Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses, methods, and computer readable media for asynchronous sensing and/or validating of data using a first sensor and a second sensor for a purpose of transforming input data into validated output data when at least one attribute of external data or the input data, as determined by a sensor, is missing. The external data is associated with the input data and is used for determining a set of attributes for the first sensor. The asynchronous sensing and/or validating of the input data enables faster transforming of the input data into the validated output data.

Abstract: Described herein are apparatuses, methods, and computer readable media for asynchronous sensing and/or validating of data using a first sensor and a second sensor for a purpose of transforming input data into validated output data when at least one attribute of external data or the input data, as determined by a sensor, is missing. The external data is associated with the input data and is used for determining a set of attributes for the first sensor. The asynchronous sensing and/or validating of the input data enables faster transforming of the input data into the validated output data.

Abstract: A method for determining the accuracy of an appraisal report using a computer implemented application, including pre-validating an appraisal report to determine whether a first set of rules has been satisfied, the appraisal report including N fields to be completed, the first set of rules comprising completion of a pre-determined number of N fields; proceeding to a post-validating step if the first set of rules is satisfied; post-validating an appraisal report to provide an evaluation thereof, the evaluation including a plurality of risk categories including risk level indicators, and a risk-based overall score.

Abstract: A method for determining the accuracy of an appraisal report using a computer implemented application, including pre-validating an appraisal report to determine whether a first set of rules has been satisfied, the appraisal report including N fields to be completed, the first set of rules comprising completion of a pre-determined number of N fields; proceeding to a post-validating step if the first set of rules is satisfied; post-validating an appraisal report to provide an evaluation thereof, the evaluation including a plurality of risk categories including risk level indicators, and a risk-based overall score.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a process for treating a tail gas stream from a sulfur recovery zone. Generally, the process includes passing the tail gas stream through, in sequence, a hydrogenation zone, a quench zone, and an acid gas removal zone using a solvent. The solvent can include at least one of a dimethyl ether of polyethylene glycol, a N-methyl pyrrolidone, a N-formyl morpholine, a N-acetyl morpholine, a tetrahydro-1,4-oxazine, and a mixture comprising diisopropanolamine and tetrahydrothiophene-1,1-dioxide.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for producing optically variable devices, optically variable media, dot matrix holograms or embossing substrates. The system includes: a laser beam generator, a laser beam shaper, a spatial light modulator, imaging optics and an image positioner. The laser beam generator generates a laser beam, which is shaped by the laser beam shaper to modify the laser beam to an optimized beam profile. The shaped laser beam is modulated by the spatial light modulator, which generates, at a place removed from the substrate surface, an optical pattern. The imaging optics causes the optical pattern to be imaged on the substrate surface. An image positioner allows for the optical pattern to be positioned to different areas of the substrate surface.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method for indicating a status change associated with at least one data element among a plurality of data elements represented on at least one web page, the plurality of data elements resulting from a search of at least one database, includes displaying a separate image for each data element and displaying the plurality of images in distinct groups based upon the commonality of at least one characteristic of each data element included in each respective group. After the occurrence of a change of status of at least one among a data element and the image corresponding to said data element, at least one among at least one visible and at least one audible signal is provided to indicate said change of status has occurred.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an illuminating optical device for forming a field of illumination. The optical device includes a first one-dimensional homogenizer positioned to homogenize a first dimension/axis of the field of illumination and a second one-dimensional homogenizer positioned to homogenize a second dimension/axis of the field of illumination.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an imager, preferably portable, that includes a source of electromagnetic radiation capable of generating radiation with one or more frequencies in a range of about 1 GHz to about 2000 GHz. An optical system that is optically coupled to the source focuses radiation received therefrom onto an object plane, and directs at least a portion of the focused radiation propagating back from the object plane onto an image plane. The imager further includes a scan mechanism coupled to the optical system for controlling thereof so as to move the focused radiation over the object plane. A detector optically coupled to the lens at the image plane detects at least a portion of the radiation propagating back from a plurality of scanned locations in the object plane, thereby generating a detection signal. A processor that is in communication with the detector generates an image of at least a portion of the object plane based on the detection signal.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method for providing a graphical user interface for displaying search results includes displaying a graphical representation of search results and parent categories for such search results, wherein individually graphically displayed search results appear within their respective parent categories, each search result representing an item of merchandise and each parent category relating to the type of merchandise included within such parent category.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for laser micro-machining, which may include dividing a long line illumination field into a plurality of individual fields, wherein each of the plurality of fields includes an aspect ratio of about 4:1 or greater, directing the plurality of individual fields onto at least one mask, wherein each individual field illuminates a corresponding area on the mask and translating the mask and/or workpiece relative to one another along a scan axis.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of displaying search results from a search conducted on at least one database includes providing a distinct search result symbol for each search result on a first page, all search result symbols being concurrently visible. The symbols are displayed in distinct groupings based upon a common characteristic of the search results of each grouping. A common characteristic identifier is provided proximate to the symbols of the original grouping associated therewith and provides a link to another page showing those symbols in sub-groupings based upon a further common characteristic of the search results of each sub-grouping.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and systems for micromachining a conical surface. In one embodiment, such a system may include a rotating platform for receiving a long line of laser illumination, a mask having a predetermined pattern comprising a sector of a planar ring, the mask being positioned on the rotating platform, a workpiece stage having a rotational axis for rotating a removably-affixed workpiece comprising a conical surface, wherein the sector comprises the planar image of the conical surface, an excimer laser for producing a laser beam, a homogenizer for homogenizing the laser beam in at least a single direction, at least one condenser lens, a turning mirror and at least one projection lens.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of allowing navigation of a plurality of data elements residing within a category-tree database includes providing, on a single primary “web” page, a distinct data element symbol for each data element and a distinct parent category symbol for each parent category in the category paths of the data elements. For each illustrated parent category, a distinct first level web page is provided that includes (i) a first level subcategory symbol for each first level subcategory in the category paths of the data element(s) associated with that parent category and (ii) the data element symbol for each such data element shown associated with its respective first level subcategory symbol.

Abstract: A Method of treating sludge prior to dewatering by mixing with the sludge a cationic metal in the form of an iron or aluminum slat along with a cationic polymer. The addition of the iron or aluminum salt substantially reduces the amount of polymer required for acceptable dewatering, thusly significantly reducing the cost of the dewatering process. The method is enhanced by subjecting the prior digested sludge to mesophilic aeration prior to the cationic metal salt and polymer being added.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for proactively buffering data across intermittent network connections, to increase the probability of desired data being available at remote network nodes where the nodes do not have continuous access to the network. An association table (80) associates user accounts with messaging nodes (14). A primary messaging zone (82) is generated, indicating the messaging nodes associated with a recipient user account, at which there is a significant probability that the user may request the collection of messages. During intermittent communications sessions with members of said primary messaging zone (82), incoming messages are delivered to these messaging nodes, where the messages are proactively buffered in preparation for a user request to collect messages while a messaging node (20) cannot collect from external sources.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a messaging system (10) comprising a plurality of messaging nodes (14) at geographically distributed and publicly accessible locations, and a plurality of firmware-controlled portable messaging units (16) configured to specific user accounts and including message composition, display and storage means. Communication between these portable messaging units (16) and the messaging system, including messaging with Internet addresses, requires that a portable messaging unit (40) be brought to the immediate physical proximity of a messaging node (20), so that a data exchange (90) may be conducted using simple communications equipment such as an infrared link. Messaging nodes (14) preferably include a plurality of docking ports (26) for conducting data exchanges (90) simultaneously with multiple portable messaging units (16).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a messaging system (10) comprising a plurality of messaging nodes (14) at geographically distributed and publicly accessible locations, and a plurality of portable messaging units (16) configured to specific user accounts and including message composition, display and storage means. Communication between these portable messaging units (16) and the messaging system, including messaging with Internet addresses, requires that a portable messaging unit (40) be brought to the immediate physical proximity of a messaging node (20), so that a data exchange (90) may be conducted using simple communications equipment such as an infrared link. Messaging nodes (14) preferably include a plurality of docking ports (26) for conducting data exchanges (90) simultaneously with multiple portable messaging units (16).

Abstract: A method for prioritizing and proactively buffering messages in a messaging system (10) with limited network resources, such as intermittent or unreliable communications links, or limited storage capacity. Messages, either in whole or in separate elements such as a header and a body, are assigned a prioritization value from factors such as the service level of the sender and recipient, the probability that the recipient will access a particular receiving node, the type of message element, and the age of the message. Messages are identified with the highest prioritization value, and these messages are delivered to a receiving node until the limited resource is exhausted. This may be used to optimize the use of a limited resource in a messaging system (10), increasing the probability that important messages will be available at the messaging nodes (14) from which they are requested.

Abstract: A system for correcting eccentricity and rotational error of a substantially circular workpiece, in which the workpiece is moved to a workstation, using a translating device. The rotational position and position of the workpiece center is determined. There is a rotatable member at the workstation, having a home position and a center. The rotatable member is pre-rotated from its home position an amount sufficient to correct workpiece rotational error. The translating device is caused to place the workpiece on the rotatable member such that the workpiece center is at a known position relative to the center of the rotatable member, to correct eccentricity. The rotatable member is then rotated back to its home position, to correct rotational error.