Abstract: The invention provides a method and system for three-dimensional virtual world pattern positioning. The method includes creating a three-dimensional pattern for a virtual world environment, sub-dividing the pattern into a plurality of sub-divisions each having a vector relative to a center of the pattern, creating a transform including a description of the pattern and shape information for each sub-division, creating a portion of a virtual world environment by positioning the pattern and sub-divisions, and storing the transform for reusing the pattern and sub-divisions in another virtual world environment.

Abstract: Proximity sensing arrangements utilize one or more sensing devices to detect and/or to discern objects that are or become proximate, or are expected to be proximate to a position of interest. For example, one or more capacitive sensors may be distributed to locations about a machine, e.g., attached to, incorporated with, or otherwise associated with a moving or otherwise operating component of the machine. Corresponding control electronics drive each capacitive sensor, using a corresponding excitation signal, as well as process information read from each capacitive sensor to make intelligent proximity related decisions.

Abstract: Order associated with messages is preserved in an environment wherein a message includes an associated order identifier; a receiver is operable to receive a first message associated with a first order identifier and a selection component is operable to select a first entity for processing the first message. The system includes a determination component for determining whether a notification associated with completion of processing of the first message has been received by the receiver; and a controller for controlling the selection component to select a second entity for processing the second message, in response to a combination of receipt of the notification and a second message associated with the first identifier being received by the receiver preceding the receipt of the notification.

Abstract: A repair kit (10) includes a sealed package (12) having a plurality of isolated compartments (32, 42, 44) for holding substances (50, 52) that, when mixed together, form an adhesive, and for holding a flexible substrate (54). Pull tabs (60, 66, 80, 86) are arranged on the package (12) to aid in opening fluid communication between the compartments to permit adhesive mixture and to permit adhesive flow onto the substrate (54) for subsequent repair purposes.

Abstract: An integrated system to control peripherals in a vehicle includes a control and interconnection system having a supervisory processor and/or supervisory control. The control and interconnection system is responsive to feedback from peripherals associated with the vehicle. Moreover, the supervisory processor supervises a plurality of peripherals in communication with the control and interconnection system, where at least one of the plurality of the peripherals includes a controller and is associated with at least one of the: vehicle dynamics, vehicle power train and vehicle body, of a corresponding vehicle. Still further, the supervisory processor provides control information to each of the plurality of peripherals to coordinate performance characteristics based upon at least one operating condition that is determined by the control and interconnection system.

Abstract: An amplifier is operable in push-pull mode, single-ended mode, or a composite mode that is an intermediate between single-ended and Push-pull modes. Moreover, at least one output device may be configured to operate using a high performance AC servo loop that functions the output device as a current source. Still further, a control input driver stage is provided that is capable of supplying sufficient AC current to overcome Miller capacitance induced roll off within the intended frequency spectrum of triode vacuum tubes. Additionally, methods are provided to substantially null or selectively introduce DC magnetic bias within the output transformer core. Still further, a solid state power supply stage provides substantial AC hum reduction during single-ended operation and simultaneously provides output voltage load regulation attributes similar to traditional vacuum tube rectifier circuits.

Abstract: Rule selection is enforced on user email inboxes using an inbox monitor and administrative rules at an email server. The inbox monitor includes a first agent for identifying inactive user inboxes from email messages stored at the email database, and a second agent for identifying, from the inactive user inboxes identified by the first agent, user inboxes without appropriate user rules activated. For each user inbox identified by the second agent, administrative rules are applied to the user inbox if the user inbox has been inactive for at least a predetermined period of time. If the user inbox has not been inactive for at least the predetermined period of time, a notification message is sent to a user associated with the user inbox. The notification message informs the user that administrative rules will be applied to the user inbox if appropriate user rules are not activated.

Abstract: A method and system of controlling access to a destination (17, 23, 24) in a data processing network where the destination is limited to a fixed number of requesters responds to a new request (50) for access from a given requestor (20) by determining whether the fixed number would be exceeded. If the fixed number would not be exceeded (51), the new request is granted by connecting (52) the given requester to the destination. If the fixed number would be exceeded, the liveness of the or each current connection to a respective requester is tested (55). If the liveness test succeeds, the new request is rejected but if the liveness test fails, the new request is granted (52).

Abstract: A pattern is formed on a non-planar surface by forming a layer of photoresist on a part having a surface comprising a non-planar surface area. A deformable mask is aligned over at least a portion of the non-planar surface area of the part such that the deformable mask substantially deforms in a manner corresponding to at least a portion of the non-planar surface area of the part. The photoresist on the part is exposed through the mask so as to transfer a desired pattern onto the part while the deformable mask is maintained in a deformed state.

Abstract: An environmentally sealed electrical connector comprises a plug connector and a complimentary socket connector. The plug connector includes a plug body, a plug shell, a plug boot, a backshell and an interfacial seal. The socket connector includes a socket body, a socket shell, a socket boot and a backshell. The plug boot and the socket boot each have a plurality of rupturable features, each feature in register with a corresponding aperture through the corresponding connector body. The interfacial seal seats between the plug connector and socket connector when the plug connector is mated to the socket connector. The interfacial seal also has a plurality of rupturable features corresponding to a predetermined contact layout. Thus, when the socket connector is mated with the plug connector, a connector is provided, which prevents contaminants from penetrating the connection.

Abstract: A biological and chemical detection system is provided that detects and identifies biological and/or chemical particulates of interest. The biological and chemical detection system comprises a collector, a first optical device, a second optical device and a processor. The collector is configured to deposit particulates drawn from a fluid stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample area. The first optical device derives first data relative to at least a portion of the sample area, which is analyzed to determine at least one field of view and/or specific target location. The second optical device then interrogates the sample area at each determined target location, e.g., using Raman spectroscopy, to produce interrogation data.

Abstract: A foam material comprises a liquid polymer and a liquid isocyanate which is mixed to make a solution that is poured, injected or otherwise deposited into a corresponding mold. A reaction from the mixture of the liquid polymer and liquid isocyanate inside the mold forms a thermally collapsible foam structure having a shape that corresponds to the inside surface configuration of the mold and a skin that is continuous and unbroken. Once the reaction is complete, the foam pattern is removed from the mold and may be used as a pattern in any number of conventional casting processes.

Abstract: A method to procure and audit digital rights management (DRM) event data by collecting a first set of event data in a first event data format, converting the first set of event data to one or more standardized event data formats, and communicating the first set of event data to an event data collection server for storage. The method may also include collecting a second set of event data in a second event data format, converting the second set of event data to one or more standardized event data formats, and communicating the second set of event data to the event data collection server for storage. The method may also include storing the first and second sets of event data in a centralized repository, authorizing access to the event data, and performing an event data audit corresponding to the event data.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence or absence of a gas bubble in an aqueous liquid is provided comprising providing a sensor positioned within a measuring chamber, wherein the sensor is configured to determine the concentration of a gaseous component dissolved in a liquid, the sensor comprising a sensitive region; setting a gas partial pressure at the sensor, wherein the gas partial pressure differs from an expected value of the gas partial pressure of the gaseous component of a liquid to be measured; exposing the sensor to the liquid to be measured; resting the liquid until standstill is attained; recording a signal from the sensor as a function of time until the signal becomes constant; and detecting the presence or absence of a gas bubble from the variation of the signal over time. The gas bubble, if present, is in at least partial contact with the sensitive region of the sensor.

Abstract: A method and system for enforcing rule selection on user email inboxes include an inbox monitor and administrative rules at an email server. The inbox monitor includes a first agent for identifying inactive user inboxes from email messages stored at the email database, and a second agent for identifying, from the inactive user inboxes identified by the first agent, user inboxes without appropriate user rules activated. For each user inbox identified by the second agent, administrative rules are applied to the user inbox if the user inbox has been inactive for at least a predetermined period of time. If the user inbox has not been inactive for at least the predetermined period of time, a notification message is sent to a user associated with the user inbox. The notification message informs the user that administrative rules will be applied to the user inbox if appropriate user rules are not activated.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence or absence of a gas bubble in an aqueous liquid is provided comprising providing an amperometric sensor positioned within a measuring chamber, wherein the amperometric sensor is configured to determine the concentration of a gaseous component dissolved in a liquid, the amperometric sensor comprising a sensitive region; positioning the liquid in the measuring chamber; taking at least one first measurement value of the gaseous component from a first portion of the liquid after a predetermined response time, the first portion located in the sensitive region of the sensor; moving the liquid along in the measuring chamber, such that a second portion of the liquid, which had previously been located outside the sensitive region of the amperometric sensor, is positioned in the sensitive region; taking at least one second measurement value of the gaseous component from the second portion of the liquid; and detecting the presence or absence of a gas bubble by comparing the first and

Abstract: An archive for digital content comprises archive storage, an archive service and a manifest. The archive storage is a unified storage structure for storing items, such a directory having a plurality of subdirectories. The manifest is stored within the archive storage when the archive storage is loaded onto a storage device, and comprises an index of items stored in the unified structure of the archive, an organizational structure that supports defined categories that characterize items stored in the unified structure and at least one backup queue that temporarily queues a list of items that satisfy predetermined backup criteria by have not been backed up. The archive service serves as an intermediate between users, e.g., operators, software modules, programs, services, etc., and the archive storage to control requests for access to items stored in the unified storage structure.