Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for matrixed audio settings. In an audio system that comprises at least one audio output element operable to output audio signals, a first user input that comprises a selection of audio mode may be received, and based on the selected audio mode, one or more audio settings applicable during generating, processing, and/or outputting of the audio signals may be determined. At least one user control element may be configured to enable receiving of a second user input that comprises a selection between the determined one or more corresponding audio settings. The audio system (or at least the audio output element thereof) may be a headset.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems include a recovery manager receiving selection of a storage profile to be protected. The storage profile is an abstraction of a set of one or more logical storage devices that are treated as a single entity based upon common storage capabilities. In response to the selection of the storage profile to be protected, a set of virtual datacenter entities associated with the storage profile is added to a disaster recovery plan to automate a failover of the set of virtual datacenter entities from a protection site to a recovery site. The set of one or more virtual datacenter entities includes one or more virtual machines, one or more logical storage devices, or a combination of virtual machines and logical storage devices. The set of virtual datacenter entities is expandable and interchangeable with other virtual datacenter entities.

Abstract: A coupling (20) capable of connecting together two piping sections (30, 30) having the same outer diameter, two piping sections (40, 40) having the same inner diameter, or two piping sections (30, 40) having different diameters. The coupling (20) can have a unitary tubular structure and it can be made of the same material and in the same manner as conventional PVC piping. Installation of the coupling (20) during construction of a passageway can be accomplished in same manner as is conventionally accomplished with three distinct types of coupling.

Abstract: A technique for breaking locks held by two-phase commit (2PC) transactions while preserving data consistency that guarantees that either the “commit” phase or the “abort” phase of the 2PC protocol is completed at a higher-priority server. Accordingly, all locks on data objects are released and a high-priority operation can proceed. Data consistency is also preserved because the 2PC coordinator adheres to the 2PC protocol and properly notifies both the higher-priority server and one or more lower-priority servers when they are available.

Abstract: A coupling (20) capable of connecting together two piping sections (30, 30) having the same outer diameter, two piping sections (40, 40) having the same inner diameter, or two piping sections (30, 40) having different diameters. The coupling (20) can have a unitary tubular structure and it can be made of the same material and in the same manner as conventional PVC piping. Installation of the coupling (20) during construction of a passageway can be accomplished in same manner as is conventionally accomplished with three distinct types of coupling.

Abstract: A technique for breaking locks held by two-phase commit (2PC) transactions while preserving data consistency that guarantees that either the “commit” phase or the “abort” phase of the 2PC protocol is completed at a higher-priority server. Accordingly, all locks on data objects are released and a high-priority operation can proceed. Data consistency is also preserved because the 2PC coordinator adheres to the 2PC protocol and properly notifies both the higher-priority server and one or more lower-priority servers when they are available.

Abstract: A computer system for managing and operating a mobile storage business includes a centralized database that stores route information for a plurality of drivers and routes. A mobile computer device can be used by a driver or mobile storage representative to communicate with the database. The device can be used to display route information relating to the delivery or pickup of a portable storage container and to transmit to the database the signature of the customer, comments relating to the task, images relating to the task and location associated with the container identifier. The mobile computer device includes a scanner for capturing the container identification and a global positioning system capability for capturing the location associated with the container and the location of the mobile computer device.

Abstract: A beam-steering element made of a more optically-active material, potassium tantalate niobate, with an improved diffraction efficiency, having a plurality of electrode layers and one electro-optic crystal layer interposed between every two adjacent electrode layers. Each electro-optic crystal layer and the electrode layer adjacent thereto have an aspect ratio of about 1:1. The electrode layers and the electro-optic crystal layers are interposed between two substrates. Preferably, the substrates are transparent to an incoming beam to be modulated by the electro-optic crystal layer.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for creating a dynamic riding terrain for wheeled sports, having a translating cylinder assembly and a flexible riding surface. The assembly includes a cylinder supporting frame, a cylinder having an axis, which is rotationally supported by the cylinder supporting frame, and opposing transition frames extending from the cylinder supporting frame, generally in a direction orthogonal to the cylinder axis. The transition frames have a proximal end adjacent to the cylinder, a distal end adjacent to a support surface when the assembly is placed thereon, and a gliding surface affixed to an upper portion thereof. A dynamic riding terrain is created when the assembly is used in conjunction with a flexible riding surface placed over the assembly and moved, either by a self-contained motor or external forces. The transition frame can be modified to alter the gliding surface profile or the location of the proximal end.

Abstract: A beam-steering element made of a more optically-active material, potassium tantalate niobate, with an improved diffraction efficiency, having a plurality of electrode layers and one electro-optic crystal layer interposed between every two adjacent electrode layers. Each electro-optic crystal layer and the electrode layer adjacent thereto have an aspect ratio of about 1:1. The electrode layers and the electro-optic crystal layers are interposed between two substrates. Preferably, the substrates are transparent to an incoming beam to be modulated by the electro-optic crystal layer.

Abstract: A beam-steering element made of a more optically-active material, potassium tantalate niobate, with an improved diffraction efficiency, having a plurality of electrode layers and one electro-optic crystal layer interposed between every two adjacent electrode layers. Each electro-optic crystal layer and the electrode layer adjacent thereto have an aspect ratio of about 1:1. The electrode layers and the electro-optic crystal layers are interposed between two substrates. Preferably, the substrates are transparent to an incoming beam to be modulated by the electro-optic crystal layer.

Abstract: A portable alarm device is made up of a flashlight having a body. An audible alarm is attached to the flashlight body and the flashlight body is removably supported by a station. The station is adapted to be secured to a surface having an orientation that may range from horizontal to vertical. A switch between the flashlight body and the station is activated when the flashlight body is removed from the station, thereby activating the audible alarm.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for creating a dynamic riding terrain for wheeled sports, having a translating cylinder assembly and a flexible riding surface. The assembly includes a cylinder supporting frame, a cylinder having an axis, which is rotationally mounted to the cylinder supporting frame by an axially aligned shaft, and opposing transition frames extending from the cylinder supporting frame, generally in a direction orthogonal to the cylinder axis. The transition frames have a proximal end adjacent to the cylinder, a distal end adjacent to a support surface when the assembly is placed thereon, and a gliding surface affixed to an upper portion thereof. A dynamic riding terrain is created when the assembly is used in conjunction with a flexible riding surface placed over the assembly and moved, either by a self-contained motor or external forces. The transition frame can be modified to alter the gliding surface profile or the location of the proximal end.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for automatically retaining one or more settings of a computation on a model of a molecule for automatic use in a subsequent computation includes automatically recording one or more first settings of a first computation on a model of a molecule. The first computation generates first data useable to assess one or more first properties of the molecule. The method includes automatically loading one or more of the first settings into a second computation on the model. The second computation generates second data useable to assess one or more second properties of the molecule, and retention of one or more of the first settings facilitates comparability between the first data resulting from the first computation and the second data resulting from the second computation.

Abstract: A beam-steering element made of a more optically-active material, potassium tantalate niobate, with an improved diffraction efficiency, having a plurality of electrode layers and one electro-optic crystal layer interposed between every two adjacent electrode layers. Each electro-optic crystal layer and the electrode layer adjacent thereto have an aspect ratio of about 1:1. The electrode layers and the electro-optic crystal layers are interposed between two substrates. Preferably, the substrates are transparent to an incoming beam to be modulated by the electro-optic crystal layer.

Abstract: Information is received from a plurality of CRM/SFA sources within an operating environment and is mapped to specific business processes. Transactional data, learning systems information, technical support information and usage data is aggregated and used to provide a dimensional model of the data. The present invention provides a mapping view of technology usage to one or more business practices and reflects, among other things, the extent to which customer relationship management technology is impacting sales representative performance.

Abstract: A system for and method of facilitating data communication between (i) a first computer system that runs a legacy application and is operable as a service provider and (ii) a second computer system that is operable as a requester. Multi-layered software adapters are respectively interposed between an electronic network and each of the first and second computers thereby connecting the first and second computers to each other via the adapters. The first computer, which is operable as a service provider and runs the legacy application, publishes an interface model of its legacy application functions. The second computer, which is operable as a requester, looks up, via its adapter, the published interface model when a request for data that is available from the legacy application is made by the second computer. The adapters then communicate with each other in a common format and protocol to exchange information and data as is desired.

Abstract: A suction tube for use with a laryngoscope comprises a suction tube configured in the general profile of a laryngoscope, having an elongated clip which may be snapped on to the handle of a laryngoscope and easily removed after use. The device enables the user to work with the laryngoscope, the suction tube, and an airway tube all at the same time to accomplish oral intubation efficiently and without distractions.

Abstract: A method and system for performing a handoff of a cellular telephone call from a calling station to a mobile cellular telephone between an old intelligent cell site and a new intelligent cell site. The handoff is accomplished by using a conference bridge in a switch to connect a call segment to the new intelligent cell site to the call segments from the calling station to the old intelligent cell site. When a talk path to the new intelligent cell site is established, the talk path to the old intelligent cell site is terminated. The handoff is therefore accomplished by utilizing a conference bridge in the switch rather than putting an existing call on hold while a connection to a new intelligent cell site is established. Using a conference bridge to accomplish a handoff results in minimal interruption in the talk path of the call such that the handoff is imperceptible to the user.

Abstract: A merchandise storing and dispensing rack means comprising a frame, shroud means, and an endless merchandise display supporting belt trained about toothed drive and idler rollers, each of which is journaled for rotation about generally parallelly arranged spaced-apart axes. Drive means are provided for powering the drive roller along with the merchandise loading and carrying means coupled to the endless merchandise display supporting belt. The endless belt is slotted as is the shroud means so as to permit passage of a support roller therethrough. The endless merchandise display supporting belt is further provided with bores for receiving the distal end of a drive bracket therein. Merchandise loading and carrying means are provided with an elongated generally "U"-shaped roller supported channel means with an outer rod receiving plate and a pair of laterally disposed roller supported legs extending from the rod receiving plate.