Abstract: A data sharing method using fingerprinted data objects for sharing data among untrusted network devices. Each peer device is adapted for storing a plurality of data objects, and a fingerprint generator is used to generate a fingerprint for each stored data object available for sharing or for recovery. The fingerprints are stored in a local data store, and a data manager running on one of the computer devices retrieves from another of the computer devices a copy of one of its data objects through the use of the associated fingerprints. The fingerprints include a hash value output from a strong hashing algorithm. The retrieving includes transmitting query messages with the fingerprints of the needed data objects to the networked, peer devices and then verifying the integrity of received data objects by generating a fingerprint of the received data objects that can be compared with the ones provided in the queries.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of purifying fluid, typically an aqueous fluid steam, with the method involving at least two reverse osmosis stages with retentate from a first reverse osmosis stage being subjected to the second reverse osmosis stage, and with intermediate treatment of retentate from the first reverse osmosis stage by exposure to an electric field. The intermediate treatment may involve electrocoagulation to remove sparingly-soluble compounds and permit enhanced reverse osmosis recovery. Additional treatment may be performed prior to the first reverse osmosis stage, between the first reverse osmosis stage and the intermediate treatment with an electric field, between such intermediate treatment and the second reverse osmosis stage, or after the second reverse osmosis stage.

Abstract: Systems and methods (“utility”) for providing more accurate clock skew measurements between multiple CPUs in a multiprocessor computer system by utilizing the cache control or management protocols of the CPUs in the multiprocessor system. The utility may utilize a time stamp counter (TSC) register of the CPUs in the multiprocessor computer system to detect the clock skew between the various CPUs in the system. Further, the delay between measurements of the TSC registers of the CPUs may be minimized by utilizing the features of the hardware cache control or management protocols of the computer system, thereby providing more accurate clock skew measurements.

Abstract: A hand-held remote for a medical fluid injector includes a syringe and a conduit which may be coupled to a pressure transducer on a control circuit of the injector. Movement of a plunger within a syringe body on the syringe creates a pressure which is sensed by the pressure transducer and the control circuit responds to the sensed pressure by causing fluid to be ejected from, or drawn into, a syringe mounted to the injector. The pressure developed by the remote provides tactile feedback to an operator for improved control over injections.

Abstract: A magnetic pacer system and method for adjusting vehicle speed in an amusement park ride. The system includes a controller and memory that stores speed settings such as upper and lower speed limits for the vehicle in a specific portion of a ride. A magnetic thruster is positioned near the portion of the ride, and a signal or signals are sent from position sensors to the controller. The controller determines the actual velocity of the vehicle as it travels along a direction of travel and acts to compare the determined vehicle velocity with the stored and desired speed settings. The controller then determines a magnetic force to apply to the vehicle including selecting whether the force is along the direction of travel or opposite to provide acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. The magnetic thruster is selectively operated to generate a magnetic force to act on the vehicle.

Abstract: A projection assembly and projection method for accurately reproducing animated and live characters, objects, and effects. The projection assembly uses a high precision robotic mirror system to achieve very high levels of image resolution, brightness, and contrast. The assembly includes a projector receiving an input image stream, and a mirror assembly is positioned proximate to the projector outlet. The mirror assembly uses positionable mirrors to reflect the projected images onto a display surface at positions that define an animation pattern on the display surface for the projected image or character. The assembly includes a motor controller assembly positioning the mirrors based on position data defining the animation pattern. The projected images may be provided in a projection area that is a fraction of the size of the display surface, such that the resolution and output light of the projector are concentrated on the display surface within this projection area.

Abstract: There is disclosed an interactive display system comprising an interactive surface for displaying an image and for receiving inputs from remote devices, the system being adapted to detect the presence of at least two remote devices proximate the interactive surface.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention provide managing a distributed database cache. A database cache is provided. The database cache is distributed over at least two data processing systems.

Abstract: The docking system includes a wall-mounted assembly having an extending contact portion which includes a set of power contacts for supplying power to a medication cart via a docking port located on the medication cart when the cart is engaged with the wall-mounted assembly. The contact portion includes a depending hook member which engages a spring-biased locking solenoid in the docking port to lock the cart to the wall-mounted assembly when the cart is moved into contact with the wall-mounted assembly. The cart can be unlocked by a signal to the locking solenoid from the cart or manually.

Abstract: An initialization module in a pulse oximeter accommodates a variety of different probes and a variety of operating parameters as well as providing for interrogation of various probe circuits for detection of probe faults. Probe fault detection for the red and infrared LED circuits of the probe is implemented using an adaptive algorithm that is dependent on the drive settings or signals applied to the LED circuits. A configurable circuit is used to provide multiple initialization values relating to a calibration circuit of the probe for improved fault detection. Additionally, potential faults with respect to the photodetector circuit of a probe are identified based on monitoring drawn by an output by the photodetector.

Abstract: A virtual configuration system, comprising a virtualization engine and a configuration engine, for the dynamic instantiation of configuration files is disclosed. A mechanism is disclosed that allows for transactional updates to a repository of configuration settings comprising multiple files. Configuration entries are stored in a first memory location and a copy of the entries is stored in a second memory location. A virtual configuration file that includes a virtual configuration for each entry is created and used to provide the operating system with path and location information regarding the configuration entries. Simultaneously and during run-time of the computer, the configuration entries stored in the second memory location can be modified. Once the modifications are complete, a second virtual configuration file is created referencing the configuration entries stored at the second memory location.

Abstract: There is disclosed an interactive display system comprising an interactive surface for displaying an image and for receiving inputs from remote devices, the system being adapted to detect the presence of at least two remote devices proximate the interactive surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing components soldered to a printed circuit board (PCB). Embodiments presented generally include a contact plate having a component specific platform offset from the contact plate body. The offset platform may be substantially identical in size and shape as the component to be removed. Accordingly, contact between a heated platform and component may allow for conductive heating to occur based on contact with the component. Thus, forced air or convective heating of the component does not occur such that solder joint defects in adjacent components may be prevented. A vacuum retention port may be provided at an interface of the platform and component when in contact. The vacuum retention port may allow the freed component to be removed from the PCB using vacuum to hold the freed component to the platform. Also, apparatus for automation of a process according to the forgoing are presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for insertion of assets into a stream of content (e.g., audio and/or video programming). Such assets may be targeted to network users separate from the surrounding content and deliveries thereof confirmed. Among other things, these systems and methods enable a new advertising paradigm based on guaranteed delivery of targeted commercial impressions. In this regard, the systems and methods generally provide assets with broadcast network programming (e.g., via actual insertion and/or switching to an asset channel) based on actual audience observations. For example, asset providers may wish to target assets for delivery according to specific audience classifications (e.g., gender, income level, locale, age, etc.). Programming providers, such as television programmers and radio programmers (e.g., standard tower broadcast radio and satellite radio), may receive information from broadcast network users and insert the assets into available bandwidth based on that information.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator (SLM) having a phase mask that is provided as an internal component thereof. The phase mask can be provided as a multilevel surface of relatively higher index of refraction material on an inner surface of a transmissive cover window or as a separate transmissive window between the cover window and the pixels of the SLM. If the phase mask is to be used with a liquid crystal SLM, then it may be desirable to planarize the surface of the cover window contacting the liquid crystal by providing a layer of relatively lower index of refraction material adjacent the multilevel surface. The phase mask can also be provided on the transmissive cover window by patterned ion deposition, exposing patterned light to a photopolymeric material, or in some other suitable fashion. Arranging for the pixel electrodes to be at one of multiple levels rather than lying in an exactly planar relationship can also effectively create the phase mask.

Abstract: A circuit 1 for controlling the supply of electrical power to an induction coil 2, in particular to an induction coil 2 for heating a shrink attachment for tools, comprises a rectifier 3, having an input 3a, 3b, 3c for feeding an input power, and a rectifier output. The circuit 1 furthermore comprises an inverter 5 for putting out an AC-voltage, having an input and an inverter output 5a, 5b for connecting the induction coil 2, an intermediary circuit 4 for connecting the rectifier 3 with the inverter 5, and a regulation unit for regulating the power supplied to the induction coil 2. A measurement apparatus 6 for measuring a voltage A2 as an input variable for the regulation unit is connected to the output side of the inverter 5. A respective method for regulating the power supplied to the induction coil 2 comprises a regulation step, in which the current A2 supplied to the induction coil 2 is used as an input variable for the regulation of the power supplied to the induction coil 2.

Abstract: Systems and methods simplify the provision of complex services over a distributed network by breaking a complex service into a collection of simpler services. Systems and methods provide the tools to deconstruct a complex, provision service elements that are needed to make up the complex service, and monitor the service elements to ensure that the complex service is supported. Quality of service is provided by matching service requirements to compute resource capabilities.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an implanted microphone having reduced sensitivity to vibration. In this regard, the microphone differentiates between the desirable and undesirable vibration by utilizing at least one motion sensor to produce a motion signal when an implanted microphone is in motion. This motion signal is used to yield a microphone output signal that is less vibration sensitive. In a first arrangement, the motion signal may be processed with an output of the implantable microphone transducer to provide an audio signal that is less vibration-sensitive than the microphone output alone. Specifically, the motion signal may be scaled to match the motion component of the microphone output such that upon removal of the motion signal from the microphone output, the remaining signal is an acoustic signal.

Abstract: A method of thermally inducing and monitoring changes to localized regions of tissue illuminating a volume of tissue with a first beam of X-rays, detecting the portions of the first beam of X-rays that passed through the volume of tissue, generating a first X-ray image signal from the portions of X10 rays of the first beam detected, applying heat to at least a localized region of tissue within the volume of tissue after the illuminating and after the detecting, illuminating the volume of tissue with a second beam of X-rays, detecting portions of the second beam of X-rays that passed through the volume of tissue during the illuminating with the second beam of X-rays, generating a second X-ray image signal from the portions of X-rays of the second beam detected, and generating a difference image signal based upon a comparison of the first and second X-ray image signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supported reactant for in situ remediation of soil and/or groundwater contaminated with a halogenated hydrocarbon consisting essentially of an adsorbent impregnated with zero valent iron, wherein the adsorbent is capable of adsorbing the halogenated hydrocarbon. In one embodiment, the adsorbent is activated carbon.