Abstract: A horizontal rotary torso exercising apparatus allows a user to strengthen the core muscles of the body and obtain maximum flexibility of the spine without squeezing or pinching the intervertebral discs or nerves. The apparatus is comprised of a frame supporting a longitudinally adjustable bench covered by a contoured pad. The contoured pad follows the natural curvature of the spine by providing a raised lumbar region with lateral pads. A rod is supported by the frame with two collars including bearings. At one end of the rod is a rack for holding weights and at the opposite end is a height adjustable leg rest. The user lies supine on the bench, places knees over the leg rest, and rotates the lower body at the waist side to side through a number of repetitions. The movement rotates the leg rest, the rod, and the rack about the axis of the rod.

Abstract: A method of moving the cursor is used in a computer system having a processor operatively coupled to a cursor control device having a light source and an image sensor for optically tracking motion of the cursor control device. The method is executed to move the cursor according to an enhanced tracking value generated based on a measured tracking value, a projected tracking value, and a tracking confidence value based on an illumination value representative of an intensity of light sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for a barrier gate designed to control vehicular travel through a passageway. The invention disclosed employs a barrier arm, a housing, a motor and transmission, a rotary encoder, and a torque limiter assembly. The torque limiter assembly comprises a hub, spindle, brake disk, rotor, and a gland nut. The torque limiter assembly is mounted to the motor and transmission as well as connected to the barrier arm. The torque limiter assembly provides sufficient friction to rotate the barrier arm and also protects the internal gears and linkages of the transmission and motor from costly repair/replacement by preventing any unwanted rotation. In the event an outside force rotates the barrier arm, the rotary encoder in cooperation with a controller instantly recognizes the position of the barrier arm and further acts as a limit switch to send a signal to the motor to stop when the barrier arm is in place.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that preparing a discrete event simulation model of a production network is provided including a client and a plurality of servers connected by a network comprising the steps of initiating a single business function trace test on the production network; gathering network flow trace data from the network; deriving a transaction summary from the network flow trace data; initiating a single business function load test on the production network; gathering resource data from the plurality of servers; normalizing the resource data; gathering web log data from at least one server from the plurality of servers; calculating a number of business functions running on the production network; calculating a consumption of resources used by the plurality of servers; calculating a business function cost associated with the consumption of resources; creating a business function profile from the transaction summary and the business function cost; and building a discrete event simulation model from the bus

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for receiving, detecting and transmitting geophysical data from a plurality of electrodes inserted through a structure's pavement foundation in a non-destructive manner and into the soil utilizing a dynamically reconfigurable wireless control unit located on each electrode. Data from the control units is transmitted by a wireless signal to a centralized data processor for analysis. Control data is provided from a central control processor to the control unit by wireless transmission. The control unit, which is positioned, includes a multi-channel radio frequency transmitter/receiver and a processor to actuate relays and record data returns from the measured substrate soil for transmission to the central data processor. The control unit incorporates a changeable code or address to unambiguously identify itself, and its spatial relationship to other electrodes, to the central data processor and the central control processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting and transmitting geophysical data from a plurality of electrodes inserted into the soil utilizing a set of identical dynamically reconfigurable voltage control units located on each electrode and connected together by a communications and power cable. A test sequence is provided in each voltage control unit. Each voltage control unit records data measurements for transmission to a central data collector. Each voltage control unit incorporates and determines its positional relationship to other voltage control units by logging when the unit is attached to the electrode. Each voltage control unit I equipped with a magnetic switch for detecting when they are in contact with the electrode.

Abstract: A server migration tool used to construct data center migration scenarios allowing for a user to rapidly manipulate a large number of input parameters required to describe a transformation from one data center configuration to a new data center configuration. The tool then performs the transformation and allows the user to interact with new data center configuration to understand its performance. A novel parameterization, speed independent service demand (SISD), greatly facilitates scaling performance metrics between different hardware platforms.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided that allow for the realignment and stabilization of adjacent vertebrae. An implant of this invention both repositions adjacent vertebrae and remains in situ to maintain the new position. The implant has two halves which are interlocked such that they can slide horizontally with respect to each other. Movement of the implant halves and their respective positions are controlled by set screw within the implant. The implant includes radial anchors which fit into alignment slots made in the misaligned vertebra by the disclosed method. The set screws are used to advance the halves of the implant which in turn move the misaligned vertebrae back into correct positions. The correct position of the vertebrae is locked in place through a nut and a plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for decelerating moving vehicles. A set of two novel pylons is disclosed employing a simple, durable and reliable braking mechanism. Each braking mechanism comprises a spindle assembly including a brake disk and a spool assembly comprising a rotor and two caliper disks adjacent the brake disk. The spool assembly is pivotally mounted on the spindle assembly. As the strap is deployed a ratchet and pawl mechanism fixed to the base of the spindle assembly prevents the spindle assembly from rotating with respect to the spool assembly. The sliding friction between the caliper disks and the brake disk impedes the rotation of the spool assembly and restrains deployment of the strap. After impact, the strap can be rewound via a ratchet nut located on the spool assembly. During rewind the spindle assembly rotates with the spool assembly. An additional embodiment connects a sacrificial barrier between the two pylons mounted to a gantry.

Abstract: A method of semi-automatic data collection, data analysis and model generation for performance analysis of computer networks and software is provided. The invention provides a graphical user interface which indicates the overall data flow in the performance analysis process and guides the user through the proper sequence of steps in that process. Underneath the graphical user interface, the invention provides software tools which include novel data pipeline for transformation of network traces, resource data and application data into organized hash tables, and further into spreadsheets for introduction into computer network simulation programs. The invention also provides novel algorithms for recognizing transaction and parentage between transactions from low level network trace data. The invention further provides novel methods of visualization of trace data and transaction and parentage associations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spread spectrum distance and for spread spectrum velocity profile measurement is provided where the short pulse of traditional ultrasonic and radar level gauges is replaced by low peak power direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) modulated energy. An echo sequence subtraction process is provided that increases the signal to noise ratio of each echo sequence thus increasing the dynamic range of the system. In addition to providing a higher signal to noise ratio (SNR), better precision and accuracy in ranging Doppler applications and the ability to use lower peak power transmissions, the system is more immune to interference from the environment and allows for less expensive and less bulky ultrasonic transducers.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides an apparatus and method for securely collecting, storing, and disposing of documents by attaching a reusable, secure, lockable closure to a cardboard receptacle box. The lockable closure has a slot in the top to allow documents to be deposited in the box. Two opposing side surfaces of the lockable closure have an interior lip that engages the box flap in such a way as to prevent the unwanted removal of the closure. The closure can be secured to the box with a locking seal such as a cable tie through locking holes located on the top surface and two opposing sides of the lockable closure as well as the box flaps and box sides. A hole allows removal of the lockable closure by exerting pressure on the flap. The disclosed method provides the steps of providing a single lockable closure, a plurality of receptacle boxes, and a number of locking seals capable of fitting through the holes.

Abstract: A multimotion exercise bicycle capable of providing a cardiovascular exercise simultaneously with an upper body weight training exercise. The cardiovascular exercise is accomplished by a pedaling movement connected to a resistance means. The upper body exercise is accomplished by a pushing or a pulling movement of a handlebar and arm setup connected to a disk which is further connected to a cable attached to a weight bearing platform. The weight of the user provides the resistance for the upper body movement. The difficulty level of the upper body movement is adjustable by changing the location of the handlebars relative to the disk and by changing where the cable attaches to the disk. As the user performs these exercises simultaneously, the invention allows the user to burn more calories and reduce work-out time in half.

Abstract: A software application is provided designed to encourage collaboration between professional disciplines related to land development and construction projects. A graphical risk analysis system is provided based on answers to interdisciplinary questions related to risks. Use of the system promotes a complete checklist of interdisciplinary and informational consultation which, when completed, reduces the risk related to land development.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides an abdominal exerciser comprised of a padded bench with an adjustable arc shaped lumbar support mounted to a tubular support frame. The radius of the lumbar support is slightly larger than the radius of ordinary spinal arching. The lumbar support fully extends the lumbar section of the spine decompressing the intervertebral space while stretching the abdominal muscles and neutralizing the lumbar muscles in preparation for a sit-up or legs-up movement in which the spine is fully supported. Adjustably attached on either side of the lumbar support are two generally semicircular shaped side extensions. The support frame includes a base, two feet, and an arc shaped extension with a plurality of parallel footrests. The support frame also includes a hinge about which the bench rotates through the arc of the extension to adjust the inclination angle of the bench.