Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for adaptive data unit transmission. A sliding window is filled with data units and designates a sliding window start position and a sliding window end position. A value for each of the data units in the sliding window is stored, the value representing a maximum number of times that each data unit is to be transmitted. The stored value is different among at least two of the data units. Data units are selected from the sliding window to be assembled into a packet. An assembled packet is transmitted to a receiving computerized device. A determination that the data unit positioned at the sliding window start position has been transmitted a maximum number of time is performed, and in response a different data unit is positioned at the sliding window start position.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for managing consumer transactional accounts provides a temporary line of credit with an installment option that a consumer can use for specific occasions or life events. The account remains open for only a limited period of time during which interest does not accrue. Thereafter, the account automatically expires, interest begins to accrue on the amount charged on the account, and an invoice is sent to the consumer with a number of payment options.

Abstract: The present invention is a platform for an electronic device such as a tablet computer or personal video player. The platform for an electronic device with a screen preferably comprises a rectangular device case with a landscape position and a portrait position and a lockable entry port lid. The case has a view port for the screen and four attachment blade ports. One blade port is on each side of the device case. The platform has two adjustable support legs with an attachment blade, padded end and a string lock. The attachment blades are insertable into the blade ports and lock with a snap tab into the port. The platform further has a length of string with a sleeve of padding and an adjustment loop attached to each leg. The string can be adjusted so the platform has a deployed mode and a carrying mode.

Abstract: An acoustical panel construction useful as a suspended ceiling tile having a rectangular shape bounded by edges and establishing a face area comprising at least one corrugated layer or layers of a total thickness, the layer or layers having a multitude of parallel flutes extending across an expanse of the rectangular shape substantially from one edge of the panel to an opposite edge, the flutes being formed by walls of the layer or layers and being of known volume, a series of apertures each of known area through the wall or walls of the flutes communicating with the atmosphere at the face, the aperture area, flute cavity volume associated with an aperture, and the total thickness of the corrugated layers associated with an aperture being arranged to produce a maximum absorption frequency between 200 and 2,000 Hz.

Abstract: Automatically selecting a browser and providing a web page service. In one embodiment, this comprises: sending a request to a server; receiving a web page from the server; determining whether the web page has at least one preference tag; selecting a preferred browser according to the at least one preference tag; and initiating the preferred browser.

Abstract: An enhanced find and replace feature for a spreadsheet program module is disclosed. The enhanced find and replace feature allows users to search for terms and attributes across multiple sheets of a workbook. The find and replace feature also allows searches to be performed based on the formatting attributes of a cell as well as the textual or numerical contents of a cell. The enhanced find and replace feature also allows users to perform bulk formatting of cells (even cells without text) in a spreadsheet. In another aspect, the enhanced find and replace feature lists all the results of the find operation in a results list so that the user may choose which result(s) to view and edit. In another aspect, the find and replace feature is modeless so that a user can search for terms or attributes, view a results list, exit the find and replace feature, perform editing functions in the document and then return to the find and replace feature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating and compensating for a broad class of non-Gaussian sensor and process noise. In one example, a coded filter combines a dynamic state estimator (for example, a Kalman filter) and a non-linear estimator to provide approximations of the non-Gaussian process and sensor noise associated with a dynamic system. These approximations are used by the dynamic state estimator to correct sensor measurements or to alter the dynamic model governing evolution of the system state. Examples of coded filters leverage compressive sensing techniques in combination with error models based on concepts of compressibility and the application of efficient convex optimization processes.

Abstract: A terminal and a method for exchanging electronic business cards that can guarantee privacy and guarantee complete and consistent communications to the user are provided. The terminal for exchanging electronic business cards with a device connected via a communications network stores the first public key and the first secret key, the first electronic certificate that includes the first public key and components of an electronic business card. The terminal prepares a first electronic business card from the components of an electronic business card that have been read from the memory, transmits the first electronic business card, together with the first electronic certificate that has been read from the memory, receives data encrypted by using the first public key, and decodes the encrypted data that has been received by using the first secret key that has been read from the memory.

Abstract: In general, in one embodiment, a starfield image as seen by an object is analyzed. Compressive samples are taken of the starfield image and, in the compressed domain, processed to remove noise. Stars in the starfield image are identified and used to determine an attitude of the object.

Abstract: In general, in one embodiment, a starfield image as seen by an object is analyzed. Compressive samples are taken of the starfield image and, in the compressed domain, processed to remove noise. Stars in the starfield image are identified and used to determine an attitude of the object.

Abstract: In general, in one embodiment, a starfield image as seen by an object is analyzed. Compressive samples are taken of the starfield image and, in the compressed domain, processed to remove noise. Stars in the starfield image are identified and used to determine an attitude of the object.

Abstract: A friction ball joint and a method for using the friction ball joint are provided. A clam shell is formed from at least two segments. The interior of the clam shell segment, where the ball is in contact, is roughened. The clam shell segments may be interlocked to retain a ball. The surface of the ball is roughened. When the friction ball joint is assembled, the rough surfaces of the ball and the clam shell segments are in contact and resist movement.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for walking support are provided. The walking support is comprised of a sole, a toe cover connected to the sole at the front of the sole, and a heel cup connected to the sole at the rear of the sole. The heel cup may have a vertical extension that extends upward to a cuff that wraps around the wearer's lower leg. The walking support may be worn over stockings with conventional shoes or boots, or may be incorporated into the footwear. A boot incorporating a walking support includes a lower leg cuff, which is closed in the same manner as the boot. A shoe incorporating a walking support does not incorporate a lower leg cuff.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a personal electronic device on a user's wrist are provided. The device incorporates a wrist strap attached to a base attachment leg. The base attachment leg is also attached to a friction hinge. The friction hinge is in turn attached to an extension arm. The extension arm may be a telescoping arm. The extension arm is also attached to a ball joint, which may be a friction ball joint or a locking ball joint. A case support leg is also attached to the ball joint. A case is attached to the case support leg and may also serve as protection for the electronic device. In use, the friction hinge allows for the electronic device to be moved into a viewing position at a desired angle. The ball joint allows rotation of the device between portrait and landscape orientations.

Abstract: A friction ball joint and a method for using the friction ball joint are provided. A clam shell is formed from at least two segments and has a mechanical element extending from one of the clam shell segments. A cap that has a mechanical element extending from the rounded portion of the cap is also provided. This cap covers the joined clam shell segments opposite the mechanical element extending from the clam shell. The clam shell surrounds a spring that pushes the cap against the fixed outer clam shell, creating friction that retains the friction ball joint in the desired position. Further embodiments provide a locking assembly and an external spring or clamp. In these embodiments the spring or clamp is placed over the outside of the ball and clam shell. The ball has holes disposed over its surface to receive a locking assembly to hold the ball joint in the selected position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for securely holding a tool are provided. The apparatus includes a glove covering a user's palm and fingers. This flap has a piece of adhesive fabric attached. An additional piece of adhesive fabric is placed on the glove over the user's thumb pad. On the back of the user's hand, over the user's fingernails are located additional pieces of adhesive fabric. In use, the user grasps the tool normally and uses the flap and the adhesive fabric pieces to secure the adhesive fabric, forming a secure grip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a personal electronic device are provided. The device incorporates a support frame structure comprised of three legs. A vertical leg is attached to a shoulder strap, while the horizontal legs are attached to a chest strap. A lower joint is located between the two horizontal legs and this lower joint is also attached to an electronic device support leg. The electronic device support leg is attached to the lower joint and also to a ball joint at the end opposite the lower joint. In use, the lower joint allows for the electronic device to be moved into a viewing position at a desired angle. The ball joint allows rotation of the device between portrait and landscape orientations. A case may also be attached to the electronic device support leg to contain the personal electronic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for directing a flashlight is provided. The apparatus comprises: a base; a receptacle mechanically coupled to the base; a clip mechanically coupled to the opposite side of the base capable of securing the apparatus to an article of clothing; and one or more hinges mechanically coupled to the base and receptacle, and optionally one or more straps mechanically coupled to the receptacle for attaching a flashlight to the receptacle. Such apparatus and related methods facilitate directing a flashlight's beam in front of a user while simultaneously securing the flashlight to a user's article of clothing.

Abstract: Described is a technology in a network load balancing system (node cluster), by which client affinity is preserved across cluster configuration changes, including for new connections from a previous client. Each node maintains a list of the clients that are to remain (have affinity, or “stickiness”) with that node, including following bucket redistribution resulting from convergence. Each affinity list is communicated during convergence so that other nodes may build an exception list or lists. Via a node's exception list, the node that owns a bucket corresponding to a client knows of the affinity with another node and thus drops any packets from that client. Affinity may expire, whereby the node having affinity with that client releases it and notifies the node owning the bucket for that client that the client is no longer to be treated as an exception.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention improve the quality of search results returned for a given set of search terms based on metadata associated with the user performing the search. A search query may specify metadata elements to consider in ranking the search results. The metadata used may include bookmarks set by the user (either locally or at a social bookmaking site), group bookmarks, etc. In such a case, search results may be reordered to improve the ranking of websites that are both in the search results and in the bookmarks.