Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, processes, apparatus, algorithms, etc., for secure identification of secret answers that satisfy secret questions. The methods, etc., can be used for the negotiated exchange of information, goods, or services when the Seeker and the Provider conceal their negotiating positions.

Abstract: A system and method for the analysis of putative switch tables in position-independent binary code. The method includes defining a block of data as a potential switch table by computing one or more switch targets. The switch targets are computed by, determining the reference address (point) of the switch table, determining the size of the entry in the switch table and determining the target address by adding the value of the entry to the reference address wherein said reference address and said target address define a selected block of data. The method also includes evaluating the selected block of data as a potential switch table and determining the best value and the best split for a selected block of data. The method also includes determining the best list of switch tables from a selected block of data.

Abstract: A computing resource allocation system allocates hardware and software resources among employees, based upon a combination of the employee level, job function, and demonstrated workstation performance within the context of the job requirements of the employee and usage patterns of the computing resource. The system collects various performance data for computing resources. A set of policy rules is applied to the collected performance data and processed by the present system. Consequently, the present system automatically identifies and prioritizes employees in need of technology upgrades and replacements based on business needs and available resources. Performance data of a computing resource is captured and transmitted to a central collection agency. From the performance data, the present system determines when partial upgrades, such as memory additions or faster adapters are appropriate based on system performance or errors.

Abstract: A plate heat exchanger includes a heat exchanger block having a plurality of heat exchange passages. On the heat exchanger block, a header is mounted that extends over at least one part of one side of the heat exchanger block and establishes a flow connection between the heat exchange passages. The plate heat exchanger is provided with a fluid connection, which is formed by the header-side end of a pipeline. The fluid connection is essentially perpendicular to the side of the heat exchanger block over which the header extends. Within the pipeline directly in front of the header, there is a flow guide.

Abstract: RF decoy anti-missile testing in a virtual environment through simulating the aviation of a missile, the reflected signal of a target, and an active RF decoy by use of a target motion simulator which implements the moving trajectory of the RF decoy. The RF decoy radiates a reflected signal of the target and also a deception signal through use of a microwave device that transfers the detected signal from the missile and amplifies the received signal so that a repeated delay signal of the RE decoy greater than that of the reflected signal of the target is radiated by the target motion simulator, thereby testing the deceit performance of the decoy.

Abstract: An integrated and complete dressing for the care and treatment of traumatic amputations and wounds. The traumatic amputation and wound dressing includes an oversized wound pad, an elastic bandage, and fasteners in an integrated unit for quickly and effectively treating an amputation. The elastic bandage may be attached to the wound pad such that the bandage forms an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to a vertical axis of the wound pad. The wound pad can be readily folded over an amputation and quickly wrapped with the elastic bandage. The fasteners may be attached to the periphery of the wound pad. When the dressing is applied to a stump of an amputated limb and the fasteners are engaged, the wound pad is relatively securely held in position and downward pressure is exerted on the stump. In some embodiments, the elastic bandage may also include brakes designed to prevent the bandage from unintentionally unraveling. The brakes also facilitate application of the dressing to the stump.

Abstract: An integrated wound dressing system and method including a bandage and a self-contained receptacle that stores treatment material for the care and treatment of wounds. The treatment material is easily accessible and can be removed from the receptacle through an exit. The treatment material can then be used to control bleeding and/or clean the wound before dressing. The bandage may include a layer of plastic that acts as an occlusion barrier to reduce heat loss and maintain moisture levels at the wound site. The occlusion barrier also acts to prevent the passage of air into or out of the wound site. The bandage also includes fasteners that act to prevent unintentional unraveling and to secure the bandage during final packaging. These fasteners help facilitate the wrapping of amputations, stumps, and extremities. The integrated wound dressing system provides an all-in-one system for treating and dressing wounds and reduces the time required to do so.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tree grille system for covering tree grates. Said system consists of grille sections (1), which are interconnected by couplings (7) to form a self-supporting tree grille. The couplings (7) consist of two fixed coupling parts (8) configured on the grille sections (1) and a coupling part (9) that can be inserted between the other parts and then rotated into a locking position. An arc-shaped rib (18) is configured on the underside of the fixed coupling parts (8), the outer peripheral face (21) of said rib being configured as a ramp-type clamping surface (23). One section of said surface (23) is provided with undulating fluting (24). When the displaceable coupling part (9) is rotated into the locking position, teeth (34) that are formed on said part slide over the fluting (24), causing the displaceable coupling part (9) to be locked by a friction and positive fit in the locking position.

Abstract: A system in at least one exemplary embodiment includes a source data unit and at least one backup data unit for backing up data from at least the source data unit offline. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the system includes the capability to update the source data unit once it returns to an online status. A method in at least one exemplary embodiment allows for a two stage backup where the first stage backup is to a backup data unit, which will occur in under one hour, and the second stage backup is to other computer readable medium, which can occur over a period of at least twenty-three hours. A method in at least one exemplary embodiment allows for a user to retrieve data or files from a previous backup.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a double-walled, thermoplastic tube with a connecting sleeve, which enables precise and complete molding of the connecting sleeve by simple means, it is provided that a) a first tube (1) is extruded into a mold tunnel (4) comprising at least one row of molds (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 atmospheric press

Abstract: A method and process that allows arbitrary input form semantics to be specified and interpreted at run-time. The method utilizes general purpose set theory expressions to represent input semantics based on the form creator's intent and the relationship between the input fields. Because the method utilizes general purpose logic it can be practiced with an array of computer programs and algorithms and does not require the use of a relational database.

Abstract: The invention concerns an adjustable stop assembly, for limiting a stroke, designed for a piston-cylinder unit comprising a cylinder and a piston having a rod, said stop assembly serving to limit the stroke of a lifting device on a forklift truck. Said assembly has a clamping ring (2) axially slidable and lockable on the piston rod, comprising, in one region of its external periphery, a threaded portion. Said assembly also comprises a threaded ring (3) which can be screwed on the threaded portion of the clamping ring and whereof the side facing the cylinder serves as stop thereon.

Abstract: A column for mass exchange between a liquid and a gas includes at least one pair of adjacent exchange plates, formed by an upper exchange plate and a lower exchange plate. The column also includes a drain shaft for passing liquid between the upper exchange plate and the lower exchange plate, and a recessed inlet cup located underneath a bottom end of the drain shaft. The bottom of the inlet cup is recessed relative to the surface of the lower exchange plate. The recessed inlet cup extends over only one part of the cross-section of the bottom end of the drain shaft.

Abstract: A method for operating a voice-based interactive entertainment program, the method including: a) receiving a voice communication from at least one user; b) selecting output in accordance with a voice-based interactive entertainment program, programmed with a plurality of interacting autonomous virtual performers; c) presenting the output to the user; d) prompting the user for input at a plot point of the voice-based interactive entertainment program; e) receiving the input from the user; f) selecting output at least partly in accordance with the voice-based interactive entertainment program and the input; and g) presenting to the user the output selected in step f).

Abstract: A method for installing a bonding pad as a gasket for an electronic subassembly includes providing a bonding pad comprising an expandable foam; an air-tight bladder covering at least one side of the expandable foam; a layer of conductive material covering the air-tight bladder and comprising at least one contact point; and an open port; removing air from the air-tight bladder, thereby compressing the expandable foam; installing the bonding pad into a gap between two surfaces; allowing the compressed foam to expand under atmospheric pressure; and electrically bonding the two surfaces with the bonding pad.

Abstract: A method for enhancing a CML driver circuit to allow efficient, and accurate measurement of the magnitude of the voltage domain noise present near a CML driver in an integrated circuit. The disclosed method for enhancing a CML driver circuit to enable quiet driver measurement includes providing a predetermined low impedance path from the power rail of said CML driver circuit via a first node to the output pins of the circuit and providing a predetermined low impedance path from the ground rail of said CML driver circuit via a second node to the output pins of the circuit. The method also includes disabling the current source causing the pull-up termination circuitry to become high impedance, and the logic driving said inputs of the CML circuit to exist in a low state and performing a low impedance measurement of the power rail noise, ground rail noise and the chip noise in the region of the CML driver.

Abstract: A fuel cell which is producible in high volume has electrolyte, positive electrode and negative electrode components which incorporate structure, external electrical connections, internal fuel and oxidizer distribution and an exhaust passage to form a simple assembly which can be formed into a stack. The fuel cell can utilize either a rigid or a flexible electrolyte. The components are manufacturable by a process of printing rolled or flat stock, cutting where appropriate and stacking into a fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: A method for testing a processor subassembly includes providing a computer system comprising subassemblies. Each subassembly includes processors having internal communication paths and ports that provide external communication paths to other subassemblies via a midplane circuit board. For each subassembly, a first port is connected to a second port via the midplane circuit board, thereby re-routing external communication paths back to the subassembly instead of to other subassemblies and allowing communication between the processors through external paths. Each subassembly can be tested one at a time.

Abstract: A method of using a coil contact as an electrical interconnect includes inserting at least one coil contact into a dielectric plate or housing. The at least one coil contact includes a beryllium copper coil plated with gold and having a tapered shape such that each end has a diameter smaller than the diameter of a middle section. The housing comprises an upper half comprising a surface that slopes outwardly from a center of the housing towards a top opening, and a lower half comprising a surface that slopes outwardly from the center of the housing to a bottom opening. The sloping surfaces of the upper half and the lower half form a concave shape that captivates the middle section of the coil contact. Each end of the at least one coil contact extends to account for variations in surfaces of the processor and the circuit board.