Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices and methods for multicasting live content. A multicast server transmits live content data by way of a multicast transmission to gateway devices. A gateway device is configured for: receiving the live content data by way of the multicast transmission; establishing a secured communication session between the gateway device and an associated player device using an intermediary server trusted by the given gateway device and the associated player device, the secured communication session for secure real-time transmission from the given gateway device to the associated player device; and transmitting the live content data to the associated player device by way of a unicast transmission using the secured communication session.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems are described for determining one or more network leaks. Signals used to test for upstream network leaks in a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network may be output over a period of time. A detection device may determine one or more locations of one or more network leaks based on detecting the signals over the period of time.

Abstract: Complete drive system, called motor-drive unit, for use in remote locations with limited radial space like downhole, narrow tunnels, pipelines and other applications with similar conditions. Given the spatial limitations the unit must have elongated shape. It includes a number of motors connected mechanically in series and a lower number of inverters, driving groups of the motors so that load is equally distributed along axis of the unit. Motors within each group can be electrically connected in series or in parallel. The motor-drive unit is supposed to be fed by DC voltage via a cable with length up to several km; therefore, it includes a buck converter for stabilization of voltage inside the unit and a power-line communication module to be controllable from the surface.

Abstract: Complete drive system, called motor-drive unit, for use in remote locations with limited radial space like downhole, narrow tunnels, pipelines and other applications with similar conditions. Given the spatial limitations the unit must have elongated shape. It includes a number of motors connected mechanically in series and a lower number of inverters, driving groups of the motors so that load is equally distributed along axis of the unit. Motors within each group can be electrically connected in series or in parallel. The motor-drive unit is supposed to be fed by DC voltage via a cable with length up to several km; therefore, it includes a buck converter for stabilization of voltage inside the unit and a power-line communication module to be controllable from the surface.

Abstract: A multiple region convolver includes tapering between successive models of a physical system. The tapering is performed during a transition period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a physical system responsive to an input to produce a selected output comprises defining a virtual identity system that includes the physical system for receiving the input to provide an actual output. A quality of identity of the virtual identity system is checked using at least a function of the actual output. In a preferred embodiment, adjustments are made to a model of the physical system as a function the quality of identity in order to render the correct input more efficiently and accurately.

Abstract: A method of ascertaining control parameters for a control system having a controller and a plant includes establishing a model of the plant and a model of the controller and calculating a performance index for a closed-loop system as a function of controller parameters, accounting for selected stability margins.

Abstract: A method of ascertaining control parameters for a control system having a controller and a plant includes establishing a model of the plant and a model of the controller and calculating a performance index for a closed-loop system as a function of controller parameters, accounting for selected stability margins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a physical system responsive to an input to produce a selected output comprises defining a virtual identity system that includes the physical system for receiving the input to provide an actual output. A quality of identity of the virtual identity system is checked using at least a function of the actual output. In a preferred embodiment, adjustments are made to a model of the physical system as a function the quality of identity in order to render the correct input more efficiently and accurately.

Abstract: A collection of playing pieces for a vocabulary word game is disclosed. The pieces contain on one face a multi-letter combination of at least two letters plus a designator indicating required location of the letter combination in words. During a playing interval one playing piece is displayed to all players. Each player writes a list of words containing the selected letter combination at the designated location in the words. After a predetermined time limit the players reveal their list to all. The winner of the playing interval is the player with the greatest number of words on their list. The game continues for a chosen number of intervals, the game winner being the player winning the greatest number of individual playing intervals.

Abstract: A multiple region convolver includes tapering between successive models of a physical system. The tapering is performed during a transition period.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying characteristics of a physical system applies substantially identical drive ensembles to the physical system and obtains corresponding responses from the physical system. A repeatable bandwidth of the physical system is estimated as a function of the applied drive ensembles and the corresponding obtained responses. Instructions can be provided on a computer readable medium to perform the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit for obtaining higher accuracy and total system response for complex mechanical impedance loads, such as earthquake simulators, and in particular to compensate for limitations in controlling the actual valve spool displacement and adequately stabilizing and controlling it at high frequencies. The improvement circuit includes a state variable filter to extend the band width of servovalve actuation frequencies by adding a lead compensation signal compensating for servovalve hydraulic responses. The output of the first filter circuit then in turn feeds a summing junction where the spool displacement feedback is provided, and the output of the summing junction or circuit is provided with the output from an additional filter which cleans up the signal by filtering out noise and insures that the phase of stabilizing signals is proper.

Abstract: A linearization circuit for use with servovalves for controlling reciprocating actuators. The circuit will maintain a substantially linear flow as a function of spool position from the servovalve regardless of the differential pressure across the servovalve orifices, for example the differential pressures which result from changing direction of movement of the controlled actuator under a high load. A differential pressure signal from the actuator, which correlates to differential pressure on the servovalve orifices is processed to provide a compensation signal combined with the normal control signal to achieve the desired output.