Abstract: Methods and apparatus for decoding LDPC code provide that an LDPC code may be represented as a Tanner graph comprising bit nodes and check nodes and connections between them. A configurable LDPC decoder supporting many different LDPC codes having any sub-matrix size includes several independently addressable memories which are used to store soft decision data for each bit node. The decoder further includes a number P of check node processing systems which generate updated soft decision data. The updated values are then passed back to the memories via a shuffling system. If the number of check nodes processed in parallel by the check node processing systems is PCNB (where P?PCNB) and the soft decision data for a bit node is of word size q bits, the total width of the independently addressable memories is larger than PCNB*q bits.

Abstract: In a networked system, a method and apparatus for measuring advertising effectiveness involves broadcasting an advertisement at a broadcast time, monitoring at least one social network or other online forum following the broadcast time, filtering social network traffic to identify messages, search engine queries to identify queries, or other traffic entries, that appear to be responsive to the broadcast advertisement, determining a time of initiation for at least a plurality of entries that appear to be responsive to the broadcast advertisement, and determining at least one demographic for at least the plurality of the entries that appear to be responsive to the broadcast advertisement.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for authenticating users may include (i) identifying, on a computing system, an attempt by a user to access an application that requires authentication, (ii) sending, in response to identifying the attempt to access the application, a request for an authentication token for the application to a third-party platform for which the user has a pre-existing user account and to which the user is currently authenticated on the computing system, (iii) receiving the authentication token for the application from the third-party platform that is associated with the pre-existing user account for the user in response to sending the request for the authentication token, and (iv) authenticating the user to the application on the computing system via the authentication token associated with the pre-existing user account in response to receiving the authentication token. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include eyewear that provides controlled variable light attenuation and color enhancement based on an input received from a user, a sensor and/or a signal from a control circuit. In some embodiments, the eyewear includes an optical filter system with two or more defined filter states that are adapted to improve color vision in different environments. The optical filter system can be incorporated into a lens having any desired curvature, including, for example, cylindrical, spherical or toroidal. The lens can include one or more functional components. Examples of functional components include color enhancement filters, chroma enhancement filters, a laser attenuation filter, electrochromic filters, photoelectrochromic filters, variable attenuation filters, anti-reflection coatings, interference stacks, hard coatings, flash mirrors, anti-static coatings, anti-fog coatings, other functional layers, or a combination of functional layers.

Abstract: Techniques for extension interaction with applications are described. Generally, an extension represents functionality for extending, modifying, customizing, and/or supplementing native functionality of an application. Techniques discussed herein provide a common extension platform that enables an extension to interact with multiple different applications utilizing components of the platform. The common extension platform, for instance, exposes a set of common extension application programming interfaces (APIs) that provide a common interaction surface between extensions and applications.

Abstract: A system and computer-implemented method is provided. The method includes receiving measurements obtained at a plurality of locations of a user site and associated with wireless communication quality of multiple channels at the respective locations, determining a channel-location score for each channel for each of the locations based on the measurements obtained for that location, and generating an overall channel score for each channel based on the channel-location scores determined for the channel at each of the locations.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for accounting for features of computer-generated dynamic or simulation models being at different scales. Some examples of dynamic or simulation models may include models representing hair, fur, strings, vines, tails, or the like. In various embodiments, features at different scales in a complex dynamic or simulation model can be treated differently when rendered and/or simulated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for decoding LDPC codes provide that an LDPC code may be represented as a Tanner graph comprising bit nodes and check nodes and connections between them. In an embodiment, a configurable LDPC decoder, which supports many different LDPC codes having any sub-matrix size, comprises several independently addressable memories which are used to store soft decision data for each bit node. The decoder further comprises a number, P, of check node processing systems which generate updated soft decision data. The updated values are then passed back to the memories via a shuffling system. If the number of check nodes processed in parallel by the check node processing systems is PCNB (where P?PCNB) and the soft decision data for a bit node is of word size q bits, the total width of the independently addressable memories is larger than PCNB*q bits.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems of managing vertical handoffs in a wireless communication network. Embodiments include analyzing wireless device usage to determine usage patterns, which may include locations and times at which the wireless device is typically accessing the network. The network may recognize points in the usage patterns at which signal quality parameters are typically reduced. Such reductions in signal quality parameters may lead to inefficient vertical handoffs. The network may decrease adverse effects of inefficient vertical handoffs by reducing ping ponging, selecting links between wireless devices and network nodes, or indicating to a user of the wireless device that delays and/or data loss may occur.

Abstract: A ranging code correlation function detection system for use in a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver includes a correlation block to correlate a digitized GNSS signal (e.g. at or above a critical sampling rate) with a corresponding ranging code at each of a plurality of different offsets from a current estimate of a code delay to generate a plurality of correlation data points; an interpolation filter configured to generate at least one estimated correlation data point that lies between two of the correlation data points based on the current estimate of the code delay. In some cases the ranging code correlation function detection system may also include a discriminator block configured to generate an updated estimate of the code delay based on the at least one estimated correlation data point.

Abstract: Flanged fittings with proximal, central, and distal sections between proximal and distal ends, the proximal section including a flange portion with bolt holes, and the central section including curved or angled surfaces, and which provide enhanced structural integrity and function for use in pipeline operations are described. The fittings can include an inner threaded surface capable of receiving a threaded plug to provide a primary seal in the fitting, and then can be capped with a finishing cap at the flange portion following a pipeline tapping process.

Abstract: An opener attachment for an agricultural row unit including a frame, an arm pivotally coupled to the frame, an opener disc coupled to the arm and configured to excavate a trench into soil, and a gauge wheel coupled to the arm and configured to block movement of the opener disc into the soil to control a depth of the trench. The opener attachment also includes a mechanical stop coupled to the frame and configured to block the gauge wheel and the opener disc moving toward the soil. In addition, the opener attachment includes an air bag configured to urge the gauge wheel and the opener disc toward the soil.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include eyewear that provides controlled variable light attenuation and color enhancement based on an input received from a user, a sensor and/or a signal from a control circuit. In some embodiments, the eyewear includes an optical filter system with two or more defined filter states that are adapted to improve color vision in different environments. The optical filter system can be incorporated into a lens having any desired curvature, including, for example, cylindrical, spherical or toroidal. The lens can include one or more functional components. Examples of functional components include color enhancement filters, chroma enhancement filters, a laser attenuation filter, electrochromic filters, photoelectrochromic filters, variable attenuation filters, anti-reflection coatings, interference stacks, hard coatings, flash mirrors, anti-static coatings, anti-fog coatings, other functional layers, or a combination of functional layers.

Abstract: A pig loader device can include a breech assembly having a chamber body, a ramrod compartment, a breech, and a neck. A ramrod having a push plate, a rod, and a breech plate may be disposed within the ramrod compartment and configured to slideably traverse the ramrod compartment and the breech. In use, the device can be connected to an ancillary pipe via the neck, and a pig may be placed within the breech and aligned be to be slid within the breech and neck upon engagement with the ramrod to facilitate pigging operations of a pipeline. The ramrod may then be forced forward to an extended position, thereby urging the pig through the neck to be seated within the pipe. The device may then be detached from the pipe to enable continued pigging operations.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems of managing vertical handoffs in a wireless communication network. Embodiments include analyzing wireless device usage to determine usage patterns, which may include locations and times at which the wireless device is typically accessing the network. The network may recognize points in the usage patterns at which signal quality parameters are typically reduced. Such reductions in signal quality parameters may lead to inefficient vertical handoffs. The network may decrease adverse effects of inefficient vertical handoffs by reducing ping ponging, selecting links between wireless devices and network nodes, or indicating to a user of the wireless device that delays and/or data loss may occur.

Abstract: A check seat assembly includes a check valve seat with a by-pass passage in parallel with a check valve passage of the check seat assembly to meter flow and maintain stability of a hydraulic system, such as a hydraulic cylinder. The check valve may include an o-ring seated in a V-shaped groove. The check seat assembly may allow flow from a pump to a hydraulic cylinder to freely pass through the check valve to pressurize one side of a piston of the hydraulic cylinder, such as a front side of the piston to retract a corresponding rod connected to the piston.

Abstract: An opener attachment for an agricultural row unit including a frame, an arm pivotally coupled to the frame, an opener disc coupled to the arm and configured to excavate a trench into soil, and a gauge wheel coupled to the arm and configured to block movement of the opener disc into the soil to control a depth of the trench. The opener attachment also includes a mechanical stop coupled to the frame and configured to block the gauge wheel and the opener disc moving toward the soil. In addition, the opener attachment includes an air bag configured to urge the gauge wheel and the opener disc toward the soil.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a flange lifting apparatus that is configured to have an upper portion that can be attached to a crane or hoist, and a lower portion that can be attached to a flange using flange attachment arms. The lifting apparatus has a support body comprising with first and second ends and an elongate opening in the support body. A movable support member has an upper portion with opening accommodating a threaded rod, and a lower portion attached to a rotatable cam that is positioned within and capable of traveling within the elongate opening of the support body. Rotation of the rod causes movement of the support member which shifts the center of gravity and causes the flange to tilt.

Abstract: An alert system and method are disclosed. The invention employs an alert message, which directs end users to take some particular action like evacuating an identified geographic area. The invention further employs a geographic area message, which is based on a particular geographic area within which all persons should receive the alert message. The invention utilizes an alert enabled device that receives both the alert message and the geographic area message. The alert enabled device determines whether it is located within the geographic area of concern, and if so, presents the alert message to the end user.

Abstract: A pig loader device can include a breech assembly having a chamber body, a ramrod compartment, a breech, and a neck. A ramrod having a push plate, a rod, and a breech plate may be disposed within the ramrod compartment and configured to slideably traverse the ramrod compartment and the breech. In use, the device can be connected to an ancillary pipe via the neck, and a pig may be placed within the breech and aligned be to be slid within the breech and neck upon engagement with the ramrod to facilitate pigging operations of a pipeline. The ramrod may then be forced forward to an extended position, thereby urging the pig through the neck to be seated within the pipe. The device may then be detached from the pipe to enable continued pigging operations.