Abstract: The invention described herein is generally directed to a method and apparatus for creating and retrieving audio data. In one implementation the invention comprises an annotation system configured to record, store, and retrieve media. The annotation system contains a set of client-processing devices configured to capture media for subsequent playback. Each client-processing device typically contains a record button to initiate the capture and is configured upon performing the capture operation to trigger an association of a unique ID with the media. The client-processing devices are further configured to upload the media and a unique ID to a server for purposes of storage. The server obtains the media and unique ID for subsequent retrieval and provides the media and the unique ID to at least one client-processing device from the set of client processing devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an airstream deflector fairing comprising a front or fore end having a leading edge attached to an undercarriage of a wheeled vehicle. The fairing further includes a rear or aft end and a lower bottom portion of the fairing includes a panel facing the ground at an angle which in turn directs an airstream passing thereunder downwardly and outwardly relative to the undercarriage and substantially at an area below a trailing axle downstream from the fairing. The lower bottom panel includes an angle of declination relative to the undercarriage from about 12 degrees to about 24 degrees.

Abstract: Fiber optic drawers supporting fiber optic modules are disclosed. The drawer is movable about a chassis. At least one fiber optic equipment tray is received in the drawer. The fiber optic equipment tray(s) is movable about the drawer and configured to receive at least one fiber optic module. The fiber optic module(s) is movable about a fiber optic equipment tray. In this manner, enhanced access can be provided to the fiber optic module(s) and their fiber optic connections. The drawer can moved out from the chassis to provide access to fiber optic equipment tray(s) and fiber optic module(s). The fiber optic equipment tray(s) can be moved out from the drawer to provide enhanced access to fiber optic module(s). The fiber optic module(s) can be moved from fiber optic equipment tray(s) to provide further enhanced access to fiber optic module(s). The drawer may also be tiltable about the chassis.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a multi-diameter optical fiber link, which includes a first cable and a second cable connected in series with the first cable through an adaptor (or adaptors) and is characterized in that a first optical fiber enclosed in the first cable has a smaller diameter than a second optical fiber enclosed in the second cable. Hence, when the first and second cables are connected in series, an end surface of the first optical fiber is easily and precisely aligned within an end surface of the second optical fiber, thus allowing the second optical fiber to receive all optical signals transmitted from the first optical fiber. Consequently, the optical signals pass through the first and second optical fibers in succession, and a unidirectional signal transmission is realized in the multi-diameter optical fiber link without signal deterioration which may otherwise result from misalignment of the optical fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for quality of service over dedicated local loop networks is provided. Information regarding uplink and downlink speeds, and information regarding WAN interface protocol and encapsulation mode, is received from a network device. A link throughput limit is calculated based on the uplink speed of the network device, and a link throughput limit is set based on the calculated uplink throughput limit. An uplink network protocol overhead of the network device is calculated based on the WAN interface protocol and encapsulation mode of the uplink device and is factored in upstream available bandwidth calculations. Communication data size(s) are set based on the calculated uplink network protocol overhead. The downlink throughput limit is set to match the downlink speed based on the downlink speed and WAN network protocol overhead. The WAN network protocol overhead is factored in the downstream available bandwidth calculations and communication data sizes.

Abstract: A system and method for managing COTS devices based on device auto-detection and identification is provided. A network device on a managed network is identified, wherein the network device is identified as a one of a list of one or more network device types supported by the managed network and included in one or more configuration files, and wherein the one or more configuration files further include a list of one or more respective SNMP variables to be monitored for each of the network device types. The respective listing of SNMP variables to be monitored and/or configured is extracted from the one or more configuration files for the identified network device type. A request is then generated to monitor and/or configure the extracted SNMP variables to be monitored for the network device.

Abstract: Retention bodies for securing a fiber optic cable thereto for optical connectorization are disclosed along with fiber optic cable assemblies. The fiber optic cable is inserted into a passage of the retention body and secured to the same using a bonding agent and/or a mechanical element. The rear end opening of the passage is configured for inserting and securing an end portion of the fiber optic cable having at least one strength component and a portion of a cable jacket. Additionally, the retention body has a buckling chamber disposed within the retention body passage for accommodating movement of optical fiber.

Abstract: Methods of fabricating wall panels by generally continuously pultruding a wall panel profile comprising inner and outer layers, and spaced reinforcing webs and/or foam extending between the inner and outer layers, optionally studs extending inwardly from the inner layer, away from the outer layer. The so-continuously pultruded wall panel optionally has male and a female edges. The wall panel is periodically cut for wall panel height, thereby creating an ongoing stream of cut wall panels. The panels are advanced through a corner index station, and indexed at right angles while maintaining orientation of the panels. The wall panels leave the indexing station edge-to-edge. Resin is applied to facing edges of adjacent wall panels. Adjacent wall panels are joined to each other at the facing edges, to make a generally continuous wall panel. The so-joined wall panel is cut to desired lengths.

Abstract: A chiller is coupled to a plurality of cuffs suitable for application to extremities of a human subject, each cuff having an outer support belt with an adjustable diameter and an inner bladder having an inlet port and an outlet port. The bladder has one surface constrained by the support belt and an opposite surface for application of pressure and cooling to an enclosed human extremity. The plurality of cuffs are connected to the cooler with a series of outlet ports and inlet ports such that the chiller causes the cuffs to be pressurized with a coolant which provides vascular restriction and cooling to increase the formation of human growth hormone.

Abstract: A root watering system for a tree or a shrub includes an outer container of a water-permeable, flexible material. A perforated, hollow inner support structure maintains the flexible material in an elongated shape between first and second ends. The outer container is positioned in the ground with the elongated shape proximate to the roots of the tree or shrub and with the first end proximate to the surface of the ground and with the second end near a lower end extending generally downward toward the lower portion of the root system of the tree or shrub. Water applied to the ground proximate the upper end of the outer container enters the first end and fills the outer container including the hollow inner support structure. Water within the outer container is released through the porous, flexible material to provide water to the root system of the tree or shrub.

Abstract: Communication devices, systems, and methods for dynamic cell bonding (DCB) for Radio-over-Fiber (RoF)-based networks and communication systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of operating an optical fiber-based wireless communication system is provided. The method includes determining a first plurality of remote units in a cloud bonded to a Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) communication session. The method also includes measuring a received signal strength from each of the first plurality of remote units. The method also includes measuring a received signal strength from each of a second plurality of remote units in the cloud not bonded to the RoF communication session. At least one of the second plurality of remote units is dynamically bonded to the RoF communication session if the measured received signal strength of the one of the second plurality of remote units is greater than the measured received signal strength of the first plurality of remote units.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a secure metal roofing system are provided. The secure metal roofing system includes one or more elongate bars. The elongate bars include a number of slots spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction. Fasteners are disposed within the respective slots for securing the elongate bars to the roof structure. In this manner, the slots are sized and shaped to accommodate a difference in thermal expansion between the elongate bars, the fasteners, and the roof structure so as to minimize or prevent the fasteners from backing out of the roof structure due to changes in thermal and/or environmental conditions. The secure metal roofing system includes one or more roofing panels and a number of fasteners configured to secure the roofing panels to the elongate bars. Further, a moisture barrier is disposed between the roof structure and the elongate bars and roofing panels.

Abstract: A method for configuring a network device including an optical sensor includes activating the optical sensor of the network device to generate data representing an image in view thereof, and analyzing the data from the optical sensor to determine image information represented by the image. A network address is automatically assigned to the network device based on the image information represented by the image in view of the optical sensor. Related methods, systems, and apparatus are also discussed.

Abstract: A sales force automation system and method of facilitating a sales process which integrates computerized intelligent automated salesperson support for multiple phases of the sales process. Various subsystems may be provided to facilitate the sales process which may include pre-sales lead generation, maximize time spent with the customer, effectively manage an order, ensure customer satisfaction and retain the customer for future sales. Also provided to support the phases of the sales process are additional tools, integrated in the system. The additional tools may include self management subsystems, sales management subsystems and training subsystems.

Abstract: A network-based storage system comprises one or more block-level storage servers that connect to, and provide disk storage for, one or more host computers. In one embodiment, the system is capable of subdividing the storage space of an array of disk drives into multiple storage partitions, and allocating the partitions to host computers on a network. A storage partition allocated to a particular host computer may appear as local disk drive storage to user-level processes running on the host computer.

Abstract: A method and system for an integrated ejector valve assembly is provided. The integrated ejector valve assembly includes a first valve assembly configured to control a flow of relatively lower pressure fluid from a first inlet port, a second valve assembly configured to control a flow of relatively higher pressure fluid from a second inlet port, a first actuation chamber configured to close the first valve assembly, a second actuation chamber configured to close the second valve assembly, and a third actuation chamber configured to open the second valve assembly.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve housing. A bore is in the valve housing. An inlet supply port fluidly communicates a pressurized supply fluid to the bore. A piston is movably positioned in the bore based on the pressure of the supply fluid. A portion of the piston extends into a frusto-conically shaped portion of the bore. A sealing member is associated with the portion of the piston sealingly engaging a surface of the frusto-conically shaped portion of the bore based on the pressure of the supply fluid. An inlet valve, movably positioned in the bore, is biased to sealingly engage a wall of the bore based on the pressure of the supply fluid. A control pressure supply port fluidly communicates a pressurized control fluid to the bore through the valve housing. A control pressure delivery port fluidly communicates with the control pressure supply port, via the bore, based on the pressure of the supply fluid.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a fiber optic cable with one or more optical fiber ribbons attached to a fiber optic connector. The connector includes a ferrule assembly and a crimp body with a fiber access aperture. The aperture has at least two walls defining a first width and a second width defining a predetermined delta and a predetermined aspect ratio. The delta and aspect ratio provide optical fiber access for alignment of the optical fiber ribbon to the optical fiber ferrule assembly. A method of making the fiber optic connector assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic paper feeder for an image-scanning device with a pressure-adjustable mechanism for adjusting the paper feeding roller of the automatic paper feeder is disclosed. A pressure from paper sheets stacked on a paper tray of the automatic paper feeder is detected by a paper tray pressure detecting mechanism and transferred to a roller pressure adjusting mechanism to change a pressure between the paper feeding roller and a paper separating plate and adjust a feeding angle of the movable paper tray.