Abstract: Selectively modifying a message delivery requirement of a datagram message at an intermediary network node between an origin and a destination. A message delivery requirement is defined for a particular message. The message delivery guarantee defines how to transmit the particular message. A downgrading intent of the particular message is provided for the message at the origin. The downgrading intent of the particular message indicates that the message delivery requirement can be bypassed. The defined message delivery guarantee, the network delivery requirement, and the provided downgrading intent of the particular message are processed at the intermediate network node. The message delivery requirement of the particular message is ignored based on the provided downgrading intent. The message is delivered via a network protocol according to the provided downgrading intent.

Abstract: Transforming portions of a message to a destination via a communication protocol. A message is received. It is detected whether the received message includes an encoded envelope. The encoded envelope includes a stack defining parameters including information for handling the received message in an original format. If the received message includes the encoded envelope, the defined parameters are transformed to coded parameters in a common format. The coded parameters express the same information for handling the received message in the communication protocol. The encoded envelope is encapsulated in the received message, and the received message in the common format is delivered to the destination. If the received message does not include an encoded envelope, coded parameters are generated in the common format for the received message by encoding addressing information from the received message. The received message having the coded parameters in the common format is delivered to the destination.

Abstract: A speaker having a transparent sound panel and an exciter connected to the transparent sound panel for converting electrical energy received by the exciter, into vibrations that are transmitted to the transparent sound panel, resulting in the transparent sound panel transmitting sound. The speaker also contains a stiff panel located between the exciter and the transparent sound panel, where the stiff panel minimizes dampening qualities associated with material utilized to fabricate the transparent sound panel and minimizes bending of the portion of the transparent sound panel that is in contact with the stiff panel. In addition, a dampening pad is located within the exciter for absorbing a portion of excessive mid-high frequency vibrations emanating from the exciter prior to transmission to the transparent sound panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus that allows a cleaning utensil to be stored and transported with a cleaning container and to be easily removed to clean desired surfaces as needed. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus has a ring assembly that can be attached to a cleaning container and a receptacle for the cleaning utensil. The ring assembly can be a solid ring constructed of the same material as the receptacle for the cleaning utensil. The ring assembly can also be a strap, a clip, or any other material that allows the receptacle to be attached to the fluid container. In some embodiments of the present invention, the receptacle can be a box, a clip, a clamp, or any other holder to attach the cleaning utensil to the fluid container. Other embodiments of the present invention do not require a ring assembly. In such embodiments, the cleaning utensil can be detachably connected to the fluid container with a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: A data protection and storage system includes an array of disk drives for data storage. Data is received for storage on the disk drive via an interface that is configured to emulate a tape drive interface. A virtual tape data structure is created and stored on the disk drives. The data structure includes entry tables that form a linked list where each contain links to other entry tables and information defining data storage sectors allocated to records associates a virtual tape.

Abstract: An example of a solution provided here comprises: providing a logical design, including at least one hub containing central management tools, and a plurality of lower tiers containing local management tools; placing components according to the design; and providing, from the hub, one or more management functions. The lower tiers include one or more elements chosen from RIM's, spokes, and POD's.

Abstract: In a PDF direct printing method, the printer controller stores PDF direct print data received from a client on a RAM of the printer controller, or partly on the RAM according to a printing order and/or frequency of use if there is insufficient space to stored all the received PDF data. A PDF parser on the client generates a tag for each block of data being transferred based on the content of the block, and transfers the tag with the block. Based on the tag, the printer controller stores each block either on RAM or on disk. The printer controller maintains a memory allocation database to record the memory location where each block is stored on the printer controller. During rendering, the database is accessed to determine the memory location for blocks of data, and the blocks are retrieved from the memory locations for processing.

Abstract: A foldable massaging bed cushion for supporting a person in a sitting position is disclosed. The foldable massaging bed cushion has a backrest with two side edges, two armrests rotatably coupled to the backrest, and one or more massaging units within the backrest. The two armrests can rotate from a sitting position to a folded position along the two side edges of the backrest. The foldable massaging bed cushion can also have one or more heating units and one or more massaging units located within the backrest and a control panel to control the massaging units and heating units.

Abstract: A massage base having a top surface contains at least one massage node base wherein the massage node base is motile in relation to the massage base. At least one massage node is mounted on each of the massage node bases and at least partially protrudes from the top surface. The massage node is mounted for rote movement in relation to the massage base. A motor, connected to the massage node base, engages the massage node in rote movement in relation to the massage base.

Abstract: A thin film is formed by depositing a wide bandgap semiconductor material on a substrate by oblique physical vapor deposition to form a thin film structure. The thin film structure is transparent, electrically conductive, and birefringent.

Abstract: An example of a solution provided here comprises: providing a logical design, including at least one hub containing central management tools, and a plurality of lower tiers containing local management tools; placing components according to the design; and providing, from the hub, one or more management functions. The lower tiers include one or more elements chosen from RIM's, spokes, and POD's.

Abstract: Multifunctional, single, bilayer, and trilayer coated tablets for combination therapy are formed wherein the bioactive agents responsible for the therapeutic multifunctionality are present as a combination of a gastric acid-reducing agent, such as omeprazole and ranitidine, and at least one analgesic/anti-inflammatory agent, such as acetaminophen, naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, tolmetin, and aspirin.

Abstract: A composition for use in making commercial food and skin products comprising S-equol or mixtures, including both a non-racemic mixture and a racemic mixture, of S-equol and R-equol. The composition can be used to make articles of commerce such as food supplements, pharmaceuticals, and medicaments. The compositions are useful in a method of delivering S-equol to a mammal to prevent or treat a disease or associated condition, including hormone-dependent diseases or conditions such as cardiovascular disease, lipid disorder, osteopenia, osteoporosis, liver disease, and acute ovarian estrogen deficiency. The S-equol enantiomer can be produced in a biological synthesis from the metabolism of an isoflavone by an organism.

Abstract: A multiple Interactive Program Guide (IPG) system provides different television programming and different IPGs to several different users respectively. A single set-top box is capable of providing programming and scheduling data to several different television sets. Each of the different IPGs share a common database. Therefore, a first IPG being viewed by a first user can display data added or modified via a second IPG by a second user of the system. Furthermore, the data added or modified by the second user can influence the viewing rights of the first user. Also, all the competing and conflicting requests for limited resources, such as VCR scheduled recordings, will be brought to the users' attention and will be displayed by the system.

Abstract: A passive noise reduction apparatus has a headset with at least one ear cup attached to the headset, the ear cup having an ear side and a shell side. An inner shell, having a cup side and an outer side, is mounted to and substantially covers the shell side of the ear cup wherein the cup side of the inner shell faces the shell side of the ear cup. An outer shell, having an inner side and a distal side, is mounted to and substantially covers the inner shell, wherein the inner side of the outer shell is in substantially contiguous contact with the outer side of the inner shell.

Abstract: Many vehicles use convertible tops that raise and lower. Most often these vehicles use “soft” convertible tops. Unfortunately, it is often very difficult to achieve uniform tensioning of the cover material as it is attached to the rear bow, or to achieve uniform tensioning from top to top. The disclosed apparatus and method of making a convertible top comprises maintaining a portion of the frame member in a substantially fixed position, grasping the cover with a plurality of clamping members, pulling the cover over the portion of the frame member, applying a predetermined amount of force to the cover as it is pulled over the portion of the frame member, and fixing the cover to the portion of the frame member thereby creating a predetermined tension to the convertible top.

Abstract: An audio system includes a housing which has at least one port, at least one speaker driver with a diaphragm located in the housing, a tube made of one or more thermally conductive materials and having at least two openings, and at least one electronic component which is thermally coupled to the tube. The tube is at least partially located in the housing with one of the openings of the tube at least adjacent to the port of the housing. Movement of the diaphragm helps move air into and out of the tube to dissipate heat.

Abstract: A foldable massaging bed cushion for supporting a person in a sitting position has a backrest with two side edges, two armrests rotatably coupled to the backrest, and one or more massaging units within the backrest. The two armrests can rotate from a sitting position to a folded position along the two side edges of the backrest. The foldable massaging bed cushion can also have one or more heating units and one more massaging units located within the backrest and a control panel to control the massaging units and heating units.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating an assembly having functional blocks coupling to a substrate. The method includes providing the substrate with receptor sites wherein each of the receptor sites is designed to couple to one of the functional blocks. Electrodes are coupled to the substrate. The electrodes cover the receptor sites such that portions of the receptor sites are coated with the electrodes. Applying a voltage source to the electrodes using a first electrical circuit such that each electrode has a voltage different from another electrode. The electrodes form an electric field. The functional blocks having electronic devices and being in a slurry solution are dispensed over the substrate. Each functional block is fabricated out of materials having a high dielectric constant such that said functional blocks are attracted to the higher field strength regions and are guided to the receptor sites.