Abstract: Methods, apparatus, computer program products and other embodiments model a system's channel and noise characteristics using one or more Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) by modeling the state dynamics for one or more lines and associated profiles and by learning from the line history. Besides channel and noise characteristics, user data activity also can be modeled using an HMM, where all channel, noise and user data activity can be modeled jointly using HMMs as long as the joint states are properly defined. In multi-line systems, multiple lines (for example, a set of lines in a DSL system binder) may be modeled jointly. After learning channel, noise, user data activity and/or other dynamics using HMM techniques and methods, system operation and/or configuration parameters can be controlled based on the estimated HMM, providing flexible solutions for virtually any channel, noise, user data activity and/or other dynamics.

Abstract: A reaming tool includes a tubular body having a nose portion with a concave center. A plurality of blades defining junk slots therebetween extend axially behind the nose and taper outwardly from the exterior of the tubular body. Rotationally leading edges of the blades carry a plurality of cutting elements from the axially leading ends. Selected surfaces and edges of the blades bear tungsten carbide, which may comprise crushed tungsten carbide. The shell of the nose is configured to ensure drillout from the centerline thereof toward the side wall of the tubular body. A method of drilling out a reaming tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shutter mechanism for collimating x-rays has two parallel drive shafts and two parallel guide shafts orthogonal to the drive shafts to define a rectangular aperture. Two flexible bands moving around a generally rectangular path about the aperture independently control the positions of each set of shutters. Two cams on the drive shafts control the positions of the flexible bands and shutters. A pair of transverse shutters made of an x-ray opaque material are held in sliding engagement between the drive shafts. One end of each transverse shutter is attached to the first flexible band adjacent to the drive shafts. Similarly, a pair of longitudinal shutters are held in sliding engagement between the drive shafts. One end of each longitudinal shutter is attached to the second flexible band adjacent to the guide shafts.

Abstract: A system and methods are described for transcoding media content in the background on a source computer device prior to such time as a target media playback device is connected to the source computer for synchronization of the media content. The system and methods anticipate which media content to background-transcode based on user input rules and media status data that are maintained in a transcode database. Pre-transcoding media content provides advantages that include a significant reduction in the time needed to synchronize media content between a source computer and a target media playback device, and an efficient use of CPU power for transcoding media content at times when the CPU might otherwise stand idle.

Abstract: The drilling of a casing bit and any other equipment in the casing with another casing bit where at least two casing bits of different diameter and having associated casing sections may be assembled to form a drilling assembly for drilling subterranean formations, the at least two casing bits and casing sections are arranged in a telescoping relationship.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibacterial agents having the formulae I, II, and III described herein.

Abstract: A drive carrier for computer systems. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are drive carriers comprising a first suspension member that defines a first side of the drive carrier, a second suspension member that defines a second side of the drive carrier (the second suspension member configured to be manually flexed resiliently away from the drive carrier during installation of a disk drive), a handle having a hinge point coupled to the suspension members (the hinge point defining an axis of rotation for the handle, and the axis of rotation lies substantially parallel to a plane in which both suspension members reside), a first pin configured to couple to a mounting hole of the disk drive (and the first pin coupled to the first suspension member), and a second pin configured to couple to a mounting hole of the disk drive (and the second pin coupled to the second suspension member, wherein the first and second pins suspend the disk drive within the drive carrier between the suspension members).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a group of phosphors of the formula M2(SiO4)1-x-y-z(TiO4)x(ZrO4)y(HfO4)z:A,S and light emitting devices which utilize these phosphors.

Abstract: A reaming tool includes a tubular body having a nose portion with a concave center. A plurality of blades defining junk slots therebetween extend axially behind the nose and taper outwardly from the exterior of the tubular body. Rotationally leading edges of the blades carry a plurality of cutting elements from the axially leading ends. Selected surfaces and edges of the blades bear tungsten carbide, which may comprise crushed tungsten carbide. The shell of the nose is configured to ensure drillout from the centerline thereof toward the side wall of the tubular body. A method of drilling out a reaming tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: Lift adaptors for the hook-up and towing of heavy vehicles such as buses, coaches and trucks in a damage-free fashion, avoiding the need for pre-picking. The lift adaptors may be mounted to receivers slidable over the underlift crossbar of heavy-duty, underlift-type tow vehicles. An engagement end of the lift adaptors may be secured to the underside portion of a vehicle to be towed, using an eye bracket, apertures or another attachment mechanism. A movable boom may be used to locate the crossbar in a proper position beneath the towed vehicle, enabling engagement to the lift adaptors. The lift adaptors are preferably designed for quick decoupling in the field so that they may be replaced with forks or other hook-up or towing attachment mechanisms.

Abstract: A privacy filter comprises a first light transmissive film having a first plurality of rounded, optically opaque regions extending into a surface thereof. The first plurality of rounded, optically opaque regions are positioned to allow a viewer to view an image through the privacy filter within a range of viewing angles and to block viewing of the image through the privacy filter outside the range of viewing angles.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a data storage tape includes a first side including recorded data and a second side including recorded error correcting code data for the recorded data on the first side. In another embodiment, a data storage tape comprises a first side including recorded data and a second side including a copy of the recorded data. Embodiments of the invention may distribute related data across both sides of a data storage tape and as a result may reduce the probability that a location-dependent error in the data storage tape will result in irretrievable data loss. Embodiments of the invention may be particularly useful for systems that can simultaneously retrieve or record data on both sides of a dual-sided data storage tape.

Abstract: An underlying interconnect level containing underlying W vias embedded in a dielectric material layer are formed on a semiconductor substrate. A metallic layer stack comprising, from bottom to top, a low-oxygen-reactivity metal layer, a bottom transition metal layer, a bottom transition metal nitride layer, an aluminum-copper layer, an optional top transition metal layer, and a top transition metal nitride layer. The metallic layer stack is lithographically patterned to form at least one aluminum-based metal line, which constitutes a metal interconnect structure. The low-oxygen-reactivity metal layer enhances electromigration resistance of the at least one aluminum-based metal line since formation of compound between the bottom transition metal layer and the dielectric material layer is prevented by the low-oxygen-reactivity metal layer, which does not interact with the dielectric material layer.

Abstract: A fluid filtration unit having two or more filter medium layers and/or zones, at least one of the layers/zones having a different particle retention capability disposed on each side of a non-filtering separator element. The filter medium are presently preferably positioned such that each succeedingly distal filter layer or zone from the separator has a decreased particle retention capability than each proceeding filter layer or zone. The filter medium layer most proximal to the separator element may be separated from the separator by a support material for supporting such filter medium element and preventing collapsing of the medium into any separator conduit. At least one of the medium elements is formed from a material which swells in size due to fluid absorption with the various zones and the separator being operatively connected by a new and innovative edge seal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an asset classification system based on investment strategy. The system determines a diamond rating for peers within a selected investment strategy. The diamond ratings are based, in one configuration, on a combination of an extent to which a security or manager is outperforming or attempting to outperform a benchmark and how successful the security or manager has been based on historic performance data.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

Abstract: A magnetic recording tape includes an elongated substrate and a magnetic film coated over the elongated substrate, where the magnetic film includes a first magnetic recording layer. The first magnetic recording layer includes particles having a diameter that is between a factor from about 2 to 5 greater than a thickness of the first magnetic recording layer.

Abstract: A crustacean or rotifer is infected with a recombinant infectious virus that expresses a protein exogenous to the virus. The genome of the crustacean or rotifer itself remains unaltered. Crustacean, rotifer, insect, or viral promoters drive the transcription of a gene inserted into the recombinant virus genome, and the virus replicates in the crustacean or rotifer cell cytoplasm. The infected crustacean or rotifer can be provided directly to humans or non-human animals, or, following production and harvest of the crustaceans or rotifers, purified recombinant protein or polypeptide can be provided. Large quantities of biopharmaceuticals can be produced rapidly and inexpensively using this production system.

Abstract: A method of refurbishing a camshaft (100) having at least one defective portion (202, 206) includes removing material from the at least one defective portion (202, 206) to create a neck region (302). An alignment feature (402) is introduced in the neck region (302) according to a previous orientation of the defective portion (202, 206). A segmented blank (1008) is installed around the neck region (302) and oriented with the alignment feature (402).

Abstract: A method of refurbishing a camshaft (100) having at least one defective portion (202, 206) includes removing material from the at least one defective portion (202, 206) to create a neck region (302). An alignment feature (402) is introduced in the neck region (302) according to a previous orientation of the defective portion (202, 206). A blank (508) is installed around the neck region (302) and oriented with the alignment feature (402).