Abstract: A computer-implemented process for accelerating operations of a real time decision support system executing on a computer including the steps of determining the elements of a query, determining sources of data which are reference collections for a query, determining if a query contains subexpressions over reference collections which are sources of data for the query, precomputing results for functions on data in reference collections which are sources of data for the query, and caching the precomputed results.

Abstract: A soft tissue diagnostic apparatus for diagnosis of stress and injury in anatomical soft tissue by detecting the response of the soft tissue to acoustic energy and a method of detecting soft tissue damage or stress and treating the tissue. An acoustic transmitter transmits excitation acoustic energy toward a target area of soft tissue of a subject. An acoustic receiver receives responsive acoustic energy generated by the soft tissue in response to the excitation acoustic energy transmitted by the acoustic transmitter and generates an output signal representative of the response of the soft tissue to the excitation acoustic energy. An analyzer receives the output signal of the acoustic receiver and provides an indication of at least one of stress and injury in the soft tissue based on the output signal.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting a lacrimal punctum plug and a method of manufacturing the instrument. A body having an insertion portion, a flexible portion, and a handle portion is molded around a shaft. Deforming the flexible portion reduces the effective length of the shaft to draw the shaft into the instrument. A plug supported on the shaft is released when the shaft is withdrawn. Finger pads on the flexible portion properly position fingers of medical personnel using the instrument.

Abstract: A computer-implemented process for evaluating events furnished to a real time decision support system executing on a computer with respect to queries submitted by users comprising the steps of parsing each query into its elements to determine its correctness, eliminating incorrect queries, performing single query optimizations on each query, performing multiquery optimizations on all queries for each event type, and performing result processing optimizations for each query.

Abstract: A low profile computer case having two centrifugal blowers mounted in a partition therein. An intake port of a first blower faces a bottom panel of the case and an intake port of the second blower faces a top panel of the case. Standoff dimensions are defined between the respective intake ports and panels to permit operation of the blowers.

Abstract: An electronic funds transfer methodology for providing access to a plurality of non-bank loan payment processors (loan servicers) through established ATM (automated teller machine) networks, thereby creating a payment system designed to allow a consumer to initiate an electronic transfer of funds from a primary bank transaction account (e.g., checking account, savings account) to a loan servicer to satisfy an outstanding consumer debt or payment obligation. Automated payment of consumer debt obligations through use of an ATM network is facilitated by a processor and associated software, which are employed to combine specific consumer loan payment data with specific depository transaction account information through an electronic ATM network for the purpose of affecting a more efficient loan payment/servicing process.

Abstract: A system for controlling the distribution and use of digital works using digital tickets. In the present invention, a “digital ticket” is used to entitle the ticket holder to exercise some usage right with respect to a digital work. Usage rights are used to define how a digital work may be used or distributed. Each usage right may specify a digital ticket which must be present before the right may be exercised. Digital works are stored in repositories which enforce a digital works usage rights. Each repository has a “generic ticket agent” which punches tickets. In some instances only the generic ticket agent is necessary. In other instances, punching by a “special ticket agent” residing on another repository may be needed.

Abstract: A trusted rendering system for use in a system for controlling the distribution and use of digital works. A trusted rendering system facilitates the protection of rendered digital works which have been rendered on a system which controls the distribution and use of digital works through the use of dynamically generated watermark information that is embedded in the rendered output. The watermark data typically provides information relating to the owner of the digital work, the rights associated with the rendered copy of the digital work and when and where the digital work was rendered. This information will typically aid in deterring or preventing unauthorized copying of the rendered work to be made. The system for controlling distribution and use of digital works provides for attaching persistent usage rights to a digital work. Digital works are transferred between repositories which are used to request and grant access to digital works.

Abstract: The current invention provides both location and magnitude representations in a geographic information system (GIS) environment. To indicate the locations, symbols are plotted on a map. To indicate magnitude, repeated symbols are stacked on top of each other. The higher the stack of symbols, the bigger the magnitude. The number of symbols to be stacked will be proportional to any scaling scheme. The position or coordinate of the symbols to be stacked will be based on any mathematical function. The size the symbols to be stacked will be based on any mathematical function. The color of the symbols to be stacked will be based on any function applicable to color. The shape of the symbols to be stacked will be based on any function applicable to shape or object, or according to a look-up table.

Abstract: Transfer/in-flight alignment technique using a Doppler velocity sensor. An aircraft navigation system (10 and/or 20), a Doppler velocity sensor (50) and an alignment filter (45) are used to align the inertial navigation system (4) of a slave vehicle. The velocity (and/or position) of the aircraft navigation system, the velocity (and/or position) of the slave vehicle's inertial navigation system (40) and the velocity measurement of a Doppler velocity sensor (50) are used to generate the measurements of the alignment filter (45). The DVS and aircraft navigation system are used simultaneously to align the inertial navigation system of the slave vehicle. A GPS receiver (60) with a GPS antenna (70), a Doppler velocity sensor (50) and an alignment filer (46) are used to align the inertial navigation system (40) of a flight vehicle.