Abstract: A network-based, integrated advertising and data searching system, and method for implementing the system, the system enhances the advertising exposure probability of transaction-enabling, associative discernible content ‘ADC’ elements proximately arranged on a website by storing, accessing and displaying transaction-enabling ADC element-related files in accordance with search criteria which matches geographic-territory specific data-files and optionally matches, category or subject data-files. The ADC element-related files are configurable for display in one or more groupings or word-cloud like arrangements within a single user interface or webpage, and in one embodiment, display one or more transactionable offerings, for a product, service or activity associated with at least one advertiser/seller according to user-specified criteria, or in response to input made via a user input device in communication with browser-equipped apparatus.

Abstract: A technique for identifying deviations in patterns of data traffic between host devices communicating over a network involves establishing a baseline traffic distribution by categorizing data traffic during a learning period. The baseline traffic distribution includes a list of categories and a metric value and a measure of variability of the metric value for each category in the list. An observed traffic distribution is generated by categorizing data traffic during an observation period. The observed traffic distribution includes a list of categories and a metric value associated with each category in the list. An alarm is generated in response to at least one of the metric values of the categories of the observed traffic distribution deviating significantly from the corresponding metric value in the baseline traffic distribution based on a pair-wise comparison of the observed metric values with respective thresholds established for corresponding categories of the baseline traffic distribution.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for maintaining a record of parking space usage data for a plurality of parking spaces, using the usage data to compute probability of availability for a given space as a function of time and communicating the resultant probability data along with availability data to an end user who is looking for a parking space in the area. This information can be combined with a user's estimated time of arrival (ETA) to assist the user in selecting a parking spot to drive to. A plurality of spaces can be ranked according to their likelihood of availability at an ETA to the general area or to each of the plurality of spaces.

Abstract: A flashing assembly that incorporates a plurality of overlapping flashing sections that are each preferably formed from a sheet material. Each section includes opposite edge portions that are arranged about a generally V-shaped configuration. Joining the sections together is at least one clinch joint that is substantially formed and registered upon the overlapping edge portions of at least two different overlapping flashing sections. The clinch joint is adapted to releasably fasten the at least two sections. Various modifications include one or more additional clinch joints that are also substantially formed upon the same overlapping edge portions of the first clinch joint and the V-shaped configuration that forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees. In other variations of the preceding modifications, the clinch joint is a mechanical press fit interference joint or a welded, press fit, or adhesive joint, or some combination or permutation thereof.

Abstract: A method for Cause and Effect application logic implementation includes defining a formal methodology for specification of functional requirements for a target system based upon Cause and Effect notation and function blocks and employing a computer-aided specification tool-set to support capture and validation of functional requirements. The method further includes employing a software module to directly execute Cause and Effect application logic.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for generation of random numbers. The apparatus comprises an alpha-radiation source, such as Am 241, for which the decay product produces no secondary radiation with the energy equal or higher than that of the prime alpha radiation. The alpha particles emitted by the isotope and having reached the detector have a narrow energy spectrum and, hence, produce identical electrical pulses in a detector. An alpha-particle detection system is provided which includes a differential discriminator in combination with a logical selector. This combination of elements allows a positive identification of individual events of alpha-decay in the alpha-radiation source to be made and filters out any other signals produced by different radiation sources both inside and outside the apparatus. An electronic unit processes the stream of identical electric pulses into a stream of random numbers.

Abstract: A color cathode-ray tube (CRT) has an evacuated envelope with an electron gun therein for generating an electron beam. The envelope further includes a faceplate panel having a luminescent screen with phosphor elements on an interior surface thereof. A focus mask, having a plurality of spaced-apart first conductive strands, is located adjacent to an effective picture area of the screen. The spacing between the first conductive strands defines a plurality of apertures substantially parallel to the phosphor elements on the screen. Each of the first conductive strands has a substantially continuous slightly conductive insulating material layer formed on a screen facing side thereof. A plurality of second conductive wires are oriented substantially perpendicular to the plurality of first conductive strands and are bonded thereto by the slightly conductive insulating material layer.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for generation of random numbers. The apparatus comprises an alpha-radiation source, such as Am 241, for which the decay product produces no secondary radiation with the energy equal or higher than that of the prime alpha radiation. The alpha particles emitted by the isotope and having reached the detector have a narrow energy spectrum and, hence, produce identical electrical pulses in a detector. An alpha-particle detection system is provided which includes a differential discriminator in combination with a logical selector. This combination of elements allows a positive identification of individual events of alpha-decay in the alpha-radiation source to be made and filters out any other signals produced by different radiation sources both inside and outside the apparatus. An electronic unit processes the stream of identical electric pulses into a stream of random numbers.

Abstract: A flashing assembly that incorporates a plurality of overlapping flashing sections that are each preferably formed from a sheet material. Each section includes opposite edge portions that are arranged about a generally V-shaped configuration. Joining the sections together is at least one clinch joint that is substantially formed and registered upon the overlapping edge portions of at least two different overlapping flashing sections. The clinch joint is adapted to releasably fasten the at least two sections. Various modifications include one or more additional clinch joints that are also substantially formed upon the same overlapping edge portions of the first clinch joint and the V-shaped configuration that forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees. In other variations of the preceding modifications, the clinch joint is a mechanical press fit interference joint or a welded, press fit, or adhesive joint, or some combination or permutation thereof.

Abstract: A color cathode-ray tube (CRT) has an evacuated envelope with an electron gun therein for generating an electron beam. The envelope further includes a faceplate panel having a luminescent screen with phosphor elements on an interior surface thereof. A focus mask, having a plurality of spaced-apart first conductive strands, is located adjacent to an effective picture area of the screen. The spacing between the first conductive strands defines a plurality of apertures substantially parallel to the phosphor elements on the screen. Each of the first conductive strands has a substantially continuous slightly conductive insulating material layer formed on a screen facing side thereof. A plurality of second conductive wires are oriented substantially perpendicular to the plurality of first conductive strands and are bonded thereto by the slightly conductive insulating material layer.

Abstract: A DSL device performs a frame check sequence operation in a digital signal processor (DSP), i.e., layer one of the OSI seven layer model, heretofore performed only in layer two of the OSI seven layer model. Performing the layer two framing and calculating the frame check sequence in the DSP allows the DSP to use the layer two error detection results, and optionally, the mean squared error vector, to more accurately determine whether to update adaptive receiver parameters.

Abstract: The present invention enables a dial modem capable of simultaneous voice and data (SVD) operation and connected to a conventional telephone set to automatically select between SVD operation, analog voice operation and digital data operation when transmitting or receiving communication signals based on the position of the telephone set's hookswitch. The invention includes a hookswitch position detector, connected to the telephone set, for sensing the current position of the hookswitch, and a signal controller, connected to the hookswitch position detector. The signal controller may be configured to enable either of two hookswitch control option settings. The hookswitch control option settings determine the manner in which the controller responds to the current hookswitch position ("on-hook" or "off-hook") detected by the hookswitch position detector.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for testing preconditioned exhaust emissions of vehicles having internal combustion engines. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a test track over which a vehicle is moved under its own power and remote exhaust testers which spectroscopically test exhaust emissions of vehicles as they move over the test track. The apparatus and method of the present invention preferably may be used for pre-screening vehicles as a first step in a testing process utilizing, as a second step, more extensive testing as with stationary testing apparatus. Those vehicles clearly meeting minimum emissions standards can be relatively quickly screened out by the method and apparatus of the present invention and exempted from further, more extensive testing.

Abstract: A backflush conduit for an automatic back flushing filter having an inlet portion with a symmetrical converging bell-shaped cross-section, an outlet portion with a generally cylindrical shape, and a converging and reorienting transition portion connecting the inlet and outlet portions. Converging convex surfaces of the bell shaped opening smooth fluid inflow and prevent fulid separation. The transition portion interior contour redirects the fluid flow without inducing turbulence, resulting in more efficient backflushing to clean the entire filter element even at small element pore sizes.

Abstract: A spectacle line blind includes a pivotable or rotatable spectacle plate having at one end a conventional full opening providing little obstruction to flow of liquid or gas. On the other end of the spectacle valve plate a blank disc seals one of said inlet and outlet ducts. The opposite side of this blank disc includes spacers having axial and radial openings therebetween which permit gases to vent to the atmosphere from the other duct.

Abstract: A brace for converting an extension ladder into a stepladder. The brace comprises a pair of spaced clamping members for securing two diverging extension ladder sections. The clamping members comprise a pair of rods having U-shaped clamps at each of their ends. The pairs of rods are secured by channel sections. An adjustable device for rigid bracing of the ladder sections is provided.