Abstract: In a television programming management system, contributors access television programming functionality of legacy systems using a web-based interface provided by a network operations center. The network operations center is a best-of-breed J2EE-based implementation that provides a middleware interface to legacy systems. Using the interface provided by the network operations center, contributors can access any functionality required to create and distribute television programming. The present invention provides security features though a classifier. Use of playlists allows synchronization of created objects. Television programming can be performed by users and contributors.

Abstract: A continuous wave laser is provided to produce isolated surgical effects within selected tissue layers. The continuous wave laser includes a laser source, an optical modulation device, and a system controller. The laser source produces a laser beam which is provided to the optical modulation device. The optical modulation device modulates the laser beam in order achieve isolated surgical effects within selected tissue layers. The system controller drives the laser source and the optical modulation device to achieve the isolated surgical effects. The system controller may direct the laser beam delivered to the selected tissues comprise a series of modulated bursts which further comprise modulated micro bursts. These bursts and micro bursts may be modulated in amplitude, duration and separation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical footswitch that includes a base, a pedal, an encoder assembly, a wireless interface, and an internal power generator. The pedal mounts upon the base and pivots. The encoder assembly couples to the pedal. As the pedal pivots, the encoder assembly translates the mechanical signal of the pedal into a control signal based on the pedals position and/or orientation. The wireless interface couples the encoder assembly to receive the control signal. The wireless interface also couples the surgical footswitch to a surgical console operable to control and direct surgical equipment. The wireless interface passes the control signal from the encoder to the surgical console, which then directs the surgical equipment based on the control signal. This wireless interface eliminates the tangle of wires or tethers, which may be a hazard in the surgical theater.

Abstract: System and methods for predicting and dynamically adapting the most appropriate content and teaching strategies that aid individual student learning. System and methods are based on a cognitive model that integrates new information with what the student already knows. A program of study is predicted by the unique cognitive needs of the individual student correlated with aggregated student data history using an Artificial Intelligence Engine (AI Engine). Said system and methods then dynamically adapt the initial cognitive model to the student's ongoing progress using personalized software Agents. Said system and methods include a computer network that incorporates a server-side AI Engine and a collection of client-side software Agents embodied as animated characters. The program connects new information to prior knowledge and then strengthens these connections through dedicated learning Activities, customized to the student, to ensure that effective, and real, learning occurs.

Abstract: System and method for identifying a component, such as an optical probe or pneumatic scissors, of an ophthalmic surgical device. A component of a surgical device includes an identifier, such as a RFID tag. Data from the RFID tag is transmitted to a RFID reader in the device. A controller determines whether the component corresponding to the received data is operable with the surgical device based on criteria, such as whether the received data is an authorized code that matches data stored in memory or whether the received data solves or satisfies an algorithm. The authorized codes are selected from a larger set of available codes. The controller enables or disables the operation of the device with the component based on whether the criteria is satisfied, the number of uses of the component, an amount of time that has passed since the component has been used, or a geographic location.

Abstract: An optical fiber detector, and a method and system for optical fiber detection are disclosed. One embodiment of the optical fiber detector of this invention comprises: a receptacle, to receive and position an optical fiber connector; an infra-red (“IR”) source for providing an incident IR beam onto a cross-sectional face of an optical fiber and a cross-sectional face of the optical fiber connector; and an IR detector for receiving a reflected IR beam from the face of the optical fiber and the face of the optical fiber connector and generating a detector signal representative of the intensity of the reflected IR beam, wherein the intensity of the reflected IR beam is representative of the presence and type of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for spatially distributed, spectrally neutral optical attenuation are disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises: an attenuator fin plate; a set of attenuator fins, wherein each of the fins is operably coupled to the fin plate at a preset fin angle to the fin plate normal such that the attenuator fins maintain their position relative to the fin plate as the fin plate moves; and a means for rotating the fin plate a set angular distance around an axis of rotation, wherein the axis of rotation is at a preset fin plate angle to a light beam direction of travel and wherein the attenuator fins block varying amounts of the light beam as the fin plate is rotated through the set angular distance. The attenuator fin plate and attenuator fins can be a single, integral component, wherein the attenuator fin plate is etched and stamped to form the attenuator fins, or separately formed components that are attached, for example, to a separate frame.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for creating and distributing programming content carried by a digital streaming media to be a plurality of remote nodes located over a large geographic area to create customized broadcast quality programming at the remote nodes. At the remote nodes, a multi-window screen display simultaneously shows different programming including national programming and local programming content. The remote nodes utilize a remote channel origination device to assemble the customized programming at the remote location that can be controlled from a central location. An encapsulated IP and IP encryption system is used to transport the digital streaming media to the appropriate remote nodes. Also disclosed is a graphical user interface (“GUI”) providing a software control interface for creating and editing shows or programs that can be aired or played on a remote display device having a multi-window display.

Abstract: A miter cutting guide apparatus is provided to aid in the making of miter cuts used on wood millwork as trim around floors, walls, doors, cabinets and the like and which can also be used on ceramics such as for tile cutting. Two miter arms are pivotally attached by a pivot locking means such as a screw. Each miter arm has a complementary base resting underneath and being guidably received by each miter arm, thereby allowing each miter arm to reciprocate along its complementary base.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for creating and distributing programming content carried by a digital streaming media to be a plurality of remote nodes located over a large geographic area to create customized broadcast quality programming at the remote nodes. At the remote nodes, a multi-window screen display simultaneously shows different programming including national programming and local programming content. The remote nodes utilize a remote channel origination device to assemble the customized programming at the remote location that can be controlled from a central location. An encapsulated IP and IP encryption system is used to transport the digital streaming media to the appropriate remote nodes. Also disclosed is a graphical user interface (“GUI”) providing a software control interface for creating and editing shows or programs that can be aired or played on a remote display device having a multi-window display.

Abstract: A method for dispersing high molecular weight hydrocarbon material in an ethylene water quench tower, the method comprising the step of: introducing a deposit inhibiting amount of a dispersant into the ethylene water quench tower, the dispersant comprising a copolymer of a first monomer and a second monomer, the first monomer being selected from the group consisting of butyl methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate, and decyl methacrylate-2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, the second monomer being selected from the group consisting of diethyl-aminoethyl methacrylate, dimethyl amino-ethyl methacrylate, phenyl aminoethyl methacrylate, butyl aminoethyl methacrylate, and propyl aminoethyl methacrylate.

Abstract: A method for dispersing heavy hydrocarbons in an ethylene water quench tower, the method comprising the steps of: introducing an effective amount of a dispersant into the ethylene water quench tower, the dispersant comprising a copolymer of an .alpha.-olefin having from about 10 to about 36 carbon atoms and a maleic anhydride, wherein the rate ratio of the .alpha.-olefin to the maleic anhydride is from about 1:1 to about 5:5 and the molecular weight of the copolymer is from about 5,000 to about 100,000, the anhydride moieties of the copolymer being substantially intact.

Abstract: A method for dispersing heavy hydrocarbons in an ethylene process water stripper tower, the method comprising the steps of: introducing an effective amount of a dispersant into the ethylene water stripper, the dispersant comprising a copolymer of an .alpha.-olefin having from about 10 to about 36 carbon atoms and a maleic anhydride, wherein the rate ratio of the .alpha.-olefin to the maleic anhydride is from about 1:1 to about 5:5 and the molecular weight of the copolymer is from about 5,000 to about 100,000, the anhydride moieties of the copolymer being substantially intact.

Abstract: An improved process for inhibiting the formation and deposition of polymer-based fouling materials after caustic scrubbing of hydrocarbon streams contaminated with oxygenated compounds with a basic washing solution having a pH>7 comprising adding to the hydrocarbon stream after caustic scrubbing a sufficient amount for inhibiting formation and deposition of polymer-based fouling materials of a composition comprising at least one hydrazide compound characterized by the formula ##STR1## where R is selected from the group consisting of H, NHNH.sub.

Abstract: A touch sensing display apparatus having improved electrical signal processing is described. A plurality of signal threshold comparison levels are employed by the electronic signal calculating and processing unit to identify actual touch signals and to exclude extraneous vibration and offset signal components. Static thresholds of comparison are utilized at lower signal levels and a dynamic, signal tracking threshold is utilized at higher signal levels. The apparatus is particularly effective for use in designs employing a suspended CRT display or other display device in which the screen of the display device is directly touched by a user to record selections of information presented or to input graphical or handwritten information.

Abstract: Exercise method and apparatus activated air compressor driven by a pedal and crank exercise machine which is used for supplying kinetic energy to drive an air compressor. The compressed air is stored in a series of compressed air bottles similar to those used in scuba diving, the compressor being connected to the air storage bottles in sequentially switched fashion as each bottle reaches a desired predetermined pressure. The kinetic energy thus stored in the bottles in the form of high pressure air is released at a controlled rate to drive a turbine, for example, or any form of the air motor, which may then in turn drive any electrical generator, or supply a source of rotary power for any use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel heating system for an engine comprising a cylindrical fuel chamber having a heating line extended centrally through the same and communicatively connected to the engine cooling system. Provided on opposite ends of the fuel chamber are inlet and outlet gas ports that allow fuel to be directed to and into the fuel chamber where the same is heated by the fluid of the engine cooling system passing centrally through the fuel chamber via the heating line. As the fuel is heated up to approximately 160 degrees farenheit, it is then directed from the outlet gas port directly into the carburetor of the engine.