Abstract: Dynamic coordination and control of network connected devices within a distributed processing platform is disclosed for large-scale network site testing, or for other distributed projects. For network site testing, the distributed processing system utilizes a plurality of client devices which are running a client agent program associated with the distributed computing platform and which are running potentially distinct project modules for the testing of network sites or other projects. The participating client devices can be selected based upon their attributes and can receive test workloads from the distributed processing server systems. In addition, the client devices can send and receive poll communications that may be used during processing of the project to control, manage and coordinate the project activities of the distributed devices.

Abstract: A security architecture and an associated method are disclosed for providing secure transmissions within distributed processing systems. More particularly, a server system is coupled to a network that is configured to be coupled to a plurality of distributed devices. The server system utilizes a security measure that is partitioned and distributed to multiple distributed devices. The distributed device receiving electronic information reconstructs the security measure by obtaining the various partitioned portions from the multiple distributed devices. In addition, the security measure may be generation of a hash value for the electronic information to be transmitted.

Abstract: A massively distributed database system and associated method are disclosed that utilize a multitude of widely distributed devices and advantageously provides increased storage capacity, availability, and throughput, and decreased latency, compared to existing distributed database architectures.

Abstract: A distributed file system with dedicated nodes capable of being connected to workstations at their bus. The system uses a complementary client-side and server-side file caching method that increases parallelism by issuing multiple server requests to keep the hardware devices busy simultaneously. Most of the node memory is used for file caching and input/output (I/O) device buffering using dynamic memory organization, reservation and allocation methods for competing memory-intensive activities.

Abstract: A hydraulic tensioner includes a check valve having a disc and stem, a slip mechanism, an anchoring piece, a stripper, and a disc seat. The check valve assembly is actuated from the position of a tensioner piston, so there is a high response.

Abstract: A hydraulic tensioner includes a disc check valve having a contoured surface that contacts a valve seat. The disc check valve provides a high frequency response. Additionally, the line contact between the disc and valve seat creates high contact pressure upon closing.

Abstract: A roller chain is provided with a bushing with a silent chain link profile. The bushing has a pair of depending toes which engage the teeth of a sprocket to provide power transmission.

Abstract: A virtual reality television system includes a video capture and encoding system for capturing and encoding the surface geometries and colors of objects and their background as the objects interact during a live action event taking place in a live action space; an audio capture and encoding system for capturing and encoding spatial sound sources emanating from the live action space as a result of the objects interacting therein, as well as ambient sounds emanating from a periphery area around the live action space and commentators' voices; and a rendering system responsive to viewer manipulated input devices for rendering a visual and auditory experience of the live action event from the perspective of a viewer selected virtual viewpoint related to the live action space.

Abstract: The invention described herein uses the periodicity of the relative height of the surface of a crop or soil surface that is measured over a large area to control the position of a farm vehicle as it passes between rows of crops. The range and angle of return wave energy that are caused by a scanning beam of energy that sweeps across the crop canopy are measured. Signal processing techniques are employed to utilize the range and angle information to derive steering correction signals to control the farm vehicle. There is no contact with the crop and, therefore, there is no entangling with the crop or weeds with the invention. In addition, a plurality of heights are simultaneously determined across the path of the vehicle which are averaged by signal processing techniques. In this manner local anomalies due to weeds, clumps of soil, damaged or missing plants and erosion will not confuse the device or decrease its accuracy.

Abstract: Recovery of the chemical components of a cellulosic organic solvent regenerating solution containing a dialkylacylamide, water, nitrous and nitric acid. The process comprises neutralizing the solution to form the metal salts of nitrous and nitric acid, distilling the neutralized solution to remove and recover the water and dialkylacylamide solvent and pyrolyzing the metal salts in the presence of oxygen to remove and recover nitrogen dioxide gas. The process results in substantially total recovery of the process chemicals.