Abstract: A method and apparatus of initiating a plurality of requests for statistics to be sent to an associated plurality of nodes in a segment of a communication network is provided. One or more requests are associated with an individual node. Each node has one or more node attributes. The method includes defining a sequence for initiating the requests to be sent to the nodes. The sequence is based on a value of a selected node attribute of each node. The method also includes initiating the requests according to the sequence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of initiating a plurality of requests for statistics to be sent to an associated plurality of nodes in a segment of a communication network is provided. One or more requests are associated with an individual node. Each node has one or more node attributes. The method includes defining a sequence for initiating the requests to be sent to the nodes. The sequence is based on a value of a selected node attribute of each node. The method also includes initiating the requests according to the sequence.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for choosing digital advertisements to send to a user's computer while protecting private information. When a user performs a search using a public site, the user's search information is stored in a database. The system builds a profile for the user based on the public search information, which can be used to select advertisements for delivery to the user's computer. The system can also select advertisements based on information gleamed from a user's private (desktop) searches. For example, the system can use the category in which a user is searching to chose advertisements.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for attaching a rounded member, such as an inflator assembly for an automobile air bag, to another member or surface, particularly a flat surface, is disclosed. A spacer, which may take the form of a split ring, is positioned around an attachment surface of the rounded member. Then, while the spacer is supported against further motion along the inflator, a flange having a shank with a tapered inside diameter may be passed around the inflator and spacer. As the inside diameter of the flange narrows to contact the spacer, the flange exerts inward pressure tending to frictionally engage the inflator with the spacer, and the spacer with the flange. Thus, an interference fit having a high retention strength may be comparatively easily and rapidly formed. The spacer may be hardened so as to indent the inflator and/or the flange to enhance the retention strength of the assembly.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for attaching a rounded member to another member or surface, particularly a flat surface, is disclosed. A spacer, which may take the form of a split ring, is positioned around an attachment surface of the rounded member. Then, while the spacer is supported against further motion along the inflator, a flange having a shank with a tapered inside diameter may be passed around the inflator and spacer. As the inside diameter of the flange narrows to contact the spacer, the flange exerts inward pressure tending to frictionally engage the inflator with the spacer, and the spacer with the flange. Thus, an interference fit having a high retention strength may be comparatively easily and rapidly formed. The spacer may be hardened so as to indent the inflator and/or the flange to enhance the retention strength of the assembly. The spacer may be reconfigured in a number of ways to provide the appropriate combination of resistance against axial pressure and torsion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of initiating a plurality of requests for statistics to be sent to an associated plurality of nodes in a segment of a communication network- is provided. One or more requests are associated with an individual node. Each node has one or more node attributes. The method includes defining a sequence for initiating the requests to be sent to the nodes. The sequence is based on a value of a selected node attribute of each node. The method also includes initiating the requests according to the sequence.

Abstract: The present invention is a DC to AC switching converter that does not require a dead zone. The output node of the classical switching pair is separated into two output nodes which eliminates the current path that made the dead zone necessary. Each of the switches are connected between +Edc and -Edc in a complimentary fashion. By eliminating the direct connection between the two switches, both switches can be operating simultaneously without any danger of failure. Both switch outputs pass through a current sensing feedback device and an output coil. The outputs of each coil are connected to the output of the switching converter having a filter capacitor connected to ground. This arrangement provides switching bias current during the zero current crossover point thereby eliminating the ringing and oscillation distortion that occurs in the dead zone. The desired output voltage waveform is a result of the summation of the two switch outputs after the high speed component has been removed through filtering.

Abstract: In a compensating arrangement for a disturbed load voltage (V.sub.2, FIG. 3) of a remotely located load (20), the load voltage is fed back and combined with the voltage (E.sub.osc) of an oscillator (10A) to form an error signal (E.sub.X). The error signal is stored for a period less than one cycle of E.sub.osc by a selected period (T) and combined with the oscillator voltage (E.sub.osc) to be amplified and produce a modified output voltage (V.sub.O). The latter, when fed to the load through a distribution system (15) results in the waveform of the load voltage (V.sub.L) being substantially identical to that of the oscillator voltage (E.sub.osc).

Abstract: In a switching type DC to AC power converter a plurality (A-D, FIG. 6) of pairs of switchers (S1 and S2) are connected through inductors (L.sub.A -L.sub.D) to a load. Each set of switchers is switched to produce a square wave shaped output voltage (FIGS. 5A-5D) at a switch frequency (f.sub.S) and at a modulation percentage to produce an output voltage (E.sub.O) to a load, at a selected frequency. The sets are switched at phased delays, so that the ripple currents through them, when summed up, result in a ripple current I.sub.T at a frequency f.sub.C, where f.sub.C =n.multidot.f.sub.S, n being the number of pairs of switchers. In another aspect of the invention, means are incorporated to prevent the flow of currents between parallel connected amplifiers, characterized by zero output impedances.

Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the power conversion efficiency of electronic amplifiers into both resistive and reactive loads by means of power supply driver bias level switching. The apparatus employs a multi-level direct current voltage supply to provide multi-level biasing to output power devices. Comparator circuits continuously monitor the output voltage and compare it with the direct current multi-level bias voltage of the bias power supply. In accordance with load voltage demands, a switching circuit associated with each comparator selectively connects one of the direct current multi-level power supply voltage to the power amplifying element of the amplifier whereby the minimum voltage of the available multi-level power supply voltage sufficient to maintain operation as a class B amplifier is applied across the output driver.