Abstract: An intrusion detection system (IDS). An IDS which has been configured in accordance with the present invention can include a traffic sniffer for extracting network packets from passing network traffic; a traffic parser configured to extract individual data from defined packet fields of the network packets; and, a traffic logger configured to store individual packet fields of the network packets in a database. A vector builder can be configured to generate multi-dimensional vectors from selected features of the stored packet fields. Notably, at least one self-organizing clustering module can be configured to process the multi-dimensional vectors to produce a self-organized map of clusters. Subsequently, an anomaly detector can detect anomalous correlations between individual ones of the clusters in the self-organized map based upon at least one configurable correlation metric. Finally, a classifier can classify detected anomalous correlations as one of an alarm and normal behavior.

Abstract: A medical needle set for visualized tissue ablation within a subject's body includes a cannula and components configured for inclusion in the cannula, including a trocar for occlusion of the cannula lumen during needle placement, and a visualizing ablation probe used for simultaneous endoscopic viewing and ablation of tissue sites with a laser beam. The cannula can include a tissue-gripping surface for stabilization of the needle set on the target tissue. A surgical system for tissue ablation includes a visualizing ablation needle set operably connected to an endoscope and a laser. A surgical procedure using this system permits simultaneous visualization and ablation of tissues, including those of the facet joints of the spine.

Abstract: A value-based caching system and method. A value based cache method can include partitioning a cache into different value-based partitions. Data to be stored in the cache can be valued and the valued data can be cached in individual ones of the value-based partitions. Subsequently, cache entries can be evicted from the value-based partitions. Finally, the caching and evicting can be managed according to the valuing step. In this regard, the cache and eviction management step can ensure greater cache responsiveness for data having a greater value relative to other valued data.

Abstract: A variable content rendering system. The system can include one or more programmatic beans configured to render content in particular ones of the presentation environments; a mapping of selected attributes of a markup language to corresponding ones of the configured beans; and, a servlet configured to receive requests for content from individual content browsers in associated presentation environments. Importantly, the servlet can be further configured to retrieve the requested content, to identify individual markup language attributes in the retrieved content, and, based on the mapping, to select individual ones of the programmatic beans to format the retrieved content for presentation in the associated presentation environments.

Abstract: A medical needle set for visualized tissue ablation within a subject's body includes a cannula and components configured for inclusion in the cannula, including a trocar for occlusion of the cannula lumen during needle placement, and a visualizing ablation probe used for simultaneous endoscopic viewing and ablation of tissue sites with a laser beam. The cannula can include a tissue-gripping surface for stabilization of the needle set on the target tissue. A surgical system for tissue ablation includes a visualizing ablation needle set operably connected to an endoscope and a laser. A surgical procedure using this system permits simultaneous visualization and ablation of tissues, including those of the facet joints of the spine.

Abstract: A secure event data recording system configured for use in a passenger vehicle. The secure event data recording system can include an event data recorder; a memory device coupled to the event data recorder and configured to store event data processed in the event data recorder; and, an input/output port communicatively linked to the memory device through which read/write access can be provided to the memory device. Significantly, a tamper proof sealing mechanism can be provided which bars access to the memory device, the event data recorder and the input/output port without causing an irreparable breach of the tamper proof sealing mechanism.

Abstract: A method for enforcing a service discrimination policy in a storage system. The service discrimination policy enforcement method can include monitoring load metrics for physical resources required to access content stored within the storage system. A request to access the content stored within the storage system can be received. A corresponding guaranteed service level can be identified from the request. In consequence, a particular one of the physical resources can be selected to service the request based upon a determination that the selected physical resource can service the request while satisfying the guaranteed service level at a load indicated by the monitored load metrics.

Abstract: A coupling system for securing a sink to a drain pipe. The coupling system of the present invention can include a support member and a flange connector. The flange connector can be coupled to the support member about opposite surfaces of a sink. The support member can include both a shoulder and a support surface opposite to the shoulder. The shoulder can be configured to support a sink and a gasket can be positioned thereon or within a recess therein to provide enhanced communication between a sink and the shoulder. The support surface, by comparison, can be configured to rest upon a support surface able to support the sink when coupled to the support surface.

Abstract: The present invention is an adaptive file distribution method for choosing a transmission protocol in order to optimize network and processor bandwidth according to the number of client nodes active on the data distribution network. Specifically, a method for adaptively selecting a transport protocol for transmitting data segments across a distributed data network can include the steps of: determining the number and identity of subordinate nodes on the network that will receive the data segment; selecting a data transport protocol according to the number of subordinate nodes determined; and, transmitting the data segment to the subordinate nodes using the selected transport protocol. Significantly, the transport protocol is selected from the group consisting of a connection-oriented protocol and a connectionless protocol. Moreover, the connection-oriented protocol can be the Transport Control Protocol, whereas the connectionless protocol can be the Universal Datagram Protocol.

Abstract: A method for managing bulk e-mail distribution can include the steps of matching a target recipient profile with a group of target recipients; transmitting a set of bulk e-mails to the target recipients in the matched group; and, calculating a quantity of e-mails in the set of bulk e-mails which have been successfully received by the target recipients. If the calculated quantity does not exceed a prescribed minimum quantity of successfully received e-mails, the matching, transmitting and calculating steps can be repeated until the calculated quantity exceeds the prescribed minimum quantity. Notably, in the preferred embodiment, the group of target recipients is an opt-in list.