Abstract: A dynamic mobile service control architecture for policy-based control and charging of a mobile data network is described. Reference point links logically connecting a subscription profile repository and a service gateway allows the service gateway to receive information about a subscription to a service by a subscriber and forward this subscription information to an external application function that is providing the service to the subscriber through the mobile data network. Reference point links logically connecting a policy server with the service gateway allows the service gateway to receive and enforce policy rules on service data flows passing through the service gateway.

Abstract: A policy-enabled service gateway contains a gateway function and a local policy engine containing policies related to the functionality of the associated gateway function. New or updated policies may be provided to the local policy engine from a centralized policy server. The policies within the local policy engine are functionally related to the gateway function and provide for policy and/or charging enforcement associated with the gateway function. If the local policy engine does not contain a particular policy, it may request the policy from the centralized policy server. The local policy engine may choose to store the requested policy for future use.

Abstract: A system and method for a mobile data access network to make policy control and charging decisions based on domain name queries. A mobile device sends a query about a domain name associated with a service a user of the mobile device wishes to engage. The access network carries the domain name query from a mobile device to a domain name server. The access network detects the domain name query and copies the queried domain name. The access network uses the queried domain name to make an incomplete policy decision. The policy decision is incomplete because one or more service data flow filters in the decision lack addresses for providers of the service. The access network detects a response to the domain name query and copies a service provider address from the response. The access network uses the service provider address to complete the policy decision.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to implement a dynamic and efficient cascading policy management framework architecture for both wired and wireless networks. A plurality of Policy Functions (PFs) are assigned to a plurality of Policy Enforcement Points (PEP). The PFs make decisions regarding local policy control at the specific PEP. The PFs then delegate the policy requests or IP flows to a separate PEP that is more conducive to enforcing that policy request. Thus, policy decisions are made at the point where the most information is available, leading to fewer policy requests traversing back and forth across a network. Additionally, this cascading Policy Management Framework Architecture allows for unified policy management across multiple types of networks, including wired (Internet) and wireless (UMTS).

Abstract: A policy-based management mechanism is provided, whereby the mechanism provides for at least the controlling of access to network resources, the integration of different frameworks into a common open standard, and modular components for assembling integrated date and voice services. The mechanism accomplishes this by using an access management component that checks for access credentials, a service management component that identifies which resources are available to a requester of resources, and a resource management component that manages the requested resources. In one exemplary implementation, a fourth component, the policy management component links the first three components such that a resource request gains access to resources based on policy decisions determined by the fourth component for the first three components.

Abstract: A system and method for returning a rights management object (103) to a rights issuer (102) is provided. The system and method allows a rights issuer (102) to ensure that the rights management object (103) is removed from an electronic device (101) prior to making the refund, while providing the customer with the ability to retrieve the rights management object (103) where the return is unsuccessful. After initiating a return, an electronic device (101) transmits probabilistic data structures (226,228) to the rights issuer (102). The probabilistic data structures (226,228) having indicia therein of rights management objects disposed within the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) encrypts the rights management object (103), delivers it to the rights issuer (102), and removes it from the electronic device (101).

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for improved zone merge operations are disclosed. Two connected switches are arbitrated as an initiator and a receiver. The merge operation is initiated only by the initiator on an initiator/receiver inter-switch link. The initiator may initiate a merge request and the receiver may perform the computation of the difference between the old and the new zone. Either the whole configuration or only the differences are communicated between the switches. The merges may be done on a connected switch basis, not on a connected port basis. Only the principle ports in the principle inter-switch-link perform the merge operation. All the remaining ports, i.e. the non-principle ports, adopt the merge result of the principle ports. The zone information may also be cached on each switch such that merge calculations need not be performed again when a merge operation with the same configuration occurs in the future.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for improved zone merge operations are disclosed. Two connected switches are arbitrated as an initiator and a receiver. The merge operation is initiated only by the initiator on an initiator/receiver inter-switch link. The initiator may initiate a merge request and the receiver may perform the computation of the difference between the old and the new zone. Either the whole configuration or only the differences are communicated between the switches. The merges may be done on a connected switch basis, not on a connected port basis. Only the principle ports in the principle inter-switch-link perform the merge operation. All the remaining ports, i.e. the non-principle ports, adopt the merge result of the principle ports. The zone information may also be cached on each switch such that merge calculations need not be performed again when a merge operation with the same configuration occurs in the future.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for improved zone merge operations are disclosed. Two connected switches are arbitrated as an initiator and a receiver. The merge operation is initiated only by the initiator on an initiator/receiver inter-switch link. The initiator may initiate a merge request and the receiver may perform the computation of the difference between the old and the new zone. Either the whole configuration or only the differences are communicated between the switches. The merges may be done on a connected switch basis, not on a connected port basis. Only the principle ports in the principle inter-switch-link perform the merge operation. All the remaining ports, i.e. the non-principle ports, adopt the merge result of the principle ports. The zone information may also be cached on each switch such that merge calculations need not be performed again when a merge operation with the same configuration occurs in the future.

Abstract: A method of sending a short message via a mobile communication device is provided. A content of a short message is acquired, wherein the content of the short message includes at least a symbol. Next, a definition of the symbol is acquired and an inserting content based on the definition of the symbol is acquired. Next, the inserting content is inserted to replace the symbol to generate a personalized short message. Thereafter, the personalized short message is sent to the respective receivers.

Abstract: In a pen having a constant ink supplying device, the inner wall of the front end of the filler is installed sequentially with a barrel, a plug, a valve, a nib holder and a nib. The plug has a channel for feeding ink through the control of a ball. The front end of the plug is installed with a valve. A cavity for storing ink is installed between the valve and the plug. The nib is inserted into the nib holder. The front end of the filler has a support and an ink inlet. When writing, the nib is pressed and moves so that the support at the front end of the nib holder will push the valve and supply ink to the nib.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the effective sound velocity between a source of sound energy located at an initial depth ZS and an actual target located at another depth. A system utilizing a device such as a computer or microprocessor is used for implementing the method of the present invention. An effective sound velocity (“ESV”) matrix is generated wherein ESV values are a function of actual target depth and actual target elevation angle. The ESV matrix is then used to determine the ESV between a source of sound energy located at an initial depth ZS and an actual target located at any depth between ZS and a final target depth ZT.

Abstract: A writing apparatus which includes a pen holder holding an ink, a pen socket fastened to an open end of the pen holder and holding a sponge and an absorptive writing tip, an ink feeding valve assembly mounted in the pen holder and adapted to feed the ink to the sponge and the absorptive writing tip, and a steel ball movable in the ink inside the pen holder, the steel ball being movable by the pressure of the ink to close off a tapered rear opening on the ink feeding valve assembly and to stop the ink from passing to the inside of the ink feeding valve assembly when the pen holder is held in a writing position, and the steel ball being movable away from the tapered rear opening on the ink feeding valve assembly for permitting the ink to pass from the pen holder to the inside of the ink feeding valve assembly when the pen holder is placed in a horizontal position.

Abstract: There are disclosed novel substituted naphthyl-, quinolyl- and isoquinolyl- sulfonamide derivatives that are useful in a method of treating immuno-inflammatory diseases in a mammalian patient suffering therefrom. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the sulfonamide compounds are also provided.

Abstract: A disc holder assembly including front and back cartridges defining flat outer surfaces of the assembly and one or more intermediate cartridges detachably and pivotably secured to the front and back cartridges or to each other to permit the insertion into or removal from each intermediate cartridge of a floppy diskette or compact disc when the assembly is pivoted into an open position forming a cylindrical sector.