Abstract: A system for enhancing data access over a communications link is disclosed. In accordance with a particular embodiment, a system for retrieving an object over a computer network includes a network client with a browser for rendering an object to a user and a user interface enabling the user to establish an encoding preference. A remote scaling server is coupled between the network client and the computer network, and includes a remote proxy and an encode service provider. The remote scaling server is configured to request a user-specified encoding preference from the network client, retrieve an object from the computer network using the remote proxy, encode the object using the encode service provider in accordance with the requested user-specified encoding preference, and transmit the encoded object to the network client using the remote proxy. The disclosed system thus enables users to dynamically influence the trade-off between quality of content and download speed.

Abstract: A system for preventing multiple instances of a dynamic executable module from being loaded on a device is implemented by a method including the steps of maintaining state information for the device; and providing a dynamic executable module to the device if the state information indicates that no other instance of the dynamic executable module is already loaded on the device.

Abstract: A system for virus checking a data object to be downloaded to a client device is implemented in a method including the steps of retrieving a data object to be downloaded, scanning the data object for a computer virus, and downloading the data object to the client device if no computer virus is detected.

Abstract: A template engine generates a context-sensitive text message corresponding to an input text string. The input text string is first decomposed into a set of search words. The template engine then uses those search words to search a database of predefined templates to identify a template that is contextually appropriate for the input text string. The identified template may then be used to generate a responsive text message. The template engine is also able to "learn," dynamically updating the template database to reflect user preferences with respect to templates identified by the template engine as being contextually appropriate for particular search words.

Abstract: In a device with limited processor and/or memory capability, such as a Personal Digital Assistant or handheld computer, that has a viewscreen, a method and system for viewing a facsimile transmission image. After being sent, the facsimile transmission is routed to and intercepted by a computer system for processing before it reaches the device. The processing of the facsimile transmission includes recognizing text and outputting it, along with rendering information such as position, to a transmittal file. Once the recognizable text has been filtered from the facsimile transmission, the remaining images are edge-fit and output to the transmittal data file by position and other rendering information. The transmittal file is sent to the device with the viewscreen. The device then uses the information contained within the transmittal file to render a version of the facsimile transmission image and display it on the viewscreen.

Abstract: A communications system having a first server and a first client connected to the first server through a first network, wherein the first server selectively sends a set of InfoBites to the first client based on a filter. A method for distributing information for the above communications system, including the steps of deriving a set of InfoBites, filtering the set of InfoBites based on the filter into a filtered set of InfoBites, and, transmitting the filtered set of InfoBites to the first client.

Abstract: A method and assembly (20) to form a cast concrete panel (21). The assembly (20) has end beams between which tendons (23) can pass. The beams need to be able to support tensioning of the tendons. Transversely extending form members (25) cooperate with form members (27) to enclose a space to receive concrete to form the panel (21). The tendons (23) pass through the space.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for scaling E-mail (electronic mail) address book databases for devices with limited storage capacity and synchronization of a first set of mail with a second set of mail at the message/folder level. A memory contains a mail subsetter for automatically generating a default personal address book and a mail synchronizer for application independent E-mail synchronization. A pseudo unique identification is generated for each message or folder in the mail boxes to be synchronized. An event log is then generated for each mail box. The memory also has a Synchronization mechanism for making the first set of data and the second set of data equivalent by using the information in the Change List generated by the Change Detection Mechanism. A processor runs the mail synchronizer.

Abstract: A personal computer add in device unit having functionality in a stand alone environment away from a personal computer. In one embodiment, a hybrid add in device has a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) client interface for interfacing with a PCMCIA host interface of a personal computer and a PCMCIA host interface and for interfacing with a PCMCIA client interface of another add in device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for synchronization of a first set of mail with a second set of mail at the message/folder level. A memory stores a mail synchronizer for application independent e-mail synchronization. A pseudo unique identification is generated for each message or folder in the mail boxes to be synchronized. An event log is then generated for each mail box. The memory also has a synchronization mechanism for making the first set of data and the second set of data equivalent by using the information in a Change List. A processor runs the mail synchronizer.

Abstract: A multi-layer film capacitor structure has a bottom electrode layer on a monolithic substrate, intermediate pairs of layers of film electrode and dielectric material overlying the bottom electrode, and a top pair of layers of a film electrode and film dielectric overlying the intermediate pairs. The structure preferably has a mesa configuration, in which each electrode layer extends laterally beyond the periphery of the layers above it around the entire periphery of the device. Each electrode layer therefore has a top surface which is accessible at its projecting edge through a via, so that the electrodes can be accessed in any combination to permit any desired circuit connection. If desired the dielectric materials can have different frequency characteristics, allowing a single capacitor structure to be optimized for a filter. Either the bottom electrode or the top electrode or both can be grounded and capacitor connections can be made to intermediate layers, to reduce parasitic capacitance effects.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for synchronization of a first set of data with a second set of data at the record level. A memory stores a change detection mechanism for generating a Change List for the first and second sets of data. The Change List lists the changes made at the record level to the first and second sets of data. The memory also has a Synchronization mechanism for making the first set of data and the second set of data equivalent by using the information in the Change List generated by the Change Detection Mechanism. A processor runs the Change Detection mechanism and the Synchronization mechanism.

Abstract: A waveguide pack for transmission of information that includes a length of a dielectric waveguide wound into a free-standing coil with an inner diameter of less than three inches and coated with a binder suited to maintaining the waveguide in the coil, and a method for preparing the pack.

Abstract: A source of seismic waves operable within a borehole filled with liquid crises a module supported by a cable. The module includes means to generate a high voltage and to charge a bank of capacitors, and means to connect the capacitors across a pair of electrodes forming a spark gap. The electrodes are immersed in liquid at the same pressure as the borehole liquid and acoustically continuous with it, and are separated by a gap of width between 0.5 and 20 mm. If the gap is greater than about 5 mm, both the electrodes should be covered with insulation except at the positions where the spark is to be formed. The module can operate automatically at considerable depths and at high pressures.