Abstract: An acoustic tool, system, and method for performing down-hole measurements. An encoded pulse sequence is transmitted from an acoustic tool. First reflections are received from the encoded pulse sequences. The first reflections from the encoded pulse sequence are identified from a number of reflections of the encoded pulse sequence. Measurements are performed utilizing the first reflections of the encoded pulse sequence. Other systems and methods are presented.

Abstract: An acoustic tool, system, and method for performing down-hole measurements. An encoded pulse sequence is transmitted from an acoustic tool. First reflections are received from the encoded pulse sequences. The first reflections from the encoded pulse sequence are identified from a number of reflections of the encoded pulse sequence. Measurements are performed utilizing the first reflections of the encoded pulse sequence. Other systems and methods are presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods for building construction that utilize frame members (e.g., studs) having attachment portions to which construction panels can be secured. In one embodiment, a stud designed to support vertical wall panels consists of a pair of metal C-channel studs that are oriented back-to-back with a stiffener plate between them. The stiffener plate extends outward from the stud so that it can be used to secure the wall panels against the stud. The stiffener plate has slots through it that allow biscuits to be placed through the stiffener plate and into the edges of the wall panels that abut the stiffener plate. The biscuits hold the edges of the wall panels in alignment with each other and, because the biscuits extend through the slots in the stiffener plate, the wall panels are held against the stud, thereby stiffening the wall formed by the panels.

Abstract: A remote control and methods of configuring the remote control are provided. The remote control includes a plurality of favorite channel buttons, an icon holding member having at least one surface positioned adjacent to at least one of the favorite channel buttons, and a transmitter that transmits signals, such as a channel corresponding to an icon located on the icon holding member, to a media device in response to a favorite channel button being pressed by a user. The method of configuring the remote control includes placing an icon on the icon holding member adjacent to one of the favorite channel buttons and programming the remote control to send a signal representing a desired channel that corresponds to the icon using the transmitter when the favorite channel button adjacent to the icon is pressed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for building construction that utilize frame members (e.g., studs) having attachment portions to which construction panels can be secured. In one embodiment, a stud designed to support vertical wall panels consists of a pair of metal C-channel studs that are oriented back-to-back with a stiffener plate between them. The stiffener plate extends outward from the stud so that it can be used to secure the wall panels against the stud. The stiffener plate has slots through it that allow biscuits to be placed through the stiffener plate and into the edges of the wall panels that abut the stiffener plate. The biscuits hold the edges of the wall panels in alignment with each other and, because the biscuits extend through the slots in the stiffener plate, the wall panels are held against the stud, thereby stiffening the wall formed by the panels.

Abstract: A chess-type game for 2, 3 or 4 players comprising a game board with a checkered playing surface and a border having four visually distinguishable sides, preferably by four colors, surrounding the playing surface, each of the said four colors corresponding to a different set of chess-like playing pieces of the same color, each said set of playing pieces to be initially set up on the board opposite the side of the border of the same color, each side of the border being used to designate the adjacent row where playing pieces the same color as the border side may be promoted. Optionally, the set of playing pieces may include a new chess-like character designated a squire, which may move two squares vertically, horizontally, or diagonally in any direction, may jump over intervening pieces, and which may be removed from the board when a knight associated with the squire is captured.

Abstract: Inventive systems and methods for remotely controlling infrared controlled devices by using addressed radio frequency control signals. Radio frequency signals propagate through most obstructions to infrared control signals. Augmenting each control signal with an address allows for great selectivity in an environment with several transmitters and receivers.

Abstract: A remote control for learning a macro routine of optical signals is provided. An optical receiver is arranged to receive optical signals from one or more original equipment remote controls. The optical receiver outputs electrical signals. A microprocessor receives the electrical signals from the optical receiver. A memory device stores the electrical signals from the optical receiver. An operator interface is electrically coupled to the microprocessor. The operator interface receives operator input to designate a macro routine of operator-selectable optical signals from the original equipment remote control. The microprocessor causes the electrical signals from the optical receiver that correspond to the operator-selectable optical signals from the original equipment remote control to be associated with the designated macro routine and stored in the memory device. Electrical signals associated with a macro designation are retrieved from the memory device and electrically coupled to an optical transmitter.

Abstract: Inventive systems and methods for remotely controlling infrared controlled devices by using addressed radio frequency control signals. Radio frequency signals propagate through most obstructions to infrared control signals. Augmenting each control signal with an address allows for great selectivity in an environment with several transmitters and receivers.

Abstract: Binding agents with differential activity can be provided, whereby certain activities of a first part of the binding agent are reduced or prevented until binding to a target occurs. This is useful if the binding agent is intended to bind both an effector cell and a target to be destroyed, because the effector cell can be protected from significant cell damage that might otherwise occur (e.g. due to premature activation of complement and/or ADCC). Such binding agents are useful in the treatment of cancer, for example.

Abstract: An alarm unit including a normally open switch is embedded in or affixed to an item that can be easily carried by an individual, such as a toy animal or other soft toy or cushion, or which can be worn by the individual, such as a watch. The item can thus be carried by the individual wherever he or she is seated in the home. When the individual senses the presence of an intruder, he or she presses against the portion of the item that includes the alarm unit, thereby to close or actuate the switch and activate an alarm.

Abstract: A packet communications network includes both packet switched and circuit switched transmission links. A path test command launched from a source resource on the network to a destination resource follows a current path from the source to the destination. At each resource, the path test command initiates a process which identifies the next resource in the path, the port of the current resource through which the next resource is accessed, and the current time. This data is returned to the source resource where the data is accumulated for the entire path and then analyzed to determine the location of failed links, if any, the response time from the source to the destination, the response time of each resource in the path, and the location of congested links. Packet switched resources identify the path test command themselves and carry out the testing procedure. Circuit switched resources utilize the control point controlling that resource to carry out the testing procedure.