Abstract: A method for converting a first time and a first date in a first format to a second time in a second format includes determining a number of seconds that have elapsed between a predetermined date and a beginning of a current year of the first date. The method further includes adding to the determined number of seconds, a calculated number of seconds calculated from the beginning of the current year to a current month and a current day of the first date to obtain a first sum. The first sum varies based on whether the current month is within a leap year and is subsequent to a leap day of the leap year. A number of seconds that have elapsed between a beginning of the current day of the first date and the first time is added to the first sum. Lastly, a predetermined number of seconds is added to the first sum when Daylight Savings Time is in effect to obtain the second time in the second format.

Abstract: A mechatronic exercise system, e.g., for rehabilitation, having instrumented handle and pedal systems and, preferably, an interactive virtual environment is disclosed. Alternatively, the instrumented handle and pedal systems are part of a virtual reality augmenting kit that can convert most types of exercise equipment, such as a stationary or exercise bicycle, ergometer, rowing machine or the like, into full virtual reality (VR) smart systems. In another embodiment, the instrumented handle and pedal systems can each be used separately with other types of devices. In a preferred embodiment, components embedded with sensors are implemented, e.g., on a stationary, exercise bicycle to monitor physiological and biomechanical parameters of the user. Signal data from the sensing components is used to immerse the user in a VR simulation so as to provide the user with visual, auditory, and haptic feedback to the user's performance.

Abstract: An ampoule opener having a receiving body sized to accommodate a cap portion of an ampoule and a shield extending from the receiving body and being configured to lie adjacent a medicament storing portion of the ampoule when the cap portion of the ampoule is accommodated within the receiving body. The shield is rigidly related to the receiving body so as to be more resistive to bending relative to the receiving body in a direction away from a longitudinal axis of the receiving body than toward the longitudinal axis of the receiving body.

Abstract: A mechatronic exercise system, e.g., for rehabilitation, having instrumented handle and pedal systems and, preferably, an interactive virtual environment is disclosed. Alternatively, the instrumented handle and pedal systems are part of a virtual reality augmenting kit that can convert most types of exercise equipment, such as a stationary or exercise bicycle, ergometer, rowing machine or the like, into full virtual reality (VR) smart systems. In another embodiment, the instrumented handle and pedal systems can each be used separately with other types of devices. In a preferred embodiment, components embedded with sensors are implemented, e.g., on a stationary, exercise bicycle to monitor physiological and biomechanical parameters of the user. Signal data from the sensing components is used to immerse the user in a VR simulation so as to provide the user with visual, auditory, and haptic feedback to the user's performance.

Abstract: A lens assembly is provided for use with a flashlight or similar apparatus, the lens assembly provides separate optimization of a first beam of light and a second beam of light. The lens assembly is adapted for use in multiple LED applications, such as the use of white and infrared light beams in a single flashlight apparatus.

Abstract: A portable infrared (IR) detection system can be used to scan an adjacent terrain and detect an IR source, such as a person or animal, by detecting heat emitted therefrom. Humans, animals and other sources emit IR radiation which can be detected by an IR detector. The emitted radiation is captured by a tube and reflected onto a sensor using a parabolic or other reflector. The sensor is connected to a display component for producing an audible, visual, or vibrational alert. Activities such as hunting, boating, and camping, often accompany situations where detection of a human, animal, or other heat source can be a valuable tool. This invention provides a portable IR detection system for use in these and other activities, the portable detection system being collapsible, portable and cost-efficient.

Abstract: A local network call handling device is configured to establish multiple concurrent call sessions between local network end devices and an external network. When a prioritized end device attempts to establish a call session, the call handling device may initially determine if a first call session identifier is available. If so, the call session can be established using that first identifier. If the first identifier is in use for a call session of another end device, the call handling device may either use a different call session identifier for the prioritized end device session or may drop a pre-existing call session to free an identifier for use in connection with the prioritized end device.

Abstract: The present invention fabrication method and apparatus provides a method of creating holographic configurations in a specific pattern in glass panels using a laser that does not use chemicals or chemical solutions.

Abstract: A profile-based system is employed to manage user identities and preferences, devices, content and/or other aspects of service delivery. The user profiles may be maintained in one or more servers or other elements located in an external network access via a customer premises equipment (CPE) gateway of a local network. The profiles can be used to map users to identities, devices, services, and other features that affect the manner in which a particular user communicates with (or through) the external network.

Abstract: A flexible, body attached device is disclosed for dispensing skin treatment and topically-absorbed medicinal treatments. The device comprises a dispensing reservoir that is caused to dispense treatment through a slit-based diaphragm valve upon the application of simple pressure to the device. Various embodiments of the invention include variations in the structure of the valve, reservoir, and body attachment means.

Abstract: Described are techniques for migrating data from a source device to a target device. A source device descriptor of the source device including source device geometry parameters and a source device partition definition structure is received. Target device geometry parameters are received. The source partition definition structure is translated and a mapped partition definition structure in accordance with the target device geometry parameters is generated. A target device descriptor including the target device geometry parameters and the mapped partition definition structure is generated. The target device descriptor is stored on the target device. Data for one or more partitions of the source device is migrated to the target device.

Abstract: A payment card transaction notification and authorization system provides a notification message to a payment card holder of an attempted transaction using his/her payment card. The system provides multiple options for the payment card holder to decline authorization of the attempted transaction. The multiple options comprise a first option for the payment card holder to decline authorization of an undesirable but non-fraudulent transaction, and a second option for the payment card holder to decline authorization of a fraudulent transaction.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for facilitating a custom ring in connection with a call. A ring tone delivery system may include an interface operable to receive a calling signal that indicates a request to place a call from a calling party to a communication device of a called party. The system may also include a network node communicatively coupled to the interface. The network node may be operable to determine whether the calling party is able to use a calling party selected ring tone. The network node may also be operable to determine whether the communication device will accept the calling party selected ring tone. The network node sends the calling party selected ring tone to the communication device when the calling party is able to use the calling party selected ring tone and when the communication device will accept the calling party selected ring tone.

Abstract: A method for efficient first mortgage loans including the steps of identifying suitable borrowers for a marginally priced mortgage loan, determining an aggregate asset value of property owned by the suitable borrowers, determining a capital structure of the marginally priced mortgage loan for the respective property as between debt and equity, tranching the debt capital structure into a plurality of debt tranches, wherein lowest loan to value tranches have seniority over higher loan to value tranches, assigning each tranche an interest rate based upon a plurality of criteria including probability of default, correlation of default, and credit market conditions, creating a structured note which provides legal rights for each such tranche in a bankruptcy remote issuance entity and securitization or sale of such structured notes to investors.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for reviewing and updating a subscriber's telecommunications services using a graphical user interface via multiple data networks. A data message is received at an intelligent peripheral from the graphical user interface via at least one of the data networks. The data message indicates a subscriber's desired update to a selected service. The data message is converted into a protocol compatible with a service control point. The converted data message is identical to a data message that the intelligent peripheral would create if the subscriber had entered the desired update via an interactive voice response system. The converted data message is transmitted to the service control point, which updates the service in accordance with the subscriber's update. Thus, the service is updated substantially contemporaneously with the request. Moreover, the subscriber retains the ability to update and review service data via the interactive voice response.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for broadcasting Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) messages. A method incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include receiving an indication that a message should be delivered to a plurality of recipients. In response, contact information for the plurality of recipients may be identified, and an outbound packetized call to each of the recipients may be launched. In practice, the packetized call may be in a VoIP form or some other appropriate packetized form. If a call is answered, the call may be connected to a multicast server capable of playing the to-be-delivered message.

Abstract: There is provided a method that includes (a) presenting, via a communications network, a first interface that enables a creditor to access a credit application template, to create a customized credit application, and (b) presenting, via the communications network, a second interface that enables a credit applicant to access the customized credit application and provide information required by the customized credit application. There is also provided a system that executes the method.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preserving a disk geometry when relabeling a storage device containing data migrated from a previous data storage device having different disk geometry. Prior to relabeling, the label of the storage device includes information on the disk geometry of the previous data storage device. An exemplary method includes reading the label of the storage device in response to a request for information related to a disk geometry of the storage device, which is normally answered without reference to the label of the storage device, and reporting the information related to the disk geometry from the label if the label is associated with an operating system that considers a geometry of a storage device when partitioning.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a video stream processing system and to a method of displaying a video stream. In a particular embodiment, the method includes, during a first time period, displaying a first version of a received video stream while recovering a second version of the received video stream, the first version of the received video stream having a lower video display quality than the second version of the received video stream. The first time period begins no more than approximately 100 milliseconds after a detected channel change. The method also includes switching from display of the first version of the received video stream to display of the second version of the received video stream during a second time period.

Abstract: Methods for providing remainder interests with protection to a seller and mitigation of the potential consequences suffered by related financial instruments. The protected remainder interest financial instrument includes submitting a seller to underwriting to accurately determine the seller's remaining life expectancy, and purchasing the protected remainder interest of an illiquid asset from the seller leaving the seller with a life estate. The method includes a client system for displaying information related to the transaction and inputting information related to the seller, illiquid asset, and the buyer. The client system is used to create a request to create the protected remainder interest. A server system accepts the request, stores the information in memory, and creates the protected remainder interest.