Abstract: A portable friction forge welder that applies a direct rotational load to workpieces via a rotational actuator and a direct axial load to workpieces via an axial actuator, where the rotational actuator and the axial actuator have separate and independent power sources. The portable friction forge welder relies on a stored energy linear axial actuator or a center-hole hydraulic axial actuator to achieve high axial forces and a high torque, low rotational velocity to achieve rotational forces, enabling the welder to achieve higher quality welds using larger diameter workpieces than conventional portable friction welders. By applying a high axial force between workpieces prior to high torque rotation of the workpieces results in improved quality welds. A unique clamping device maintains a fixed positional relationship between the workpieces and includes a unique shroud that enables friction welds under a positive pressure inert atmosphere.

Abstract: A system and method for defining a schema and sending a query to a similarity search engine to determine a quantitative assessment of the similarity of attributes between an anchor record and one or more target records. The similarity search engine makes a similarity assessment in a single pass through the target records having multiple relationship characteristics. The similarity search engine is a server configuration that communicates with one or more database management systems for providing data persistence, data retrieval and access to user defined functions. The architecture enables search activities to be segmented among multiple remote database management systems for reducing the time required to perform searches. Implementation provisions include a method by which a secure transport driver may be configured for a datasource and a method by which configuration files may be persisted to either filesystem storage or a relational database.

Abstract: The invention provides a classification engine for classifying documents that makes use of functions included in a similarity search engine. The classification engine executes a classify command from a client that makes use of similarity search results, and rules files, classes files, and a classification profile embedded in the classification command. When the classification receives a classify command from a client, it retrieves a classification profile and input documents to be classified, sends extracted values from the input documents based on anchor values to a XML transformation engine to obtain a search schema, requests a similarity search by a search manager to determine the similarity between input documents and anchor values, and classifies the input documents according to the rules files, classes files, and the classification profile. The client is then notified that the classify command has been completed and the classification results are stored in a database.

Abstract: The system and method provides means for detecting fiber optic cable embedded within a structure such as a wall of a building. It relies upon detecting an electrical field generated by movement of static and induced electrical charged fiber optic cable contained within the building wall. The invention is particularly useful when only one side of a wall structure is accessible and there is no access to the fiber optic cable. The process comprises the steps of locating wall studs, making a small hole in the wall material between the wall studs at approximately mid height, inserting a field emitter in the small hole for generating an electrical charge on a fiber cable, inserting an air nozzle in the small hole to create fiber cable movement, and detecting an electric field generated by the movement of an electrically charged fiber cable.

Abstract: The system and method provides a means for inspecting pipelines that have obstructions which prevent conventional inspection pigs from passing the obstructions. The invention uses remote-field eddy current inspection techniques and a uniquely configured excitation coil for inline inspection of pipelines having valves and other fittings that severely restrict or prevent the use of conventional inspection pigs. A unique collapsible excitation coil and a collapsible sensor array enables an inspection pig using these features to pass pipeline obstructions that prevent passage by conventional inspection pigs. The collapsible coil and sensor array provide means for reducing the diameter of an inspection pig to enable it to pass obstructions in the pipeline.

Abstract: A methodology and an apparatus for the detection of biological substances employing the integration of multiple functions and units designed into and implemented in the form of an individual silicon chip, described as a sensor unit. The deployment of a set of sensor units as a group results in a distributed detecting, discriminating, and alerting network. Distribution of the sensor units facilitates the on-the-spot detection of different biological substances such as viruses, bacteria, spores, allergens, and other toxins that can be suspended in multiple media (air, liquid, blood, etc.). Besides detection/sensing, the individual sensor units perform: data acquisition, data development, data storage, statistical analysis, and data transmission.

Abstract: A personal financial management system, method and program that models past current and projected financial transaction data. Each object represents a single financial entity such as accounts, loans, assets or expenses, or a financial activity such as account transfers, deposits or withdrawals. A graphical user interface enables the user to create objects and place the objects on a graphical time line simulating financial activity from all selected objects over a selected time span. The graphical user interface also allows manipulation of the graphical objects and enables future projection of planned financial transactions. The planned financial activity is tightly bound to past and current spending and budgeting, enabling the user to match current activities to planned activities, and to identify and correct discrepancies and shortfalls in projected activities. A to-do list provides the user with reminders of planned actions to be conducted.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method and device for inspecting heat exchanger tubes from within the tube inside diameter that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. It adapts a guided-wave probe approach that makes use of a torsional wave mode instead of a longitudinal wave node disclosed in the prior art. The torsional wave mode has many advantages over the longitudinal wave mode for detecting defects. When energized by suitable instrumentation, the probe is caused to generate a torsional mode signal that is transmitted to the heat exchanger tube from the waveguide tube. When reflected signals from defects in the heat exchanger tube walls are returned to the inspection opening end of the heat exchanger tube, the reflected defect signals are transmitted to the probe waveguide tube for amplification, detection and characterization of the reflected signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for defining a schema and sending a query to a Similarity Search Engine to determine a quantitative assessment of the similarity of attributes between an anchor record and one or more target records. The Similarity Search Engine makes a similarity assessment in a single pass through the target records having multiple relationship characteristics. The Similarity Search Engine is a server configuration that comprises a Gateway for command and response routing, a Virtual Document Manager for document generation, a Search Manager for document scoring, and an Relational Database Management System for providing data persistence, data retrieval and access to User Defined Functions. The Similarity Search Engine uses a unique command syntax based on the Extensible Markup Language to implement functions necessary for similarity searching and scoring.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing an aperture against ingress of floodwater is disclosed. The apparatus comprising a cover portion for covering and forming a seal around an aperture, and location means for engaging with a component associated with the aperture to retain the cover portion in place. For example, the locating means may include a securing element that engages with the fixed component, and screw threaded components to draw the cover portion into place. Embodiments of the invention may be applied to seal an aperture such as an airbrick, a wastewater outlet, an overflow, etc. Further apparatus comprises a sealing portion and a securing portion whereby the apparatus can be disposed for use in a toilet bowl such that the sealing portion is retained in position by the securing portion to substantially seal an outlet of the toilet bowl. Once the risk of flooding has passed, the apparatus can be removed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending and retracting frets of stringed musical instruments such as a guitar or bass guitar. Each of a plurality of frets is an integral part of a fret-cylinder having an axis oriented approximately perpendicular to the direction of the strings when positioned in a neck of the instrument. Each fret-cylinder has integral cylinder-adjusting teeth that engage rod-adjusting teeth of a rod enclosed within a cavity in the neck of the instrument. Moving the rod in an axial direction by a rod actuating mechanism causes the fret-cylinders to rotate about their axis, extending the frets above a fingerboard attached to the instrument neck for fretted play and retracting the frets flush with the fingerboard for unfretted play. The rod actuating mechanism may be positioned on a neck of an instrument or a body of an instrument, and may be manually or electric motor actuated.

Abstract: A method for verifying the identity of a new-user of a computer system, comprising the steps of receiving at least one identity attribute from the new-user; similarity searching the at least one new-user identity attribute against at least one database of denied-user identity attributes; receiving a similarity search result; determining a positive or negative match between the at least one new-user identity attribute and the denied-user identity attributes; allowing the new-user to access the computer system, where a negative match has been determined; and denying the new-user access to the computer system, where a positive match has been determined.

Abstract: The system comprises one or more sensor devices, where each sensor device is capable of measuring a temperature at a known location of a body of a human or other animal. Each sensor transmits a temperature measurement value and sensor identification to a monitor device. The monitor device receives the temperature measurement value and sensor identification, and computes an adjusted temperature value based upon the position of the measuring sensor, body age, and time of day. The adjusted temperature value is tested for alarm conditions and displayed for use by a caretaker.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a computer-implemented visualization model of similarity relationships between documents. It comprises performing a similarity search based on at least one attribute of a reference document to find at least one target document with similar attributes; creating a visual representation of the reference database document and the at least one target document; creating a visual representation of the similarities between the reference document and the at least one target document; and displaying the visual representations of the database documents and their similarities on a graphical user interface. The target documents that are similarity searched may reside in a plurality of databases. The similarity search returns a result set of target documents that are used by the visualization model to create the visual representation of the documents and the similarities between the documents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a message-oriented middleware solution for securely transmitting messages and files across public networks unencumbered by intervening network barriers implemented as security measures. It also provides a dynamic, dedicated, application level VPN solution that is facilitated by the message-oriented middleware. Standard encryption algorithms are used to minimize the threat of eavesdropping and an Open-Pull Protocol (OPP) that allows target nodes to pull and verify the credentials of requestors prior to the passing of any data. Messaging can be segregated into multiple and distinct missions that all share the same nodes. The security network's architecture is built to resist and automatically recover from poor, slow, and degrading communications channels. Peers are identifiable by hardware appliance, software agent, and personally identifiable sessions.

Abstract: A flood protection barrier is disclosed that can be deployed in the event of an immanent flood risk. The barrier comprises a shield having a sealing element and securing means for securing the shield in place to at least partially close an aperture in a wall of a building. The sealing element forms a fluid-resistant seal between barrier and the periphery of the aperture thereby resisting passage of water through the aperture. The barrier can be secured by securing means that require no modification to the building. The securing means may include clip assemblies or, in alternative embodiments, wedges or other suitable components.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for producing aquatic specie for consumer consumption within a closed aquaculture system. It provides for growing algae in artificial saltwater under controlled conditions in an algae subsystem, feeding the algae to adult artemia for producing small artemia in an artemia subsystem, feeding the algae and small artemia to immature aquatic specie for producing adolescent aquatic specie in an aquatic specie nursery subsystem, and feeding the algae and small artemia to the adolescent aquatic specie to for producing adult aquatic specie in an aquatic specie growout subsystem, which are then harvested. The invention also includes a data acquisition and control subsystem for automated control of the aquaculture system. A unique filtration subsystem accepts waste from the aquatic specie subsystem, pumps the waste through a series of filters, and returns the filtered saltwater to the algae subsystem, the artemia subsystem and the aquatic specie subsystem.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-implemented system and method for transforming relational database information into a hierarchical data representation. It provides for data sharing between a relational and hierarchical data structures without requiring the data to be remodeled to fit a common format or convention. While maintaining the relational data in its original format, user may transform and associate the data with a structure compatible with another format definition. The present invention may use XML, HTML and SGML to structure a hierarchical data representation. Object-oriented formats may also be used to structure the data in an intermediary format for transformation into a hierarchical data structure.

Abstract: A load restraint for use in a container is disclosed. The road restraint comprises a support to locate and extend generally vertically within a first locating formation (such as a corrugation in a wall) within a container. A transverse member extends from the support member across the container to engage with a second locating formation (such as another corrugation). A load engaging member is secured to the transverse member to extend from the transverse member to engage a load within the container. The load engaging member is adjustable in position with respect to the transverse member whereby it can contact a load spaced from the transverse member over a range of distances.