Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for providing a propensity multiplier for customer message and opportunity management, such that an associate can more effectively assist a customer. The system may provide a customer profile associated with the customer to the channel. The profile compiles customer interaction data, including real-time and batched historic customer interaction data. This data is utilized to predict communication points and opportunities for the customer that may be most relevant to the customer. In this way, the system determines a propensity for each of the communication points and/or opportunities and modifies the ranking of each based on triggers from the received customer interaction data. Thus, providing the communication points and opportunities to an associate within a customer profile, such that the associate is prepared with communication points and opportunities tailored for the customer he/she is interacting with.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a home alarm and supporting various control functions including STB recording functions are described. In some embodiments, e.g., where the STB is a DOCSIS capable device, communications between the control panel and STB is through a gateway and/or server which allow the IP based control panel to interact with the STB via a communications network and other devices located external to the customer premise where the control panel is located. In embodiments where the STB supports IP capability, communication between the control panel and STB is via a home network. In some embodiments upon selecting an alarm activation option a user is provided an opportunity to select at least one of: recordings, which are scheduled for deletion, to be preserved, or suggestions for programs for recording. Upon alarm deactivation, a list of new recordings made in user's absence and a missed call log is presented.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nanofiber yarns, ribbons, and sheets; to methods of making said yarns, ribbons, and sheets; and to applications of said yarns, ribbons, and sheets. In some embodiments, the nanotube yarns, ribbons, and sheets comprise carbon nanotubes. Particularly, such carbon nanotube yarns of the present invention provide unique properties and property combinations such as extreme toughness, resistance to failure at knots, high electrical and thermal conductivities, high absorption of energy that occurs reversibly, up to 13% strain-to-failure compared with the few percent strain-to-failure of other fibers with similar toughness, very high resistance to creep, retention of strength even when heated in air at 450° C. for one hour, and very high radiation and UV resistance, even when irradiated in air. Furthermore these nanotube yarns can be spun as one micron diameter yarns and plied at will to make two-fold, four-fold, and higher fold yarns.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing indications of received emergency alert messages to devices within a consumer premises are disclosed. In one embodiment, a consumer premise equipment (CPE) receiving one or more emergency alert messages from a content provider or managed network determines one or more alert responses for one or more devices of the consumer premise network. In one implementation, the responses are based at least in part on the received emergency alert messages themselves. The CPE issues one or more commands to one or more devices present within the consumer premises (which may be for example a home automation system), to indicate the one or more determined alert indication responses, such as auditory alert and visual alert by the one or more devices. Thus, users in the consumer premises may be made aware of an alert message outside of the typical means in which an alert is displayed, such as via a television.

Abstract: A positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is provided herein. The PCV system includes an engine assembly, the engine assembly including an engine block, a cylinder head, a valve cover, and an intake manifold and a PCV passage providing fluidic communication between a crankcase of the engine assembly and a cylinder intake port of the engine assembly without hoses or conduits external to the engine assembly.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a post for an intake manifold having a first portion and a second portion held together is set forth. Each of the portions extends from a shell half that, when the two shells are attached to one another, form the intake manifold. Each of the portions includes a face. A groove is formed on at least one of the portions. A seal is fitted in the groove. A fastener hole is formed in the portions. In one portion the fastener hole passes through the portion and in the other a thread is formed by a thread forming fastener. The seal may be positioned in a groove formed on a post face, in a groove formed adjacent the opening of the fastener-receiving hole in the post, or in a groove formed on an interior wall of the post adjacent a cap fitted over the head of the thread forming fastener.

Abstract: The present invention relates to retinal prostheses, and in particular to the transfer of electrical power and data from outside of the human body to such a prosthesis. The retinal prosthesis comprises: A retinal electrode array implanted in the eye to stimulate the retina. A receiving coil implanted sub-sclerally to inductively receive power or data signals, or both. An electrical connection between the implanted receiving coil and the implanted retinal electrode array. Wherein the receiving coil is flexible and able to conform to scleral curvature, when it is implanted. And wherein power or data signals, or both, received by the receiving coil from a remote transmitting coil are automatically provided to the electrode array. According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for implanting a retinal prosthesis. In a further aspect the present invention further provides an ocular implant.

Abstract: This disclosure involves a method of controlling a safety critical control device, the method comprising: sending user inputs to a first state machine, identifying user inputs by the first state machine, determining the correct state to communicate to a second state machine, the correct state being determined by selecting one state of a plurality of states depending on the user inputs, communicating the correct state to a second state machine through a control bus, and determining the correct state for the second state machine based on communication from the control bus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling a home alarm and supporting various control functions including STB recording functions are described. In some embodiments, e.g., where the STB is a DOCSIS capable device, communications between the control panel and STB is through a gateway and/or server which allow the IP based control panel to interact with the STB via a communications network and other devices located external to the customer premise where the control panel is located. In embodiments where the STB supports IP capability, communication between the control panel and STB is via a home network. In some embodiments upon selecting an alarm activation option a user is provided an opportunity to select at least one of: recordings, which are scheduled for deletion, to be preserved, or suggestions for programs for recording. Upon alarm deactivation, a list of new recordings made in user's absence and a missed call log is presented.

Abstract: A method and device for tissue removal. The device may be used to remove uterine fibroids and other abnormal gynecological tissue. According to one embodiment, the device includes a housing, an outer tube, and an inner tube. The outer tube is fixed to the housing and includes a side window proximate to its distal end. The side window may have sloped proximal and distal ends. The inner tube has a distal end positioned within the outer tube, the distal end being adapted to rotate and, at the same time, to move back and forth past the side window, with the rotational and translational movement of the inner tube being independently controllable. The distal end of the inner tube may have an external bevel. Suction is applied to the proximal end of the inner tube to draw tissue into the side window and to remove resected tissue through the inner tube.

Abstract: A positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system is provided herein. The PCV system includes an engine assembly, the engine assembly including an engine block, a cylinder head, a valve cover, and an intake manifold and a PCV passage providing fluidic communication between a crankcase of the engine assembly and a cylinder intake port of the engine assembly without hoses or conduits external to the engine assembly.

Abstract: A composite intake manifold coupled to a V-engine is provided. The composite intake manifold includes a supporting member overmolded in an unsupported region of the composite intake manifold.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a service passage, a first bore in fluid communication with the service passage, a first passage, a second bore in communication with the service passage and a second passage. The first bore has an inlet portion, a first service portion in communication with the service passage, and a first load holding portion. The first passage is in communication with the first load holding portion and the service passage. The second bore has a return portion, a second service portion in fluid communication with the first service passage, and a second load holding portion. The second passage is in selective communication with the second load holding portion of the second bore and the return passage. A valve is disposed in the second passage. The valve allows fluid to flow only in a direction from the second load holding portion to the return passage.

Abstract: A high performance wireless mesh architecture which has been optimized for mobile end points is described. The mesh architecture is intended for Navy applications, where the wireless mesh network extends between mobile ships and includes ship-to-shore links, but it is equally applicable to other mobile elements on, in, or under land, air, sea, or space.

Abstract: A high performance wireless mesh architecture which has been optimized for mobile end points is described. The mesh architecture is intended for Navy applications, where the wireless mesh network extends between mobile ships and includes ship-to-shore links, but it is equally applicable to other mobile elements on, in, or under land, air, sea, or space.

Abstract: A sprocket having a slot formed therethrough can be disposed about the non-rotating support rod of a given roller door. This sprocket is then attached to the door-supporting frame such that the sprocket is positioned externally to the roller door. A connector can serve to effect this attachment. This connector might comprise a plurality of bolts with support sleeves. By this approach, the sprocket can be maintained at a fixed distance from the door supporting frame. This connector might also comprise an adjustable connector that adjustably and fixedly connects the sprocket with respect to the door-supporting frame. By one approach, the sprocket connects directly to the door-supporting frame. By another approach, if desired, the sprocket connects to a frame interface which connects, in turn, to the door-supporting frame. This frame interface can itself also have a slot formed therethrough to again facilitate placing the frame interface into an installed position.

Abstract: Protocols and algorithms for contention-based adaptive modulation networks, typically used in unlicensed bands. A wireless system in which high modulation rate packets are prioritized over low rate packets. The wireless system is configured to process communication signals from plural user portable devices having wireless access points capable of dynamically adjusting access point transmit power on a user-by-user basis to a minimum level required to achieve a target signal-to-noise ratio from each user portable device irrespective of the interference observed on the link is also disclosed. The wireless system is also capable of dynamically adjusting access point transmitter power and receiver sensitivity on a user-by-user basis to a minimum level required to achieve the highest possible modulation rate.

Abstract: Described herein are a number of steps, methods and/or solutions that can be applied to greatly improve attenuation control of RF signals in cable plant. The present disclosure is directed to a cable modem auto-attenuation system or any other signal transferring system. The system may be capable of taking a high-power signal from the cable plant's service line, dropping the power value down to a usable level and transmitting the signal to a cable modem while eliminating the need for rigorous manual adjustments that a normal cable modem often requires. In certain embodiments, the system may be integrated into a separate device connected between the modem and the cable company service line and configured to handle upstream and downstream attenuation separately or jointly.

Abstract: A distributed or centralized network backhaul delay system includes a plurality of cellular base transceiver stations. Each cellular base transceiver station includes a network backhaul delay element. The network backhaul delay element is configured to calculate delay information associated with network delays between cell sites. The network backhaul delay element is configured to adjust and shape the relative network delays to minimize network delays between cell sites to enable soft handoff to be performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to retinal prostheses, and in particular to the transfer of electrical power and data from outside of the human body to such a prosthesis. The retinal prosthesis comprises: A retinal electrode array implanted in the eye to stimulate the retina. A receiving coil implanted sub-sclerally to inductively receive power or data signals, or both. An electrical connection between the implanted receiving coil and the implanted retinal electrode array. Wherein the receiving coil is flexible and able to conform to scleral curvature, when it is implanted. And wherein power or data signals, or both, received by the receiving coil from a remote transmitting coil are automatically provided to the electrode array. According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for implanting a retinal prosthesis. In a further aspect the present invention further provides an ocular implant.