Abstract: System and methods are presented for configuring and managing metadata switches and platform licenses in a distributed system. Using metadata switches, a platform license can be developed for a software product without the need for an engineer to develop the platform license by hand. A software application depot can be used to configure metadata switches that provide configuration information for a particular aspect of the software product and, when associated to a platform license that utilizes metadata switches, generate an accessible platform license for use by tenant organizations.

Abstract: System and methods are presented for configuring and managing metadata switches and platform licenses in a distributed system. Using metadata switches, a platform license can be developed for a software product without the need for an engineer to develop the platform license by hand. A software application depot can be used to configure metadata switches that provide configuration information for a particular aspect of the software product and, when associated to a platform license that utilizes metadata switches, generate an accessible platform license for use by tenant organizations.

Abstract: A method in a computing environment for application start up includes: generating a directed acyclic graph (DAG) for tasks that are performed during application start-up; performing topological sorting of the tasks based on the DAG to define an order for the tasks; allocating a tenant-specific priority queue; loading the tasks in the tenant-specific priority queue in the order determined by the topological sorting; allocating a plurality of computing threads to executing the tasks; executing the tasks using the plurality of computing threads that were allocated, wherein a plurality of the tasks are executed in parallel, and the tasks are assigned to the computing threads in an order based on the order in which the task are loaded in the tenant-specific priority queue; preparing a start page for use in accessing the application; and causing the start page to be displayed on a user access device for accessing the application.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are directed to a Swappable Retractable Tool Tip (SRTT), which is designed as a next generation of friction stir welding tools and retractable tool tips. The disclosed SRTT may be “swappable,” having different types of retractable tool tips that can be assembled and employed as a part of the SRTT. A SRTT system can include at least: a blank tool holder, a piston, and a retractable tool tip. In operation, the blank tool holder allows air to flow to cause movement of the piston and the retractable tool tip. For example, compressed air can push up on the piston and the retractable tool tip, retracting it into a “home” position inside of the blank tool holder. Also, the SRTT can include springs that push down on the piston and the retractable tool tip, extending the tip into an “extended” position outside of the blank tool holder.

Abstract: A portable data collection device includes a FT-NIR spectrometer operable with a direct current (DC) power input, a hand-held probe having a large sampling area, a portable computer operable with a DC power input and configured for operation of the FT-NIR spectrometer; and a portable electric power source for providing a DC power output. The components of the portable data collection device are contained within a portable carrier. The portable data collection device is used onsite to obtain a spectra from a material sample. The spectra is sent by the portable computer of the portable data collection device to a remote computer/server. Application methods stored in a remote database analyze the spectra to obtain desired trait results for the material sample. The obtained results are stored on a remote database and can be displayed on a screen of an on-site mobile device.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are directed to a Swappable Retractable Tool Tip (SRTT), which is designed as a next generation of friction stir welding tools and retractable tool tips. The disclosed SRTT may be “swappable,” having different types of retractable tool tips that can be assembled and employed as a part of the SRTT. A SRTT system can include at least: a blank tool holder, a piston, and a retractable tool tip. In operation, the blank tool holder allows air to flow to cause movement of the piston and the retractable tool tip. For example, compressed air can push up on the piston and the retractable tool tip, retracting it into a “home” position inside of the blank tool holder. Also, the SRTT can include springs that push down on the piston and the retractable tool tip, extending the tip into an “extended” position outside of the blank tool holder.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, described herein is a system and method for providing a work manager for use in an application server environment. In accordance with an embodiment, a system administrator can configure a partition work manager to provide partition work request prioritization (fair share value) to each partition within a multitenant application server environment. The system administrator can additionally configure the partition work manager to impose a minimum threads constraint limit, a partition capacity constraint, and/or a partition maximum threads constraint, all of which restrict the use of thread resources by the partitions within the environment.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, described herein is a system and method for providing a work manager for use in an application server environment. In accordance with an embodiment, a system administrator can configure a partition work manager to provide partition work request prioritization (fair share value) to each partition within a multitenant application server environment. The system administrator can additionally configure the partition work manager to impose a minimum threads constraint limit, a partition capacity constraint, and/or a partition maximum threads constraint, all of which restrict the use of thread resources by the partitions within the environment.

Abstract: A method of delaying the onset of a backward wave mode in a frequency selective surface having a two dimensional array of conductive patches or elements and an RF ground plane, the two dimensional array of patches or elements being interconnected by variable capacitors, the method comprising separating grounds associated with the variable capacitors from the RF ground plane and providing a separate conductive mesh structure or arrangement as a bias voltage ground for the variable capacitors. A tunable impedance surface comprises a RF ground plane; a plurality of patches or elements disposed in an array a distance from the ground plane; a capacitor arrangement for controllably varying capacitance between at least selected ones of adjacent patches or elements in the array; and a grounding mesh associated with the capacitor arrangement for providing a control voltage ground to capacitors in the capacitor arrangement, the grounding mesh being spaced from the RF ground plane by dielectric material.

Abstract: Dual-band and multi-band radiating elements are described based on composite right/left-handed (CRLH) meta-material transmission line (TL). These elements can operate as resonators and/or antennas depending on feed-line configuration. The radiating elements are based on the fundamental backward wave supported by a composite right/left-handed (CRLH) meta-material transmission line (TL). Unit-cells of the transmission line comprise conductive patches coupled through vias to a ground plane. The physical size and operational frequencies of the radiating element is determined by the unit cell of the CRLH meta-material. This radiating element is configured for monopolar radiation at a first resonant frequency and patch-like radiation at a second resonant frequency. The first and second resonant frequencies are not constrained to a harmonic relationship.

Abstract: A system and method for prefabricating information pages is disclosed, in which the necessary steps to retrieve and package information requested by a user are preemptively performed by the computer system. When the user later makes an explicit request for information, the desired information can be immediately displayed to the user without the delays associated with contemporaneous retrieval and packaging of the information. The prefabrication system of the invention can be configured to automatically tune its processing to the changing conditions that exist in the computer system, which can be used to maximize use of available system resources. The present invention can be scalably deployed to perform coordinated prefabrication services on multiple, distributed computing nodes. In an embodiment, the invention is completely non-intrusive, in which no changes to existing application are required to implement prefabrication of pages.

Abstract: A fan assembly that can be used as a cooling fan or an air circulator. The fan assembly can provide the cooling and air circulation functions simultaneously or separately. The intensity of the cooling and/or air circulation can be individually controlled and directed. The fan assembly includes a base unit, a mounting frame rotatably coupled to the base unit, and a plurality of blower housings, each enclosing a fan and coupled to the mounting frame. The mounting frame is rotatable about an axis parallel to the support plane of the base. At least one of the blower housings is rotatably mounted to the mounting frame. The position of the blower housings can be adjusted through the manipulation of a positioning handle that is coupled to the rotatable blower housing.

Abstract: A pivot assembly that can be used with various appliances. The pivot assembly provides up to three degrees of freedom when positioning the appliance. The pivot may be used, for example, with a fan that is mounted on a base such that direction of the airflow generated can be adjusted about three coordinate axes by manipulating a single rotatable pivot mount. The fan assembly includes a base unit and an arm to which an appliance may be detachably coupled. The opposite end of the arm is provided with a spherical cap which is received by the base unit. Any adjustments to the positioning of the rotatable pivot mount are maintained by the friction within the rotatable pivot mount. Additionally, the pivot mount may include a pivot guide to restrict the degree of rotation about the pivot, thereby increasing stability.

Abstract: An appliance assembly that can provide multiple independently positionable appliances, such as fans. The appliance assembly includes a base support, a frame coupled to the base support, and a number of appliances each contained within an appliance housing. Each appliance housing is rotatably mounted to an outer gimbal such that it is rotatable about a first axis, and each outer gimbal is mounted to the frame such that it is rotatable about a second axis. The appliance assembly can provide two degrees of freedom for positioning each of the number of appliances. The frame, outer gimbals, and appliance housing can be formed in a variety of shapes. The appliance assembly can be used, for example, with any product where it is desirable to have multiple independently positionable assemblies, such as fans, speakers, microphones, lights, and heaters.

Abstract: A pivot assembly that can be used with various appliances. The pivot assembly provides up to three degrees of freedom when positioning the appliance. The pivot may be used, for example, with a fan that is mounted on a base such that direction of the airflow generated can be adjusted about three coordinate axes by manipulating a single rotatable pivot mount. The fan assembly includes a base unit and an arm to which an appliance may be detachably coupled. The opposite end of the arm is provided with a spherical cap which is received by the base unit. Any adjustments to the positioning of the rotatable pivot mount are maintained by the friction within the rotatable pivot mount. Additionally, the pivot mount may include a pivot guide to restrict the degree of rotation about the pivot, thereby increasing stability.

Abstract: A fan assembly that can be used as a cooling fan or an air circulator. The fan assembly can provide the cooling and air circulation functions simultaneously or separately. The intensity of the cooling and/or air circulation can be individually controlled and directed. The fan assembly includes a base unit, a mounting frame rotatably coupled to the base unit, and a plurality of blower housings, each enclosing a fan and coupled to the mounting frame. The mounting frame is rotatable about an axis parallel to the support plane of the base. At least one of the blower housings is rotatably mounted to the mounting frame. The position of the blower housings can be adjusted through the manipulation of a positioning handle that is coupled to the rotatable blower housing.

Abstract: A slider mounted CPP GMR or TMR read head sensor is protected from electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage and from noise and cross-talk from an adjacent write head by means of a balanced resistive/capacitative shunt. The shunt includes highly resistive interconnections between upper and lower shields of the read head and a grounded slider substrate and a low resistance interconnection between the lower pole piece of the write head and the substrate. The capacitances between the pole piece and the upper shield, the upper shield and the lower shield and the lower shield and the substrate are made equal by either forming the shields and pole piece with equal surface areas and separating them with dielectrics of equal thicknesses, or by keeping the ratio of area to insulator thicknesses equal.