Abstract: A configuration change management system is provided. The configuration change management system includes a configuration information repository and a human-machine interface for interacting with field-installed communications network entities. Versions of communications network entity specific configuration information are stored in repository entries. Methods of managing configuration changes include: retrieving configuration information from communications network entities; storing thereof under version control in repository entries; comparing at least one retrieved repository entry from the repository; and configuration information retrieved from field-installed communication network entities; and submitting, for reconfiguration, of at least one field installed communication network entity, selected configuration information held in a corresponding repository entry.

Abstract: Some disclosed embodiments include a retention apparatus having a unidirectional locking member, the unidirectional locking member defining a bore therethrough, a post disposed through the bore of the unidirectional locking member, wherein the post is adapted to be secured to a support base, and a spring adapted to bias the unidirectional locking member against a device to be retained, wherein the unidirectional locking member is adapted to allow movement of the device in a first direction and to inhibit movement of the device in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The retention apparatus may be used to maintain contact between a heatsink and a processor on a motherboard. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A first device (102/104) receives a first message (300) from a second device (104/102) over a communication link (106). The first device also receives a first transmit power level (202/212) by which the first message was transmitted and a first interference level (204/208) as perceived by the second device. The first device calculates at least one transmission parameter by which a second message will be transmitted to the second device based on the first transmit power level and the first interference level.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for an associative and approximate, analog or digital scanning of databases that allows for the asynchronous accessing of data from a mass storage medium. The invention includes providing dedicated analog and digital circuitry and decision logic at the mass storage medium level for determining a key identifying the data of interest, continuously comparing the key to a signal generated from a reading of the data from the mass storage medium with an approximate or exact matching circuit to determine a pattern match, determining a correlation value between the key and the data as it is read in a continuous fashion, and determining a match based upon a preselected threshold value for the correlation value. The pattern matching technique eliminates any need to compare data based on its intrinsic structure or value, and instead is based on an analog or digital pattern. The key and data may be either analog or digital.

Abstract: A probe card inspection system uses a fiduciary plate having a plurality of targets deposited thereon by photolithography and vapor deposition. A plurality of semiconductor probe card probe tips are contacted with the fiducial pattern on the plate. An electronic imaging system determines the position of geometric centroids of the probe tips with respect to an index mark in the fiducial pattern. A central processor determines the position of each imaged probe tip(s) with respect to the index mark, and calculates the relative positions of each probe tip from that data.

Abstract: A brushless d.c. motor is integrated with a conveyor roller (14) by placing a plurality of stator coils (15) on a stationary shaft (18) and securing a rotor (10) with segments (12) of permanent magnetic material to the inside of the conveyor roller (14). In one embodiment the rotor (10) is directly secured to the roller while in a second embodiment, the rotor (10) is disposed inside of a cylindrical metal housing (40) that is press fit inside of the roller. Commutation is provided by an external motor controller (54) which is connected by conductors (37) through a passageway (36) in the shaft (18) to a circuit board (20), where sensors (23) are mounted to sense rotor position for purposes of commutation of the stator coils (15).

Abstract: An tobacco harvester which on a single pass through the field sorts tobacco leaves as the leaves are harvested based on the height at which they grow on the tobacco stalk. An adjustable guide directs leaves as they are stripped from the stalk onto upper and lower conveyor belts which transport the leaves into separate collection bins.

Abstract: Recombinant proteins have been developed for the immunization of animals against cryptosporidiosis. The proteins are effective for the immunization of a variety of animals against Cryptosporidium parvum, particularly for the production of hyperimmune colostrum that may be used to confer passive immunity against the parasite. Isolated DNA sequences which encode these proteins have also been developed. The DNA sequences may be inserted into recombinant DNA molecules such as cloning vectors or expression vectors for the transformation of cells and the production of the proteins.

Abstract: A system for filtering and treating waste generated or collected in the water of a fish pond. The system includes a pump, pre-filter, piping, a valve assembly, and a filter media container enclosing a plurality of discrete filter media. The filter media are generally hollow, plastic structures with a plurality of external ribs and internal dividing walls. The filter media has a high surface area-to-volume ratio and can support a high volumetric density of naturally occurring heterotrophic bacteria. The heterotrophic bacteria establish colonies on the internal and external surfaces of the filter media and biologically metabolize waste that is trapped on the media. The bacterial metabolization transforms much of the waste to an aesthetically and biologically neutral form thereby reducing the need for chemical treatment of the pond water. The system includes a backwashing mode to agitate and remove unreacted waste from the system and direct the waste stream out of the system, preferably to be used as fertilizer.

Abstract: A system for managing printing and scanning and faxing functionality of a facsimile machine via a bi-directional parallel interface with which the facsimile machine is equipped. More particularly, a facsimile manager is provided for managing image files connected with printing, scanning and faxing. In addition, printing and scanning drivers are provided by which any Windows application program can access such printing, scanning and faxing functionality.

Abstract: A system, comprising a first computing device receiving data from an input feed, the data corresponding to operating parameters of an airport facility, the first computing device organizing the data into files which are viewable by users of the system and an additional computing device connected via a communication network to the first computing device, receiving the files organized by the first computing device and displaying the files to a user.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an optical see-through Augmented Reality modified-scale display. This aspect includes a sensor suite 100 which includes a compass 102, an inertial measuring unit 104, and a video camera 106 for precise measurement of a user's current orientation and angular rotation rate. A sensor fusion module 108 may be included to produce a unified estimate of the user's angular rotation rate and current orientation to be provided to an orientation and rate estimate module 120. The orientation and rate estimate module 120 operates in a static or dynamic (prediction) mode. A render module 140 receives an orientation; and the render module 140 uses the orientation, a position from a position measuring system 142, and data from a database 144 to render graphic images of an object in their correct orientations and positions in an optical display 150.

Abstract: A label holder having a thin, flexible, film-like element preferably integrally formed at its upper edge to overly the apertured merchandise-supporting surface of a shelf. The film-like element is piercable by a push pin or the like to secure the upper portions of the label holder to the shelf and the lower portions of the label holder are secured to or about the lower edge of the front lip on the shelf or a rearwardly directed lower shelf flange.

Abstract: A method for determining the name of a calling party where the calling party's name and corresponding telephone number are found in a remote database. The method first identifies whether the calling party's telephone number is contained within the local database. When it is determined that the telephone number is not within the local database, the method attempts to locate the telephone number in a remote database. A query is formed according to a basic signal transmission protocol to ensure that a database which receives the query will be able to respond to it. The query requesting the name associated with the telephone number is sent across a network. The method receives a response to the inquiry and checks to ensure that a name was returned to the local database before delivering the name to the called party.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating a signal between a communication device and an external circuit, includes a signal conversion unit connected to the communication device responsive to a received electromagnetic signal for producing a corresponding optical signal component, and an optical fiber cable coupling the signal conversion unit to the external circuit for propagating the optical signal component to the external circuit. A signal filtering processor is coupled between the communication device and the signal conversion unit for processing the electromagnetic signal prior to converting to the optical signal component.

Abstract: The invention is a composite of interdependent engineering methods for earthen fill engineering and construction. The invention includes the development, utilization, and correlation of actual, cumulative field compaction energies, unique to and based on field combination-specific variables of any combination but including all of the following: soil type, compactor type, lift thickness, moisture content, and soil amendment type and mix.

Abstract: A reactive armor element for protection against a shaped-charge warhead, comprising a casing fitted with an outer metal cover plate, and at least one explosive matrix extending between the metal plates. The explosive matrix comprises a substantially flat carrier plate formed with a plurality of compartments formed by adjoining divider ribs, with explosive material embedded between the ribs.

Abstract: A multichannel television access control system is disclosed wherein processing of the broadband signal is performed by gated coherent RF injection on a plurality of channels, thereby effecting selective descrambling of an arbitrary subset of channels in a channel group. The system provides for a closed loop injection signal phasor control so as to maintain substantially constant relationship between the television signals and the injected signals. The combined signals are supplied to subscribers enabling the use of their cable ready equipment.

Abstract: A new and distinct kiwi plant of the species Actinidia arguta (Sieb. & Zucc.) Planch. ex Miq. var. arguta is described. The variety results from a controlled pollination using a female A. arguta selection AAME01_01 (unpatented) and a male A. arguta selection AAME01_05 (unpatented). The fruit of this new variety has an attractive appearance (both internal and external) characterised by its green hairless, edible skin with red-centered flesh at maturity, small fruit size, oblong shape, and sweet aromatic taste. The new variety has been named ‘Hortgem Rua’.