Abstract: An event is described herein as being representable by a quantified abstraction of the event. The event includes at least one predicate, and the at least one predicate has at least one constant symbol corresponding thereto. An instance of the constant symbol corresponding to the event is identified, and the instance of the constant symbol is replaced by a free variable to obtain an abstracted predicate. Thus, a quantified abstraction of the event is composed as a pair: the abstracted predicate and a mapping between the free variable and an instance of the constant symbol that corresponds to the predicate. A data mining algorithm is executed over abstracted, quantified events to ascertain a correlation between the event and another event.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to load balancing systems and methods. In one embodiment, a reactive load balancer can receive feedback from a first database node, and allocate resources to the first database node based, at least, on the feedback. The feedback is dynamic and comprises information indicative of a load level at the first database node. In some embodiments, the feedback includes information indicative of a load level at a second, under loaded, database node. In other embodiments, load balancing is performed by an overloaded node polling a set of devices (e.g., cell phone, personal computer, PDA) at which resources may be available. Specifically, the method includes polling devices for resource availability at the devices, and receiving price information for resources provided by at least one device. The overloaded node utilizes the resource in response to providing payment of the price. Auction models or offer/counteroffer approaches can be employed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a fuel cell connection component, including an interconnect or a current collector. The fuel cell connection component includes conductive fibers oriented at an angle of less than about 90° to at least one electrode in the fuel cell. The fuel cell connection component provides an electrically conductive pathway from the at least one electrode of the fuel cell to an external circuit or to an electrode of a different fuel cell. Embodiments of the present invention also provide fuel cells that include the fuel cell connection component, including fuel cell layers, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a fuel cell including, an ion conducting component, two or more electrode coatings and one or more interconnects. The interconnects include a non-conductive interface region having a first surface and a second surface in which the first surface is in contact with the ion conducting component, an electron conducting component having two surfaces and a length that is parallel to the two surfaces wherein one of the surfaces is disposed adjacent to the second surface of the interface region. The electron conducting component provides an electrically conductive pathway between one of the electrode coatings and an external circuit, said pathway extending along the length of the electron conducting component.

Abstract: An event is described herein as being representable by a quantified abstraction of the event. The event includes at least one predicate, and the at least one predicate has at least one constant symbol corresponding thereto. An instance of the constant symbol corresponding to the event is identified, and the instance of the constant symbol is replaced by a free variable to obtain an abstracted predicate. Thus, a quantified abstraction of the event is composed as a pair: the abstracted predicate and a mapping between the free variable and an instance of the constant symbol that corresponds to the predicate. A data mining algorithm is executed over abstracted, quantified events to ascertain a correlation between the event and another event.

Abstract: A method is provided for discriminating between the case of a single talker with an acoustic reflection and the case of two talkers, regardless of their power levels. The method is implemented in real time by performing a cross-correlation between pairs of average power signals originating from pairs of beamformers. A detection decision is then made based on the value of the cross correlation and its lag.

Abstract: A method of self-discovery and self-calibration is provided for allowing arbitrary placement of audio and video components in a multimedia conferencing system. In particular, one or more markers are provided on the audio components (e.g. microphone arrays, etc.) that are detectable by the video components (e.g. cameras). A unique signature (e.g. flashing sequence, color, etc.) characterizes each marker so that its exact location relative to the camera may be calculated. A self-calibration operation is then performed to relate, regulate and standardize dimensions and locations in the conferencing environment to the video system.

Abstract: Polynucleotides, polypeptides, kits and methods are provided related to regulated genes characteristic of alcoholism.

Abstract: An assembly for holding and illuminating objects is provided. The assembly includes a base, a frame mounted to the base and including articulatable members, a lamp mounted to the frame, and a holder secured to at least one of the articulatable members. The holder may be designed as a clip and the base can be magnetically attractive for retaining papers clips or other metal items.

Abstract: A decorative lamp with illuminated color changeable column generally includes a base for supporting the lamp on a surface, a translucent column having a first end extending upwardly from the base and a second end opposite the first end, an electrical light socket connected to the second end of the translucent column for removably connecting an electric light bulb thereto and electronic circuitry for operating the lamp. The base of the lamp contains at least one light emitting device therein and the first end of the translucent column is connected to the base adjacent the light emitting device. The translucent column includes at least one fiber optic strand extending from the first end to the second end of the column so that light emitted from the light emitting device is transmitted along a length of the optic strand and is visible through the translucent column.

Abstract: A decorative lamp with illuminated color changeable column generally includes a base for supporting the lamp on a surface, a translucent column having a first end extending upwardly from the base and a second end opposite the first end, an electrical light socket connected to the second end of the translucent column for removably connecting an electric light bulb thereto and electronic circuitry for operating the lamp. The base of the lamp contains at least one light emitting device therein and the first end of the translucent column is connected to the base adjacent the light emitting device. The translucent column includes at least one fiber optic strand extending from the first end to the second end of the column so that light emitted from the light emitting device is transmitted along a length of the optic strand and is visible through the translucent column.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical pencil adapted to securely hold and advance square or rectangular leads. The invention mechanism is a single opened end slotted front guide for the lead where compression and decompression of the lead is accomplished by causing thickened arms of the front guide to be drawn into and pushed out of an opening of another piece aligning the front guide with the axis of a pencil housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to adjustable headwear in the form of caps or visors which are adjustable to fit wearers with a range of head sizes. In particular, the cap or visor is constructed of a uni-axially stretchable material with a sweatband around the inside periphery of the cap or visor constructed of a bi-axially stretchable material. Attached to the front of the headwear is a bill, a rigid structure that shields the wearer's eyes and is arched in the preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A ceiling fan assembly includes a fan and a light-sensitive circuit for controlling an illumination level of a light as a function of an ambient illumination level surrounding the ceiling fan assembly by selectively controlling or fixing a conduction phase angle of an AC power signal provided to the light. The light-sensitive circuit includes a photocell, a phase control circuit and a cutoff Circuit which prevents flicker at low illumination levels. The photocell is responsive to the ambient illumination level and has a conduction state. The conduction state changes in response to the ambient illumination level. The phase control circuit selectively varies or fixes a conduction phase angle associated with the AC power signal, which correspondingly determines a variation in the illumination level of the light.

Abstract: A floor tom free-suspension system has a drum main body, three support rods, a counterhoop, an annular ring, a collar, a plurality of U-shaped positioning plates, a plurality of U-shaped pressing plates, and a plurality of butterfly bolts. A plurality of positioning fasteners are disposed on the drum main body. The collar encloses a lower rim, of the drum main body. The annular ring encloses the collar. The counterhoop encloses an upper rim of the drum main body. Each of the support rods is fastened on the annular ring by a U-shaped positioning plate and a butterfly bolt.

Abstract: A lamp including a base for supporting the lamp on a surface, an upwardly directed shade assembly having a top opening to permit light and heat to be directed outwardly therefrom and a stem extending between and connecting the base to the shade assembly. A light socket is provided within the shade assembly and an electrical circuit provides power to the light socket. The shade assembly includes at least a lower shade portion and an upper shade portion. The upper and lower shade portions forming an interface therebetween. The upper shade portion is removably attachable from the lower shade portion for purposes of packaging. The shade assembly opening is also provided with a protective guard extending substantially across the opening. The electrical circuit includes a safety interface device positioned at the interface of the lower shade portion or the upper shade portion such that power to the light socket is terminated unless the upper shade portion is properly affixed to the lower shade portion.