Abstract: An improved percussive instrument such as a marimba employs a resonator comprising an external tube (100), an inner or virtual extender tube (115), and a bottom stop (105) and a plug (110) within the outer tube. The region between the external tube and the virtual extender tube defines a volume of air (116). The size, shape, and length of the virtual extender tube enhances performance of the resonator and thereby also the instrument. A key (800) of the instrument is suspended by pivots (805) above the plug and the opening (120) of the resonator. When struck by a mallet (810), the key vibrates and air driven by the key enters the resonator through the opening. When the resonator and key are tuned to the same frequency, or a harmonic thereof, air will enter and leave the resonator in a resonant fashion, creating louder and richer sounds than just the key alone. Numerous variations on shape and location of the various components are possible.

Abstract: A horizontal direction drilling system comprises a power pack coupled to a source of compressed air and a water reservoir and forms a mixture of compressed air, water, and oil. The horizontal direction drilling system further comprises a steerable horizontal drill. The steerable horizontal drill includes an air powered reciprocating hammer, and a drill head. The steerable horizontal drill receives the mixture to power the reciprocating hammer. The drill head includes a drill face and the mixture exits the steerable horizontal drill through the drill face.

Abstract: A power subsystem is actively optimized to improve total subsystem efficiency in a way that is responsive to changes in load requirements, power supply variations, and subsystem temperature variations. Detailed, multidimensional power loss models are developed for constituent devices which are then combined into a power subsystem containing a controller and circuity for measuring device operating parameters such as input and output voltage, output current, and temperature. Operating parameters are continually monitored, and set points are correspondingly changed based on the detailed power loss models to achieve maximum overall efficiency for the instantaneous operating state of the system.

Abstract: The online poker gaming system comprises a live or recorded poker game, and at least one gaming terminal. The live or recorded poker game involves a group of players sitting around a table. Each player is playing for prize money so there is a cash incentive for each to win. The player terminal displays images of the live or recorded game being broadcast for view by an online player. The player terminal also includes a schematic of the game for presenting in a concise and visual way, the game status and gaming data of the live or recorded game. The player terminal also includes a keypad, enabling the online player to select one or more players to win, and select a value for each selection. So while the online player cannot make gaming decisions—fold, call, check, and raise—the online player can participate by making selections, much as one would make selections at a racetrack. The online player can make multiple playing selections unavailable to the player sitting at the table.

Abstract: A power control system comprises at least one POL regulator, at least one auxiliary device, a serial data bus operatively connecting the POL regulator and the auxiliary device, and a system controller adapted to exchange digital data with the POL regulator and auxiliary device via the serial data bus. The auxiliary device may include a power regulation device, a switching device, a motor control device, a temperature control device, and/or a peripheral device. At least one auxiliary device controller may be operatively coupled between the auxiliary device and the serial data bus. The auxiliary device controller may be integrated with the system controller, or may be external to the system controller. The auxiliary device controller may further comprise at least one register adapted to store the programming data, with the programming data including at least one of turn-on delay, turn-off delay, polarity of input/output signals, fault configuration, and group membership.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for collecting, aggregating, and analyzing data associated with the performance of systems. Energy systems, specifically renewable energy generation systems, are used as examples. The aggregated data serve as the basis for a variety of services that facilitate the adoption and deployment of these systems. Services are provided that aid in enhancing energy educational activities. The services represent the quantity of energy generation as energy demands that the students may appreciate. Furthermore, the services are interactive and may allow the students to change System Parameters so that they more fully understand the influence of these parameters on the energy generation efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switch-mode power converter including a bias circuit. A power converter power transformer includes a magnetic core. The switch-mode power converter power transformer also includes an initial bias primary winding and an initial bias secondary winding, both wound on the magnetic core, wherein the initial bias secondary winding shares at least one magnetic path in common with the initial bias primary winding. A driver is configured to drive the initial bias primary winding with high frequency pulses when enabled by an enable signal. A rectifier and capacitor are configured to provide a voltage to power a control circuit during a power converter start-up. A method provides an initial bias power for a power converter output side referenced controller, powering the output side referenced controller from the initial bias windings.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating the identity of a consumer is disclosed. After the consumer is authenticated by a trusted third party, the consumer designates accounts that the consumer wishes to “lock.” When a party requests access to that account, the consumer is notified through the consumer's phone and asked to input a PIN. If the consumer provides the PIN, the requestor is granted access to the consumer's account without requiring further input from the consumer. If the party authorizing the transaction in this “two-factor” authentication does not possess both the phone and the consumer's PIN, or that party elects not to provide the PIN, the request will not be authenticated.

Abstract: Methods, computer readable media, and systems including program instructions are provided for use with benefit planning. A method embodiment includes providing terms for a number of benefit plans available to a potential participant. The embodiment also includes receiving an estimate of benefits to be used by the potential participant. The embodiment further includes displaying together an estimate of expenses to be incurred by the potential participant under each of the benefit plans based on the terms and the estimate of benefits to be used.

Abstract: The method for identity verification employs biometric technology. Positioned at the center of the system is a stylus with any of a number of biometric properties or their combination or with one or more metric sensors, while the customer uses the stylus to sign his/her name, or even for writing anything. The identity verification system is used at point-of-sale terminals, in various closed environments, to access a computer network, in applications involving pen-based computers and smart-pens, and for e-commerce. When fingerprint sensors are used, the sensors are positioned in the stylus grip, one sensor for the index finger, and a second sensor for the thumb. In one variation, one-to-one biometric matching is used. Each participant carries on his/her person a device that includes an encrypted biometric for reference purposes to gain access Into the system. Processing is simplified since the system need only make a “MATCH” or “NO MATCH” decision.

Abstract: A system and method coordinates data and providing information to an external subscriber to the system relating to at least one foreclosure real estate transaction.

Abstract: A finger guide positions a finger on a fingerprint sensor in a manner optimal for the operation of authentication or identification while grasping a stylus. The finger guide may also be used for enrollment of the initial fingerprint data into the system through one or more readings of generally the same relevant portions of the fingerprint for translation into a template for future comparison. The finger guide non-forcibly guides the subject writer's finger into a position where a relevant portion of the finger is aligned with the fingerprint sensor so that said relevant portion of the sensed fingerprint correlate with generally same relevant portions of the fingerprint previously translated into the template. The finger guide and stylus may be used with a dynamic signature verification system to authenticate or identify the writer or to verify that the writer has signed his name.

Abstract: A horizontal direction drilling system comprises a power pack coupled to a source of compressed air and a water reservoir and forms a mixture of compressed air, water, and oil. The horizontal direction drilling system further comprises a steerable horizontal drill. The steerable horizontal drill includes an air powered reciprocating hammer, and a drill head. The steerable horizontal drill receives the mixture to power the reciprocating hammer. The drill head includes a drill face and the mixture exits the steerable horizontal drill through the drill face.

Abstract: A power control system comprises a plurality of POL regulators, at least one serial data bus operatively connecting the plurality of POL regulators, and a system controller connected to the serial data bus and adapted to send and receive digital data to and from the plurality of POL regulators. The serial data bus further comprises a first data bus carrying programming and control information between the system controller and the plurality of POL regulators. The serial data bus may also include a second data bus carrying fault management information between the system controller and the plurality of POL regulators. The power control may also include a front-end regulator providing an intermediate voltage to the plurality of POL regulators on an intermediate voltage bus.

Abstract: A power control system comprises at least one programmable voltage regulator, at least one non-programmable auxiliary voltage regulator, and a system controller operatively connected to the at least one programmable voltage regulator and to said at least one auxiliary voltage regulator via a common serial data bus. The at least one programmable voltage regulator is adapted to provide a corresponding output voltage having characteristics defined by received programming data and to provide monitoring data reflecting operational status of the at least one programmable voltage regulator. The at least one non-programmable auxiliary voltage regulator is adapted to provide a corresponding output voltage in response to an enable signal. The system controller is adapted to send the programming data and receive the monitoring data via the serial data bus.

Abstract: A current sensor is provided that employs a primary winding that carries the current to be measured, and a secondary winding that controls the flux inside the magnetic core, provides a sample of the primary current, and also helps to control the flux at small primary currents and to saturate the transformer. An auxiliary winding is optionally used to control the flux in order to simplify control of the sensor. By periodically applying a certain voltage at the secondary winding, the transformer core is forced out of saturation, and a sample of the primary current is taken by a sensing circuit that may include a sample-and-hold circuit and an analog-to-digital converter. A control circuit is employed to control the currents flowing in the secondary winding and optional auxiliary winding and to manage the sensing circuit.

Abstract: A data security system comprises a host processor, and a plurality of remote computers. Each remote computer provides biometric authentication of a user prior to responding to the user request for data access. The remote computers are handheld when in operational mode. A sensor in the handheld computer captures a biometric image while the remote computer is being used. The biometric sensor is positioned in such a way that the sensor enables the capture of the biometric image continually during computer usage with each request for access to secure data. The biometric authentication occurs in a seamless manner and is incidental to the data request enabling user identity authentication with each request to access secure data.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems and methods are provided to facilitate a distribution of bank accounts via an educational institution. For example, information associated with a student, faculty member, or alum may be received from a university. A soft bank account may then be established based on the received information. If an indication of acceptance is received (e.g., via a Web site), the soft bank account may be activated. The activated bank account may then be used to process banking transactions.

Abstract: A power control system comprises a plurality of POL regulators, at least one serial data bus operatively connecting the plurality of POL regulators, and a system controller connected to the serial data bus and adapted to send and receive digital data to and from the plurality of POL regulators. The serial data bus further comprises a first data bus carrying programming and control information between the system controller and the plurality of POL regulators. The serial data bus may also include a second data bus carrying fault management information between the system controller and the plurality of POL regulators. The power control may also include a front-end regulator providing an intermediate voltage to the plurality of POL regulators on an intermediate voltage bus.

Abstract: A liquid injector (400) injects a medical liquid into a patient whose fluoroscopic image data is to be picked up and generates injection history data corresponding to the injection, and a control box (500) registers the injection history data in a RIS (100) in association with imaging order data. Accordingly, the RIS (100) also stores the injection history data associated with the imaging order data, and therefore the injection history data can also be confirmed based on the imaging order data.