Abstract: A data transport system for transporting data and auxiliary signals over an optical link comprises a transmitter, a receiver and an optical link. The transmitter and receiver are coupled to a first end of the optical link. The optical link includes a number of optical channels. A controller is coupled to the transmitter and the receiver, and controls the transmitter and the receiver to operate in a first state when data are detected at an input of the transmitter. Data are transported via the data transport system in the first state. The controller controls the transmitter and the receiver to operate in a second state when the data are detected as absent at the input of the transmitter. Data are prevented from being transported via the data transport system in the second state.

Abstract: A data transport system for transporting data and auxiliary signals over an optical link comprises a transmitter, a receiver and an optical link. The transmitter and receiver are coupled to a first end of the optical link. The optical link includes a number of optical channels. A controller is coupled to the transmitter and the receiver, and controls the transmitter and the receiver to operate in a first state when data are detected at an input of the transmitter. Data are transported via the data transport system in the first state. The controller controls the transmitter and the receiver to operate in a second state when the data are detected as absent at the input of the transmitter. Data are prevented from being transported via the data transport system in the second state.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wide area network (WAN) module including plural radios, a power supply, and a switch configured so that one and only one of the radios may receive power at any one time. The switch may be electronically or manually operable; if electronically operable, the module may include a processor and a universal serial bus (USB) port for receiving power switching instructions. The WAN module may be incorporated into utility consumption measuring (metering) devices which may correspond to components in a consumption measurement and reporting automatic meter reading (AMR) system.

Abstract: A method of coordinating trace information in a multiprocessor system includes receiving processor trace information from a set of processors. The processor trace information from each processor includes a processor identity and a coherence indicator that demarks selective shared memory transactions. Coherence manager trace information is generated for each of the processors. The coherence manager trace information for each processor includes trace metrics and a coherence indicator.

Abstract: One embodiment operates a computer system for storing and retrieving data from a data store. The computer system has a data manager device operable to manage patterns in the stored data along with pointers relating to the patterns in a manner which enables reconstruction of the stored data in original form.

Abstract: A flexible and pliable evaporator coil embedded in freezer gel and surrounded by a flexible enclosure. In its warm state, the evaporator coil/gel enclosure can be fitted around a variety of shapes such as legs, arms, heads, or devices requiring cold or super cold in direct surface contact. The evaporator coil is designed to be connected directly to a traditional refrigeration system employing refrigerant, a compressor, and condenser coil.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes storing a first data table entry applying a schema used at a first point in time along with pointer data and pattern space information collectively representing the first data table entry at the first point in time and generating, at a later point in time, a map responsive to a schema change. The map comprises new pointer data or new pattern space information.

Abstract: A method of rendering a graphical object (e.g., 801) on a page (800), is disclosed. A region of the page containing the graphical object (801) is marked as output incompatible based on the graphical object (801) being output incompatible. A bounding box comprising the marked region is determined A proportion of a number of the regions marked as output incompatible are determined to a total number of regions in the bounding box. A further region within the bounding box is marked as output incompatible to increase the determined proportion above a threshold. The graphical object in the marked region and the further marked region is converted into an output compatible graphical object if the determined proportion is above the threshold. The output compatible graphical object is rendered.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel and efficient drive mechanism for use in a variety of applications. This novel mechanism replaces traditional stepper motors or another analogous art with shape memory alloys. The drive mechanism so disclosed provides substantial operational benefits over conventional motors and other such traditional drive mechanisms that would be used in similar applications. The drive mechanism includes a high gear-ratio worm gear and worm drive which further provides precise, controlled movement of an output shaft. In the illustrative use elaborated upon herein, the motor is used to drive a photovoltaic panel so that the panel may remain in appropriate alignment with the sun throughout the day.

Abstract: A method of fetching data from a cache begins by preparing to fetch a first set of cache ways for a first data word of a first cache line a using a first thread. Next, in parallel, a second set cache ways for a first data word of a second cache line is prepared to be fetched using a second thread, and data associated with each cache way of the first set of cache ways are fetched using the first thread. Also performed in parallel, data associated with each cache way of the second set of cache ways is fetched using the second thread and a third set of cache ways for a second data word of the first cache line is prepared to be fetched using the first thread based on a selected cache way, the selected cache way selected from the first set of cache ways.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel and efficient drive mechanism for use in a variety of applications. This novel mechanism replaces traditional stepper motors or another analogous art with shape memory alloys. The drive mechanism so disclosed provides substantial operational benefits over conventional motors and other such traditional drive mechanisms that would be used in similar applications. The drive mechanism includes a high gear-ratio worm gear and worm drive which further provides precise, controlled movement of an output shaft. In the illustrative use elaborated upon herein, the motor is used to drive a photovoltaic panel so that the panel may remain in appropriate alignment with the sun throughout the day.

Abstract: An ice vending apparatus adapted to remove moisture from ice pieces during dispensing, which apparatus includes a ramp having a lower lip and being adapted to transfer a quantity of ice pieces from a holding vessel to a container; and a channel having an upwardly facing opening that is in operative association with the ramp and arranged so that moisture is adapted to flow around the lower lip of the ramp into the channel while excluding the ice pieces so as to separate at least a portion of the moisture from the ice pieces as the ice pieces are transferred to the container. Methods of providing ice pieces, particularly with reduction of associated moisture to a consumer, are also described.

Abstract: A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to characterize a coherency controller. The executable instructions define ports to receive processor trace information from a set of processors. The processor trace information from each processor includes a processor identity and a condensed coherence indicator. Circuitry produces a trace stream with trace metrics and condensed coherence indicators.

Abstract: One embodiment operates a computer system for storing and retrieving data from a data store. The computer system has a data manager device operable to manage patterns in the stored data along with pointers relating to the patterns in a manner which enables reconstruction of the stored data in original form.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel and efficient drive mechanism for use in a variety of applications. This novel mechanism replaces traditional stepper motors or another analogous art with shape memory alloys. The drive mechanism so disclosed provides substantial operational benefits over conventional motors and other such traditional drive mechanisms that would be used in similar applications. The drive mechanism includes a high gear-ratio worm gear and worm drive which further provides precise, controlled movement of an output shaft. In the illustrative use elaborated upon herein, the motor is used to drive a photovoltaic panel so that the panel may remain in appropriate alignment with the sun throughout the day.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for managing input/output requests in a multi-processor system is disclosed. An IO coherence unit includes an IO request handler, a variable size transaction table, and an IO response handler. The size of the transaction table varies according to the number of pending IO requests. The IO request handler stores information about pending IO requests in the transaction table to establish an order among related requests and to permit out-of-order handling of unrelated requests. The IO response handler tracks responses to the IO requests and updates the information in the transaction table. The IO coherence unit returns responses to requesting devices in compliance with device ordering requirements.

Abstract: Methods and computer program are disclosed for enabling the use of an individual's wireless personal communication device, such as a cellular telephone, e.g. IPhone™, to acquire the information vital to the preservation of the individual's personal and property legal rights in legal emergency situations. A user can activate services for protection of the user's legal rights in a legal emergency situation accessible from a provider via the Internet. A set of instructions for actions to be taken by the user is provided, accessible via the Internet by said communication device. The user can predetermine a time-out period for commencing recording audio/video and transmitting an emergency message to a user-predetermined contact if dialog is interrupted before end of the time-out period. The user's activation location can be detected, and attorneys in the user's activation location can be notified of the user's emergency situation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a starch composition comprises amylomaltase treated starch and non-crosslinked starch and to the use of a starch composition in food preparation whereby the starch composition comprises amylomaltase treated starch and non-crosslinked starch.

Abstract: The description discloses methods of enhancing or maintaining the viability or lifespan of platelets comprising administering an agent that down modulates apoptosis. The description also discloses a method of decreasing the survival, lifespan or viability of platelets comprising administering an effective amount of an agent that enhances apoptosis.

Abstract: A shuttle valve useful in connection with operation of underwater blowout preventers employs soft seals sealing an annulus between an inlet bore and the outer periphery of the shuttle to provide hydraulic function control from a high pressure low flow supply source such as a low volume positive displacement pump on a remotely operated vehicle without losing opposing inlet sealing and hydraulic fluid dump the opposing inlet during a return stroke of the pump.