Abstract: Systems and methods for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing are provided. In one embodiment, a multi-carrier modem comprises: a receiver configured to de-modulate symbols from at least one of a plurality of spectrally overlapping carrier signals to produce a receiver output; a transmitter configured to modulate symbols onto at least one of a plurality of the spectrally overlapping carrier signals; a processor coupled to the transmitter, wherein the processor outputs data for transmission by the transmitter, wherein the processor applies an inverse Fourier transform to the data transmitted by the transmitter; the processor coupled to the receiver, wherein the processor applies a Fourier transform to the receiver output; and a controller programmed to instruct the transmitter to transmit at least one symbol representing a request for bandwidth allocation on a first carrier; wherein the controller is further programmed to determine when a collision has occurred on the first carrier.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for enhancing payment flexibility. The method includes receiving payment notification including a payment amount and a payment date for an identified customer and determining eligibility for flexible payment status implementing the computer processor, the determination based on the customer identity, the payment date, and a payment due date. The method further includes calculating a flex accrual using the computer processor if the customer is eligible for flexible payment status, the flex accrual based on the payment amount, the payment date, and the payment due date and communicating the flex accrual to the customer. The method additionally includes allowing the identified customer to utilize the flex accrual by making a late payment without penalty, wherein a number of days late and dollars paid are determined based on the flex accrual.

Abstract: The disclosure is in part directed to crystalline forms of 6-O-(4-dimethylaminoethoxy)cinnamoyl fumagillol and variants thereof.

Abstract: A reward system for players of video games or computer games comprises: (a) a gaming platform for participating in a video game or computer game; (b) a data collection module in communication with the platform, wherein the data collection module obtains and stores information received from the platform and assigns rewards points based upon the data and predetermined parameters; and (c) a purchasing module in communication with the data collection module, wherein the purchasing module receives information from the data collection module regarding the player's purchasing choices and arranges for the purchase items corresponding to the choices.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for determining a user's location within an indoor environment. In particular, the system receives a location request including a set of radio frequency signal data collected by a mobile device inside of an indoor environment. Using this data set, the system first selects a map from a plurality of maps stored in a map database. The system then processes the data to identify the user's location on the selected map. The system uses yield information associated with the received signals in determining the map that the user is on, the user's location on the map, or both the map and the user's location to filter out transient signals and identify those signals that are reliably indicative of the user's location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector system that provides the transfer of electrical power and/or data communications signals between two systems. The connector has no conductive electrical connection and can operate independently of angular orientation.

Abstract: A body coupled antenna system usable in a personal locator unit includes an antenna element for connection to an RF circuit; a coupling plate for conductively coupling to an adjacent body for broadening the tuning frequency and reducing the loading sensitivity; a first capacitance interconnected between the coupling plate and the antenna element; and a second capacitance interconnected between the coupling plate and the RF circuit; the first and second capacitances being set to restore a predetermined matching impedance level while maintaining the broadened tuning frequency.

Abstract: Designs for a battery-powered, all-electric locomotive and related locomotive and train configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a locomotive may be driven by a plurality of traction motors powered exclusively by a battery assembly which preferably comprises rechargeable batteries or other energy storage devices. The locomotive carries no internal combustion engine on board and receives no power during operation from any power source external to the locomotive. A battery management system monitors and equalizes the batteries to maintain a desired state of charge (SOC) and depth of discharge (DOD) for each battery. A brake system may be configured to prioritize a regenerative braking mechanism over an air braking mechanism so that substantial brake energy can be recovered to recharge the battery assembly.

Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.

Abstract: A method of lancing the tissue of a patient provides a tissue penetration element with a tip configured to penetrate tissue and a shaft portion. The tissue penetration element is disposed in proximity to the tissue of the patient. The tissue penetration element is driven distally towards the tissue of the patient. Contact is made between the tip and the tissue of the patient. The tip is advanced into the tissue during a penetration stroke to a position of maximum inward displacement. The tissue penetration element is displaced proximally over a withdrawal stroke at an average velocity that is substantially lower than an average velocity of the tissue penetration element during the penetration stroke. The tip is removed from the tissue.

Abstract: An underwater communications system is provided that transmits electromagnetic and/or magnetic signals to a remote receiver. The transmitter includes a data input. A digital data compressor compresses data to be transmitted. A modulator modulates compressed data onto a carrier signal. An electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna transmits the compressed, modulated signals. The receiver that has an electrically insulated, magnetic coupled antenna for receiving a compressed, modulated signal. A demodulator is provided for demodulating the signal to reveal compressed data. A de-compressor de-compresses the data. An appropriate human interface is provided to present transmitted data into text/audio/visible form. Similarly, the transmit system comprises appropriate audio/visual/text entry mechanisms.

Abstract: A power amplifier using a drain (collector) power control loop in which the feedback signal is an estimated output power level computed with a linear summation of the output sensed voltage and current. Both RF and baseband voltage and current sensing are possible, and voltage-mode or current-mode signal processing are feasible. This control loop technique is applicable to any means of drain power control circuits such as: supply regulators, DC-DC converters and others. Voltage error amplifiers can be used in conjunction with voltage feedback network, while current error amplifiers can be used with current feedback networks. Regulator sharing between different bands may be used as an area and cost reduction solution. The linear voltage and current summation driven power control technique can be also applied to the gate (base) power control scheme. Similarly, voltage-mode and current-mode signal processing can be implemented.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for wireless communications are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, frequency components present in a short duration modulated complex pulse is used to represent data to be sent. In other embodiments, the complex pulse is created, modulated, then modified to have desirable frequency characteristics. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the removal of catalyst particles from a hydrocarbon stream (14) derived from the reaction of synthesis gas (12) with a particulate Fischer Tropsch catalyst in a Fischer Tropsch reactor (10). The process includes a primary separation step (16) which makes use of a filter, wherein the filter has a pore size which is 70% to 95 of the average size of the particles of the Fischer Tropsch catalyst, thereby forming a primary filtered hydrocarbon stream (18) containing fine catalyst particles. The benefit of this selection of filter pore size is that it mitigates fines build-up on the filter of the primary separator. The primary filtered hydrocarbon stream (18) is then passed to a secondary separation step in a cross-flow filtration unit (20) which removes fine catalyst particles from the primary filtered hydrocarbon stream to provide a retenate (24) containing the catalyst fines, and permeate (22) containing a hydrocarbon product.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a rotary device includes a multiwall nanotube that extends substantially perpendicularly from a substrate. A rotor may be coupled to an outer wall of the multiwall nanotube, be spaced apart from the substrate, and be free to rotate around an elongate axis of the multiwall nanotube.

Abstract: A SAW resonator filter including a SAW resonator, and a first inductive reactance in parallel with the SAW resonator for shifting the null points below and above the center frequency for establishing substantially symmetrical attenuation about the center frequency.

Abstract: A tissue penetration device and method of using same. The tissue penetration device may optionally include sampling and analyzing functions, which may be integrated. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood. Electric field coils or solenoids may drive the lancet using electromagnetic force. Advancement and retraction of a lancet may be controlled by a feedback loop monitoring the position and velocity of the lancet embodiments of the lancet driver can be configured to follow a predetermined tissue lancing profile. Embodiments of the invention include a lancet and method for using a lancet to maintain the patency of the wound tract once the lancet has cut into the skin.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical modulators that have two coupling paths or structures between an input port to an output port, at least one of which includes an optical resonator.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a fusion protein which includes a first portion including an immunoglobulin (Ig) chain and a second portion including interleukin-7 (IL-7).

Abstract: A tissue penetration device and method of using same. The tissue penetration device may optionally include sampling and analyzing functions, which may be integrated. An embodiment provides control of a lancet used for sampling blood. Electric field coils or solenoids may drive the lancet using electromagnetic force. Advancement and retraction of a lancet may be controlled by a feedback loop monitoring the position and velocity of the lancet embodiments of the lancet driver can be configured to follow a predetermined tissue lancing profile. Embodiments of the invention include a lancet and method for using a lancet to maintain the patency of the wound tract once the lancet has cut into the skin.