Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for generating and managing presentities in accordance with a virtual presence server. By way of example, a method for requesting information from at least one server comprises the following steps. A client request, which expresses a request that can not be satisfied by a single existing presentity, is obtained at an intermediate server, wherein the intermediate server operates as a virtual presence server. The virtual presence server (i.e., intermediate server) creates a set of software objects for a virtual presentity, the set of objects embodying logic to combine presence information from one or more of existing presentities and external information sources, in accordance with at least one existing presence server. The virtual presence server creates an association between the request of the client and the created virtual presentity that allows the presence information to be propagated back to the client.

Abstract: A technique for use in a client, wherein the client supports a state-based signaling protocol (e.g., Session Initiation Protocol or SIP), includes initiating a given session state between the client and a server that also supports the state-based signaling protocol, and refreshing the given session state in a randomized manner. Further, a technique for use in a server, wherein the server supports a state-based signaling protocol (again, e.g., SIP), includes randomly assigning an expiration time duration for a given session state between the server and a client that also supports the state-based signaling protocol, and reporting the randomly assigned expiration time for the given session state to the client. By randomizing various behaviors of the client, the server, or both, bursty traffic in the communication network is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: A method for operating a server having a maximum capacity for servicing requests comprises the following steps: receiving a plurality of requests; classifying each request according to a value; determining a priority for handling the request according to the value, such that requests with higher values are assigned higher priorities; placing each request in one of multiple queues according to its priority value; and dropping the requests with the lowest priority when the plurality of requests are received at a rate that exceeds the maximum capacity. The server operates according to a session initiation protocol. Classifying each request comprises running a classification algorithm.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for processing messages in a messaging system, particularly during an overload condition. For example, a method of processing messages of an instant messaging system includes the following steps. A message from a first instant messaging user is received during an overload condition. A message type associated with the received message is determined. The method then decides whether to send the message to a second instant messaging user based on the determined message type of the received message. In another method, processing messages in an instant messaging system includes the following steps. Presence information associated with a first instant messaging system user is received. The presence information is sent to a second instant messaging system user when the second messaging system user requests the presence information associated with the first instant messaging system user.

Abstract: An Echinacea composition containing the immunosuppressive components of an Echinacea extract but not the immunostimulatory components is disclosed. A process for isolating Echinacea immunosuppressive components by extraction with lipophilic compounds is also disclosed. The Echinacea composition can be used for treatment of colds, flu, and other upper respiratory tract infections, inflammatory diseases, and immunomodulatory disorders.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing role-based access control of a resource by a subject in an access control system are provided. The system comprises one or more roles capable of association with one or more subjects, and a plurality of permission sets. One or more of the plurality of permission sets are associated with each of the one or more roles. The system further comprises a plurality of resources. One or more of the plurality of resources are associated with each of the one or more permission sets, and each of the plurality of resources is associated with a set of one or more subjects. A given subject in a set of one or more subjects for a given resource and having a role-permission association with the given resource is provided access control of the given resource.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the quality of live, standing timber employs deep-set spike probes angled to create a longitudinal compression wave. Alignment tools and isolation of the probes provide an improved signal, automated detection of probe separation and amplitude-independent pulse discrimination process ensure higher reliability and repeatability of the measurements, and wireless operation provides operational efficiencies.

Abstract: Projector and camera arrangements are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems. Specifically, the present invention provides projector and camera arrangements wherein the projector and camera share the same imaging optics. By sharing the same projection and camera optics, the distortions that affect the projection system are the same as those of the camera system. Thus, the calibration step required in conventional whiteboard systems where the projector and camera are separate, i.e., each having their own distinct optics and settings, is no longer needed. Further, the arrangements provided in accordance with the invention are self-aligning, even when lens distortions are large and even in the presence of strong perspective effects. The shared optics projector and camera arrangements of the invention also provide for dynamic zooming. In addition, various active and passive optical marker or lightpen designs are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems.

Abstract: A method for operating a server having a maximum capacity for servicing requests comprises the following steps: receiving a plurality of requests; classifying each request according to a value; determining a priority for handling the request according to the value, such that requests with higher values are assigned higher priorities; placing each request in one of multiple queues according to its priority value; and dropping the requests with the lowest priority when the plurality of requests are received at a rate that exceeds the maximum capacity. The server operates according to a session initiation protocol. Classifying each request comprises running a classification algorithm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing role-based access control of a resource by a subject in an access control system are provided. The system comprises one or more roles capable of association with one or more subjects, and a plurality of permission sets. One or more of the plurality of permission sets are associated with each of the one or more roles. The system further comprises a plurality of resources. One or more of the plurality of resources are associated with each of the one or more permission sets, and each of the plurality of resources is associated with a set of one or more subjects. A given subject in a set of one or more subjects for a given resource and having a role-permission association with the given resource is provided access control of the given resource.

Abstract: A safety syringe has a simple structure, is convenient to use, and has a low cost. The safety syringe includes a sliding casing, a needle, a syringe barrel, a piston, a latching casing, a spring and a plunger inside the syringe barrel. The safety syringe can be easily used to carry out an injection and has a safety mechanism that can be actuated using a single hand. The sliding casing can be automatically positioned and locked in two directions. This design guarantees that, during processing of the syringe after it is used, the needle's point is always protected by the sliding casing. The safey syringe is also auto-locking; after it has been used, the plunger is locked in the syringe barrel and cannot be pulled out any longer. Any attempt to use the syringe again will cause the plunger to be broken and the syringe to be damaged, thus ensuring a one-time use.

Abstract: Projector and camera arrangements are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems. Specifically, the present invention provides projector and camera arrangements wherein the projector and camera share the same imaging optics. By sharing the same projection and camera optics, the distortions that affect the projection system are the same as those of the camera system. Thus, the calibration step required in conventional whiteboard systems where the projector and camera are separate, i.e., each having their own distinct optics and settings, is no longer needed. Further, the arrangements provided in accordance with the invention are self-aligning, even when lens distortions are large and even in the presence of strong perspective effects. The shared optics projector and camera arrangements of the invention also provide for dynamic zooming. In addition, various active and passive optical marker or lightpen designs are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems.

Abstract: An Echinacea composition containing the immunosuppressive components of an Echinacea extract but not the immunostimulatory components is disclosed. A process for isolating Echinacea immunosuppressive components by extraction with lipophilic compounds is also disclosed. The Echinacea composition can be used for treatment of colds, flu, and other upper respiratory tract infections, inflammatory diseases, and immunomodulatory disorders.

Abstract: Projector and camera arrangements are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems. Specifically, the present invention provides projector and camera arrangements wherein the projector and camera share the same imaging optics. By sharing the same projection and camera optics, the distortions that affect the projection system are the same as those of the camera system. Thus, the calibration step required in conventional whiteboard systems where the projector and camera are separate, i.e., each having their own distinct optics and settings, is no longer needed. Further, the arrangements provided in accordance with the invention are self-aligning, even when lens distortions are large and even in the presence of strong perspective effects. The shared optics projector and camera arrangements of the invention also provide for dynamic zooming. In addition, various active and passive optical marker or lightpen designs are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a safety syringe and aims to provide simple structure, convenient use, and low cost, and to make the syringe have needle protection functionality and become auto-disable. The present invention includes a sliding casing, a needle, a syringe barrel, a piston, a latching casing, a spring and a plunger inside the syringe barrel, the present invention can be easily used to carry out an injection and to initiate its safety mechanism by a single hand. The sliding casing can be automatically positioned and locked in two directions; This design guarantees during processing the syringe after it is used, the pinhead is always protected by the sliding casing; The present invention also has a reliable function of auto-locking; Therefore, once the syringe is used, the plunger has been locked in the syringe barrel and can not be pulled out any longer; Any attempt to use the syringe again will cause the plunger broken and the syringe damaged, thus ensuring a one-time use.

Abstract: A system for and method of evaluating a log. The system includes an analysis module having at least one input terminal connectable to the at least one input device. The at least one input terminal is operable to receive at least one signal representing at least one measured property of the log and at least one determined parameter of the log determined in response to an energy being applied to the log. The analysis module further includes a processor coupled to the at least one input terminal. The processor determines a predictive modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the log based at least in part on the at least one measured property and the at least one sensed parameter. The analysis module also includes an output terminal coupled to the processor and connectable to an output device. The output terminal transmits a third signal representing the predictive MOE.

Abstract: A system for and method of evaluating a log. The system includes an analysis module having at least one input terminal connectable to the at least one input device. The at least one input terminal is operable to receive at least one signal representing at least one measured property of the log and at least one determined parameter of the log determined in response to an energy being applied to the log. The analysis module further includes a processor coupled to the at least one input terminal. The processor determines a predictive modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the log based at least in part on the at least one measured property and the at least one sensed parameter. The analysis module also includes an output terminal coupled to the processor and connectable to an output device. The output terminal transmits a third signal representing the predictive MOE.

Abstract: A method for WLAN signal strength determination comprises receiving a WLAN RF signal; converting the WLAN RF signal to a voltage proportional to the signal; comparing the voltage to a first reference voltage; and outputting data corresponding to WLAN RF signal strength if the voltage is greater than the first reference voltage.

Abstract: Projector and camera arrangements are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems. Specifically, the present invention provides projector and camera arrangements wherein the projector and camera share the same imaging optics. By sharing the same projection and camera optics, the distortions that affect the projection system are the same as those of the camera system. Thus, the calibration step required in conventional whiteboard systems where the projector and camera are separate, i.e., each having their own distinct optics and settings, is no longer needed. Further, the arrangements provided in accordance with the invention are self-aligning, even when lens distortions are large and even in the presence of strong perspective effects. The shared optics projector and camera arrangements of the invention also provide for dynamic zooming. In addition, various active and passive optical marker or lightpen designs are provided for use in electronic whiteboard systems.

Abstract: A method for WLAN signal strength determination comprises receiving a WLAN RF signal; converting the WLAN RF signal to a voltage proportional to the signal; comparing the voltage to a first reference voltage; and outputting data corresponding to WLAN RF signal strength if the voltage is greater than the first reference voltage.