Abstract: The present invention is a network architecture or framework that supports hosting and content distribution on a truly global scale. The inventive framework allows a Content Provider to replicate and serve its most popular content at an unlimited number of points throughout the world. The inventive framework comprises a set of servers operating in a distributed manner. The actual content to be served is preferably supported on a set of hosting servers (sometimes referred to as ghost servers). This content comprises HTML page objects that, conventionally, are served from a Content Provider site. In accordance with the invention, however, a base HTML document portion of a Web page is served from the Content Provider's site while one or more embedded objects for the page are served from the hosting servers, preferably, those hosting servers near the client machine. By serving the base HTML document from the Content Provider's site, the Content Provider maintains control over the content.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a foldable passenger seat, there is a storage area underneath the seat or bench. According to the invention, a rigid, substantially u-shaped structural member closes up an opening under the seat to thereby inhibit access to the volume of storage space and form a lockable storage enclosure. The structural member cooperates with existing underseat components to form the novel underseat enclosure. Notches are formed in the upper edge portions of the member to accommodate existing underseat handles.

Abstract: A method of purchasing products and services on-line using a client connectable to a plurality of servers via a computer network. The method begins by initiating from the client two or more independent transaction sessions, each of the independent transaction sessions established as a connection between the client and one of the plurality of servers is active. During each independent transaction session, transaction information is collected at the client to facilitate a purchase of products and services after the connection between the client and the server is closed and the transaction session is completed. According to the invention, the transaction information is maintained persistent across multiple independent transaction sessions. At a given time, for example, after all Web sites have been visited and the information gathered, the transaction information (as originally collected and/or as filtered, updated or enhanced) is then used to effect a purchase of given products and services.

Abstract: A method of generating a boot image and using the boot image to restore a computer system having a processor, an operating system, physical memory, virtual memory and disk storage. The method may be initiated from any particular software application, or at multiple execution points within a particular application. One or more boot images may be stored in association with an initiating application. By providing full virtual memory support in the boot image, the computer system may be restored to any predetermined operating state.

Abstract: An automated device for periodically revitalizing potpourri can be placed in a potpourri container. The device includes a mixing element for mixing potpourri and an aerosol canister containing a fragrance oil for adding fragrance to the potpourri. A battery powered motor periodically rotates the mixing element to stir the potpourri and activates the aerosol canister to dispense the fragrance oil into the potpourri. The device thus uniformly mixes the fragrance into the potpourri. Electric timer circuitry is provided to activate the device on a preset periodic basis.

Abstract: A Web browser running on a client machine typically includes an address field in which a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) may be entered. The URL identifies a particular server (or file) located at a target Web site. If a given URL is entered incorrectly at the Web client, a fuzzy URL detection scheme automatically performs a fuzzy search that returns a list of URLs that most closely match what was originally entered into the browser address field. The user can then select the correct URL from the list and launch the browser to the desired site, or to a directory or file within that site. If the fuzzy search does not reveal a match, the browser may contact a server dedicated to performing a broader fuzzy search. In another alternative, the browser contacts a Web server and the fuzzy search is implemented at the Web server in order to return a particular file.

Abstract: A user is authenticated at a client machine running a native operating system. Authentication may be effected from one or more non-native server domains including, without limitation, a Server Message Block (SMB) server domain, a DCE Cell, or some other non-Windows NT server domain. Following successful authentication, a user account is dynamically established or updated at the client by retrieving from the server user information and a set of "group" privileges associated with the authenticated user. A local representation of these privileges is then dynamically created on the client, after which the privileges are linked to the user account to make the user a member of the local representation. In this manner, the group information is saved on the local machine and the authenticated user is afforded appropriate access rights to the client and the server.

Abstract: A method of hierarchical LDAP searching in an LDAP directory service having a relational database management system (DBMS) as a backing store. According to the invention, entries in a naming hierarchy are mapped into first and second relational tables: a parent table, and a descendant table. These tables are used to "filter" lists of entries returned from a search to ensure that only entries within a given search scope are retained for evaluation. Thus, for example, the parent table is used during an LDAP one level search, and the descendant table is used during an LDAP subtree search. In either case, use of the parent or descendant table obviates recursive queries through the naming directory.

Abstract: A method of logging information in a computer network having a Web client connectable to a Web server. In response to the HTTP request (and as a result of receiving a response to that request), a response time associated with that first HTTP request is calculated. Thereafter, the response time calculated is passed from the Web client on a subsequent HTTP request to that Web server, where the information is logged for later use. In a preferred embodiment, the response time associated with the first HTTP request is passed in a cookie of the second HTTP request.

Abstract: A method of managing a Windows NT user account at a Windows NT client begins following authentication of a user against a non-native server domain by establishing a Windows NT user account at the client. The Windows NT user account is maintained as work is done at the client by the user. At user logoff, the user account is maintained, disabled or deleted based on policy set on the client by an administrator.

Abstract: Freight forwarders and carriers post published rate and discount information for land, sea and air bearing cargo vessels to allow customers the opportunity to evaluate competitive prices, preferably in one consolidated location (e.g., a web site). A customer navigates to the site to obtain published or discounted rate information offered by a freight forwarder or carrier. The customer may accept a posted rate, in which case the site operator notifies the freight forwarder or carrier. Alternatively, customers, freight forwarders and carriers may negotiate rates for particular lanes of interest using an online interactive auction block.

Abstract: The described embodiments of the present invention provide a wafer boat that is manufactured using polysilicon. A further embodiment of the invention is a mechanical boat manufacturing technique which avoids the use of welding and other forms of bonding. Another embodiment of the present invention is a polysilicon wafer boat that is formed with a plurality of spaced parallel rods having slots for supporting a series of semi-conductor wafers in a generally edgewise, spaced, parallel position. The rods are mechanically held in place at each end by a plate and capturing mechanism. In yet another embodiment of the invention, polysilicon rods are machined to a tight tolerance with openings in end pieces of the boat. The rods are held firmly in place by polysilicon wedges. This makes for a very rigid structure. If so desired, the boat can then be coated with a layer of polysilicon in a furnace to better lock the parts together.

Abstract: An edge connector for a circuit board having a top layer and at least one layer underlying the top layer to form a composite structure. The edge connector comprises a first set of metallic tabs formed on the top layer in a row spaced from an edge of the top layer, with each of the first set of metallic tabs having a plating spoke associated therewith formed in the one layer underlying the top layer. A second set of metallic tabs is formed on the top layer in a row adjacent the edge. A metallic tab of the first set is positioned between a pair of metallic tabs in the second set, however, the surface area of the top layer between each pair of metallic tabs in the second set is substantially free of a plating spoke.

Abstract: A projection zoom lens system is used in imaging and non-imaging modes for entertanment and architectural illumination, providing 8:1 zoom ratio in an imaging mode and 20:1 zoom ratio in a non-imaging mode. When coupled with a variable aperture iris, beam size control is obtained with 120:1 ratio. The lens system comprises four lens groups: a first group having a positive refractive power, a second group having a negative refractive power, a third group having a negative refractive power, and a fourth group having a positive refractive power. In the imaging mode, the third group is adjusted axially to vary magnification while the second group is adjusted axially to focus on the object. In the non-imaging mode, the second and third groups are brought into close proximity with each other and adjusted axially as a unit to vary magnification. The fourth group remains fixed and the first group can be adjusted axially to focus the image at different throw lengths.

Abstract: A user is authenticated at a client machine running a native operating system. Authentication may be effected from one or more non-native server domains including, without limitation, a Server Message Block (SMB) server domain, a DCE Cell, or some other non-Windows NT server domain. Following successful authentication, a user account is dynamically established or updated at the client by retrieving from the server user information and a set of "group" privileges associated with the authenticated user. A "user profile" is retrieved from the non-native server domain and used to establish at the client a user desktop and any preferences associated with the user.

Abstract: A method for scheduling personnel (e.g., agents) in a work environment based on personnel "skill" levels. The method facilitates true skills-based scheduling of agents in a telephone call center using a simulation tool to predict what fraction of scheduled agents from each "skill group" will be available to each "call type" during each time interval being scheduled. A feedback mechanism is used to adjust net staffing and skills usage data between iterations of a call handling simulation until a given schedule being tested through the simulator meets some acceptance criteria.

Abstract: A portable electronic device assists persons with learning disabilities and attention deficit disorders in performing daily living tasks. These tasks can include, e.g., making a bed, applying makeup, brushing teeth, getting dressed, and eating a meal, or hundreds of other tasks. The device is designed to allow users to develop a personal schedule of these tasks and special events. It alerts users at predetermined times to perform scheduled tasks and coaches and motivates the user in completing the tasks through text, audio and animation. The user is given a predetermined period of time to complete the task and rewarded with points if the task is completed on time. The device also records the user's performance of tasks and creates a task log of the user's performance over a given period of time.

Abstract: A portable chassis-mounted continuous flow, blending and mixing plant utilizing a Programmable Logic Controller and belt scales to continuously meter and adjust the flow of aggregate as well as maintain the proper ratio and flow of additives, both dry and liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that automatically generates and maintains resource groups for a clustered computer network configuration. Resource groups are said to be generated "automatically" because the system administrator preferably is not directly involved with defining what resources go within a particular group. Rather, the administrator merely identifies a set of resources that must be collocated with a given application in the event of a failure of a computer on which the application is then executing. One or more resource groups are then automatically generated using a set of collocation "constraints" or rules. A first collocation constraint preferably enforces any user-defined collocations for a given application, and a second constraint collocates disk partition resources residing on the same physical disk. A resource group generated is this manner ensures effective fault-tolerant operation.

Abstract: A free-standing overhead fan apparatus includes a stand and a fan mounted on the stand. The stand includes a base positioned on ground level and an elongated member extending upwardly from the base. The fan is mounted at the upper end of the elongated member, preferably about seven feet above ground level. The fan includes a housing containing an electric motor and a rotating shaft extending from the motor. The fan also includes fan blades radially extending from the motor shaft. The fan is mounted on the stand such that the motor shaft and fan blades are rotatable about a vertical axis to emulate a ceiling fan.