Abstract: An approach for selective dynamic disabling of transport layer handshake spoofing is provided. A local proxy node of a communications network receives request message from a respective local host for establishing a network connection with a remote host. A destination address for the network connection is determined. It is determined whether the destination address is included in a handshake spoofing bypass list. If it is determined that the destination address is included in the spoofing bypass list, a corresponding un-spoofed connection request message is transmitted to a remote proxy node associated with the remote host, in accordance with a respective handshaking protocol for the connection establishment. If it is determined that the destination address is not included in the spoofing bypass list, a corresponding spoofed connection request message is transmitted to the remote proxy node, in accordance with a respective handshake spoofing protocol for the connection establishment.

Abstract: An approach for providing secure communication services is disclosed. A secure data tunnel from a source node to a destination node is established via a plurality of secure segments across a data communications network. A data path is established via the secure data tunnel, where the data path supports a performance enhancing mechanism that improves performance of data communications over the data path. The performance enhancing mechanism multiplexes data packet flows from the source node for transmission over the data path, and performs one or more of connection startup latency reduction, acknowledgment message spoofing, window sizing adjustment, compression and selective retransmission.

Abstract: A method including determining that a first radio frequency (RF) port has been selected to be coupled via an M by N RF switch matrix to a second RF port, wherein the M by N radio frequency (RF) switch matrix includes M first-side RF ports and N second-side RF ports, the first RF port is included in the M first-side RF ports, the second RF port is included in the N second-side RF ports, M is at least 2 and N is at least 2, and each of the first-side RF ports may be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from at least one of two or more of the second-side RF ports, such that RF signals are carried between selectively coupled RF ports; obtaining a first indicator indicating a frequency, frequency range, channel, or band for an RF signal to be carried via the second RF port while coupled to the first RF port; obtaining, in response to the determination that the first RF port has been selected to be coupled to the second RF port, a first adjustment value based on the first indicator, the first RF port, and the secon

Abstract: A method and system for testing a Local Area Network (LAN) coupled to a satellite network through a Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) is disclosed. The method includes: providing a LAN diagnostics tool disposed on the CPE for executing a plurality of tests; receiving, at the LAN diagnostics tool, a test request comprising an execution environment indicator; selecting a test agent based on the execution environment indicator; sending in response to the test request, from the LAN diagnostics tool, the selected test agent; and testing the LAN with communications between the LAN diagnostics tool and the selected test agent being executed on a device connected to the LAN.

Abstract: A marine propulsion unit is described. The marine propulsion unit allows for shallow, obstructed, or otherwise impeded operation of a vessel through a novel marine propulsion transfer unit that is, or can be, mechanically coupled to an outboard motor or other similar marine motor. A mount for raising and lowering the marine propulsion unit in a generally vertical direction allows for adjustment of operating depth of the marine propulsion unit to accommodate a wide range of operating conditions from shallow and obstructed water to traditional deep water operation.

Abstract: A terminal receives a first request by a client for a slice of a data stream, and transmits the request to a streaming server. The terminal receives a first request by another client for the slice of the data stream and, in response, transmits the first request by the other client to the streaming server. The terminal receives a multicast packet that encapsulates the slice of the data stream, and extracts the slice. The terminal, then responds to the first request, by sending the client the extracted slice.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for applying a specific amount of torque, comprising a body, a torque wheel, rotationally affixed to the body, comprising a plurality of teeth around an outer edge and a central spring mechanism affixed to and enclosed within the body, the central spring mechanism, comprising a spring stop and a torque spring, the torque spring comprising a torque spring end wherein the torque spring end engages the plurality of teeth and wherein, in a first rotational direction, the engagement of the torque spring end in the plurality of teeth prevents the torque wheel from rotating with respect to the body below a specified amount of torque and wherein, above the specified amount of torque in a second rotational direction, the torque spring flexes enabling the torque spring end to disengage from the plurality of teeth and enabling the torque wheel to rotate with respect to the body.

Abstract: Dynamic history multistream long range compression (DHC) techniques are described for efficiently compressing multiple, prioritized data streams received over a channel. A history buffer is associated with each received stream and a DHC compressor dynamically allocates fixed sized history sections to and from each history buffer. In implementations, the DHC compressor makes stream history size adjustments prior to compressing a block of data and sends information identifying the change in history size to a DHC decompressor. The DHC decompressor sends signaling information to the DHC compressor that is used to ensure that the DHC decompressor can operate with a fixed amount of total history memory.

Abstract: A system and method of low-power cryptography is disclosed involving a computing device with an audio jack that communicates using a flexible communication protocol with a token plugged into the audio jack. Data is passed between the computing device and token over audio channels; power for all functions necessary for the token to operate as disclosed is also supplied by the computing device to the token over an audio channel. The token may be used as an identity and authentication security factor, for secure external key exchange, or direct encryption of small payloads.

Abstract: A system and method of low-power cryptography is disclosed involving a computing device with an audio jack that communicates with a token plugged into the audio jack. Data is passed between the computing device and token over audio channels; power for all functions necessary for the token to operate as disclosed is also supplied by the computing device to the token over an audio channel. The token may be used as an identity and authentication security factor, for secure external key exchange, or direct encryption of small payloads.

Abstract: A composite package includes a preliminary package (70) and a carrying handle structure (60). The preliminary package includes a group of articles (C), contained and secured together as a unit by a wrapping film (80) disposed around the group. The carrying handle structure (60) is wrapped around the preliminary package and is provided with at least one foldable tab (100) that is forcibly pushed and folded inwardly of the carrying handle structure such that the wrapping film is punctured and at least part of the at least one foldable tab is disposed within the preliminary package for interlocking the carrying handle structure to the preliminary package.

Abstract: A helicopter rotor blade performance system (BPS) allows for accurate determination of blade track height and blade track phase while reducing size, weight, and complexity of the system. The BPS uses sensing technology that is scalable to adapt to a variety of helicopters and is readily and unobtrusively installed. The BPS includes a bused smart system methodology that can directly measure track height, while phase can be estimated using the time synchronous average of the magnitude or range of the return signal from a radar wave. The BPS includes a rotation monitor, radar tracker, and control unit, that allows for a determination of the track errors and consequentially whether a track rebalancing should occur.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tractor controller for monitoring trailer brake applications is disclosed. The control logic of the tractor control is capable of receiving a signal indicative of a trailer brake application; receiving a signal indicative of a foot brake application; totaling a number of signals indicative of a trailer brake application for a predetermined time period; and totaling a number of signals indicative of a foot brake application for the predetermined time period. The control logic then compares the total number of signals indicative of a trailer brake application with the total number of signals indicative of a foot brake application. The control logic records a flag in response to the total number of signals indicative of a trailer brake application being greater than the total number of signals indicative of a foot brake application.

Abstract: Various examples of a transmitting device with an antenna are disclosed. In one example, a transmitting device comprises a planar circuit board; a sensor mounted on the planar circuit board; a transmitter mounted on the planar circuit board and in communication with the sensor, the transmitter configured to periodically transmit signals containing a plurality of packets; and an antenna mounted on the planar circuit board and in electrical communication with the transmitter for transmitting the signals containing the plurality of packets. The antenna comprises a first end connected to the planar circuit board and a first support section; a meander line section connected to the first support section and a second support section and lying in a plane parallel with the circuit board; a second end connected to the second support section and an electrical ground.

Abstract: A system for educational assessment without testing is provided that includes one or more client systems that are connected to a network allowing students or school officials to communicate with an education framework that performs and manages educational assessment. The one or more client systems issue a message to the education framework requesting a task to be performed. The educational assessment is administered independent of one or more educators so as to avoid interruption of instruction time. A server system receives the message and the education framework proceeds to process the contents of the message. The education framework includes a plurality of programming modules being executed on the server system that provides to educators specific information used for the educational assessment based on the contents of the message.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus, system and method for transmitting and indicating a fault in a combination vehicle are disclosed. A first towed vehicle controller comprises a processor with control logic capable of receiving fault messages and status messages on an associated vehicle communications bus; determining the status and faults of the first towed vehicle; and transmitting fault messages and status messages on the associated vehicle communications bus. When the control logic receives a fault message from an associated second towed vehicle controller on the associated vehicle communications bus at a second period in time, the control logic transmits the fault message of the associated second towed vehicle controller to the associated vehicle communications bus at a first period in time, different than the second period in time.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention relate to highwall mining, and more particularly to a launch vehicle adapted for use in highwall mining of downward angled seams of mineable material, such as coal. More specifically, the provided launch vehicle includes a substantially horizontally oriented control deck, a launch deck pivotally attached to the control deck, and a substantially horizontally oriented conveyor belt. A miner and at least one conveyor car are positioned on the launch deck while the launch deck is in a substantially horizontal orientation, then the launch deck is tilted upward relative to the conveyor belt to substantially match a planned entry dip angle of the seam to be mined.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling stray light reflections are provided. An optical system includes an aperture having an optical axis passing therethrough, one or more optical elements disposed along an optical path, and a detector disposed along the optical path. The system further includes an optical housing disposed between the aperture and the detector. The interior surface of the optical housing includes a predetermined surface feature adapted to control reflections of stray light along the optical path between the aperture and the detector. A method of fabricating an optical housing includes forming a pattern comprising a predetermined surface feature on an interior surface of the optical housing. The predetermined surface feature is configured to control reflections of stray light along an optical path between an aperture at a proximal end of the optical housing and a detector at a distal end of the optical housing.

Abstract: A geo-proximity Vehicle Alert and Access System (VAAS) is discussed that has a cloud based server having a GPS-based proximity system to control and track a package exchange process, to speed up a package delivery and pick-up process, and to ensure security for the package exchange process. The cloud based server is configured to receive both current GPS coordinates of a package carrier's vehicle and current GPS coordinates of a target vehicle for at least one of package delivery to the target vehicle and package pick up from the target vehicle. The cloud based server is configured to send to the target vehicle the commands to wake-up an on-board telematics module, to give an alert, to unlock the target vehicle, and to lock the target vehicle after receiving a confirmation of the package exchange process.

Abstract: A method for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy in a thermodynamic cycle includes placing a thermal energy source in thermal communication with a heat exchanger arranged in a working fluid circuit containing a working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2) and having a high pressure side and a low pressure side. The method also includes regulating an amount of working fluid within the working fluid circuit via a mass management system having a working fluid vessel, pumping the working fluid through the working fluid circuit, and expanding the working fluid to generate mechanical energy. The method further includes directing the working fluid away from the expander through the working fluid circuit, controlling a flow of the working fluid in a supercritical state from the high pressure side to the working fluid vessel, and controlling a flow of the working fluid from the working fluid vessel to the low pressure side.