Abstract: In a data communication switch, process and apparatus for tracking the number of data bytes associated with data flow that is part of a session and automatically lowering the priority given to the transmission of the remainder of a flow once a certain threshold has been reached that indicates that the flow is part of a bulk e-mail or other bulk file transfer.

Abstract: The present invention is a blood and organic stain remover which includes in a first embodiment a protease, an amylase, an enzyme stabilizing system such as a source of calcium, an alcohol, and an alkanolamine, a nonionic detergent, and water. In a second embodiment, the blood and organic stain remover includes a protease, an amylase, an enzyme stabilizing system, a nonionic detergent, an anionic detergent, and water. In the second embodiment the enzyme stabilizing system preferably includes a petroleum distillate. A system of using the aqueous blood and organic stain remover composition in a prepackaged wipe which permits the user to remove blood and organic spots or to pre-spot blood and organic stains prior to washing without the need for direct skin contact with the spot is also provided.

Abstract: An adaptive vector quantization process and quantizer (VQ) using a clustering technique known as AFLC (adaptive fuzzy leader clustering) is disclosed. The quantizer, AFLC-VQ, has been designed to vector quantize wavelet decomposed sub images with optimal bit allocation. The high-resolution sub images at each level have been statistically analyzed to conform to generalized Gaussian probability distributions by selecting the optimal number of filter taps. The adaptive characteristics of AFLC-VQ stem from using self-organizing neural networks with fuzzy membership values of the input samples for upgrading the cluster centroids based on well known optimization criteria. The centroid of each pattern group can represent all the other patterns in that cluster. The entire data set can be indexed into look up tables sent to the user for decoding and viewing the image.

Abstract: A conveying system for conveying articles, each having a label with indicia, on one end, either a leading or a trailing end. There is a conveyor having multiple sections, each defining a longitudinal conveying path for moving the articles. Each is driven independently from the other sections. The conveyor has a plurality of tray sensors, with at least one on each conveyor section for detecting whether there is a tray on that section. There is also a scanner which detects whether a tray moving along the conveyor has a label on its leading end or its trailing end. A turning arm conveyor section is located downstream from the scanner and arranged to receive control signals from the scanner for momentarily intercepting all articles which are determined by the detector to have the label on the incorrect end. This turning arm conveyor has a turning arm, and a limit stop arranged to prevent the articles moved angularly from being moved further than desired.

Abstract: An exercise device having two chambers, underlying two elastic membrane portions, in a position to closely support above the ground, the left and right foot respectively, of a user. A support structure such as a housing for the first and second membrane portions permit raising and lowering, as by shifting body weight, of the left and right foot in a stair stepping action, preferably without raising each foot from contact with the membrane portions to elastically stretch the membrane portions in succession. A fluid underlies the first and second elastic membrane portions. The fluid preferably is displaced by the stretching of each membrane portion and in the preferred embodiments, it acts with the membrane portions to support the body of a user in use.

Abstract: A method for enabling the formation of a carbonaceous hard film having a high hardness, strong adherence to the substrate, a wide range of substrate compatibility, and structural stability, which can be formed at room temperature and may cover a large area. The method includes vapor depositing a hard film of a carbonaceous material onto a substrate under vacuum by depositing a vaporized, hydrogen free carbonaceous material, which may be ionized or non-ionized, onto the substrate surface while irradiating the carbonaceous material with gas cluster ions, generated by ionizing gas clusters to form the film.

Abstract: A device, methods and pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed for transnasal or transocular drug delivery to the central nervous system using a combination of electrotransport or phonophoresis with chemical permeation enhancers.

Abstract: In the present invention, an imaginary aircraft, called the “shadow aircraft,” flies the original flight plan and, in turn, causes the true aircraft to fly the offset course. The offset course has the same number of legs as the original course, and for each leg of the original course, there is a corresponding parallel leg of the offset course. Except for an initial waypoint and a final waypoint, the locations of offset course waypoints are defined to be the intersections of the straight lines parallel to the original legs at the specified offset distance. The range and bearing to the offset course initial waypoint are chosen to be the same as the range and bearing to the next waypoint. For the interior legs of the flight plan, the lengths of the offset course legs vary from the corresponding “true” course leg.

Abstract: The invention is made of an apparatus which incorporates a sensor-based means for stabilizing random access networks. In the preferred embodiment, a grid of sensors is used to gather energy measurements for analysis. In a preferred embodiment a neural network has been trained to estimate the number of colliding users in a given slot. This information is used to set parameters in a backoff algorithm so as to stabilize the network and minimize the delay experienced by users. The invention has the ability to locate users geographically within the network coverage area. This information can be used in conjunction with a steerable beam or an array of antennas to develop geographically-determined Aloha subchannels, further increasing the capacity of the system.

Abstract: A combinatorial system for extracting major meaning components of a phrase or sentence text in natural language and vice versa. This system allows more intelligent processing and retrieval of textual information in computers. More specifically, the system is divided into three parts. The first is based on a specially defined set of universal primary or atomic abstract concepts, Semantic Factors and rules and methods for assembling and modifying the Semantic Factors. The second is based on a specially defined set of morpheme-type linguistic elements of a specific language, referred to herein as S-Morphs, that are formed into a dictionary. The third part relies upon algorithms and rules for using the two parts described above to translate text into its conceptual description or meanings and/or point from a meaning to relevant objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an abrasive grain from a hard-material alloy based on titanium carbide, with alloying contributions from the group of carbides, nitrides, and/or borides from the secondary groups IVb, Vb, and VIb of the periodic system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method of cluster computing are described. The present invention provides a useful compromise between the manageability, power, and ease of use of centralized systems and the reliability, fault-tolerance, upgradability, and scalability of distributed systems. Moreover, the present invention provides fault-tolerance and security while adhering to real-time to respond constraints or bounds. The invention is described in preferred embodiment examples in the context of two clustered applications: a telecommunication switch-controller and a Web servers, although many practical applications will benefit from the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for color blending an agglomerating flowable material from a differently colored individual batches, to mold a mottled heterogeneous product with material from at least two batches so that mottled products (i.e. with irregular arrangement of spots or confluent blotches of color) are produced from a relatively dry concrete mixture (zero slump concrete), which agglomerates into clumps that tumble randomly from individual hoppers containing individually colored concrete batches. By controlling positioning of a filling tray relative to a hopper outlet, the time sequencing and quantity of material released from each hopper outlet, it is possible to fill the filling tray in a large number of seemingly random mottled patterns where clumps of each of the individual colors remain visible in the molded product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for smoothing the transition in rolling element/cam type nested speed converters and as motorized in a compact pancake package. More specifically, the apparatus for translating motion from a first to a second velocity includes drive devices made up of a conjugate pair of devices and a motion translating device mounted about a common axis. The pair of conjugate devices includes a first cam and a second cam. Each of the cams has at least one flank, the flank having a main drive segment formed according to a first function and at least one transition segment formed according to a second function. In one embodiment, the motion translating device, which is radially nested in between the two cams, has a plurality of radially extending slots, each slot containing one of a plurality of elements. The element is capable of traveling radially within its respective slot.

Abstract: Fabrication of metal medical instruments and devices from a shape memory alloy which provides greater flexibility in design and avoids the need for substantial cold working of the alloy which is required in other methods. The new process provides a ductile alloy for ease of forming and a unique heat treatment which renders the fabricated orthodontic and medical components highly elastic, with a high resistance to kinking and with good corrosion resistance. In addition, this new process produces orthodontic and medical components useful over the temperature range of from −20 to +40 degrees C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adapting the nature of an ion beam during processing of the surface of a solid workpiece so as to improve the reduction of surface roughness (smoothing) by using a GCIB. In addition, the invention provides for surface smoothing in combination with etching to predetermined depths and surface contamination removal. Advantages are minimum required processing time, minimum remaining roughness of the final surface, and reduction in the amount of material that must be removed in order to attain a desired level of smoothness.

Abstract: A shield in combination with a plurality of high-brightness light sources used for riot, capture or other control of individuals. The light array utilizes a plurality of high-brightness light sources to provide a broad-area, high-intensity light for visual countermeasures. By providing a sudden burst of very bright light to surprise a subject and cause the subject to look away or close his or her eyes, the overseer, such as a police officer, can cause sufficient distraction to effectively capture or control the subject without harm.

Abstract: A light assembly including a central axis along which a light source is intended to be located. A ring lens at least partially surrounds the central axis, the lens having a central projection along a projection axis for projecting the light passing through the lens along the projection axis. The central projection and projection axis are at an angle with respect to the central axis and the angle is not a right angle. The ring lens has a conical entry face which is at an angle with said central axis. Another embodiment of the light assembly includes a central axis on which a light source is located and a ring lens at least partially surrounding the central axis. The lens is constructed and arranged to provide collimated light horizontally about a plane which is at a right angle to the central axis, and non-collimated light vertically and in directions which are perpendicular to tangents at the exit points of the rays from the lens.

Abstract: Refractory metal articles having hither than normal impurity levels of concentrations of additive species near the surface that promote chemically enhanced sintering without any adverse effect on function properties, including, among others, tantalum or niobium lead wires that form assemblies useful as electrolytic capacitor anodes and the like, as made by surface oxidation of the wire, embedding a wire end in a loose mass of the powder and sintering to producing assemblies of enhanced structural integrity and affording stable electrical characteristics of electrical devices including such assemblies.