Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for defining a parcel network in a control coordinate system. The parcel network is formed from a number of interconnected parcels with each parcel being formed from a number of interconnected boundary lines. The parcels are defined by survey data which specifies the distance and direction between end points of the interconnected boundary lines for each parcel. In use the apparatus operates to join the parcels together to form the parcel network, with the parcel network being defined in terms of network coordinates. The apparatus then maps the coordinates of the network points into the control coordinate system.

Abstract: A system and method calculate an optimal rates in a multi-source price engine in over the counter (OTC) markets. The system and method integrate rates from multiple liquidity sources to generate an output rate that can be transacted upon. Specifically, the system and method calculate a best bid/offer rate from input rates provided by multiple liquidity sources and apply a target spread and minimum profit to the best bid/offer rate to generate an optimal output rate. The optimal output rate may be a function of many factors, including market conditions, customer credit, and the preferences of the market maker or broker.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for dynamically integrating software resources (such as web services and other back-end software resources) using the services of a content framework (such as a portal platform). A portlet model is leveraged to allow programmatic portlets to serve as proxies for web services, thereby extending portlets beyond their traditional visual role. A deployment interface and a system interface are described for these portlet proxies. The deployment interface is used for composing new web services, and a composition tool is described. The system interface allows for run-time management of the web services by the portal platform. The service provider for a particular function may be bound to the portlet proxy at development time or at run-time.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for dynamically integrating software resources (such as web services and other back-end software resources) using the services of a content framework (such as a portal platform). A portlet model is leveraged to allow programmatic portlets to serve as proxies for web services, thereby extending portlets beyond their traditional visual role. A deployment interface and a system interface are described for these portlet proxies. The deployment interface is used for composing new web services, and a composition tool is described. The system interface allows for run-time management of the web services by the portal platform. The service provider for a particular function may be bound to the portlet proxy at development time or at run-time.

Abstract: A method for dynamic specification of a business value by a discovered resource that includes registering or discovering a resource within a business system; specifying a business value for the resource; and then computing a business value of the entire business system, based upon the resource's business value. An apparatus and computer program product that also employs these aspects is disclosed.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer-usable medium for retrieving a first entry from a collection of trickle confirmation entries (associated with a first collection of resources that require configuration confirmation) from a trickle confirmation queue. A first resource among the first collection of resources associated with the first entry from the collection of trickle confirmation entries is queried for a potential change in configuration of the first resource. If a potential change in configuration is detected, the first entry from the collection of trickle confirmation entries is inserted on a trickle update queue. A first entry from a collection of trickle update entries (associated with a second collection of resources that require configuration update) is retrieved from the trickle update queue. Configuration information regarding a first resource associated with the first entry from the collection of trickle update entries is updated.

Abstract: A synchronously deployable tetrahedral truss beam with orthogonally-hinged diagonals, having uniquely-connected transverse members and folding chordal members, where a plurality of bays can extend and retract in a coordinated manner without need for a deployment canister mechanism or other assembling means. The triangular cross-section truss can be adapted to deploy pre-attached panels or nodally-attached payload components. These triangular beams can be mounted side-by-side with a common chord to create a synchronously deployable trapezoidal cross-section beam or space-frame. Both the triangular and trapezoidal configurations can be adapted to deploy with a prescribed curvature of the longitudinal axis, and form perimeter trusses which can be post-tensioned for maximum structural performance.

Abstract: A method of reducing the time needed for sending data over a communication network. The method can include analyzing bandwidth usage of a user over a communication network and receiving data associated with the user to be sent over the communication network. The method further can include determining, from the bandwidth usage of the user, a probability that additional data will be received within a specified time period and selectively sending the data via the communication network according to the probability.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for dynamically integrating software resources (such as web services and other back-end software resources) using the services of a content framework (such as a portal platform). A portlet model is leveraged to allow programmatic portlets to serve as proxies for web services, thereby extending portlets beyond their traditional visual role. A deployment interface and a system interface are described for these portlet proxies. The deployment interface is used for composing new web services, and a composition tool is described. The system interface allows for run-time management of the web services by the portal platform. The service provider for a particular function may be bound to the portlet proxy at development time or at run-time.

Abstract: A portable holder for storing air guns and other hand tools is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the holder comprises: a generally-tubular body having two open ends, one of which is flared; a slit or gullet on one side of the body and extending longitudinally from the flared open end of the body partway down the body; and a plurality of magnetic discs or feet for removably, yet securely attaching the holder to a workstation having a ferrous surface. A related process for storing such tools comprises: orienting a generally tubular holder adjacent a workstation's metal side; removably affixing the holder to that metal surface by at least one magnet; slipping the particular tool into a flared end of the holder; and guiding a portion of the tool, such as an attached air hose or the tool handle, into a gullet of the holder to rest the tool and orient the hose or handle for easy retrieval of the tool from the holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an image using an electrophoretic particle suspension containing media including: a transitioner for sufficiently lowering a viscosity of the suspension to facilitate mobility of at least some of the electrophoretic particles; and, imaging electrodes for selectively providing an imaging electric field associated with the image to be formed and positioned with respect to the transitioner such that the imaging electric field impinges upon the lowered viscosity suspension; wherein, the imaging electric field is sufficient to cause select ones of the electrophoretic particles in the lowered viscosity suspension to migrate depending upon the image to be formed.

Abstract: A versatile book is disclosed for hanging pneumatically actuated devices (e.g., airguns or spray guns). In the preferred embodiment, the versatile hook comprises: a hook body having a base with an annular section that defines a through-space corresponding to the shape of the pneumatic device's cylindrical extension tube or barrel; a hook-shaped extension attached to the body; and, positioning-and-mounting means for selectively positioning the hook, around and along the barrel, and thereafter mounting the body in a temporarily fixed position onto the barrel, with the hook-shaped extension facing towards or away from the discharge nozzle. Upon loosening a bolt, the preferred hook can be reoriented.

Abstract: A method for providing command functionality for a computing device. The method includes the steps of displaying at least one control icon using a first focal plane; and, displaying a working environment using at least a second focal plane distinct from the first focal plane; wherein, the first focal plane appears at least partially superimposed upon the at least second focal plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for defining a parcel network in a control coordinate system. The parcel network is formed from a number of interconnected parcels with each parcel being formed from a number of interconnected boundary lines. The parcels are defined by survey data which specifies the distance and direction between end points of the interconnected boundary lines for each parcel. In use the apparatus operates to join the parcels together to form the parcel network, with the parcel network being defined in terms of network coordinates. The apparatus then maps the coordinates of the network points into the control coordinate system.

Abstract: An oxide and coating removal system includes a mobile gantry or transport system supporting an end effector and high energy waterjet rotating nozzles judiciously located relative to the surface of the vehicle and includes positioning mechanism for locating the nozzle discretely relative to the vehicle. An environmentally safe system serves to re-claim the effluent by removing the contaminated particles and returning the re-claimed water to the pumping system.

Abstract: A cottering device for maintaining the relative position of pins, shafts and turnbuckles including a continuous wire member formed to include a straight portion ending in a resilient connecting loop ending in a generally circular portion of constant radius. The cotter clip may be installed in a bore in a pin or shaft by applying a force to the connecting loop that simultaneously displaces the apex of the generally circular portion from a common plane and causes the straight portion to be inserted into the bore. During installation the straight portion is elastically deformed about the pin or shaft and returns to a preinstalled condition when the insertion is complete. The clip is simply removed by elevating the apex above the pin or shaft and withdrawing the straight portion from the bore.

Abstract: An oxide and coating removal system includes a mobile gantry or transport system supporting an end effector and high energy waterjet rotating nozzles judiciously located relative to the surface of the vehicle and includes positioning mechanism for locating the nozzle discretely relative to the vehicle. An environmentally safe system serves to re-claim the effluent by removing the contaminated particles and returning the re-claimed water to the pumping system.

Abstract: A method for making a simulated crustacean-meat product is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment for making a simulated crab-meat product, this method comprises the steps of: (1) providing a supply of “dry” scallop adductor muscles or scallop meat, (2) exerting forces on the surfaces of these muscles so as to break them along their natural lines of separation so as to form smaller, natural pieces that are comparable in volume to that of the crab-meat whose appearance the smaller, natural pieces are intended to simulate, and (3) cooking these smaller, natural pieces in a manner similar to that used to cook the crab-meat whose taste and feel is to be simulated by these smaller, natural pieces.

Abstract: A convergent spray gun which combines a liquid resin and dry metallic powder externally of the nozzle of the spray gun that utilizes a pair of diametrically opposing passages disposed at 0.degree. and 90.degree. relative to the central resin discharging orifice where the central orifice is approximately 0.015 inch and the air for atomizing the fluids is approximately 0.187 inch and the atomizing angle is approximately 180.degree.. The metallic filler is added to the plume of the convergent spray at the low pressure section and the ratio of the fluids are controlled by a computerized system. The spray gun, controls and mixing chambers of the resin (two part) and powder fillers are housed in separate rooms and the dust where the powder fillers are metered is controlled.

Abstract: A convergent spray gun which combines a liquid resin and dry metallic powder externally of the nozzle of the spray gun that utilizes a pair of diametrically opposing passages disposed at 0.degree. and 180.degree. relative to the central resin discharging orifice where the central orifice is approximately 0.015 inch and the air for atomizing the fluids is approximately 0.187 inch and the atomizing angle is approximately 90.degree.. The metallic filler is added to the plume of the convergent spray at the low pressure section and the ratio of the fluids are controlled by a computerized system. The spray gun, controls and mixing chambers of the resin (two part) and powder fillers are housed in separate rooms and the dust where the powder fillers are metered is controlled.