Abstract: A data storage architecture extension (DAX) system and method that permits multiple disk drive storage elements to be logically daisy-chained to allow a single host bus adapter (HBA) to view the storage elements as one logical disk drive is disclosed. The system/method may be broadly described as comprising a pass-thru disk drive controller (PTDDC) further comprising a HBA port, a disk drive interface port, pass-thru input port, and a pass-thru output port. The PTDDC intercepts and translates the HBA port input to the requirements of an individual disk drive connected to the drive interface port. Each PTDDC may be daisy-chained to other PTDDCs to permit a plethora of disk drives to be associated with a given HBA, with the first PTDDC providing a presentation interface to the HBA integrating all disk drive storage connected to the PTDDCs. The system/method also permits RAID configuration of disk drives using one or more PTDDCs.

Abstract: An Intellectual Property (IP) Analytics system/method supporting the rapid analysis of data associated with patents, copyrights, and/or trademarks is disclosed. The system incorporates a graphical user interface (GUI) in conjunction with an IP analytics web server (IAS) to permit user queries regarding IP information to be defined as a graphically interconnected network (GIN) of information flows connecting defined IP data sources, processing functions, and report generation modules. The GIN may be arbitrarily configured based on IP query context to optimize retrieval of information associated with tasks commonly performed in support of IP procurement, maintenance, and defense operations. The system permits a variety of IP query application contexts to be supported, including prosecution, litigation, valuation, licensing, competitive analysis, and commercial research/development.

Abstract: Systems and methods for redundant object storage are disclosed. A method may include storing at least two copies of each of a plurality of objects among a plurality of nodes communicatively coupled to one another in order to provide redundancy of each of the plurality of objects in the event of a fault of one of the plurality of nodes. The method may also include monitoring access to each object to determine a frequency of access for each object. The method may additionally include redistributing one or more of the copies of the objects such that at least one particular node of the plurality of nodes includes copies of only objects accessed at a frequency below a predetermined frequency threshold based on the determined frequency of access for each object. The method may further include placing the at least one particular node in a reduced-power mode.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method of improving bone health and muscle health in a companion animal comprising administering a composition comprising a fatty acid component to the companion animal wherein the fatty acid component comprises a ratio of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from about 3:1 to about 25:1. The present invention additionally comprises a composition comprising a fatty acid component comprising docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) wherein the ratio of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is from about 3:1 to about 25:1.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing data integrity for stored data are disclosed. A method may include, in connection with the receipt of a read command at a storage resource, reading a data block from the storage resource, the data block including a data field, a data integrity field indicating the integrity the data field, and an encryption indicator field indicating whether the data block is encrypted with a current cryptographic key for the storage resource. The method may further include determining whether the data field is encrypted with the current cryptographic key based at least on the encryption indicator field. The method may additionally include returning at least a portion of the data block in reply to the read command in response to determining that the data field is encrypted with a cryptographic key other than the current cryptographic key.

Abstract: A data storage architecture extension (DAX) system and method that permits multiple disk drive storage elements to be logically daisy-chained to allow a single host bus adapter (HBA) to view the storage elements as one logical disk drive is disclosed. The system/method may be broadly described as comprising a pass-thru disk drive controller (PTDDC) further comprising a HBA port, a disk drive interface port, pass-thru input port, and a pass-thru output port. The PTDDC intercepts and translates the HBA port input to the requirements of an individual disk drive connected to the drive interface port. Each PTDDC may be daisy-chained to other PTDDCs to permit a plethora of disk drives to be associated with a given HBA, with the first PTDDC providing a presentation interface to the HBA integrating all disk drive storage connected to the PTDDCs. The system/method also permits RAID configuration of disk drives using one or more PTDDCs.

Abstract: A data storage architecture extension (DAX) system and method that daisy-chains multiple SATA disk drive storage elements to allow a single host bus adapter (HBA) to view the daisy-chain as one logical SATA disk drive is disclosed. The system/method may be broadly described as comprising a pass-thru disk drive controller (PTDDC) further comprising a pass-thru input (PTI) port, disk drive interface (DDI) port, and pass-thru output (PTO) port. The PTDDC intercepts and translates PTI port input to the requirements of a SATA disk drive connected to the DDI. Each PTDDC may be daisy-chained to other PTDDCs to permit a plethora of SATA drives to be associated with a given HBA, with the first PTDDC providing a presentation interface to the HBA integrating all SATA disk drive storage connected to the PTDDCs. Rack mounting of PTDDC-enabled SATA disk drives enables creation of inexpensive dynamically expandable petabyte-class storage arrays.

Abstract: A method for calculating a fare for a transport service is provided. One or more processors receive a plurality of location data points from a computing device associated with a vehicle providing the transport service. The plurality of location data points correspond to a route of travel during performance of the transport service. A determination is made, based on a set of location data points of the plurality of location data points, that the vehicle has potentially driven along a roadway in which a toll is to be assessed as part of the fare. The roadway in which the toll is to be assessed is identified. The amount for the toll is determined for the identified roadway.

Abstract: An electric power generation system and method that permits enhanced power generation efficiency when applied to rotating electric power generation systems is disclosed. The system may be broadly described as generally improving energy generation efficiency by improving the efficiency of electric current extraction from stator coils in many alternator-based electric power generation systems. The system disclosed comprises a number of preferred embodiments, some of which utilize buck-boost converter technologies in conjunction with super-diode excitation/rectification to minimize I2R power losses within rotating power generation system components while at the same time reducing heat losses and thus increasing overall rectification circuitry system reliability.

Abstract: Systems and methods for redundant object storage are disclosed. A method may include storing at least two copies of each of a plurality of objects among a plurality of nodes communicatively coupled to one another in order to provide redundancy of each of the plurality of objects in the event of a fault of one of the plurality of nodes. The method may also include monitoring access to each object to determine a frequency of access for each object. The method may additionally include redistributing one or more of the copies of the objects such that at least one particular node of the plurality of nodes includes copies of only objects accessed at a frequency below a predetermined frequency threshold based on the determined frequency of access for each object. The method may further include placing the at least one particular node in a reduced-power mode.

Abstract: A device made of insulated foam rubber, with added vinyl pieces, that fits over windshield wipers and wiper arms of vehicles, equipment and boats, that protects wiper blades and arms from harsh elements. Using this boot acts as a barrier between harsh weather elements protecting against excessive heat, snow and ice from damaging wipers and arms. By sliding these single piece devices over each wiper blade and arm it provides 100% UV protection while shielding against harsh elements. Wiper blades and arms are protected against damage from sticking to the windshield while vehicle is in a parked position. Additional vinyl strips and/or vinyl lettering assist in easier removal of the device in wintery and excessive heat conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing data integrity for stored data are disclosed. A method may include, in connection with the receipt of a read command at a storage resource, reading a data block from the storage resource, the data block including a data field, a data integrity field indicating the integrity the data field, and an encryption indicator field indicating whether the data block is encrypted with a current cryptographic key for the storage resource. The method may further include determining whether the data field is encrypted with the current cryptographic key based at least on the encryption indicator field. The method may additionally include returning at least a portion of the data block in reply to the read command in response to determining that the data field is encrypted with a cryptographic key other than the current cryptographic key.

Abstract: An audio/video storage/retrieval system and method that permits efficient and cost-effective simultaneous recording of multi-channel A/V information from a variety of sources is disclosed. The system/method may be broadly described as generally incorporating baseband conversion of source RF modulated A/V information followed by analog-to-digital conversion and storage on a storage device utilizing a dual port interface that incorporates an additional computer access port to permit transparent storage access by a computer system. Retrieval of stored A/V programming from the storage device via the dual port interface permits the stored A/V data to be converted to analog and RF modulated for presentation to an A/V presentation device. Additional A/V source and/or target selectors may be incorporated into the system/method to permit recording a plethora of A/V sources such as raw A/V signaling, OTA broadcasts, clear/encrypted cable QAM broadcasts, cable set top boxes (STBs), and the like.

Abstract: A converter constituted of: an inductor; a plurality of electronically controlled switches; and a control circuitry arranged to operate in a buck-boost mode responsive to the output voltage of the converter being within a predetermined range of the input voltage of the converter, the control circuitry arranged in the buck-boost mode: responsive to a current flowing through the inductor being lower than a predetermined low current threshold, to control the switches to couple the inductor between the input voltage and a common potential; responsive to the current flowing through the inductor being greater than a predetermined medium current threshold, to control the switches to couple the inductor between the input voltage and the output voltage; and responsive to the current flowing through the inductor being greater than a predetermined high current threshold, to control the switches to couple the inductor between the output voltage and the common potential.

Abstract: A data storage architecture extension (DAX) system and method that permits multiple disk drive storage elements to be logically daisy-chained to allow a single host bus adapter (HBA) to view the storage elements as one logical disk drive is disclosed. The system/method may be broadly described as comprising a pass-thru disk drive controller (PTDDC) further comprising a HBA port, a disk drive interface port, pass-thru input port, and a pass-thru output port. The PTDDC intercepts and translates the HBA port input to the requirements of an individual disk drive connected to the drive interface port. Each PTDDC may be daisy-chained to other PTDDCs to permit a plethora of disk drives to be associated with a given HBA, with the first PTDDC providing a presentation interface to the HBA integrating all disk drive storage connected to the PTDDCs. The system/method also permits RAID configuration of disk drives using one or more PTDDCs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implantable capsule expander device for insertion within a lens capsule of an eye of a patient. The device comprises an arcuate center portion including first and second rims and having a first height, an outermost peripheral portion including a second height that is less than the first height, and a receiving portion formed between the first and second rims. The center portion and the outermost peripheral portion are configured to stabilize the capsule expander device within the lens capsule and to expand the lens capsule. The receiving portion is sized to receive an artificial intraocular lens.

Abstract: Systems and methods for appending metadata to objects are disclosed. A method may include in response to an indication to add new metadata to an existing immutable data object stored at a first location on a storage resource: (a) writing a new data object to a second location on the storage resource, the new data object including the new metadata; (b) aliasing a first unique identifier associated with the existing immutable data object to a second unique identifier associated with the new data object; and (c) associating the second unique identifier to the second location.

Abstract: A fuse box system and method providing for visual and/or remote sensing of interrupted fusing elements is disclosed. The system incorporates LEDs and/or remote sensing apparatus to permit indication of a “blown” fuse and/or circuit protection breaker. This system may be configured for both polarized and/or non-polarized applications and generally provides for indicator illumination when a fuse/breaker is blown. Some preferred embodiments may incorporate current sourcing technologies to permit operation of the system over wide range of system voltages, as well as provisions for wired and/or RF/wireless interrogation of the fuse/breaker status. Alternate embodiments including systems/methods to permit remote sensing of fuse status and/or circuit current monitoring, and may be retrofit within existing fuse/breaker panel systems in some configurations.

Abstract: Powered patient support apparatuses—such as beds, cots, stretchers, or the like—include a plurality of user controls that allow a caregiver to control the steering and/or driving of one or more powered wheels from multiple different locations around the patient support apparatus (e.g. head end, foot end, and/or the sides). The control is carried out by force sensors that detect both an orientation of the applied forces and a magnitude of the applied forces. Translational and/or rotational movement is effectuated, depending upon the magnitude and direction of the forces, as well as the physical location of the applied force relative to a reference point on the support apparatus, such as the center. One or more object sensors may also be included in the support apparatus to assist in steering and/or navigating.