Abstract: In a communication system, such as a satellite communication system, a method of performing a priority process for a priority event includes the steps of continuously monitoring, by a mobile communication system (MCS), for receipt of a priority message, transmitting, by a controller, a first message including the priority message in the communication system, and receiving the first message by the MCS. The method also includes the steps of receiving, by the MCS, a second message to be transmitted to the communication system, and performing, by the MCS, a message segment protocol to the second message creating message segments. The method also includes the steps of transmitting, by the at least one MCS, each message segment until all of the message segments have been transmitted, and receiving, by the controller, the message segments, until all of the message segments have been received.

Abstract: An image viewer process views at least one document image including an electronic document image, and performs viewing operations to the electronic document image. The process includes the step of selecting, by the user, one of a plurality of image viewing perspectives. Each of the plurality of image viewing perspectives provide the user the capability of viewing the document image in accordance with a different predefined user perspective. The process also includes the steps of selecting, by the user, using the image viewer process the document image to be viewed, and retrieving, by the image viewer process, the document image. The process also includes the step of displaying, by the image viewer process, the selected document image in accordance with an image viewing perspective selected by the user.

Abstract: A mobile satellite system includes at least one satellite and at least one network engineering/systems engineering (NE/SE) system. The NE/SE system performs at least one of 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 at least one satellite, and producing frequency plans for different geographical regions; performing the processes of defining contingency plans for failure situations, including failure in the at least one satellite or a ground-based equipment outage; configuring the mobile satellite system including logical resources and physical components; and configuring communication paths to external organizations operatively connected to the mobile satellite system.

Abstract: An optical switching assembly selectively connects an optical source and a detector to at least one fiber optic device. The assembly includes first and second groups of optical paths, and first and second optical switches. The first optical switch selectively connects the optical source to one end of the first group of optical paths, and the second optical switch selectively connects the detector to the one end of the second group of optical paths. The assembly laos includes a plurality of junctions, each having a lead associated therewith, and one or more of the leads are connected to the fiber optic device. The junctions connect the other end of the first group of optical paths and the other end of the second group of optical paths to the lead to facilitate the testing of the fiber optic device.

Abstract: Fiber optic devices are tested using an optical switching assembly having two optical switches and optical junctions, each optical junction connects an optical fiber from each of the switches to an external optical fiber lead. Each switch is connected to an optical device, for example a laser or a detector, and selectively establishes an optical path between the corresponding optical device and one of the junctions. Hence, a fiber optic device may be tested by connecting the ends of the fiber optic device to respective junction leads, and selectively switching the optical paths to determine the different optical characteristics of the fiber optic device. Calibration devices may also be connected to the leads of unused junctions to check for calibration accuracy and to detect variation in optical performance over time.

Abstract: A modified poker card game allows a player to sequentially build a card hand after each round of play. The rules of play for the card game including dealing a first pair of cards to the player. The player then selects one of the pair of cards for the card hand, and discards the other card. The player repeats this process until the player has selected a predetermined number of cards that form the card hand. The resulting card hand is then compared to a predetermined winning schedule and/or to other players playing the modified poker game.

Abstract: A biological evidence collection apparatus provides contact-free drying, storage, identification, and protection against sample switch and contamination of collected biological samples. The apparatus may include the described forensic evidence collection kit which provides a set of tools for the collection and storage of biological evidence. The collection apparatus may also be used as part of a sexual assault evidence collection kit, or a kit for the collection of buccal swabs, and the like.

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.

Abstract: A computer implemented process prescribes second-order tetrahedral elements during simulation in the design analysis of structure. The computer implemented process includes the steps of defining a finite element model for an element including at least one tetrahedral element, and defining the at least one tetrahedral element as a combination of hexahedral sub-elements. The computer implemented process also includes the steps of executing the simulation, and evaluating the structure for structural integrity responsive thereto.

Abstract: An interactive computer assisted method reviews, and analyzes, a patient who needs one or more medications using a computer and a user associated therewith. The method includes the steps of pre-selecting patients to obtain a preliminary set of patients eligible for the interactive computer assisted method responsive to first predetermined criteria, and filtering the preliminary set of patients to identify and form a secondary set of patients from the preliminary set of patients having a greater likelihood of benefiting from the interactive computer assisted method responsive to second predetermined criteria. The method also includes the steps of enrolling a patient from the secondary set of patients, and communicating with the patient to obtain information to assist the user in determining whether therapy and/or medication issues are relevant.

Abstract: In a communication system in which a transmitter transmits data over a communication channel of a fixed bandwidth to a receiver, the method according to which the transmit data rate is continuously adjusted to a rate which is substantially equal to a short-term average data rate. The channel capacity and/or other characteristics of the system, is continuously adjusted, through changes in transmit power, symbol rate and modulation format, to a level at which the ratio of received signal energy per bit to noise spectral density (E.sub.b /N.sub.o) at the receiver is close to but above its minimum acceptable level, thereby matching the channel capacity and/or other characteristics of the system to the traffic. The system has further attributes which adjust the transmit data rate responsive to conditions involving at least one of data traffic levels, power reserve emergency, thermal load and message priority.

Abstract: Data transfer efficiencies of a frequency division and/or time division multiple access (FDMA/TDMA) communication systems are improved over prior art systems by distributing signalling and messaging activities over all return channels of a channel group, by varying forward to return channel data rate ratios, and by reducing message transport delays with respect to prior art communication systems, based on message traffic over such channel group. Return channels of a defined channel group are time division controlled and are generic to operate either in a signalling mode or in a messaging mode. Data rates for the forward channel and the return channels may be selected from predefined combinations of forward and return channel data rates.

Abstract: Fused biconical tapered couplers formed from the pulling of heated optical fibers have controllable coupling ratios by dynamically adjusting the heat intensity and pull speed during fabrication. Fiber coupler fabrication begins by arranging two optical fibers, heating the optical fibers using a heat source a predetermined distance from the optical fibers, and pulling the optical fibers at an initial pulling velocity as the heated optical fibers soften. The heat source is moved away from the optical fibers and the pulling velocity is selectively reduced in response to a substantial change in the detected coupling ratio. Changes in the coupling ratio are controlled by selectively reducing the pulling speed and the heat intensity to a point where the pulling of the optical fibers may be halted, and the heat removed, without a substantial change in the detected coupling ratio. The coupling ratio may be monitored at different wavelengths for fabrication of wideband couplers and wavelength division multiplexers.

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: An apparatus includes at least one optical fiber device and fiber optic device with a region, and a ferrule with a connection area or aperture. At least one of the region is expanded, and the aperture is contracted, for substantial securing of the region to the aperture of the ferrule.

Abstract: In a time-division multiple-access TDMA communication system communication between a hub and a substantial number of mobile terminals is conducted over a plurality of channel groups. Load balancing toward a substantially uniform distribution of traffic loads among the channel groups is implemented by sharing control of the number of mobile terminals logged into each channel group between the hub and the mobile terminals. At login time, each mobile terminal selects the optimum channel group based on a channel group congestion factor broadcast on the forward TDM channel of each respective channel group. In addition, the hub has the ability to move a desired number of the mobile terminals from one to another channel group, based on information communicated in a network management service packet. The mobile terminals initiate moves based on statistical selection of mobile terminals using the communicated information.

Abstract: A method of playing a card game is provided where a player sequentially builds at least two card hands that intersect with each other in at least one card. The at least two card hands define a pattern. The method includes the steps of dealing at least one card to the player, placing the at least one card in an empty place in the pattern until the player has placed a predetermined number of cards that comprise the at least two card hands defining the pattern. The method also includes the steps of comparing individual hands in the at least two card hands to corresponding values in a predetermined winning schedule, totaling the values into a total value, and awarding the player and/or declaring the player a winner, responsive to the total value.

Abstract: A fall restraint system protects a worker while inspecting and/or repairing a roof of a building. The restraint system includes a ladder that is positioned against the building. A fall restraint device is removably connected to the ladder and contacts the roof. A cable support structure is connected to the fall restraint device, and a cable is attached to it. The cable extends from the cable support structure toward the peak of the roof, and from the peak toward the ground. The cable is adapted to be connected to a harness that is worn by the worker. The worker then uses the cable to inspect/repair the roof.

Abstract: A machine for automated fabrication of a fiber optic device includes an interface enclosing an environment substantially adapted for manufacture of the fiber optic device. The interface includes a stationary gripping device securing an end of a first optical fiber. The machine also includes first and second movable stages within the environment, each including a clamp for securing an exposed portion of the first optical fiber. The machine also includes a heat source applying heat to the first optical fiber at a selected intensity, and a plurality of movable gripping devices within the environment configured to successively transport the end of the first optical fiber from the stationary gripping device to a prescribed position. The machine also includes a controller for controlling the movement of the first optical fiber by the movable gripping devices, and for controlling the movement of the first and second stages and the position and intensity of the heat source to form said fiber optic device.