Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method and an apparatus for automatic verification of a machine-readable map of networked devices. In one method embodiment, the present invention accesses a machine-readable map. Additionally, validation rules are accessed in a machine-readable format. A validation step is performed, wherein the validation step comprises comparing the validation rules in machine-readable format with the machine-readable map. A report of a result of the validation step is then generated. In so doing, a verification of a machine-readable map of networked devices occurs automatically.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method and an apparatus for automatic verification of a machine-readable map of networked devices. In one method embodiment, the present invention accesses a machine-readable map. Additionally, validation rules are accessed in a machine-readable format. A validation step is performed, wherein the validation step comprises comparing the validation rules in machine-readable format with the machine-readable map. A report of a result of the validation step is then generated. In so doing, a verification of a machine-readable map of networked devices occurs automatically.

Abstract: A distance assistance system including a plurality of remote locations connected to a central location through a network, wherein an operator at the central location selects a particular remote location to monitor. Each remote location includes a number of video cameras, the video signals generated by the video cameras is transported through the network to the central location and allows the operator to visually monitor in real time the remote location. Each remote location also includes a number of audio transceivers, allowing the operator at the central location to monitor real time audio information from the remote site, as well as communicate verbally in real time with representatives located at the remote site.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying network device power cabling configuration. Specifically, in one embodiment, the method begins by reading a map that outlines designed cabling information. The cabling information describes how power from a plurality of power sources is applied over a plurality of cables to a plurality of computing resources in a network. A power test sequence is then performed independently on each of the plurality of computing resources to verify the cabling information. During the test sequence for each of the plurality of computing resources, power is applied continuously. Thereafter, a report is generated that details results from performance of the power test sequence on each of the plurality of computing resources.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a map describing a correct configuration attribute for communicatively coupling a storage area network device with another device is accessed. An actual configuration attribute of the storage area network device is requested. The actual configuration attribute of the storage area network device is then compared to the correct configuration of the storage area network device and a result is generated in response to the comparing.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying resource configuration. Specifically, in one embodiment, the method begins by reading a map outlining a plurality of valid configuration attributes. The configuration attributes are associated with a plurality of computing resources that are interrelated in a network. The plurality of computing resources is then contacted and a plurality of actual configuration attributes from the plurality of computing resources is requested. Thereafter, the plurality of actual configuration attributes is compared to a plurality of corresponding valid configuration attributes provided from the map. A plurality of messages detailing results from the comparison of actual to valid configuration attributes is then generated.

Abstract: A method and system for verifying network device power cabling configuration. Specifically, in one embodiment, the method begins by reading a map that outlines designed cabling information. The cabling information describes how power from a plurality of power sources is applied over a plurality of cables to a plurality of computing resources in a network. A power test sequence is then performed independently on each of the plurality of computing resources to verify the cabling information. During the test sequence for each of the plurality of computing resources, power is applied continuously. Thereafter, a report is generated that details results from performance of the power test sequence on each of the plurality of computing resources.

Abstract: A system for automatically deploying a VPN device comprises a resource abstraction layer coupled to the VPN device, for providing the device with a configuration specific to it, and a uniform interface coupled to the RAL, for providing the VPN device with a configuration that is not specific to the device.

Abstract: A validation system comprises a memory accessible by a processor and having an extensible markup language (XML) data model of a computer network relating at least two objects corresponding to a set of syntax rules. The system also comprises a set of semantic rules accessible by the processor and having semantic information expressed in XML format corresponding to the XML data model. The system further comprises a validator adapted to validate the XML data model using the set of semantic rules.

Abstract: A system for conveying a signal by optical fiber may include a converter for converting a radio frequency signal to an optical frequency signal, the converter having an interferometer modulator for providing a carrier suppressed optical frequency signal having a sideband modulated by the radio frequency signal, an optical amplifier for amplifying the modulated sideband before transmission on an optical fiber by an amount that is greater than or approximates the transmission loss in the system, a local oscillator, a coupler, and detector for converting (superheterodyning) the modulated sideband from the optical fiber to a predetermined intermediate radio frequency.

Abstract: An electrical hazard warning system includes a number of rechargeable electrical hazard markers and a charger/storage unit. The hazard markers each include a rechargeable battery that supplies power to a flash tube, and have a lightweight, non-skidding, topple-resistant, cone-shaped housing designed for use in all weather conditions. The markers have two switch-selectable brightness levels and are effective in either daylight or darkness. When not deployed, the markers are kept in the charger/storage unit, which fits into the trunk of a car and is equipped with multiple charging stations. Each station is protected by a circuit breaker and includes a station status light. The hazard markers illuminate immediately upon removal from the charger/storage unit, and can be placed on the roadway as needed to provide a highly visible warning.

Abstract: An optical device and method for sensing a plurality of ambient conditions (e.g., temperature and pressure) may include transmission of an optical flux through a fiber optic cable to a section of the cable that is placed where the ambient conditions are to be sensed. The section of cable includes a plurality of serially aligned sensors for reflecting the optical flux back through the cable, each of the sensors having semi-reflective surfaces at the two ends thereof for partially reflecting the optical flux. The distance between the two ends of each sensor varies primarily as a function of a different one of the ambient conditions. The optical flux is partially transmitted and partially reflected at each of the ends of the sensors and the optical flux reflected back through the cable includes an interference pattern that is a function of each sensor's end-to-end distance. A detector evaluates the interference pattern to determine the ambient conditions.

Abstract: A floatation device in the shape of a throwable airfoil, similar to the shape of a FRISBEE.RTM. brand toy, which can also be used as a cushion to sit upon. The device is comprised of a supporting structure which attaches to a bottom surface of a floatation structure. The supporting structure is preferably constructed of semi-rigid material which functions to maintain the proper shape of the device and is provided with a handle which is gripped by a person in order to throw the device. The floatation structure is preferably constructed of a soft, resilient material, such as polyvinyl chloride foam. The device is optionally provided with straps, arm holes, and central openings for holding onto the device when in the water and, optionally, provided with a bumper ring and a retractable handle mechanism for cushioning the impact of the device.

Abstract: A locking container for a hand weapon comprising a longitudinally extending container having an open end and an opposite closed end, a transverse plate mounted at the closed end of the container, a hand weapon mounted within the container and connected to the transverse plate by means of a bracket. The hand weapon is provided with a discharge end adapted to be utilized against an assailant, and the transverse plate is provided with an opening cooperating with the discharge end of the hand weapon whereby the discharge end can be directed against the assailant. The open end of the container is capable of receiving a hand of a user of the hand weapon such that the hand can be inserted into the container to grasp the hand weapon and so as to position a finger of the hand against a trigger of the hand weapon.

Abstract: A cat toy comprised of at least a partially transparent and generally spherical hollow external ball within which a second smaller opaque ball is suspended so as to form a uniform continuous gap between the two balls. The external ball is provided with an opening through which small balls having diameters only slightly smaller than the height of the gap may be inserted or removed from the gap. The opening is normally covered by a removable section. The external ball is also provided with at least one access opening having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the small balls but large enough to allow a cat to insert a single cat paw there through in order to bat at the small balls.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for assisting a person in raking leaves into a vertically-oriented trash container. The device consists of a blunt-nosed ramp up which the leaves are raked using a conventional leaf rake. Once at the top of the ramp, the leaves fall by gravity through an opening provided in the device either into a trash bag previously secured to the opening by means of a lid portion or into a free-standing trash receptacle previously positioned under the opening. Rear legs provided on the device have pointed lower ends to anchor the device to the ground, and a food rest is provided at the front end of the device to hold the device against the ground while it is in use. An alternate embodiment of the device is capable of being folded for storage.

Abstract: The present invention is a swim fin equipped with extendable knives which can be used by a diver to fight off an attack by a predatory underwater creature, such as a shark. The knives, when in their locked closed positions, lie in a recessed section provided in an outside edge of the swim fin. In their locked closed positions, the knives lie parallel with a bottom surface of the swim fin. When extended to their locked open positions, the knives point downward from the swim fin. The swim fin is provided with means for locking the knives in their open and closed positions, unlocking the knives from their locked open and locked closed positions, and moving the knives between their open and closed positions.