Abstract: A method of designing an optimized heating and cooling system includes: (1) simulating energy use of a virtual heating and cooling system operating a first potential thermal source or sink under a plurality of conditions; (2) simulating energy use of the virtual heating and cooling system operating a second potential thermal source or sink under a plurality of conditions; (3) optimizing the energy use of the virtual system operating the first potential thermal source or sink or the second potential thermal source or sink using neural network optimization; and (4) designing a heating and cooling system based upon the optimization of the energy use of the virtual system.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an application server receives, from a given UE, data that is configured to visually represent physical user input detected at the given UE at a first level of precision. The application server determines data presentation capabilities of a target UE and/or a performance level associated with a connection between the application server and the target UE. The application server selectively transitions the received data from the first level of precision to a second level of precision based on the determination, and transmits the selectively transitioned data to the target UE for presentation. In another embodiment, the application server receives a request to adjust display settings of the target UE from the given UE responsive to detected physical user input. The application server selectively adjusts the target UE's display settings based on the received request.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices use a wireless device's capability to transmit and/or receive data over multiple communication pathways to improve data transmission quality. In the various embodiments, the same continuous data stream may be transmitted and/or received via different communication pathways. Different communication pathways may be established using different antennas of a wireless device, different wireless networks, different wireless communications protocols, and/or additional wireless devices. The continuous data stream may be transmitted and/or received via different communication pathways in a manner that enables the continuous data stream to be reconstructed from one or more of the different communication pathways. Additional communication pathways may be established based on user input indicating a voice call is high priority and/or approving the expenditure of additional resources.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an application server receives, from a given UE, data that is configured to visually represent physical user input detected at the given UE at a first level of precision. The application server determines data presentation capabilities of a target UE and/or a performance level associated with a connection between the application server and the target UE. The application server selectively transitions the received data from the first level of precision to a second level of precision based on the determination, and transmits the selectively transitioned data to the target UE for presentation. In another embodiment, the application server receives a request to adjust display settings of the target UE from the given UE responsive to detected physical user input. The application server selectively adjusts the target UE's display settings based on the received request.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a communication entity receives, during a communication session, media to be transmitted in association with the communication session at least between first and second user equipments (UEs). The communication entity detects a session disruption (e.g., a signal fade condition, backhaul congestion, etc.) during the communication session. In response to the detection of the session disruption, the communication entity records the received media. Upon detecting that the session disruption is no longer present, the communication entity transmits the recorded media. In an example, the communication entity can correspond to one of the UEs in the communication session such that the received media is received from a user of the respective UE, or alternatively to an application server that is arbitrating the session for the UEs such that the received media is received from one of the UEs in the communication session.

Abstract: A chemical reaction between a first chemical reagent and a second chemical reagent occurs in a mixing chamber arrangement; a dispensing chamber; a dispensing piston configured to dispense reacting mixture from the dispensing chamber; and a control unit for controlling the movement of the dispensing piston and operation of the chemical mixing arrangement. The chemical mixing arrangement has a mixing chamber and injection apparatus configured to produce a jet of a first chemical reagent and a jet of a second chemical reagent such that the jets collide within the mixing chamber to produce reacting mixture. The dispensing chamber has an inlet for receiving the reacting mixture from the mixing chamber and an outlet for dispensing the reacting mixture. The control unit co-ordinates the chemical mixing arrangement to mix the chemical reagents while the dispensing piston is retracted at a controlled rate to enlarge the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: An entry station for an intercom system comprises a touch-screen user interface operable to facilitate a dialling function. A communications module is provided which is arranged to communicate with at least one destination terminal in accordance with the dialling function.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing material by a chemical reaction between a first chemical reagent and a second chemical reagent. The apparatus comprises a chemical mixing arrangement; a dispensing chamber; a dispensing piston configured to dispense reacting mixture from the dispensing chamber; and a control unit for controlling the movement of the dispensing piston and for controlling operation of the chemical mixing arrangement. The chemical mixing arrangement has a mixing chamber and injection apparatus configured to produce a jet of a first chemical reagent and a jet of a second chemical reagent such that the jets collide within the mixing chamber to produce reacting mixture. The dispensing chamber has an inlet for receiving the reacting mixture from the mixing chamber and an outlet for dispensing the reacting mixture.

Abstract: A system, method and corresponding software application installed on communication devices of the system for communicating a media-based call alert command from a calling-party device to a called-party device prior to establishing the voice call therebetween. The media-based call alert command preferably conveys media content that is played on the called-party device prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call to alert the called-party of the call. Alternatively, the media-based call alert command need not convey the media content itself, but instead convey media identification information that identifies media content that is locally or remotely accessible by the called-party device for playback prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call to alert the called-party of the call. Preferably, the communication of the media-based call alert command is realized as part of a service that is available to subscribers of the service.

Abstract: A method of temperature and/or composition measurement of an at least partially aqueous target (6) using a system (1) including; a transmitter and receiver mechanism (2) including one or more transmitting (3) and receiving antenna(e) (4); signal processor (5), capable of calculating the attenuation of the transmitted signal; the method including the steps of; irradiating a target (6) with a plurality of electromagnetic radiation signals including a first signal with a frequency in the microwave/UHF spectrum, and a second signal with a frequency in the radio frequency (RF) spectrum; receiving an attenuated signal transmitted though the target (6); calculating the attenuation of the transmitted signal with the signal processor (5).

Abstract: A software application that is installed on a device as part of a system for establishing communication between a first user device and at least one second user device. The communication includes a first-user-specified media content item. For example, the first-user-specified media content item can be played or displayed on the second user device prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the communication (which can be a voice call, text message, media push communication, IM message, PTT call, etc.). Alternatively, the first-user-specified media content can be played on the second user device without soliciting or engaging in other communication.

Abstract: A system, method and corresponding software application installed on communication devices of the system for communicating a media-based call alert from a calling-party device to a called-party device prior to establishing the voice call therebetween. The media-based call alert is played on the called-party device prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call. Preferably, the communication of the media-based call alert is realized as part of a service that is available to subscribers of the service.

Abstract: Apparatus (104) for dispensing material produced by a chemical reaction between a first chemical reagent and a second chemical reagent. The apparatus comprises injection means (306) configured to produce a jet of the first chemical reagent and a jet of the second chemical reagent such that the jets collide to produce the material. The apparatus further comprises a storage chamber (317) and a closing device (321). The storage chamber is arranged to provide temporary storage space for the material, and it has an inlet for receiving said material and an outlet (319) for dispensing the material. The closing device is moveable between a first position in which the material is prevented from passing through the outlet of the storage chamber, while allowing material to be received into the storage chamber through the inlet, and a second position in which the material is allowed to be dispensed through said outlet.

Abstract: A system, method and corresponding software application installed on communication devices of the system for communicating a media-based call alert from a calling-party device to a called-party device prior to establishing the voice call therebetween. The media-based call alert is played on the called-party device prior to (or concurrent with) the establishment of the voice call. Preferably, the communication of the media-based call alert is realized as part of a service that is available to subscribers of the service.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating with unique properties suitable for high temperature thermal insulation control on a substrate is provided. The coating is thermally sprayed, consisting of three layers: 1) a MCrAIY bond coat (basecoat), 2) an intermediate crack resistant ceramic coating, and 3) a top coat of yttria stabilized zirconia. The three layer coating is deposited, preferably, using an air plasma spray system with suitable macro cracks in the top coat, with an underlying crack resistant layer, to enable the ceramic top coat to have properties suitable for advanced gas turbine thermal barrier coatings.

Abstract: A thermal barrier coating with abradable properties suitable for high temperature clearance control on a sealing surface is provided. The coating is thermally sprayed, consisting of a MCrAlY bond coat and a top coat of yttria stabilized zirconia containing polyester. The two layer coating is deposited using an air plasma spray system with suitable porosity levels to enable the ceramic top coat to have properties suitable for advanced gas turbine shroud block sealing purposes. This coating for sealing purposes is applicable to both industrial and flight gas turbine applications.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device, such as a high electron mobility transistor, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser, an edge emitting laser, a heterostructure bipolar transistor, a resonant tunneling diode, and the like, is disclosed that includes the steps of depositing a plurality of layers of semiconductor material including at least one active area with opposed major surfaces and a cladding layer adjacent each opposed major surface. In the disclosure, the semiconductor material is in an aluminum/gallium arsenide semiconductor system. At least one of the active area and the cladding layers are deposited at relatively low temperatures in the presence of a surfactant, such as antimony, indium, bismuth or thallium to produce greatly improved carrier mobility and surface morphology.

Abstract: The method for assessing and monitoring a scorer engaged in scoring an answer to an open-ended question includes the step of retrieving from an electronic database a reevaluation record. The reevaluation record includes a student response to an open-ended question and a score awarded thereto by a scorer. The reevaluation record is displayed to a manager, who is then permitted to reevaluate the awarded score. If the awarded score is different from the reevaluated score, the awarded score is replaced with the reevaluated score in the reevaluation record. Then the reevaluation record is stored in the database. The system includes an electronic database having stored thereon a reevaluation record. A processor is in signal communication with the database, and a display and an input device in signal communication with the processor. Software for carrying out the method steps is resident on the processor.