Abstract: The disclosed subject matter presents a method for translating between protocols using an extended scripting language. In one embodiment ECMA-262 scripting language is extended to enable one with ordinary skill in the art to create scripts which may be used to perform diverse data manipulation including, but not limited to: file input/output, database manipulation, data identification, data translation, XML functionality, SMB functionality, email, etc. Additionally provided for is running the extended scripting language along side a binary to manipulate data such that changes can be implemented without requiring the recoding and/or recompiling of the binary. In other embodiments, the disclosed subject matter enables the transmission of information via a webservice, with information able to be viewed and/or manipulated on a variety of GUI's.

Abstract: Provided are techniques for a garbage-collected interned string table. Reference objects that each reference strings in the interned string table are created. The reference objects and the strings referenced by the reference objects in the interned string table are marked with a current generation. Garbage collection is performed by: advancing the current generation to a next generation; in response to the reference objects in a previous generation from the current generation advancing to an acquired references state, promoting the reference objects and the strings referenced by the reference objects in the previous generation to the current generation; and deleting the strings that are marked with the previous generation in the interned string table.

Abstract: Object are created such that each of the objects stores a bit that designates eventual removal of one of the objects. Further, the objects are added to a data structure that includes a set that comprises a union of a plurality of subsets such that each subset in the plurality of subsets is stored separately according to a corresponding thread and such that an added object that is added to the set by a given thread is stored in the corresponding subset. In addition, one of the objects is logically removed, without physical removal, from the set by activating the bit. Each subset is periodically swept. All objects marked with the activated bit are physically removed.

Abstract: A coolerless photonic integrated circuit (PIC), such as a semiconductor electro-absorption modulator/laser (EML) or a coolerless optical transmitter photonic integrated circuit (TxPIC), may be operated over a wide temperature range at temperatures higher then room temperature without the need for ambient cooling or hermetic packaging. Since there is large scale integration of N optical transmission signal WDM channels on a TxPIC chip, a new DWDM system approach with novel sensing schemes and adaptive algorithms provides intelligent control of the PIC to optimize its performance and to allow optical transmitter and receiver modules in DWDM systems to operate uncooled. Moreover, the wavelength grid of the on-chip channel laser sources may thermally float within a WDM wavelength band where the individual emission wavelengths of the laser sources are not fixed to wavelength peaks along a standardized wavelength grid but rather may move about with changes in ambient temperature.

Abstract: Sap-collecting devices, systems and methods for sap-producing saplings are disclosed. The saplings each have at least one stem, which is cut to form a top end at a reasonable height above ground. The sap-collecting system includes a sap-collecting device that fits over the top end and forms a vacuum-tight seal with the stem. The sap-collecting device includes an interior and an access port open to the interior. The access port can be connected to a line system. A vacuum system is operably connected to the line system and forms a vacuum within the sap-collecting device. This serves to draw the sap from the top end of the sapling, through the sap-collecting device, through the line system and to a collecting tank. A plantation growth, management, and sap-collecting system that comprises the sap-collecting system and a stand of saplings is also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer based, digital image management system that visually presents an entire archive in a manner that facilitates easy, non-textual, searching for specific images. In one embodiment, the system includes two elements: a file management methodology and a graphical user interface. The file management method utilizes reference files that contain multiple properties (metadata) relating to each image file. Image files are grouped into a multiplicity of collections based on user-defined associations of the properties. The graphical user interface visually represents the groups of image files on 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional graphic metaphors. In addition, the graphical interface uses multiple display variables such as icons, mnemonics, size, movement, color, and luminance to signify relationships between groups, and/or communicate key properties of individual or groups of images.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter presents a method for translating between protocols using an extended scripting language. In one embodiment ECMA-262 scripting language is extended to enable one with ordinary skill in the art to create scripts which may be used to perform diverse data manipulation including, but not limited to: file input/output, database manipulation, data identification, data translation, XML functionality, SMB functionality, email, etc. Additionally provided for is running the extended scripting language along side a binary to manipulate data such that changes can be implemented without requiring the recoding and/or recompiling of the binary. In other embodiments, the disclosed subject matter enables the transmission of information via a webservice, with information able to be viewed and/or manipulated on a variety of GUI's.

Abstract: A computer based, digital image management system that visually presents an entire archive in a manner that facilitates easy, non-textual, searching for specific images. In one embodiment, the system includes two elements: a file management methodology and a graphical user interface. The file management method utilizes reference files that contain multiple properties (metadata) relating to each image file. Image files are grouped into a multiplicity of collections based on user-defined associations of the properties. The graphical user interface visually represents the groups of image files on 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional graphic metaphors. In addition, the graphical interface uses multiple display variables such as icons, mnemonics, size, movement, color, and luminance to signify relationships between groups, and/or communicate key properties of individual or groups of images.

Abstract: A computer based, digital image management system that visually presents an entire archive in a manner that facilitates easy, non-textual, searching for specific images. In one embodiment, the system includes two elements: a file management methodology and a graphical user interface. The file management method utilizes reference files that contain multiple properties (metadata) relating to each image file. Image files are grouped into a multiplicity of collections based on user-defined associations of the properties. The graphical user interface visually represents the groups of image files on 2-dimentional or 3-dimensional graphic metaphors. In addition, the graphical interface uses multiple display variables such as icons, mnemonics, size, movement, color, and luminance to signify relationships between groups, and/or communicate key properties of individual or groups of images.

Abstract: A hand held, portable drill bit sharpener is provided which may be powered by a standard commercially available electrical power tool. The power tool may be used to actuate the drill bit sharpener by arranging the drive shaft of the sharpener into the power tool chuck. This drive shaft is connected through a gear set to a biased rotating sharpening stone which is pressed against a drill bit tip. The drill bit may be held in the sharpener using a standard keyless drill bit chuck.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter presents a method for translating between protocols using an extended scripting language. In one embodiment ECMA-262 scripting language is extended to enable one with ordinary skill in the art to create scripts which may be used to perform diverse data manipulation including, but not limited to: file input/output, database manipulation, data identification, data translation, XML functionality, SMB functionality, email, etc. Additionally provided for is running the extended scripting language along side a binary to manipulate data such that changes can be implemented without requiring the recoding and/or recompiling of the binary. In other embodiments, the disclosed subject matter enables the transmission of information via a webservice, with information able to be viewed and/or manipulated on a variety of GUI's.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention compensate for skew across a wavelength division multiplexed network. The network is a wavelength division multiplexed optical transport network. The skew compensation can be performed electrically or optically. It can be performed on the transmission side of the network, the receiver side of the network or at any intermediary node on the network.

Abstract: Consistent with the present disclosure, based on system requirements or in response to an increase in optical signal-to-noise level of an optical channel, such as a WDM channel, additional FEC bits are inserted into and replace selected data payload bits in each frame carried by the channel. The replaced data payload bits may then be transmitted in subsequent frames on the same channel. As a result, the transmitted frames have a reduced data payload rate, but a higher coding gain. Alternatively, the replaced data payload bits may be included in frames transmitted on another optical channel. In that case, the frames carried by the two channels typically have the same bit length or number of bits and may thus be compliant with the frame length requirements of G.709, for example. Preferably, the number of coding bits may be changed dynamically to obtain different coding gains.

Abstract: A maple syrup production spout assembly (10) with a backflow check valve (79) is disclosed. The spout assembly is designed for use with vacuum-based maple syrup productions systems (200) and is used to prevent the backflow of sap (270) into the maple tree (100) and thus prevent the drying out of the taphole (110) due to microbial contamination. Certain existing maple production spout assemblies can be retrofitted to form the backflow check valve spout assembly disclosed herein. Methods of using the spout assembly in maple syrup production are also disclosed.

Abstract: A basic architecture for managing digital identity information in a network such as the World Wide Web is provided. A user of the architecture can organize his or her information into one or more profiles which reflect the nature of different relationships between the user and other entities, and grant or deny each entity access to a given profile. Various enhancements which may be provided through the architecture are also described, including tools for filtering email, controlling access to user web pages, locating other users and making one's own location known, browsing or mailing anonymously, filling in web forms automatically with information already provided once by hand, logging in automatically, securely logging in to multiple sites with a single password and doing so from any machine on the network, and other enhancements.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter presents a method for translating between protocols using an extended scripting language. In one embodiment ECMA-262 scripting language is extended to enable one with ordinary skill in the art to create scripts which may be used to perform diverse data manipulation including, but not limited to: file input/output, database manipulation, data identification, data translation, XML functionality, SMB functionality, email, etc. Additionally provided for is running the extended scripting language along side a binary to manipulate data such that changes can be implemented without requiring the recoding and/or recompiling of the binary.

Abstract: A maple syrup production spout assembly (10) with a backflow check valve (79) is disclosed. The spout assembly is designed for use with vacuum-based maple syrup productions systems (200) and is used to prevent the backflow of sap (270) into the maple tree (100) and thus prevent the drying out of the taphole (110) due to microbial contamination. Certain existing maple production spout assemblies can be retrofitted to form the backflow check valve spout assembly disclosed herein. Methods of using the spout assembly in maple syrup production are also disclosed.

Abstract: A forward error correction (FEC) communication device that includes a transmitter photonic integrated circuit (TxPIC) or a receiver photonic integrated circuit (RxPIC) and a FEC device for FEC coding at least one channel with a first error rate and at least one additional channel with a second error rate, wherein the first error rate is greater than the second error rate. The TxPIC chip is a monolithic multi-channel chip having an array of modulated sources integrated on the chip, each operating at a different wavelength, wherein at least one of the modulated sources is modulated with a respective FEC encoded signal. The TxPIC also includes an integrated wavelength selective combiner for combining the channels for transport over an optical link.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, apparatus and method for modularly adapting a network node architecture to function in one of a plurality of potential node types. The architecture includes a configurable switching element, integrated optics, and a plurality of modules that allow a “type” of node to be adapted and configured within the base architecture. The module interfaces may be optical or electrical and be used to construct various different types of nodes including regenerators, add/drop nodes, terminal nodes, and multi-way nodes using the same base architecture.

Abstract: A dual-line spout for maple syrup production is disclosed. The spout has a nose section with an input channel, and an interior chamber having first and second flow paths each fluidly connected to the input channel and to respective first and second output channels. The spout is designed for use with vacuum-based maple syrup productions systems that use a dual-line line system. The dry-line portion of the line system fluidly connects to the first output channel and the wet-line portion of the line system fluidly connected to the second output channel. Example spouts have no chambers, a single chamber or two sub-chambers, to facilitate air-liquid separation. Methods of using the spout in a vacuum-based, dual-line maple syrup production system are also disclosed.