Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a switch. The switch includes a switch group module, a persistent storage module, and an allocation module. The switch group module maintains a membership in a switch group. The switch group includes a plurality of switches and operates as a single switch. The persistent storage module stores configuration information associated with the switch group in a data structure in a local persistent storage. The allocation module determines that a second switch is in a default mode and obtains a switch identifier from the persistent storage based on a switch media access control (MAC) address of the second switch. The allocation module then constructs a control message, which is destined for the second switch and includes the switch identifier and a switch group identifier of the switch group.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a skin treatment assembly comprises a handpiece comprising a distal end, the handpiece comprising a recess or cavity configured to receive a cartridge or other fluid container, a tip configured to be positioned along the distal end of the handpiece, the tip being configured to contact a skin surface of a subject during use, and at least one rollerball configured to extend to or near the tip, wherein the rollerball is configured to be in fluid communication with an interior of a cartridge or other fluid container secured to the handpiece, wherein the at least one rollerball is configured to contact the skin surface of the subject during use and to facilitate the delivery of fluids to said skin surface as the rollerball is moved relative to said skin surface.

Abstract: A method of generating a digital media message includes receiving a first digital content segment via an electronic device, associating the first digital content segment with a first position in a play sequence, receiving a second digital content segment different from the first digital content segment, and receiving a third digital content segment different from the first and second digital content segments. The method also includes adding the second and third digital content segments to the play sequence such that the second digital content segment is presented simultaneously with at least one of the first and third digital content segments when the digital media message is played. Such a method further includes providing the digital media message for sharing with a remote electronic device.

Abstract: An electricity production system may include a solar energy collector for receiving sunlight and providing electricity to an electrical load. The system may include a battery for storing energy and providing electricity to the electrical load. The system may include a generator for providing electricity to the electrical load. The system may include a controller programmed to issue commands to distribute electrical output such that electricity required for the load is available from at least one of the solar energy collector, the battery, and the generator. The commands may reduce usage of the battery and generator based on at least one of an anticipated sun load and expected customer usage.

Abstract: An implant comprising a multi-directional locking mechanism that allows a bone fixation device, such as a screw, to be rigidly affixed to the implant in a plurality of angles relative to the implant. The implant can be a bone plate, a component of a joint prosthesis or the like. The locking mechanism comprises a passage hole in the implant for passage of a bone fixation device therethrough. One or more beam members are arranged adjacent the passage hole and a space is associated with each beam member. Each space allows the associated beam member to move into or about the space upon axial and/or radial deformation of the beam member caused by fastening the bone fixation device to a bone. The beam members and associated elements of the locking mechanism are sufficiently thin to permit axial and/or radial deformation. And said deformation causes the fixation device to be locked in place relative to the implant.

Abstract: A jack hinge assembly attaches to a roof or wall vent to hold the fan in a proper position, yet permits the fan to be easily moved for cleaning of vent and the fan.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for processing and/or forwarding packets are described. An ingress switch can use a QoS mapping mechanism to map a first set of Quality of Service (QoS) bits in a packet received from a customer to a second set of QoS bits for use in a Transparent Interconnection of Lots of Links (TRILL) packet which encapsulates the packet. The first set of QoS bits can be different from the second set of QoS bits. The TRILL packet can be processed and/or forwarded in the network based on the second set of QoS bits. At the egress switch, the TRILL packet can be decapsulated and the original packet with the original QoS bits (or QoS bits that are different from the original QoS bits) can be forwarded to the customer's network. In this manner, some embodiments of the present invention can preserve the QoS bits across a TRILL network.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a wireless lighting application (app) is executed on a mobile device to configure a wireless lighting control system including a plurality of wireless lighting control devices. A connection is established between the mobile device and a wireless lighting control device. In response to user input in a graphical user interface (GUI) of the wireless lighting app, the wireless lighting app configures at least one of a lighting controller, keypads or lamp modules by at least associating an attached lighting load with a load name. Further, the wireless lighting app defines a lighting scene that uses the lighting load having the load name. Still further, the wireless lighting app assigns the lighting scene to a programmable button of one of the wireless lighting control devices such that, in response to a press of the programmable button, the wireless lighting control system produces the predefined lighting effect.

Abstract: A controller for determining a load weight associated with a plurality of pneumatically independent circuits of a vehicle suspension system is adapted to identify each of the respective pneumatically independent circuits, in turn, as a currently selected one of the pneumatically independent circuits, measure a respective pneumatic pressure of the currently selected one of the pneumatically independent circuits, determine a calculated pneumatic pressure based on the respective measured pneumatic pressures of the pneumatically independent circuits, determine the load weight based on the calculated pneumatic pressure, and control an operation of a function of an associated vehicle based on the load weight.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods acquire individual images under a variety of different operating parameters. Example apparatus and methods then piece together strips of images from the individual images. Example apparatus and methods then produce a panoramic image from the strips of images. A strip of frames is produced without using a hemispherical mirror and thus accounts more accurately for issues associated with making a two dimensional representation of a three dimensional spherical volume. Images are acquired using different imaging parameters (e.g., focal length, pan position, tilt position) under different imaging conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, pan rate, tilt rate). Example apparatus and methods correct images using correction data that is related to the operating parameters.

Abstract: A milling cutter is composed of a tool body having an approximately cylindrical or disk-like shape and a plurality of edge portions provided on at least an outer peripheral portion of one end of the tool body at predetermined intervals along a circumferential direction. The edge portion has a major cutting edge and a minor cutting edge that perform an operation of cutting a workpiece, the major cutting edge is positioned outside the minor cutting edge in a radial direction, and the minor cutting edge has a cutting edge angle that is an angle with respect to a plane orthogonal to a center axis of the tool body and set so as to be an elevation angle open outward in the radial direction. When surface machining is performed on a workpiece with the milling cutter, a high degree of machined surface accuracy equivalent to that obtained by grinding is obtained.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a time of an event participant passing a detection point having a participant identifier number by a timing system coupled to an RFID tag reader in proximity to at a monitored point and receiving RFID tag read times and coupled to a portable device with a transceiver and a location detector for selectively receiving a participant number read, the timing system receiving the geographic location of the handheld device, the handheld read participant number and a handheld time, determining that the received RFID tag read times timing system are not usable times and determining a time of passing of the participant by the detection point by determining a delta time between the proximity detector and the handheld device and an adjusted time of participant passing based on the determined delta time and handheld time.

Abstract: Swimming pool cleaners are detailed with filtration components attached at the rears of their bodies. At least some of the components may be external to a body, rather than within it, so as to provide greater surface area for filtered water to exit. They also may allow users to view the quantity of debris trapped in the filter without having to dissemble the cleaner. By contrast with many existing external filter bags, moreover, the components need not protrude materially above (or below) the heights of the bodies, hence avoiding creation of hydraulic drag as the cleaners move within pools, spas, or other liquid-containing vessels.

Abstract: A speech generation device is disclosed. The speech generation device may include a head mounted display unit having a variety of different components that enhance the functionality of the speech generation device. The speech generation device may further include computer-readable medium that, when executed by a processor, instruct the speech generation device to perform desired functions.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for inspecting a section of piping are disclosed. In one example embodiment, an apparatus includes first and second excitation coils, a plurality of magnetometers, and a data acquisition system. The first excitation coils are disposed at a first axial location and are energized and the second excitation coils are disposed at a second axial location and are energized. The plurality of magnetometers are disposed at an axial location between the first and second axial locations and are positioned to detect magnetic fields generated by eddy currents induced in the section of piping by the first and second excitation coils. The data acquisition system is operatively connected to receive output data from the plurality of magnetometers.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the temperature setpoints in a furnace such that a random mixture of slabs with different compositions, sizes, initial temperatures, temperature requirements, and anticipated residence times are all discharged at an appropriate temperature, with emphasis upon ensuring that no slab is insufficiently heated (rejected) per rolling and quality requirements. This is to be accomplished with minimized fuel use. This system can be implemented in a graphical programming environment, where real-time tuning, configuration, logic changes, model replacement, model retraining and other programming changes can be made without interruption of control.

Abstract: A cellular system and method to provide voice and data services to a user terminal are disclosed. The cellular system includes a cellular base station; a satellite backhaul including a first satellite link and a second satellite link; and a traffic classifier to classify traffic from the cellular base station as voice traffic for transportation via the first satellite link and as data traffic for transportation via the second satellite link.

Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting inrush current spikes in multi-load systems are disclosed. Inrush current limiting modules according to some embodiments comprise programmable microcontrollers and logic activated switches that connect loads to main power in a staggered and non-simultaneous manner thereby limiting inrush current spikes. Applications include agricultural grow systems employing multiple grow light fixtures and other high power and multiple load systems. Programmable logic controlled switching mechanisms operating under reserve power and integrated into power supplies are also disclosed. Also disclosed are systems and methods for uniform dimming of high power LED lighting fixtures.

Abstract: A Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) and cellular system to provide backhaul satellite communications for a cellular base station are disclosed. The VSAT including an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) Core Network (CN) device; and a satellite modem connected to the EPC CN device and to communicate over a satellite link, wherein the EPC CN device manages communication of user traffic from the cellular base station to the satellite modem.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing the position of an ingot within a segmented mold of a vacuum metallurgical system. An inductive sensory system measures the variations in current between a power source and load of an induction heating coil. The system and method is particularly suitable for determining the position of an ingot within a melting system mold where the mold has a relatively reduced or small cross-sectional area.