Abstract: In some communication applications, a near-end talker employs a cellular phone that either operates in a noisy environment and does not support artificial noise injection or injects noise but supports a simple, fixed noise injection. This may result in “blanking” of the background noise and result in repeated “are you still there?” questions or premature termination of a call. In order to prevent this feeling of “blanking,” a suppressor backfill module according to an example embodiment of the invention backfills those blank periods with noise, optionally in an inverse relationship with power of noise in a near-end signal, resulting in repairing sound quality degradation and giving a far end talker a feeling of call continuity. As a result, the near-end and far-end talker have a better experience during the call.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus that is configured to provide direct and/or indirect and aesthetic lighting from a fan. The apparatus comprises: a motor; a motor housing; one or more fan blades rotating around the motor housing; and one or more stationary light-emitting diodes (LEDs) coupled to the motor housing. Note that the stationary LEDs are configured to direct light into the fan blades, thereby causing the fan blades to illuminate.

Abstract: A method for certified delivery of an outgoing message or messages in a multipoint anonymous, publish/subscribe telecommunications system. The system for utilizing the method and program product is one having at least one publisher (10) and at least one subscriber (20). The method is carried out by first establishing a certified delivery session ledger. Next each outgoing message is labeled with a label including the delivery session name and a sequence number. The labeled outgoing message or messages are then sent to subscribers, and received by a subscriber. Various protocols are described.

Abstract: A method may include assigning to one or more I/O channels masks of message types that may pass through the channels, and when a message is sent or received, assigning to the message a channel having a mask that matches a type of the message.

Abstract: A method and system for generating an uncertainty value. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a device in fluid communication with a conduit, and a flow computer electrically coupled to the device. The flow computer is configured to generate a flow value based on parametric data, and the flow computer is configured to generate an uncertainty value of the flow value based on the parametric data and on an accuracy value received from the device.

Abstract: A media server comprises a plurality of nodes each comprising a gateway, each gateway providing memory and communication of data between mass storage and I/O ports of a node, and/or providing communication of data between the node and other nodes. Each node utilizes one or more central processors. The media server comprises logic to enable the processors to manage the streaming of data from the mass storage to the I/O ports via the gateways without communicating the data between the processors and any of the mass storage, I/O ports, or gateways.

Abstract: In a method of making a c-Si-based cell or a ?c-Si-based cell, the improvement of increasing the minority charge carrier's lifetime, comprising: a) placing a c-Si or polysilicon wafer into CVD reaction chamber under a low vacuum condition and subjecting the substrate of the wafer to heating; and b) passing mixing gases comprising NH3/H2 through the reaction chamber at a low vacuum pressure for a sufficient time and at a sufficient flow rate to enable growth of an a-Si:H layer sufficient to increase the lifetime of the c-Si or polysilicon cell beyond that of the growth of an a-Si:H layer without treatment of the wafer with NH3/H2.

Abstract: A method and system for generating an uncertainty value. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems comprising a device in fluid communication with a conduit (wherein the device is configured to collect parametric data regarding fluid flow through a conduit, and wherein the device is configured to generate an accuracy value of the parametric data), and a flow computer electrically coupled to the device (wherein the flow computer is configured to receive the parametric data and the accuracy value from the device). The flow computer is configured to generate a flow value based on the parametric data, and the flow computer is configured to generate an uncertainty value of the flow value based on the parametric data and on the accuracy value received from the device.

Abstract: A combination gravimetric and volumetric fluid dispenser is disclosed which includes a scale linked to a controller. The controller is linked to a plurality of two stage valves which control the dispensing of large quantities of base materials. The controller is also linked to a plurality of nutating pumps which together with the controller controls the dispensing of smaller quantities of additive materials. The dispensing system disclosed is particularly useful for paints or other liquid formulations where larger quantities of base materials are added and which can be added by weight and whereby precise measurements of the larger base materials is not particularly required. However, the incorporation of nutating pumps and the addition of smaller amounts of additives by volume using the nutating pumps enables precise dispensing of the additives, such as colorants for paint. The larger containers or reservoirs of base material may be disposed at a remote location from the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for dissolving a gas in a liquid, the apparatus comprising (a) a closed vessel containing a liquid at a predetermined level, (b) a contactor module at least partially immersed in the liquid having (1) a gas supply channel to the bore side of the fibers, (2) a liquid supply channel to the shell side of the fibers, and (3) an exit port for transport of a gas-containing liquid, and (c) the remaining space in the closed vessel being occupied by a pressurized gas. The liquid prepared in the apparatus of the present invention containing a dissolved gas, is used to prepare beverages, such as coffee, tea, soda, chocolate and the like, whether hot or cold.

Abstract: A method for certified delivery of an outgoing message or messages in a multipoint anonymous, publish/subscribe telecommunications system. The system for utilizing the method and program product is one having at least one publisher (10) and at least one subscriber (20). The method is carried out by first establishing a certified delivery session ledger. Next each outgoing message is labeled with a label including the delivery session name and a sequence number. The labeled outgoing message or messages are then sent to subscribers, and received by a subscriber. Various protocols are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to simultaneous transfer of database updates between multiple clients and a server. A plurality of (potentially limited resource) clients simultaneously establishes (e.g., TCP) connections to a server. Database updates are efficiently transferred between the server and each of the plurality of clients simultaneously. Server resources are utilized at the server to resolve any data conflicts such that the limited resources (e.g., system memory) of any clients are conserved. Clients that receive database updates overwrite existing client database with the received database updates. In preparation for receiving a database update, clients can empty a client database such that a received database update is more efficiently written into the client database.

Abstract: A combination gravimetric and volumetric fluid dispenser is disclosed which includes a scale linked to a controller. The controller is linked to a plurality of two stage valves which control the dispensing of large quantities of base materials. The controller is also linked to a plurality of nutating pumps which together with the controller controls the dispensing of smaller quantities of additive materials. The dispensing system disclosed is particularly useful for paints or other liquid formulations where larger quantities of base materials are added and which can be added by weight and whereby precise measurements of the larger base materials is not particularly required. However, the incorporation of nutating pumps and the addition of smaller amounts of additives by volume using the nutating pumps enables precise dispensing of the additives, such as colorants for paint. The larger containers or reservoirs of base material may be disposed at a remote location from the dispensing apparatus.

Abstract: A simulated grenade for MILES-type simulations generates a unique RF signal and a unique audio signal. A detector utilizes the time between receipt of the RF signal and the slower-traveling audio signal to determine the distance between the detector and the simulated grenade.

Abstract: A web browsing system for retrieving a web page whereby the web page comprises associated frames, content data and context data (e.g. navigational buttons, hyperlinks to other web pages etc.). The system is usable with a distributed data processing system comprising a server computer and a client computer, whereby the web page is stored on the server computer and is transmitted over a network to the client computer. The web browsing system comprises a function for providing a bookmark to the web page and also comprises a function to retrieve the bookmark. Once a bookmark has been retrieved, the web page and the structure of the web page, namely, the plurality of frames, the content data and the context data are displayed.

Abstract: A chemical-mechanical polishing pad conditioning system and method. The system includes a conditioning device that may be used to condition a polishing pad. The system may also include a first conduit for introducing a chemical reagent onto the polishing pad, a second and third conduit for introducing the chemical reagent and a rinsing fluid respectively onto a conditioning surface of the.conditioning device or a storage apparatus of the conditioning device. The method includes introducing the chemical reagent onto the polishing pad during the pad conditioning process. The chemical reagent may further be introduced onto the storage apparatus or be introduced onto the conditioning surface of the conditioning device. The rinsing fluid may be introduced onto the polishing pad, the storage apparatus, or the conditioning surface.

Abstract: A monitoring device to prevent separation including a transmitter portion adapted for coupling with a person or object to be monitored. A receiver portion is provided that is adapted for being worn on a person. The receiver portion is in communication with the transmitter portion. The receiver portion has a predetermined separation parameter measured between the receiver portion and the transmitter portion. The receiver portion includes the ability to determine the distance between the receiver portion and the transmitter portion. The receiver portion includes an alarm for sounding once the predetermined separation parameter has been exceeded. The transmitter portion also includes an alarm for startling a would-be wrongdoer and alerting others near the object of person being monitored.

Abstract: A monitoring device to prevent separation including a transmitter portion adapted for coupling with a person or object to be monitored. A receiver portion is provided that is adapted for being worn on a person. The receiver portion is in communication with the transmitter portion. The receiver portion has a predetermined separation parameter measured between the receiver portion and the transmitter portion. The receiver portion includes the ability to determine the distance between the receiver portion and the transmitter portion. The receiver portion includes an alarm for sounding once the predetermined separation parameter has been exceeded. The transmitter portion also includes an alarm for startling a would-be wrongdoer and alerting others near the object of person being monitored.

Abstract: A double lamp table or floor lamp lighting system has a pair of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or other lamps arranged vertically, i.e. one lamp above the other, with a reflective septum in between. By selectively turning on one or both of the CFLs, down lighting, up lighting, or both up and down lighting is produced. The control system can also vary the light intensity from each CFL. The reflective septum ensures that almost all the light produced by each lamp will be directed into the desired light distribution pattern which is selected and easily changed by the user. In a particular configuration, the reflective septum is bowl shaped, with the upper CFL sitting in the bowl, and a luminous shade hanging down from the bowl. The lower CFL provides both task lighting and uniform shade luminance. Planar compact fluorescent lamps, e.g. circular CFLs, particularly oriented horizontally, are preferable. CFLs provide energy efficiency.

Abstract: A double lamp table or floor lamp lighting system has a pair of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) arranged vertically with a reflective septum in between. By selectively turning on one or both of the CFLs, down lighting, up lighting, or both up and down lighting is produced. The control system can also vary the light intensity from each CFL. The reflective septum insures that almost all the light produced by each lamp will be directed into the desired light distribution pattern which is selected and easily changed by the user. Planar compact fluorescent lamps, e.g. circular CFLs, particularly oriented horizontally, are preferable. CFLs provide energy efficiency. The lighting system may be designed for the home, hospitality, office or other environments.