Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for expediting information display on a user device are provided. In exemplary embodiments, a request for information is received. An application server then generates and provides source code for a web page containing the requested information. In exemplary embodiments, a removal module is returned with the source code for the first web page. The removal module is configured to remove unnecessary elements from subsequent source code in order to expedite loading and displaying of subsequent web pages on the user device. In some embodiments, the web page comprises a syndicated web page within a window of a main web page.

Abstract: A water based entertainment device in accordance with an embodiment of the present application is connected to a garden hose to provide smooth walls of water that define an enclosed dry that is substantially free of water spray.

Abstract: A key duplication system employs a modular key duplication attachment in combination with a high-speed, rotary powered tool and a profiled abrasive cutter. The attachment comprises a base, a carriage assembly movable relative to the base, a profiled stylus secured to the base, a first clamping vise for retaining a specimen key at a fixed (i.e., stationary) position relative to the carriage assembly and a second clamping vise for retaining a key blank at a fixed position relative to the carriage assembly. When so-retained, a bottom flat surface of the specimen key and a bottom flat surface of the key blank rest in a common working plane and the tip of each key is separated by a first distance. The cutter and stylus are aligned and secured to the base such that movement of the carriage, relative to the base, simultaneously brings them both into contact with appropriate surfaces of the key blank and the specimen key, respectively.

Abstract: A key duplication system employs a modular key duplication attachment in combination with a high-speed, rotary powered tool and a profiled abrasive cutter. The attachment comprises a base, a carriage assembly movable relative to the base, a profiled stylus secured to the carriage, a first clamping vise for retaining a specimen key at a fixed (i.e., stationary) position relative to the base and a second clamping vise for retaining a key blank at a fixed position relative to the base. When so-retained, a bottom flat surface of the specimen key and a bottom flat surface of the key blank rest in a common plane and the tip of each key is separated by a first distance. The cutter and stylus are aligned such that movement of the carriage, relative to the base, simultaneously brings them both into contact with appropriate surfaces of the key blank and the specimen key, respectively.

Abstract: At least one temporary visible reference line is projected onto a target surface, as for example, an athletic field, by several laser sources. A first laser source emits optical energy—at a wavelength of between 380 nm and 750 nm—along at least a first selectable path upon the target surface so as to form a temporary line thereon. A second laser source disposed at a second elevated, stationary location relative to the target surface different from the first stationary location emits optical energy along at least a second selectable path upon the target surface so as to form a temporary line thereon. In some instances, each laser light source may be capable of traversing the entire width of the target surface, in which case each laser source covers a discrete region.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing at least one temporary visible line on a surface within the view of at least one video camera. The system comprises a first laser source disposed at a first elevated, stationary location relative to the surface, and a second laser source disposed at second elevated, stationary location relative to the surface. The output of each laser source is synchronously deflected so as to repetitively sweep each output beam across the same region of the surface and thereby project a visible composite line that is, for example, transverse to the lateral sidelines of an athletic field. A controller comprising a synchronization module synchronizes the sweep frequency rate, at which the beams sweep the surface, to a scan rate of at least one camera arranged to receive an image of the composite temporary line.

Abstract: A method of distributing a broadcast frame within a network. The method includes receiving the broadcast frame in a bridging-device of the network through a receiving port and forwarding the frame to a group of bridging-devices selected responsive to whether the receiving port is an internal port which leads to bridging-devices included in a common cluster with the receiving bridging-device.

Abstract: The surface of an athletic field is divided into multiple regions or zones. A first of these zones is served by a first group of laser sources. A second of the zones is served by a second group of laser sources. Each group includes at least two lasers arranged to project visible light onto the field from opposite lateral sides of the field. The output from each group is focused onto the field so as to form a composite line across the field—anywhere within the associated zone. A controller is operative, in response to receipt of a command from either a keyboard terminal or a wireless, hand held user interface device, to select one of the first group of laser sources and the second group of laser sources to project a composite temporary visible line. The zones may be contiguous or may be separated by one or more intermediate zones, with each intermediate zone having its own associated group of laser sources.

Abstract: A computer based method for performing a command via a voice user interface on a subset of objects. The subset is selected from a set of objects, each having an object type. At least one taggable field is associated with the object type and has a corresponding value. The set of objects is stored in the computer memory. An utterance is received from the user and includes a command, an object type selection, a taggable field selection, and a value for the taggable field. Responsive to the utterance, at least one object is retrieved from the set of objects, the object of the type selected by the user and having a value in the taggable field selection that matches the taggable field value received from the user. The command is performed on the object. The object consists of text which is converted to voice output.

Abstract: A dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) filter includes an optical fiber coupling device, having at least one multiple core optical fiber fusion coupled to a second optical fiber, and a dual core fiber grating. According to an especially preferred embodiment of the invention, two multiple core fibers are used with each multiple core fiber having a first core with a first effective index of refraction and a first propagation constant and a second core with a second effective index of refraction and a second propagation constant. Such an arrangement ensures a close match in effective index and propagation constant between the respective second cores.

Abstract: A network of interactive, self-service, medication dispensing kiosks that are each adaptable to contain an inventory of, for example, 200 to 1600 different drugs, as may be currently obtained directly from a local storefront, mail order, or “cyber” pharmacy. With the exception of periodic maintenance or inventory replenishment, the kiosks constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention are unmanned. By strategically locating the dispensing kiosks of the present invention in easily accessible public locations on a regional or national basis, and stocking the same with an inventory of frequently prescribed medications for which a patient is likely to have an exigent need, an on-line (Internet) or mail order pharmacy may offer a level of convenient access to emergency medications and pharmaceutical services that is at least as complete and comprehensive as that offered by the conventional storefront pharmacy.

Abstract: A method of operating a hybrid fiber coax transmission system to provide Fiber to the Home Office (FTTHO) functionality comprises directing, via a fiber portion of the transmission system, first wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical signals corresponding to a first category of subscriber service. The first wavelength division multiplexed WDM optical signals, which are within a first wavelength band, originate at a primary hub or headend and are sent to a plurality of fiber nodes where they are converted to respective electrical signals. The converted electrical signals are transmitted, via a coaxial cable portion of the transmission system, to the homes of individual subscribers. The method further comprises a step of exchanging, via a fiber portion of the transmission system, demultiplexed second WDM optical signals corresponding to fiber-to-the-home office (FTTHO) service between a headend and the home of at least one of the individual subscribers.

Abstract: Semiconductor light-emitting devices and methods for their manufacture using an efficient reflector to minimize optical loss due to the substrate absorption. The reflector comprises a plurality of discrete quarter-wave stacks deposited on a patterned substrate, allowing for current injection around the discrete reflector stacks. The reflector is further characterized by a high refractive-index ratio suitable for broadband high-reflectance applications of the light-emitting device.

Abstract: A network of interactive, self-service, medication dispensing kiosks that are each adaptable to contain an inventory of, for example, 200 to 1600 different drugs, as may be currently obtained directly from a local storefront, mail order, or “cyber” pharmacy. With the exception of periodic maintenance or inventory replenishment, the kiosks constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention are unmanned. By strategically locating the dispensing kiosks of the present invention in easily accessible public locations on a regional or national basis, and stocking the same with an inventory of frequently prescribed medications for which a patient is likely to have an exigent need, an on-line (Internet) or mail order pharmacy may offer a level of convenient access to emergency medications and pharmaceutical services that is at least as complete and comprehensive as that offered by the conventional storefront pharmacy.

Abstract: An aqueous bubble-forming composition, suitable for use as a child's toy, comprises a sucrose ester present in an amount by weight from about 3.3% to about 5.3%, a water soluble polymer in an amount by weight of from about 11.5% to about 14.0%, sweetener in amount by weight of from about 1.8% to about 4.0%, and water in amount by weight of from about 75% to about 83%. Small amounts of additional flavorings may be added to further improve the taste of the obtained solution.

Abstract: A toy water gun operable in accordance with two distinct modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the toy water gun receives and stores pressurized water directly from a municipal water supply. This is achieved using an adapter which allows water to flow under pressure into a reservoir of the gun such that the user need only depress a trigger to cause water to eject through the nozzle of the gun. In a second mode of operation, a fill cap or other opening is exposed so that unpressurized water may be poured in or otherwise received into the gun. A manually operable pump is included so that the unpressurized water may be pressurized whereupon depression of the trigger will cause the water to be ejected from the gun.

Abstract: A telemetry system comprises a plurality of beacons. Each beacon repetitively transmits a packet having a first predetermined time duration. The beacon transmits the packet a first predetermined number of iterations. A monitoring receiver observes for the transmitted packets within each of a plurality of time slots. Each slot has second predetermined time duration. The first predetermined time duration is less than the second predetermined time duration.

Abstract: A reuseable toothbrush cap assembly which defines a first compartment dimensioned and arranged to substantially enclose and protect the bristle portion of a toothbrush while allowing the graspable handle portion of the toothbrush to extend outside the compartment such that the toothbrush may continue to be stored in a conventional toothbrush holder. The toothbrush cap assembly further defines a second compartment dimensioned and arranged to receive a spool of dental floss, and a cutter dimensioned and arranged proximate an opening in the second compartment through which dental floss may be withdrawn to thereby allow cutting of the same into a segment of desired length.

Abstract: A high-powered optical pump includes at least two sub-pumps. Each sub-pump generates light at different wavelengths. The outputs of the sub-pumps are coupled to a remote pump fiber. The resulting light transmitted on the remote pump fiber results in a lower Raman gain and Raman noise spectral peak than that generated by existing single wavelength high-powered optical pumps at the same power level. Therefore, increased power can be transmitted on the remote pump fiber in contrast to a single wavelength pump. Additionally, the total gain spectrum available for the amplification of signals is increased.