Abstract: A processing device in a memory sub-system initiates a partial block handling protocol for a closed block of a memory device, the block comprising a plurality of wordlines. The processing device further sends a first programming command to the memory device to program one or more wordlines of the block with first padding data having a first data pattern, wherein the one or more wordlines are adjacent to a last wordline of the block programmed before the block was closed. In addition, the processing device sends a second programming command to the memory device to program all of a set of remaining wordlines of the block with second padding data having a second data pattern comprising fewer bits of data per cell than the first data pattern.

Abstract: A shield adapted for use with a baseball cap or caps used in other sports is disclosed to protect a pitcher or fielder from a batted or thrown baseball or softball. A panel is shaped to conform with a front side of a ball cap and is secured with straps or other means on the outer side of the ball cap or, alternatively, on the inner side of the ball cap. The shield is formed of a sheet or panel of impact absorbing plastic that protects the user from trauma in the event of a collision with a traveling ball or other object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor server loads are disclosed. An example load monitor includes a first virtual machine to replicate a first server; a router interface to cause a router to redirect a portion of requests destined for the first server to the first virtual machine, the first virtual machine to serve the redirected requests; a collector to collect first metric data from the first virtual machine related to processing of the redirected requests; and an overload indicator to indicate an overload condition at the first server based on the first metric data collected from the first virtual machine.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to prevent consecutive attacks on a virtual private mobile network. An example method includes for each of a plurality of network elements, generating virtualized slices based on a virtualized slice count value for subgroups associated with the virtual private mobile network, and assigning non-consecutive ones of the virtualized slices to the subgroups associated with the virtual private mobile network based on demand for the virtualized slices by the respective ones of the subgroups. The example method also includes, in response to a request from a mobile device to access the virtual private mobile network for a first time, assigning the mobile device to one of the virtual slices of the plurality of network elements based on (i) the subgroup associated with the mobile device, and (ii) availability of the virtual slices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to prevent consecutive attacks on a virtual private mobile network. An example method includes for each of a plurality of network elements, generating virtualized slices based on a virtualized slice count value for subgroups associated with the virtual private mobile network, and assigning non-consecutive ones of the virtualized slices to the subgroups associated with the virtual private mobile network based on demand for the virtualized slices by the respective ones of the subgroups. The example method also includes, in response to a request from a mobile device to access the virtual private mobile network for a first time, assigning the mobile device to one of the virtual slices of the plurality of network elements based on (i) the subgroup associated with the mobile device, and (ii) availability of the virtual slices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to improve security of a virtual private mobile network. An example method includes identifying a request to initialize the virtual private mobile network, identifying a number of subgroups to associate with the virtual private mobile network, generating a virtualized slice count value based on the number of subgroups, and initializing network elements with a number of virtualized slices based on the virtualized slice count value.

Abstract: A shield adapted for use with a baseball cap or caps used in other sports is disclosed to protect a pitcher or fielder from a batted or thrown baseball or softball. A panel is shaped to conform with a front side of a ball cap and is secured with straps or other means on the outer side of the ball cap or, alternatively, on the inner side of the ball cap. The shield is formed of a sheet or panel of impact absorbing plastic that protects the user from trauma in the event of a collision with a traveling ball or other object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed to improve security of a virtual private mobile network. An example method includes identifying a request to initialize the virtual private mobile network, identifying a number of subgroups to associate with the virtual private mobile network, generating a virtualized slice count value based on the number of subgroups, and initializing network elements with a number of virtualized slices based on the virtualized slice count value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor server loads are disclosed. An example load monitor includes a first virtual machine to replicate a first server; a router interface to cause a router to redirect a portion of requests destined for the first server to the first virtual machine, the first virtual machine to serve the redirected requests; a collector to collect first metric data from the first virtual machine related to processing of the redirected requests; and an overload indicator to indicate an overload condition at the first server based on the first metric data collected from the first virtual machine.

Abstract: A shield adapted for use with a baseball cap or caps used in other sports is disclosed to protect a pitcher or fielder from a batted or thrown baseball or softball. A panel is shaped to conform with a front side of a ball cap and is secured with straps or other means on the outer side of the ball cap or, alternatively, on the inner side of the ball cap. The shield is formed of a sheet or panel of impact absorbing plastic that protects the user from trauma in the event of a collision with a traveling ball or other object.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing channel change startup delays for multicast digital video streams are described. Packets of a multicast digital video transport stream having a plurality of normal Group of Pictures are received. Further, a channel change request is received and a speed-up Group of Pictures is inserted in the stream in response to the channel change request. In one embodiment, video stream specific information is also inserted in the stream. The packets are processed and transmitted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining information associated with a particular multicast channel in a multicast network are disclosed. In accordance with the method, a request message requesting information associated with the particular multicast channel is generated and sent to the multicast network. Further, the request message is propagated downstream in a recursive manner via a multicast topology of the multicast network. A response to the request message is propagated upstream via the multicast topology to generate a response message including requested information associated with the particular multicast channel. The information may comprise number of users receiving the particular multicast channel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing channel change startup delays for multicast digital video streams are described. Packets of a multicast digital video transport stream having a plurality of normal Group of Pictures are received. Further, a channel change request is received and a speed-up Group of Pictures is inserted in the stream in response to the channel change request. In one embodiment, video stream specific information is also inserted in the stream. The packets are processed and transmitted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing tunnel signaling over an IP tunneling path are provided. The method includes transmitting an end-to-end signaling flow through an end-to-end path connected to the IP tunneling path, generating a tunnel signaling flow corresponding to the end-to-end signaling flow, and transmitting the generated tunnel signaling flow through the IP tunneling path, wherein the end-to-end signaling flow and the tunnel signaling flow respectively include a binding data object storing binding information for an end-to-end session associated with the end-to-end signaling flow or a tunnel session associated with the tunnel signaling flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining information associated with a particular multicast channel in a multicast network are disclosed. In accordance with the method, a request message requesting information associated with the particular multicast channel is generated and sent to the multicast network. Further, the request message is propagated downstream in a recursive manner via a multicast topology of the multicast network. A response to the request message is propagated upstream via the multicast topology to generate a response message including requested information associated with the particular multicast channel. The information may comprise number of users receiving the particular multicast channel.

Abstract: A shield adapted for use with a baseball cap or caps used in other sports is disclosed to protect a pitcher or fielder from a batted or thrown baseball or softball. A panel is shaped to conform with a front surface of a ball cap and is secured with straps or other means on the outer surface of the ball cap or, alternatively, on the inner surface of the ball cap. The shield is formed of a sheet or panel of impact absorbing plastic that protects the user from trauma in the event of a collision with a traveling ball or other object.

Abstract: An exercise device is disclosed for enabling various stretching exercises comprising an adjustable loop connected to a handle element by a swivel connector. The adjustable loop can be placed about a foot, ankle, or other body part, and the handle grasped in one hand. The swivel connector allows a user to stretch in multiple positions and postures without readjusting the exercise device. In a preferred embodiment, the handle comprises either a handle loop sized to accommodate a user's finger, fingers, or hand, or a series of loops to allow the user to gradually increase the tension in the stretch by grasping successive loops in the series. Alternatively, the handle can comprise a hand support member that allows the user to easily and firmly grasp the handle and apply a steady tension. In addition, the handle can comprise an adjustable loop to facilitate various lengths of stretching and levels of difficulty.