Abstract: A system for enhancing flight safety of a host aircraft receives an adjustment value from a portable memory device; determines a working value of a parameter in accordance with the adjustment value; and provides an advice for threat avoidance in accordance with the working value of the parameter, a terrain database, and an expected climb gradient capability of the host aircraft. The adjustment value may describe an adjustment to at least one of: an aircraft capability parameter, a flight crew capability parameter, a mission parameter, a threat detection technique parameter, a threat advice parameter, or a threat avoidance parameter. Threats include a risk of colliding with other aircraft, colliding with terrain, and encountering adverse weather conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packet switch and a packet switching method. An example embodiment of the present invention comprises at least three network ports, at least one instrument port, a mux-switch, a packet switch fabric, and an address table. The embodiment updates the address table to include the source address of each ingress packet of each network port and associate the source address with that network port. The mux-switch routes the ingress packet traffic of each network port according to the identity of the network port so that at least a copy of the packet traffic of one of the network ports is routed to an instrument port. The packet switch fabric routes the packets from the instrument ports to the network ports according the destination address of the packet and the identity of the network port that is associated with the destination address as recorded in the address table.

Abstract: A method and a device capable of making fine-tune adjustments in the traveling limits of a movable barrier operator are disclosed. More particularly, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises of a movable barrier operator for controlling a travel limit of a movable barrier comprises of an electrical component sending an input signal to a controller, a controller to derive an output signal from the input signal, and a motor to receive the output signal and modify the travel limit of the movable barrier. More specifically, said method and device can be used to make such fine-tune adjustments to modify an undesirable gap of a movable barrier in its fully closed or fully open positions.

Abstract: Unique brackets, which form a bracket assembly that may be placed at any location of various components to form an assembly piece, such as furniture are disclosed. An assembled furniture piece made of furniture panels interconnected with attached engaging and receiving brackets is provided. The engaging and receiving brackets are positioned on components to facilitate the connection of the components. A method to assemble furniture having preformed arm, base, seat and back components is provided. This method of assembly saves on shipment costs, and facilitates the repair of damaged furniture.

Abstract: Techniques are described for improved monitoring and control of a patient's physiologic status, such as blood glucose control according to a protocol for use in a patient care unit, such as an intensive care unit. Instructions to medical staff are adapted to factor in variations in responses to protocol recommendations. For example, a patient's physiological data as a result of a blood analysis is submitted as input to a program. An instruction for a medical procedure for the patient in response to the physiological data is automatically provided by the program. A confirmation response that the medical procedure has been accomplished and results of following the medical procedure are requested by the program. The time when the medical procedure was accomplished and the results of following the medical procedure are evaluated by the program to determine whether to adapt a subsequent instruction.

Abstract: Glycerin-containing explosive compositions comprising at least an oxidizer and glycerin are provided. The explosive compositions may comprise a glycerin, such as impure or crude glycerin, modified crude glycerin, substantially pure glycerin or pure glycerin. The explosive compositions may comprise other combustible fuels such as fuel oil or carbonaceous material(s). The explosive compositions may be prepared on site, loaded in bulk on mobile platforms, and/or prepared and packaged in suitable containers.

Abstract: A modular metal hydride hydrogen storage unit utilizing compartmentalization to maintain a uniform metal hydride powder density thereby reducing strain on the vessel due to repeated cycling. The modular metal hydride hydrogen storage unit may be constructed using prefabricated pressure containment vessels.

Abstract: A communications center supports sales and/or customer support services corresponding to a plurality of business affiliations. Operator terminals within the communications center are configurable. A management module manages the allocation of the operator terminals between the plurality of different business affiliations being supported by the communications center. The management module loads a set of configuration information into an operator terminal to match a determined business affiliation with a customer's communications device capabilities. At different times, e.g. corresponding to an initial communications session and a follow-on communications session, the same customer may be connected to different physical operator terminals and be communicating with different actual operators; however, from the perspective of the customer, the customer is made to think that the communication is with the same operator terminal and same operator.

Abstract: An approach is provided for encoding information bits to output a coded signal using turbo code encoding with a low code rate.

Abstract: An approach is provided for distributing video signals. A digital video feed is received at a media distributor that includes a plurality of decoders and a corresponding plurality of modulators, wherein the digital video feed includes a plurality of video channels. The decoders decode the digital video feed to output analog video signals. The modulators modulate the analog video signals; and a combiner combines the outputs of the modulators to generate a channelized video signal.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly comprising a connector housing, at least one multi-fiber ferrule maintained within the connector housing, the at least one multi-fiber ferrule defining a front end for presenting at least one optical fiber for optical connection with at least one other mating ferrule and a rear end for inserting the at least one optical fiber into the ferrule, and a biasing member maintained within the connector housing operable for providing a biasing force to the multi-fiber ferrule, wherein the biasing force is not applied to the rear end of the multi-fiber ferrule. A connector assembly including a 72 fiber ferrule and force centering structure for applying on-axis force to the ferrule, while preventing off-axis forces generated by a biasing spring from being applied to the ferrule.

Abstract: A spinning impingement multiphase contacting device and method for heat or mass transfer are disclosed. A first fluid, from which the transfer is to occur, is caused to impinge and be entrained in a spinning permeable element, creating a highly dispersed phase. The highly dispersed phase contacts the second fluid to cause the desired heat or mass transfer.

Abstract: A system may include a locator device to track a location of a user, store information identifying locations of a group of telephone devices, and identify one telephone device of the group of telephone devices based on the location of the one telephone device and the location of the user in response to an incoming telephone call request for the user.

Abstract: A quick connector coupling assembly includes a retainer to connect a rigid tube to a hollow body component. A sleeve extending between a fluid sealing member and the retainer includes a rearward abutment surface in abutting contact with the retainer. The retainer locking arms include forward abutment surfaces in abutting relation with the tube upset and forward abutment surfaces in abutting relation with the sleeve. An insertion verifier includes a ring portion with axially extending legs positioned in the slots between the retainer locking arms. At least one leg includes a releasable latch engaged with the retainer in the slots between the locking arms. Guide elements on the retainer and insertion verifier align the verifier legs and retainer slots on insertion of the verifier.

Abstract: A dual-tuned volume coil for performing MR imaging according to one embodiment includes an inner cylinder having a first coil structure disposed on an inner surface thereof and a second coil structure disposed on an outer surface thereof. The first coil structure operates at a first resonance frequency and the second coil structure operates at a second resonance frequency. The volume coil includes an outer shield disposed about the inner cylinder, with the first and second coil structure being connected to the outer shield by means of a plurality of capacitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an angled optical fiber cleaver that is used to cleave optical fibers prior to mechanical splicing and that provides a desired optical fiber endface angle. More specifically, the present invention relates to an angled optical fiber cleaver that incorporates a novel retention and rotation clamp assembly that successively engages, securely holds, and rotates an optical fiber prior to cleaving, this rotation providing the desired optical fiber endface angle. Advantageously, the novel retention and rotation and clamp assembly of the present invention is actuated via a single linear button press/release, eliminating the cumbersome steps associated with conventional devices and methodologies.

Abstract: A package and two part blank for forming a package for carrying one or more articles comprising a carton having a plurality of wall panels for forming a tubular structure wherein each end of the carton is closed by a first panel hingedly connected to one of the wall panels, an intermediate panel hingedly connected to another wall panel of the carton and adapted to be placed in face contacting relationship within the inner face of the first panel. There further comprises within the carton an insert structure for supporting the one or more articles including a second panel. An aperture or recess is provided in the intermediate panel such that glue applied to an outer face of the second panel and the intermediate panel secures together said first, second and intermediate panels when placed together in face contacting relationship to close the end of the carton.

Abstract: A quick connector coupling to releasably connect a rigid tube into a hollow body component bore with a resilient seal member creating a fluid tight seal. A seat member retainer includes legs abutting the body component. It includes an insertion sleeve that receives the axial insertion forces to insert the seal member retainer into the bore. A protective cap is arranged to contain preassembled seal and retainer components for assembly onto the rigid tube.