Abstract: A receiver circuit for a sensor includes a photosensitive input circuit and a logarithmic-signal circuit including a PN junction coupled to a pulse voltage node. The pulse voltage node may be coupled to the P-type terminal of the PN junction and an output of the photosensitive input circuit. In some examples, the receiver circuit also may include a linear-signal circuit and/or a square-root-signal circuit.

Abstract: A receiver circuit for a sensor includes a photosensitive input circuit and a logarithmic-signal circuit including a PN junction coupled to a pulse voltage node. The pulse voltage node may be coupled to the P-type terminal of the PN junction and an output of the photosensitive input circuit. In some examples, the receiver circuit also may include a linear-signal circuit and/or a square-root-signal circuit.

Abstract: A logical apparatus and associated methods provide highly scalable and flexible data storage in a network of computers. The apparatus provides flexible organizational and access control mechanisms and a practical and efficient way to work with smaller portions of a data storage system at a given time to enable sparse population, caching, paging and related functions. A data structure, called a virtual container, comprises references to objects stored in a data storage system such that the same object can be visible from different virtual containers, if such virtual containers hold references to said object. Access controls further enhance the effectiveness of the methods and structures to enable multiple simultaneous organizational schemes and selective sharing of objects.

Abstract: A wheel or tyre for a bicycle comprises a ground-contacting surface, at least a portion of the ground-contacting surface being carried on a movable portion having a degree of freedom about an axis parallel to a circumference of the wheel or tyre. The wheel or tyre may enable a rider of a bicycle, when cornering, to perform or simulate a drift, slide, broadside or skid.

Abstract: A logical apparatus and associated methods provide highly scalable and flexible data storage in a network of computers. The apparatus provides flexible organizational and access control mechanisms and a practical and efficient way to work with smaller portions of a data storage system at a given time to enable sparse population, caching, paging and related functions. A data structure, called a virtual container, comprises references to objects stored in a data storage system such that the same object can be visible from different virtual containers, if such virtual containers hold references to said object. Access controls further enhance the effectiveness of the methods and structures to enable multiple simultaneous organizational schemes and selective sharing of objects.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable storage media for providing virtual access to network services. A virtual storage layer contains reference objects configured to reference network services stored in a network computing environment. Network clients access the reference objects through a resource interface based on a resource identifier associated with the virtual storage layer. Initiation of the virtual service by a network client invokes the service in a native computing environment of the service.

Abstract: A method for making data placement decisions in a computer network uses multiple factors comprising social rules (rules, factors and criteria common to all participating nodes and intended to benefit the community of nodes), as well as rules, factors and criteria driven by individual self-interest of the participating nodes. The method calls for each node to act in a semi-autonomous manner, without the need for a central coordinating node. By considering multiple factors fully, and not eliminating factors by a sequence of True/False decisions, the method may arrive at optimal decisions and may generate a ranked list of node candidates.

Abstract: A method for making optimal decisions includes the ability to consider and weigh multiple factors, where those factors might be numeric, or non-numeric, objective or subjective. Further, the method ensures that factors are not prematurely eliminated. This contrasts with behavior common to decision-tree based approaches. The method further allows for weighting based on multiple statistical means as well as by the application of non-statistical values.

Abstract: A method for making data placement decisions in a computer network uses multiple factors comprising social rules (rules, factors and criteria common to all participating nodes and intended to benefit the community of nodes), as well as rules, factors and criteria driven by individual self-interest of the participating nodes. The method calls for each node to act in a semi-autonomous manner, without the need for a central coordinating node. By considering multiple factors fully, and not eliminating factors by a sequence of True/False decisions, the method may arrive at optimal decisions and may generate a ranked list of node candidates.

Abstract: A method to improve the effectiveness of hash-based data structures includes configuration of a data structure and transformation of hash codes as produced by a hash function, to yield a more uniform distribution of data amongst the slots in a data structure. Transformation results in a non-uniform but predictable distribution of hash codes. Configuration exploits the predictable nature of the transformed hash codes to accomplish more uniform and therefore more efficient distribution of items stored in a hash-based data structure.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer readable storage media for providing virtual access to network services. A virtual storage layer contains reference objects configured to reference network services stored in a network computing environment. Network clients access the reference objects through a resource interface based on a resource identifier associated with the virtual storage layer. Initiation of the virtual service by a network client invokes the service in a native computing environment of the service.

Abstract: A mounting device for installing a track for a curtain or blind has an engagement portion for cooperation with the track by a snap-type engagement. A resiliently deformable release means has a tongue portion (29) that has a free end that is positioned in a cavity of the track when the engagement portions are fully mutually engaged and a connected end that is connected to the mounting portion and spaced from the free end and that is positioned externally of the cavity of the track when the engagement portions are fully mutually engaged. The tongue portion (29) has an abutment face (33) disposed for assisting with prising apart the mounting device and the track by turning a tool, simultaneous with the operation of the tool against the tongue portion. The abutment face is opposed to and spaced from the track in use.

Abstract: A logical apparatus and associated methods provide highly scalable and flexible data storage in a network of computers. The apparatus provides flexible organizational and access control mechanisms and a practical and efficient way to work with smaller portions of a data storage system at a given time to enable sparse population, caching, paging and related functions. A data structure, called a virtual container, comprises references to objects stored in a data storage system such that the same object can be visible from different virtual containers, if such virtual containers hold references to said object. Access controls further enhance the effectiveness of the methods and structures to enable multiple simultaneous organizational schemes and selective sharing of objects.

Abstract: A method for making data placement decisions in a computer network uses multiple factors comprising social rules (rules, factors and criteria common to all participating nodes and intended to benefit the community of nodes), as well as rules, factors and criteria driven by individual self-interest of the participating nodes. The method calls for each node to act in a semi-autonomous manner, without the need for a central coordinating node. By considering multiple factors fully, and not eliminating factors by a sequence of True/False decisions, the method may arrive at optimal decisions and may generate a ranked list of node candidates.

Abstract: A method for making optimal decisions includes the ability to consider and weigh multiple factors, where those factors might be numeric, or non-numeric, objective or subjective. Further, the method ensures that factors are not prematurely eliminated. This contrasts with behavior common to decision-tree based approaches. The method further allows for weighting based on multiple statistical means as well as by the application of non-statistical values.

Abstract: A method for controlling access to stored objects in a computer system is provided that is both powerful and flexible, and minimizes complexity to the user. The method may apply to logical containers of objects and supports arbitrary configurations of logical containers, including nests and hierarchies. The method extends beyond the simple notion of permission, to include not only operation-oriented rights, but more complex and possibly dynamic access conditions, criteria and rules. The method provides for association of actions to be triggered and performed, optionally, in relation to access or attempted access to stored objects.

Abstract: A method to improve the effectiveness of hash-based data structures includes configuration of a data structure and transformation of hash codes as produced by a hash function, to yield a more uniform distribution of data amongst the slots in a data structure. Transformation results in a non-uniform but predictable distribution of hash codes. Configuration exploits the predictable nature of the transformed hash codes to accomplish more uniform and therefore more efficient distribution of items stored in a hash-based data structure.

Abstract: A dock monitoring device that provides a warning to dock workers and a lift truck operator that a hazardous condition exists if the distance from a parked load transport vehicle to the rear of a loading dock increases outside a preset “safe zone” distance, which is the maximum distance, with allowance for a safety margin, that can be spanned by a dock plate or ramp or “dock leveler” to the bed floor of the load transport vehicle. The invention uses a non-contact distance measuring sensor such as an infrared optical triangulation measuring sensor. An alarm will sound if the distance becomes greater than a preset “safe zone” distance. Significant events are logged, and a picture of the load may be taken.

Abstract: An electric motor with brush assembly supporting two separately formed brushes. A fractional horsepower direct current motor has a brush assembly supporting two separately formed brushes and side by side and connected electrically in parallel. This reduces the effective current density required for each brush without increasing the size of the brushes required and affecting the dynamic behavior.

Abstract: An occupant protection and signal apparatus (10) that is for a vehicle (12) has an air bag module (18). The air bag module (18) includes an inflatable air bag (20) and an inflation fluid source (24) actuatable for protecting a vehicle occupant (14). The air bag module (18) includes an initiator (30) for initiating actuation of the fluid source (24) in response to receipt of an electrical initiation signal (32). Circuitry (40-46) determines a vehicle crash event and, in response thereto, provides the electrical initiation signal (32) to the initiator (30). A sensor (56) detects the electrical initiation signal (32), and a radio beacon controller (50) and antenna (52) broadcast a signal (54) in response to the detection.