Abstract: An enhanced file format to store large quantities of variable-sized data records on a storage medium and to permit efficient access and control over data stored in the enhanced file format. A file format is the structure of a file that defines the way it is stored and laid out on a disk. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a file format includes a model directory containing models. Models include element lists comprising element chunks. The element chunks include elements, where elements are variable-sized data records.

Abstract: The intelligent distributed file system enables the storing of file data among a plurality of smart storage units which are accessed as a single file system. The intelligent distributed file system utilizes a metadata data structure to track and manage detailed information about each file, including, for example, the device and block locations of the file's data blocks, to permit different levels of replication and/or redundancy within a single file system, to facilitate the change of redundancy parameters, to provide high-level protection for metadata, to replicate and move data in real-time, and so forth.

Abstract: A method for forming individual letters provided with envelopes from printed same-size sheets, includes pre-printed envelope forms for forming the envelopes, and in the immediate vicinity of each envelope form one or more letter forms for forming a letter or letters and inserting them in the envelope. The envelope form is led as such to envelope formation; the letter forms are cut at least on one side into letters which are smaller than the letter forms; the letters are brought to contact with the envelope form; the envelope form is folded in two around the letters and glued at the side edges to form an open envelope; and the open flap of the envelope is glued and folded so that a sealed letter provided with an envelope is formed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing crosstalk are provided. In one implementation, a method is provided. The method includes applying a pilot signal to a disturber twisted pair and measuring near end crosstalk of a victim twisted pair. The coupling characteristics between the disturber and the victim twisted pair are determined. A far end crosstalk function is derived for estimating the far end crosstalk in the victim twisted pair using the determined coupling characteristics. A crosstalk reduction signal is determined using the estimated far end cross talk. The crosstalk reduction signal is injected into the victim twisted pair to reduce crosstalk in the victim twisted pair.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a stent, the method comprising: disposing a polymeric tube into a cylindrical mold, the cylindrical mold having a variable diameter along a portion of the inside surface of the mold; radially expanding the tube by blowing a gas or liquid into the cylindrical mold, the outside surface of the tube conforming to the variable diameter portion of the outside surface of the mold, causing the radially expanded tube to have a variable diameter along the conformed length of the tube; and fabricating a stent from the expanded tube.

Abstract: A test specimen holder includes at least one pair of wedges, a plurality of pistons and a tie bar connected to each of the pistons. A single cylinder body is operable with each of the pistons and the wedges. The cylinder body is adapted to urge the wedges together with relative movement of the cylinder body with respect to the pistons.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for improved long preamble formats in a multiple antenna communication system having N antennas. According to one aspect of the invention, a preamble having a legacy portion and a high throughput portion is transmitted (or received) on each of the N transmit antennas, wherein the legacy portion comprises a legacy long training field and the high throughput portion comprises at least N high throughput long training fields, wherein the N high throughput long training fields are transmitted in N time slots using an N×N orthogonal matrix. The orthogonal matrix can be, for example, one or more of a Walsh matrix and a Fourier matrix. The N time slots can optionally comprise a single symbol.

Abstract: A stackable container assembly includes a lid portion having first raised members projecting outwardly from an upper surface, at least some of the first raised members cooperatively forming first receiving areas, and a base portion coupleable to the lid portion and forming a containment space. The base portion includes second raised members projecting outwardly from a lower surface, at least some of the second raised members cooperatively forming second receiving areas being adapted to fittingly receive first raised members of a like container assembly positioned below the lower surface. And, the first receiving areas are adapted to fittingly receive second raised members of another like container assembly positioned above the upper surface.

Abstract: A method for reliable computation of point additions and point multiplications in an elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) system. Two asymmetric operations are performed: one of the operations is of slightly higher complexity than a conventional ECC operation, and the other operation is of much lower complexity than the first operation. The complexity of the second operation is a function of the desired degree of reliability, or the desired probability of failure detection.

Abstract: A web-based system for collecting and managing administrative details of a member in a managed care organization. The system collects and makes available over the Internet to all concerned parties digital information that can be selectively retrieved, viewed and managed by all authorized participants. This information, for example, includes the personal demographic details concerning the member and their eligible dependents, their plan elections and preferences, and their benefits usage history. The aggregated information is stored in a central database, using a “member account” paradigm. The member supplies the base information for the member account at initial enrollment in a health plan, either directly through the Internet or through an interface to their employer's human resources data system. Such information is then available to be shared via the Internet with a health provider, new employer or health insurance plan, or for the member themselves.

Abstract: A loyalty reward point system that utilizes the pre-existing infrastructure of network such as a credit card network. A user makes a purchase at a merchant using a token such as a credit card. As part of the purchase transaction, the user is awarded reward points from the merchant based on the purchase, which are stored in an account associated with the merchant and the user by the acquiring bank. The reward account is maintained on the acquiring bank server on behalf of the merchant and the user, and the number of reward points in the user's account for that merchant is increased accordingly.

Abstract: A holder for two beverage containers is provided for installation in a motor vehicle. The holder has a pull-out element having insertion openings for the beverage containers. The pull-out element is guided not only displaceably but also is mounted pivotally, so that, as desired, one insertion opening instead of both insertion openings is accessible and available for use.

Abstract: One of several methods comprises selecting one or more parameters based, at least in part, on a ranking of a relative desirability of said one or more specified parameters and selecting a subset of a set of electronic content for use in at least a portion of an electroniccompilation, wherein said subset may be selected based, at least in part, on said one or more parameters.

Abstract: An antenna for the non-contact interface of a plug-in dual-interface smart card, wherein the plug-in smart card includes a card module and chip base, the antenna includes a substrate, antenna loop fixed on the first surface of the substrate, and the first and second pins of the antenna, wherein the substrate comprises a structure to cooperate with the card module, the first and second contact points on the second surface, and the first and second vias. The first and second contact points and structure cooperating with the card module are arranged on the substrate on the position corresponding to the contact points of the plug-in smart card. The first and second antenna pins connect with the first and second contact points via the first and second vias.

Abstract: A system and method for limiting energy to an industrial control system is described. The method includes receiving a supply voltage, limiting the supply voltage so as to generate a limited voltage, and providing the limited voltage to a field transducer, the field transducer being disposed to monitor a parameter of the industrial process. A field current, that is generated in response to the limited voltage, is received from the field transducer and the field current is indicative of a magnitude of the parameter under normal operating conditions. During a fault condition, the field current is restricted with a variable resistance that is responsive to an amount of thermal energy generated during the fault condition so as to limit an amount of energy drawn by the control system.

Abstract: An underwater communication method is provided. EM signals are transmitted via a seabed using an underwater electrically insulated magnetically coupled antenna. By making use of the low loss properties of the seabed, EM signal attenuation can be reduced and consequently the transmission range can be increased. The underwater electrically insulated magnetically coupled antenna may be located within a body of water or may be buried in the seabed.

Abstract: A parts washer including magnets located near a pump inlet to collect metallic particles suspended in the cleaning fluid; a casing to protect the pump mechanism from impact during handling; the pump oriented horizontally to take advantage of the separation of the cleaning fluid in successive vertical layers; two liquid level sensors to measure the level of the cleaning fluid in the reservoir; an evaporation control plate located at the interface between the reservoir and the receptacle of the reservoir to confine the vapor portion of the cleaning solution; protective handlebars placed next to the controls of a control module to protect the device from impact; and a pump motor control to provide a low flow rate of cleaning fluid using a pump without a variable regulator.

Abstract: Gene probes for specific regions of chromosome 3 (3p21.3) and chromosome 10 (10q22) have been found to be tools for the diagnosis and prognosis of smoking related cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). For example, these probes can be used with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and used to stratify smokers into high and low risk groups, as well as determine a patients susceptibility to the development of smoking related cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metal powders mixtures which are intended for manufacturing precious metal products which have special designs and complex geometries, also including those which consist of several uninterrupted parts which are indivisibly but flexibly coupled to each other. From the powder mixture jewelry and other objets d'art are manufactured by making use of free form fabrication (FFF) technique. The invention also comprises jewelry and other ornamental products which are manufactured from the powder material in question using the FFF technique.