Abstract: An approach is provided for bandwidth allocation on a per terminal utilization and per inroute/inroute group basis, which optimizes bandwidth utilization. An aggregate average bandwidth usage of a plurality of remote terminals over a wireless communications channel is determined. A maximum rate for bandwidth allocations to each of the remote terminals for respective data transmissions over the channel is determined. A utilization metric reflecting a bandwidth utilization by one of the remote terminals for data transmissions over the channel is determined. An updated rate for bandwidth allocations to the one terminal is determined based on the utilization metric for the terminal, a target bandwidth utilization and tolerance range for the one terminal, and the maximum rate for the data allocations to each of the remote terminals. The updated rate for the bandwidth allocations to the one terminal is applied to subsequent bandwidth allocations for the one terminal.

Abstract: A foldable shipping container adjustable between an unfolded condition in which said container is suitable for use as a cargo container, and a folded condition for when said container is not being used to store or ship cargo. The foldable shipping container comprises a roof panel, a base panel, a door panel, a front panel, a right side panel, and a left side panel where the door panel and front panel are hingedly connected to the roof panel while the right side panel and left side panel are hingedly connected to the base panel.

Abstract: A system for providing transportation services in a health care facility includes a communication network, a transportation services management system, one or more dispatcher devices, and one or more transport responder mobile devices. The transportation services management system stores and retrieves information relating to dispatches of transportation services jobs at one or more health care facilities. The dispatch devices exchange, with the transportation services management system, information relating to the transportation services jobs and display information to a transportation dispatch manager. The transport responder mobile devices exchange, with the transportation services management system, information relating to the transportation services jobs and display information to transport responders.

Abstract: A convertible carrier includes first and second carrier units (101A, 101B). The first carrier unit includes a first side panel (114A) and a first medial panel (110A) disposed opposed to the first side panel. The second carrier unit includes a second side panel (114B) and a second medial panel (110B) disposed opposed to the second side panel. The first and second medial panels are in a face-contacting arrangement to form a medial wall disposed between the first and second side panels. The first and second medial panels are retained in the face-contacting arrangement by at least one hinged connection (149, 161) between the first and second medial panels and by at least one removable joint. The removable joint is formed in part from part (162A) of the first medial panel and in part (162B) from part of the second medial panel.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system filter has a hollow, perforated, inner structure inside a hollow, perforated, outer structure that define an annular gap that receives granular filtering media retained by an (optional) media liner. An outer filter surrounds the outer structure. An (electric) pump may be located within the inner cavity of the inner structure or external to the system filter. When deployed in an underground vault, vault water flows through the outer filter, the outer structure, the outer portion of the media liner (if present), the filtering media, the inner portion of the media liner (if present), and the inner structure into the inner cavity from where the pump moves the filtered water out of the vault. The outer filter and/or the media liner may have a lipophobic, hydrophilic material that allows water to pass while blocking lipids without having the lipids adhere to the material.

Abstract: A predictive physical access control and security intervention system includes a credential device, indicia sensors, portal actuators; and a data store of historic and predicted travel events, whereby out of norm behaviors trigger elevated security intervention processes. A system detects, identifies, and measures occupancy and transit patterns of identities within and through a spatial volume. A processor performs statistical calculations of dwell time, movement patterns, path vectors, frequency of entry or exit, and transmission of attribute assertions containing trusted information to subscribers. The method transforms radio signals emitted by personal communications and identity devices into metrics of human traffic patterns, behavior conducive to commercial and security interests, and provides identity attributes containing trusted information to identity service subscribers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an operating state for an aircraft are provided. In one example, a method can include accessing, by one or more computing devices located on an aircraft, a database of precomputed operating parameters associated with aircraft trim determined in a priori process. The method can further include receiving a real time measurement of one or more dyanamic parameters associated with the aircraft. An aircraft trim parameter can be determined from the precomputed operating parameters independent of the real time measurements. The method can further include determining an enhanced operating state for the aircraft based at least in part on the aircraft trim parameter and the real time measurement of the one or more dynamic operating parameters.

Abstract: A debris disposal system mountable to an upwardly facing supporting surface having a HVAC outlet. A container is inserted in the outlet and has a lid which when open allows the debris to be swept into the container from the supporting surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for satellite noise and interference calibration using satellite terminal measurements. In one implementation, a method includes partitioning a satellite network into a first partition including a plurality of terminals and a plurality of inroute frequency channels (IFCs); instructing the plurality of terminals of the partition to measure the SINR of the plurality of IFCs; processing the plurality of SINR measurements to compute normalized IFC measurements for each of the plurality of terminals; processing the normalized IFC measurements for each terminal to compute final calibrated IFC SINR offsets for each IFC of the partition; and normalizing the final calibrated IFC SINR offsets with respect to a lowest SINR offset IFC. The normalized final calibration offsets may be made available to each of the satellite terminals. During subsequent operation, the satellite terminals may consider the amount of interference present in an IFC before switching to the channel.

Abstract: An engine is provided. In one embodiment, the engine includes a precombustion chamber having a body, a secondary combustion chamber disposed at least partially in the body, and a plurality of passages configured to place the precombustion chamber in fluid communication with a main combustion chamber.

Abstract: A structural wall unit system includes a plurality of wall units having at least one face being a rotational tessellation. The face has at least two irregular sides extending therefrom. Each side of the wall units have at least one spacer or connector configured to engage other wall units. The structural wall unit system also includes a plurality of starter course units, where each starter course unit has a portion of a primary rotational tessellation element having at least one irregularly shaped side that is an image of the first side or the third side. Each irregularly shaped side of the starter course units have at least one spacer or connector configured to engage the wall units, and the starter course units have at least one straight side. The starter course units and the wall units are configured for assembly as a structural wall having a natural, random appearance.

Abstract: Approaches for efficient, dynamic and continuous handover processes, which encompass selection of an optimal path (consisting of a satellite, a satellite beam and carrier frequency set) over which a mobile user terminal (UT) communicates with the radio access network in a mobile satellite communications system, are provided. A set of path factors are determined regarding each of a plurality of communications paths for the UT. A path selection metric (PSM) for each communications path is determined, wherein the PSM for each communications path is determined via a weighted calculation based on the respective set of path factors for the communications path. A decision is made as to whether to perform a handover of the UT from a first of the communications paths to a second of the communications paths, wherein the determination is based on an evaluation performed based at least in part on the PSM.

Abstract: A synchronization approach is provided that compensates for the large Doppler offset of the satellites in a LEO satellite system by exploiting the predictable and deterministic nature of the Doppler component, and thereby simplifies the delay and the Doppler domain uncertainty ranges that the physical layer receivers have to resolve. The compensation is based on the known ephemeris information of the LEO satellite and the known positions of the gateway (GW) and the user terminal (UT) on the ground. Utilizing the deterministic component of the LEO Doppler, the synchronization process continually tracks and compensates for the time-varying offsets between the GW and UT frame timing, frame numbering (FN), symbol timings, and Doppler-induced scaling of center frequency and the signal bandwidth.

Abstract: A method for servicing multiple data queues in communication with a data communications network. The multiple data queues may receive data of differing priority and/or the data queues may be arranged for data with a predetermined priority. The data in the data queues may be serviced by the same processor. A schedule may be applied to the data in the data queues to control the servicing the data in the data queues.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel wall construction systems and materials for residential and commercial construction that incorporate grooved lightweight building material units (e.g., blocks, panels, and the like), a plurality of connection devices, a track system, and (injected) polyurethane structural foam. The wall construction system comprises building material units married to a building frame with a plurality of connection devices (e.g., clip fasteners) slidingly retained in a track system that is attached to the building's structural (e.g., load-bearing) framing. The building material units are joined to each other with a suitable binding agent. The cavity between the frame and the building material units is injected with an insulating structural polyurethane foam. The exterior of the wall is finished with a waterproof applied finish such as cementitious stucco. The interior of the wall is amenable to standard finish options.

Abstract: Ureteral catheters and assemblies are provided including: a drainage lumen including a proximal portion configured to be positioned in at least a portion of a patient's urethra and a distal portion configured to be positioned in a patient's ureter and/or kidney, the distal portion including a coiled retention portion including at least a first coil having a first diameter and a second coil having a second diameter, the first diameter being less than the second diameter; or wherein the retention portion extends radially outwardly from a portion of the distal end of the drainage lumen portion, the retention portion including a proximal end having a first diameter, a distal end having a second diameter, and a wall and/or surface extending therebetween, the retention portion having a second diameter is greater than the first diameter when deployed; or wherein the retention portion includes a plurality of drainage tubes.

Abstract: A general ventilation and air filtration system includes an air filtration control unit that monitors and controls an air flow through an air filter and maintains the air flow at a target velocity set point. The target velocity set point is maintained by monitoring and regulating the power of a motor powering a blower that generates an air flow through the air filtration system and through the air filter. By regulating the air flow and maintaining it in the target set point, power consumption and air filter life are significantly improved.

Abstract: A fiber link system, method and device for masking signals on a fiber link system. The system includes sending a desired sequence of information in the form of a true signal that is typically intended to be transferred between legitimate users at both ends of a link. Sending chaff signals, or subterfuge signals, alongside the true signal to mask such legitimate signals in the fiber cable from intruders tapping into the fiber cable.

Abstract: An apparatus determining network health in a network comprising base station transceivers in bidirectional communication with radios, each having an identifier and transmitting a signal including the identifier. First and second devices each receive the transmitted signal during normal over-the-air operation of the radio, measure signal parameters, and determine operating characteristics of the radio from the parameters. Each of the devices produce a responsive received signal when the first operating characteristics determined by the first device indicate a healthy first radio and the second device produces a responsive received signal when the second operating characteristics determined by the second device indicate a healthy first radio. The devices determine respective signal parameters of the respective received signals. The received signals are time aligned to insure that the devices have determined the respective signal parameters of the same transmitted signal.

Abstract: In some implementations, data from security monitoring devices of a facility is collected and analyzed within the facility and the results of the analysis is transmitted to another computer that is outside of the facility via a non-VPN communication path.