Abstract: An automated vehicle rental system with individual vehicle transmitting sensors for keeping track of vehicle mileage, fill state of vehicle fuel tank, and localized position status in a rental lot. Sensors are linked to the vehicle odometer reading and to the vehicle fuel tank float sensor with compensation for types of driving and fuel fill-ups which affect float level readings. The sensors are integrated with or are linked with communicating tags operable in a defined site for ultimate communication of stored vehicle related sensor data, vehicle location and type to a central data base for automatically completely effecting check out, charges and state of vehicle readiness for renewed rental. The transmitting sensors are adapted to avoid interference between sensors of other vehicles during multiple transmissions. Also included is an in-vehicle check out and payment device operatively linkable to the transmitting sensor of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system identifies a real Internet Protocol (IP) address of a computer device having a browser and software for masking the real IP address. The system includes a server in communication with the device through an Anonymous Proxy Server (APS), an algorithm, and a website with embedded dynamic web content from the server. The algorithm identifies the real IP address, and executes the dynamic web content on the browser to open a direct network connection between the server and device. The network connection identifies the real IP address. A method for identifying the real IP address includes embedding dynamic web content within the website, executing the content within the browser when the device accesses the website via a first network connection, thereby opening a second network connection between the server and device. The real IP address is identified over the second network connection, and a security action may be executed.

Abstract: In a cup-type or “silk hat”-type wave gear device (1), the rim thickness t of the flexible externally toothed gear (3) thereof satisfies the relations (0.5237Ln(R)?1.32)d?t?(0.8728Ln(R)?2.2)d if the reduction ratio R of the wave gear device is less than 80, and (1.5499Ln(R)?5.8099)d?t?(2.5832Ln(R)?9.6832)d if the reduction ratio R is equal to or greater than 80, where d is the radial deflection, measured at the position of the major axis of the neutral circle of the rim, in a state in which the flexible externally toothed gear is bent into an elliptical shape. The effective face width L of the external teeth (35) is a value within the range of 21 to 30% of the pitch circle diameter. Such settings make it possible to increase the bottom fatigue strength of the flexible externally toothed gear and improve the load capacity of the wave gear device (1).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wetting the surface of a workpiece is disclosed. The apparatus includes a chamber with a vacuum port and a fluid port and a workpiece holder including a body, a ring, and a port. The body includes a surface and defines a cavity extending from the surface. The ring is adapted to retain the workpiece on the surface of body over the cavity. The ring forms a fluid seal relative to the workpiece and to the workpiece holder. The port is defined in the body and in communication with the cavity. The port affects pressure in the cavity to minimize a pressure differential between the front and back surfaces of the workpiece. The fluid port is in communication with the chamber. The fluid port delivers a fluid (e.g., a substantially degassed fluid) to wet the front surface of the workpiece during operation of the chamber at a reduced pressure relative to atmosphere.

Abstract: This invention teaches deposition of a corrosion-barrier layer onto a copper substrate, which minimizes copper corrosion even if the final immersion top layer is not without pinholes. Such barrier layer can comprise a copper conversion coating, corrosion resistant immersion deposited metal coatings such as palladium, gold, etc. The deposition of a barrier layer is generally followed by immersion deposition of a metal plate such as for example silver, tin, or others, designed to promote solderability. The patent also envisions the barrier layer as a “stand alone” final finish, serving both as a corrosion barrier layer and at the same time will promote solderability. The patent further teaches ways to minimize the problems of black nickel formation in the field, when the final finish is an electroless Ni—P (EN), topped with immersion gold.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable device for detecting microorganisms in a food sample. The device includes a DNA extraction tube, a chip, and a portable control unit. The DNA extraction tube extracts DNA from the sample in an aqueous solution. The extraction tube includes successive chambers that are configured to mince, filter, and purify DNA in the form of an aqueous eluate. The chip includes reaction chambers disposed for a polymerase chain reaction to amplify a specific DNA fragment in the eluate for detection, and the portable control unit is configured to receive the chip and analyze the amplified DNA on the chip.

Abstract: A valved connector configured to control the leakage of bodily fluid from within a patient. The valved connector including a seal positioned within a lumen of the body of the valved connector. The distal end of the valved connector is adapted to permit access to, or coupling of an apparatus, which is placed in fluid communication with the volume of bodily fluid. A proximal end is adapted to be threadably coupled to a secondary device. The needless connector valve being configured to be openable by a dilator or post of an apparatus which is connected to the proximal end of the needleless connector. In the event that a luer coupler or other secondary apparatus is not available, a needle, cannula, trocar, or other instrument can be threaded through the main lumen of the valved connector opening the valve and allowing the passage of fluid directly through the needle, trocar, cannula, or other instrument.

Abstract: A system for configuring programmable logic devices includes a serial data bus, a first device to fan-out data signals on the serial data bus, a second device to fan-in data signals on the serial data bus, and a control device that uses the first device and the second device to configure the serial data bus. The system configures a set of programmable logic devices by using the control device to configure the serial data bus such that the set of programmable logic devices are in communication with the serial data bus, and by sending configuration information to the set of programmable logic devices. A method for configuring programmable logic devices includes configuring a first programmable logic device such that the first programmable logic device includes signaling logic to fan-out configuration information, and using the first programmable logic device to configure at least two secondary programmable logic devices in parallel using the signaling logic to fan-out configuration information.

Abstract: Locating satellites (e.g., GPS) are culled into a sub-plurality based largely on dwell time within an inverted cone above a relevant site in communication with a wireless device. A first inverted cone having a first base angle is defined above a first site, a second inverted cone having a second base angle is defined above a second site. If the second site is farther from an equator of Earth than the first site, then the second inverted cone is made to have a base angle larger than a base angle of the first inverted cone. If the first site is farther from the equator of Earth than the second site, then the first inverted cone is made to have a base angle larger than a base angle of the second inverted cone. The span of the inverted cone over the site closest to the equator may be limited.

Abstract: A converged network accessible by wireless client devices includes a wide area wireless network, a local area wireless network, and a gateway linked to the wide area and local area wireless networks for integrating access to the networks by the wireless client devices.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling access to data within a hierarchically organized document, such as an XML document. Elements may have their access rights specified, for example as a variable in an XML tag. If not specified within an element of the document, access rights are inherited from its nearest ancestor. Specified access rights may refer to a collection of entitlement expressions, which describe with arbitrarily fine granularity which users and user types may access the data.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating real-time video playback time-synchronized with millimeter wave imagery is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, millimeter wave imagery and visible spectrum video images are combined to form composite images in real-time to detect concealed objects on a person. A graphical user interface (GUI) manipulates the displayed millimeter wave imagery, video images and composite images and controls displaying user selected portions of the synchronized recorded images. The composite images are automatically encoded with event data when a concealed object is detected and an alert is generated, or that information is accessed from a datafile or database structure. The GUI controls the playback and viewing of those composite images having encoded event data.

Abstract: A method for modifying an integrated circuit design layout is presented and can include placing a plurality of target points in the proximity of a polygon representing a portion of the integrated circuit design; modifying the target point placement for some or all of the placed target points; fitting a curve to the target points; and redefining the portion of the integrated circuit as a contour defined by the fitted curve to modify the design layout. In some applications the modified design layout can be used as a target for an optical proximity correction algorithm or for other purposes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the creation of trees for representing hierarchical data structures are provided. Trees are created on a server, with the tree having nodes that are associated with paths on a server. Each node is associated with a resource locator indicating data that can be accessed through the tree. A tree manager module generates a state of a tree that is then rendered on a client browser for access by a user. Embodiments of the present invention generate a rendering module that is transmitted to a client for use. The rendering module receives tree information from the server, from which it generates javascript that renders the tree on a client web browser. The present invention is advantageous as it allows customizable client-based rendering of tree structures while utilizing well-known mechanisms for creating trees.

Abstract: An electronic device enclosure includes a metallic body and a metallic speaker-receiving member. The metallic body includes a first side, a second side, and a crossbeam connecting the first side and the second side. A first connecting portion extends from the second side and parallel to the crossbeam. A distal portion of the first side define a first connecting plane. The first connecting portion defines a first connecting surface. The metallic speaker-receiving member includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall. The first sidewall defines a second connecting portion. A second connecting plane is defined by a bent distal end of the second sidewall. The second connecting plane is welded to the first connecting plane, and the second connecting portion is welded to the first connecting portion to securely attach the metallic speaker-receiving member to the metallic body. Such a configuration allows miniaturization of the electronic device enclosure.

Abstract: Methods of resputtering material from the wafer surface include at least one operation of resputtering material under a pressure of at least 10 mTorr. The methods can be used in conjunction with an iPVD apparatus, such as hollow cathode magnetron (HCM) or planar magnetron. The resputtered material may be a diffusion barrier material or a conductive layer material. The methods provide process conditions which minimize the damage to the dielectric layer during resputtering. The methods allow considerable etching of the diffusion barrier material at the via bottom, while not damaging exposed dielectric elsewhere on the wafer. Specifically, they provide a solution for the dielectric microtrenching problem occurring during conventional resputter process. Furthermore, the methods increase the etch rate to deposition rate ratio (E/D) and improve the etch back nonuniformity (EBNU) of resputter process. In general, the methods provide IC devices with higher reliability and decrease wafer manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An antitheft security system and method using networked pedestals for monitoring, and reporting data relating to, merchandise, having security tags coupled to or embedded therein, leaving or entering a business establishment and alerting business establishment personnel when a theft may be occurring. The system and method collect and communicate security tag data and associated peripheral device data to a remote server for analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to perform therapeutic treatment and diagnosis of a patient's vasculature through the use of an intravascular device having an optical fiber disposed therein. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes an intravascular device to perform a therapeutic treatment and at least one optical fiber disposed through the intravascular device. The optical fiber is configured to provide diagnostic information before, during, and after the therapeutic treatment. In an embodiment, diagnostic information includes vessel and blood characteristics such as hemodynamic characteristics, hematological parameters related to blood and blood components, and thermal parameters of the vasculature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extending the drag-and-drop data transfer mechanism to the remote access environment are described. The extension allows the end-user to select data located on the remote host or the local viewer, drag the selected data to a window on the host or viewer, and drop the selected data in the window. In response, the data is transferred via a network connecting the viewer and the host without any further input from the end-user.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a radiation inspection system, such as an X-ray system, that can operate efficiently even in inclement weather conditions while being highly mobile. Thus the improved inspection system of the present invention is capable of operating in high temperature and corrosive environments and is designed to withstand moisture, dirt and/or dust from the articles of inspection as well.