Abstract: A bicycle storage system for storing a bicycle, comprising: (i) a first flange to support a lower surface of a bicycle frame, the frame rotating about this first flange under the weight of the rear of the bicycle; and (ii) a second flange to contact an upper surface of that frame to prevent further rotation of the frame about the first flange, the flanges being arranged to then securely hold the frame. The first and the second flanges may be formed into a single, sinuous edge of a hollow cylindrical unit; this unit may be sized to store bicycle accessories.

Abstract: A slipcover system having a slipcover having a tubular cross-sectional orifice area that is substantially uniform for the longitudinal length of the slipcover; the slipcover being adapted to be fitted over the surface area, and for substantially the entire longitudinal length, of a collar to be used in combination with the slipcover; the slipcover having a longitudinal length that is substantially equal to the longitudinal length of the collar; the slipcover having a substantially closed-loop tubular shape; a decorative slipcover having at least one collar guide that is adapted to be fitted over a longitudinal length of the collar; the collar guide being removably attached to the decorative slipcover by a fastener selected from the group consisting of hook-and-loop faster, adhesive, and buttons; and an alternative collar slipcover that is directly and removably attached to the slipcover by a fastener selected from the group consisting of hook-and-loop faster, adhesive, and buttons.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for establishing location-based push-to-talk communication groups. A location determining application is incorporated within a communication network for members of a push-to-talk group. This application may include global positioning satellite technology incorporated in mobile communication devices carried by the members, a triangulation application incorporated at a communications server, or an RFID application associated with the members. Location data obtained on the members is maintained in a database that is accessible to a communications server facilitating communication between the members. When a member initiates a push-to-talk communication, other members of the group are contacted based upon their locations. The communication can be selectively transmitted to either those within a pre-designated location, or outside of the pre-designated location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing network performance are provided. In data provided by an application on a first host for transport or communication to an application associated with a second host according to a first data transport protocol is intercepted at the first host and wrapped or encapsulated in a test data packet formatted according to a second data transport protocol. The test data packet formatted according to the second data transport protocol includes, in addition to data comprising all or a portion of the original data packet, instrumentation information. The test data packet is then delivered to the second host, which unpacks the original data packet and the instrumentation information. A response packet containing instrumentation information may be sent from the second host to the first host to provide roundtrip performance metrics.

Abstract: Tonal transformation of speech is provided. A tone applicable to a syllable of received speech is determined. A tonal contour applicable to said tone for a dialect of a listener is determined, and the syllable of received speech is altered to have said determined tonal contour. The altered speech may then be delivered to the listener.

Abstract: Tonal correction of speech is provided. Received speech is analyzed and compared to a table of commonly mispronounced phrases. These phrases are mapped to the phrase likely intended by the speaker. The phrase determines to be the phrase the user likely intended can be suggested to the user. If the user approves of the suggestion, tonal correction can be applied to the speech before that speech is delivered to a recipient.

Abstract: The automatic completion of composite characters is supported by the generation of lists of candidate words or characters. Such lists may be generated by specifying letters or word shapes that are required to be included in candidate words or characters, independent of the order in which a specified letter or word shape is traditionally added to the completed word or character. In a subtractive mode, a user may exclude words or characters that include one or more letters or word shapes specified by the user.

Abstract: Speech recognition assisted autocompletion of textual composite words or characters (i.e. words or characters containing a number of components) is provided. In response to user input specifying a component of a word or character, a list of candidate words or characters is generated. The desired word or character can be selected, or the list of candidate words or characters can be narrowed, in response to the user speaking the desired word or character. As a result, entry of words or characters formed from a number of letters, strokes, or word shapes is facilitated by user input comprising a combination of a specification of a component of the desired word or character and speech corresponding to a pronunciation of the desired word or character.

Abstract: A polarization modulator device for modulating a polarization of an electromagnetic wave includes a corrugated metallic waveguide having an interior cylindrical opening defined therein and situated along a longitudinal axis of the waveguide. The corrugated metallic waveguide also has a first waveguide section and a second waveguide section. The waveguide sections are separated by a dielectric break. A central structure is situated along the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. The central structure is supported substantially in the center of the interior cylindrical opening of the waveguide. The cylinder is substantially situated within the dielectric break of the waveguide. A magnetic field source is configured to permit a controllable magnetic field in the cylinder, wherein the magnetic field modulates a polarization of the electromagnetic wave by an angle related to the strength of the magnetic field. A polarimeter using the polarization modulator is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus identifying an item by attaching a radio frequency identification device to the item; obtaining encryption information; generating an encrypted code from the encryption information by a programmer; inserting the encrypted code into the radio frequency identification device by the programmer whereas the encrypted code may be one of a plurality of encrypted codes; attempting to access the radio frequency identification device by a security reader by transmission of another encrypted code to the radio frequency identification device; and responding with a correct access signal by the radio frequency identification device in response to receipt of the other encrypted code if the other encrypted code is same as the inserted encrypted code.

Abstract: A bicycle storage system for storing a bicycle, comprising: (i) a first flange to support a lower surface of a bicycle frame, the frame rotating about this first flange under the weight of the rear of the bicycle; and (ii) a second flange to contact an upper surface of that frame to prevent further rotation of the frame about the first flange, the flanges being arranged to then securely hold the frame. The first and the second flanges may be formed into a single, sinuous edge of a hollow cylindrical unit; this unit may be sized to store bicycle accessories.

Abstract: A system and/or method which offers customer-driven aggregation of data, with the ability to dynamically modify the filing hierarchy and to store, create and organize digital financial information. The system enables customers to establish a hierarchy of file folders, file any payment whether paper or electronic in a folder for future reference, provide secure storage for an indefinite period for any payment, including credit card payments, debit card transactions, imaged checks, electronic bill payments or account statements. As such, customers can create and change at will their file folder hierarchy and file documents with notes. Customers can set a preference for automatic filing based on pre-established criteria such as folders based standard merchant categories or by month. Customers can also ‘file’ payments when they are created or viewed in the transaction history.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated detection and removal of solar interference in real time from NEXRAD or other similar radar products. The radar site latitude and longitude and scan elevation time are extracted from the radar data and a position of the Sun is determined for the extracted latitude and longitude and scan time. A radial that has been contaminated with solar interference is determined and the solar interference is removed from that radial; The removal process does not impact the timeliness of critical products, and conservatively removes solar interference. In addition inaccuracies with NEXRAD clock time synchronization are accounted for to ensure accurate results.