Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for predicting an optimum transmission frame size in a wireless computer network. The method comprises assessing transmission channel quality in the network, calculating an optimum length for the transmission frame, adjusting the length of the transmission frame to the predicted optimum length, transmitting the frame at its adjusted length and assessing the quality of the transmission of the frame. Prediction of the optimum frame size employs a Kalman filter which employs the parameters of bit error rate and random processing noise in the calculation of the predicted optimum frame length.

Abstract: An intermodulation product reduction or cancellation amplifier received two input signals that are split in quadrature wherein the inphase outputs are summed and then amplified as an inphase signal, and the quadrature outputs are fixed-phase phase-shifted, then summed and then amplified as a quadrature signal. The inphase and quadrature signals are fed into an output hybrid for canceling intermodulation products, where the fixed-phase phase shift is +/?60° for reducing 3rd order, +/?36° for reducing 5th order, and +/?25.71° for reducing 7th order intermodulation products, for examples, for improved signal communications of the two signals over a common antenna or link.

Abstract: A golf hat includes a crown a brim extended from two sides and rear of the bottom edge of the crown, and a visor attached to front of the bottom edge of the crown to adjacent to the brim. The front here refers to extend from about eye to eye adjacent the forehead of a wear's head. Moreover, the golf hat further includes a tee mount, a pocket marker holder, an adjustable chinstrap and an adjustable headband. The tee mount is affixed on one side outer surface of the crown to hold a tee. The marker holder is formed on the visor to hold a golf ball marker. The adjustable includes two ends to be mated together or releasable.

Abstract: The hybrid active combiner and circulators serves as a coupler and is a three port network that integrates a directional coupler topology with active devices placed in the coupling paths in order to synthesize a low-loss active combiner circuit or a circulator device with minimal insertion losses. The coupler can have multiple stage amplifiers with transconductance values set according the Pascal's triangle for improved performance, and can function as a low cost and low weight transceiver well suited for various communications systems.

Abstract: A process for mutual authentication of users and networks over an unsecured wireless communication channel. In one embodiment, sensitive information (e.g., passwords) is not communicated over the unsecured channel. Rather, hashed representations of user identifiers, passwords, etc., and randomly generated numbers are communicated between the client and the network during the log-in process. The representations may be encrypted with a one-way hash function such that it is not computationally feasible for an eavesdropper to decrypt. In one embodiment, the representation may be generated based on the user identifier, password and/or MAC address of a wireless LAN card.

Abstract: A method and system for providing network connectivity and mobility for a roaming client. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, an access point (AP) is enabled with a smart agent and associated protocol. The smart agent is capable of monitoring the AP link status to the backbone network and where applicable the capability to capture the TCP/IP information. Further, the smart agent located at the AP has the capability of sending the AP connection and network status information to a client when that client associates with the AP, or when the AP's network status or configuration changes. The effect of the invention is to provide a radically simple user experience in networking connectivity and mobility in both wired and wireless network infrastructures.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the overall network throughput over a wireless local area network (WLAN). Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the dynamic switching between the Distributed Coordination Function (DCF) and Point Coordination Function IEEE 802.11 access modes is determined according to the load conditions over the WLAN in a method and system. Stations and access points within a WLAN monitor conditions within the network to determine which access mechanism is most optimum for the current load conditions. Some factors to consider in determining the load conditions include but are not limited to the number of transmissions, number of receptions, and number of collisions.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the overall network throughput over a wireless local area network (WLAN). Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the dynamic selection of an initial value for a contention window in the Distributed Coordinated Function (DCF) mode is determined according to the load conditions over the WLAN in a method and system. Stations and access points within a WLAN monitor conditions within the network to establish an initial value for the contention window, also called a minimum contention window value, which is lower than that set by the IEEE 802.11 communication standard. Some factors to consider in determining the load conditions include but are not limited to the following: number of transmissions; number of receptions; and number of collisions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for using a key lease in a secondary authentication protocol after a primary authentication protocol has been performed. In one embodiment, the primary authentication protocol comprises a strong, secure, computationally complex authentication protocol. Moreover, the secondary authentication protocol comprises a less complex (compared to the primary authentication protocol) and less secure (compared to the primary authentication protocol) authentication protocol which can be performed in a length of time that is shorter than a length of time required to perform the primary authentication protocol. In one embodiment, a wireless client electronic system (WC) completes the primary authentication protocol with a wireless network access point electronic system of a wireless network (AP). When the WC is required to authenticate with another AP, the WC authenticates itself with another AP by using the secondary authentication protocol.

Abstract: A plate for use in mixing and testing materials in the pharmaceutical industry is formed by a method in which an array of sample cells contain a U-shaped structure having two vertical apertures connected by a horizontal passage in a bottom sheet; reagents are drawn in to the vertical passages by capillary action and react in the horizontal passage. An optional version of the invention includes a relatively large reservoir for containing rinsing fluids.

Abstract: A plate for use in mixing and testing materials in the pharmaceutical industry is formed by a method in which an array of sample cells contain a U-shaped structure having two vertical apertures connected by a horizontal passage in a bottom sheet; reagents are drawn in to the vertical passages by capillary action or other forces and react in the horizontal passage. An optional version of the invention includes a relatively large reservoir for containing rinsing fluids.

Abstract: Grey scale linearity and power efficiency in active matrix (O) LEDs are enhanced by storing the grey value in a memory circuit, coupled to an adjusting circuit, preferably via a current mirror.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for performing an authenticated Diffie-Hellman key agreement protocol over a network where the communicating parties share a secret key with a third party. In one embodiment, the network is a wireless network, wherein a wireless client electronic system (WC) and a network access point electronic system (AP) are the parties executing the authenticated Diffie-Hellman key agreement protocol. In this embodiment, the WC and the AP exchange a shared secret key for encrypting wireless communications between the wireless client electronic system and the network access point electronic system. In one embodiment, the WC shares a first secret key with a RADIUS server of the network. Similarly, the AP shares a second secret key with the RADIUS server of the network. The first and second secret keys are utilized for performing an authentication protocol.

Abstract: A method for preparing a nucleic acid component of a sample for amplification includes contacting the sample with a porous support that deactivates a nucleic acid amplification inhibitor component of the sample and directing a fluid through the porous support, whereby the nucleic acid component of the sample is directed through at least a portion of the porous support and is separated from the support, thereby preparing the nucleic acid component for amplification.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing membranes is disclosed, and methods for making same.

Abstract: Grey scale linearity and power efficiency in active matrix (O) LEDs are enhanced by operating the display in a switched mode.

Abstract: Fluid element device including fluid elements arranged in a matrix configuration having rows and columns with the level of fluid in each fluid element being controllable by electric force. The fluid elements include capillary tubes having electrode segments electrically insulated from one another such that each segments is receivable of a different voltage. A first voltage delivery circuit applies voltage to selected fluid elements in one or more rows of fluid elements and a second voltage delivery circuit applies voltage to selected fluid elements in one or more columns of fluid elements. The fluid level rises in the selected fluid elements to which voltage is applied by both the first and second voltage delivery circuits. The capillary tubes are structured and arranged such that the level of fluid in the selected elements can be retained independent of the application of voltage by the first and second voltage delivery circuits.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus with an X-ray source for producing a beam of X-rays, an X-ray detector for detecting the beam, and an X-ray filter with filter elements. The X-ray filter is arranged between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector to attenuate the X-ray beam in each independent filter element individually. Each filter element can receive a liquid which is electrically conductive and X-ray absorbing, and is supplied via a transport channel, the X-ray absorptivity of each filter element being discretely adjustable by step-wise adjustment of the level of the liquid in each filter element. Each filter element includes a first electrode which is located in the wall of the filter element, on top of a substrate layer for applying an electric potential to the wall of the filter element. A second electric potential is applied to the liquid via a second electrode.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising fluid elements arranged in a matrix configuration, the level of fluid in each element being controllable by means of an electric force.

Abstract: Grey scal linearity and power efficiently in activ matrix (O) LEDs are enhanced by operating the display in a switched mode.