Abstract: A system and method for improving network performance of DNS queries. The system includes a terminal which receives DNS queries from a customer premise equipment (CPE), and supplies matching DNS records in response to the queries. The terminal monitors all traffic from the CPE and generates a preload list containing domains and a time schedule at which name resolution should be requested for the domains. A DNS preload client in the CPE receives the preload list from the terminal, and submits preload DNS queries for name resolution of domains contained in the preload list at times specified in the time schedule. Preload records supplied in response to the preload DNS queries are stored by the CPE and used to resolve DNS queries from applications installed on the CPE.

Abstract: A computer controlled robotic system that autonomously adjusts the location of a floating marine dock whenever water levels change in a body of water (e.g., a lake or reservoir) to maintain sufficient draft clearance for safe boat operation and ensure safe access to the dock. The system is comprised of an electric motor-driven tractor device attached to the shore-end of a walkway and a pair of electric-motor driven cable winch assemblies with a distributed control system to move the floating dock toward or away from the shore to maintain a relative desired water depth for safe boat operation and positioning in relation to the moving edge of the water shoreline.

Abstract: A system for extracting threats buried underground includes a housing, a shaped charge coupled to the housing at one end, and an explosive projectile disposed in the housing and spaced-apart from the shaped charge. The explosive projectile includes an open-ended pipe, a detonation line wrapped about the pipe and extending away therefrom and through the housing, an explosive material disposed about and in contact with the detonation line wrapped about the pipe. The explosive projectile also includes a first donut-shaped plate at one end of the pipe, a second donut-shaped plate at another end of the pipe, and a third donut-shaped plate coupled to and spaced-apart from the second donut-shaped plate. A flow path extends through the plates and the pipe.

Abstract: A computer controlled robotic system that autonomously adjusts the location of a floating marine dock whenever water levels change in a body of water (e.g., a lake or reservoir) to maintain sufficient draft clearance for safe boat operation and ensure safe access to the dock. The system is comprised of an electric motor-driven tractor device attached to the shore-end of a walkway and a pair of electric-motor driven cable winch assemblies with a distributed control system to move the floating dock toward or away from the shore to maintain a relative desired water depth for safe boat operation and positioning in relation to the moving edge of the water shoreline.

Abstract: A pet leash handle having a hard frame, a clip and a leash attachment mechanism. The hard frame forms a body of the pet leash handle and includes a soft grip portion shaped for the comfort of a pet owner's hand. The clip is pivotally attached to the hard frame so as to move between an open position and a closed position. The leash attachment mechanism removably attaches a pet leash to the pet leash handle. The pet leash handle also includes a retractable cord connected to the leash attachment mechanism and allowing for the pet leash to extend and to retract depending on the pet owner's need.

Abstract: A shoe have a sole and a shoe upper is provided with a mechanism for automatically tightening the shoe on a foot to a preset level of tightness that has been stored in memory. The wearer can select and change the level of tightness as desired.

Abstract: A show have a sole and a shoe upper is provided with a mechanism for automatically tightening the shoe on a foot to a preset level of tightness that has been stored in memory. The wearer can select and change the level of tightness as desired.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for signing on a user of a first domain into an affiliate application in a second domain. When the user needs access to the affiliate application, the request for access causes a ticket to be generated. The ticket identifies the user and is passed to an adapter. The adapter, which ultimately will perform the sign on in the affiliate application, redeems the ticket for the user's credentials (e.g., a valid userID/password combination for the affiliate application), and then presents the credentials to the affiliate application. A service is provided that issues tickets, redeems tickets, manages the registration and de-registration of affiliate applications, manages the correlation between a user and the user's credentials with an affiliate application, and manages encryption of stored records.

Abstract: A system that allows a user of a first domain to access a second domain. A request originates in the first domain to perform an action in the second domain. The request indicates a user of the first domain on whose behalf the request was originated. The access request is received by an adapter in the second domain. The adapter requests an access token for a user of the second domain who corresponds to the user of the first domain. A mapping table is used to identify which user in the second domain corresponds to the user in the first domain. Once the correct user of the second domain is identified, an access token for that user is returned to the adapter. The adapter then carries out the requested action by using the access token to impersonate the user of the second domain.

Abstract: A mechanism that synchronizes passwords maintained for plural domains. A user maintains accounts in two domains. The first and second domains each maintain tables correlating userIDs with passwords, such that the same user's password can be different in the different domains. A database stores tables that correlate a given user's userID/password combination in the first domain with his corresponding userID/password combination in the second domain. The database is used to sign the user onto one domain when the user is working in the other domain. When the user changes his password in the first domain, the change is reported to the database, so that the database stores the current password. Optionally, the password change may be reported to the second domain, such that the user will have the same password in both domains.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus (10) is disclosed which comprises a double-shelled housing (12) with top cover (14), side walls (16) and a front plate (20) which is in the form of an arch to provide a storage space (22) underneath. A food vapours condensation chamber is located between the inner and outer shells of the housing (12) and the outer shells of the housing (12) are exposed to atmosphere so that they cool by radiation and convection. The cooking apparatus (10) further includes a fryer unit (18) which is located within an opening (24) in the front plate (20). The fryer unit (18) comprises a casing and a rotary cylindrical drum (26). The drum is devoid of an axle and is mounted by seals which bear on the periphery the drum. A plurality of parallel diametrically extending passages (30) pass through the drum (26).

Abstract: A mechanism that synchronizes passwords maintained for plural domains. A user maintains accounts in two domains. The first and second domains each maintain tables correlating userIDs with passwords, such that the same user's password can be different in the different domains. A database stores tables that correlate a given user's userID/password combination in the first domain with his corresponding userID/password combination in the second domain. The database is used to sign the user onto one domain when the user is working in the other domain. When the user changes his password in the first domain, the change is reported to the database, so that the database stores the current password. Optionally, the password change may be reported to the second domain, such that the user will have the same password in both domains.

Abstract: A system that allows a user of a first domain to access a second domain. A request originates in the first domain to perform an action in the second domain. The request indicates a user of the first domain on whose behalf the request was originated. The access request is received by an adapter in the second domain. The adapter requests an access token for a user of the second domain who corresponds to the user of the first domain. A mapping table is used to identify which user in the second domain corresponds to the user in the first domain. Once the correct user of the second domain is identified, an access token for that user is returned to the adapter. The adapter then carries out the requested action by using the access token to impersonate the user of the second domain.

Abstract: An inhalation device for administering an aerosolized medication includes an incentive spirometer and a medication inhalation chamber having receptacle means adapted to receive a metered dose inhaler for misting aerosolized medication in the chamber. Further provided is a method for administering an aerosolized medication which involves training a subject to breath using the inhalation device and administration of the medication from the device.