Abstract: A method and system for implementing a global name space service. The method may include receiving a file system unique identifier corresponding to a particular file and a human-readable name corresponding to the same file. The method may further include binding the human-readable name to the file system unique identifier, thereby creating a mapping between the human-readable name and the file system unique identifier. The system may include a processor coupled to a memory and to a global name space service manager. The global name space service manager may be configured to receive a file system unique identifier corresponding to a particular file and a human-readable name corresponding to the same file. The global name space service manager may be further configured to bind the human-readable name to the file system unique identifier, thereby creating a mapping between the human-readable name and the file system unique identifier.

Abstract: A method and system for providing remote access to heterogeneous information sources from computing devices including but not limited to personal computers, laptop computers, PDAs, cellular telephones is presented. A middle-tier server is provided in a multi-tier environment for allowing a data-centric approach to accessing, modifying and updating content located at remote data sources. The middle-tier server provides functionality for a mobile (or similar) user to perform a search query, request for document and/or data, update remote data, and perform commands on remote data sources. In addition, the middle-tier server manages the authentication of the user in sessioned or sessionless mode. In particular, search query results are processed such that the results answer a search query. That is, rather than simply providing a list of document matches, the middle-tier server extracts information from the document that answers the search query most appropriately.

Abstract: A lighting device provides with a mechanism which rotates, oscillates or rolls a lighting unit, and includes a power source (1), a trigger (2), a lighting unit (3) and a motor (4), wherein the power source (1) supplies power to the lighting unit (3) and the motor (4) via the trigger (2). The lighting device further includes a control unit which is connected in parallel to the lighting device. By changing internal circuits of the control unit, a pins which connects to an energy storage element is set, therefore the lighting unit flashes in a predetermined sequence after interruption of power is resumed, and the lighting unit moves in a certain track, occurring a path in which position of light spots changed.

Abstract: An efficient distributed transaction protocol for a distributed file sharing system is described. One embodiment of the protocol involves a transaction coordinator node sending three messages to participant nodes, where the participant nodes reply to only two of those messages. In one embodiment, the transaction coordinator node may return success to the client application after receiving replies to the second message from the participant nodes. The protocol may provide benefits associated with traditional three-phase commit (3PC) protocols while also decreasing response time latencies experienced by client applications and decreasing network traffic.

Abstract: A lighting device provides with a mechanism which rotates, oscillates or rolls a lighting unit, and includes a power source (1), a trigger (2), a lighting unit (3) and a motor (4), wherein the power source (1) supplies power to the lighting unit (3) and the motor (4) via the trigger (2). The lighting device further includes a control unit which is connected in parallel to the lighting device. By changing internal circuits of the control unit, a pins which connects to an energy storage element is set, therefore the lighting unit flashes in a predetermined sequence after interruption of power is resumed, and the lighting unit moves in a certain track, occurring a path in which position of light spots changed.

Abstract: An adjustable well screen assembly having a pipe which is connectable to a production pipe, wherein the pipe comprises a hole extending from the ID of the pipe to the OD of the pipe; a screen connected to the pipe adjacent the hole of the pipe; a valve connected to the pipe, wherein the valve controls fluid flow through the hole of the pipe; a valve motor mechanically connected to the valve, wherein the valve motor opens and closes the valve; and a valve controller communicatively connected to the valve motor, wherein the valve controller instructs the valve motor as to a configuration of the valve.

Abstract: Inertia switches in insulating housings are used to make or break electrical contact. The switches may be small in size, and may be used with flashing light systems in footwear or other articles. One embodiment is a directional switch sensitive to the orientation of the switch and the motion of the switch due to outside forces. Footwear with flashing light systems that use these inertia switches may make the wearer or user more visible at night, adding a measure of safety as well as fun. Flashing light systems using these inertia switches may also be used to illuminate personal accessories and articles of clothing.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc replacement device is disclosed and includes a first implantable member having a first anchor plate and a concave body detachably coupled to the first anchor plate, and a second implantable member having a second anchor plate and a convex body detachably coupled to the second anchor plate, the convex body configured to engage the concave body in movable relation thereto.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel adjustable mattress and pillow system and related methods in which a sensing mat positioned on the top face of a mattress affects microprocessor-controlled optimization of the contour of the mattress and a pillow based on a user's position. In one embodiment, the novel adjustable mattress and pillow system of the invention provides real time contour optimization through use of a variety of sensing techniques that make the system particularly useful in environments such as hospital critical care facilities where proper positioning of a user on a mattress and a pillow may prove important to user's health.

Abstract: An apparatus for an enhanced receiver for an RFID Tag Interrogator having a current transformer and an antenna, the enhanced receiver comprising: a zero cross detector for receiving an input current waveform from the current transformer and for producing a sampling signal based on the input current waveform; a phase shifter for phase shifting the sampling signal by about ninety degrees to produce a phase shifted sampling signal; a pulse generator for increasing time duration of each pulse of the phase shifted sampling signal to produce a control signal for controlling a chopper; the chopper for receiving and sampling a backscattered carrier signal from the antenna; and a bandpass filter for filtering away a carrier signal of the backscattered carrier signal.

Abstract: A flashing device includes a wearable band having a motion switch for sensing movement of the band and generating a trigger signal in response to the movement, a circuit responsive to the trigger signal to generate an illumination signal, and at least one light which is illuminated in response to the illumination signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for illuminating lighting elements in one or more predetermined patterns. A preferred frequency controlled lighting system implementing this method includes a motion switch, a controller, and lighting elements. The motion switch creates an activation signal in response to movement of the motions switch, the activation signal indicating at least one of duration of electrical engagement or frequency of electrical engagement within the motion switch. The controller detects the activation signal generation and uses a signal analysis system to analyze the activation signal.

Abstract: An illuminating device with flashing lights may is adjustably affixable to ice skates or in-line skates. The illuminating device may include a number of lamps or light emitting diodes (LEDs) and is controlled by a motion switch or other switch. The lamps or LEDs are visible from the inside of a transparent box which is installed in the hollow between the shoe portion of the skate and the blade or wheels of the skate. The illuminating device is necessarily compact in nature, consisting primarily of flashing lights and a power-and-control circuit that controls and enables the flashing of the lights. The lights may be flashed sequentially, in-phase, randomly, or in other desirable patterns.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for illuminating lighting elements in one or more predetermined patterns. A preferred frequency controlled lighting system implementing this method includes a motion switch, a controller, a sound generator, and lighting elements. The motion switch creates an activation signal in response to movement of the motion switch, which is detected by the controller. In response to the properties of the activation signal, the controller illuminates the lighting elements in one or more predetermined patterns, or the controller actuates the sound generator to generate sound. Preferably, the lighting system utilizes at least two integrated circuits where a first integrated circuit functions as the controller and a second integrated circuit, having a higher cutoff operating voltage than the first integrated circuit, functions as the sound generator.

Abstract: Flashing lights may be added to footwear or other objects worn by persons. Flashing light systems are necessarily compact, consisting primarily of flashing lights and a power-and-control circuit that controls and enables the flashing of the lights. The lights may be illuminated by differing voltage levels, so that lights will flash brighter or dimmer depending on whether the light receives a higher voltage or a lower voltage. The voltages may be achieved by using batteries in series. A unique flashing effect is achieved by the use of differing voltages in sequence on the same lamps or LEDs. A battery charger may also be included to restore battery life.

Abstract: Illuminating devices may be added to footwear or other objects worn by persons. The illuminating devices are necessarily compact in nature, consisting primarily of flashing lights and a power-and-control circuit that controls and enables the flashing of the lights. The lights may be illuminated by differing voltage levels, so that lights will flash brighter or dimmer, in sequence, depending on whether the light receives a higher voltage or a lower voltage. The voltages may be achieved by using batteries in series. A unique flashing effect is achieved by the use of differing voltages in sequence on the same lamps or LEDs. A battery charger may also be included to restore battery life.

Abstract: Method for producing a printed circuit board on a substrate comprising five steps: (a) printing a predetermined circuit pattern onto the substrate using a conductive material, (b) applying additional connection traces onto the substrate, (c) depositing a metal onto the printed circuit pattern by electroplating or electroforming a metal onto the substrate, (d) applying an adhesion and insulation glue layer over portions of the metal that comprises the desired circuit pattern, and (e) removing any undesired connection traces from the substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel microprocessor-controlled actuator which bounces a baby bouncer system at soothing frequencies that are optimized for the weight of a baby supported in the baby bouncer system bed. The invention also provides a novel baby bouncer system which includes the novel microprocessor-controlled actuator. In one embodiment, the microprocessor based control system which controls the bouncing motion of the actuator also emits soothing sounds.

Abstract: The invention provides a programmable, power-efficient, hearing aid and cell phone-compatible system for selectively filtering continuous mechanical noise which includes a programmable, user-adjustable DSP comprising a multiband equalizer, noise reduction and anti-feedback function, and advanced gain control (AGC) volume control.

Abstract: The invention provides a propulsion, braking and anti-rollback control assembly for use in manually propelled vehicles such as wheelchairs. In one embodiment, the invention provides a wheelchair with a control lever assembly and related force conveyance connecter that propel, brake and steer the wheelchair in a mechanically advantageous way while minimizing rollback. A seat-activated auxiliary braking system is also provided. Additionally, the invention provides a selective anti-rollback disengagement system that facilitates selective rollback.