Abstract: An apparatus and method adapted to enhance the structural performance of a desired connection and provide a readily perceivable indication of predetermined limitations having being reached prior to actual failure of a connection. A method for enhancing structural performance of a desired structure by preventing fracture propagation.

Abstract: A textured surface for improving grip on plectra and other hand-held implements. A series of parallel ridges serve to frictionally engage thumb and forefinger surfaces and “lock” the grip in place.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a solar cell, a solar module, a solar array, a network of solar arrays, and also a solar power grid suitable for providing power for industrial, residential and transportation use. A solar cell or solar module including a plurality of solar cells can be made in a structure configured to have the appearance of natural foliage. Accordingly, a solar array including a plurality of solar modules each including at least one solar cell can be made to resemble a palm tree, a deciduous tree, an evergreen tree, or other type of natural foliage. A network of solar arrays can be made to resemble a row or grove of palm trees, and thus meet the functional and aesthetic demands of landscape architecture. The network of solar arrays can extend for many miles alongside roads, highways, railways, pipelines, or canals, and can further include means for storing and transmitting electric power.

Abstract: A modularizable system for residential water treatment having a low energy requirement to process water for reuse at the residence which results in a reduction in the amount of fossil fuels required to power large water processing stations and transfer water from water plants to individual residences is disclosed. The system increases availability of water at the residential level in areas where water is a limited or limiting resource (e.g., in arid climates). Furthermore, the amount of water a residence uses in a given cycle is more efficient.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for identifying and penalizing misbehaving flows in a network. In one implementation, a set of behavioral statistics are maintained for each flow. These behavioral statistics are updated as information packets belonging to a flow are processed. Based upon these behavioral statistics, a determination is made as to whether a flow is exhibiting undesirable behavior. If so, a penalty is imposed on the flow. In one implementation, this penalty causes packets belonging to the flow to have a higher probability of being dropped than packets belonging to other flows that do not exhibit undesirable behavior. In one implementation, in addition to penalizing the flow, this penalty also has the effect of correcting the flow's behavior such that the flow exhibits less undesirable behavior after the penalty than before. By correcting the flow's behavior, the penalty makes it possible for the flow to become a non-misbehaving flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method adapted to enhance the structural performance of a desired connection and provide a readily perceivable indication of predetermined limitations having being reached prior to actual failure of a connection. A method for enhancing structural performance of a desired structure by preventing fracture propagation.

Abstract: Within a computer system, a system and method of providing timestamps for media stream input data is provided. A first clock count register is responsive to a first timebase, and a second clock count register is responsive to a second timebase. The first and second time bases can be correlated. When a frame of media stream input data is captured, the value of the first clock count register can be preserved. This value is a timestamp expressed in terms of the first timebase. The timestamp value in terms of the second timebase is computed and associated with the captured frame of media stream input data.

Abstract: Embodiments of cognitive radio technology can recover and utilize under-utilized portions of statically-allocated radio-frequency spectrum. A plurality of sensing methods can be employed. Transmission power control can be responsive to adjacent channel measurements. Digital pre-distortion techniques can enhance performance. Embodiments of a high dynamic range transceiver architecture can be employed.

Abstract: Gust Busters solves the problem of signs being blown over in the wind or being knocked down by the pedestrians or bicycle or the like, by preventing the inward collapsing and outward expansion of the legs of the sign and thus maintaining its ideal position for optimum readability.

Abstract: A detachable absorbent/waterproof pad is held in place by any convenient fastening mechanism on top of a sheet. The detachable absorbent/waterproof pad can be easily changed even with a bedridden person on the bed. The detachable absorbent/waterproof pad should have a design similar to the bed sheet so as to make it inconspicuous.

Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for identifying, classifying, and controlling flows in a network. In one implementation, a separate set of behavioral statistics is maintained for each flow. These behavioral statistics are updated as packets belonging to a flow are processed. Whenever a packet belonging to a flow is processed, a set of policies that the flow's behavioral statistics satisfy is determined. For each policy that the flow's behavioral statistics satisfy, actions that are associated with that policy are applied relative to the packet. The actions may be designed to cause a router to handle, in a user-specified manner, packets that are likely to represent a particular kind of traffic. Thus, different flows, such as VOIP, gaming, streaming, and P2P flows, which are associated with different behavioral statistics, may be handled in ways applicable for the specific application traffic type.

Abstract: A model railroad train or other vehicle capable of operating in a vertical plane, inverted, or at any other desired angle of inclination.

Abstract: A device capable of procuring one or more objects from a surface, particularly the removal of pet waste from the ground or another surface. The device can allow a person to remove waste while standing or sitting in a comfortable position, thereby reducing or eliminating strain or injury. The device can be used with one hand and with minimal effort.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a desirous funding source and/or sources based upon at least one of user information, home information and portfolio information, wherein said desirous funding source(s) is/are based, at least in part, upon maximization of a user's assets.

Abstract: An athletic training device to develop speed and agility. A robot can be programmed or remote controlled to move in an erratic manner so that it can be chased by an athlete. An on-board shut-off unit stops the device when it is removed by the athlete chasing the device.

Abstract: Embodiments of cognitive radio technology can recover and utilize under-utilized portions of statically-allocated radio-frequency spectrum. A plurality of sensing methods can be employed. Transmission power control can be responsive to adjacent channel measurements. Digital pre-distortion techniques can enhance performance. Embodiments of a high DNR transceiver architecture can be employed.