Abstract: A method and system for monitoring video assets provided by a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) includes an expert test monitoring platform (ETMP) configured to emulate MCDN client systems at a facility of an MCDN service provider. The ETMP may allow execution of ETMP scripts that specify remote control commands to send to a desired plurality of multimedia handling devices representing emulated MCDN clients. The ETMP scripts may be manually or automatically initiated and may be configured with execution parameters specifying, among other aspects, a number of iterations to repeat. Results recorded when the ETMP script executes may be retrieved and used to generate reports.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of performing an oilfield operation of an oilfield having at least one well having a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation for extracting fluid from an underground reservoir therein. The method steps include analyzing the oilfield operation to generate a decision tree comprising a first decision and a second decision, wherein a first outcome of the first decision dictates acquiring information relevant to the second decision, formulating a figure of merit of the oilfield operation according to the decision tree based on the information and uncertainties associated with the oilfield, determining a value of the figure of merit by modeling the oilfield operation using statistical sampling, and performing the oilfield operation upon making the first decision based on the value of the figure of merit.

Abstract: In a particular illustrative embodiment, a method of configuring a network device is disclosed that includes determining network device information at a network device using a boot strapping protocol during an initial set-up process of the network device. The method further includes automatically modifying a configuration profile of the network device to connect to a network in a first device mode using the network device information. The method also includes receiving configuration information transmitted from a configuration server without requesting the configuration information. The configuration information includes routing information and configuration parameters particular to the network device. The method further includes automatically modifying the configuration profile of the network device to operate in a second device mode based on the configuration information. The first device mode is a non-operational mode and the second device mode is an operational mode.

Abstract: A system and method for playing a poker game. The system is implemented either through a software application or through a physical game environment. The system integrates a card elimination table which has a range of attack elements and range of removable elements. The attack elements are correlated to the removable elements so that when an attack card element is played, the removable elements correlated to that particular attack card element are eliminated from the game.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting probe-target substrate binding. In particular, the present invention provides a method for detecting a surface bound target complex by detecting the redox reaction of a redox transition metal complex that is catalyzed by a redox-catalyst complex.

Abstract: Operational amplifier embodiments are provided to enhance amplifier parameters such as bandwidth, stability, and headroom. In an amplifier embodiment, transistor followers are arranged with first and second differential pairs to facilitate selective positioning of first and second transfer function poles to enhance bandwidth and resistors and inductors are arranged to facilitate selective positioning of complex third transfer function poles to enhance phase margin. In another amplifier embodiment, the transistor followers are arranged to reduce headroom limitations to thereby enhance the voltage swing of output signals.

Abstract: Clock processors are provided to economically control system and data clocks in high-speed signal converters. The processors generally include at least one of a delay-locked loop, phase-locked loop or a duty cycle stabilizer which generates an error signal in its operation. In the example of a stabilizer, it is configured to respond to an input clock to initiate a first portion of each cycle of the system clock and to include a control loop to provide an error signal that controls a second portion of the cycle to thereby maintain a selected duty cycle. The processors also include a data clock aligner configured to share the error signal and provide a data clock that is delayed by a selected delay from a selected one of the input and system clocks. In addition to providing effective control that is independent of disturbing effects (e.g., temperature and clock rate), the shared use reduces processor costs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described by which media assets may be prioritized and published in accordance with current topics of interest derived from a dynamic data set representing the online activity of a relevant population of users.

Abstract: A charge pump circuit can include a first pair of transistors having connected sources and gates configured to receive a first pump signal and an inverse first pump signal and a second pair of transistors having connected drains and gates configured to receive a second pump signal and an inverse second pump signal, sources of the second pair of transistors being connected to drains of the first pair of transistors at first and second connection nodes, wherein the first and second pair of transistors are all of the same transistor type and provide an output current in response to the first and second pump signals. The charge pump circuit can also include a voltage stabilizer circuit connected to the second connection node and configured to regulate the second connection node to have a voltage within a predetermined range about a selectable voltage. Duty cycle stabilizers and control loops such as delay locked loops can include the charge pump circuit.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods are described. The devices are for implanting fluidic material in a patient's eye and comprise a nozzle and a housing having a slide and a bellows. The bellows is adapted to undergo compression or decompression. The surgical procedures make use of the surgical devices and include a tissue translocation surgical procedure, a retinal implantation surgical procedure, and a corneal transplantation surgical procedure.

Abstract: A jousting element for use in a game. The jousting element has a body which is arranged around a cylindrically aligned vertical axis. The body is configured to rotate about the vertical axis and to be carried above a playing surface. A traveling component connected to the body enables the body of the jousting element to be carried above the playing surface along multiple directions of travel. Attached to the body is a first playing component. The first playing component enables the jousting element to engage a second jousting element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a pipeline ADC front-end sampling structure that provides a continuous time input signal to a flash comparator for sampling. By providing a continuous time input signal to the flash comparator, no delay is introduced from the need to transfer a DC charge representing the sampled input to the flash comparator. Matching sampling networks in the residual generator and the flash comparator are avoided due to the high bandwidth response requirements of the residual generator and the flash comparator when operating on high frequency input signals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a pipeline ADC front-end sampling structure that provides a continuous time input signal to a flash comparator for sampling. By providing a continuous time input signal to the flash comparator, no delay is introduced from the need to transfer a DC charge representing the sampled input to the flash comparator. Matching sampling networks in the residual generator and the flash comparator are avoided due to the high bandwidth response requirements of the residual generator and the flash comparator when operating on high frequency input signals.

Abstract: A low cost, crimpless method of stringing beads and article thereof. The method employs tight knots and twists in small diameter, triple strand nylon coated high toughness and high tensile strength austenitic stainless steel wire to retain clasps and position beads and jewels on the wire. The method is dependent upon the size and physical properties of the wire. It improves appearance, eliminates the use of crimping beads and tubes, does not require special tools and is adaptable to right handed, left handed and visually impaired persons.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of performing an oilfield operation of an oilfield having at least one well having a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation for extracting fluid from an underground reservoir therein. The method steps include analyzing the oilfield operation to generate a decision tree comprising a first decision and a second decision, wherein a first outcome of the first decision dictates acquiring information relevant to the second decision, formulating a figure of merit of the oilfield operation according to the decision tree based on the information and uncertainties associated with the oilfield, determining a value of the figure of merit by modeling the oilfield operation using statistical sampling, and performing the oilfield operation upon making the first decision based on the value of the figure of merit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described by which media assets may be prioritized and published in accordance with current topics of interest derived from a dynamic data set representing the online activity of a relevant population of users.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively providing greatly increased water pressure from a sink faucet for use. A water pressure modulating device is placed in a fluid stream to reduce the cross-sectional area of the stream and to increase the velocity of the fluid flow. The pressure modulating device can be integrally formed in a faucet or can be coupled to a faucet. When the water pressure modulating device is in use, the user can open the valve of the faucet and the water pressure modulating device causes water to flow with increased pressure from the spout. The increased water pressure has proved beneficial for a variety of uses.

Abstract: Clock processors are provided to economically control system and data clocks in high-speed signal converters. The processors generally include at least one of a delay-locked loop, phase-locked loop or a duty cycle stabilizer which generates an error signal in its operation. In the example of a stabilizer, it is configured to respond to an input clock to initiate a first portion of each cycle of the system clock and to include a control loop to provide an error signal that controls a second portion of the cycle to thereby maintain a selected duty cycle. The processors also include a data clock aligner configured to share the error signal and provide a data clock that is delayed by a selected delay from a selected one of the input and system clocks. In addition to providing effective control that is independent of disturbing effects (e.g., temperature and clock rate), the shared use reduces processor costs.

Abstract: In a particular illustrative embodiment, a method of configuring a network device is disclosed that includes determining network device information at a network device using a boot strapping protocol during an initial set-up process of the network device. The method further includes automatically modifying a configuration profile of the network device to connect to a network in a first device mode using the network device information. The method also includes receiving configuration information transmitted from a configuration server without requesting the configuration information. The configuration information includes routing information and configuration parameters particular to the network device. The method further includes automatically modifying the configuration profile of the network device to operate in a second device mode based on the configuration information. The first device mode is a non-operational mode and the second device mode is an operational mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides conductive metal-ligand coordination complexes that are useful in a variety of electronic devices. For example, such complexes are useful in organic light emitting devices composed of one or more layers of organic material between two conductors. The use of metal-ligand coordination complexes of the present invention as the cathode, replaces the more typically employed reactive metals, which function as the electron injecting contact, and provides for improved or longer-lived devices.