Abstract: In a method of controlling a network of interconnected publish/subscribe message brokers for routing publications from a plurality of publishers to interested subscribers, each message broker is arranged to receive publications from publishers both directly and via other brokers and to receive subscriptions and unsubscriptions from subscribers and other brokers for publications meeting predefined criteria identified in the subscriptions or unsubscriptions. Each broker creates and manages a list correlating subscribers with the predefined criteria. It then matches received publications with the subscription list and forwards publications which match listed subscriptions which are in an active state to interested subscribers and interested other brokers in the list. Also, in response to received subscriptions and unsubscriptions, each broker generates and forwards proxy subscriptions and proxy unsubscriptions to other brokers. Each broker establishes a retention period for subscriptions.

Abstract: A method for conducting a privacy ensured computerized poll includes, in a computerized anonymizing system (100), receiving a list (404) of invited participants (418) of said computerized poll, said list (404) comprising at least one address (202, 204) for each said participant (418). With said computerized anonymizing system (100), assigning each invited participant (418) in said poll at least one character string (410, 412) and transmitting to each invited participant (418) said at least one character string (410, 412) assigned to said participant (418) using said at least one address (202, 204). With said computerized anonymizing system (100), generating a list (408) comprising an entry for each said at least one character string (410, 412) assigned to one of said invited participants (418) and shuffling an order of said entries, and providing said shuffled list (408) to a poll initiator (402).

Abstract: The present invention provides a light diffusing thermoplastic resin composition comprising polycaprolactone, specific silicone rubber particles, and, when desired, a fluorescent brightening agent, an antioxidant and/or an ultraviolet light absorber. A light diffusion sheet can be obtained by molding the light diffusing thermoplastic resin composition, which has superior light diffusion properties, luminance, mechanical strength, thermal stability and light resistance.

Abstract: An improved fluidized catalyst withdrawal well containing packing or other structured internals is disclosed for improving the flow of particular solids between two apparatus, such as between a catalyst regenerator and riser reactor.

Abstract: A method and system for message delivery in messaging networks is provided. The system provides a group of replicated queues for messages that are operable to be identified by an application before a message is read. The group of replicated queues are defined in association with a group of message managing systems, where a message is sent to each of the group of replicated queues to be accessible using any one of the group of message managing systems. The method includes creating a message including a unique identifier, and sending the message to each of a group of replicated queues with the message identifiable by the unique identifier information prior to the message being consumed.

Abstract: In a method of controlling a network of interconnected publish/subscribe message brokers for routing publications from a plurality of publishers to interested subscribers, each message broker is arranged to receive publications from publishers both directly and via other brokers and to receive subscriptions and unsubscriptions from subscribers and other brokers for publications meeting predefined criteria identified in the subscriptions or unsubscriptions. Each broker creates and manages a list correlating subscribers with the predefined criteria. It then matches received publications with the subscription list and forwards publications which match listed subscriptions which are in an active state to interested subscribers and interested other brokers in the list. Also, in response to received subscriptions and unsubscriptions, each broker generates and forwards proxy subscriptions and proxy unsubscriptions to other brokers. Each broker establishes a retention period for subscriptions.

Abstract: A system for error correction coding and decoding information is disclosed. In one embodiment, the first and second encoders are each configured to encode the information, wherein the second encoder has a higher capability than the first encoder. First and second decoders are configured to recover the information, wherein the second decoder recovers the information encoded by the second encoder only if the first decoder cannot recover the information.

Abstract: In a system comprising a first fabric and a plurality of devices coupled to the fabric by Fibre Channel connections, the devices are logically grouped to form configurations and zones. A configuration includes at least one zone, and each zone includes at least one device as a member of the zone. Communications between the devices is restricted according to the configuration currently in effect. For example, one device may be permitted to communicate with another device only if they are members of a common zone.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing a resettable manual entry combination and key operated cam lock. Methodologies are provided for enabling changing of the manual entry resettable combination given knowledge of the previous combination and possession of an operable key. In alternative embodiments, provisions are made to prohibit forced opening of the lock by way of the use of foreign objects.

Abstract: A network layer bridge for connection between network segments with different data link layer addressing. The bridge has includes: plurality of ports, each for connection to different network segments, wherein a first port is for connection to a first network segment and a second port for connection to respective first and second network segment. The bridge also has a memory for storing network layer addresses, for nodes together with corresponding port identifiers and data link layer addresses, and the memory is adapted to store data link layer addresses of more than one type; the bridge also has a means for and a unit for discovering corresponding port identifier and data link layer address for a network layer address. For which these are not already known.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of cross-wind turbines that are capable of providing high efficiencies over a wide range of wind velocities. An airfoil stator causes wind to accelerate along its surface and creates a low pressure area on the leading face of the rotor blade during the power stroke. A blocking stator blocks wind from impeding the movement of the rotor blades during the return cycle and directs wind onto the trailing face of the rotor blades during the power cycle. A large pressure differential is created between the leading face of the rotor blade and the trailing face of the rotor blade during the power cycle which creates a large amount of force that rotates the rotor blade about the central shaft. In some embodiments, gaps are provided between the inside edge of the rotor blade and a stationary shaft which vents wind collected by the rotor blade during certain portions of the rotation cycle.

Abstract: Composites of a macrocyclic oligomer and expanded graphite particles are prepared. The expanded graphite particles are easily incorporated into the composite at useful levels to provide desirable properties such as good heat distortion temperatures, good heat resistance, and sufficient electroconductivity to make the composite suitable for painting in electrostatic coating processes. The expanded graphite is characterized in having a very low bulk density and high surface area.

Abstract: Crosslinked polydicyclopentadiene polymer and copolymer are made by first forming a thermoplastic polymeric intermediate in a ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), and then crosslinking the intermediate in a melt-processing or solution processing step. The formation of the intermediate permits facile removal of residual monomer, which leads to a reduction in odor and improvement in physical properties. Crosslinking can be achieved using various crosslinking strategies, including further ROMP reactions, addition polymerization of residual double bonds, addition of a crosslinking agent or introduction of functional groups.

Abstract: A system for tax planning with legislation conformance options comprises one more processors coupled to a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processors to implement a tax planner configured to receive data exported from a tax return preparation tool. After receiving the data, the tax planner receives input indicating whether a tax projection to be prepared using the data is to include an impact of specified tax legislation. If the input indicates that the tax projection is to include the impact of the specified legislation, the tax planner is configured to include the impact in the tax projection without requiring data to be re-exported from the tax return preparation tool. If the input indicates that the tax projection is to exclude the impact of the specified legislation, the tax planner is configured to prepare the tax projection without including the impact of the specified legislation.

Abstract: In a system comprising a first fabric and a plurality of devices coupled to the fabric by Fibre Channel connections, the devices are logically grouped to form configurations and zones. A configuration includes at least one zone, and each zone includes at least one device as a member of the zone. Communications between the devices is restricted according to the configuration currently in effect. For example, one device may be permitted to communicate with another device only if they are members of a common zone.

Abstract: In a system comprising a first fabric and a plurality of devices coupled to the fabric by Fibre Channel connections, the devices are logically grouped to form configurations and zones. A configuration includes at least one zone, and each zone includes at least one device as a member of the zone. Communications between the devices is restricted according to the configuration currently in effect. For example, one device may be permitted to communicate with another device only if they are members of a common zone.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting damage to a structure is provided. The system includes a voltage source and at least one capacitor formed as a layer within the structure and responsive to the voltage source. The system also includes at least one sensor responsive to the capacitor to sense a voltage of the capacitor. A controller responsive to the sensor determines if damage to the structure has occurred based on the variance of the voltage of the capacitor from a known reference value. A method for sensing damage to a structure involves providing a plurality of capacitors and a controller, and coupling the capacitors to at least one surface of the structure. A voltage of the capacitors is sensed using the controller, and the controller calculates a change in the voltage of the capacitors. The method can include signaling a display system if a change in the voltage occurs.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a system for determining lower body strength of a subject. In one embodiment, the system includes an electronic device having a plurality of sensors distributed in a predetermined array and a frame coupled to the electronic device and configured to support the device to allow the subject to activate one sensor of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of cross-wind turbines that are capable of providing high efficiencies over a wide range of wind velocities. An airfoil stator causes wind to accelerate along its surface and creates a low pressure area on the leading face of the rotor blade during the power stroke. A blocking stator blocks wind from impeding the movement of the rotor blades during the return cycle and directs wind onto the trailing face of the rotor blades during the power cycle. A large pressure differential is created between the leading face of the rotor blade and the trailing face of the rotor blade during the power cycle which creates a large amount of force that rotates the rotor blade about the central shaft. In some embodiments, gaps are provided between the inside edge of the rotor blade and a stationary shaft which vents wind collected by the rotor blade during certain portions of the rotation cycle.

Abstract: A method of providing data from a data repository to a client application, comprises receiving an initial query from a client application and obtaining a first set of results from the data repository to the initial query. If the total number of results of the first set is greater than a predetermined number for provision as a single page, a second set of results is stored in memory and a page of results is provided. An indication of the total number of results to the initial query is provided as well as an indication of the position of the results of the page within the set of results, and an indication of the range of the results for which subsequent queries will return results consistent with the initial query. This provides a results paging model to allow a client application to page through a large set of query results, with transparent indication of the consistency between the pages of results.