Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for automatically provisioning customer-specific credentials on a gateway device, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), or the like. A method, according to one implementation, includes the step of determining when a remote gateway device is connected to a Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) server via a network. The remote gateway device is intended to enable one or more user devices in a Local Area Network (LAN) to access the Internet via the network and PPPoE server. The method also includes the step of automatically configuring customer-specific PPPoE credentials on the remote gateway device to thereby enable the PPPoE server to authenticate the remote gateway device and grant Internet access.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for managing access to and verifying personal identity. A person is provided with a private key that uniquely identifies that person, and that person uses the private key to access an identity manager. The person then uses the identity manager to specify a desire to establish a business relationship with a business entity. The user can then contact that business entity. The business entity is provided with a private key that uniquely identifies the business entity. That business entity then receives a request to conduct business with the entity from a person alleging to have the personal identity. The business entity then accesses the identity manager using the private key, and that entity then determines if a person having the personal identity has used the identity manager to specify a desire to conduct business with the business entity.

Abstract: A media processing method that dramatically improves the perceived audio quality and audio output level and video quality and video display consistency for most commonly used audio and video recording, storage and playback systems. The system synthesizes and boosts harmonics and spectral ranges that have been diminished or are missing in the audio component of media files and also processes the audio component to allow maximum playback level without distortion, while also insuring that the perceived audio playback level between different media files stays consistent. The system also improves the listening experience for users of headphones or ear buds. The system also improves the video image color range and brightness for best display on particular display devices while also insuring that the image brightness and color intensity stays consistent even when viewing media files containing video from a variety of different sources.

Abstract: A construction system for steel-frame buildings wherein steel shipping containers are used to furnish structural components of the building. A building includes a substantially horizontal deck and a plurality of substantially vertical columns, where the deck includes a base of a shipping container. A side wall of the shipping container is adapted to form a portion of the deck adjacent to the base. A plurality of shipping containers may be arranged in a stacked configuration so that the base of each container forms part of one deck in a multi-story building. The multi-story building may include an elevator contained in an elevator shaft and attached to the building; the elevator shaft is formed from a shipping container standing on an end wall thereof.

Abstract: A system using magnetic stripe encoded swipe cards containing Internet address data and further data and whose address data strings are obfuscated. An account card data de-obfuscation sequence in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The account card data is read from the magnetic stripe and decoded (601) to enable the swipe card reader to parse the data string.

Abstract: The invention describes a method to automatically controlling, single channel Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) of the plantar muscle, in response to the sensing of motion of the foot or leg: to reduce accommodation of the stimulated plantar muscle and attendant reduction of contractions, which when undiminished increase blood flow for the prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE); to turn off the stimulation during walking or running to prevent slips or falls; and to reduce power consumption of the unit that provides the stimulation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presenting enhanced previously recorded broadcasted or streamed content are provided. Example embodiments provide an Enhanced Content Display System “ECDS,” which supports the management and presentation of prerecorded program content in a non-linear fashion. In one embodiment, the ECDS includes an Intelligent Media Data Server that generates enhanced meta-data that are associated with portions of the delivered content. In several example applications, portions of prerecorded broadcasted or streamed content are augmented with auxiliary content and related using enhanced meta-data. Using the generated enhanced meta-data and auxiliary recorded content, applications, such as a Personals Browser or a TV show browser, present prerecorded content augmented with related content segments that enrich the viewer experience.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presenting enhanced previously recorded broadcasted or streamed content are provided. Example embodiments provide an Enhanced Content Display System “ECDS,” which supports the management and presentation of previously recorded program content in a non-linear fashion and allows subscribers, using a variety of techniques, to specify which portions of programs or other content is of interest. In one embodiment, an ECDS-enabled News Browser application includes an Intelligent Media Data Server (“IMDS”) that generates enhanced meta-data that are associated with portions of the broadcasted or streamed news-related content. Using the generated enhanced meta-data, the News Browser helps subscribers organize, locate, and filter news-related content based upon user-defined keywords. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presenting enhanced previously recorded broadcasted or streamed content are provided. Example embodiments provide an Enhanced Content Display System “ECDS,” which supports the management and presentation of previously recorded program content in a non-linear fashion and allows subscribers, using a variety of techniques, to specify which portions of programs or other content is of interest. In one embodiment, an ECDS-enabled Music Browser application includes an Intelligent Media Data Server (“IMDS”) that generates enhanced meta-data that are associated with portions of the broadcasted or streamed news-related content. Using the generated enhanced meta-data and auxiliary recorded content, the Music Browser presents music-related content along with related content segments that enrich the viewer experience.

Abstract: Methods and systems for presenting enhanced previously recorded broadcasted or streamed content are provided. Example embodiments provide an Enhanced Content Display System “ECDS,” which supports the management and presentation of previously recorded program content in a non-linear fashion and allows subscribers, using a variety of techniques, to specify which portions of programs or other content is of interest, thus enhancing their viewing experiences. In one embodiment, the ECDS includes an Intelligent Media Data Server (“IMDS”) that generates enhanced meta-data that are associated with portions of the delivered broadcasted content or video content. Using the generated enhanced meta-data, the ECDS helps subscribers locate, organize, and otherwise manage content that is delivered from a content distribution facility. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for managing access to and verifying personal identity. A person is provided with a private key that uniquely identifies that person, and that person uses the private key to access an identity manager. The person then uses the identity manager to specify a desire to establish a business relationship with a business entity. The user can then contact that business entity. The business entity is provided with a private key that uniquely identifies the business entity. That business entity then receives a request to conduct business with the entity from a person alleging to have the personal identity. The business entity then accesses the identity manager using the private key, and that entity then determines if a person having the personal identity has used the identity manager to specify a desire to conduct business with the business entity.

Abstract: A system using magnetic stripe encoded swipe cards containing Internet address data and further data and whose address data strings are obfuscated. An account card data de-obfuscation sequence in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The account card data is read from the magnetic stripe and decoded (601) to enable the swipe card reader to parse the data string.

Abstract: A cup dispenser has an aperture having at least four arms, and a gasket functionally attached to the aperture and defining an opening such that movement of the arms changes the size of the opening.

Abstract: This system (S) comprises, on a central site (CS), at least one central unit (CU) comprising a card (VC) for transmitting data over the video network (VN) and a card (GC) for converting digital format images into composite video images and, on a plurality of access sites (MR), television sets (TV) connected to a central unit (CU) via a video network (VN).

Abstract: Data base admin uses Explorer-style interface with topic tree configurable though Meta Model Editor (GUI) with immediate effect on actual program rather than requiring software code changes. All changes are saved as “data”. All data is displayed as “Grid” or as “Property Sheet”, with GUI to: a. change display capabilities, b. change validation, and c. change defaults.

Abstract: Data base admin uses Explorer-style interface with topic tree configurable though Meta Model Editor (GUI) with immediate effect on actual program rather than requiring software code changes. All changes are saved as "data". All data is displayed as "Grid" or as "Property Sheet", with GUI to:a. change display capabilities,b. change validation, andc. change defaults.

Abstract: A wheelchair which can negotiate curbs and other obstructions with a minimum of effort by the wheelchair occupant. The wheelchair has conventional front caster wheels and rear propulsion wheels, with first auxiliary support wheels located between the caster and rear wheels, and second auxiliary wheels being located outboard behind the rear wheels. The castered wheels and the rear wheels are structured to be raised or lowered by the wheelchair occupant. When a curb is encountered, the occupant propels the wheelchair forwardly until the first auxiliary wheels are at the edge of the curb, and the castered wheels are suspended. The castered wheels are then lowered to the bottom of the curb and the wheelchair propelled forward until the second auxiliary wheels are at the curb edge. The large rear wheels are then lowered to curb level, and the wheelchair is propelled by the occupant to the opposite curb, where the curb is ascended by turning the wheelchair 180.degree.

Abstract: A self-contained, freely movable laser system includes a laser, an energy storage unit such as a battery, and a sealed heat exchanger for removing excess heat from the laser. The laser system needs only a standard low voltage AC power source for operation.

Abstract: A fuel burner apparatus for converting fossil fuel such as gas into heat. A cylindrical burner body is provided having an air inlet and a flame opening wherethrough flames, combustion gases and any unburned particles of fuel exit. A flame spreader apparatus is connected to the flame opening for evenly distributing the flames, combustion gases and unburned fuel particles coming out of the fuel burner. The fuel spreader apparatus includes a fuel spreader, a stem connected substantially perpendicular thereto and three leg portions connected at one end thereof to each other and at the other end thereof to the flame burner opening. The stem is connected to the meeting point of the three leg portions. A two-stage gas valve or a slow opening gas valve is provided for controlling the rate at which the fuel valve opens and allows fuel to enter the fuel burner. The fuel burner is connected to a heat exchanger which has a flue line and a blower connected to the flue line.

Abstract: A reliable, low cost, light weight, CW pumped Nd:YAG laser with optional Q-switching is provided with a rail for the laser optics that isolates the optical axis from movement of the laser head housing. A laser pot is provided with a housing and quickly detachable cover both molded of a resin that is impervious to water, optically opaque, possesses low thermal deformation, high dielectric strength and resistance to damage by light and UV radiation. The pot is formed with a cavity lined by molded reflectors and divided by a septum interposed between the laser rod and lamp. The lamp is removable with the cover and is readily coupled with the lamp sockets designed for accepting variations in lamp manufacturing tolerances. The power supply for the laser resonator is transformerless and parallel triggering is employed for the lamp. The cooling system is provided with a water immersed heat exchanger defined by a coated copper tube that prevents ionic action.