Abstract: The invention is directed to a target in the form of a super precision scan sphere that can be utilized in existing systems having smaller scan spheres. The present scan sphere has an interior chamber and can be placed over an existing sphere. A magnet in the interior chamber can be used to adhere the scan sphere to the smaller existing sphere.

Abstract: A system and method of providing travel service listings is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a request for a particular travel related service and searching a database for at least one travel provider that provides the particular travel related service requested. The method further includes generating a travel service listing via a search of the database wherein the database associating at least one particular travel provider of the requested travel related service and identifying an assigned protocol of the at least one particular travel provider. In addition, the assigned protocol contemporaneously indicating an ability of the at least one particular travel provider to satisfy a plurality of predetermined standards.

Abstract: A hosting partition update mechanism allows updating I/O capability of a logically-partitioned computer system in a way that minimally affects the performance and availability of I/O in the computer system. When an update is needed, a new hosting partition is created with the desired update(s). I/O adapters in the current hosting partition are then migrated to the new hosting partition. The migration of an I/O adapter from the current hosting partition to the new hosting partition is relatively fast, thereby minimally impacting system performance and availability of I/O. Once all of the I/O adapters have been migrated to the new hosting partition, the current hosting partition may be kept as a backup, or may be eliminated. Providing a new or backup hosting partition allows updates to be performed in the new or backup hosting partition in a non-disruptive manner while the current hosting partition continues to service I/O requests.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell with improved light spectrum sensitivity. The cell is made of layers positioned adjacent to one another; with the layers, in order, consisting of: a collector device; a layer of a p-type halogen salt of silver; a layer of an n-type halogen salt of silver; and an emitter device; wherein the halogen salts are preferably either silver bromide or silver chloride, and which halogen salts act as anode and cathode.

Abstract: The system of subterranean wells includes a subsurface flow line 20 having at least a portion within or underlining one or more subterranean formations 12. One or more drainage wells 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34 each extend from the surface and intercept at least one of the subterranean formations at a respective interception location. A lower portion of each drainage well is in fluid communication with the subsurface flow line. A recovery well 42 extends from the surface and is also in fluid communication with the subsurface flow line, so that fluids entering the drainage well flow into the subsurface flow line and then into the recovery well.

Abstract: A hosting partition update mechanism allows updating the I/O capability of a logically-partitioned computer system in a way that minimally affects the performance and availability of I/O in the computer system. When an update is needed, a new hosting partition is created with the desired update(s). The I/O adapters in the current hosting partition are then migrated to the new hosting partition. The migration of an I/O adapter from the current hosting partition to the new hosting partition is relatively fast, thereby minimally impacting system performance and availability of I/O. Once all of the I/O adapters have been migrated to the new hosting partition, the current hosting partition may be kept as a backup, or may be eliminated. Providing a new or backup hosting partition allows updates to be performed in the new or backup hosting partition in a non-disruptive manner while the current hosting partition continues to service I/O requests.

Abstract: At least one input/output (I/O) firmware partition is provided in a partitioned environment to facilitate access to I/O resources owned by the at least one I/O firmware partition. The I/O resources of an I/O firmware partition are shared by one or more other partitions of the environment, referred to as consumer partitions. The consumer partitions use the I/O firmware partition to access the I/O resources. Since the I/O firmware partitions are responsible for providing access to the I/O resources owned by those partitions, the consumer partitions are relieved of this task, reducing complexity and costs in the consumer partitions.

Abstract: An I/O adapter sharing mechanism in a logically partitioned computer system allows sharing a network I/O adapter between logical partitions in an efficient manner. A first logical partition owns (or controls) the I/O adapter, and a second logical partition desires to use (or share) the I/O adapter. An I/O adapter device driver that includes a hardware interface is provided in the first logical partition. A virtual device driver is provided in the second logical partition that provides a set of functions that is at least partially defined by querying the I/O adapter device driver in the first logical partition. The I/O adapter sharing mechanism includes a transfer mechanism that allows data to be transferred directly from the virtual device driver in the second logical partition to the I/O adapter without passing through the I/O adapter device driver in the first logical partition.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for inhibiting and preventing a malignant cell phenotype by administering to cells a low dose of a nitric oxide mimetic are provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for auto-configuration of an internal network interface are disclosed. Embodiments may install an internal VLAN manager in a logically partitioned computer system along with network agents in each of the partitions in the logically partitioned system to facilitate configuring an internal communications network and the corresponding internal network interfaces in each participating partition. In particular, an administrator accesses internal VLAN manager, selects an internal VLAN ID, selects each of the participating partitions, and configures the communications network with global parameters and ranges. The internal VLAN manager then generates partition parameters and incorporates them into messages for each of the partitions selected to participate in the internal network.

Abstract: A Geothermal Power Generator which includes apparatus and method for the in-situ recovery of geothermal energy using thermotunnelling or thermionic converters. These are diode devices that produce electricity when a temperature gradient is applied across them. The electricity thus produced in a downhole environment is conducted to the surface where it can be used as an effective electrical source.

Abstract: A method and system for exchanging information over a communications network are described. According to one embodiment, an exemplary method of the invention includes connecting two or more clients to a proxy over the communications network, activating a shared session between the clients, and enabling co-navigation of one or more web documents with dynamic content by the clients during the shared session.

Abstract: A flow meter has a body, an inlet operatively connected to a source of gas, and an outlet. A valve for opening and closing the outlet is provided which includes a valve seat, a valve shaft movable axially relative to the valve seat and a valve member on the valve shaft. The valve member movable by axial translation of the valve shaft between a first position in which the valve member engages the valve seat to close the outlet and a second position in which the valve member is spaced from the valve seat to allow gas to pass through said outlet. The flow meter further includes a sensor which senses the position of said valve member relative to said valve seat and generates a signal indicative of said position. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises an infrared light emitter and an infrared photo-detector positioned on opposite sides of the valve member, which is preferably conical. Depending on the axial position of the valve member, the amount of light which reaches the photodetector changes.