Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling and adjusting the audio profile of pervasive devices, like cellular phones, within controlled zones. The system and method utilizes RFID and sensors to geographically control and adjust the audio profiles based on set criteria, such as default settings and hierarchy. The audio profiles may be controlled or adjusted based on a control zone profile settings or based on the profile settings of other individual devices within the same control zone. The zones may be adjusted due to the hierarchy or rank of devices present within the zone.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 18, 2007
Date of Patent:
November 16, 2010
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation
Inventors:
Gregory J. Boss, Vincent V. Diluoffo, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Timothy M. Waters
Abstract: A method for improving Search Engine revenues from advertisements by selecting and displaying advertisements from a portfolio of advertisements that are likely to attract user traffic while maximizing the expected Search Engine revenues. Conventionally, each sponsored advertisement in the Search Engine portfolio is associated with one or more keywords from a list of advertiser sponsored keywords, such that if a user enters a keyword contained in an advertisement in the portfolio, a corresponding sponsored link is displayed. According to this invention, in addition to the sponsored links, complementary links can be displayed to some of the paid advertisements containing none of the user-entered keywords. The method for computing the complementary links is based on “overlapping queries” and “overlapping intent” models.
Abstract: A method for automatically choosing an electronic correspondence signature line, having an electronic search agent for scanning electronic correspondence for the designated destination address of the electronic correspondence, and retrieving at least one designated destination address for the electronic correspondence. The method also includes determining a domain name associated with the at least one designated destination address for the electronic correspondence retrieved by the electronic search agent and comparing the domain name for the at least one destination address with a predetermined list of domain names. The method also includes selecting at least one signature line for the electronic correspondence from a plurality of signature lines, based on the at least one domain name associated with the designated destination address of said electronic correspondence and attaching the at least one selected signature line to the electronic correspondence designated for the destination address.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 14, 2008
Date of Patent:
November 2, 2010
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation
Inventors:
Alvin J. Seippel, III, Caryn N. Seippel
Abstract: A system includes a primary storage unit connected to a secondary storage unit such that data written to the primary storage unit is replicated on the secondary storage unit. The primary storage unit in at least one exemplary embodiment includes the capability to intercept input/output instructions for routing to a buffer and/or directly to the secondary storage unit. The system in at least one exemplary embodiment includes a backup storage unit for backing up data from at least the secondary storage unit offline and the capability to update the secondary storage unit once it returns to an online status.
Abstract: The invention in at least one embodiment includes a device having a hub, a housing, a cannula, and a needle where the relative positions of the hub and the housing controls the relative positions of the cannula and the needle. In at least one embodiment, the housing includes a pathway in which a pin on the hub travels through to allow for selection of the insertion depth of the needle relative to the cannula.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 10, 2008
Date of Patent:
September 21, 2010
Assignee:
Laborie Medical Technologies, Inc.
Inventors:
Andy Xin Yue, Raymond Georges Laborie, Vladislav Dudko
Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for applying for a flowable material, especially a particulate material, in individual superimposed layers across a support (50), the flowable material being first filled from a stationary feed station (10) into a storage container (24) of an application device. In the application device (30), which travels back and forth across the support, the flowable material is distributed inside the storage container across the entire length of the device and is then metered through a slot into a metering shaft in such a manner that the filling level in the metering shaft remains constant during application of the flowable material from the metering shaft onto the support.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 21, 2006
Date of Patent:
September 21, 2010
Assignee:
Prometal RCT GmbH
Inventors:
Rainer Höchsmann, Martin Stachulla, Bernd Krabler, Stefan Hühn, Alexander Müller, Frank Sonntag
Abstract: A process for determining the strength of a plate-type heat exchanger includes computing the temperature stresses of the plate-type heat exchanger within the heat exchanger during its operation by a three-dimensional numerical simulation. Based on the computed temperature stresses, the strength of the plate-type heat exchanger is determined. The process for producing a plate-type heat exchanger with separating plates and profiles of metal uses this strength determination for establishing one or more mechanical parameters of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is manufactured with the one or more mechanical parameters.
Abstract: Divergent storylines for media such as movies are selected using branching techniques. Enhancing the “replay value” of a movie may be accomplished by introducing many logical branches in the action and plot during the movie. Consequently, repeat viewing is encouraged by creating a dynamic viewing environment based on the preferences of the current audience. The audience may be polled prior to each logical branch. Votes are then tallied and the logical branch is selected. Viewers may also indicate preferences regarding the movie rating. Consequently, a movie may be rated for children at one viewing and adults at another. Votes or other viewer feedback may be collected by a variety of methods. The privilege of voting for particular storyline branches or other content choices may be provided for free or purchase. Each time a branch in the storyline appears the viewer may then vote to influence the direction taken by the storyline. Multiple opportunities for voting may appear during the movie.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 1, 2003
Date of Patent:
August 24, 2010
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation
Abstract: The present invention relates generally to first aid articles and more specifically tourniquets. One embodiment of the claimed subject matter includes a tourniquet article comprising a base, a cap disposed on said base, a strap having one free end and one end attached to said base, a buckle attached to said base, a handle with an aperture to accommodate a portion of said strap, a ring attached to said base positioned adjacent to said base, wherein said tourniquet article is positioned around a limb, wherein said free end of said strap is pulled through both said ring and said handle aperture whereby said article is initially tightened around the limb, wherein said handle is turned until adequate pressure is applied to the limb, and wherein once adequate pressure is applied to the limb, one end of said handle is inserted into said ring to secure the tightened tourniquet in place.
Abstract: A shipping crate for shipping objects such as all-terrain vehicles and personal water-crafts. The shipping crate includes a top frame structure and a bottom frame structure. The crate may include an extension removably connectable to the bottom frame structure. The crate may include at least one pivotally mounted leg.
Abstract: A shipping crate for shipping objects such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and personal water-crafts (PWCs). The shipping crate is completely recyclable and includes a top frame structure and a bottom frame structure. The top and bottom frame structures are operable to telescopically engage each another when the crate is empty. Also, leg portions can be placed between the top and bottom frame structures and the leg portions can telescopically engage the top and bottom frame structures at opposite ends thereof.
Abstract: Xml pages are obtained from knowledge bases that contain step by step instructions. The xml pages are presented as “active content,” by which we mean a series of prompted questions and answers. A user's interactions with the active content is recorded so that the results may be copied to the user's clipboard for automatic transfer to a problem management/ticketing system. Active content that contains embedded questions asked of the user may be used to infer answers to some of the questions from a search query, and, thus, alleviate the need for the user to answer them.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 14, 2008
Date of Patent:
June 15, 2010
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation
Inventors:
Mark A. Brodie, Ryan K. Gunderson, Jonathan Lenchner, Gopal S. Pingali
Abstract: Autonomic learning agent(s) that identify and analyze errors, problems and potential problems, deduces possible solutions from a set of known rules, communicates with other systems on the network for addition information regarding potential solutions, and performs repairs based on the solution information gathered. The system can be used for identifying network-related or inter-computer communication problems that could not otherwise be identified from a single agent system. An exemplary agent includes three (3) major components: a task manager which controls the monitoring of the system or network and triggers alerts when a problem or potential problem is identified; a reason engine which contains the Artificial Intelligence (AI) system used for deducing possible automatable solutions for an identified problem; and a messaging interface which handles communication between agents.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 11, 2006
Date of Patent:
June 15, 2010
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation
Inventors:
Ana Claudia Biazetti, Fonda J. Daniels, Timothy P. Winkler
Abstract: An in-line node locking mechanism for supporting and locking a node within a rack system such forces applied on a node by the node locking mechanism generate consistent output forces. The in-line node locking mechanism utilizes dual swivel nuts and an in-line loading arrangement that evenly distributes forces along the length of a rail system to create evenly distributed forces and avoid the creation of stress points. An actuating screw causes the node locking mechanism to adjust between unlocked and locked positions. In the unlocked position, the mechanism causes the node to be lowered and move freely along the in-line rail system. In the locked position the mechanism causes the node to securely abut the rack system thereby locking the node within the rack system.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 29, 2008
Date of Patent:
June 8, 2010
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation
Inventors:
John Lee Colbert, Eric James Mckeever, John Allan Shurdalsvold, Daniel A. Wright
Abstract: An insurance program for entities in the mortgage industry that provides coverage for financial loss as a result of material inaccuracies in the financial information provided by or on behalf of the borrower. The insurance program preferably includes the initial insurance application and establishment of an insurance agreement, periodic issuing of individual insurance coverages for particular loans handled by the lender, training and consulting on improved controls for lenders, maintaining an ineligible database of entities and a database of loan information, and handling of claims.
Abstract: A location messaging system creates and delivers messages in a global virtual space, at the best time and location, in the optimal context. The recipient can be either generally or specifically targeted. The location message criteria can be formatted so that only a specific group of people see the message. Location messaging leaves “triggers” in a virtual location that can be either action or time related. Using action triggers, the location message will not be delivered until the recipient performs the predetermined action. That action includes things like visiting a web page/site, opening or editing a document, scanning a badge through a badge reader, buying a product from a store, or combining physical aspects to these virtual actions. Using time triggers, the location message has the ability to increase or decrease delivery or importance levels automatically.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 14, 2008
Date of Patent:
May 11, 2010
Assignee:
International Bsuiness Machines Corporation
Abstract: A method for diagnosing a pervasive developmental disorder, such as autism, comprising obtaining a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from a subject; obtaining a sample of serum from a subject; testing the cerebrospinal fluid of the subject for a concentration of TNF-?; testing the serum of the subject for a concentration of TNF-?; and positively diagnosing a pervasive developmental disorder when the concentration ratio of TNF-? in the cerebrospinal fluid of the subject to TNF-? in the serum of the subject exceeds approximately 2:1 over normal control concentrations.
Abstract: The present invention is directed at a system and method to rate lender profiles to determine the level of risk that is present in the loans originated or purchased by a particular lender will have a misrepresentation or as a result of material inaccuracies in the financial information provided by or on behalf of the borrower. The rating is preferably based on a variety of factors including at least one of, for example, prefunding controls, post closing controls, product mix, and/or loan source.
Abstract: In at least one method for manufacturing a double-walled, thermoplastic tube with a connecting sleeve, which enables precise and complete moulding of the connecting sleeve by simple means, it is provided that a) a first tube (1) is extruded into a mould tunnel (4) comprising at least one row of moulds (5) guided on a path, b) the first tube (1) is given a corrugated shape in at least one first section and expanded into a connecting sleeve in at least one second section, c) a second tube (6) is extruded into the first tube and pressed against the corrugation troughs (8) of the first tube (1), d) while the first tube (1) is being given a corrugated shape and the second tube (6) extruded into the first, the space (A) between the two tubes (1, 6) is subjected to a pressure p1 that is above atmospheric pressure, e) the space (A) between the two tubes (1, 6) is subjected, at a specified time before or after expansion of the first tube (1) into a connecting sleeve, to an essentially constant pressure p2?p1 above atm
Abstract: A method for a web browser-controlled installation of software on a remote computer system includes accessing at least one remote computer system; temporarily transferring a non-user interface, platform-independent installation program having an embedded web application and light-weight web server onto the at least one remote computer system, wherein the web application provides a web user interface; accessing a web browser and connecting to the light-weight web server via the web interface provided by the web application; providing instructions for installing software on the at least one remote computer to the web interface; the light-weight web server transferring the instructions to the non-user interface installation program; transferring and installing software on the at least one remote computer system; and removing the installation program, web application, and light-weight web server from the at least one remote computer.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 5, 2009
Date of Patent:
March 23, 2010
Assignee:
International Business Machines Corporation
Inventors:
Peter Ray Manahan, Jason Robert McGee, Barry Charles Searle