Abstract: A system and method for distributing processing utilizing message queues as a method of distributing binary objects as “messages” and invoking the embedded logic of the received message to perform a portion of a distributed application is disclosed. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, a system and method for the integrated distribution and execution of objects as they are retrieved or extracted from a message queue on a remote system to provide executable functionality portions of a distributed application. In one embodiment a failed processing step results in the message being retained in the message queue to allow for subsequent retry processing.

Abstract: A system and method for managing export licenses is disclosed. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, a system and method for managing creation of export license amendment forms relating to export and import of defense-related articles and services subject to regulations and regulatory agencies such as: United States Munitions List (USML), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) are disclosed. Also, disclosed is a method and system for managing updates to authorizations and tracking of exported goods.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method that transforms a set of still/motion media (i.e., a series of related or unrelated still frames, web-pages rendered as images, or video clips) or other multimedia, into a video stream that is suitable for delivery over a display medium, such as TV, cable TV, computer displays, wireless display devices, etc. The video data stream may be presented and displayed in real time or stored and later presented through a set-top box, for example. Because these media are transformed into coded video streams (e.g. MPEG-2, MPEG-4, etc.), a user can watch them on a display screen without the need to connect to the Internet through a service provider. The user may request and interact with the desired media through a simple telephone interface, for example. Moreover, several wireless and cable-based services can be developed on the top of this system.

Abstract: A novel mechanism is disclosed by which a sender can direct information such as an audiovisual signal to a particular recipient's audiovisual display device, such as a cable television set and, thereby, share information between the sender and the recipient. In one embodiment of the invention, a calling party originates a telephone call and associates that telephone call with audio-visual information that exists on the caller's personal computer or on an Internet server. The called party answers the call, and can tune an associated cable television to the appropriate channel in order to view the audio-visual information. The caller can modify the audio-visual information during the call. Accordingly, the current invention ties together the telephone, cable, and IP networks in a manner that does not require large investments from cable or telephone service providers.

Abstract: A system and method which utilize current, updated classification of goods and parties when relevant documents are prepared and printed and further updates relevant classification data contained in various records either periodically or as changes are received. This updating and utilization of the current, updated classification minimizes delays which would occur because of improper characterization or classification information.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for changeover of containers of a highly soluble substance in a continuous flow process, fluid is flowed through a container of the substance to generate a solution until the substance is depleted and the concentration of the solution starts to drop. The solution from the first container is then directed through a second container containing a charge of the substance to maintain a saturated solution. When the first container is fully exhausted, the flow of fluid is switched to isolate the first container and to flow the fluid directly into the second container whereupon the first container can be safely removed. The arrangement is operated as a lead lag system with solution flowing through the containers at or close to plug flow to minimize mixing.

Abstract: In a fluidized bed method and apparatus for stimulating reaction between a particulate reactant material and a fluid flowing through the reactant material, the incidence of coalescing of particles of the reactant material is reduced by mixing the particulate material with a particulate abrasive.

Abstract: A free trade qualification system to determine whether finished products qualify for a given free trade agreement. Bill of materials maintenance uses tables that constitute the bill of materials, including an item master table and an item relationship table. The item master table contains records for the parts and finished products. The item relationship table contains all relationships between items structured as parent to child in a recursive manner. Free trade qualification traverses the bill of materials to calculate whether a given finished product is qualified. The harmonized tariff code for the part or subassembly being processed is evaluated in terms of the appropriate qualification rules to determine which of these rules applies to the part in the context of its relationship to the subassembly being processed.

Abstract: A stream manager provides a way of redirecting and managing messaging and information access in a packet network environment. The stream manager is linked to a packet network, such as the Internet. The stream manager receives over the packet network a message from a user's host server initiated by a user and intended for a destination site. The message bears an address for the stream manager which is provided to the host server by the address server for the packet network, such as a server utilized as part of the domain name system. The stream manager determines the availability of at least one destination server at the destination site to receive and process the message. If a destination server at the destination site is available to receive and process the message, the stream manager selects a destination server from those available.

Abstract: A leather working tool and a method for cutting a leather strip. The strip cutting tool includes a tool head adapted for placement at least partially through the aperture formed through the sheet of material. A tool shaft is attached to and extends from the tool head. A strip cutting blade is connected to and extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tool head. The strip cuffing blade is positioned with respect to the tool head at a distance defining a desired strip width. The strip end is pulled between the tool head and the strip cuffing blade, and a continuous strip of a selected width is cut.

Abstract: In a mass storage library, a module storage array includes a back plate having “T” shaped apertures patterned to form a cartridge storage together with cell blocks that have “T” shaped protrusions to fit into the openings in the back plate. A column of cell blocks are held in place between a shelf and a spring load. Interlocking surfaces molded into the cell blocks assist in holding the column of cell blocks in place with the “T” shaped protrusions and openings in the back plate. The cell blocks are stacked on the shelf with the “T” shaped protrusions inserted into the openings in the back plate and their mating surfaces interlocked. The spring load clamps the cell against the shelf. The cell blocks form cavities that hold the cartridges in the storage array. A plurality of columns of cell blocks provide the complete storage array. Calibration targets are provided to align the cell blocks to the library accessor and reader.

Abstract: A stream manager provides a way of redirecting and managing messaging and information access in a packet network environment. The stream manager can include a computer-based router or server that behaves as if it were a gateway for a sub-network of destination site servers, and the stream manager is linked to a packet network, such as the Internet. The stream manager receives over the packet network a message from a user's host server initiated by a user and intended for a destination site. The message bears an address for the stream manager which is provided to the host server by the address server for the packet network, such as a server utilized as part of the domain name system. The stream manager determines the availability of at least one destination server at the destination site to receive and process the message.

Abstract: In a mass storage library, a module storage array includes a back plate having “T” shaped apertures patterned to form a cartridge storage together with cell blocks that have “T” shaped protrusions to fit into the openings in the back plate. A column of cell blocks are held in place between a shelf and a spring load. Interlocking surfaces molded into the cell blocks assist in holding the column of cell blocks in place with the “T” shaped protrusions and openings in the back plate. The cell blocks are stacked on the shelf with the “T” shaped protrusions inserted into the openings in the back plate and their mating surfaces interlocked. The spring load clamps the cell against the shelf. The cell blocks form cavities that hold the cartridges in the storage array. A plurality of columns of cell blocks provide the complete storage array. Calibration targets are provided to align the cell blocks to the library accessor and reader.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for managing a patient treatment program including a prescribed dosing regimen. The system and method develops and/or makes use of a pharmacokinetic model and a pharmacodynamic model and the monitored adherence of the patient to determine if and when testing should be performed. The system and method further determines if the prescribed dosing regimen should be adjusted, based upon a comparison of the results of the one or more tests and the results predicted by the one or more models.

Abstract: A system and method for communication recovery following service interruptions is disclosed wherein parties to communication which has experienced a service interruption are provided the opportunity to record messages for one another during the service interruption so that the messages can be provided to the parties when communication is later re-established.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provides arbitration among a plurality of subscribers and also provides access isolation between a requester, such as a subscriber or other entity, and a security-related information source, such as a repository containing certificates and certificate revocation lists (CRLs) or other security-related information. The system and method isolates the requester from the source by generating separate security information release-data to obtain the security-related information from the source based on analyzed request criteria-data. The arbitration module generates a separate security-information release request to the repository to retrieve appropriate data from the internal repository in response to the externally generated request without allowing the request to filter directly through to the security-related information source.

Abstract: A wide ski-like apparatus is provided that can be easily and quickly attached to the axle, or axles, of the larger sized icehouses and trailers in common use today. This is accomplished by the use of a ski-like apparatus that is attached to a wheel rim that corresponds in size and lug pattern to existing rims. A second embodiment attaches directly to the wheels of the trailer or icehouse. The use of skis on snow covered or icy surfaces reduces the amount of friction created by movement of the icehouse and thus, makes it easier to move it into position on the lake or river's frozen surface.

Abstract: A certificate issuing apparatus and method creates a new certificate of a differing format from an existing certificate format to facilitate certificate conversion. A certificate converting unit receives first certificate data in a first format and desired certificate format criteria data, such as data representing the format of a certificate to which the first certificate is to be converted. The apparatus and method then generates second certificate data in a second format in response to the desired certificate format criteria data. In one embodiment, this is done using certificate format template data, such as templates representing the format and/or syntax of a plurality of differing certificate formats. The format template data is then mapped so that information from one certificate can be suitably mapped and then placed in a proper format and syntax for a different certificate format.

Abstract: A portable coil nail protector holds a single coil of nails and keeps the coil in the shape necessary to fit in a coil nail gun. The protector includes a base upon which a coil of nails can be placed, a lid attached by a hinge to the base for movement relative to the base between a closed position over and about a coil of nails on the base for holding the coil of nails in the protector and an open position permitting ready access to and removal of the coil of nails from the protector. The base includes at least one elongated opening therein for attaching the protector to a person's belt. Opening the protector by moving the lid relative to the base exposes the coil of nails for easy removal and fast installation into a gun.

Abstract: A gripper for clutching cartridges for transport in a computer information storage library. The library includes storage locations for the data cartridges, a transporter with the gripper for moving the cartridges between the storage locations and a read/write cartridge drive. The gripper provides a positive grip on the end of the cartridge by providing a positive retention finger to hook into the centrally located lip provided on the bottom of the cartridge and at least one opposing finger to contact the top of the cartridge to balance the mechanical forces between the positive retention finger and the opposing finger.