Abstract: An improved aeroprediction code (APC) allows aerodynamics to be predicted for Mach numbers up to 20 for configurations with flares. Moreover, the improved APC advantageously extends the static aerodynamic predictions for Mach numbers less than 1.2, improves the body alone pitch damping for Mach numbers above 2.0, and develops a new capability for pitch damping of flared configurations at Mach numbers up to 20. The improved APC also permits determination of aerodynamic effects associated with power-on events and trailing edge flaps. Corresponding methods are also described.

Abstract: A combination delivering signals between a plurality of devices includes a mixed-layer switching fabric, and a controller which controls the mixed-layer switching fabric. According to the present invention, the controller includes a first device for automatically performing fault recognition and fault isolation routines when the multi-interface switching system is initialized and periodically thereafter, and a second device for performing the fault recognition and fault isolation routines on demand.

Abstract: A method for operating a user station configured for communications with a multiplicity of independently-operated data sources via a non-proprietary network includes steps of receiving a first data object from one of the data sources, and automatically pre-fetching a plurality of additional data objects of arbitrary type referenced by the first data object from respective other ones of the independently-operated data sources identified by information embedded in the first data object. Corresponding software is also described.

Abstract: A multi-interface point-to-point switching system, including a plurality of I/O ports coupled to a plurality of respective devices, a switching fabric, a controller that determines the fixed, low latency signal path for each connection and commands the switching fabric to establish the determined signal path for each connection. According to one aspect of the invention, the switching fabric includes a plurality of discrete switch modules, at least selected ones of which are hot-swappable with permission of the controller.

Abstract: A system for sampling the ambient air of a selected environment for the presence of unwanted chemical vapors, such as nerve or blister gases includes an external air sampling unit and a detector unit having first and second ion mobility spectrometers which simultaneously detect and monitor for the presence of the chemical agent vapors so as to provide an accurate and quick determination of the unwanted chemical vapor within the selected environment.

Abstract: A method for operating a user station that is configured for communications with a multiplicity of independently-operated data sources via a non-proprietary network includes steps for creating a send data object that includes user demographics, and automatically sending the send data object to a selected one of the data sources upon establishing the communication link, without any triggering user action. Corresponding software and user stations are also described.

Abstract: A novel electronic information transport component can be incorporated in a wide range of electronic information products, for example magazine collections, to automate the mass distribution of updates, such as current issues, from a remote server to a wide user base having a diversity of computer stations. Advantages of economy, immediacy and ease of use are provided. Extensions of the invention permit automated electronic catalog shopping with order placement and, optionally, order confirmation. A server-based update distribution service is also provided. In addition, an offline web browser system, with hyperlink redirection capabilities, a novel recorded music product with automated update capabilities and an Internet charging mechanism are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to spheric-shaped see through lenses used in eyewear. The lenses have a substantially constant thickness and having a substantially constant radius of curvature of between 27-20 mm. The spheric lenses may be supported in a frame formed of either rigid or flexible material and attached to a strap assembly adaptable to be worn by the user. Optionally, each of the lenses may be supported by a flanged member and ventilation passages preferably extending through the frame and/or the lenses to allow air to circulate around the lenses.

Abstract: A multi-interface point-to-point switching system includes a plurality of I/O ports coupled to a plurality of respective devices, a switching fabric, and a controller. Advantageously, the controller determines the path bit error rate for each all possible signal paths that are presently available, then selects the presently available one of the possible signal paths for each connection that has the lowest path bit error rate, and then configures the switching fabric to establish the selected signal path for each connection.

Abstract: A multi-interface point-to-point switching system includes a plurality of I/O ports coupled to a plurality of respective devices, a switching fabric that selectively delivers each of a plurality of different signals from a selected one of the I/O ports coupled to a sending one of the devices to another selected one of the I/O ports coupled to a receiving one of the devices, to thereby establish respective connections between the sending and receiving devices, and a controller that determines the latency of all possible signal paths that are presently available for each connection to be established, selects the lowest-latency signal path for each connection that it determines is presently available, and then configures the switching fabric to establish the selected signal path for each connection. According to one aspect of the invention, the switching fabric provides a fixed, low latency signal path for each connection whereby the latency of that connection is deterministic and predictable.

Abstract: A method for distributing information to a plurality of uncoordinated user stations each of which is configured for communications with a multiplicity of independently-operated servers via a non-proprietary network includes steps for providing a distribution service that distributes updates for a plurality of different products, and providing a transporter software component to each of the plurality of uncoordinated user stations, wherein the transporter software component at each user station automatically effects communication sessions with the distribution service via the non-proprietary network for the purpose of obtaining updates for each of at least a subset of the plurality of different products that are installed on that user station.

Abstract: A multi-interface point-to-point switching system includes a plurality of I/O devices coupled to a plurality of respective devices, a switching device for selectively delivering each of a plurality of different signals from a selected one of the I/O devices coupled to a sending one of the devices to another selected one of the I/O devices coupled to a receiving one of the devices, to thereby establish respective connections between the sending and receiving devices, wherein the switching device provides a fixed, low latency signal path for each connection between a sending and receiving device for the duration of that connection, whereby the latency of that connection is deterministic and predictable, and a data content of the signal delivered via that connection is not analyzed by the switching device, whereby the switching device operates in a content independent manner, and controller device that determines the fixed, low latency signal path for each connection and commands the switching device to establis

Abstract: The present invention provides a power frequency, i.e., time-varying, magnetic field (PF-NF) detector system for characterizing the operational condition of a remote facility responsive to time-varying magnetic fields generated by electrical transmission lines associated with the remote facility. The PF-MF detector system advantageously includes a PF-MF sensor which generates N time-varying magnetic field data sets, and a PF-MF analyzer which generates an operational condition assessment responsive to the N time-varying magnetic field data sets, wherein N is an integer greater than or equal to 1. Additionally, the PF-MF detector system includes an accumulator which stores and forwards the N time-varying magnetic field data sets to the PF-MF analyzer via a communications channel. A method for characterizing the operational condition of inaccessible electrical equipment responsive to the time-varying magnetic field generated by a transmission line are also described.

Abstract: A combination of first, second, and third storage media storing computer readable instructions permit non-networked computers to cooperate synergistically. Preferably, the first storage medium stores computer readable instructions for permitting a first computer system to receive textual data as field data, to assemble the field data and a corresponding digitized attachment into a first file and to transmit the first file to a second computer system via the Internet, while the second storage medium stores computer readable instructions for permitting the second computer system to receive the first file via the Internet, to display the first file including the digitized attachment on a first window generated by a graphics user interface (GUI) instantiated by the second computer system, to display a second file in a second window, and to transfer the field data to a third computer system operatively connected to the second computer system.

Abstract: A White Board system permitting a plurality of users to collaborate with one another irrespective of the respective user's hardware platform or operating system includes a server computer, and a plurality of client computers electrically coupled to the server computer. Preferably, each of the client computers logs into the server computer and is thereby assigned a unique identifier, each of the client computers includes a graphical user interface (GUI) which selectively displays any combination of objects having active content, active hyperlinks, and text, and each of the client computers transmits user-generated objects to the server computer for storage and selective retransmission to the computers. Additionally, the server stores all user-generated objects from all the client computers and selectively controls transmission of all user-generated objects to respective ones of the computers responsive to the respective assigned identifier.

Abstract: A portable system for sampling the ambient air of a selected environment for the presence of unwanted chemical warfare vapors, such as nerve or blister gases, is disclosed. The excitation for the electrical elements of the system can be originated from a battery or from an ac excitation. The system comprises a detector unit having first and second ion mobility spectrometers which simultaneously detect and monitor for the presence of the chemical agent vapors so as to provide an accurate and quick determination of the unwanted chemical vapor within the selected environment, without false alarming to non-chemical warfare agent vapors, which act as interferents. The system design also allows monitoring in the presence of electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Abstract: An assembly that includes a fiber-containing structure that contains a plurality of optical fibers and a furcation tube assembly that includes a plurality of loose tube optical fiber cables. Each of the loose tube optical fiber cables includes a hollow inner tube; a support structure that includes strength members, the support structure surrounding the hollow inner tube; and, a protective jacket surrounding the support structure. The assembly further includes a heat shrink tube that joins the fiber-containing structure and the furcation tube assembly and a protective tube surrounded by the heat shrink tube and disposed in surrounding relationship to the furcation tube assembly. The support structure extends in a first direction between an outer surface of the fiber-containing structure and an inner surface of the protective tube proximate a first end of the protective tube.

Abstract: A multi-interface point-to-point switching system includes a plurality of I/O ports coupled to a plurality of respective devices, and a switching fabric that selectively delivers each of a plurality of different signals from a selected one of the I/O ports coupled to a sending one of the devices to another selected one of the I/O ports coupled to a receiving one of the devices, to thereby establish respective connections between the sending and receiving devices. According to one aspect of the invention, at least one of the different signals is a parallel interface format signal and at least one of the different signals is a serial interface format signal. Moreover, the switching fabric does not interact with any data transfer protocol used by the devices for data communications with one another.

Abstract: An automatic mechanism is provided for cutting-off water flow to a plumbing system of a house, an apartment, a business or the like, while at the same time draining water/plumbing systems when subjected to low/freezing ambient temperatures. The mechanism includes a valve body housing a reciprocal valve which is operative to place an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication while cutting off a drain port, and in a second position the inlet is closed and the outlet and the drain port are placed in fluid communication to drain the water system when the valve is shifted automatically under the influence of biasing means in reaction to low temperature sensing.