Abstract: In one embodiment, a device includes: first, second, and third paired-strand levers each configured to receive a pair of tensile strands at locations spaced apart from one another along the paired-strand lever; first, second, and third fulcrums each supporting a corresponding one of the paired-strand levers between the tensile strand receiving locations; a fourth lever linked to the first and second paired-strand levers through the first and second fulcrums, respectively, at secondary lever link locations spaced apart from one another along the fourth lever; a fourth fulcrum supporting the fourth lever between the secondary lever link locations; a fifth lever linked to the third paired-string lever and the fourth lever through the third and fourth fulcrums, respectively, at primary lever link locations spaced apart from one another along the fifth lever; and a fifth fulcrum supporting the fifth lever between the primary lever link locations.

Abstract: Converting a electronic files. An initial step involves determining whether an electronic file contains distinct data strings or simple text associated with marks. Where the electronic file contains distinct data strings, those distinct data strings are located, and, from each distinct data string, format data is obtained. The distinct data string is then converted to simple text and associated with a mark, the mark representing the format data. Where the electronic file contains simple text associated with marks, those marks are located, for each located mark, the simple text associated with that mark is identified. The simple text is then formatted according to the mark forming a distinct data string.

Abstract: A baffle for use in a firearm suppressor, which increases the amount of sound and flash that are perceived upon the firing of a firearm upon which a suppressor is placed without substantial alteration to the power or accuracy of the firearm upon which the suppressor is attached. The baffle is made up of a generally hollow, central core defining open topped tube that is dimensioned so as to allow passage of a projectile through this core. This tube extends from an open front end backwards to an intersection with an inside surface of a rear wall, as well as to an intersection with a forward bulkhead. The bulkhead and the inside surface of the rear wall are located in different vertical and horizontal planes and define expansion chambers and reflection surfaces that alter the escape pattern of gasses out of the suppressor.

Abstract: A coordinating push and user-initiated synchronization method and system. Initially, changes to a local application data store are detected and records affected by the change are identified. At some point, a record affected by a detected change is pushed to a remote system where it is ascertained whether the pushed record, in its current form as affected by the detected change, has already been replicated in or deleted from a remote application data store through user-initiated synchronization. If not, the pushed record is used to update the remote application data store. Instead, at some point it may be ascertained whether the identified record, in its current form as affected by the detected change, has been replicated in or deleted from the remote application data store through push synchronization as just described. If not, the remote application data store is synchronized with the local application data store.

Abstract: A system and method enabling synchronization of data stored on three or more devices in which synchronization between any two of the devices can be conducted independently of the other device. A method embodying the invention involves identifying a record in a first data store that is associated with a change counter that exceeds a maximum change counter recorded for the first data store and updating a second data store using the identified record.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a heater for a vehicle having an engine that generates hot exhaust gases includes a distribution pipe extending along a cargo carrying part of the vehicle. The distribution pipe is operatively connected to an engine exhaust pipe such that engine exhaust can flow through the distribution pipe when the engine is running. The distribution pipe has a plurality of openings therein through which exhaust is discharged to heat the cargo carrying part of the vehicle when the engine is running. Each opening has a cross-sectional area substantially smaller than a cross-sectional area of the distribution pipe.

Abstract: A method for preparing electronic data for transmission includes calculating a duration for compressing the electronic data, calculating a duration for transmitting the electronic data if not compressed, and compressing the electronic data only if the duration for compressing does not exceed the duration for transmitting.

Abstract: A system and method for secure network communication. In various embodiments of the present invention, data needed for authentication an encryption is included in each communication pass between network devices, so that when a network connection is broken, a secure connection can be reestablished with the next pass. A client authentication service on the client receives a server request and searches for a current client-side session key. If one is not present, the client authentication service generates and encrypts an initial session key, acquires credentials, adds the credentials to the server request, and encrypts the server request with the initial session key. The encrypted server request and the encrypted session key are sent to the server, where a server authentication service decrypts the initial session key, decrypts the server request with the initial session key, and authenticates the credentials before allowing the server request to be acted upon.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a measuring device includes a reference surface, a trough extending lengthwise away from the reference surface at substantially a right angle, and a scale affixed to the trough indicating a distance from the reference surface along the trough.

Abstract: An artificial neuron is formed from an input subcircuit, a capacitor free leaky integrator subcircuit, and an output switching subcircuit. The input subcircuit is configured to supply a pulsed input signal. The capacitor free leaky integrator subcircuit is configured to supply a parasitic capacitance and to utilize the parasitic capacitance to provide differing time constants for the rising and falling edges of an output signal produced in response to the pulsed input signal. The output switching subcircuit s configured to, upon receipt of a sufficient output signal from the capacitor free leaky integrator subcircuit, switch off the input subcircuit and to release a neuron firing signal.

Abstract: A voice user interface for accessing data is provided. This method and system receives a set of variables from a voice recognizer processing a voice request for information in a backend system; processes an integration method using the set of variables returned from the recognizer and an unstructured grammar based on entries in the database fields of a backend system; requests backend data from the backend system using the integration method and the set of variables as applied to the unstructured grammar; and receives backend data from the backend system responsive to the integration method used to request the backend data. Processes are described that add data associated with a database to increase the accuracy of interacting with the database through a voice interface and create the unstructured grammar for improved voice recognition capabilities.

Abstract: A novel modular muffle etch injector assembly for use in a gas blanketed down-flow chemical vapor deposition apparatus of the type having a muffle and a modular gas injector assembly for introducing chemical vapors into a deposition chamber, the muffle being adapted for receiving and supporting the gas injector assembly, wherein deposition material residue collects on a lower surface of the muffle. The etch injector assembly of the present invention comprises an etch chamber having vertical sidewalls, a closed top end and an open bottom end, a supply mechanism for introducing a liquid etchant into the etch chamber, and a sealing device disposed along the open end of the etch chamber for providing a seal between the etch chamber and the lower surface of the muffle to confine the etchant to the etch chamber. The etch injector assembly preferably also includes an exhaust means for removing chemical vapors from the etch chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for importing and exporting computer based configuration data to and from text based files in which part of the data is encrypted for confidentiality. The apparatus allows the resulting text file to be selectively edited prior to an import, providing for flexibility on behalf of system administrators without compromising the security of encrypted data.

Abstract: A leaky integrator is formed from a capacitor-free, non-linear delay resistor having a parasitic capacitance and a capacitor-free amplifier. The amplifier utilizes utilize the parasitic capacitance of the delay resistor to provide differing time constants for the rising and falling edges of an output signal produced in response to a pulsed input signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a sleeved heat engine that can be used in a fluidized bed combustion system and a fluidized bed combustion system with heat engines. In one embodiment, a heat engine includes an enclosed cylinder, a fixed charge of gas in the cylinder, a piston in the cylinder, and a sleeve spaced apart from and surrounding part of the cylinder. The sleeve defines a passage along part of the cylinder to carry, for example, combustion air introduced into a fluidized bed combustion chamber. In another embodiment, a system includes a combustion chamber, a bed of sand in the combustion chamber, multiple air passages penetrating the combustion chamber such that air entering the combustion chamber through the passages passes through the sand, and multiple heat engines disposed along the combustion chamber such that at least a part of each heat engine is exposed to sand in the bed of sand.

Abstract: A process for enhancing refresh in Dynamic Random Access Memories wherein n-type impurities are implanted into the capacitor buried contact after formation of the access transistor components. The process comprises forming a gate insulating layer on a substrate and a transistor gate electrode on the gate insulating layer. First and second transistor source/drain regions are formed on the substrate adjacent to opposite sides of the gate electrodes. N-type impurities, preferably phosphorous atoms, are then implanted into the first source/drain region which will serve as the capacitor buried contact.

Abstract: A low cost method and system for diagnosing and reporting potential pump system failure. A method embodying the invention includes calculating amperage variables for the pump moter using a signal from an amp sensor measuring electrical current used by the pump. Design values for the pump are acquired and diagnostic values are calculated using one or more calculated amperage variables and one or more of the acquired design values. Using the diagnostic values, diagnostic parameters are then calculated. Each design parameter is then compared with a baseline value or pattern. Where the design parameter verifies beyond a set tolerence limit, an adverse diagnosis is reported.

Abstract: A split-frame vehicle in which the front and rear sub-frames may rotate relative to one another along a longitudinal axis that runs generally parallel to the ground. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a locking mechanism operatively coupled between the front and rear sub-frames. The locking mechanism is operative between a locked position in which the sub-frames are rigidly coupled and an unlocked position in which the sub-frames are free to rotate relative to one another. In a second embodiment, the vehicle includes an axial rotator joint connected between the sub-frames. The joint includes a first bearing plate connected to the front sub-frame and a second bearing plate connected to the second sub-frame. The faces of each bearing plate bear on one another and define the rotational interface between the sub-frames. A drive shaft extends through an opening in the center of each bearing plate.