Abstract: A computer implemented method, a system, and a software product to automatically manage one or more human workers carrying out a process of manipulating source data provided to produce result data. The process including a set of one or more task steps each having an input and resulting in a task result. The computer implemented method includes receiving units of source data from a customer. For each unit of source data and each task step for the unit of source data, the method includes dispatching the task step and its corresponding input unit to a worker and, after the worker carries out the dispatched task step on the input unit, receiving the task result corresponding to the dispatched task step and input unit from the worker.

Abstract: An epicycling device with improved sealing. A housing is provided with adjacent walls spaced apart to allow a substantially planar partition to pass. A piston is linked eccentrically to a drive shaft and positioned within the housing, has a cross sectional shape for mating with the housing walls and includes a circular recessed surface at its corners. Seal housings with a hollow cylindrical cross sectional shape are provided at each corner of the piston housing. An inner seal element is positioned within each of the recessed surfaces with the inner seal element including an elongate cylindrical body with a slot therethrough. An outer seal element is positioned within the seal housings with the outer seal element including an elongate cylindrical body with a slot. A partition is positioned between each pair of the inner and outer seal elements and slidably engaged with the slots in the seal elements.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and system for providing cluster replicated checkpoint services. In particular, the method provides cluster replicated checkpoint services for replicas of a checkpoint in a cluster. The cluster includes a first node and a second node, which are connected to one another via a network. The replicas include a primary replica and a secondary replica. The method includes managing the checkpoint that contains checkpoint information, and creating the primary replica in a memory of the first node. The primary replica contains first checkpoint information. The method also includes updating the primary replica so that the first checkpoint information corresponds to the checkpoint information, creating the secondary replica that contains second checkpoint information in a memory of the second node, and updating the secondary replica so that the second checkpoint information corresponds to the checkpoint information.

Abstract: A system and method for unorchestrated determination of data sequences using “sticky byte” factoring to determine breakpoints in digital sequences such that common sequences can be identified. Sticky byte factoring provides an efficient method of dividing a data set into pieces that generally yields near optimal commonality. This is effectuated by employing a rolling hashsum and, in an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, a threshold function to deterministically set divisions in a sequence of data. Both the rolling hash and the threshold function are designed to require minimal computation. This low overhead makes it possible to rapidly partition a data sequence for presentation to a factoring engine or other applications that prefer subsequent synchronization across the data set.

Abstract: Existing delivery systems, such as the U.S. Postal System, can be modified to operate more efficiently, and to maintain confidentiality regarding a specific address and/or recipient identity. A coded designation, preferably alphanumeric, is assigned to individual recipients. Destination data, as well as other data regarding the recipient is accessed from a database using the coded designation. Recipient information is kept within the system and is not exposed to those outside of it, thereby maintaining a high level of confidentiality and security for the recipient. Because full addresses do not have to be read or otherwise input into the system, the use of the short coded designation provides more reliable operation, as well as much faster operation of the routing and delivery system.

Abstract: A container for producing a graphical image within the container. A container wall is provided with a front portion and a rear portion. A lenticular lens array is provided integral with the front portion of the container wall with a first optic surface, e.g., a plurality of parallel lens or ribs providing lenticules, contiguous with an exterior surface of the container wall and a second optic surface contiguous with an interior surface of the container wall. The array has a focal point on the rear portion of the container wall. A printed image is positioned near the focal point on the rear portion of the container wall to be registered to the lenticules of the array and may be printed directly on the exterior surface on the rear portion of the container wall or printed on a label that is attached to the exterior surface of the container wall.

Abstract: A computerized method for automatically analyzing a core file created by a computer system after an unexpected interrupt. The packages installed on the computer system are determined and patch files of descriptive data for previously identified patches are accessed to create a patch search set including patches configured for use with the installed packages. Patches in the patch search set are scored by assigning points to each patch based on scoring rules, e.g., searching the patch descriptive data for matches between portions of the patch descriptive data and portions of the core file, including bug descriptions. For UNIX™-based kernel core files, the scoring rules involve creating search criteria based on panic types and on panic metric data gathered from the core file. A detailed patch search report is created providing recommendations for each of the scored patches based on the assigned score and identifying patches for installation.

Abstract: A multi-functional underwater device for use by scuba divers for communicating with and tracking the relative direction of one or more other divers. The device is configured to monitor and communicate with multiple other devices simultaneously and includes a transmitter and receiver assembly for transmitting location signals to and receiving location signals from other communication devices on frequencies defined by a communication channel setting for the device. A processor processes signals to determine separation distance between the devices and to compare separation distances to a safety distance. A display assembly indicates communication channel and safety distance for the communication device and indicates when the separation distance is exceeded. The display assembly includes an input portion operable to set the safety distance and/or the communication channel.

Abstract: A mechanism for managing a plurality of profile data structures where each profile data structure comprising a hierarchical structure of attributes. The mechanism includes a core profile service engine having a number of predefined built-in functions. A first pluggable interface within the core profile service supports runtime binding to remote protocol adapterso. A second pluggable interface within the core profiling service supports runtime binding to external datastore plug-ins. A third pluggable interface within the core profiling service supports runtime binding to external service plug-ins where the external service plug-ins provide functions for manipulating profile data structures in addition to built in functions provided by the core profile service.

Abstract: A method for identifying software executing on a computer system from a memory image defining at a particular time a state of the executing software. The method includes populating a comparison file for the computer system with executable signatures. The executable signatures correspond to preselected executables that can be run on the computer system, such as kernel software, and include version identifying information. Executables are located in the received memory image and are then processed to generate comparison information. The comparison information is compared to the version identifying information to identify software. Executable text segments in the preselected executables are isolated, and offset, size, and checksum are determined for inclusion in the executable signature. The executable text segments in the memory image are isolated and a checksum determined. The checksum information is then compared to achieve matches and to accurately identify software versions running on the computer system.

Abstract: A system and method for availability management coordinates operational states of components to implement a desired redundancy model within a high-availability computing system. Within the availability management system, an availability manager monitors various reports on the status of components and nodes within the system. The availability manager uses these reports to direct components to change states if necessary, in order to maintain the desired system redundancy model. The availability management system includes a health monitor for performing component status audits upon individual components and reporting component status changes. The system also includes a watch-dog timer, which monitors the health monitor and reboots the entire node containing the health monitor if it becomes non-responsive. Each node within the system also includes a cluster membership monitor, which monitors nodes becoming non-responsive and reports node non-responsive errors.

Abstract: A compact speed measurement system for field or onsite use in measuring speeds of vehicles and capturing images of select vehicles. The system includes a laser speed detector for determining a speed of a vehicle in a specific target area. When a speed is determined, the detector generates a speed signal. The system includes a camera generally aligned with the speed detector operable to capture and store digital still images of vehicles in memory. The camera is programmed to respond to an image capture signal to generate and transmit a digital image file including a still image of the vehicle targeted by the detector. A portable field processor is communicatively linked to the speed detector and the camera to first receive the speed signal, to process the speed signal and to transmit an image capture signal to the camera, and to receive the digital image file from the camera.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated problem identification system. The invention analyzes a customer's computing environment, including administration practices, system configuration including hardware, software and the operating system. Then the invention compares the computing environment to an internal rules database. The internal rules database is a compilation of various problems that are known to exist on various configurations. Then, instead of calling an expert when there is a problem and repeating the process for every customer, the invention uses a proactive approach by analyzing a given system configuration and comparing it to a body of known problems, before the system breaks down.

Abstract: A technique for maintaining referential integrity between data records in any data architecture in which only a single copy is kept of any particular data record. The technique includes providing the ability to bind a data record to a parent data record by storing the data record in a manner associated with the parent record. If the data record then is bound to other parent data records, a link reference is used that is stored in an attribute of the data record, rather than associating another copy of the data record with the second parent data record. It is possible to bind any data record to any other data record, so circular relationships can be created. In addition, there are special methods used when a data record is to be deleted to make sure that all parents or children of that data record are considered, in order to update bind information or delete the children as may be appropriate.

Abstract: A junction box for electrically connecting a furnace to a service panel and providing power and control signals to fixed appliances. The junction box includes a panel connection adapted for connecting with the hot wire, the neutral wire, and the ground from the panel. A furnace connection is provided for connecting with a hot wire, a neutral wire, a ground, and a number of control wires from the furnace. A fuse and a disconnect switch are mounted in the junction box and wired in series between the hot wire connection of the panel connection and the hot wire connection of the furnace connection. A condensate pump outlet is wired to the hot wire connection portion of the panel connection on the line side of the disconnect switch. Humidifier and air cleaner outlets are coupled to the connections of the furnace connection used for control wires from the furnace.

Abstract: A method for searching a computer directory database is disclosed. The method compares a first and second filename strings, the comparing operating in reverse order, from the end of the strings towards the beginning until either the entirety of the strings has been compared or a mismatch has been found.

Abstract: Network address (e.g. IP address) allocation under first and second protocols (e.g. RADIUS and DHCP) is achieved using a directory service. A common network address pool is maintained under the control of a directory service. The directory service allocates network addresses in response to requests. The directory service also maintains a record of network address allocation to users, which can be achieved by storing a network address allocated to a user at the user's entry in the directory. Thus, for example, IP address allocation under RADIUS and DHCP can be unified using a common address pool and mappings between IP addresses and the user/hosts information in an ISO/CCITT X.500 based directory service using LDAP.

Abstract: A method for forecasting a value of a dependent variable, such as product demand, in a future time period later than the next, upcoming future time period. The method includes selecting a dependent variable for which a value is to be forecast, gathering historical data on values of the dependent variable and explanatory variables in prior time periods, and determining a forecasting equation based on the gathered historical data. The method includes selecting a future time period that is a number of time periods beyond the next, upcoming time period. The forecasting method continues with calculating a forecasted value of the dependent variable for the selected future time period, then determining an error value by comparing the forecasted value with the historical data and based on the error value, modifying the forecasting equation to reduce the error value.

Abstract: An energy conversion device for converting heat to mechanical energy. The apparatus includes a heat exchanger vessel absorbing heat from an ambient or energy-rich fluid and transferring heat to a working fluid within an interior chamber of the vessel containing pressurized working gas. An isolation vessel is positioned within the interior chamber, with a gas flow loop defined between the two vessels through which the working gas flows. The isolation vessel is insulated to create a temperature differential and is pressure resistant to allow low pressures in the interior chamber to be maintained. A compressor is positioned within the isolation vessel to compress and discharge the gas into the gas flow loop. An expander is placed in the isolation vessel for converting energy of the expanding gas into a mechanical energy and for rarefying the expanded gas prior to discharge to create a lower bottom temperature or cold reservoir.

Abstract: A centrifuge disposable having a collection chamber for receiving and holding a fluid to be centrifuged, the chamber having an outer perimeter, an inner perimeter, a generally circular cross-sectional area, and a conical outboard collecting portion. The collection chamber is typically formed from relatively rigid, molded plastic or other materials. The chamber further ports in communication near the outboard portions of the chamber to provide fluid communication to a tubing, which may be single lumen for discontinuous embodiments in which a single tube is used for fill and extraction and multi-lumen for continuous fill and extraction embodiments in which an inlet lumen is used for fill and one or more outlet lumens are used for extraction of separated components.