Abstract: Provided are a system and article of manufacture for data communications. A transmitter transmits a plurality of packets, wherein each packet is transmitted after a time interval. A receiver receives at least one part of the plurality of packets. The receiver determines whether all parts of a packet are received before expiration of the time interval, wherein the received packet is valid if all parts are received before the expiration of the time interval.

Abstract: A system for generating bus signals for a plurality of remote stations. Bus data packets are comprised of a plurality of data blocks. Each data block is directed to a remote station. The position of each data block in the data packet identifies the remote station to which the data block is directed. Each of the remote stations receives each data packet substantially synchronously. The remote stations decode the data packets to determine the type of data packet and identify the content of the data packet directed to it. Each remote station loads the corresponding content from the data packet. Each of the remote stations can then generate output signals based on the data packet content substantially synchronously with the other remote stations.

Abstract: A method may be performed by a device having a camera and a display. The method may include identifying a graphical element to be presented on the display, capturing an image of an area in front of the display, determining information for distorting the captured image based on the graphical element, distorting the captured image based on the determined information. The distorted image may be combined with the graphical element on the display.

Abstract: A system for generating bus signals for a plurality of remote stations. Bus data packets are comprised of a plurality of data blocks. Each data block is directed to a remote station. The position of each data block in the data packet identifies the remote station to which the data block is directed. Each of the remote stations receives each data packet substantially synchronously. The remote stations decode the data packets to determine the type of data packet and identify the content of the data packet directed to it. Each remote station loads the corresponding content from the data packet. Each of the remote stations can then generate output signals based on the data packet content substantially synchronously with the other remote stations.

Abstract: Provided are a system and article of manufacture for data communications. A transmitter transmits a plurality of packets, wherein each packet is transmitted after a time interval. A receiver receives at least one part of the plurality of packets. The receiver determines whether all parts of a packet are received before expiration of the time interval, wherein the received packet is valid if all parts are received before the expiration of the time interval.

Abstract: Provided is a method, for data communications. A transmitter transmits a plurality of packets, wherein each packet is transmitted after a time interval. A receiver receives at least one part of the plurality of packets. The receiver determines whether all parts of a packet are received before expiration of the time interval, wherein the received packet is valid if all parts are received before the expiration of the time interval.

Abstract: The present invention may be directed to a method, image capturing device and computer program product for providing image capturing functionality as well as to a method, image capturing device and computer program product for enabling the provision of image capturing functionality. An image capturing device that may enable the provision of functionality may capture an image detects its own position and store the image as an image capturing template and position data regarding the position as associated template data to be used for the capturing of further images. An image capturing device providing such functionality may receive a user selection of a stored image for use as an image capturing template, and may present the template in a view finder of the image capturing device. The template may be presented in a semi-transparent version for allowing the template and a scene to be captured to be viewed via the view-finder.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for dual master LED (Light Emitting Diode) control. Two hosts are connected to and redundantly control the operation of an LED. Communication modules coupled to the two hosts facilitate communication between the two hosts without affecting the normal operation of the LED. This is done by sending pulses between the two hosts such that the hosts can be synchronized as well as communicate information to one another across the LED channel. The pulses have a small width such that any affect on the LED is imperceptible to humans.

Abstract: In a power controller or other computing resource shared by multiple processors, an ID is written to the lock register, thereby designating a master processor. A timer is then initialized to count for a predetermined period. Periodically, the master processor transmits a “heartbeat” signal to the shared resource, indicating that its operation remains normal. Upon receipt of the heartbeat signal, the timer is reset and begins a new count for the predetermined period. If the timer reaches the end of the period without having received a heartbeat signal, indicating that the master processor has failed or hung, the lock register is cleared again and an interrupt signal is broadcast to all of the processors. The processors compete for master status anew and, when an ID is successfully written to the lock register, the timer is restarted and the new master periodically transmits its heartbeat signal.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system and article of manufacture for data communications. A transmitter transmits a plurality of packets, wherein each packet is transmitted after a time interval. A receiver receives at least one part of the plurality of packets. The receiver determines whether all parts of a packet are received before expiration of the time interval, wherein the received packet is valid if all parts are received before the expiration of the time interval.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system and article of manufacture for data communications. A transmitter transmits a plurality of packets, wherein each packet is transmitted after a time interval. A receiver receives at least one part of the plurality of packets. The receiver determines whether all parts of a packet are received before expiration of the time interval, wherein the received packet is valid if all parts are received before the expiration of the time interval.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a stopper (2) of cork of natural and/or synthetic origin for a bottle of sparkling wine of the Champagne type, said stopper (2) having a base suitable for constituting a fraction of the inside wall (17) of said bottle (6) and an outside wall (30) suitable for bearing against the inside wall (24) of the neck (4). The method consists: in acting during closure of said bottle (6) to deform said outside wall (30) of said stopper (2) longitudinally over at least a portion extending to its base, so as to provide at least one channel-forming groove (18, 33) in said stopper; and in maintaining the longitudinal deformation throughout the period said bottle (6) is closed by said stopper (2) so that said channel-forming groove (18, 33) persists when said bottle is partially opened.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting volatile computer memory based on available energy in an auxiliary power source comprises an energy monitor module configured to determine an amount of available energy in the auxiliary power source. Also provided is a memory status module configured to determine an amount of volatile computer memory allocated for use in a computer and a memory adjustment module configured to adjust the amount of volatile computer memory allocated for use in the computer based on the amount of available energy in the auxiliary power source.

Abstract: In a power controller or other computing resource shared by multiple processors, an ID is written to the lock register, thereby designating a master processor. A timer is then initialized to count for a predetermined period. Periodically, the master processor transmits a “heartbeat” signal to the shared resource, indicating that its operation remains normal. Upon receipt of the heartbeat signal, the timer is reset and begins a new count for the predetermined period. If the timer reaches the end of the period without having received a heartbeat signal, indicating that the master processor has failed or hung, the lock register is cleared again and an interrupt signal is broadcast to all of the processors. The processors compete for master status anew and, when an ID is successfully written to the lock register, the timer is restarted and the new master periodically transmits its heartbeat signal.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying integrity of data signals communicated from a data transmit device to a receive device over a communications channel of limited bandwidth. The method comprising steps of: a) detecting instances of idle data transmit activity at the transmit device; b) accumulating data integrity information for data transmitted over the communication channel between detected idle transmit instances, the accumulating being performed by data integrity verifier devices at both transmit and receive devices; c) communicating accumulated data integrity information for data transmitted since a last detected idle data transmit instance during a current detected idle data transmit instance; and, d) verifying accumulated data integrity information communicated over the channel at the receiver device.

Abstract: A pour spout for containers made of metal or of a similar material, the containers of which are of the type comprised of a one-piece container body which is closed at the end by means of a seamed top fitted with a pull tab and a pull strip with rivet removable in full or in part. The pull tab has a hinged turning line running diametrically to a rivet which attaches a removable flat area covering a central recess in the form of an inverted truncated cone in the can top marking an underside area on the interior defining the truncated cone-shaped spout sealed by a circular surface also recessed with the aforesaid rivet. Pulling on the pull tab removes this recessed circular surface and the area covering the recess at the same time as the side of the spout emerges to the point of reaching its maximum base diameter and the free spout tip opening is rounded inward along its entire edge.

Abstract: The invention concerns a polarimetric system and a method of polarimetric measurement of the Mueller matrix coefficients of a sample (7). The polarimetric system contains an excitation section (1) emitting a light beam (2). Said light beam passes through a polarisation state generator (PSG) (5) and is focused on the sample (7) on a sample holder (3). After reflection on the sample surface (8), the beam goes through an analysis section (4) containing a polarisation state detector (PSD) or polarimeter (9) and detection means (10). According to the invention, the light beam (2) emitted by the excitation section (1) is in the spectral range from the far ultraviolet to the visible. The light beam propagates through the excitation section (1) up to through the analysis section (4) under a low partial pressure of far ultraviolet absorbing gases. The polarimetric system comprises one or more air tight chamber (17), said chambers containing said excitation section, said analysis section, and said sample holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for limiting volatile computer memory based on available energy in an auxiliary power source comprises an energy monitor module configured to determine an amount of available energy in the auxiliary power source. Also provided is a memory status module configured to determine an amount of volatile computer memory allocated for use in a computer and a memory adjustment module configured to adjust the amount of volatile computer memory allocated for use in the computer based on the amount of available energy in the auxiliary power source.

Abstract: A pour spout for containers made of metal or of a similar material, the containers of which are of the type comprised of a one-piece container body which is closed at the end by means of a seamed top fitted with a pull tab and a pull strip with rivet removable in full or in part. The pull tab has a hinged turning line running diametrically to a rivet which attaches a removable flat area covering a central recess in the form of an inverted truncated cone in the can top marking an underside area on the interior defining the truncated cone-shaped spout sealed by a circular surface also recessed with the aforesaid rivet. Pulling on the pull tab removes this recessed circular surface and the area covering the recess at the same time as the side of the spout emerges to the point of reaching its maximum base diameter and the free spout tip opening is rounded inward along its entire edge.