Abstract: In various representative aspects, the present invention relates generally to an improved dog collar that protects the safety of the dog and its larynx and trachea by utilizing padded and resilient cushions on the inside of the dog collar in combination with one or more elastic bands within the perimeter of the dog collar. These elements provide a means for absorbing shock forces when a dog suddenly jerks or exerts force on the dog collar when it is connected to a stationary object or its owner by a leash.

Abstract: In various representative aspects, the present invention relates generally to an improved dog collar that protects the safety of the dog and its larynx and trachea by utilizing padded and resilient cushions on the inside of the dog collar in combination with one or more elastic bands within the perimeter of the dog collar. These elements provide a means for absorbing shock forces when a dog suddenly jerks or exerts force on the dog collar when it is connected to a stationary object or its owner by a leash.

Abstract: A redundant controller engine (RCE) of a system includes a first, second and at least a third redundant processing unit (RPU). The RCE includes an arbitrator in communication with the first, second and third RPUs which sends a message for a corresponding time requiring a decision to the first, second and third RPUs, and receives the decisions made by the first, second and third RPUs. The arbitrator accepts a first two matching decisions for the corresponding time received from the first, second and third RPUs, and sending the matching decision for the corresponding time to the system. The arbitrator has a first message processing unit (MPU) and a second MPU. The first MPU sends the message for the corresponding time to and receives the decisions for the corresponding time from the first, second and third RPUs. A method for processing data from a system. An apparatus for conferencing.

Abstract: A redundant controller engine (RCE) of a system includes a first, second and at least a third redundant processing unit (RPU). The RCE includes an arbitrator in communication with the first, second and third RPUs which sends a message for a corresponding time requiring a decision to the first, second and third RPUs, and receives the decisions made by the first, second and third RPUs. The arbitrator accepts a first two matching decisions for the corresponding time received from the first, second and third RPUs, and sending the matching decision for the corresponding time to the system. The arbitrator has a first message processing unit (MPU) and a second MPU. The first MPU sends the message for the corresponding time to and receives the decisions for the corresponding time from the first, second and third RPUs. A method for processing data from a system. An apparatus for conferencing.