Abstract: A set of components that can be used to construct a structurally sound dock are disclosed. The components can be extruded and the components are shaped such that interconnected components provide support for the other components thereby alleviating weak points due to welded only joints. A fascia channel provides additional strength by including structures that improve the vertical and horizontal strength of the fascia channel. HDPE plastic inserts and sheaves provide sound dampening for metal to metal contact points. Other components include a corner connector, a post system and a hinge system.

Abstract: An adjustable bundling device is disclosed that aids in the cinching and un-cinching of one or more items, such as the wrapping of food items in preparation for cooking. A cavity element and a stop element are attached to opposing ends of a length of flexible textured cord. The cord can be pushed through the cavity to form a loop that can hold various items. The loop can be tightened and loosened by sliding the cord within the cavity. The texture of the cord interacts with protrusions in the cavity to lock the cord in place. The cavity acts a type of clench and the end stop prevents the cord from slipping all the way out of the cavity.

Abstract: A central control system operates in conjunction with multiple mobile traffic probes to analyze and characterize traffic in a particular region or area. The traffic probes operate autonomously to collect traffic related data and report the collected data to the central control system. The traffic probes can analyze the collected data to identify traffic anomalies, and in response, change the amount and type of data collected, as well as the frequency of reporting the data to the central control system. In addition, the central control system can analyze the received data to identify traffic anomalies or points of interest and force one or more deployed traffic probes to change the amount and type of data collected, as well as the frequency of reporting.

Abstract: A telecommunications system that supports the provision of video messaging, yet maintains compatibility and operation with user equipment that is not capable of processing, receiving or rendering video content. Based on the type of user equipment, as well as user selected options, network configurations and status, and class-of-service characteristics, the telecommunications systems can revise the manner in which content is provided to the user equipment. Variations in the content provision include providing synchronized audio and video content, audio content only, video content only, video content with closed-captioning and closed-captioning only.

Abstract: A voice messaging system comprises a common message store, a local data store located remotely from the common message store, and a media server. The media server is operable to receive a call directed to a number serviced by the media server, prompt the user for a voice message, direct the voice message to the local data store for temporary storage, notify the common message store that the voice message is present in the local data store, respond to a request to transfer the voice message to the common message store, and direct the local data store to erase the message upon receipt of a communication from the common message store that the voice message was successfully saved.

Abstract: A telecommunications system that supports the provision of video messaging to certain user devices, based on the calling line identifier or ANI associated with the user devices. Based on the CLID or the ANI, as well as user selected options, network configurations and status, and class-of-service characteristics, the telecommunications systems can revise the manner in which content is provided to the user equipment. Variations in the content provision include providing synchronized audio and video content, audio content only, video content only, video content with closed-captioning and closed-captioning only.

Abstract: A telecommunications platform that provides redundant interfaces to a telecommunications system for multiple IP based telecommunication devices. The telecommunications platform includes a gateway cluster with two or more signaling gateways. Each signaling gateway is assigned a point code for being accessed by devices in the telecommunications system. The gateway cluster is assigned a virtual point code. Any of the IP based telecommunications devices can be accessed by the telecommunications system by routing to the virtual point code through one of the signaling gateways in the gateway cluster. Thus, if one of the signaling gateways is not available, the IP based telecommunications devices can still be accessed through one of the other signaling gateways in the gateway cluster.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system to deliver real-time video data over the Internet in a bandwidth efficient manner. A streaming processor receives raw video data from a video source and communicates a compressed version of the video data to a reflector network. The video data is compress by grouping pixels into blocks and comparing blocks of adjacent frames of video data to identify any changes. Only blocks that have been changed are transmitted to the reflector network. In addition, if a block has been changed in a manner to create a previously transmitted block, then only an identification index for the block is transmitted. The actual content of the block can then be recreated by comparing the index to a list of previously received blocks. The reflector network provides the compressed video stream to multiple clients through a series of reflectors. Each client can customize the quality of the video stream received by requesting a full-stream of a sub-stream from the reflector network.

Abstract: A head rest that includes a cushion and a support plate. The facial surface area that contacts the cushion is maximized by using a contoured upper surface for the cushion, a contoured upper surface for the support plate or a combination of both. The head rest also includes a holder for aroma therapy items and a relief mechanism for the occipital nerves.

Abstract: This invention is a single, multichannel catheter useful for extracorporeal circulation of blood to a patient undergoing cardiovascular treatments or surgery. The catheter has three independent channels and an expandable balloon at one end of the catheter. The first channel (34) is the largest and is of a size that allows for delivery of blood to a patient in an amount sufficient to maintain the patient's metabolism and perfusion throughout the treatment or surgery. A second channel (36), smaller than the first, is integrated into the wall of the first channel, and is suitable for delivering a biologically active fluid (e.g., for cardioplegia) to the heart and/or venting the left heart. A third channel (38), also smaller than the first, is integrated into the wall of the first channel, and suitable for delivering a fluid to the balloon for its expansion when positioned in the ascending aorta to occlude the flow of blood to the heart.

Abstract: This invention is a hand tool tethering system for use with hand tools that includes a retractor adapted to be included in a housing of the hand tool, a tether attached to the hand tool's retractor mechanism at one end, and to and a coupling device at the opposite end for attachment to an operator or to a selected support structure. The retractor mechanism allows the tether to be movable between a stored position and a functional position.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system of addressing pipeline anomalies prior to failure of pipeline integrity, and particularly to a pipeline inspection system integrating a novel serviceability acceptance criteria for pipeline anomalies, specifically wrinkles, with an improved method of correlating ultrasonic test data to actual anomaly characteristics.

Abstract: A draft chimney for a convection based apparatus. The draft chimney comprises a flue at least partially defining a path of convection airflow through at least a portion of the interior of a cabinet. The flue passes convection airflow to the exterior of the cabinet.

Abstract: A leak detection and reporting system for detecting and reporting different types of leaks. Different alarms are activated in response to different types of leaks. The present invention includes a timing module and a water flow sensor. The timing module measures a standard fill time required to properly fill a reservoir. A lower time threshold and an upper time threshold are then calculated based upon the standard fill time. A first alarm may be activated if a subsequent fill time is below the lower time threshold to identify a small leak. Also, a second alarm may be activated if a subsequent fill time is above the upper time threshold to identify a larger leak.

Abstract: A system and method for generating structured data outputs from a semi-structured data source. The steps of this method include generating an example output from an example generator. The example output is generated in response to the acquisition of a sequence of annotated strings. The annotated strings are generated in response to the acquisition and modification of at least one data example and corresponding coarse structure from a predetermined input source. Also, a second sequence of annotated strings is generated from input from a semi-structured data source. Both the example output and second sequence of annotated strings are input to an acquisition engine that implements a grammar layer incorporating a top-down parsing method and a comparison layer. The structured data outputs are generated through the cooperation of the comparison layer and the grammar layer.

Abstract: A fully adjustable bumper system that absorbs impact and thereby, avoiding damage to the bumper. The bumper system includes a bumper assembly mounted to a vertically pivoting assembly through horizontally and vertically adjustable assemblies. A stop assembly is attached to the vertically pivoting assembly and allows the bumper assembly to pivot away from an applied force and then causes the bumper assembly to return to its position with the force is removed. The bumper system can be bolted, welded or otherwise fixedly attached to either the frame or rails of a trailer or truck for ease of installation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for supporting the back of a seated person by providing primary support to the back of the seated person at the junction between the lower thoracic vertebrae and the upper lumbar vertebrae and surrounding tissues. More specifically, the primary support is preferably provided to the spine in a target region between the 11th thoracic vertebrae and the 2nd lumbar vertebrae of a user of the chair, and more preferably between the 1st lumbar vertebrae and the 12th thoracic vertebrae.

Abstract: A method for removing organic and inorganic residues or polymers from the surface of semiconductor devices, with a combination of etchant gasses including water vapor generated using a catalytic moisture generator or CMG. The water vapor is generated by introducing O2 and an H2 containing forming gas including hydrogen and at least one dilutant gas into the CMG. The water vapor from the CMG is introduced into a reaction chamber with other etchant gasses to treat the surface of a semiconductor device placed within. The flow rate of water vapor out of the CMG and into the reaction chamber may be controlled by controlling the flow rate of the H2 containing forming gas and the flow rate of the O2 gas into the CMG.

Abstract: The present invention is shipping and storage container for storing and transporting a plurality of disc shaped objects, such as wafers and the like, while protecting the items from vibration, abrasion, impact, particulation, static electricity, and outgassing. Although the carrier of the present invention may be configured to carry many kinds of thin disc shaped objects, the invention is particularly suited for safely storing and transporting wafers. In its broadest sense, the shipping container of the invention comprises a separable base and cover. The base is configured to hold a plurality of wafers stacked one on top of the other within a cylindrical storage area. The upper wafers are supported by wafers below, and ultimately by the flat bottom of the container. The cover is configured to fit over portions of the base to enclose the stored wafers.