Abstract: Techniques for selecting a skill, to respond to a user input, using skill rankings are described. A skill's ranking may be determined in different manners. In one example, a skill's ranking may be determined based on a number of different users inputting commands that invoke the skill over a period of time. In another example, a skill's ranking may be determined based on a number of different devices that capture user inputs that invoke the skill over a period of time. A system may determine whether to automatically enable a skill (e.g., without user input received after the original user input), or ask the user whether the skill should be enabled, based on the skill's ranking. Moreover, a system may use a skill's ranking to determine whether to interact with a user, to enable the skill, using a graphical user interface or a voice user interface.

Abstract: A control system to locate a motorized entity on a display having an electronic device with a display is provided. The electronic device may include a microphone and an electronic device integrated circuit with a set of entity locating software instructions with a capability to generate and display a sequence of pixels in a location pattern, and to further receive an audio output detection signal from the microphone. The entity may include a speaker and one or more sensors in communication with an entity integrated circuit including a set of entity control software instructions. The one or more sensors may be capable of detecting pixels and to send a pixel detection signal to the entity integrated circuit upon detection thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of a network element that keeps a port of the network element up in a split port configuration is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the network element receives an indication of a link loss on a receive interface of the port, wherein the port includes the receive interface and a transmit interface. In addition, the receive interface is coupled to a first device over a first link, and the transmit interface is coupled to a second device over a second link. Furthermore, the network element performs an operation of the port such that a link coupled to a transmit interface of the port remains up. The network element additionally suppresses receive faults that are received on the receive interface.

Abstract: A system, method, and associated apparatus for continuous measurement of transit latency in individual data switches and multi-device topologies is disclosed, which enables an accurate measure of real-word latency on production networks by applying a time stamp to production network data on ingress to a network element and determining a traversal time by capturing the time stamp on egress from the network element. In one embodiment, time stamps applied to network data are removed on egress to avoid undesirable packet growth across multiple hops of the network. Timing information on data flow through the data/forwarding plane of each network node of a production network can be gathered without the use of test harnesses, injected network data, or dedicated ports.

Abstract: An illustrative application control system is provided having an entity and an electronic device with a display. The control system includes software operating instructions to direct movement of the entity and to direct display operation to interact with the entity. The entity may have the capability to move when positioned on the display and to detect pixels and pixel arrangements on the display. The electronic device may include the capability to generate and display the pixels and pixel arrangements in subsequent locations on the display to trigger entity responses. The software operating instructions may include content such as audio output and/or performance instructions to facilitate interaction between the entity and electronic device.

Abstract: A control system to locate a motorized entity on a display having an electronic device with a display is provided. The electronic device may include a microphone and an electronic device integrated circuit with a set of entity locating software instructions with a capability to generate and display a sequence of pixels in a location pattern, and to further receive an audio output detection signal from the microphone. The entity may include a speaker and one or more sensors in communication with an entity integrated circuit including a set of entity control software instructions. The one or more sensors may be capable of detecting pixels and to send a pixel detection signal to the entity integrated circuit upon detection thereof.

Abstract: A toy character includes a body, a first propeller assembly, a second propeller assembly, and a motor. The body extends in a longitudinal direction and has a longitudinal axis. The first propeller assembly is mounted to the body to rotate in a first direction about the longitudinal axis and positioned at a mid-portion of the body. The second propeller assembly is mounted to the body to rotate in a second direction about the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from the first propeller assembly. The second propeller assembly is mechanically linked to the first propeller assembly for counter-rotation in the second direction when the first propeller assembly rotates in the first direction. The motor is in communication with the first and second propeller assemblies to drive rotations in the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: A system, method, and associated apparatus for continuous measurement of transit latency in individual data switches and multi-device topologies is disclosed, which enables an accurate measure of real-word latency on production networks by applying a time stamp to production network data on ingress to a network element and determining a traversal time by capturing the time stamp on egress from the network element. In one embodiment, time stamps applied to network data are removed on egress to avoid undesirable packet growth across multiple hops of the network. Timing information on data flow through the data/forwarding plane of each network node of a production network can be gathered without the use of test harnesses, injected network data, or dedicated ports.

Abstract: A toy character includes a body, a first propeller assembly, a second propeller assembly, and a motor. The body extends in a longitudinal direction and has a longitudinal axis. The first propeller assembly is mounted to the body to rotate in a first direction about the longitudinal axis and positioned at a mid-portion of the body. The second propeller assembly is mounted to the body to rotate in a second direction about the longitudinal axis and spaced apart from the first propeller assembly. The second propeller assembly is mechanically linked to the first propeller assembly for counter-rotation in the second direction when the first propeller assembly rotates in the first direction. The motor is in communication with the first and second propeller assemblies to drive rotations in the first direction and the second direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of a network element that keeps a port of the network element up in a split port configuration is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the network element receives an indication of a link loss on a receive interface of the port, wherein the port includes the receive interface and a transmit interface. In addition, the receive interface is coupled to a first device over a first link, and the transmit interface is coupled to a second device over a second link. Furthermore, the network element performs an operation of the port such that a link coupled to a transmit interface of the port remains up. The network element additionally suppresses receive faults that are received on the receive interface.

Abstract: A flying toy figure is provided which may include a doll body extending in a longitudinal direction and may have a longitudinal axis which is substantially vertical. A first propeller assembly may be mounted to rotate in a first direction about the longitudinal axis of the doll body and may be positioned longitudinally along a mid-portion of the doll body. A second propeller assembly mechanically linked to the first propeller assembly may be mounted to rotate in a second direction about the longitudinal axis of the doll body and is positioned below the first propeller assembly. A rechargeable power source may be in communication with a motor to drive the first and second propeller assemblies. One or more sensors may be included with the figure to detect a surface external to the doll body and may be configured to provide a surface detection signal.

Abstract: A flying toy figure is provided which may include a doll body extending in a longitudinal direction and may have a longitudinal axis which is substantially vertical. A first propeller assembly may be mounted to rotate in a first direction about the longitudinal axis of the doll body and may be positioned longitudinally along a mid-portion of the doll body. A second propeller assembly mechanically linked to the first propeller assembly may be mounted to rotate in a second direction about the longitudinal axis of the doll body and is positioned below the first propeller assembly. A rechargeable power source may be in communication with a motor to drive the first and second propeller assemblies. One or more sensors may be included with the figure to detect a surface external to the doll body and may be configured to provide a surface detection signal.

Abstract: A rock boring device includes a rotary disc cutter. The disc cutter is driven in an oscillating manner and may be driven or free to nutate, and the device includes a mounting section for the rotary disc cutter and a driven section. The mounting section may be angularly offset from the axis of the driven section whereby the rotary disc cutter can oscillate and/or nutate.

Abstract: A rock boring device (10) including a rotary disc cutter (11). The disc cutter (11) is driven in an oscillating manner and also driven or free to nutate, and the device includes a mounting section (22) for the rotary disc cutter and a driven section (21), and wherein the mounting section (22) is angularly offset from the axis of the driven section whereby the rotary disc cutter will both oscillate and nutate.

Abstract: The invention provides a digital contract comprising a sealed package comprising: a header package comprising: rules defining any sealed packages to be included in said contract; a validating party who is to validate said header package; and a sealing party who is to seal said package; a body containing at least a portion of the content of the package; and a validating signature generated from said rules and said body according to a first key belonging to said validating party; any sealed packages defined in said rules; and a sealing signature generated from said header package and any of said sealed packages according to a first key belonging to said sealing party. Further provided is contract management software for generating, validating, exchanging and managing such contracts.

Abstract: Wheeled applicators for marking lines on various surfaces are detailed. Each applicator may include a head adapted to receive an aerosol dispenser containing line-marking fluid and a spray nozzle with a normally-closed valve. The head and dispenser further may be disposable.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for merging promotional information, based on multiple requests and relating to different promotions, into a single stream for the printing and mailing of coupons, checks or other promotional items. The requests relating to a particular promotion are matched with an associated promotion control record, with one or more promotions similarly associated with an account control record in the, case of preparing checks. Prior to printing, individual data entries for various promotions are combined, and sorted in a sequence predetermined for qualification for various postal rate classifications, thus to minimize the cumulative cost of mailing the entries. Pertinent information associated with each entry is printed on sheets of card stock, each sheet separable into four individual segments to provide four checks or coupons.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for merging promotional information, based on multiple requests and relating to different promotions, into a single stream for the printing and mailing of coupons, checks or other promotional items. The requests relating to a particular promotion are matched with an associated promotion control record, with one or more promotions similarly associated with an account control record in the case of preparing checks. Prior to printing, individual data entries for various promotions are combined, and sorted in a sequence predetermined for qualification for various postal rate classifications, thus to minimize the cumulative cost of mailing the entries. Pertinent information associated with each entry is printed on sheets of card stock, each sheet separable into four individual segments to provide four checks or coupons.