Abstract: A mechanism is described for the computer-aided generation of anonymized data records (44) for developing and testing application programs that are intended for use in a productive network. A method according to the invention comprises the provision of at least one productive database containing data records (40) that contain productive data elements to be anonymized, the provision of at least one non-productive database containing data records (42) that, in regard to the character string length of the data elements contained therein, at least partly correspond to the productive data records, the determination of a first data record (40) from the productive database and of a second data record (42) from the non-productive database and also the generation of anonymized data records (44) by replacing the data elements to be anonymized in the first data record (40) by data elements of the second data record (44).

Abstract: A small cost-effective crossbar switch is provided. A switch circuit is disposed in each of a plurality of nodes which are cascade connected with each other in a plurality of stages. Each switch circuit receives from a node of a previous stage a designated address to specify directly or indirectly the relative position in which a target switch circuit is present, determines whether the designated address represents a specific value “0”. When it is determined that the specific value is represented, each switch circuit allows data output to a node-out line, decrements the received designated address by “1” to generate a new designated address, and supplies this new designated address to a node of the subsequent stage.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically changing the operation of signaling features in a telephone are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed to provide automatic reduction in the sound volume associated with the signaling features of a telephone system, during a selected portion of a day. A user is provided with a programmable menu in communication with one or more devices associated with a telephone system. From the menu provided, the user may enter a the beginning and ending time for the “quiet mode” operation of the telephone system. In addition, the user may select the signaling features to be quieted, as well as the sound volume associated with quiet mode operation for a given signaling feature.

Abstract: A system and method for avoiding interference between two communications system is disclosed. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a method that obtains frequency information associated with a first RF link between a handset of a cordless telephone and a headset. Using the frequency information, the method then generates an RF channel for a second RF link between the handset and a base unit of the cordless telephone. The RF channel is different from one or more RF channels associated with the first RF link. Preferably, the headset is a Bluetooth headset. Preferably, the first RF link is a Bluetooth RF link. Preferably, the second RF link is a WDCT RF link.

Abstract: An image sensor module includes a lens member, a resin frame that holds the lens member, a diaphragm formed on the lens member, an image sensor chip that receives light converged by the lens member, and a supporting board upon which the image sensor chip is mounted. The board is fixed to the bottom side of the resin frame. The diaphragm includes an opening for allowing the passage of light, and a light-shielding portion which is entirely held in contact with the lens member. The lens member is glued to the frame so that any additional fixing element such as a lens cap is unnecessary.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Lithium Metal batteries. In particular, it is related to lithium metal batteries containing a polyimide-based electrolyte. The present invention concerns a new concept of polyimide-based electrolytic component having an electrolyte consisting of at least one solvent and at least one alkali metal salt, with specific amounts of solvents, to optimize the properties of conductivity of the polyimide-based electrolyte and the mechanical properties of the polyimide-based electrolyte separator towards metallic lithium anode to prevent dendrites growths.

Abstract: A predictive architecture system and method that supports predicting likely future evolutions by aggregating and analyzing large amounts of data. The invented system includes a multi-level architecture, along with one or more feedback functions that drive search and discovery for information in support of a “hypothesis” or discovery of significant information in advance of clear hypothesis formation and passing on higher-level predictive support or lack of support for existing and/or new hypotheses.

Abstract: Text messages are communicated between a personal computer and a cordless device having a base unit and a handset. Text messages sent from the personal computer to the handset are displayed on a text screen on the handset. Text message sent from the handset to the personal computer are displayed on a text window on the personal computer. Messages can be passed from the personal computer to a base unit of the cordless device using an analog or a digital interface. In addition, stereo music is transmitted from a stereo source to the handset through the base unit.

Abstract: A method produces a physical dental arch model based on a three-dimensional (3D) digital dental arch model. The method includes smoothening the digital dental arch model to make the digital dental arch model suitable for CNC based manufacturing, segmenting the digital dental arch model into at least two manufacturable digital components, producing manufacturable physical components using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) based manufacturing in accordance with the manufacturable digital components, and assembling the manufacturable physical components to form the physical dental arch model.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing connectivity to portable electronic devices, such as a cordless telephone, for the purpose of upgrading software features. In a preferred embodiment, portable electronic devices can be connected to a conventional household audio player via an audio input/out interface in the device to receive encoded data signals modulated in an audio band. The audio player can playback an audio signal stored in any of several different formats, including compact disc, audio cassette tape, MP3 file, or streaming audio, and can be physically connected an audio jack in the portable electronic device via a conventional audio cable. The device demodulates and decodes the signal and routes the transmitted data to memory registers for upgrading software stored in device memory.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing connectivity to portable electronic devices, such as a cordless telephone, for the purpose of upgrading software features. In a preferred embodiment, portable electronic devices can receive incoming data at the PSTN jack from a personal computer that is also connected to the PSTN via a PSTN modem. In this manner, upgrades can be accomplished without requiring users to disconnect the telephone or to connect additional cables or components. The telephone is temporarily disabled from service only during the downloading of the upgrade software from the personal computer to the telephone. Upgrade software can be received at the personal computer from downloads or from other sources.

Abstract: A method of making a chip resistor is provided. The method includes the following steps. First, a resistive element is provided on a substrate. Then, a resin layer is formed on the substrate to enclose the resistive element. Then, the substrate and the resin layer are cut in this order. To prevent the breakage of the substrate during the cutting, the resin layer has better machinability than the substrate.

Abstract: An external segment of a telescoping handle comprises an outer segment configured for receiving an internal segment. The outer segment comprises a hole configured to receive a locking pin attached to the internal segment. The external segment further comprises a reinforcing mechanism inserted into the hole that is configured to distribute forces imparted by the locking pin in such a manner that the hole does not deform as easily as in conventional baggage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a field hockey stick having a substantially straight grip portion and a bowed hitting portion. In one embodiment, a stick has a substantially straight handle, a bowed throat, and a bowed head. In another embodiment, a stick has a substantially straight handle and a bowed throat, with at least a portion of the playing surface of the head in substantially the same plane or line as the front face of the handle. In another embodiment, a stick has a substantially straight handle and a bowed throat, with the playing surface of the head set back from the plane or line of the front face of the handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a passive RFID chip with on-chip charge pumps for generating electrical power for the chip from radio frequencies. The passive RFID chip comprises an analog portion and a digital portion. The analog portion primarily comprises a voltage sensor and an AM data detector. The digital portion comprises a state machine digital logic controller. Incoming RF signals enter the chip via external antennas. The RF signals are converted into regulated DC signals by RF-DC converters with the voltage sensor. The RF-DC converters provide power for all the on-chip components and hence the chip does not require external power supply. The incoming RF signals are demodulated by demodulators and enter the AM data detector where the envelope transitions are detected. A voltage alarm is provided to ensure the voltage level does not drop below an operational level of the chip.

Abstract: MIDI compression and decompression methods that reduce the size of a standard MIDI file and maintains information to play the MIDI music. The exemplary method of the invention makes use of the high correlation and repetitions between a look-ahead MIDI event and previous set of MIDI events. An adjustable size Lempel-Ziv-like MIDI Event Search Window (MESW) is created during the compression and decompression process to allow searching of matched events or event elements in previous window size of MIDI events. Further reduction of the MIDI events can be made by discarding the matched events in the event search window. Therefore, with 4-bit of MIDI event search window, the number of MIDI events stored in the window can be more than 16.

Abstract: A protective glove having an elastic substrate, a first pad segment attached to the elastic substrate, and a second pad segment attached to the elastic substrate independently from the first pad segment. The elastic substrate can be disposed over an area intended to substantially cover a forearm, a wrist, a back of a hand, a finger, and/or a thumb of a user wearing the glove. The elastic substrate can be stretchable in different directions and to different degrees in the areas around each pad segment, thereby enabling independent movement of the individually attached pad segments to accommodate any number of contours and flex points. Other embodiments provide methods for manufacturing a protective glove having independent pads.

Abstract: A method for using a neural network to deconvolute the effects due to surface topography from the effects due to the other physical property being measured in a scanning probe microscopy (SPM) or atomic force microscopy (AFM) image. In the case of a thermal SPM, the SPM probe is scanned across the surface of a sample having known uniform thermal properties, measuring both the surface topography and thermal properties of the sample. The data thus collected forms a training data set. Several training data sets can be collected, preferably on samples having different surface topographies. A neural network is applied to the training data sets, such that the neural network learns how to deconvolute the effects dues to surface topography from the effects dues to the variations in thermal properties of a sample.