Abstract: An extension of the vector space model for computing chemical similarity using textual and chemical descriptors is described. The method uses a chemical and/or textual description of a molecule/chemical and a decomposes a molecule/chemical descriptor matrix by a suitable technique such as singular value decomposition to create a low dimensional representation of the original descriptor space. Similarities between a user probe and the textual and/or chemical descriptors are then computed and ranked.

Abstract: A tag which uses radio frequency waves transmitted from a scanning device in order to identify an item to which the tag is attached or with which the tag is associated. The tag includes a first insulating layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, and resonant circuits formed on the first insulating layer. Each of the resonant circuits are formed on one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the first insulating layer and have a resonant frequency associated therewith. Each of the resonant circuits include capacitance and inductance elements. The capacitance and inductance elements include an inwardly spiralled coil connected to an outwardly spiralled coil. The tag is associated with a binary number established by a pattern of ones and zeros depending on each circuits' resonance or nonresonance, respectively.

Abstract: A method configures at least one channel group of a communication system. The channel group includes at least one forward channel and at least one return channel. A central station transmits data over the forward channel to a plurality of terminals, and transmissions by each terminal to the central station occur on a return channel. The method configures at least one channel group to include each forward channel and a selected number of return channels, which configuration is responsive to message traffic projections of each return channel. The selected number of return channels is generally limited to a maximum number of return channels when capacity of each forward channel of the channel group becomes exhausted.

Abstract: A mobile communications system transporting messages between mobile terminals and a central control center using a satellite communications system. The central control center and the mobile terminals each store a plurality of message display forms each having a form identifier and a predetermined display format. The message display forms are selected as templates for generating user messages including message data supplied at the originating station. The satellite messages transmit the user message by transmitting the message data and the form identifier of the corresponding selected message display form. The receiving station, upon receiving the satellite message, accesses the message display form from memory in response to the supplied form identifier, and combines the accessed message display form with the message data to recreate the user message. The mobile terminals are designed as low-cost data terminals requiring a minimum amount of memory.

Abstract: A method generates an operational ballistic capture transfer for an object emanating substantially at earth or earth orbit to arrive at the moon or moon orbit using a computer implemented process. The method includes the steps of entering parameters including velocity magnitude VE, flight path angle &ggr;E, and implementing a forward targeting process by varying the velocity magnitude VE, and the flight path angle &ggr;E for convergence of target variables at the moon. The target variables include radial distance, rM, and inclination iM. The method also includes the step of iterating the forward targeting process until sufficient convergence to obtain the operational ballistic capture transfer from the earth or the earth orbit to the moon or the moon orbit.

Abstract: A computer implemented system awards promotional incentives. A participant in the awards system calls or connects to an interactive platform for registering and/or redeeming credits preferably described in uniquely identified certificates. In a telephone environment, the interactive platform is connected to a toll free telephone number where a participant's call is handled by a computer controlled voice response unit. In a computer network environment, a computer user connects to the interactive platform over the network. The participant receives awards credits based on the unique identification of certificates. Award credits for a participant are accumulated in a stored record associated with the participant until redeemed. Award credits can also be acquired as an instant winner based on a random or algorithmic selection of callers to receive such credits. Awards include electronic prizes such as free long distance telephone time, electronic cash and/or service credits.

Abstract: In a mobile satellite system, a mobile communication system includes a user interface system, an antenna system, a transceiver system, a logic and signaling system. The logic and signaling system provides a communication function permitting the mobile communication system to roam between the mobile satellite system and a terrestrial based communication system responsive to the user selection of a primary service and an alternate service. The mobile communication system also includes a digital terminal equipment unit initiating setup and release for a data call, and a facsimile interface unit initiating setup and release for a facsimile call. The facsimile interface unit generates a line control packet responsive to a line state transition indicating transmission of information associated with a new line state over a communication channel.

Abstract: A mobile satellite system including a satellite communication switching office and network system having a satellite antenna for receiving and transmitting a satellite message via a satellite to and from a mobile earth station including a mobile communication system, a satellite interface system, a central controller receiving and transmitting the satellite message from the mobile earth station to and from the satellite communication switching office via the satellite and the satellite interface system. The mobile communication system includes a user interface system providing a user interface through which a user has access to services supported by the mobile satellite system and an antenna system which provides an interface between the mobile communication system and the mobile satellite system via the satellite interface system. The antenna system receives a first satellite message from the satellite and transmits a second satellite message to the satellite.

Abstract: A mobile satellite system includes a network engineering/systems engineering (NE/SE) system. The NE/SE performs the processes of comparing expected traffic loads with capability and availability of space and ground resources in the mobile satellite system, formulating tactical plans to maximize available resources of the satellite, and producing frequency plans for different geographical regions and defining circuit pools for different groups of users of the METs. The NE/SE also performs the processes of defining contingency plans for failure situations, such as failure in the satellite or a ground-based equipment outage, configuring the mobile satellite system including logical resources and physical components generating logical and physical configurations, the logical and physical configurations designed to expand the mobile satellite system capacity for increases in traffic demand, while also supporting new features and services of the mobile satellite system.

Abstract: A method for constructing approximate data structures is disclosed in which the operations that define the data structure are relaxed. The operations are specified such that error of approximation in the results of the operations may be traded for speed in executing the operations.

Abstract: A Brownian Turing machine includes a multiplicity of alphabet elements, multiple state transition elements and a single enzymatic unit. The alphabet elements define a plurality of different types of information. The state transition elements define how the machine can change state. The enzymatic unit receives dimers one at a time, wherein each dimer is comprised of one state transition element combined to one alphabet element. The enzymatic unit determines if a dimer is an allowable next dimer and, if it is, connects the state transition element of the allowed dimer to a history tape of the history of at least one change of state. The enzymatic unit also modifies an alphabet tape, comprising at least two alphabet elements connected together, with the alphabet element of the allowed dimer in accordance with the state transition defined by the state transition element of the allowed dimer. The alphabet elements, state transition elements and enzymatic unit can be mechanical, chemical or biological elements.

Abstract: A method of performing an intellectual property (IP) audit estimates a value of an intellectual property portfolio. The method includes the steps of analyzing the IP portfolio, and deriving first information responsive to said analyzing step based upon the IP portfolio. The method also includes the steps of retrieving empirical data relating to known IP portfolios, and comparing the first information to the empirical data producing an IP worth indicator indicating an estimated worth of the IP portfolio. The method is optionally implementable over a network architecture.

Abstract: When a satellite is orbiting the earth in an elliptic orbit, it has a certain inclination with respect to the earth's equator. The usual way to change the inclination is perform a maneuver by firing the rocket engines at the periapsis of the ellipse. This then forces the satellite into the desired inclination. There is a substantially more fuel efficient way to change the inclination. This is done by an indirect route by first doing a maneuver to bring the satellite to the moon on a BCT (Ballistic Capture Transfer). At the moon, the satellite is in the so called fuzzy boundary or weak stability boundary. A negligibly small maneuver can then bring it back to the earth on a reverse BCT to the desired earth inclination. Another maneuver puts it into the new ellipse at the earth. In the case of satellites launched from Vandenberg AFB into LEO in a circular orbit of an altitude of 700 km with an inclination of 34°, approximately 6 km/s is required to change the inclination to 90°.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a device having at least one exposed region. First and second metal seals bond and/or secure with, and surround, the exposed region of the device. An enclosure seals the device between the first and second metal seals. The enclosure has a first substrate and a second substrate, each with end surfaces including a deformable metal layer. The deformable metal layer seals the corresponding surfaces in response to the application of a compressive force and/or energy to the first and second substrates. The enclosure may be constructed to include a cavity, and/or constructed of relative short length. The enclosure may be used to secure to a portion of an optical fiber, fiber optic device and/or device, and/or may be used to encase a portion or all of an optical fiber, fiber optic device and/or device.

Abstract: A computer implemented simulation and evaluation method simulates interventions to a patient by a user, and evaluates the interventions responsive to predetermined criteria and the interventions. The method includes defining a test area to evaluate the user to at least one of predetermined criteria and a user profile, selecting genetic information of the patient responsive to the test area, and generating a patient history responsive to the test area and the genetic information. The method also includes receiving at least one intervention input by the user, and evaluating the user responsive to the intervention and predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A priority and preemption method for performing a priority and preemption process includes the steps of satisfying a resource acquisition request from a reserve pool for an external system, and when the resource acquisition request cannot be satisfied from the reserve pool, requesting additional unused frequencies, and when the additional unused frequencies are not available, requesting to preempt active calls. The method also includes the step of replenishing the power and the frequencies received from the frequency controller, the data hub and/or the independent operations controller when the frequencies are no longer needed by the priority and preemption system.

Abstract: A system for automated production of a fiber optic device includes a chamber regulating an environment and/or atmosphere within for the automated production of the fiber optic device. The system also includes a sealable input port, communicating with the chamber and substantially sealing the environment and the atmosphere of the chamber. The sealable input port receives an optical fiber for insertion therethrough into the chamber. A movable holding stage is included within the chamber, including at least one clamp to be secured to the optical fiber. An energy source is disposed within the chamber, and used to apply energy to the optical fiber. The system also includes a gripping device within the chamber. The gripping device includes a cavity adapted for receiving the optical fiber therethrough and for securing thereto.

Abstract: A computer implemented Virtual Sensor Object includes an abstract class of Objects, and an actual software instantiation of which performs an abstract observation, evaluation, and expression method in either a static, a synchronous, or an asynchronous Form. The evaluation method of the Virtual Sensor Object allows the substantive meaning of the observations to be expressed in a Form which clarifies the Substance of the observations, so that the substantive meaning of the observations may be perceived directly, with little or no cognitive interpretation being required. The methods of expression and evaluation are dependent on the observation, whereas they are independent as to how they use and express meaning.

Abstract: A revision management system includes an inventory group manager (IGM), a work group manager (WGM), and a version manager (VM). The IGM generates and manages one or more lists for each of one or more elements logically related to each other as one or more inventory groups. The IGM also maintains and manages the lists of the elements in the inventory group and provides new elements to be added to the inventory group. The WGM selects the elements relating to a project that require modification. and selects elements from the inventory groups to form a project work group. The VM tracks and manages the modifications to the elements in the project work group, and generates reports with respect to the modifications responsive to user selectable criteria.

Abstract: A method of simulating future cash flow for a given asset allocation under a variety of economic conditions, measuring the frequency of failure of the cash flow to avoid one or more predefined risks. Assigning user-selected weights to avoidance of specified risks and alternative user-selected weights to maximization of rate of return, the invention utilizes the cash flow simulation to produce a performance index. By methodological testing through asset allocation adjustments, the optimum performance index is determined, thereby identifying the optimum asset allocation.