Abstract: A device and method to move a fuel assembly of a nuclear reactor, wherein the device eliminates the potential for dropping the fuel assembly due to stress corrosion cracking of the upper guide thimble sleeves that attach the top nozzle to guide thimbles.

Abstract: A core spray sparger T-box clamp for a sparger T-box in a shroud of a nuclear reactor pressure vessel, the sparger T-box clamp including: an anchor plate substantially aligned with a closed end of the T-box; a carrier plate slidably secured to an upper side the anchor plate and latched to the T-box; a saddle bracket secured to a lower side of the anchor plate and latched to the T-box, and a pair of clamp blocks on opposite sides of the anchor plate fixed to sparger pipes coupled to the T-box.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for executing a cone-beam X-ray imaging process. The assembly comprises in the path of X-radiation at least two reference markers (26), which comprise materials whose densities are different from each other. In view of performing a cone-beam X-ray imaging process, the assembly comprises an X-ray source (6) for generating X-radiation and transmitting it to an object (2), a collimator (7) collimator before the object for collimating the X-radiation for a conical or pyramidal beam of rays, a detector (8) capable of receiving X-radiation transmitted through the object for providing X-ray image information, scanner means (16), on the basis of whose movements said X-ray imaging is effected from more than one angle of view, and an image processing unit (12) for utilizing the density information of the reference markers in the processing of X-ray image information.

Abstract: A computer tomography apparatus (200) for examination of an object of interest (207), the computer tomography apparatus (200) comprising detecting elements (223) adapted to detect, as detecting signals, electromagnetic radiation scattered from an object of interest (207) in an energy-resolving manner, and a combination unit (225) adapted to combine detecting signals detected by different detecting elements (223) such as to reduce the amount of data to be processed for determining structural information concerning the object of interest (207).

Abstract: In order to reduce and stabilize photovoltaic noise, dark latent image noise, and high voltage application history noise, a preliminary processing is performed regularly during an intermission between recordings of image information, in which voltage application for applying a voltage of predetermined magnitude and polarity between the electrode of the first electrode layer and the electrode of the second electrode layer for a predetermined time, and light irradiation for irradiating erasing light on the photoconductive layer with the first and second electrode layers being maintained at the same potential are performed.

Abstract: A mammographic imaging system is optimized for use with a single fixed size flat panel digital image receptor. It accommodates compression devices (paddles) of varying sizes, and positions them properly in the field of view of the image receptor. When a compression paddle with size smaller than the field of view of the image receptor is used, the compression paddle can be shifted laterally in the direction parallel to the chest wall, so as to facilitate different views of different size breasts, and permit the image receptor to image as much of the desired tissue as possible. An automatic x-ray collimator restricts the x-ray illumination of the breast in accordance with compression paddle size and location in the field of view. An anti-scatter grid, mounted inside the image receptor enclosure, just below the top cover of the enclosure, can be retracted out of the field of view of the image receptor for use in magnification imaging.

Abstract: A digital radiography (20) detector has a first housing (18) having substantially the form factor of a film cassette and having a chest wall edge (C). The first housing (18) has an X-ray converter (70) with a detection array (26), each detector generating a signal according to an amount of radiation received. Readout electronics (74) are coupled with switching elements in the detection array for obtaining the signals therefrom. The readout electronics (74) include elements formed from crystalline silicon and are distributed toward outer edges of the first housing (18) and away from the chest wall edge (C). X-ray shielding selectively protects the readout electronics (74) and is located beneath a portion of the detection array. A second housing (40), electrically connected to the first housing (18) has a power source for the detector, readout and control electronics for obtaining signals provided from the detection array (26).

Abstract: A system for measuring the density of a fluid in a vessel, the system including: at least one gamma-ray source positioned proximate to the vessel; at least one gamma-ray detector positioned proximate to the vessel, wherein the at least one gamma-ray detector is configured to detect gamma rays backscattered by the fluid from the at least one gamma-ray source; and a translator for converting the detected gamma-ray backscatter to a density value. A method to determine properties of a fluid in a vessel, the method including: positioning a gamma-ray source proximate to the vessel; positioning a gamma-ray detector proximate to the vessel; detecting gamma rays backscattered by the fluid from the gamma-ray source with the gamma-ray detector; determining a density of the fluid based upon an intensity of backscattered gamma rays received by the gamma-ray detector.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a fixed computed tomography (CT) system including a storage device configured to share power delivery with an input power line in order to reduce peak load requirements of the input power line.

Abstract: A shield assembly for an x-ray device is disclosed herein. The shield assembly includes a radiation shielding layer comprised of a first material; and a thermally conductive layer attached the radiation shielding layer. The thermally conductive layer is comprised of a second material. The shield assembly also includes an electron absorption layer attached to the radiation shielding layer. The electron absorption layer is comprised of a third material. The electron absorption layer is configured to absorb backscattered electrons.

Abstract: The invention describes an X-ray source in which a cooling plate (36) for water-cooling the anode (28) of an X-ray tube (26) is firmly mounted on a radiation protection casing (20) and the X-ray tube (26) is rotatably borne relative to the cooling plate (36) in the radiation protection casing (20). The cooling plate (36) and X-ray tube (26) have small axial play with respect to each other, which allows for rotation. Radial seals (R1, R2) ensure adequate sealing of the cooling water throughout the entire axial play. Advantageously, a sealing plate (27) for adaptation to the cooling plate (36) is attached to the X-ray tube (25). With the X-ray source in accordance with the invention, it is easy to switch between various focus types in one casing structure.

Abstract: A shield assembly for an x-ray device is disclosed herein. The shield assembly includes a radiation shielding layer comprised of a first material. The radiation shielding layer defines a collection surface. The shield assembly also includes a thermally conductive layer attached the radiation shielding layer. The thermally conductive layer is comprised of a second material. The shield assembly also includes a passage defined by the radiation shielding layer and/or the thermally conductive layer. The passage generally conforms to the size and shape of an electron beam when it passes through the passage.

Abstract: An imaging system 10 is provided comprising an x-ray source 12, a detector 14, and an alignment device 38 adapted to align the detector 14 with the x-ray source 12 using an x-ray beam transmitted from the x-ray source 12. A method of positioning and aligning an imaging system is also provided.

Abstract: A system receives a condition for an interactive voice response (IVR) application, automatically tests the IVR application based on the received condition, and generates a test result based on the automatic testing of the IVR application.

Abstract: A method of implementing online maintenance in communication network, includes: recording, in any communication device of the communication network, communication data going through the communication device itself when the communication device has detected online a maintenance request; collecting, by an online maintenance server set in the communication network, online the communication data recorded in all the communication devices, and analyzing the communication data to find out a fault reason of the communication network. In the method, communication devices are triggered via a maintenance request to objectively record communication data, and an online maintenance server is set for analyzing the collected communication data to find out the fault reason. In this way, the communication procedure and maintenance procedure are separately performed, which is convenient for the communication service provider to solve problems.

Abstract: An emergency call service system in an Internet Protocol (IP) network and a method thereof are provided. The system includes a policy control server, an emergency call agent, a call agent, and a network manager. The policy control server generates position information of a user terminal by mapping an IP address and local information to an identification (ID) of the user terminal. The emergency call agent detects a suitable emergency center for the user terminal sending an emergency call, and makes an emergency-call connection between the user terminal and the emergency center. The call agent relays the emergency call of the user terminal to the emergency call agent. The network manager stores position information of the user terminal generated through the policy control server, provides the emergency call agent with the position information of the user terminal sending the emergency call, and performs a resource reservation for the emergency-call connection.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for recording voice data in a half-duplex communication. The system includes a voice data recording node and a data storing node; the voice data recording node generates a voice data record according to voice data received from a server and managing the data storing node, and the data storing node stores the voice data record. Correspondingly, a function of sending the voice data to the voice data recording node is added in the server. The system further includes an agent gateway. A user or an operator defines a filtering condition, defines an acquiring condition and searches for voice data via the agent gateway, and the filtering condition and the acquiring condition are stored by the voice data recording node. The voice data recording node connects to the agent gateway via an external searching interface and a management interface.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that enables a user to set their “away” or auto-reply messages for two or more communications services (e.g., e-mail, voice mail, etc.) in one action. Separate actions are required in the prior art to change each outgoing message for every distinct communication service. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a method that enables a user to change the auto-reply message for multiple communication services with less effort than was required for multiple services in the prior art. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, a text auto-reply message intended for e-mail is automatically converted into an abbreviated form for instant messaging and wireless text services and into audio for services like telephony. Furthermore, the illustrative embodiment enables the automatic translation of messages into different natural languages, and can apply rules so that the resulting messages are used appropriately.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for altering a stored message into a single unified message and controlling a capacity of a message box in a portable communication system. The method includes checking an available capacity of a message box; and when the available capacity is less than a critical value, creating and storing a unified message, which is a unification of a plurality of messages stored in the message box, into a single message.

Abstract: Subscribers of a telephone service can define a calling circle, which includes a group of other telephone subscribers with whom the subscriber receives preferential billing rates. The members of the calling circle may include customers of a telephone service provider other than the subscriber's telephone service provider.

Abstract: A method and system for processing billing of including QoS information are provided. In the method, a call is initiated by transmitting/receiving packets directly to/from an opponent terminal after signaling with the opponent terminal using a session initiation protocol through the signaling server. Then, QoS of the call is measured while communicating with the opponent terminal. A billing process is performed of including the QoS measuring result by transmitting the QoS measuring result to the signaling server after the call established to the opponent terminal is terminated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for authorizing a calling card telephone call are described. In one example, a telephone calling card includes a planar body having a memory system, an input circuit, a controller, and a display. The memory system is configured to store key code information. The input circuit is configured to receive a personal identification number (PIN). The controller is configured to derive a key code from the key code information using the PIN. The display is configured to present the key code. The user may then use the key code for purposes of authorizing a call made using a calling card. The key code may change from time-to-time as the user uses the calling card. Since the user's PIN is not entered into a telephone by the user, the calling card is less susceptible to unauthorized and/or fraudulent use by third parties.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting and verifying the location information of a calling party and a device of the calling party is provided. More specifically, a method and system is provided for determining whether the identity of the calling party can be confirmed, via evaluating location information, with an acceptable degree of certainty. The location information may be provided by the calling party or obtained from various sources over a digital communication channel. Some of the provided location information which can be accidentally or intentionally altered is identified and evaluated to determine its accuracy as part of the verification process of the caller's identity.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for caller identification messaging are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a calling party uses a Caller ID Messaging Device that supplants the incoming calling line identification (ICLID) signal with a Caller ID Messaging Signal and transmits the Caller ID Messaging Signal to a destination communications address. An alternate embodiment provides that the calling party may use a conventional telephone to access a communications network, activate Caller ID Messaging Services, compose or retrieve a stored Caller ID Message of the Caller ID Messaging Signal, and transmit the Caller ID Messaging Signal to the destination communications address. The Caller ID Message and Caller ID Messaging Signal may include text, video, voice, and/or digital data.

Abstract: A system for automatically verifying an incoming telephone number. In response to detecting an incoming communication, a determination is made as to whether a telephone number associated with the incoming communication matches one of a plurality of telephone numbers in a storage unit. In response to determining that the telephone number associated with the incoming communication does not match one of the plurality of telephone numbers in the storage unit, telephone number verification rules are applied to determine whether to continue with the incoming communication. In response to a determination not to continue with the incoming communication based on the telephone number verification rules, an alert is provided.

Abstract: A method of routing telephone calls, emails and faxes using a palmtop computer. Using a date book forming a part of a personal information manager application of a palmtop computer, the user enters an appointment into the date book. Such an appointment has a starting and an ending time. The user then selects (either at the time of entry of the appointment or after receipt of an alarm reminder of the appointment) a destination telephone number for routing of telephone calls between the starting time and the ending time. This selection can be in the form of a menu selection of a predetermined profile for routing telephone calls. The palmtop computer then sends a representation of the destination telephone number, the starting time and the ending time to a telephone call server (and/or email server and/or fax server), so that the telephone call server routes telephone calls to the destination telephone number between the starting time and the ending time.

Abstract: A method, phone, and system for answering phone calls in such a manner as to limit or otherwise ameliorate interruptions to a called party and others in an environment of the called party. The answering optionally including silently answering the phone call with a message instead of requiring the called party to verbally communicate with a calling party.

Abstract: A method of emulating a remote telephone at a client device may include accepting identification of the remote telephone at the client device and transmitting a request for a profile of the remote telephone. The profile of the remote telephone may be received, and after receiving the profile, the client device may be configured according to the profile of the remote telephone. After configuring the client device according to the profile of the remote telephone, a telephone communication addressed to the remote telephone may be received at the client device. Related systems and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable medium for analyzing contact studies for a call service center is presented. The method includes the steps of: acquiring data instances of a Collector tool from all persons monitoring contacts at a call service center during a given study period; retrieving a study design from a Planner tool to verify that acquired data instances conform to the study design; selecting data parameters for the acquired data instances, wherein the data parameters describe multiple features of the acquired data; automatically selecting an appropriate chart format that is appropriate for measurement units used by the data parameters; and creating a chart using the appropriate chart format and the data parameters. The steps in the method may all be automatically performed by an Analyzer logic.

Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is a unified call centre system for multiple service providers comprising at least one server; and at least one database in communication with the at least one server. A service provider executes software stored on the at least one server to register an account, the registration process requiring the service provider to enter a predetermined set of information, including at least one identifier for an electronic voice communication device, an additional identifier for an electronic communication device (voice or text) and a personal identifier. After entry of the predetermined set of information, the software generates a unique identifier for the account and communicates the unique identifier and a return destination address for activating the account. The service provider then operates to activate the account by communicating their personal identifier to the return destination address using the electronic communication device.

Abstract: A method or computer program for encoding or un-encoding data receives a keyword string and removes characters in the keyword string which are not in a pre-approved character set and duplicate characters to form a validated keyword. The validated keyword is sequenced with un-used characters of the pre-approved character set and formed into a cipher grid. Clear text may be encoded using an algorithm in combination with the cipher grid, and encoded text may be un-encoded to form clear text using a reverse algorithm in combination with the cipher grid.

Abstract: Provided are an arithmetic method and apparatus for supporting Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Academy, Research Institute and Agency (ARIA) encryption/decryption functions. The apparatus includes: a key scheduler for generating a round key using an input key; and a round function calculator for generating encrypted/decrypted data using input data and the round key. Here, the round function calculator includes an integrated substitution layer and an integrated diffusion layer capable of performing both AES and ARIA algorithms.

Abstract: Provided are a method of generating a Message Authentication Code (MAC) using a stream cipher, and authentication/encryption and authentication/decryption methods using a stream cipher. According to the methods, authentication/encryption is performed using a MAC generated using a stream cipher as an initialization vector of the stream cipher. Therefore, it is unnecessary to use a random number generation algorithm to generate the initialization vector, and thus implementation efficiency can be improved. In addition, upon generation of a MAC, a plurality of key stream generators perform computation for a plurality of message blocks, respectively. Therefore, the message blocks are computed in parallel at a time, and thus computation efficiency is excellent.

Abstract: A method for accessing content is provided. In this method, a first parameter associated with a license is retrieved. The license is associated with the content. A second parameter associated with the content also is retrieved. With the first and second parameters, a third parameter based on the first and second parameters is generated. The third parameter is configured for use in decrypting the content and the content can be accessed based on the third parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dynamic ciphering in a mobile communication system are provided. In a dynamic ciphering mobile communication system, a ciphering apparatus receives the Security Code Table (SCT) in advance and stores it, creates dynamic cipher keys when the data need to be ciphered using the SCT and the frame number of the data, and transmits the frame containing the data ciphered by the created dynamic cipher key, a deciphering apparatus receives the frame, creates the dynamic cipher key using the SCT and the frame number of the received frame, and deciphers the data contained in the frame using the dynamic cipher key created, and an authentication center manages authentication keys which are subscribers' authentication information, and creates and manages the SCTs of subscribers.

Abstract: A scanner for scanning images and optical marks with optical mark recognition (OMR) and encryption is disclosed. A scanning system may include a scanning head configured to read documents comprising characters, marks, and images. The scanning system may include an encryption algorithm for encrypting the scanned data, a processor to use the encryption algorithm to encrypt the data scanned by the scanning head, and an output port to output the data encrypted by the processor. The scanner may encrypt the scanned data substantially immediately after at least some of the data scanned by the scanning head.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of inserting vector information for estimating voice data in a key re-synchronization period, a method of transmitting vector information, and a method of estimating voice data in a key re-synchronization period using vector information, capable of estimating the voice data that corresponds to a silent period occurring in a key re-synchronization process when an encrypted digital voice is transmitted in a unidirectional wireless communication environment. A transmitter side inserts accumulation information (i.e., vector information) of a voice change direction of the transmitted previous frame in a key re-synchronization frame, using a voice feature that draws a sine wave, when making the key re-synchronization frame for the re-synchronization, and transmits the key re-synchronization frame with the vector information inserted thereto. A receiver side estimates the voice data value in the key re-synchronization period using the accumulation information (i.e.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a memory and a processor in communication with the memory. The processor is configured to: transmit a request to a memory device to access content stored in the memory device; receive a session ticket; and access the content based on the session ticket. The session ticket includes a parameter used to decrypt the content and the session ticket is generated based on a number that is configured to change at a session.

Abstract: A method for real time digital instant messaging includes monitoring a condition of a wireless headset, estimating a potential for the user to receive and immediately respond to a real time digital message, such as an instant communications or a VoIP message, and then selectively directing a real time digital message, when received, to the user via the headset when the estimated potential indicates that the user is reasonably likely to immediately respond to the real time digital message. A sensor in the headset may be used to determine if a recent action of the user was don the headset by putting it on, doff the headset by taking it off, dock the headset by placing it in a charging station, move while wearing the headset, leave the headset on a desktop or other surface or carry the headset.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an echo canceller for use in a sound reinforcement communication system configured to carry out a sound reinforcement communication by utilizing a speaker and a microphone, the echo canceller including: an adaptive filter section configured to adaptively identify an impulse response of a feedback path formed by an acoustic coupling or the like between the speaker and the microphone to estimate an echo component in the feedback path from an input signal to the feedback path, and subtracting the echo component thus estimated from an output signal from the feedback path; and an echo suppressing section configured to execute echo suppressing processing for an output signal from the adaptive filter section.

Abstract: A noise reducing device includes: an acoustic-to-electric conversion section for collecting noise and outputting an analog noise signal; an analog-to-digital conversion section for converting the analog noise signal into a digital noise signal; and a digital processing section for generating a digital noise reducing signal on a basis of the digital noise signal and a desired parameter. The device further includes: a retaining section for retaining a plurality of parameters corresponding to a plurality of kinds of noise characteristics; a setting section for setting one of the plurality of parameters as the desired parameter of the digital processing section; a digital-to-analog conversion section for converting the digital noise reducing signal into an analog noise reducing signal; and an electric-to-acoustic conversion section for outputting noise reducing sound on a basis of the analog noise reducing signal.

Abstract: There is provided a filter circuit for producing a noise reduction signal for reducing a noise signal collected by a microphone, including: a digital section including an analog/digital conversion section configured to convert the noise signal into a digital noise signal, a digital filter section configured to produce a digital noise reduction signal based on the digital noise signal, and a digital/analog conversion section configured to convert the digital noise reduction signal into an analog noise reduction signal; an analog path connected in parallel to said digital section and configured to output the noise signal as it is or after processed by an analog filter; and a synthesis section configured to synthesize the analog noise reduction signal outputted from said digital/analog conversion section of said digital section and the analog signal outputted from said analog path to produce a noise reduction signal to be used for noise reduction.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling sound level of a computer system within a selected zone. In one embodiment, the sound level within an enclosed space is detected and an electronic signal representative of the sound level is generated in response. The presence of one or more person within the enclosed space is detected, and an electronic signal is generated responsive to the detected presence. The airflow rate and processor load are both decreased in response to the detected presence when the sound level exceeds a predefined sound-level setpoint.

Abstract: An earphone and a media player are provided. The earphone includes an identification (ID) contact and an identification resistor (RID) connected to the ID contact. The media player includes an earphone jack, an audio playing unit, a processor, a memory, an analog to digital (A/D) converter, and a detecting unit. The media player determines a type of the earphone by detecting the resistance of the RID, and selects a corresponding equalizer parameter of the media player in accordance with the type of the earphone, thus to obtain an audio effects that best utilizes the earphone.

Abstract: A signal transmitting and receiving system is adapted for use in a vehicle cabin, and includes a transmitting device and a receiving device. The transmitting device includes a first processing unit for receiving signals from a signal source, a directional transmitting unit coupled to the first processing unit and operable so as to wirelessly transmit signals from the first processing unit along a primary signal transmitting direction, and a driving unit for coupling rotatably the directional transmitting unit to the first processing unit such that the primary signal transmitting direction is adjustable relative to the first processing unit. The receiving device includes a receiving unit for receiving the signals wirelessly transmitted by the directional transmitting unit, and a second processing unit coupled to the receiving unit for processing signals received therefrom.

Abstract: A directional signal processing system for beamforming information signals. The system includes an oversampled filterbank, which has an analysis filterbank for transforming the information signals in time domain into channel signals in transform domain, a synthesis filterbank and a signal processor. The signal processor processes the outputs of the analysis filterbank for beamforming the information signals. The synthesis filterbank transforms the outputs of the signal processor to a single information signal in time domain.

Abstract: A volume control device for controlling a volume of an audio system includes a volume control unit and a volume resetting control unit. The volume control unit executes a volume control when a reception of an incoming call by a telephone is detected while an audio device of the audio system is in use. Here, the volume control unit changes the volume of the audio device from a present level to a first level that is lower than the present level. The volume resetting control unit executes a volume resetting control when an end of a call by the telephone is detected. Here, the volume resetting control unit changes the volume from the first level to a second level if the present level exceeds a reference value.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, audio signals are specially processed for sound presentation in a high noise environment. The electrical signal representative of the sound is first subjected to equalization to preferentially reduce the magnitude of bass signals while increasing the magnitude of treble signals. The equalized signal is then compressed, and the compressed signal is subjected to “mirror image” equalization which increases the magnitude of bass signals while reducing the magnitude of treble signals. The resulting signal fed to the speakers provides a sound presentation of compressed volume range and a bass-rich sound spectrum. It is particularly useful for providing quality sound presentation in a high noise environment.

Abstract: This invention provides a means for automatically adjusting the volume of a marine audio device based upon the vessels engine(s) speed, or RPM. An engine speed, or RPM, input signal is processed such that the volume of the aforementioned device is increased or decreased as said signal changes. This is particularly useful when the volume of an audio device such as a radio or CD player, should be loud enough to hear when the vessel is under power but quiet enough for the user(s) to enjoy when the vessel is at rest.

Abstract: A normalization for streaming digital audio signals applies a gain factor according to the maximum sample magnitude in a window of samples and compare the gain factor to prior gain factors to adjust the gain factor for the samples in the window of samples. Adaptation of the gain factor with rapid decreases but slow increases avoids saturation but allows quiet passages.