Abstract: A system for transmitting data over an optical communication path is configured to receive data to be encoded in a bitstream for transmission using an optical communication path and encodes the received data to obtain a bitstream. The system is further configured to determine that the bitstream includes a sequence of consecutive bits, and obtain a power level at which to transmit a portion of the bitstream based on a count of the consecutive bits in the sequence. The system may be configured to selectively activate a light source at a power level according to a modulation scheme to optically transmit the portion of the bitstream at the power level.

Abstract: A system for transmitting data over an optical communication path is configured to receive data to be encoded in a bitstream for transmission using an optical communication path and encodes the received data to obtain a bitstream. The system is further configured to determine that the bitstream includes a sequence of consecutive bits, and obtain a power level at which to transmit a portion of the bitstream based on a count of the consecutive bits in the sequence. The system may be configured to selectively activate a light source at a power level according to a modulation scheme to optically transmit the portion of the bitstream at the power level.

Abstract: Disclosed in various examples are methods, systems, devices, and machine-readable mediums used for identifying and tracking device and access point geographic locations of wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi) networks. In an example, operations performed by an infrastructure system for provisioning location information include: receiving access point identification information (e.g., a MAC address) that identifies an access point of a wireless network; validating the access point identification information in a list of known wireless networks (e.g., a whitelist); determining an assigned location corresponding to the access point; communicating an indication of the assigned location to the device; and facilitating a communication session with the device, using the wireless network, as the communication session uses the indication of the assigned location by the device.

Abstract: A device for in-situ, dynamic repair of a railroad can include two connected machines. A first one of machines can be a track lifting unit that can clamp the rails of the railroad and lift the track in its entirety out of its track bed. The first machine also can plow ballast away from and/or toward the rails, and level the track bed for the rails before they are lowered. In addition, the track lifting unit can remove selected railroad ties. The second machine can include a power unit that can provide hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical power to both machines. The power unit also can provide track stabilization by settling ballast and can free debris from the railroad while it is raised.

Abstract: Disclosed in various examples are methods, systems, devices, and machine-readable mediums for tracking device and access point geographic locations of wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi) networks. In an example, operations performed by a device for association and use of a location include: receiving identification information (e.g., a MAC address) that identifies an access point of a wireless network; comparing the identification information with a list of access points (e.g., a white list) to identify an unvalidated status of the access point; communicating the identification information to the communications service; receiving a validated status for the access point and a geographic location for the wireless network from the communications service; and perforating a communication action with the communication service, using the wireless network, based on the geographic location and the validated status.

Abstract: Provided are systems and apparatus for improving the production of hydrocarbons from a liquid loaded well. More specifically, plungers for pushing a slug of liquid up a production tubing string of an underperforming well are provided. The contemplated plungers employ pads, shifting rods, or unique outer profiles. In addition, bumper spring assemblies for arresting the downward motion of a plunger are provided.

Abstract: An endless elongate structure adapted to circulate around a path. The endless elongate structure comprises a central longitudinal portion and two lateral longitudinal portions on opposed sides of the central longitudinal portion for supporting the central longitudinal portion therebetween. The central longitudinal portion and two lateral longitudinal portions are connected together by joiners. The central longitudinal portion is adapted to be assembled into a movable tubular formation which is adapted to be continuously assembled at one end thereof and continuously disassembled at another end thereof during movement of the elongate structure along the path. The central longitudinal portion has two longitudinal edge sections adapted to be releasably connected together for assembling the tubular formation by a slidably interlocking connector. The slidably interlocking connector is integrated with the two longitudinal edge sections by joiners.

Abstract: A self-drilling, self-countersinking fastener is provided that includes a shaft, a countersunk head located at a first end of the shaft, and a tapered point located at an opposite end of the shaft. A thread integrally extends from the shaft and extends along at least a portion of a length thereof. The countersunk head includes a frustoconical region having a first, smaller diameter in a shaft connection region and a second, larger diameter at a second end defining an edge area of the head. A plurality of radially extending ribs are located on the frustoconical region and extend from an area of the first, smaller diameter to a respective radially outer rib end spaced radially inwardly by a distance X from the edge area of the head. A respective cutting edge is located on each of the ribs.

Abstract: One or more terminals that are coupled to a packet-based network are installed with a first instance and/or a second instance of a communication client application of a first user. At times, the communication client application can be configured to enable the first user to communicate with other users using a first communication system implemented over the packet-based network. In some cases, a controller coupled to the packet-based network can be used to maintain separate privacy settings for each of the first and second instances, and thereby control the privacy of the first user in relation to the other users within the first communication system in dependence on which of the first and second instances is active.

Abstract: Disclosed in various examples are methods, systems, devices, and machine-readable mediums used for identifying and tracking device and access point geographic locations of wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi) networks. In an example, operations performed by an infrastructure system for provisioning location information include: receiving access point identification information (e.g., a MAC address) that identifies an access point of a wireless network; validating the access point identification information in a list of known wireless networks (e.g., a whitelist); determining an assigned location corresponding to the access point; communicating an indication of the assigned location to the device; and facilitating a communication session with the device, using the wireless network, as the communication session uses the indication of the assigned location by the device.

Abstract: A novel and non-trivial system and method for restrictively exchanging and controlling vehicular data between communication devices of a private network is disclosed. A processor in communication with a plurality of user communication devices is used for controlling and restricting the exchange of vehicular data. In such network, the processor may establish a communication connection with an initiating communication device of an initiating user, receive initiating vehicular data from the initiating communication device and corresponding first users (e.g., defined trusted users) data, provide the initiating vehicular data to at least one available first user communication device, receive responding vehicular data responsive to the initiating vehicular data, and provide the responding vehicular data to the initiating communication device.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing a particle size of a precursor powder material by fluid energy impact according to one embodiment of the invention may include a housing defining an interior milling cavity therein having a peripheral wall. A powder feed inlet operatively associated with the housing introduces the precursor powder material into the interior milling cavity. A feed gas inlet operatively associated with the powder feed inlet introduces a feed gas into the interior milling cavity. A product discharge outlet operatively associated with the housing removes a milled powder product from the interior milling cavity. An oil injection nozzle assembly operatively associated with the product discharge outlet injects oil into a particle-laden product stream from the product discharge outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed in various examples are methods, systems, devices, and machine-readable mediums for tracking device and access point geographic locations of wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi) networks. In an example, operations performed by a device for association and use of a location include: receiving identification information (e.g., a MAC address) that identifies an access point of a wireless network; comparing the identification information with a list of access points (e.g., a white list) to identify an unvalidated status of the access point; communicating the identification information to the communications service; receiving a validated status for the access point and a geographic location for the wireless network from the communications service; and perforating a communication action with the communication service, using the wireless network, based on the geographic location and the validated status.

Abstract: Disclosed in various examples are methods, systems, devices, and machine-readable mediums used for identifying and tracking device and access point geographic locations of wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi) networks. In an example, operations performed by an infrastructure system for provisioning location information include: receiving access point identification information (e.g., a MAC address) that identifies an access point of a wireless network; validating the access point identification information in a list of known wireless networks (e.g., a whitelist); determining an assigned location corresponding to the access point; communicating an indication of the assigned location to the device; and facilitating a communication session with the device, using the wireless network, as the communication session uses the indication of the assigned location by the device.

Abstract: A device for in-situ, dynamic repair of a railroad can include two connected machines. A first one of machines can be a track lifting unit that can clamp the rails of the railroad and lift the track in its entirety out of its track bed. The first machine also can plow ballast away from and/or toward the rails, and level the track bed for the rails before they are lowered. In addition, the track lifting unit can remove selected railroad ties. The second machine can include a power unit that can provide hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical power to both machines. The power unit also can provide track stabilization by settling ballast and can free debris from the railroad while it is raised.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting an instant messaging communication session are disclosed. A method may include displaying an instant messaging user interface that includes a message composition region for composing an instant messaging communication. The method also includes receiving a selection of media for insertion into the instant messaging communication by receiving a reference to the media. The method may further include generating a link comprising an address of the selected media. The method also includes creating a selectable control with the link embedded therein in the user interface, and detecting selection of a selectable control. The method may further include displaying a video player region within the instant messaging user interface in response to the detected selection of the selectable control, and accessing a network element to play the media within a video player region in response to the detected selection of the selectable control.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include methods and systems for autonomous data collection and system control of a material recovery or recycling facility. In some embodiments, a central control system receives inputs in the form of at least one data stream from each of one or more environmental sensors that reflect the status of a material recovery facility (MRF). The inputs are used to determine the operating status of one or more components of the MRF, and/or composition of a waste stream being processed by the MRF. At least one material handling unit is controlled in response to the inputs to optimize the recovery and/or purity of recyclable or recoverable materials from the waste stream. A service unit or mechanism may also be controlled in response to the inputs indicating that a component of the MRF requires servicing.

Abstract: A method of providing instant messaging communication between a first user and at least one other user via a communication network.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a current efficiency score for an airport, receiving a request to compare the current efficiency score with a previous efficiency score, retrieving the previous efficiency score and displaying the current efficiency score and the previous efficiency score to a user. Also, a system having a database storing a plurality of previous efficiency scores for an airport, a calculation arrangement calculating a current efficiency score for the airport and retrieving a previous efficiency score from the database and a data distribution arrangement for generating a displayable file and distributing the current efficiency score and the one of the plurality of previous efficiency scores to a user of the system.

Abstract: One or more terminals that are coupled to a packet-based network are installed with a first instance and/or a second instance of a communication client application of a first user. At times, the communication client application can be configured to enable the first user to communicate with other users using a first communication system implemented over the packet-based network. In some cases, a controller coupled to the packet-based network can be used to maintain separate privacy settings for each of the first and second instances, and thereby control the privacy of the first user in relation to the other users within the first communication system in dependence on which of the first and second instances is active.