Abstract: Distributing work in a distributed computing environment that includes multiple nodes. An individual node can receive a work assignment, which can then be divided into a plurality of work units. A first work unit can then be distributed to a first worker node. At least a portion of the first work unit can be re-distributed to a second worker node in response to determining that the first worker node has experienced a failure condition with respect to the first work unit.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for cross-updating of software between self-service financial transaction machines are described. A first computer may identify connection of a removable computer-readable storage medium to the first computer. The first computer may determine whether data representing a particular version of an image of a software stack for the first computer exists on the removable computer-readable storage medium. Responsive to determining that no data representing the particular version of the image of the software stack for the first computer exists on the removable computer-readable storage medium, data indicating that no data representing the particular version of the image of the software stack for the first computer exists on the removable computer-readable storage medium may be outputted, and data representing a second computer with data representing the particular version of the image of the software stack for the first computer may be outputted.

Abstract: A security element for a security booklet includes a plurality of pages including a first outermost page and a second outermost page. The security element includes at least one line of stitching joining the plurality of pages to one another. The stitching is formed of at least a first thread and a second thread, the first thread disposed on an outer surface of the first page, and the second thread disposed on an outer surface of the second page. The first and second threads interlock at each of a series of spaced apertures through the plurality of pages along the line of stitching. At one or more selected aperture(s), a loop of the second thread extends to the outer surface of the first page. The first thread has an optical characteristic different from the second thread, so the second thread at the selected aperture(s) is distinguishable from the first thread.

Abstract: A clearing module is provided that includes a main body configured and dimensioned to be received within a vessel or duct of a patient, adjacent a surgical target area in the patient. The main body includes: an instruction receiving unit configured to receive wireless instructions from an instruction transmitter located outside the patient's body while the module is located inside of the patient's body; a positioning element configured to be monitored by a system external of the patient's body while the positioning element is inside the patient's body; and a destructive energy emitter configured to emit destructive energy from the module toward the surgical target area according to instructions received from the instructions receiving unit.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for manufacturing a security feature on a security article. The security article includes a first layer of plastics material, and the method includes, in any order: using a laser to irradiate a first region of the security article, the laser being operated at a low power level and low speed; and using a laser to irradiate a second region of the security article, the second region at least partially overlapping the first, the laser being operated at a higher power level and higher speed. In this way, the overlapping portions of the regions are marked and exhibit an optically variable appearance. Also disclosed is a security article including a first layer of plastics material exhibiting a laser marking of which at least a portion has an optically variable appearance.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for software updates using delta patching are described. A first computer may compare a first image representative of a plurality of software stacks, and a second image representative of at least one and less than all of the plurality of software stacks to determine a difference between the second image and the first image. The first computer may generate a file representative of the difference between the second image and the first image. The file may include data of instructions for removing each software stack of the plurality of software stacks represented in the first image and not represented in the second image from a second computer. Data representative of the file representative of the difference between the second image and the first image may be recorded to a computer-readable storage medium.

Abstract: The High Volume Cover is a cover designed to replace the use of flat covers over metal electrical junction boxes and/or metal electrical junction box extensions. The high volume capacity of the cover eliminates the need to stack electrical junction box extensions until the required volume is reached and placing a flat cover over the opening. The increased depth of the High Volume Cover also allows the wires to remain straight instead of coiling the wires and stuffing them into the confined space provided by shallow electrical junction boxes. This will reduce conductor fatigue as the High Volume Cover reduces the need to move the conductors. Insulation nicks will be reduced and heat buildup inside the electrical junction box will be reduced.

Abstract: A powered cutting tool for locating objects behind sheet material and subsequently cutting around the object. The tool incorporates at least one sensor having a transceiver emitting signal to detect at least one from the group of object density, conductivity, depth, and identification. The sensor is housed within a sensor unit that is affixed to the body of the cutting tool. The sensor unit can be integral with, or removable from, the cutting tool. A marking unit is used to mark the cutting area of the sheet material and is generally integral with, or located near, a sensor unit. Indicator members, such as lights, audio, and/or display screen, are used to provide information to the user.

Abstract: There is provided a method for identifying the color intensities of red lines on a white test strip. The method comprises the following steps: (A) attaching the white test strip to a card that is larger and darker than the white test strip, (B) scanning the card with the attached white test strip, (C) creating a digital image of the card, in which each pixel in the digital image has a Red value, a Green value, and a Blue value, (D) using the digital image to calculate a color intensity for each red line on the white test strip.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are described, that, for example, receive at a computer a first request for a remote control session to remotely control the computer; responsive to receiving the first request, determine whether a local transaction is being performed at the computer; and responsive to determining that a local transaction is being performed at the computer, reject the first request.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, devices and methods for stimulation of the cochlea that are sufficient to mimic or replace the spontaneous background neural activity of the cochlea thereby reducing or eliminating tinnitus.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a security article (10) is provided, comprising applying an first adhesive layer to a substrate (11), the first adhesive layer comprising an additive which is responsive to at least a selected wavelength of laser radiation (12); and applying a laminate over the first adhesive layer, the laminate comprising a second adhesive layer which adheres to the first adhesive layer. Prior to applying the laminate over the first adhesive layer, data is printed onto the first and/or second adhesive layer, such that on applying the laminate over the first adhesive layer, the printed data is incorporated between the first and second adhesive layers.

Abstract: Systems, devices and automated methods for minimally invasive surgery. A device is fabricated of bio-compatible semiconductor elements, and can be assembled, delivered, navigated and implanted by automated methods, using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for distribution of software updates are described. A file representing a difference between a first software stack and a second software stack and a task sequence may be received at a computer. The task sequence may represent instructions for installing the second software stack on the computer using the file and a stored image that represents the first software stack. The computer then may execute the task sequence to use the file and the stored image to install the second software stack on the computer. In one example, a second file representing a difference between the first software stack and a third software stack may be received by the computer, and the task sequence may include further instructions for installing the second software stack based on the first file, the second file, and the stored image.

Abstract: Method, apparatuses, and systems are described for receiving, by a computer, data representing a first manifest and a second manifest, the first manifest identifying at least some of a plurality of software components and the second manifest identifying at least some of the plurality of software components; determining a first one of the software components that is identified by the second manifest and not identified by the first manifest; generating, by the computer, a task sequence comprising instructions for installing the first one of the software components to a software stack; and recording, by the computer, data representing the task sequence to a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for cross-updating of software between self-service financial transaction machines are described. A first computer may identify connection of a removable computer-readable storage medium to the first computer. The first computer may determine whether data representing a particular version of an image of a software stack for the first computer exists on the removable computer-readable storage medium. Responsive to determining that no data representing the particular version of the image of the software stack for the first computer exists on the removable computer-readable storage medium, data indicating that no data representing the particular version of the image of the software stack for the first computer exists on the removable computer-readable storage medium may be outputted, and data representing a second computer with data representing the particular version of the image of the software stack for the first computer may be outputted.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for software stack building using a logically protected region of a computer-readable medium are described. An image of a software stack may be stored in a computer-readable medium. A computer, coupled to the computer-readable medium, may build an executable software stack on the same computer-readable medium from the image. The image may be stored in a logically-protected region of the computer-readable medium. After the storing and prior to the building, data stored on the computer-readable medium outside of the logically-protected region may be erased.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems are described for receiving, by a computer, data representing a first manifest and a second manifest, the first manifest identifying at least some of a plurality of software components and the second manifest identifying at least some of the plurality of software components; determining a first one of the software components that is identified by the second manifest and not identified by the first manifest; generating, by the computer, a task sequence comprising instructions for creating a software stack from an image of the software stack, and for installing the first one of the software components to the created software stack; and recording, by the computer, data representing the task sequence to a computer-readable medium.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for software updates using delta patching are described. A first computer may compare a first image representative of a plurality of software stacks, and a second image representative of at least one and less than all of the plurality of software stacks to determine a difference between the second image and the first image. The first computer may generate a file representative of the difference between the second image and the first image. The file may include data of instructions for removing each software stack of the plurality of software stacks represented in the first image and not represented in the second image from a second computer. Data representative of the file representative of the difference between the second image and the first image may be recorded to a computer-readable storage medium.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for software updates using delta patching are described. A first image representative of a first software stack and a second image representative of a second software stack may be combined into a compound image by a first computer. The first computer may compare the compound image and the first image to determine a difference between the compound image and the first image. The first computer may generate a file representative of the difference between the compound image and the first image, and data representative of the file representative of the difference between the compound image and the first image may be recorded to a computer-readable storage medium.