Abstract: A method and system for operating a network server to discourage inappropriate use are disclosed. The method provides for altering files on the server in such a way so as essentially not affect acceptable, desired file types in any noticeable way, and to substantially corrupt undesirable file types. The method may be applied to every file copied to or from a memory of the server. In the alternative, the method may be applied only to selected files or types of files on the server. In particular, the files corrupted by altering according to the invention are executable software files and compressed files, that are generally not fault-tolerant. Fault tolerant files, such as uncompressed text and graphics files in common Internet-compatible formats, are not noticeably affected. The network server will therefore no longer be useful for storing or transferring undesirable files, and such use will be discouraged.

Abstract: A system for positioning a device such as a valve with a mechanical input using a fluid operated actuator, a mechanical position feedback member coupled to a feedback element of the fluid operated actuator and an activation fluid valve. The fluid operated actuator has an output coupled to the mechanical input of the valve, a feedback element for mechanically indicating a position of the valve, and inputs for actuating fluid, such that fluid at the inputs causes the fluid operated actuator to move in opposing directions. The activation fluid valve has outputs coupled to the inputs of the fluid operated actuator, a first opposing force input coupled to the mechanical position feedback member and a second opposing force input coupled to a control input force. The position of the activation fluid valve is controlled by a balance between the force from the mechanical feedback member and the control input force.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for use in providing input to a system that includes the steps of determining position information for a controller for the system, comparing the determined position information for the controller with predetermined position information associated with commands, and providing a command to the system if the determined position information matches predetermined position information for the command.

Abstract: A self-contained momentum control system (MCS) for a spacecraft is provided for small satellites. The MCS features a miniaturized gyroscopic rotor with a rotational speed in excess of 20,000 RPM. The MCS includes at least three control moment gyroscopic mechanical assemblies (CMAs) rigidly mounted within a single enclosure, where each CMA mounted in an orientation whereby the longitudinal axis of each CMA is either orthogonal to every other CMA or is parallel to another CMA but in the opposite orientation. In order to further reduce the size of the MCS, an electronics package that is configured to interface command and control signals with and to provide power to the CMAs is included within the MCS enclosure. A plurality of shock isolation devices are used to secure each of the CMAs to the enclosure in order to reduce the launch load upon the CMAs thereby allowing the use of smaller rotor spin bearings. The MCS enclosure surrounding the CMAs and support structure is hermetically sealed.

Abstract: Real-time query expansion (RTQE) is a process of supplementing an original query with addition terms or expansion choices that are ranked according to some figure of merit and presented while users are still formulating their queries. As disclosed herein, phrases may be presented and one or more terms of a focused-on phrase may be pinned (as desirable to the user). Subsequent lists may be presented as a function of pinned terms and/or user input. In one embodiment, a placeholder may be substituted for one or more pinned terms if less than some predetermined threshold of phrases is able to be presented based upon the pinned terms and/or user input, and another list of phrases may be presented as a function of a query using fewer than all the pinned terms. The placeholder may allow out-of-index phrases to be formed, for example, based upon two or more phrases and/or terms input by the user.

Abstract: A patient device (PD) for wireless data communication with an implant. The PD can be at least in an unpaired state or a paired state. In the paired state the PD is paired to a specific implant specified by an implant's identification code (IIC). The IIC is stored in PD memory. Automatic pairing of the PD to a specific implant is performed upon receiving an incoming data packet containing an IIC when the PD is in its unpaired state with no valid IIC stored in memory. Thus, the PD is tentatively paired to an implant identified by the IIC contained in the incoming data packet by storing the IIC in the memory. Tentative pairing is cancelled if no further communication occurs within a predetermined period of time. A soft paired state is entered if further data communication does occur.

Abstract: A novel maize variety designated X8K837 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X8K837 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8K837 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8K837, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8K837. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8K837.

Abstract: Providing offers of an item constituting a good or a service to users of a system, utilizing an electronic communications device, comprises at least the following: establishing a communication via the electronic communications device between a given user and the system for purpose of a primary transaction for a first good or service, obtaining primary transaction data with respect to the primary transaction, including the purpose of the primary transaction, obtaining the identity of the given user, utilizing at least in part the primary transaction data including the purpose of the primary transaction and the identity of the user, and determining at least one item for offer to the given user, and offering the item to the given user.

Abstract: The method and system for increasing accuracy of clamping force of electric aircraft carbon brakes, once braking has been commenced, provides a first pair of electric brake actuators with a range of low brake clamping force responsive to low brake clamping force commands, and a second pair of electric brake actuators with a range of high brake clamping force responsive to high brake clamping force commands. The first pair of electric brake actuators is actuated to apply a minimum residual braking force once wheel braking is commenced, and the second pair of electric brake actuators is actuated only when the commanded braking force is in the high range of brake clamping force.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving the cutting efficiency and reducing the manufacturing costs associated with endoscopic cutting instruments by eliminating the distal bearing surfaces or providing means for making the contact at the distal bearing intermittent so that surfaces do no undergo high localized heat and galling. In one embodiment, this goal is achieved by modifying or removing the axial constraints on the inner sliding member that are characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers. In another embodiment, the improved cutting efficiency and reduced manufacturing cost is achieved by eliminating a closed end characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers (e.g., removing the closed end of either the inner sliding member or the outer sliding member to thereby eliminate the associated bearing surface formed therebetween).

Abstract: Systems and methods are described to receive a safety preference; calculate a temporary route; analyze a portion of the temporary route to determine whether the portion is sufficiently safe based on the safety preference; modify the portion of the temporary route when the portion is not sufficiently safe; and present the temporary route. Other systems and methods are described.

Abstract: A technique for winding multi-turn, stranded wire coils using rectangular cables avoids the risk of damage associated with edge-wise bends.

Abstract: Methods and devices for perfusing a blood vessel during the entire course of an end-to-side or end-to-end anastomosis procedure. One method can be used to form an end-to-side anastomosis of a saphenous vein graft to a coronary artery during an off-pump, beating heart, coronary artery bypass graft. In this example, the distal end of an elongate tube carrying a saphenous vein graft is advanced into an arteriotomy distal to an occlusion in the coronary artery. Perfusing blood flow is provided through the tube to the coronary artery, the vein graft is advanced over the tube to the arteriotomy and sutured completely to the coronary artery. The elongate tube can be retracted through the now secured vein graft, and the coronary artery supplied again from the proximal end of the vein graft. Some tubular devices include a reversibly expandable distal region, to form a seal between the inserted tube and the coronary artery being perfused, to prevent blood flow into the surgical field.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs for playing browser based game with alternative controls and interfaces are presented. In one method, a definition of native inputs defined for the game is received. The native inputs are originated in a native device and are capable of causing actions in the game. Further, the method detects an alternate device that does not have all the native inputs. The native inputs are mapped from the native device to alternate inputs from the alternate device. The inputs generated with the alternate device are translated to corresponding native inputs according to the mapping and causing the corresponding actions in the game. In another method, a game area inside a web page is identified for playing the game. The game area is expanded by increasing the size of the game area while decreasing the size of other elements in the web page.

Abstract: An electrical connector. An electrical connector a pair of cylindrical housings, one having a plurality of torsion bar conductors and a second having a plurality of ramps. Rotating the pair of housings relative to one another causes an angled tip on the torsion bar to rotate as it moves up the ramp. A land is provided to discontinue further rotation of the torsion bar tip as the housings continue to rotate.

Abstract: A multifunction warming device includes a clinical garment having an inside surface supporting a convective apparatus disposed to provide therapeutic warming of a patient's upper body during surgery. The warming device includes a clinical garment with an elongate convective apparatus supported on the inside of the garment, transversely to the garment, and running between its sleeves. The positioning of the convective apparatus in the clinical garment locates it against the chest of a patient wearing the garment and permits it to be deployed and used on the patient's upper body during and after surgery without removal of the clinical garment from the patient or removal of the convective apparatus from the clinical garment.

Abstract: An amorphous magnetic alloy is presented. The alloy has the general formula: (Fe1-xCox)nMoaPbBcCdSie, wherein n is the atomic percent of iron and cobalt; x is the fraction of n; a, b, c, d and e are the atomic percent of molybdenum, phosphorous, boron, carbon and silicon respectively and n, x, a, b, c, d and e are defined by following relationship: 76?n?85; 0.05<x?0.50; 0?a?4; b?10; 0?c<d; and 0.1?e?2. Articles comprising the alloy and methods employing the alloy for making articles are also presented.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices having active features such as valves, peristaltic pumps, and mixing portions are fabricated to have a thin elastomeric membrane over the active features. The active features are activated by a tactile actuator external to the membrane, for example, a commercial Braille display. The display may be computer controlled, for example by simple text editor software, to activate individual Braille protrusions or a plurality of protrusions to actuate the active portions of the microfluidic device. Integral devices can incorporate the tactile actuators in a single device, but still external to the membrane.

Abstract: Systems and processes for managing data relating to one or more medical or biological conditions of a plurality of subjects (such as patients) over a wide area network, such as the Internet, may be employed for diabetes subjects or subjects with other medical conditions requiring monitoring and/or treatment over time. Such systems and processes provide various functions for several types of users, including patients or subject-users, healthcare provider-users and payor entity-users and combinations thereof, which allow for improved treatment and medical data management of individual subjects and groups of subjects and which allow collection and analysis of aggregate data from many subject sources, for improving overall healthcare practices of providers and subjects (e.g., patients).

Abstract: A method for controlling a mechanical ventilator that is supplying medical gas to a patient via an endotracheal tube. A pressure is measured from a patient end of an endotracheal tube. The pressure at the patient end of the endotracheal tube is used to create an improved endotracheal tube resistance model such that the medical gas supplied by the mechanical ventilator may be compensated for the resistance of the endotracheal tube thereby providing increased control over the medical gas that is delivered to the patient's lungs. Additionally, if an obstruction in the patient's airway is detected, the location of the obstruction may be targeted such that the proper remedial treatment or procedure is selected by a clinician.