Abstract: Solutions for solving a problem experienced by a user are retrieved. In response to receiving a query from the user describing the problem, relevant candidate solutions to the problem are sent to the user. In response to receiving a selection of one relevant candidate solution from the relevant candidate solutions, instructions steps within the one relevant candidate solution selected by the user are analyzed. An instruction step similarity is calculated between the instruction steps within the one relevant candidate solution selected and other instructions steps within other solutions stored in a storage device. Then, similar solutions are sent to the user containing similar instruction steps to the instruction steps contained within the one relevant candidate solution selected based on the calculated instruction step similarity.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for managing digital video recorder storage for one or more users. Each user in the multi-user environment is assigned an amount of program storage in the digital video recorder. Responsive to receiving a request to record a new program from a user in the multi-user environment, an associated amount of program storage assigned to the use is determined. Responsive to a determination that addition of the new program will not exceed the associated amount of program storage assigned to the user, the new program is recorded to the program storage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting objects located underground. In one advantageous embodiment, a detection system detects objects having electrical non-linear characteristics located underground. The detection system comprises a transmitter unit, a receiver, and a processor. The transmitter transmits a plurality of pulsed radio frequency signals having a first frequency and a second frequency into a ground. The receiver monitors for a response radio frequency signal having a frequency equal to a difference between the first frequency and a second frequency, wherein the response radio frequency signal is generated by an object having the non-linear conductive characteristics in response to receiving the plurality of electromagnetic signals. The processor is connected to the transmitter unit and the receiver, wherein the processor controls an operation of the transmitter unit and the receiver, wherein the object is detected when the response radio frequency signal is detected by the receiver.

Abstract: An assembly system and method for assembling an aircraft wing box or other structure that may define an interior area accessible through at least one access opening are provided. The method includes inserting a robot having an assembly tool mounted thereto into the interior area through the at least one access opening. The assembly tool may be positioned at a fastener location, and may be clamped to the structure. A hole may be made through the structure, and a fastener may be installed in the hole.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a transducer unit, a testing system, and a method for testing a structure. The transducer unit comprises a first segment configured to generate a first electrical signal in response to detecting a plurality of waves propagating in a structure. The transducer unit also comprises a second segment configured to generate a second electrical signal in response to detecting the plurality of waves propagating in the structure.

Abstract: A method and disk drive for calibrating a phase of a clock in the disk drive. The phase of the clock in the disk drive is changed such that a rate of change for the phase is substantially constant. A pattern of data is written to a magnetic material in the disk drive after the rate of change for the phase becomes substantially constant and while changing the phase of the clock. A selected phase of the clock at which the pattern of data that is written on the magnetic material has a desired quality is identified using the rate of change for the phase, a first point in time at which a timing mark on the magnetic material is read, a second point in time at which the timing mark is read, and a third point in time at which the pattern of data has the desired quality.

Abstract: Apparatus tests the performance of joints between an attachment and a beam having a pair of caps connected by a corrugated web. The apparatus includes first and second grips contoured to the shape of a portion of the corrugated web for gripping the web. A force applicator coupled with the attachment and the grips applies force to the beam through the joint.

Abstract: Providing consistency guarantees in a data stream processing engine is provided. Consistency tracking information is attached to data streams coming into the data stream processing engine. The consistency tracking information is propagated through a plurality of streaming operators that process the data streams within the data stream processing engine. Then, the propagated consistency tracking information is used to detect a consistent state in an output stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a number of control surfaces for an aircraft. A current configuration for the number of control surfaces for the aircraft is identified during flight of the aircraft. A selected point in time at which the current configuration for the number of control surfaces is to be changed to a new configuration for the number of control surfaces is identified. A portion of time relative to the selected point in time during which the current configuration for the number of control surfaces is to be changed to the new configuration is identified based on a difference between a current amount of energy for the aircraft and an expected amount of energy for the aircraft.

Abstract: A method of controlling application of a substance to vegetation using data obtained via a mobile machine is provided. A height of the vegetation is measured during a scheduled task of the mobile machine. The measured height of the vegetation is compared with a calculated height of the vegetation. Then, an amount of the substance applied by an irrigation system to an area containing the vegetation is adjusted based on a difference between the measured height of the vegetation and the calculated height of the vegetation.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for sampling call stack information. An accumulated latency time is monitored for a set of threads executing in a data processing system. The call stack information is obtained for the thread in response to a thread in the set of threads having an associated accumulated latency exceeding a threshold.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for scheduling viewing of a plurality of selected Web pages. A respective periodicity for viewing each respective Web page of a plurality of selected Web pages is scheduled. Upon retrieval of a respective Web page at a specified periodicity, a determination is made as to whether the respective Web page has changed in which the respective Web page is a retrieved Web page. The retrieved Web page is placed in a queue of unviewed Web pages for later viewing by a user in response to the Web page having changed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting traffic for analyzing runway incursions. A state for each of a plurality of aircraft is identified to form a plurality of identified states. A set of aircraft is identified from the plurality of aircraft based on the plurality of identified states to form a set of identified aircraft. A number of potential runway incursions is predicted using the set of identified aircraft.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for managing an execution mode for a parallel processor is provided. A monitor identifies a first efficiency rate for a first contested resource of the parallel processor operating in a first operating mode. Responsive to identifying the first efficiency rate for the first contested resource, the monitor identifies whether the first efficiency rate for the contested resource of the parallel processor operating in the first operating mode exceeds a threshold. Responsive to identifying that the efficiency rate for the contested resource exceeds the threshold, an operation of the parallel processor is changed to a second operating mode.

Abstract: Evaluating and prioritizing architectural design pattern alternatives for data integration is provided. A set of decision factors is derived from requirements for a system to be integrated. A default score is assigned to each decision factor based on historical data integration knowledge, and the default scores are weighted. A priority score is also assigned to each decision factor based on collected inputs from system metadata and subject matter experts in the enterprise system. Next, an individual consolidated score for each decision factor is calculated using the default score, the weighted score, and the priority score, and a total consolidated score is calculated from the individual consolidated scores for the architecture design pattern. The total consolidated score for the architecture design pattern may be compared against total consolidated scores for other architecture design patterns to determine a suitable candidate architecture design pattern for data integration.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for sampling call stack information. Responsive to identifying a set of interrupts, a determination is made as to whether all processors in a plurality of processors have generated the set of interrupts. A number of addresses are identified for a set of interrupted threads identified by the set of interrupts response to a determination that all of the processors have generated the set of interrupts. A determination is made as to whether the identified address falls within a set of address ranges. Responsive to a determination that the identified address falls within the set of address ranges, a sampler thread is notified to obtain call stack information.

Abstract: A security apparatus and method is provided for a portable computer, wherein a solenoid within the portable computer is controlled by a specified program running on the computer. Activation of the solenoid is usefully enabled by a password or computer security chip. One embodiment, comprising a security apparatus, includes a locking mechanism such as a conventional manually operated USS locking device having a locking element. The security apparatus further includes a component positioned proximate to a slot disposed to receive the locking element, the component being adjustable to vary a dimension of the slot entrance between hold and release modes. The component is coupled to the solenoid and is actuated to adjust the slot entrance dimension, from the hold mode to the release mode, when the solenoid is energized in response to a command generated by the specified program running on the computer.

Abstract: An apparatus may comprise a first skin panel having a first surface, a second skin panel having a second surface, a first flange located at an end of the first skin panel, a second flange located at an end of the second skin panel, and a strip having a third surface. The first skin panel may be located adjacent to the second skin panel such that the first flange and the second flange form a channel. The strip may be bonded in the channel. Fluid flow over the third surface of the strip, the first surface of the first skin panel, and the second surface of the second skin panel may have a desired state.

Abstract: The present system and methods enable simultaneous momentum dumping and orbit control of a spacecraft, such as a geostationary satellite. Control equations according to the present system and methods generate accurate station-keeping commands quickly and efficiently, reducing the number of maneuvers needed to maintain station and allowing station-keeping maneuvers to be performed with a single burn. Additional benefits include increased efficiency in propellant usage, and extension of the satellite's lifespan. The present system and methods also enable tighter orbit control, reduction in transients and number of station-keeping thrusters aboard the satellite. The present methods also eliminate the need for the thrusters to point through the center of mass of the satellite, which in turn reduces the need for dedicated station-keeping thrusters. The present methods also facilitate completely autonomous orbit control and control using Attitude Control Systems (ACS).

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for providing ply lay-up data for a composite part. A designation of a location is received for the composite part in a three dimensional object from a requester. A three dimensional model is opened in which the composite part is located. The ply lay-up data is extracted for a section within the composite part within the three dimensional model to form extracted ply lay-up data for the section. An output file is created containing a drawing of the composite part overlaid with a grid containing the section with the ply lay-up data identifying a ply stacking sequence, an orientation of each ply in the ply stacking sequence, and a material for the each ply in the ply stacking sequence. The output file is returned to the requester.