Abstract: In one embodiment, a transmitter converts digital input data into combined-OFDM signals and a receiver recovers data from the transmitted combined-OFDM signals. For transmission, digital data is mapped into data symbols using a commonly known modulation technique, such as QAM or DQPSK. The data symbols are subsequently divided into two or more groups according to a specified grouping pattern. Each group of data symbols is then converted into a separate OFDM subsymbol using IFFT processing. The OFDM subsymbols are then combined according to a specified combining pattern to create a combined-OFDM symbol. Combined-OFDM symbols are then prepared for transmission by affixing cyclic prefixes, converting the symbols to analog format, and performing spectral shaping of the analog signal. Upsampling may be employed to increase the signal bandwidth. In alternative embodiments, OFDM subsymbols may be combined using interleaving to create an interleaved-OFDM symbol.

Abstract: A method for conducting a virtual training session with first and second training objectives having first and second validation paths, respectively. The method steps include configuring a virtual machine manipulated by a student to complete the first training objective, configuring a smart agent to execute on the virtual machine including a validator specified by the first validation path, generating a result by performing a first validation check of the virtual training session by at least the validator of the smart agent to identify an event of the virtual machine, identifying, using the smart agent, completion of the first training objective based on the result, and advancing the virtual training session from the first training objective to the second training objective in response to identifying completion of the first training objective.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for performing SOVA detection at higher data rates than achievable with conventional designs. A received signal is processed by (i) determining at least three selection signals that define a plurality of paths through a multiple-step trellis into a given state, wherein a first of the plurality of paths is a winning path for each single-step-trellis period of a multiple-step-trellis cycle, a second path is a winning path for a first single-step-trellis period and is a losing path for a second single-step-trellis period of a multiple-step-trellis cycle and a third path is a losing path for a first single-step-trellis period and is a winning path for a second single-step-trellis period of a multiple-step-trellis cycle; and (ii) determining at least one reliability value (such as a reliability value for a bit decision associated with a maximum-likelihood path through the multiple-step trellis or a plurality of reliability values for each multiple-step-trellis cycle).

Abstract: A low voltage cable for providing low voltage power to an electrically-powered assembly, such as a luminaire fixture, and for attaching the luminaire fixture to the cable and to structure using a cable gripping device in such a way that the assembly can be adjusted. is disclosed. The cable comprises a conductive strand composed of a first metallic material, and a plurality of strength strands wound around the conductive strand, where the plurality of strength strands is of a second metallic material. The first metallic material is substantially more conductive than the second metallic material, and the second metallic material has substantially greater tensile strength than the first metallic material. This allows the cable to conduct a low voltage feed across the conductive strand, and allows the strength strands cable to mostly support the tension load particularly of a hanging luminaire fixture as well as resisting lateral compressive forces from a cable gripping device.

Abstract: A roof member anti-torsion bracket device includes a base plate portion having a planar base plate surface. The planar base plate surface is adapted to sit on a top plate of a wall construction and to receive a truss assembly. At least one transverse planar surface is oriented substantially transverse to the base plate surface. A locating tab extending longitudinally with respect to the base plate portion abuts an edge of the top plate, thereby locating the anti-torsion bracket device an offset distance from the edge of the wall construction top plate. The base plate portion further includes first and second fastening openings oppositely located with respect to the at least one transverse planar surface. The first and second fastening openings define first and second fastening positions in the base plate, thereby providing torsion resistance, compressive load support, and tension lifting resistance for the base plate portion.

Abstract: A structure anti-torsion device includes a structural column. The structural column is positioned between adjacent studs of a structural stud wall construction and oriented vertically between the studs. A structural column lower end is fastened to a lower base plate which rests on a wall construction bottom plate. A pair of anchor bolts secured to a foundation extends through the bottom plate and the lower base plate and are fastened to the lower base plate. A structural column upper end is bolted using first and second bolts to an upper base plate. The first and second bolts cooperate through the upper base plate to connect the upper base plate to a double top plate of the wall construction such that the double top plate is connected by the upper base plate, the structural column, and the lower base plate to the foundation.

Abstract: A system for constructing a residential or commercial structure and/or retrofitting an existing structure provides a series of construction components employed that cooperate with standard construction materials to enhance the building structural integrity when subjected to destructive wind forces such as those commonly associated with hurricanes and tornados. The resultant strength of the structure is increased beyond what the standard construction materials were capable of on their own. The enhanced components further cooperate with standard construction materials to provide a secondary water sealing ability such that the typical veneer coverings of siding and/or shingles, which are typically required to provide a primary sealing system from water influent to the structure, are relegated to the role of cosmetics for the structure.

Abstract: An anchor bolt device includes an anchor bolt having a threaded first end and a second end. A flange portion has the threaded first end of the anchor bolt extending freely therefrom. The flange portion defines a planar surface aligned in parallel with a surface of a concrete foundation when the second end of the anchor bolt is received in the concrete foundation. A raised column projection having a threaded portion through which the threaded first end of the anchor bolt is threadably received. The raised column projection is set to a user defined position. The flange portion extends radially outward from and is integrally connected to the raised column projection. The flange portion has at least one offset tab used to position the device a defined distance away from a boundary of a concrete foundation wall. The offset tab includes a series of marks defining multiple break points.

Abstract: A carton has a wall including overlapping portions of an outside panel and an inside panel. The outside panel includes an outside handle flap defined by an outside severance line while the inside panel includes an inside handle flap defined by an inside severance line. At least a portion of the outside severance line is in substantial registry with at least a portion of the inside severance line where the outside panel overlaps the inside panel. The inside handle flap includes a relief severance line extending from the inside severance line such that the relief severance line divides the inside handle flap into a delamination section and the other section. The relief severance line is configured to initiate delamination of at least the delamination section of the inside handle flap. The structure is at least partially detachable from the carton along the outside and inside severance lines.

Abstract: Automated image quality assessment algorithms, which perform the functions of locating a region of interest, maximizing the image contrast, and ensuring the region of interest is properly centered in the image. Wherein the region of interest is located by spectral matching filter using a target spectrum obtained from samples of the image itself.

Abstract: A user selects a product to be liquidated from a product provider and then designates to the transacting entity that reward points are to be used towards the purchase of the liquidated product. The transacting entity acts to decrease the number of reward points in the user's reward account by the required number of points. The reward account holder conveys consideration to the transacting entity equivalent to the par value of the reward points consumer obtains the product in exchange for reward points having a retail value equivalent to what he would have otherwise paid for the product, while the reward account holder is required to convey only the par value of the points. The product provider is able to liquidate the product and obtain payment equivalent to what it would otherwise have obtained in a prior art liquidation process, auction or trading environment.

Abstract: A fastening device includes a tube defining a first axis, a tube first end, a tube second end, and a through hole, the through hole defining a first opening and a second opening, a second axis of the through hole being substantially perpendicular to the first axis of the tube, the tube second end of the tube securing rigidly to an attaching device. The fastening device also includes a cord inserted through the through hole, the cord defining a cord first end and a cord second end, the cord first end disposed on a side of the through hole corresponding to the first opening, the cord second end disposed on a side of the through hole corresponding to the second opening. The cord first end is looped over the tube first end of the tube.

Abstract: A method and system for three dimensional scanning, imaging and/or therapy are provided. In accordance with one aspect, an exemplary method and system are configured to facilitate controlled scanning within one-degree of freedom. For example, an exemplary method and system can enable multiple two-dimensional image planes to be collected in a manner to provide an accurate and computationally efficient three-dimensional image reconstruction while providing the user with a user-friendly mechanism for acquiring three-dimensional images. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the positioning system comprises a guide assembly configured to provide pure rectilinear or rotational motion of the probe during scanning operation, and a position sensing system configured to detect the direction and position of the probe during scanning.

Abstract: A two step locking screw assembly includes a receiving member for receiving a fixation member and an anchor having an enlarged portion and a shank. The enlarged portion of the anchor may be seated in the receiving member. An insert may also extend inside the receiving member. An outer fastener may be positioned in the receiving member. The outer fastener may include a central opening and a pair of ramped flanges. An inner fastener may be disposed inside the central opening of the outer fastener.

Abstract: A tough, water-proof building system, and methods of making the system elements and constructing buildings, which provides wall, ceiling, and floor structural panels and corresponding walls, ceilings, and floors. The walls can be designed to have vertical and horizontal strengths sufficient to be used in place of concrete, as an engineered solution, both above grade and below-grade, including in severe weather conditions, such that no concrete need be used except for floor slabs. Panels have inner and outer layers, and structurally reinforcing members. Structurally-reinforcing members extend, typically as a layer and/or stud, the full height of a wall, at spaced locations along the length of the wall. Spaces between the structurally reinforcing members are optionally filled with rigid foam. An optional reinforcing stud is attached to, or overlaid by, the inner layer, and extends inwardly into the building from what is otherwise the inner surface of the building panel.

Abstract: Drill string flow control valves and more particularly, drill string flow control valves for prevention of u-tubing of fluid flow in drill strings are provided. Drill string flow control valves may comprise a valve housing, a valve sleeve axially movable within a valve housing from a closed position to an open position, a piston axially movable within said valve housing and bearing against the valve sleeve, a biasing mechanism for biasing the valve sleeve into the closed position, a static pressure port for actuating said piston utilizing internal fluid pressure within said valve and a plurality of dynamic pressure ports for allowing a differential pressure to be exerted on the valve sleeve during dynamic flow conditions. The differential pressure exerted on the valve sleeve may be the result of an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure during fluid flow through said valve.

Abstract: An occipital plate system comprising: (a) a plate having one or more apertures for receiving bone fasteners adapted for securing the plate to the skull; (b) two rails extending outwardly from opposing sides of the plate; and (c) two rod receptacles, each comprising a body portion and a receiver portion, the body portion defining a passageway through which one of the rails slides, the receiver portion defining a cavity to receive a rod and threads above the cavity for receiving a set screw such that at least a portion of each of a rail, the rod and the set screw are contained within the rod receptacle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a receiver for providing a virtual local channel in a broadcast radio system that transmits a plurality of sets of local content corresponding to a plurality of different geographic regions is disclosed. The receiver includes a detector (e.g., 432), adapted to determine a regional identifier for the receiver. The receiver also includes a channel selector (e.g., 412), adapted to obtain a selected set of local content from among the plurality of sets of local content, based on the determined regional identifier, for inclusion in the virtual local channel. The determined regional identifier identifies the geographic region associated with the selected set of local content.