Abstract: A decoder, encoder and corresponding system are disclosed for providing fast Forward Error Correcting (FEC) decoding and encoding of syndrome-based error correcting codes. Three-parallel processing is performed by elements of the system. More particularly, in an illustrative embodiment, a decoder performs three-parallel syndrome generation and error determination and calculations, and an encoder performs three-parallel encoding. Low power and complexity techniques are used to save cost and power yet provide relatively high speed encoding and decoding.

Abstract: A disk array controller detects disk drive power-on-reset events that may cause a disk drive to lose uncommitted write data stored in its cache. When an unexpected disk drive power-on-reset event is detected, the disk array controller may initiate an appropriate corrective action. For example, the disk array controller may initiate a disk drive rebuild operation, or may re-send a set of write commands to the disk drive.

Abstract: A computerized method for generating a time-limited number for use in a payment card transaction involving a payment card issued by a financial institution. The payment card comprises an original payment card number. A first plurality of digits of the original payment card number is provided to a processor. The first plurality of digits are predetermined digits associated to the financial institution. A desired expiration date through which the time-limited number is valid for acceptance in the payment card transaction is provided to the processor. A program is executed by the processor to set a first plurality of digits in the time-limited number to the first plurality of digits in the original payment card number, generate a first number corresponding to the desired expiration date, set a second plurality of digits in the time-limited number to the first number, and output the time-limited number.

Abstract: The invention provides a block splitter assembly comprising first lower and second upper opposed splitter blade assemblies. The splitter blade assemblies have a splitting blade and two or more first forming blades. One forming blade is disposed to the right of and one forming blade is disposed to the left of the first splitting blade. The forming blades have forming edges. The splitting blade has a splitting edge that is straight, and the splitting blade has a greater maximum vertical dimension than the maximum vertical dimension of the forming blades. The splitting edge of the first splitting blade is opposed to the splitting edge of the second splitting blade.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable ampoule opener, comprising a first plastic housing section; and a second plastic housing section that is directly or indirectly coupled to the first plastic housing section, wherein: the first and second plastic housing sections each has a concave inner surface sized and shaped to receive a portion of a glass ampoule but not the entire glass ampoule; the first plastic housing section and the second plastic housing section are capable of coming together to form a plastic housing having a longitudinal housing axis; and the first plastic housing section or the second plastic housing section, or both, are capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal housing axis to enclose a portion of the glass ampoule but are not capable of enclosing the entire glass ampoule.

Abstract: Fiber optic equipment that supports independently translatable fiber optic modules and/or fiber optic equipment trays containing one or more fiber optic modules is disclosed. In some embodiments, one or more fiber optic modules are disposed in a plurality of independently translatable fiber optic equipment trays which are received in a tray guide system. In this manner, each fiber optic equipment tray is independently translatable within the guide system. One or more fiber optic modules may also be disposed in one or more module guides disposed in the fiber optic equipment trays to allow each fiber optic module to translate independently of other fiber optic modules in the same fiber optic equipment tray. In other embodiments, a plurality of fiber optic modules are disposed in a module guide system disposed in the fiber optic equipment that translate independently of other fiber optic modules disposed within the module guide system.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns reward points from a plurality of independent reward points issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned reward points in a user reward point account stored on a multi-function card (such as a frequent flyer account or a credit card loyalty account). The multi-function card is adapted to aggregate some or all of the user's earned reward points from the reward accounts and credit the aggregated points into a single reward exchange account on the multi-function card. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated reward points from the multi-function card. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the reward points from the multi-function card.

Abstract: An audio system includes a general-purpose computer in the audio signal path to provide, or to enhance, pre-amplification functions. In one embodiment, in response to audio signals from a pre-amplifier, a programmable multimedia controller including the general-purpose computer generates control commands and passes these control commands via a signal path back to the pre-amplifier. In a second embodiment, rather than control a separate pre-amplifier, the programmable multimedia controller itself implements the pre-amplification functions. In yet another embodiment, a power amplifier includes the general-purpose computer and pre-amplification functions are implemented there. Also, a display screen shows a virtual control panel that is used to control the pre-amplification of audio signals. The virtual control panel provides a graphical user interface that simulates, replicates, or replaces with an alternate arrangement, the physical controls and readouts found on the control panel of a physical device.

Abstract: A method of providing rewards to a user by storing, in a portable computing device, user profile data which may be accessed by a merchant terminal only if allowed by the user. A merchant terminal interacts with the portable computing device by accessing the user profile data from the portable computing device if allowed by the user, and providing the user with a reward in accordance with the user profile data allowed by the user to be accessed by the merchant terminal, wherein the merchant terminal provides a relatively greater reward to the user when the user allows relatively more user profile data to be accessed by the merchant terminal and a relatively lesser reward to the user when the user allows relatively less data to be accessed by the merchant terminal.

Abstract: A cable for encasing one or more wires includes at least one wire, cable, or conductor, a tube surrounding the at least one wire, cable, or conductor, and a conductive or textile material surrounding the tube. The cable further includes a jacket surrounding the conductive or textile material, wherein the jacket is formed from at least one synthetic rubber.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method including receiving, from a health care provider client device, an electronic trigger signal, the trigger signal indicating a change in health care information stored in one or more electronic databases associated with the health care provider, obtaining, from the one or more electronic databases and in response to receiving the trigger signal, health care provider information, filtering, using one or more computer-processors, the health care provider information to identify a patient eligible for participation in a patient assistant program, generating a health care product request application for a patient identified as eligible for participation in the patient assistant program, and outputting the health care product request application.

Abstract: A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing.

Abstract: Various proximity detection zones for work sites that require personnel to be in close proximity to various hazardous elements, such as machines, mobile equipment, remotely controlled machines, and operated vehicles can be shaped to fit specific equipment or work area configurations and may include one or more silent zones within the proximity warning zone in which an alarm is not sounded. The zones are determined by overlapping magnetic fields that expand and collapse at a selected operating frequency. Devices sense and measure the strength of the magnetic fields in which they are located and use the information to determine if they are in a silent or warning zone. Thus, it is possible to produce silent zones having desired shapes.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns rewards from a plurality of independent reward issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned rewards. A trading server accumulates some or all of the user's earned rewards from the reward servers and credits the accumulated rewards into a single reward exchange account associated with the user. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated rewards. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the rewards. Reward points may also be redeemed in exchange for services, such as the playing of a video game or Internet access.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for drag reduction on a moving object through the atmosphere, thus increasing fuel efficiency. This is accomplished by attaching an inflatable boattail (i.e. drag reducer) to the aft face or rear end of a vehicle or trailer, thus delaying the flow separation to a point further downstream and mitigating the intensity of the negative pressure on the aft face.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable having optical fibers such as a microstructured bend performance optical fibers disposed within a protective covering. The protective covering is highly flexible and the fiber optic cable has extremely low delta attenuation when aggressively bent compared with the conventional fiber optic cable designs. Other variations of the present invention include a connector attached to the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A method and system for treating subcutaneous tissue with energy such as ultrasound energy is disclosed. In various embodiments, ultrasound energy is applied at a region of interest to affect tissue by cutting, ablating, micro-ablating, coagulating, or otherwise affecting the subcutaneous tissue to conduct numerous procedures that are traditionally done invasively in a non-invasive manner. Certain procedures can include a brow lift, a blepharoplasty, and treatment of cartilage tissue.

Abstract: An optimization engine allows website publishers and other network document publishers to view and navigate statistics and scoring methodologies of a search engine. Publishers may thus gain a better understanding of how their website or network document is scored and how to optimize those documents to increase a search engine score. The user is thus able to navigate the network from the perspective of a search engine, viewing webpages, websites, and links in the same way a search engine would analyze them. Upon making changes to a website or network document, publishers may further request on-demand re-crawling of their website or network document to view changes in the score. Alerts may also be activated by a user to notify the user when certain conditions are met.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring the temperature of cookware to be induction-heated, using an infrared temperature sensor. An induction heater countertop may include a viewing window between the infrared temperature sensor and the cookware. Various algorithms may be applied to the sensed temperature, to adjust it to account for the presence of the viewing window, as well as variations in the cookware material.