Abstract: Optical systems have uses, such as in spectrometers, for directing a beam. A spectrometer, for example, utilizes an optical system for directing an incident beam toward a sample and receiving a spectroscopy signal from the sample. In various implementations, for example, an optical system may be further configured to move a beam with respect to a target, such as a sample, and still provide a home position where the beam is directed in a stationary configuration. A self-homing (e.g., self-centering) optical system may provide a “home” position in which the beam is directed in a first stationary mode while still allowing a focused beam to be moved with respect to a target in a second dynamic mode.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include systems and methods for tree style memory zone traversal. A non-limiting example computer-implemented method includes receiving, by a processor, a request from a requestor for available memory space in a main memory. The processor searches a plurality of memory zones in the main memory for the requested available memory space, wherein the memory zones are arranged in a ring structure and a separate tree structure, and the searching is based at least in part on both of the ring structure and the tree structure. In response to the processor finding the requested available memory space, processor allocates the found available memory space to the requestor.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include systems and methods for tree style memory zone traversal. A non-limiting example computer-implemented method includes receiving, by a processor, a request from a requestor for available memory space in a main memory. The processor searches a plurality of memory zones in the main memory for the requested available memory space, wherein the memory zones are arranged in a ring structure and a separate tree structure, and the searching is based at least in part on both of the ring structure and the tree structure.

Abstract: Optical systems have uses, such as in spectrometers, for directing a beam. A spectrometer, for example, utilizes an optical system for directing an incident beam toward a sample and receiving a spectroscopy signal from the sample. In various implementations, for example, an optical system may be further configured to move a beam with respect to a target, such as a sample, and still provide a home position where the beam is directed in a stationary configuration. A self-homing (e.g., self-centering) optical system may provide a “home” position in which the beam is directed in a first stationary mode while still allowing a focused beam to be moved with respect to a target in a second dynamic mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of soil monitoring systems and in particular a networked wireless data logging system. In one form the invention comprises a sensor network for measuring at least one parameter within a soil body, including at least one first node comprising a subsurface communication module for connection to a first sensor, at least one second node comprising a surface communication module for connection to a second sensor, wherein both said subsurface and surface communication modules being in communication with each other via at least one first network, and wherein said subsurface communication module or said surface communication module acting as a gateway unit for communication with a computing device or processor via a second network.

Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A gas source can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the gas source and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home.

Abstract: New techniques for automated database deployment are disclosed. Change SQL files intended for any target database are checked into a designated source code control repository. A pre-validation process is applied to the proposed changes and reports all errors therein, not just the first error found. A tracking mechanism may find and report changes that have been done against a database since the last deployment, including changes applied without following source control procedure. All recent SQL files since previous promotion can be automatically gathered and built into a master run book SQL for execution in a correct sequence. Backout SQL may also be automatically generated and validated. A pre-test or mock deployment may be performed during regular business hours against an automatically generated copy of the target database. With these techniques, deployments and maintenance of databases become more efficient, and failure rates and failover responses could be significantly improved.

Abstract: New techniques for automated database deployment are disclosed. Change SQL files intended for any target database are checked into a designated source code control repository. A pre-validation process is applied to the proposed changes and reports all errors therein, not just the first error found. A tracking mechanism may find and report changes that have been done against a database since the last deployment, including changes applied without following source control procedure. All recent SQL files since previous promotion can be automatically gathered and built into a master run book SQL for execution in a correct sequence. Backout SQL may also be automatically generated and validated. A pre-test or mock deployment may be performed during regular business hours against an automatically generated copy of the target database. With these techniques, deployments and maintenance of databases become more efficient, and failure rates and failover responses could be significantly improved.

Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A gas source can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the gas source and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems are disclosed for categorizing and analyzing documents and records using combinations of concept elements selected from a set of semantically coherent dimensions. Each combination of concept elements is a tuple, which is a sequence or a set of elements selected from the dimensions.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods and systems are disclosed for automatically identifying declined services from service records by extracting information from fields in the service record, analyzing the extracted information to identify issues found and issues addressed in the service record, comparing the issues found and issues addressed to identify issues found in the service record unrelated to the issues addressed, and inferring the issues found unrelated to the issues addressed to be declined services.

Abstract: Computer implemented methods and systems for assisting a user to select one or more codes from a set of available codes to categorize a record. The method includes (a) receiving information on a record to be categorized; (b) determining a set of multiple candidate codes to suggest to the user that is a subset of the set of available codes having a greater likelihood of accurately matching the applicability criteria for the codes for the record than other codes, the set of candidate codes including candidate code(s) selectable by the user to be assigned to the record among other possible candidate codes; (c) presenting the set of multiple suggested candidate codes to the user for assessment; (d) receiving a user selection input of a code or codes to be associated with the record; and (e) assigning the selected one or more codes to the record to categorize the record.

Abstract: A mobile aboveground safety shelter to provide protection from dangerous events such as storms, tornadoes and similar occurrences is provided. The shelter includes a pallet and a room connected to the pallet. The pallet has a generally planar base and a wall extending upward from the base. The wall and base form a cavity suitable for containing a weighting material.

Abstract: A mobile aboveground safety shelter to provide protection from dangerous events such as storms, tornadoes and similar occurrences is provided. The shelter includes a pallet and a room connected to the pallet. The pallet has a generally planer base and a wall extending upward from the base. The wall and base form a cavity suitable for containing a weighting material.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for facilitating a value exchange transaction and virtual payment system to provide retail layaway services. A registered buyer may use an on-line retail channel or a physical retail channel to form a layaway contract. The buyer simultaneously executes a debit and credit transaction at an on-line retail or physical retail channel to purchase one or more ordered items from registered or non-registered sellers while making an initial down payment. The items are then shipped to a secure storage facility for the duration of the layaway contract period making the retail sales final. Upon completion of the terms of the formed layaway contract, the ordered items are shipped from the secure storage facility 118 to the buyer's final shipping address 119. Canceled layaway transactions are made available for layaway, direct purchase, or purchase via an open on-line auction.

Abstract: A mobile aboveground safety shelter to provide protection from dangerous events such as storms, tornadoes and similar occurrences is provided. The shelter includes a pallet and a room connected to the pallet. The pallet has a generally planar base and a wall extending upward from the base. The wall and base form a cavity suitable for containing a weighting material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for use in highly sensitive and efficient neutron detection, that includes using trigger reactions to initiate far-ultraviolet (FUV) optical emissions. In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for the detection of slow neutrons includes absorption of a slow neutron with a high neutron capture-cross-section nucleus, decay of the compound nucleus into energetic particles, creation of excimers from the energetic particles reacting with a background gas to form excimers, radiative decay of excimers resulting in emission of FUV radiation, and detection of the FUV radiation using an optical detector.

Abstract: A mobile aboveground safety shelter to provide protection from dangerous events such as storms, tornadoes and similar occurrences is provided. The shelter includes a pallet and a room connected to the pallet. The pallet has a generally planer base and a wall extending upward from the base. The wall and base form a cavity suitable for containing a weighting material.

Abstract: Systems, methods and cartridges for carbonating or otherwise dissolving gas in a precursor liquid, such as water, to form a beverage. A gas source can be provided in a cartridge which is used to generate gas that is dissolved into the precursor liquid. A beverage medium, such as a powdered drink mix or liquid syrup, may be provided in the same, or a separate cartridge as the gas source and mixed with the precursor liquid to form a beverage. The use of one or more cartridges for the gas source and/or beverage medium may make for an easy to use and mess-free system for making sparkling beverages, e.g., in the consumer's home.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for use in highly sensitive and efficient neutron detection, that includes using trigger reactions to initiate far-ultraviolet (FUV) optical emissions. In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for the detection of slow neutrons includes absorption of a slow neutron with a high neutron capture-cross-section nucleus, decay of the compound nucleus into energetic particles, creation of excimers from the energetic particles reacting with a background gas to form excimers, radiative decay of excimers resulting in emission of FUV radiation, and detection of the FUV radiation using an optical detector.