Abstract: A computer method, system and apparatus control access to secured data in a plurality of databases. A repository is coupled to the databases and has a security runtime subsystem. The repository intercepts a user query of a subject database in the plurality. The security runtime subsystem determines from the intercepted query a user and corresponding user role. Based on user role, the security runtime subsystem automatically modifies the user query to filter out secure data for which the identified user is unauthorized to access but are part of the user query.

Abstract: A distributed event system for a relational database is disclosed. An event data model operatively describes a target database. For a subject entity in the target database, the event data model declares and defines triggering events and respective corresponding operations. An event engine monitors database queries and events involving the subject entity and determines from the event data model corresponding operations. Execution of the determined corresponding operations is distributed to network-based agents. Agents may be filtered based on skills and/or credentials injected at runtime. Code binaries of the operations are downloaded to the agents for execution.

Abstract: An electronic program schedule system which includes a receiver for receiving broadcast, satellite or cablecast television programs for a plurality of television channels and a tuner for tuning a television receiver to a selected one of the plurality of channels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory television program schedule information for a plurality of television programs to appear on the plurality of television channels. A user control apparatus, such as a remote controller, is utilized by a viewer to choose user control commands and transmit signals in response to the data processor which receives the signals in response to user control commands. A television receiver is used to display the television programs and television program schedule information.

Abstract: A force amplifier comprising a housing is provided. The force amplifier includes a force assembly positioned in the housing. The force assembly comprises an input force component, an output force component, and an intermediate force component rigidly coupling the input force component to the output force component. An assist piston is positioned in the housing. The assist piston is coupled to the force assembly. A regulating piston is positioned in the housing. The regulating piston is coupled to the force assembly. The regulating piston controls the supply of a pressurized fluid acting on the assist piston.

Abstract: A system and method provide rewards or loyalty incentives to transaction account customers. The system includes a computing platform comprising application programming interfaces that enable users to define marketing programs. The system thus enables an efficient, automated and extensible platform for creating, managing and executing rewards and other marketing related programs.

Abstract: Wheels and methods of making wheels are disclosed including an inner portion and a tread mechanically coupled to the inner portion. The tread may be mechanically coupled to the inner portion on an inside and an outside of the wheel. The inner portion may include a rim including a plurality of apertures. The inner portion may be high density polyethylene and the tread may be thermoplastic elastomer.

Abstract: A sensor responsive to movement of a detection target includes a magnetic field transducer operative to provide a magnetic field signal proportional to a magnetic field associated with the detection target, a peak detector for tracking positive and negative peaks of the magnetic field signal to generate a tracking signal, and a comparator having a first input responsive to the magnetic field signal, a second input responsive to an input signal related to the tracking signal, and an output at which is provided an output signal comprising first pulses having a first pulse width when the detection target moves in a first direction and second pulses having a second pulse width when the detection target moves in a second direction.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention features a method for determining an eyeglass prescription for an eye. The method includes obtaining a measurement of a wavefront indicative of the refractive properties of the eye, establishing an optimization space corresponding to a plurality of possible prescriptions for the eye, determining a value for a merit function for each of the possible prescriptions in the optimization space, where the merit function value corresponds to a visual function of the eye when corrected using the corresponding possible prescription, generating a representation of the merit function values, and outputting the representation to an eye care professional.

Abstract: An electronic program schedule system which includes a receiver for receiving broadcast, satellite or cablecast television programs for a plurality of television channels and a tuner for tuning a television receiver to a selected one of the plurality of channels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory television program schedule information for a plurality of television programs to appear on the plurality of television channels. A user control apparatus, such as a remote controller, is utilized by a viewer to choose user control commands and transmit signals in response to the data processor which receives the signals in response to user control commands. A television receiver is used to display the television programs and television program schedule information.

Abstract: A lift axle control valve (200) for controlling a vehicle lift axle is provided. The valve (200) includes a vehicle port (103) configured to receive a vehicle pressure and a suspension port (106) configured to receive a suspension pressure. The valve (200) is configured to receive a lift axle control signal, actuate the lift axle control valve (200) to connect one or more lift bag output ports (121) to the vehicle port (103) and to connect one or more load bag output ports (131) to the vent port (118) if the lift axle control signal comprises a lift command, and actuate the lift axle control valve (200) to connect the one or more load bag output ports (131) to the suspension port (106) and connect the one or more lift bag output ports (121) to the vent port (118) if the lift axle control signal comprises a load command.

Abstract: Lighting devices are provided for efficiently distributing light over an area to provided uniform illumination over a wide angle or other tailored illumination patterns. Each light device has at least one light source, at least one collimator for partially collimating light from the light source, and at least one diffuser for diffusing light from the collimator. The diffuser provides diffused light over an area from the diffuser having an intensity that is angularly dependent in accordance with the angular distribution intensity of light outputted from the collimator, so as to provide a predetermined illumination pattern from the device. The light sources and collimators may be provided in one or two-dimensional arrays, and a single diffuser may be formed on each collimator or the diffuser may be along a plate spaced from the collimators.

Abstract: A packet-based, hierarchical communication system, arranged in a spanning tree configuration, is described in which wired and wireless communication networks exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. The network accommodates real time voice transmission both through dedicated, scheduled bandwidth and through a packet-based routing within the confines and constraints of a data network. Conversion and call processing circuitry is also disclosed which enables access devices and personal computers to adapt voice information between analog voice stream and digital voice packet formats as proves necessary. Routing pathways include wireless spanning tree networks, wide area networks, telephone switching networks, internet, etc., in a manner virtually transparent to the user.

Abstract: A pool game system includes a pool table having a playing surface, rails and pockets. A plurality of pool balls and at least one cue stick are provided. A plurality of illuminating components is within the rails of the pool table. A plurality of contact sensors are each within the rails and pockets of the pool table. A computer within the pool table causes one illuminating component to flash when one contact sensor detects one pool ball propelled by the at least one cue stick, when in a first instance the pool ball bounces off a rail and when in a second instance the pool ball enters a pocket of the pool table. A cue stick includes a battery, a control switch circuit, a crossed-hair slot and a built-in light emitting element in a forward end, to produce a red laser beam for identifying a path to a specific pocket on the playing surface of the pool table.

Abstract: A method for treatment of organic matter, and inorganic matter that has been biologically contaminated, such as human cadavers, animal carcasses and clinical waste, to prepare the matter for burial or other disposal is disclosed. The method involves freeze-drying the size-reduced organic matter whilst subjecting the partially-dehydrated remains to a series of vacuum-pressure cycles. Process conditions are chosen so as to favour microbial inactivation.

Abstract: A printhead maintenance station comprises a base including a spitting zone, a maintenance sled movable relative to the base, a wiper assembly for cleaning a printhead orifice plate, a capping assembly for capping a printhead orifice plate, a pick motor operating a paper picking assembly and the maintenance sled and the capping assembly, and, wherein the maintenance station provides for spitting, wiping, and capping of a printhead orifice plate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature apparatus, kits and methods for detecting the presence or absence of a mineralocorticoid in biological samples. The methods, apparatus and kits feature a high performance liquid chromatography system with a column for receiving one or more biological samples potentially having mineralocorticoid, said chromatography system receiving one or more biological samples at a first time and separating the compounds in retained peaks comprising at least mineral corticoid retained peak for a mineralocorticoid in the event said mineralocorticoid is present at a mineralocorticoid retention time. And, a mass spectrometer in fluid communication with the high performance liquid chromatography system receives one or more of said retained peaks including the mineralocorticoid retained peak at the mineralocorticoid retention time, and produces a signal to allow said mineralocorticoid to be identified by retention peak and mass charge values.

Abstract: A method for synthesising mesoporous silica microparticles comprising the steps of: —preparing a sol from an ammonium catalysed hydrolysis and condensation reaction of a pre-sol solution comprising a silica precursor and a structure directing agent dissolved in a mixed solvent system comprising an alcohol and water to produce mesoporous particles of silica with an average diameter of up to about 50 ?m; hydrothermally treating the particles to increase the pore size; treating the particles to remove residual structure directing agent; and further increasing the pore size using controlled dissolution.

Abstract: A low maintenance path tracing apparatus comprising at least one marker including an emitter of a tracer signal and a receiving medium for recording the path of the tracer signal. The apparatus further includes a power providing arrangement comprising a base unit which wirelessly provides power to the marker for powering the emitter.