

Abstract: A virtual conferencing system is described which evaluates and selects participants for active participation based on one or more criteria.

Abstract: A data collection system for surfing which includes a data collection device mounted on the upper torso of the surfer or on the surf board. The device includes a clock, GPS unit, three dimensional accelerometers, three dimensional gyroscopes, and a microprocessor and data store for processing the signals from the GPS unit, three dimensional accelerometers and three dimensional gyroscopes. The microprocessor is programmed to identify and collect signal data to derive information identifying one or more parameters including number of waves passed up, power of each wave, size and frequency of the waves, time when a wave is caught, number of paddles required to catch a wave, time between catching the wave and the surfer standing up, distance travelled and speed during ride, time when rider exits the wave, acceleration during each manoeuvre during the ride, g force and speed during turns.

Abstract: A virtual conferencing system is described for implementing a speaker queue.

Abstract: A system of collecting and displaying statistical performance data of American football or rugby football tactical plays includes a) Optional ball tracking sensors b) data loggers worn by each player that include accelerometers and location sensors that provide data on duration of play, acceleration, speed, direction of movement, possession of ball, force of impacts c) a processor that collects and analyzes the data for each tactical play to determine i) the initial fine of scrimmage for each play, ii) the end of each play, iii) for each player one or more of duration of play, acceleration, speed, direction of movement, possession of ball, force of impacts, and iv) normalizing all the statistics so that all tactical plays and all individual player performances can be compared from the same start point d) display means to graphically display the statistics and combine the graphics with video images of the play and players.

Abstract: A virtual conferencing system is described which implements an interactive timeline.

Abstract: A virtual conferencing system is described which provides discussion support services such as during a debate between virtual conference participants.

Abstract: A virtual conferencing system is described which evaluates and selects participants for active participation based on one or more criteria.

Abstract: A virtual conferencing system is described which tracks events during a virtual conference, provides a user interface for reviewing the events, and allows a moderator and/or other participant to provide feedback related to the events.

Abstract: A virtual conferencing system is described for implementing breakout groups.

Abstract: A virtual conferencing system is described for implementing a speaker queue.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for portraying physical visual attention cues or visual cues normally present in a conventional physical world in a virtual conference or class. The visual cues can be emulated by electronic signals in a video environment through physical interactions with the computer input by the user or participant of the virtual conference or image recognition algorithms provided by the video conferencing system.

Abstract: A device for simulating blood flow including an anatomical unit and a waveform generator for generating waveforms. The waveform generator includes a pump capable of pumping a fluid through at least one fluid line and thereby transmitting the waveform from the waveform generator through the fluid line. The waveform generator further includes a bifurcation point capable of splitting the fluid line into additional fluid lines, where the fluid lines include a main line and a parallel line. Additionally, the waveform generator includes valves capable of at least partially occluding fluid flow. The device further includes a reservoir capable of housing the fluid, where the waveforms enter and exit the anatomical unit and the waveform generator through the fluid lines simulating blood flow.

Abstract: A device for simulating blood flow including an anatomical unit and a waveform generator for generating waveforms. The waveform generator includes a pump capable of pumping a fluid through at least one fluid line and thereby transmitting the waveform from the waveform generator through the fluid line. The waveform generator further includes a bifurcation point capable of splitting the fluid line into additional fluid lines, where the fluid lines include a main line and a parallel line. Additionally, the waveform generator includes valves capable of at least partially occluding fluid flow. The device further includes a reservoir capable of housing the fluid, where the waveforms enter and exit the anatomical unit and the waveform generator through the fluid lines simulating blood flow.

Abstract: A riser tension augmentation system includes a riser joint collar and a plurality of inflatable sleeves attached to the riser joint collar. Each inflatable sleeve includes a fill valve, a relief valve, and a bleed valve. A method of augmenting riser tension includes attaching a riser joint collar to a riser joint and attaching a plurality of inflatable sleeves to the riser joint collar.

Abstract: A system of collecting and displaying statistical performance data of American football or rugby football tactical plays includes a) Optional ball tracking sensors b) data loggers worn by each player that include accelerometers and location sensors that provide data on duration of play, acceleration, speed, direction of movement, possession of ball, force of impacts c) a processor that collects and analyzes the data for each tactical play to determine i) the initial fine of scrimmage for each play, ii) the end of each play, iii) for each player one or more of duration of play, acceleration, speed, direction of movement, possession of ball, force of impacts, and iv) normalizing all the statistics so that all tactical plays and all individual player performances can be compared from the same start point d) display means to graphically display the statistics and combine the graphics with video images of the play and players.

Abstract: Methods and devices are adapted for regulating fluid flow to and from a region of a patient's lung, such as to achieve a desired fluid flow dynamic to a lung region during respiration and/or to induce collapse in one or more lung regions. Pursuant to an exemplary procedure, an identified region of the lung is targeted for treatment. The targeted lung region is then bronchially isolated to regulate airflow into and/or out of the targeted lung region through one or more bronchial passageways that feed air to the targeted lung region.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine centrifugal compressor axial forward thrust apparatus bleeds impeller tip aft bleed flow from between an annular centrifugal compressor impeller of a high pressure rotor and a diffuser directly downstream of the impeller. The apparatus then uses the aft bleed flow to pressurize an annular cavity extending radially between an inner combustor casing and the rotor and extending axially between forward and aft thrust balance seals. Forward and aft thrust balance lands are in sealing engagement with the forward and aft thrust balance seals on the high pressure rotor respectively. An annular stator plenum in fluid communication with the annular cavity is bounded in part by a forward end wall having conical diffusion holes therethrough which may be axially or circumferentially or axially and circumferentially angled. The forward thrust balance seal may be on an aft conical arm of the impeller.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine turbine cooling system includes an impeller and a diffuser directly downstream of the impeller, a bleed for bleeding clean cooling air from downstream of the diffuser, and one or more channels in fluid communication with the bleed. Each of the channels having a generally radially extending section followed by a generally axially aftwardly extending section terminating at an annular cooling air plenum connected to accelerators. The radially and axially aftwardly extending sections may be connected by a bend section of the cooling air channel and the axially aftwardly extending section may be angled radially inwardly going from the bend section to the cooling air plenum. Each of the cooling channels includes an inner wall formed by a forward end wall extending radially outwardly from an inner combustor casing, an annular cover covering a radially inner portion of the forward end wall, and the inner combustor casing.

Abstract: The instant invention is a method for achieving a-planar framing configurations which enable the construction of hyperbolic paraboloid surfaces, a multiplicity of which join to create roof structures and enclosures. In particular, the shaping and erecting of connected a-planar quadrilateral frames to create under-framing which can be completed by a simple in-framing, and covered with sheeting material resulting in a new method of constructing enclosures with hyperbolic paraboloid faces without the use of highly trained crews, or the need for elaborate pre-forms or specialized connecting or covering elements. The additional methods of assembly and erection of a hypershelter described herein make possible even greater strength-to-weight ratios and more efficient construction procedures than was possible at the time of the original application.