Abstract: A negotiated matching system includes a plurality of remote terminals associated with respective potential counterparties, a communications network for permitting communication between the remote terminals, and a matching station. Each user enters trading information and ranking information into his or her remote terminal. The matching station then uses the trading and ranking information from each user to identify transactions between counterparties that are mutually acceptable based on the ranking information, thereby matching potential counterparties to a transaction. Once a match occurs, the potential counterparties transmit negotiating messages to negotiate some or all terms of the transaction. Thus, the negotiated matching system first matches potential counterparties who are acceptable to each other based on trading and ranking information, and then enables the two counterparties to negotiate and finalize the terms of a transaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article to be worn about a wearer including a surface fastening system having a primary direction of load bearing. The surface fastening system has a first surface fastening element and a second surface fastening element. The first fastening element is joined to the article, and the second fastening element is disposed so as to be generally in a face to face relationship with the first fastening element when the surface fastening system is in a fastened configuration. The surface fastening system has a peel resistance in a direction other than the primary direction of load bearing greater than or equal to about 1000 grams.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for carrying out, using control means capable of gathering operating information of one or more construction machines to be rented to one or more renters, a service to renters according to the operating information, wherein the control means calculates the point number for service for giving back the profit to the renters on the basis of an evaluation standard preset with respect to the construction machines from the operating information, and totals the point number calculated every renter to present it.

Abstract: A notification system method is disclosed for alerting subscribers to a status of their rental queues. The system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to ensure that an adequate and interesting list of titles are brought to the attention of subscribers.

Abstract: A method of providing a purchaser of a product with a replica portraying the product includes the steps of receiving product information relating to a visible feature of the product, and causing a replica including the visible feature of the product to be transferred to the purchaser. The method may also include obtaining information related to the owner of the purchased product and creating a certificate of ownership associating the product, the replica, and the owner of the product. Also, a registrar may be provided to maintain records associating the product, the replica, and the owner. The registrar may obtain information from a merchant of the product, and transfer the information to a replica manufacturer to obtain a replica.

Abstract: An electronic device, particularly a postage meter machine, has a central processing unit, at least one memory connected to the central processing unit in which at least one program unit is stored which the processing unit accesses for the configuration or the operation of the processing unit or of a function unit connected to the processing unit, and a position determination unit connected to the processing unit. A number of location-specific program units are stored in the memory and the processing unit is fashioned such that it accesses the location-specific program unit in the memory corresponding to the location of the device determined by the position determination unit.

Abstract: A system for selecting skis accesses the weight of a user without disclosing the weight, then assigns the weight into one of several predefined weight ranges. Encrypted weight indicators are provided which are each distinctive to a particular weight range, and the appropriate weight indicator for the weight range into which the weight of the user is assigned is provided. A set of distinct indicia that match the weight indicators are applied to a collection of skis. The skis are divided into groups, each group being designed to be suitable for users having any weight within a particular one of the weight ranges. The skis in a particular group are marked with the indicia which match the weight indicator for that particular weight range. By selecting skis having indicia that match the weight indicator provided, the user selects skis which are suitable based on the weight of the user.

Abstract: A self-service terminal, such as an ATM (10), comprises a speech generator (31) and loudspeaker (30) for producing natural language operating instructions for a user, and a user interface (12) permitting the user to interact with the terminal (10) in response to the spoken instructions. The user interface may include a microphone (32) and a speech recognition module (33).

Abstract: A sanitary absorbent article having flaps which substantially continually diverge from their proximal side over large portion of their length, preferably until their distal side. The substantially continually divergent portions being preferably substantially straight. The garment-facing surface of the flaps including an adhesive fastener which has a length not less than 85% of the length of the proximal side, and preferably not less than 100% of the length of the proximal side. The fastener preferably having reduced adhesive strength in the zones nearer the transverse sides of the flap.

Abstract: A composition for ultrasonic imaging is described having a microbubble population of controlled fragility. The microbubbles comprise an outer shell and a hollow core. The ratio of shell thickness to microbubble diameter is substantially similar across the population of microbubbles. A method of using such composition for imaging a fluid filled cavity, vessel or tissue is described.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has at least one first fastening component disposed in a first waist region and at least one second fastening component disposed in an opposite second waist region. The fastening components are adapted to releasably engage one another and at least one of the fastening components comprises primary and secondary regions that have different releasable engagement properties. Together the fastening components define a refastenable, variable-location seam having a main refastenable attachment zone providing a basic level of securement and an enhanced refastenable attachment zone providing an augmented level of securement.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene or medical purposes comprising a nonwoven cover having at least one, outwardly directed, smooth surface and substantially enclosing a liquid absorbing core wherein the nonwoven cover comprises at least partly thermoplastic, heat-sealable fibers and pressed to the final shape of the tampon. Before the tampon blank is covered with the nonwoven covering web, said web was subject to the use of heat and pressure during the manufacturing of the tampon as to smooth out at least the outer surface of the nonwoven covering web, whilst maintaining the structure of the nonwoven covering web and the absorbency of the tampon. Thereby, it is achieved that the tampon can also be more easily and more comfortably introduced into and withdrawn from a body cavity before and after the days of stronger menstruation or at the occurance of only less vaginal exudation as garment protection.

Abstract: A novel contrast sensitivity test utilizing an adaptive contrast threshold algorithm is proposed. The contrast sensitivity test is embodied as a two-alternative forced choice examination using grating stimuli of randomly interleaved spatial frequencies. The stimulus's orientation is either tilted to the left or right of vertical. During an examination, a succession of grating stimuli is presented to the subject, and the subject asked to indicate the orientation of each stimulus. The contrast level for the next stimulus is varied depending on the subject's response to the previous one using an adaptive weighted up-down algorithm. For each correct response, the contrast level is reduced, whereas for each incorrect response the contrast level is increased. Importantly, the amount by which the contrast level is lowered is different from the amount by which it is raised, and as the examination progresses, the amount changes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article having a fecal management member intended to handle fluids including in particular high viscosity fluids such as feces and menses. The fecal management member includes a plurality of fibers oriented in the z-direction which lead to improved fluid transportation in the z-direction and is positioned intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet of the disposable absorbent article.

Abstract: An ultrasound image is obtained by subjecting an object containing an ultrasound contrast enhancement agent to a first imaging pulse burst and then to a second release pulse and then to a second imaging pulse to obtain two images and then comparing the two images to obtain an enhanced image.

Abstract: Ultrasonic imaging method and apparatus improved to provide image data at a high frame rate and achieve a better resolution. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes a transmission side signal processing unit for providing drive signals; an ultrasonic probe for transmitting ultrasonic beams and detecting echoes of the transmitted ultrasonic beams to obtain detection signals; a reception side signal processing unit for amplifying the detection signals and obtaining image data on the measurement target; and a control unit for controlling the transmission side signal processing unit to transmit ultrasonic beams simultaneously in a plurality of directions and controlling the reception side signal processing unit to process the detection signals and form a plurality of receiving focal points with respect to each of the transmitted ultrasonic beams.

Abstract: Apparatus for mapping a surface of a cavity within a body of a subject includes an elongate probe, having a longitudinal axis and including a distal portion adapted for insertion into the cavity. A plurality of acoustic transducers are distributed along the longitudinal axis over the distal portion of the probe, which transducers are adapted to be actuated individually to emit acoustic waves while the probe is in the cavity, and are further adapted to receive the acoustic waves after reflection of the waves from the surface of the cavity and to generate, responsive to the received waves, electrical signals indicative of times of flight of the waves.

Abstract: A method for performing MRI, including imposing N sets of steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequences on an object to be imaged, the sequences including respective initial radio-frequency (RF) excitation pulses, each initial RF excitation pulse having a predetermined phase shift relative to the other initial RF excitation pulses. N is a whole number larger than one and less than six. The method further includes setting the phase shift of the RF pulse of the sequences so that the phase shift of the RF pulse of an Mth sequence is substantially equal to 2 ⁢ π ⁡ ( M - 1 ) N radians, wherein M is a whole number larger than 0 and less than or equal to N, receiving a respective set of image signals from the object responsive to the N sets of SSFP sequences, and processing the set of received image signals to generate an image of the object.

Abstract: A method for providing a virtual contrast agent for blood vessels in a body portion for angioscopy comprising deriving data from a 3D model using, for example, magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography (CT), and 3D angio. The data is segmented to provide a segmented 3D model of the blood vessels. A first procedure image is made with a contrast agent present. The 3D model is then registered with the first procedural image and “virtual camera parameters” are obtained. The 3D model is rendered and overlaid onto a second procedure image without contrast, whereby a virtual contrast is achieved.

Abstract: A uniform, centralized system for converting all existing systems into one unique, universal system which allows for tracking those titles for articles objects of value, such as motor vehicles, boats, land, antiques insurance files, etc., in a congruent and continual manner. The system provides a centralized computer data base(s) operating in a “client-server” computer environment for use in creating a title history file, and for assigning a singular registration number and identification number from the VIN (or other) identifying number with those numbers being coded, and creating a coded title and registration number and for storing relevant data on the item. The centralized data base is connected to various authorized agents such as insurance agents and car dealers, and to governmental agents such as department of motor vehicles and tax collecting entities. In this way, all relevant data on an item can now be is maintained on a centralized system which is accessible to all who need the information.