Method and system for providing a visual debugger for an interpreted statistical language

US Patent 8,286,142
October 9, 2012
Methods and systems for visual debugging of an interpreted language in, for example, an Interactive Development Environment are provide. Example embodiments provide an S-PLUS Visual Debugging System (“SPVDS”), which includes an S-PLUS Workbench Debugger (“SPWD”) that provides “step-based” visual debugging, enabling programmers to step through execution of expressions by setting and otherwise managing breakpoints, examining variables and expressions, and controlling execution such as by step, step-in, step-out, step-over, continue, stop commands. In addition, the SPWD provides a profiler which tracks the number and duration of calls to functions and the amount of memory allocated to variables. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Antenna orientation determination

US Patent 8,284,112
October 9, 2012
A method of determining a current orientation of an antenna compared to a desired orientation is presented. In the method, current orientation data indicating a current orientation of the antenna is generated in circuitry mounted to the antenna. Data indicating a desired orientation for the antenna at the geographical location of the antenna is received. The desired orientation data is compared with the current orientation data. Based on this comparison, alignment information is generated which indicates whether the current orientation of the antenna aligns with the desired orientation of the antenna.

Systems and methods for combining images into a file using multiple color palettes

US Patent 8,284,212
October 9, 2012
Image data systems and methods combine a plurality of images into a single multiple-palette image data file, or generate a selected image from the multiple-palette image data file. An exemplary embodiment receives first pixel information for a first pixel of a first image, the first pixel having a first color; receives second pixel information for a like-located second pixel of a second image, the second pixel having a second color; and specifies a color palette location value that identifies a first color palette array element in a first color palette of the first image and identifies a second like-located color palette array element in a second color palette of the second image. First color information stored in the first color palette array element defines the first pixel color. Second color information stored in the second image data color palette array element defines the second pixel color.

Method and apparatus for chromatographic component, separation with partial recirculation of mixture

US Patent 8,282,831
October 9, 2012
A method for the chromatographic separation of components of a multicomponent fluid mix by means of the simulated moving bed method wherein the multicomponent fluid mix and at least one solvent are fed to inflows of a plurality of chambers containing at least one solid substance and connected to each other in series to form a closed loop. An extract stream containing at least one first component separated from the multicomponent fluid mix as well as a raffinate stream containing at least one second component separated from the multicomponent fluid mix are carried out of the chambers through a first and second outflows. At least part of the raffinate stream and/or extract stream carried off at the first and/or second outflows is preliminarily stored and recirculated to the first and/or second inflow of the chambers alternately or simultaneously with the multicomponent fluid mix and/or the solvent within one clock unit.

Apparatus, systems and methods for removing debris from a surface

US Patent 8,282,740
October 9, 2012
Exemplary surface debris removal systems and methods are operable to remove debris from a signal transmitting/receiving surface. An embodiment provides power to, and then removes power from, a conductive memory wire that is secured to a moveable portion of a two-position snap spring. In response to providing the power to the conductive memory wire, a length of the conductive memory wire decreases so that the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring is pulled from an extended position to a retracted position. When power is removed from the conductive memory wire, the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring moves from the retracted position to the extended position. In response to the moving of the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring from the retracted position to the extended position, an energy is generated and transferred to the surface that dislodges the debris from the surface.

System and method for attracting, surveying, and marketing to consumers

US Patent 8,281,256
October 2, 2012
One method of the present invention includes displaying an interactive map to a consumer and recording interactions with the consumer, recording the interactions, analyzing the recordings, and acting on the analysis. The interactive map is provided at a tourist attraction or other location, and includes maps, images, cameras, and other information about the area surrounding the attraction, as well as information about other attractions, that is useful and/or interesting to a consumer. The interactive media include remote-controlled cameras, touch screen monitors, joysticks, and various other controls. Recording the interactions of the consumers includes recording touches, page views, clicks, session lengths, itineraries selected, and other interactions. Analyzing includes analyzing to find consumer preferences among locations presented. Acting on the results of the analyses includes contacting and forming networks with entities in the area surrounding the tourist hub or remote locations, including contacting and forming networks with other tourist hubs.

System and method for computer power control

US Patent 8,281,166
October 2, 2012
Provided herein is a computer implemented system for managing power supply for an electronic device. The system includes computer a learning component that is trained and constructs models according to usage patterns of the electronic device, a component providing a first phase of model building relating to usage of the electronic device; and a forecasting component that employs the learning component and models to generate predictions relating to usage of the electronic device.

Vacuum attachment system

US Patent 8,277,515
October 2, 2012
A vacuum socket system pertaining to the field of prosthetics wherein an enhanced suspension mechanism is provided by incorporating a vacuum source, circuitry, and a power source. A virtually air-tight seal between residual limb and prosthesis allows a vacuum fit to be generated via a vacuum source. The vacuum source is in constant interaction with circuitry and software for a means of vacuum pressure control, data recordation, and other means. A sound dampening method is employed to lessen both the sound and vibration generated from the vacuum source.

Method for secure reliable point to multi-point bi-directional communications

US Patent 8,279,777
October 2, 2012
Systems and methods for sending secure reliable point to multi-point communication on any communication infrastructure. The infrastructure is not required to conform to any specifications other than to be capable of point to point communications. The system consists of a protocol that allows for Secure Reliable point to multi-point communications irregardless of the support for such communications. This invention does not rely on the Internet or ATM or any other point to point or point to multi-point communications infrastructure.

Security cover plate with accentric mounting aperture

US Patent 8,276,418
October 2, 2012
A cover plate assembly 10 is provided for a cabinet door or drawer lock 12. A cover plate 26 defines a first circular aperture 28 and a rotatably circular cover plate insert 32 defines an eccentrically positioned second circular aperture 34. The second circular aperture 34 defines an inner diameter 33 sized to selectively receive the cylinder and plug assembly housing 20, and the insert 32 has an outer diameter 39 sized to fit within and selectively rotate with respect to the first circular aperture 28. During installation, the outer diameter 39 of the insert 32 is positioned within the first circular aperture 28, and the insert 32 is selectively rotated to a position that enables the cover plate assembly 10 to register with a bolt housing 16 and the second circular aperture 34 to register with a cylinder and plug assembly housing 20.