Abstract: A system for processing calls with a time division multiplexing (TDM) network and routing the calls via an internet protocol network is disclosed. The system may receive a call from a call originating device. The call may then be routed to a time division multiplexing switch at which call processing is performed to determine routing information for the call. The routing information may then be received at a first VoIP media gateway, and the call may then be routed by the first VoIP media gateway. Once the call is answered, the connection between the time division multiplexing switch and the VoIP media gateway may be terminated to enable the total number of terminations to be reduced, thereby creating a more efficient system.

Abstract: In an apparatus (1), such as a database or a processor/memory combination of a remote control system (10), for supplying for example infrared codes defining functions for remotely controlling devices, code-sets comprise function-code-combinations for each one of two/more different functions. By distinguishing main-functions such as power on/off and sub-functions such as channel up/down and volume up/down, code-sets can be allocated to a group of code-sets for a target device in case a code of a function-code-combination for the main-function is valid for the target device. This increases an efficiency of the apparatus (1). The group of code-sets may form a tree, whereby the main-function and its code(s) form a root of the tree, whereby a sub-function forms a branch of the tree and a code or codes defining this sub-function form a leaf or leaves of the branch. The group of code-sets may be defined for device-types and/or device-brands.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a frame has a first expanded configuration, a second expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The frame includes a support member, a first elongate member, a second elongate member and a coupling member. A first end portion of the first elongate member is pivotally coupled to the support member. A first end portion of the second elongate member is pivotally coupled to the support member. The coupling member is coupled to a second end portion of the second elongate member. A second end portion of the first elongate member is coupled to the coupling at a first location of the coupling member when the frame is in its first expanded configuration. The second end portion of the first elongate member is coupled to the coupling member at a second location of the coupling member when the frame is in its second expanded configuration.

Abstract: This systems and methods described herein relate to a device which enables oceanographic surface buoy mooring systems to detect and monitor underwater noise at most sea state and weather conditions. In particular, the systems and methods described herein provide mooring systems that can support a hydrophone or other underwater listening devices connected to a surface buoy located at a deep sea position. As will be more fully described below, the mooring includes an expandable tether cable/hose that reduces noise generated underwater when the buoy moves in response to wave and weather.

Abstract: A system for exchanging data includes a communication system, a first and a second party connected to the communication system, wherein each party has personal data, and each party has a disclosure policy to control dissemination of its data, and a secure intermediate party connected to the communication system, wherein the secure intermediate party exchanges data between the first and second parties in accordance with their respective disclosure policies.

Abstract: A secure data interchange system enables information about bilateral and multilateral interactions between multiple persistent parties to be exchanged and leveraged within an environment that uses a combination of techniques to control access to information, release of information, and matching of information back to parties. Access to data records can be controlled using an associated price rule. A data owner can specify a price for different types and amounts of information access.

Abstract: A method for setting up a Remote Control is described. In one step (1) a configuration mode is entered. In another step an identifier entry is accepted (3). In case that the identifier is a brand-id the remote control scans though code-sets corresponding to the brand by sending a remote control signal (7), checking for a user reaction (8), testing further remote control signals of a user selected code-set (9) and checking for a user approval of the selected code-set (10) and wherein the step of scanning is repeated until a user approval is entered. Lastly the remote control installs the user approved code-set (13). In case that the identifier is a code-set-id the remote control sends a remote control signal of the corresponding code-set (7), checks for a user reaction (8), tests further remote control signals of the code-set (9) and checks for a user approval of the code-set Moreover the invention describes a Remote Control that is capable of performing the previously described steps.

Abstract: An apparatus or support having a hammock member, a hammock support member, and a frame that can be disposed in an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The hammock member has a first end portion connected to a first end portion of the frame and a second end portion connected to a second end portion of the frame. The hammock support member extends from a first side portion of the hammock member to a second side portion of the hammock member.

Abstract: A remote control device controls the tuning of a broadcast receiver to a plurality of broadcast channels. The device has a configuring mode for creating a set of specific broadcast channels, and an operational mode for restricting selection from among the channels to the specific channels only. In the configuring mode the device controls the receiver to tune to a candidate channel for providing visual or auditory feedback about the content available from the candidate channel. This feedback facilitates deciding on whether or not to have the candidate channel belong to the set.

Abstract: An apparatus or support having a hammock member, a hammock support member, and a frame that can be disposed in an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The hammock member has a first end portion connected to a first end portion of the frame and a second end portion connected to a second end portion of the frame. The hammock support member extends from a first side portion of the hammock member to a second side portion of the hammock member.

Abstract: An apparatus or support having a hammock member, a hammock support member, and a frame that can be disposed in an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The hammock member has a first end portion connected to a first end portion of the frame and a second end portion connected to a second end portion of the frame. The hammock support member extends from a first side portion of the hammock member to a second side portion of the hammock member.

Abstract: Nails are manufactured using a sequence of steps including hot galvanizing of the nails with a zinc/tin/flux composition followed by vinyl coating to provide fasteners which resist corrosion that may result from chemically treated wood and cement infused materials.

Abstract: An apparatus or support having a frame that can be disposed in an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The frame includes a first end portion, a second end portion, a first side portion, a second side portion, and several connectors. Each of the connectors are disposable at a first position when the frame is in its expanded configuration and are disposable at a second position when the frame is in its collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A method for encoding a frame of visual data which includes the steps of encoding an original full resolution frame, storing coded data for the encoded full resolution frame, reconstructing and storing encoded full resolution frame, downsampling the original full resolution frame to render it a reduced spatial resolution frame, encoding the reduced spatial resolution frame, storing coded data for the reduced spatial resolution frame, reconstructing and storing the reduced spatial resolution frame, upsampling and storing the reconstructed reduced spatial resolution frame, comparing a characteristic in the reconstructed full resolution frame with said characteristic in the original full resolution frame to determine the deviation of the reconstructed full resolution frame from the original full resolution frame with respect to said characteristic, comparing said characteristic in the upsampled reconstructed spatial reduced resolution frame with said characteristic in the original full resolution frame to determ

Abstract: An automobile instrument panel with a flexible steering column closeout and a method for assembling the same. The instrument panel is comprised of a structural backing member with a cavity formed therethrough for receiving a steering column. A flexible backing member is disposed over the cavity and attached to the structural backing. A layer of foam is then used to cover both the structural backing and the flexible backing. The foam layer retains the flexible backing against the structural backing, while creating a more aesthetic look for the instrument panel. An opening to accommodate the steering column is cut through both the foam layer and the flexible backing in an area located over the cavity portion of the structural backing, thereby forming a flexible closeout. The flexible closeout closes the gap between the steering column and instrument panel while still allowing for unimpeded displacement of the column relative to the instrument panel.

Abstract: A framework for a system that will allow a professional to vastly extend the web of his referral network, by using a centralized matching system that both protects the privacy of his client, and allows a broad range of outside specialists the opportunity to present themselves. In addition to a database that allows the referring professional to gauge the capabilities of the candidates, the system also includes a bidding system such that candidates can offer a small reward (cash or otherwise) in exchange for being given the work.

Abstract: An apparatus or support having a frame that can be disposed in an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The frame includes a first end portion, a second end portion, a first side portion, a second side portion, and several connectors. Each of the connectors are disposable at a first position when the frame is in its expanded configuration and are disposable at a second position when the frame is in its collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A low distortion compression amplifier comprising an amplifier circuit having an input and an output, wherein an input signal is received at the input and amplified in accordance with a gain to form an output signal at the output. The amplifier circuit further comprises a comparator circuit operable to receive the output signal and generate a first control signal in response thereto. A digital gain control circuit is coupled to the amplifier circuit, and is operable to generate a digital gain control signal based at least in part on the first control signal. The gain control signal is then employed to modulate the gain of the amplifier circuit in a digital fashion. The invention also comprises a method of digitally controlling a gain associated with an amplifier circuit. The method comprises comparing an output signal to a threshold and modulating the gain in a digital fashion, wherein the gain is modulated up in a plurality of rates or down in a plurality of rates in response to the comparison.

Abstract: An automatic transfer switch (ATS) controller is disclosed which includes a power supply circuit to regulate and filter input power, a transformer to convert utility and generator power sources into power supply voltages and voltage sensing sources and a voltage sense signal conditioning circuit. Controller further implements a solenoid driver circuit to drive automatic transfer switch solenoids, an embedded microcontroller configured to monitor utility and generator voltages and a user interface interfaced to said microcontroller for operator entry of instructions. A LED indicator is included and is configured to verify user interface entries and overall operation of the controller and ATS system.

Abstract: An apparatus or support having a frame that can be disposed in an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The frame includes a first end portion, a second end portion, a first side portion, a second side portion, and several connectors. Each of the connectors are disposable at a first position when the frame is in its expanded configuration and are disposable at a second position when the frame is in its collapsed configuration.