Abstract: An integrated circuit implementing a storage-shelf router, used in combination with path controller cards and optionally with other storage-shelf routers, to interconnect SATA disks within a storage shelf or disk array to a high-bandwidth communications medium, such as an FC arbitrated loop. Various embodiments of the present invention provide a tunneling mechanism through the storage-shelf interface provided by one or more storage-shelf routers within a storage shelf to enable external processing entities to directly access various components within the storage shelf. In one embodiment of the present invention, a WRITE-BUFFER command and a READ-BUFFER command are added to the command interface supported by storage-shelf router. These commands are exchanged via the FCP protocol over the fiber channel in the same manner that SCSI commands are packaged within the FCP protocol.

Abstract: An optically transparent, ghost-free visual display system that superimposes a virtual image comprising graphical or textual information onto a field of vision. Embodiments of the visual display system utilize illumination and optical components that introduce a virtual image onto a field of vision while minimally obstructing and/or attenuating other objects within the field of vision. Embodiments of the visual display system can be used in numerous applications, including head-up displays (“HUDs”) for automotive, tracked and rail-mounted vehicles, marine, aerospace applications, see-through speech prompt displays, and see-through projection displays.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quantum computing. A computer-program source code, data, and unsubstantiated output variables are converted into a class of computable functions by a program compiler. The computable functions are encoded, and a continualization method is applied to the encoded functions to determine a first-order, time-dependent, differential equation. Variational calculus is employed to construct a Lagrangian whose minimum geodesic is the solution for the first-order, time-dependent, differential equation. The Lagrangian is converted into a quantum, canonical, Hamiltonian operator which is realized as an excitation field via an excitation generator. The excitation field is repeatedly applied to a quantum processor consisting of a lattice of polymer nodes to generate an intensity-versus-vibrational-frequency spectrum of the lattice nodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods to create venue tokens that provide generalized geographic information while preserving location specific data. In one embodiment, a Universal Location Descriptor (ULD) translator converts location data into a geocode that in one embodiment is a binary code. Location information can include a street address, zip code, directional information, destination, velocity information, latitude and/or longitude, etc. The geocode can then be encrypted to generate a token. Relative geographic similarities can be identified by comparing geographic information from the tokens, thereby allowing similarly situated individuals and/or organizations, service providers, etc., to be identified without disclosing specific location identities of those parties seeking such privacy.

Abstract: An electronic hand-held device and method for inputting and sending requests and for receiving and outputting responses to the requests. The electronic hand-held device is a coupled to a telecommunications link over which requests are sent and responses are received. The electronic hand-held device can input request data in any number of different information media, including audio tones and voice signals, mechanical input to a keypad, printed bar codes, magnetic data stored in credit cards, and electronic data stored in electronic smart cards. The electronic hand-held device can output responses through an audio speaker, a visual LCD display device, and, optionally, through other output devices including printers. The electronic hand-held device is especially well suited for order entry and acquisition of product information.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed inventinn include optimization methods and systems that receive a mathematical description of a system, in symbolic form, that includes decision variables of various types, including real-number-valued, integer-valued, and Bloolean-valued decision variables, and that may also include a variety of constraints on the values of the decision variables, including inequality and equality constraints. The objective function and constraints are incorporated into a global objective function. The global objective function is transformed into a system of differential equations in terms of continuous variables and parameters, so that polynomial-time methods for solving differential equations can be applied to calculate near-optimal solutions for the global objective function.

Abstract: A single-sheet registration form and key packet that may be printed on a laser printer or other automated printing device during a registration process conducted by a commercial organization, such as a hotel or motel. The single-sheet registration form and key packet includes lines of perforations for separating the registration form from the key packet and for quickly folding the key packet in order to construct the key packet during the registration process. Additionally, the key-packet portion of the single-sheet registration form and key packet includes dye-cut slots for inserting magnetic key cards and metal keys.

Abstract: A method and system for protecting and controlling personal computers (“PCs”), components installed in or attached to PCs, and other electronic, mechanical, and electromechanical devices and systems. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a server running on a remote computer and hardware-implemented agents embedded within the circuitry that controls the various devices within a PC. The agents intercept all communications to and from the devices into which they are embedded, passing the communications when authorized to do so, and blocking communications when not authorized, effectively disabling the devices. Embedded agents are continuously authorized from the remote server computer by handshake operations implemented as communications messages.