Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, for automatically changing a network system. A method includes receiving a set of first intents that describe a state of a first switch fabric; receiving a set of second intents that describe a state of a second switch fabric; computing a set of network operations to perform on the first switch fabric to achieve the second switch fabric, the set of operations also defining an order in which the operations are to be executed, and the set of operations determined based on the set of first intents, the set of second intents, and migration logic that defines a ruleset for selecting the operations based on the set of first intents and the second intents; and executing the set of network operations according to the order, to apply changes to elements within the first switch fabric to achieve the state of the second switch fabric.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for adaptively processing audio commands supplied by a user in an aircraft cabin, and includes receiving ambient noise in the aircraft cabin via one or more audio input device, sampling, with a processor, the received ambient noise, and analyzing, in the processor, the sampled ambient noise and, based on the analysis, selecting one or more filter functions and adjusting one or more filter parameters associated with the one or more selected filter functions. Audio and ambient noise are selectively received via the one or more audio input devices, and are filtered, through the selected one or more filter functions, to thereby supply filtered audio.

Abstract: A smoking crutch. A spiral shaped smoking crutch cylindrical in overall shape and having one or more spiral groves or channels wound about a longitudinal axis, and disposed on an outer surface. The crutch material may be hard and impregnable, or alternatively semi porous for the addition of flavoring, dye and the like. The spiral groves are sized to prohibit smoking material from entering the crutch and eventually the smoker's mouth. The spiral groves tend to improve the flow of smoke delivered to a smoker.

Abstract: A six degree-of-freedom optical tracker system includes LEDs that are mounted on a structure, and are each configured to emit light. An LED controller is coupled to the LEDs and supplies drive current to each of the LEDs in a manner that causes the LEDs to sequentially and individually emit light. A single position sensing device that is spaced apart from each of the LEDs receives the light emitted from each of the LEDs and supplies position data for each LED. A processor receives the position data and determines the position and orientation of the structure relative to the single position sensing device.

Abstract: Provided is a ready-to-install apparatus for dispensing carbonated beverages and/or beverages on draught that incorporates a flow sensor and a pinch valve and may be coupled to the end of a beer line (or any other tubing used for beverage dispensing) without having to be integrated within the line (i.e. eliminating the need to make multiple cuts for the valve, the flow sensor, etc.) The beverage dispensing apparatus reduces foaming by reducing the number of components that come into contact with the fluid and/or interfere with flow. For example, the beverage dispensing apparatus may utilize an external flow sensor to reduce the creation of nucleation sites where CO2 bubbles may form. In another example, a pinch valve may be used to prevent excessive foaming in place of conventional valves that must be placed proximal to the keg.

Abstract: A six degree-of-freedom optical tracker system includes LEDs that are mounted on a structure, and are each configured to emit light. An LED controller is coupled to the LEDs and supplies drive current to each of the LEDs in a manner that causes the LEDs to sequentially and individually emit light. A single position sensing device that is spaced apart from each of the LEDs receives the light emitted from each of the LEDs and supplies position data for each LED. A processor receives the position data and determines the position and orientation of the structure relative to the single position sensing device.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for adaptively processing audio commands supplied by a user in an aircraft cabin, and includes receiving ambient noise in the aircraft cabin via one or more audio input device, sampling, with a processor, the received ambient noise, and analyzing, in the processor, the sampled ambient noise and, based on the analysis, selecting one or more filter functions and adjusting one or more filter parameters associated with the one or more selected filter functions. Audio and ambient noise are selectively received via the one or more audio input devices, and are filtered, through the selected one or more filter functions, to thereby supply filtered audio.

Abstract: Systems and methods for updating a navigation system are provided. In one implementation, a system includes: a navigation system configured to provide a navigational solution; at least one memory device configured to store a terrain object database, the terrain object database storing information that describes a terrain; a user interface configured to display a terrain model and receive position adjustments from a user; and a processing unit configured to generate displayable information for displaying the terrain model using the information stored on the at least one memory device and the navigational solution, and calculate corrections to the navigational solution from the position adjustments and transmit the corrections to the navigation system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a present location of a target from a moving platform are provided. One system includes a movement module for estimating the present location of the target, a prediction module for estimating future locations of the target, and a first processor. The first processor is configured to receive present location estimates, receive future location estimates, store the future location estimates to create a first future location estimate, and determine the present location of the target based on the present location estimate and/or the first future location estimate. One method includes receiving an estimate of the present location of the moving platform, receiving an estimate of a future location of the moving platform, and determining the present location of the target based on the estimate of the present location and/or the estimate of the future location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for updating a navigation system are provided. In one implementation, a system includes: a navigation system configured to provide a navigational solution; at least one memory device configured to store a terrain object database, the terrain object database storing information that describes a terrain; a user interface configured to display a terrain model and receive position adjustments from a user; and a processing unit configured to generate displayable information for displaying the terrain model using the information stored on the at least one memory device and the navigational solution, and calculate corrections to the navigational solution from the position adjustments and transmit the corrections to the navigation system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for planning and executing a search route by a mobile sensor platform for detecting reflection are disclosed. The search route of the mobile sensor platform is based on the angle of a radiation source relative to the ground in a search area. While executing the search route, a sensor on the mobile sensor platform is configured to detect the reflection of radiation from an object in the search area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for planning and executing a search route by a mobile sensor platform for detecting reflection are disclosed. The search route of the mobile sensor platform is based on the angle of a radiation source relative to the ground in a search area. While executing the search route, a sensor on the mobile sensor platform is configured to detect the reflection of radiation from an object in the search area.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a present location of a target from a moving platform are provided. One system includes a movement module for estimating the present location of the target, a prediction module for estimating future locations of the target, and a first processor. The first processor is configured to receive present location estimates, receive future location estimates, store the future location estimates to create a first future location estimate, and determine the present location of the target based on the present location estimate and/or the first future location estimate. One method includes receiving an estimate of the present location of the moving platform, receiving an estimate of a future location of the moving platform, and determining the present location of the target based on the estimate of the present location and/or the estimate of the future location.

Abstract: An automatic power control system provides a control signal that regulates the output power of at least one laser diode. Coarse adjustment of the control signal is provided by a first means, preferably a digital variable resistor, while fine adjustment and compensation is provided by a second means, preferably by a digital-to-analog converter that receives an input signal proportional to a sensed control system parameter. The control system includes an operational amplifier having a first input coupled to sense output power, and a second input coupled to a DAC to provide finer resolution control. Memory can store system parameter or system parameter variations that can be coupled to the DAC and/or variable resistor to enhance system stability over ambient variations.

Abstract: An automatic power control system provides a control signal that regulates the output power of at least one laser diode. Coarse adjustment of the control signal is provided by a first means, preferably a digital variable resistor, while fine adjustment and compensation is provided by a second means, preferably by a digital-to-analog converter that receives an input signal proportional to a sensed control system parameter. The control system includes an operational amplifier having a first input coupled to sense output power, and a second input coupled to a DAC to provide finer resolution control. Memory can store system parameter or system parameter variations that can be coupled to the DAC and/or variable resistor to enhance system stability over ambient variations.

Abstract: A system for applying wallboard finishing compound comprising a container with an opening and tray sized and shaped to fit within the opening. The tray has a first chamber for receiving the wallboard finishing compound and a second chamber having a grip formed therein. The tray is further shaped to receive a joint knife and a roll of tape. A lid is sized and shaped to cover the opening and enclose the tray in the container.

Abstract: An automatic power control system provides a control signal that regulates the output power of at least one laser diode. Coarse adjustment of the control signal is provided by a first means, preferably a digital variable resistor, while fine adjustment and compensation is provided by a second means, preferably by a digital-to-analog converter that receives an input signal proportional to a sensed control system parameter. The control system includes an operational amplifier having a first input coupled to sense output power, and a second input coupled to a DAC to provide finer resolution control. Memory can store system parameter or system parameter variations that can be coupled to the DAC and/or variable resistor to enhance system stability over ambient variations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the measurement of optical power in optical fiber are disclosed. The optical signal is converted to an electrical signal, which is then converted to a digital output code that indicates the relative strength of the optical signal in terms of logarithmic units.

Abstract: To generate a signal delay, a current source, a reference voltage generator and a comparator are turned on. Once turned on, the current source raises the voltage across an initially discharged capacitor to a minimum required threshold. The comparator then compares the capacitor voltage to the reference voltage thereby to generate the delay signal. Thereafter, the current source, the reference voltage generator and substantial blocks of circuitry in the comparator are switched off to reduce quiescent power consumption.