Abstract: An electronic medical record system and service is disclosed for centrally storing patients medical records electronically on a database for patient-controlled remote access by both patients and medical providers. The system stores a plurality of patient medical records on a medical information database via a medical information server connected to a network. A plurality of medical provider computers connected to the network have software to communicate with the medical information server. Patients supply authorization means to allow medical provider computers to access patient-selected portions of the patient's medical record for viewing and updating of the patient's medical record. Additionally, patients can access all portions of their medical record using browser software on any browser-enabled device connected to the network.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting and thwarting the use of unauthorized imaging systems at theatrical performances. Sensors are deployed at a theatrical event to detect the IR focusing signal and/or the RF signal of an unauthorized imaging device. De-focusing signals are used to disrupt the auto focus system of imaging devices that do not use IR focusing systems. A thwarting signal comprising invisible light frequencies may be combined to produce a thwarting signal that is received by the CCD of an imaging device as white light thereby rendering the recorded image unusable.

Abstract: A quick release steering wheel system and method involves use of a billet hub adapter that has tapped holes for attachment of an OEM steering wheel that uses a non-standard bolt-pattern. The billet hub adapter includes an upper recess to provide space for the center cap of the OEM steering wheel and a lower recess for use of a commonly available, preferably pinless, quick release mechanism that is attached to the billet hub adapter via counter-sunk through-holes in the adapter. The adapter can be used to prevent theft of exotic automobiles as well as their exotic steering wheels. It can also be used to adapt the automobiles for use in racing environments that require quick release steering wheels for safety reasons, yet maintain a visually pleasing appearance when the OEM wheel is attached.

Abstract: An improved noise canceling microphone is provided including robust design features and advanced noise control and speech discrimination convergence characteristics. Two adaptive controllers are used to ensure robust performance in quickly changing acoustic environments ensuring an acceptable minimum performance characteristic. Additionally, a new real-time spectral estimation procedure is applied to a noise canceling communications microphone platform that permits continued and optimal adaptation of non-voice bandwidth frequencies during speech transients.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing flexible thermoplastic compositions that may be used separately or combined with up to fifty percent thermoplastic scrap. One embodiment of the invention comprises creating a melt-blend of blending composition, up to 50% by weight thermoplastic scrap and up to 15% by weight poly(ethyl-co-vinyl) acetate wherein the blending composition comprises an impact polypropylene, impact modifier and plasticizer. The polypropylene, impact modifier and plasticizer are selected to meet requirements of flexible thermoplastic compositions useful in vehicle interiors. In another embodiment of the invention a random polypropylene is used.

Abstract: A novel aspect to the invention is a structural arrangement to widen the Fabry-Perot gap beyond a 100-micron LC thickness. The widening permits greatly enhanced spectral discrimination (i.e. many more WDM channels) across the device response range, which is expanded to ITU standards by use of the twin etalon configuration. A liquid crystal optical multiplexer according to the present invention is a two-etalon Fabry-Perot laser etched into many (>100) sub-etalons in a rectangular array. Each sub-etalon is independently tunable and can be coupled to a distinct fiber. Any single sub-etalon or random combination of sub-etalons is free to be tuned to a particular wavelength corresponding to one of the input channels. This allows for any combination of signals (i.e digital video, data and voice) in a signal broadband channel to be switched to any of several receivers. Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) is used to combine or separate individual types of signals from a single fiber.

Abstract: System and method for accelerating the convergence rate of turbo decoding by verifying bits in data frames whose CRC shows no bit errors. Verified bits are translated to bound nodes on a trellis of nodes representing a sequence of bits of the encoded code block. Verification of all bits signals a stop condition and decoding iterations can be terminated. Further, state transition metrics are limited when a node is adjacent to a bound node, allowing for acceleration of convergence by elimination of impossible state transitions. Also disclosed is a scheme to detect bit errors when the code block contains unframed data or partial data frames. This bit error detection scheme uses a recursive encoder to establish end node status. The end node state determination accelerates convergence rate recognition when incorporated with other stop conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for interactively affecting the course of a program or programming content. Viewer purchase electronic tokens which can be used to vote on the sequence of content in a broadcast whether it be audio, video or a combination thereof. Users are periodically polled by a server to vote on the direction that a broadcast is taking. The broadcast is then modified with real-time or stored content based upon the polling results from the viewers. Thus communities of voters have a chance to vote on the direction of content. The invention also allows sub-communities to be formed to pre-vote on a broadcast so that the sub-community can possible vote as a bloc on the direction and content of programming that is presented.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for facilitating normal motor return by supporting a flaccid (non-innervated muscles) arm in a functional position. The arm is held in a dependant position with the scapula held in depression, retraction and neutral rotation. The shoulder joint is held in neutral rotation or slight external rotation and mild extension with the arm held at the side of the body. The elbow is held in less than 30 degrees flexion. The wrist is held in neutral deviation and neutral to mild extension. The fingers are in slight flexion and the thumb is in moderate abduction and opposition.

Abstract: A wireless network can be easily optimized utilizing processes according to the present invention. A simulation environment allows a network engineer to vary parameters (e.g., antenna height, tilt, and power) of a virtual model of the wireless network and observe how the changes affect coverage. Algorithms also enable hand off timing parameters for sectors in a wireless network to be optimized. One algorithm analyzes measured data regarding network coverage and regional terrain to arrive at a report containing recommended values for window size parameters (code division systems) or timing advance parameters (time division systems). Another algorithm analyzes measured data regarding network coverage to arrive at a report, containing recommended neighbor lists for each sector in the network.

Abstract: A system and method for orbital planning allows iterative calculations of orbital parameters to be accomplished in an automated way with one parameter solution serving as input to the next parameter's calculation. A software program employs a graphical user interface (GUI) to allow a space mission analyst to set up a series of sub-problems of any desired level of complexity. The program then implements the series automatically and sequentially, incorporating the solution to one sub-problem into the input to the next.

Abstract: Co-channel interference in a wireless network is identified and quantified. Rather that using color code identification, a more reliable identification property of each co-channel component of the received composite signal is used, namely, the time of arrival of a known part of a signal. Detection and timing measurement is performed even in presence of stronger signals by focusing selectively on bursts having fixed contents (e.g., the FCCH burst used in GSM for frequency correction). The repetitive measurements of the time-of-arrival of each of the interfering components of the signal during a drive test enables determination of the geographical location of the interfering co-channel base stations.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and system for measuring data quality of service in a wireless network using multiple peripatetic (i.e. mobile) and/or stationary, unattended, position, and performance instruments (PUPPIs) that are remotely controlled by a back end processor. In some embodiments of the invention, the data service whose quality is measured relates to wireless Internet access, e-commerce transactions, wireless messaging, or push technologies. In other embodiments of the invention, the system includes an element that is located within the wireless network infrastructure, for example, at the WAP gateway to monitor the wireless data protocol and to perform benchmarking measurements.

Abstract: A test scanner located where it does not directly receive GPS signals relies on a second device, a reference transmitter with a GPS receiver, to provide time information. The reference transmitter has an internal GPS synchronized clock and a pilot transmission pattern that serves as a marker. The reference transmitter is positioned within close proximity to the test scanner. The reference transmitter periodically receives GPS signals and sets its reference internal clock accordingly. This reference transmitter transmits its highly recognizable signal with time synchronization information. The test scanner, able to distinguish between the reference pilot and base station pilot signals, receives the marked signal and uses the timing information to set the test scanner's internal clock. The test scanner can then perform a pilot scan of one or more CDMA base station pilot channels.

Abstract: A three dimensional inspection system for inspecting ball array devices having a plurality of balls, where the ball array device is positioned in an optical system. An illuminator is located to illuminate at least one ball on the ball array device. A first optical element is positioned to transmit light to the sensor. A second optical element is positioned to direct light from the at least one ball to the sensor, where the sensor, the first optical element and the second optical element cooperate to obtain at least two differing views of the at least one ball, the sensor providing an output representing the at least two differing views. A processor is coupled to receive the output, where the processor processes the output by using a triangulation method to calculate a three dimensional position of the at least one ball with reference to a pre-calculated calibration plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable support that may be telescopically extendable, coarsely and finely adjustable, and providing a mechanical advantage while being readily transportable. The adjustable support may have two to three telescoping members that nest inside one another when not is use, and may be triangular, rectangular, or circular in cross section. The adjustable support may be used as a traction splint, a walking stick, ski pole, or a crutch.

Abstract: A three dimensional inspection method for inspecting ball array devices having a plurality of balls, where the ball array device is positioned in an optical system. The inspection method includes the steps of illuminating at least one ball on the ball array device, and disposing a sensor, a first optical element and a second optical element in relation to the ball array device so that the sensor obtains at least two differing views of the at least one ball, the sensor providing an output representing the at least two differing views. The output is processed using a triangulation method to calculate a three dimensional position of the at least one ball with reference to a pre-calculated calibration plane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, which restrains a crossover phenomenon of fuel and a decomposition of a polymer membrane over platinum, and shows outstanding power output and performance characteristics during operation of the fuel cell, and a method for producing the same. The method comprises the steps of blending a polymer matrix with a fluorinated ionomer of 3 to 50 wt % based on a weight of a polymer to produce a blended polymer solution; casting the blended polymer solution into a polymer membrane; and coating the fluorinated ionomer on both sides of the polymer membrane to produce a composite membrane.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and safety related systems (SRSs) in a Secure Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) that addresses concerns for security of electronic emanations from equipment in the SCIF. A fiber optic link connects an optical receiver located within a SCIF and an optical transmitter located outside the SCIF. Alarm signals generated by an SRS located outside the SCIF are detected and sent to the optical receiver over the fiber optic link. The optical receiver converts the optical signals to electrical signals and directs the signals to alarm devices within the SCIF. Additionally, an audio signal generated at the location outside the SCIF is converted to an optical signal and then reconverted to an audio signal by the optical receiver for broadcast over a speaker located within the SCIF. A tone signal generated at the optical transmitter is continuously sent over the optical fiber link to the optical receiver and the SCIF speaker.