Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for clustering two or more video conferencing recording/streaming devices, making the cluster of two or more devices appear as one single device for the user. One of the recording/streaming devices acts as a cluster controller and provides a user interface to the users. System settings are propagated to the other recording/streaming devices in the cluster from the cluster controller. A load balancing system controls incoming and outgoing calls, distributing the computational load amongst the recording/streaming devices evenly.

Abstract: Visual features of images are translated into visual words defined by a dictionary. The visual words are indexed and the images are stored in an image store. A sketched imaged, translated into visual words, is utilized to search for similar images in the image store. The visual words are compared to visual words in the index to identify matches associated with stored images. The stored images are displayed and ranked according to the highest number of matches. Textual searches are used to supplement or refine the search results.

Abstract: Methods and systems for compiling image results into compilation images so that multiple image results may be downloaded via a single browser-download connection are provided. An image search request is received and a plurality of image results that satisfy the image search request are determined. At least a portion of the image results determined to satisfy the search request are dynamically stitched together to create a compilation image. Upon receiving an image download request for a satisfying image result, the compilation image is returned to the user's browser rather than a single thumbnail image. In this way, a plurality of image results is returned via a single browser-download connection and the latency in returning a large number of request-satisfying image results is decreased.

Abstract: A histogram-based method for testing an electronic converter device, such as an analogue to digital converter, includes steps of defining at least one histogram hyperbin arranged to store hits for at least one subrange of output codes; applying an input test stimulus to an input of the device to test a subrange of output codes matched to the hyperbin; and accumulating the histogram. At least two hyperbins may be provided, each bin being arranged to store hits for at least one subrange of output codes, and the input test stimulus is applied to an input of the device to test a subrange of output codes matched to one of the hyperbins. Both hyperbins may be open while the histogram is being accumulated for any subrange of output codes. The method may further involve varying the input stimulus to test another subrange.

Abstract: A garment for covering a user and a child supported in a child carrier that has a layer of material with a first opening in the layer constructed and arranged to accommodate the head of the user. The garment also has a second opening in the layer constructed and arranged to accommodate the head of the child. The garment is constructed and arranged to be worn by the user to protect the user and the child from the elements.

Abstract: A method for testing a circuit that generates an n-bit pulse density modulated output in response to an input signal or combination of input signals, for example the analogue section (12) of an analogue to digital converter (25) that has an n-bit pulse density modulated output stream, the method comprising inputting a test signal to the circuit, converting the pulse density modulated output to an analogue signal and checking the actual analogue output against an expected output, thereby to identify any faults.

Abstract: An assembly for providing either of auxiliary power and/or convective heating of an auxiliary exhaust, such as provided via a water jacket surrounding the engine exhaust interposed between an auxiliary generator and the truck tail pipe and circulated by a pump to provide heat to the cab interior. A further alternate variant provides for solar panels mounted to an exterior cab location and for operating the vehicle electric motor with or without the need for batteries. An associated articulating or pivoting mechanism is provided for displacing the solar panels from a first position in which it is stored against a rear surface of the cab, and to a second position in which is it arrayed upwardly above the cab.

Abstract: A method for testing a plurality of fire hoses having respective service test pressures and the test apparatus therefor wherein each hose is required to maintain a test pressure for a specified duration to pass the test. The test pressure is proportional to the service test pressure. Each hose is coupled to a respective hose fitting of a respective branch test conduit. Each branch test conduit includes an isolation valve, a pressure transducer, and a hose fitting downstream of the isolation valve. A variable frequency-variable speed controls a motor which drives a positive displacement water pump supplying water to and pressurizing a water header conduit and a plurality of branch test conduits interconnected therewith. An algorithm applied to the error signal for a respective hose line generates a pump speed command limited by the controller to regulate the rate of increase of pump output pressure.

Abstract: A method for correcting data signal errors in a meter has been developed. The method includes receiving ordered data signals from the meter. Next, the sequenced of ordered data signals is analyzed to determine whether a data signal is missing. Finally, if a data signal is missing, a predetermined value is added to a sequence counter to compensate for the missing signal.

Abstract: A diesel truck air conditioning system operable automatically on battery power when the main diesel engine is inactive and to restart a motor upon relay sensing a minimum voltage. An auxiliary battery bank is charged by a separately fuel powered vehicle generator and which returns power to the motor portion of the generator for in turn operating an AC pump to which it is connected. A voltage sensor/relay feature enables either automatically activating a fuel powered version of the generator or, according to a secondary version, restarting the engine to run the generator and thereby recharge the separate battery bank. In an additional variant, the use of the generator heat exhaust can be convected within a fluid jacket to provide heat from the operation of the vehicle generator, such as which can be used within the cab of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fixed network for automatically reading a utility meter system has been developed. The network includes multiple meter interface units (MIUs) that each collect data from a designated utility meter. The collected data is transmitted to a primary data collector. The network includes multiple data collectors and each MIU identifies its own primary data collector based on signal quality between the collector and the MIU. The network includes a central host computer that is used to receive the collected data from the primary data collectors.

Abstract: A measuring meter system with communications and features protocols for monitoring the meter has been developed. The system includes a meter that monitors usage of a distribution system, an electronic data recorder that processes data from the meter, and an external unit that controls the processing of data in the electronic data recorder with a communication protocol. The communication protocol includes an initialization signal, an interval identification signal, and a clock signal.

Abstract: A garment for covering a user and a child supported in a child carrier that has a layer of material with a first opening in the layer constructed and arranged to accommodate the head of the user. The garment also has a second opening in the layer constructed and arranged to accommodate the head of the child. The garment is constructed and arranged to be worn by the user to protect the user and the child from the elements.

Abstract: A vibration analysing device for determining the vibrational response of a structural element, comprising: a vibration sensor for providing an output in response to a force input imparted to the structural element; processing means adapted to determine one of a plurality of classifications in response to the output, each classification corresponding to a condition of the structural element; and display means for displaying the determined classification.

Abstract: A method for operating an electronic counter with reduced power consumption has been developed. The electronic counter is divided into multiple segments that are ordered according to their numerical value. As the counter is updated, it becomes necessary to propagate data between the segments. If the supply energy of the counter meets or exceeds a set limit, the data is propagated to the next highest segment. However, if the supply energy of the counter falls below the set limit, the data to be propagated is stored in a propagation carry counter.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for clustering two or more video conferencing recording/streaming devices, making the cluster of two or more devices appear as one single device for the user. One of the recording/streaming devices acts as a cluster controller and provides a user interface to the users. System settings are propagated to the other recording/streaming devices in the cluster from the cluster controller. A load balancing system controls incoming and outgoing calls, distributing the computational load amongst the recording/streaming devices evenly.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for visually delineating a relationship between diverse, but related graphical objects in a graphical user interface. An icon that has specified color scheme is associated with the diverse, but related but graphical objects. When one of the related graphical objects is displayed, the icon is displayed within the displayed graphical object. The persistence of the icon with the specified color scheme in the displayed graphical objects allows them to be recognized as related.

Abstract: The present invention is a packaged kit to assist a person in planning and executing a social event, especially a groom's pre-wedding party. The kit comprises a box or envelope containing preferably everything the host will need to put on a successful party. For example, the kit will contain a complete set of instructions for the host, plus optionally a scheduling form and a checklist. The kit will also contain invitations for each invitee with directions to the event, and envelopes with adhesive-backed labels for printing from a mailing list on a computerized printer. Also, the kit will contain coupons and/or gift certificates from manufacturers and/or retailers for each invitee, as well as, optionally, for the guest. The kit may also contain thank-you notes for the guest with pre-printed address labels to the invitees, for convenience. The kit may be hard copy, computer disk or Internet enabled, for example.