Abstract: Improved system and method of X-ray laser microscopy that combines information obtained from both X-ray diffraction and X-ray imaging methods. The sample is placed in an ultra-cold, ultra-low pressure vacuum chamber, and exposed to brief bursts of coherent X-ray illumination further concentrated using X-ray mirrors and pinhole collimation methods. Higher resolution data from a sample is obtained using hard X-ray lasers, such as free electron X-ray lasers, and X-ray diffraction methods. Lower resolution data from the same sample can be obtained using any of hard or soft X-ray laser sources, and X-ray imaging methods employing nanoscale etched zone plate technology. In some embodiments both diffraction and imaging data can be obtained simultaneously. Data from both sources are combined to create a more complete representation of the sample.

Abstract: Improved system and method of X-ray laser microscopy that combines information obtained from both X-ray diffraction and X-ray imaging methods. The sample is placed in an ultra-cold, ultra-low pressure vacuum chamber, and exposed to brief bursts of coherent X-ray illumination further concentrated using X-ray mirrors and pinhole collimation methods. Higher resolution data from a sample is obtained using hard X-ray lasers, such as free electron X-ray lasers, and X-ray diffraction methods. Lower resolution data from the same sample can be obtained using any of hard or soft X-ray laser sources, and X-ray imaging methods employing nanoscale etched zone plate technology. In some embodiments both diffraction and imaging data can be obtained simultaneously. Data from both sources are combined to create a more complete representation of the sample.

Abstract: A method and device that interrogates the availability of a called party before placing a communication from the calling party to the called party. A callback may be initiated so that both communications are completed simultaneously. The routing of communication may take place through any one of a number of different networks and at another time of the day, even if the caller does not otherwise have access to those networks.

Abstract: The present invention provides for bidirectional or duplex transmission of multimedia content such as live video and/or audio between access devices of a calling party and a called party in a convergent network. The quality of transmission is managed through a convergent communications platform, which periodically tests performance characteristics of network routes in operative communication with the platform, categorizes the network routes based on measured performance metrics, and selects network operators whose network characteristics meet the desired duality parameters of a particular multimedia content to be transmitted (e.g., real time high definition video conference). The management of transmissions is transparent to the end users who will be able to communicate with others regardless of the type of devices or networks the caked parties use or subscribe to.

Abstract: A method and device that interrogates the availability of a called party before placing a communication from the calling party to the called party. A callback may be initiated so that both communications are completed simultaneously. The routing of communication may take place through any one of a number of different networks and at another time of the day, even if the caller does not otherwise have access to those networks.

Abstract: A method for measuring a quality of an IP network of a member of a trading exchange includes finding a penultimate hop corresponding to each IP network IP network prefix in a set of IP network IP network prefixes of a member, determining a quality score for the each IP network IP network prefix based on tests performed at the penultimate hop, and creating a matrix for the member including the determined quality for the each IP network IP network prefix. The quality is used to facilitate matching the offers of the buyers and sellers.

Abstract: The present invention provides for bidirectional or duplex transmission of multimedia content such as live video and/or audio between access devices of a calling party and a called party in a convergent network. The quality of transmission is managed through a convergent communications platform, which periodically tests performance characteristics of network routes in operative communication with the platform, categorizes the network routes based on measured performance metrics, and selects network operators whose network characteristics meet the desired quality parameters of a particular multimedia content to be transmitted (e.g., real-time high definition video conference). The management of transmissions is transparent to the end users who will be able to communicate with others regardless of the type of devices or networks the called parties use or subscribe to.

Abstract: A method and system for trading IP bandwidth in an exchange environment. Participating members of the exchange register their IP route destinations with the exchange. The exchange collects buy and sell orders, which include parameters such as the desired destination, price and quality of the routes. The buy and sell orders are matched based on the specified parameters, and lists of matched orders are forwarded to members' routers for execution of the trades. The exchange settles the executed trades by issuing invoices in accordance with the buyer members' usage of the bandwidth offered by the seller members.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transformable vehicle body having a first body configuration and a second body configuration. The first body configuration resembles a wagon-style vehicle that includes a fully enclosed passenger space and cargo area. The second body configuration resembles a pickup truck that includes a contracted enclosed passenger space and an open cargo area behind the contracted enclosed passenger space.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transformable vehicle body having a first body configuration and a second body configuration. The first body configuration resembles a wagon-style vehicle that includes a fully enclosed passenger space and cargo area. The second body configuration resembles a pickup truck that includes a contracted enclosed passenger space and an open cargo area behind the contracted enclosed passenger space.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transformable vehicle body having a first body configuration and a second body configuration. The first body configuration resembles a wagon-style vehicle that includes a fully enclosed passenger space and cargo area. The second body configuration resembles a pickup truck that includes a contracted enclosed passenger space and an open cargo area behind the contracted enclosed passenger space.

Abstract: A method for measuring a quality of an IP network of a member of a trading exchange includes finding a penultimate hop corresponding to each IP network IP network prefix in a set of IP network IP network prefixes of a member, determining a quality score for the each IP network IP network prefix based on tests performed at the penultimate hop, and creating a matrix for the member including the determined quality for the each IP network IP network prefix. The quality is used to facilitate matching the offers of the buyers and sellers.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a transformable vehicle body having a first body configuration and a second body configuration. The first body configuration resembles a wagon-style vehicle that includes a fully enclosed passenger space and cargo area. The second body configuration resembles a pickup truck that includes a contracted enclosed passenger space and an open cargo area behind the contracted enclosed passenger space.

Abstract: A method and system for trading IP bandwidth in an exchange environment. Participating members of the exchange register their IP route destinations with the exchange. The exchange collects buy and sell orders, which include parameters such as the desired destination, price and quality of the routes. The buy and sell orders are matched based on the specified parameters, and lists of matched orders are forwarded to members' routers for execution of the trades. The exchange settles the executed trades by issuing invoices in accordance with the buyer members' usage of the bandwidth offered by the seller members.

Abstract: A roof rack assembly 10 for use in combination with a vehicle 12 of the type having a roof 14 and a rear or back portion or end 16 including a rear door or hatchback 18. Assembly 10 includes a pair of elongated support rails or members 20, 22, a movable rack or storage member 24 which is movably coupled to said rail members 20, 22, and several fasteners or fastening members 26, 28, 30 and 32. Rack member 24 is movable between a “roof-mounted” position in which rack member 24 is substantially parallel to roof 14 and a “back end-mounted” position in which said rack member is substantially parallel to back end 16.

Abstract: A collapsible vehicle sun shade assembly is described that has a sheet of flexible fabric material, with at least one non-central hub. Hingedly attached to the non-central hub are at least four support members. The at least four support members are secured to positions along the outer edge of the flexible fabric sheet.

Abstract: A collapsible vehicle sun shade is presented that has a sheet of flexible material, with a central hub having a plurality of support members flexibly hinged to the hub and secured to positions along the outer periphery of the sheet.