Abstract: Disclosed is a building board construction with increased surface strength. More specifically, increased nail pull strength is achieved via the application of an external surface coating. The surface coating is ideally applied to a paper faced gypsum building board. In one possible embodiment, the coating is formed from a water soluble polymer.

Abstract: A system for exchanging data. A first mobile device configured to generate a first set of data related to a plurality of geographic positions where the first mobile device has been located and configured to exchange the first set of data with a second mobile device wherein the first mobile device receives a second set of data related to a plurality of geographic positions where the second mobile device has been located. A mapping system configured to receive the first set of data and the second set of data and to generate a map based on the first set of data and the second set of data.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced electrical cable assembly including a connector body, an electrical conductor positioned within the connector body, an interior chamber defined within the connector body, a dielectric fluid medium contained within the chamber, and a shuttle delimiting at least a portion of the chamber to prevent the escapement of the dielectric fluid from the chamber. The shuttle is moveable in response to differences between a pressure within the chamber and a pressure outside of the chamber.

Abstract: A pressure-balanced electrical cable assembly including a connector body, an electrical conductor positioned within the connector body, an interior chamber defined within the connector body, a dielectric fluid medium contained within the chamber, and a shuttle delimiting at least a portion of the chamber to prevent the escapement of the dielectric fluid from the chamber. The shuttle is moveable in response to differences between a pressure within the chamber and a pressure outside of the chamber.

Abstract: A collaborative sharing workgroup comprising a plurality of assets is disclosed. An integrated manager module is fixedly coupled with each asset, the integrated manager module comprising an asset systems monitor; a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) position information monitor; and an environment information monitor. In addition, a communications module is fixedly coupled with each asset. The communications module automatically shares information from each integrated manager module to each of the plurality of assets in the workgroup and similarly receives the shared information from each of the plurality of assets in the workgroup. A user guidance module is also coupled with each asset. The user guidance module utilizes the shared information to automatically update guidance information for an asset. Moreover, the user guidance module operates independently on each asset in a workgroup without utilizing a central managing device.

Abstract: A collaborative sharing workgroup comprising a plurality of assets is disclosed. An integrated manager module is fixedly coupled with each asset, the integrated manager module comprising an asset systems monitor; a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) position information monitor; and an environment information monitor. In addition, a communications module is fixedly coupled with each asset. The communications module automatically shares information from each integrated manager module to each of the plurality of assets in the workgroup and similarly receives the shared information from each of the plurality of assets in the workgroup. A user guidance module is also coupled with each asset. The user guidance module utilizes the shared information to automatically update guidance information for an asset. Moreover, the user guidance module operates independently on each asset in a workgroup without utilizing a central managing device.

Abstract: A system for exchanging data. A first mobile device configured to generate a first set of data related to a plurality of geographic positions where the first mobile device has been located and configured to exchange the first set of data with a second mobile device wherein the first mobile device receives a second set of data related to a plurality of geographic positions where the second mobile device has been located. A mapping system configured to receive the first set of data and the second set of data and to generate a map based on the first set of data and the second set of data.

Abstract: A fluid analyzing system comprises a telematics device, a fluid analysis control module, and a locomotive management system. The telematics device is coupled with a locomotive. The fluid analysis control module is coupled with the locomotive and the telematics device. The fluid analysis control module is configured for initiating acquisition of a sample of a fluid of the locomotive and providing the sample to a microfluidic analyzer for conduction of a microfluidic analysis in response to occurrence of an analysis trigger. The analysis trigger comprises an operating characteristic of the locomotive. The locomotive management system is located remotely from the locomotive and the telematics device. The locomotive management system is configured for wirelessly receiving results of the microfluidic analysis transmitted from the telematics device.

Abstract: A method of exchanging water allocation credits comprises accessing data describing a water allocation credit reserved for a first user. An unused amount of the water allocation credit which will not be used by the first user is then determined. A sale is then brokered of the unused amount of the water allocation credit to another user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the managing advertisements in a digital environment, including methods for selecting suitable advertising based on subscriber profiles, and substituting advertisements in a program stream with targeted advertisements. The Ad Management System (AMS) 100 of the present invention manages the sales and insertion of digital video advertisements in cable television, switched digital video, and streaming video (Internet) based environments. The AMS 100 provides advertisers an ability to describe their advertisements (ads) in terms of target market demographics, required ad bandwidth, ad duration, and other ad specific parameters. The AMS 100 receives the ad descriptions that include some or all of the aforementioned parameters, and matches the ads to the advertising opportunities (“avails”) available in the programming stream. The AMS 100 tracks different avails including duration and bandwidth of the avail, and uses a number of schemes to determine if the ad can be placed in the avail.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a method and system for implementing export control for a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. In one embodiment, a GNSS receiver is used to determine the geographic position of an electronic device. It is then determined that the geographic region corresponds to an exclusion zone. In response to determining that the geographic region corresponds to the exclusion zone, accessing data from the electronic device is prevented.

Abstract: An automotive parts kit differentiation system and method includes a plurality of different types of parts kits, wherein each type of kit includes a base and a plurality of automotive parts removably contained by the base. The parts contained in each type of kit vary as compared to each other type of kit. Each base includes a unique identifier tag that identifies the base as being a base for one of the plurality of kit types. The unique identifier tag of each base includes a color zone defined by a color selected from a plurality of different colors that correspond respectively to the plurality of different kit types so that each kit type corresponds to one of the plurality of different colors. The unique identifier tag further includes a shape identifier selected from a plurality of different shape identifiers that correspond respectively to the plurality of different kit types so that each kit type corresponds to one of the plurality of different shapes.

Abstract: A robust data extension added to a standard 8VSB digital television signal is used to improve the performance of a digital television receiver. The robust data extension is added to a standard 8VSB digital television transmission system by encoding high priority data packets in a rate 1/2 trellis encoder. The high priority data 1/2 trellis encoded packets are then multiplexed with normal data packets and input into the normal data service of an 8VSB system, which further contains a rate 2/3 trellis encoder. The combined trellis encoding results in a rate 1/3 trellis encoding for robust data packets and a rate 2/3 trellis encoding for normal packets. Backward compatibility with existing receivers is maintained for 1) 8VSB signaling, 2) trellis encoding and decoding, 3) Reed Solomon encoding and decoding, and 4) MPEG compatibility. In addition to delivery of robust data for mobile applications, the redundant robust data packets also improve the performance of the receiver in the normal tier of service.

Abstract: An adjustable depth control device for a fastener driving tool has an attachment member which is used to couple the adjustable depth control device to the fastener driving tool. An adjustment member is coupled to the attachment member to adjust and control a driving depth of the fastener driving tool. A stopping head is formed on a rivet die of the fastener driving tool for keeping the rivet die in a chamber of the fastener driving tool and for limiting a distance the rivet die will travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the managing advertisements in a digital environment, including methods for selecting suitable advertising based on subscriber profiles, and substituting advertisements in a program stream with targeted advertisements. The Ad Management System (AMS) 100 of the present invention manages the sales and insertion of digital video advertisements in cable television, switched digital video, and streaming video (Internet) based environments. The AMS 100 provides advertisers an ability to describe their advertisements (ads) in terms of target market demographics, required ad bandwidth, ad duration, and other ad specific parameters. The AMS 100 receives the ad descriptions that include some or all of the aforementioned parameters, and matches the ads to the advertising opportunities (“avails”) available in the programming stream. The AMS 100 tracks different avails including duration and bandwidth of the avail, and uses a number of schemes to determine if the ad can be placed in the avail.

Abstract: An idler shaft assembly for an internal combustion engine provides significant cost savings eliminates processing and assembly steps, and provides accurate orientation of components. The idler shaft assembly includes a shaft adapted for rotation about a first axis. A one-piece sprocket and gear assembly is received on the shaft. A sprocket portion of the one-piece assembly has a first diameter that cooperates with an associated drive chain that is driven by the crankshaft, and a gear portion of the one-piece assembly has a second diameter that cooperates with an associated gear of an associated balance shaft.

Abstract: A method and system for the insertion of local signals, including digital media advertisements, into statistically multiplexed streams is presented. The rate control and timing information is computed and is used to specify the insertion time and rate parameters for digital advertisements. In one embodiment, a maximum bit rate over the advertisement duration is specified. The maximum bit rate may be constant or may vary in time, such that high bit rate portions of the advertisement are supported. High bit rate portions of the advertisements in different program streams may be staggered, such that the total bandwidth required does not exceed a maximum, but allowing for high bit rate portions of advertisements. Custom bit rate profiles for advertisements may also be defined, with the profiles being defined at a high granularity or a low granularity.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inserting and displaying one or more signals during processing and display delays encountered in digital STB-receivers, including those delays encountered during channel changes. Moreover, a means for increasing the channel change delay period, while maintaining subscriber satisfaction, and thereby freeing up bandwidth for other services, is provided. These signals can be advertisements, entertainment, or other messages. When a channel change request occurs on a digital set-top receiver, a local watchdog module detects the channel change event and causes to be generated a signal that is immediately displayed on the TV, while the MPEG-2 subsystem of the receiver acquires, stores, decodes and presents the new program to the television. Providing advertisements or entertainment during the delay period allows for increase in the delay period thus allowing for higher compression and increased availability of bandwidth.

Abstract: A novel device for remote information download and transfer for downloading a secure, permanent record of criminal activity and/or accident evidence relating to a vehicle for evidentiary purposes which may be directly transferred to an information center and/or the authorities through a transmission link which is preferably a satellite up/link-down/link or saved directly onto the downloading device. The remote downloading device may be activated automatically or upon a trigger signal and comprises an interface, an information capturing storage device, a video monitor display and preferably a transceiver. The interface communicates with an information storage device, downloads the information saved therein and transmits it to the capture storage device, transceiver or both. The information may be displayed on the visual display monitor or transmitted via the transceiver to an off site location.

Abstract: A method for installing a cushion ring on a sprocket body to construct a sprocket assembly includes applying a deforming force to a cushion ring so that an opening therein is deformed to a shape that accommodate passage of a non-circular flange of a sprocket body therethrough. When the cushion ring is deformed, the non-circular flange of the sprocket body is inserted through the opening of the cushion ring. The deforming force is then released from the cushion ring so that the cushion ring is trapped between the flange and another portion of the sprocket body. The sprocket assembly includes at least one and typically two cushion rings trapped by respective non-circular flanges.