Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for rotating an end effector on a long, flexible medical device. The methods and devices utilize an actuator mechanism that is effective to rotate an end effector on the distal end of an elongate flexible shaft. The actuator mechanism is movable between a freely rotatable position and a rotationally resistant position. When the actuator mechanism is in a freely rotatable position, the actuator mechanism can be rotated to impart torque to the end effector, and thus at least a distal portion of the elongate shaft, to cause the end effector to rotate. In order to prevent the actuator mechanism from “freewheeling,” wherein the actuator mechanism freely rotates in an opposite direction upon release rather than the end effector rotating in the desired direction, the actuator mechanism can be moved to the rotationally resistant position.

Abstract: A broadcast response system provides, e.g., a radio broadcast listener with the ability to obtain media content such as music or speech while listening to the radio. The user can respond to items in the radio broadcast such as advertisements, fund raising drives, or interactive listener polls during the broadcast. Data such as song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored, can be transmitted using, e.g., the RBDS/RDS data stream. A reference number representing song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored can also be employed for ease of implementation. This reference number can reside in a lookup table to be accessed by broadcast response server.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a lactam from an amino alkane nitrile and/or its hydrolysis derivatives, comprising reacting a solution comprising at least about 5% by weight amino alkane nitrile in water at a temperature of greater than or equal to about 350° C. and at a pressure of greater than about 250 bar. Optionally, a dilute acid may be added as a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides various pharmaceutically active topical delivery compositions. In particular, compositions of the present invention are present in a pressurized container comprising a quick-breaking alcoholic foaming agent, such that when the composition is released, i.e., dispensed, from the pressurized container, a quick-breaking temperature sensitive foam is formed. In addition, the present invention provides various aspects related to such compositions, including methods for modulating a foam characteristic, methods for improving the shelf-life of a pharmaceutically active compound, methods for the percutaneous treatment of various diseases, infections, and illnesses, and methods for evaluating foam characteristics.

Abstract: A low cost, reliable and accurate audio frequency phase detection system and method includes an audio signal source generating an audio frequency test signal and a phase detector detecting phase reversals in the audio frequency test signal. The signal source may be an active, real time signal generator or a recorded media player playing back a prerecorded signal. The test signal is provided to a user system while the phase detector determines whether or not a phase reversal has occurred in the test signal between the input and output of the user system and illuminates a green or red LED to indicate whether or not a phase reversal has occurred. The test signal includes a lower frequency signal component and a higher frequency signal component that provides a marker for testing the phase of the lower frequency signal component.

Abstract: A broadcast response system provides, e.g., a radio broadcast listener with the ability to obtain media content such as music or speech while listening to the radio. The user can respond to items in the radio broadcast such as advertisements, fund raising drives, or interactive listener polls during the broadcast. Data such as song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored, can be transmitted using, e.g., the RBDS/RDS data stream. A reference number representing song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored can also be employed for ease of implementation. This reference number can reside in a lookup table to be accessed by broadcast response server.

Abstract: A broadcast response system provides, e.g., a radio broadcast listener with the ability to obtain media content such as music or speech while listening to the radio. The user can respond to items in the radio broadcast such as advertisements, fund raising drives, or interactive listener polls during the broadcast. Data such as song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored, can be transmitted using, e.g., the RBDS/RDS data stream. A reference number representing song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored can also be employed for ease of implementation. This reference number can reside in a lookup table to be accessed by broadcast response server.

Abstract: A portable optical magnifying device (1), for observing specimens within a specimen-vessel having a transparent flat wall, comprises an eyepiece (4) and an objective (3), a light-path being defined therebetween. The device (1) includes a spacer (7) arranged at least partly around the objective (3) and which is adapted in use to seat the device (1) against the flat wall of the specimen vessel with the objective (3) closely adjacent but spaced therefrom, and with its optical axis normal thereto. The device (1) further includes means (9) for releasably attaching the device (1) to the flat wall, with the space (7) bearing against the flat wall of the specimen vessel. Attachment is achieved by evacuation of the space between objective lens, spacer and flat wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides various pharmaceutically active topical delivery compositions. In particular, compositions of the present invention are present in a pressurized container comprising a quick-breaking alcoholic foaming agent, such that when the composition is released, i.e., dispensed, from the pressurized container, a quick-breaking temperature sensitive foam is formed. In addition, the present invention provides various aspects related to such compositions, including methods for modulating a foam characteristic, methods for improving the shelf-life of a pharmaceutically active compound, methods for the percutaneous treatment of various diseases, infections, and illnesses, and methods for evaluating foam characteristics.

Abstract: A solid detergent composition comprising a clay system, said clay system comprises a hectorite clay and a dioctahedral smectite clay, wherein the weight ratio of said hectorite clay to said dioctahedral smectite clay is less than 1:1. The two clay types may be present in a solid detergent composition in the form of an agglomerate.

Abstract: A solid detergent composition comprising a clay system, said clay system comprises a hectorite clay and a dioctahedral smectite clay, wherein the weight ratio of said hectorite clay to said dioctahedral smectite clay is less than 1:1. The two clay types may be present in a solid detergent composition in the form of an agglomerate.

Abstract: A portable optical magnifying device (1), for observing specimens within a specimen-vessel having a transparent flat wall, comprises an eyepiece (4) and an objective (3), a light-path being defined therebetween. The device (1) includes a spacer (7) arranged at least partly around the objective (3) and which is adapted in use to seat the device (1) against the flat wall of the specimen vessel with the objective (3) closely adjacent but spaced therefrom, and with its optical axis normal thereto. The device (1) further includes means (9) for releasably attaching the device (1) to the flat wall, with the space (7) bearing against the flat wall of the specimen vessel. Attachment is achieved by evacuation of the space between objective lens, spacer and flat wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detergent compositions which comprise a flocculating agent and an organophilic smectite clay whereof at least 30%, preferably at least 40% of the exchangeable cations in the clay is replaced by one or more long-chain organic cations, preferably having at least one long carbon chain of at least 10 or even 12 carbon atoms. The compositions provide improved fabric softening and deliver good cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pouched compositions which comprise an alkoxylated compound. Preferably the alkoxylated compound has an average alkoxylation degree of at least 50, preferably at least 80.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a computerized business method for determining the fairness of a purchase of an item relative to previous purchases of the item by other buyers. The method comprises comparing an offer for an item to a fairness indicator determined through analyses of a plurality of sets of sales contract terms controlling a plurality of previous purchases of the item by a group of previous buyers, with each of the sets of sales contract terms controlling a previous purchase.

Abstract: To reduce the tendency for high center of mass vehicles to roll, or vault over a guardrail barrier or dive under it, the guardrail barrier has outer curved portions selected to adjust the moment of inertia of the guardrail barrier by providing a sufficiently high moment of inertia to slow the vehicle but sufficiently low to avoid excessive force against the occupant compartment. A central portion connecting the outer curves sized to provide an effective depth of 12.25 inches to capture high bumper vehicles and small vehicles and an area of 1.99 inches to provide rigidity enough to the curved portions to avoid flattening and penetration. The outer curves are asymmetrical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly customizable CRM system that can: utilize iterative scripts to interact with existing and potential customers (collectively “customers”). Customer responses to scripted questions can be stored and ranked in a database. The invention supports decision trees automatically linking future actions to feedback provided by the customer. Numerical values can be attributed to customer responses in accordance with predetermined criteria set by the user. An overall customer value can be generated from the aggregate responses of a customer. A customer rating can be generated by applying the customer value to a predetermined threshold. Decision trees can also link response values, customer values, and customer ratings to future customizable events. Decision trees can be embedded in a particular script, and decision trees can also span across several different scripts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substantially anhydrous effervescent particle, having an average particle size of from 75 microns to 2 cm, comprising an anhydrous particle core, which comprises one or more components of an effervescence system intimately mixed with a substantially anhydrous stabilizing agent.

Abstract: To reduce the tendency for high center of mass vehicles to roll or vault over a guardrail barrier or dive under it, the guardrail barrier has outer curved portions selected to adjust the moment of inertia of the guardrail barrier by providing a sufficiently high moment of inertia to slow the vehicle but sufficiently low to avoid excessive force against the occupant compartment. A central portion connecting the outer curves sized to provide an effective depth of 12.25 inches to capture high bumper vehicles and small vehicles and an area of 1.99 inches to provide rigidity enough to the curved portions to avoid flattening and penetration. The outer curves are asymmetrical.

Abstract: The invention provides pesticidal, algicidal, herbicidal and/or fungicidal compositions, containing a complexing agent containing ethylene diamine disuccinic acid and one or selected metal ions, preferably cobalt, zinc or ions. The invention also relates to an aqueous pesticidal, algicidal, herbicidal, fungicidal composition comprising specific levels of calcium ions and complexing agent, containing a complex of a specific metal ion and a complexing a compound.