Abstract: A permanent magnet electric machine (2), in which permanent magnets (7) are arranged on a stator (13) and/or a rotor (15). In this case, a permanent magnet (7) has at least one first macroscopic permanent magnet element and one second macroscopic permanent magnet element (21, 23), wherein the permanent magnet elements (21, 23) are formed from different materials, which have different magnetic coercitivities.

Abstract: A method for operating a directory assistance system responsive to Voice over IP device requests includes the steps of receiving a directory assistance request from at least one Voice over IP device and identifying the requested information for delivery to the Voice over IP device. The requested information is formatted in accordance with a format required by the Voice over IP device and a notification message is transmitted to the Voice over IP device indicating that information relating to the directory assistance request is available. A request from a web server is received for retrieval of the requested information in response to the directory assistance request, where the web server is accessed by the Voice over IP device after receipt of the notification message. The requested information is transmitted to the Voice over IP device via the web server.

Abstract: This invention relates to a combined heating dish and storage container comprising an outer container formed of insulating material for low heat conduction. The outer container includes a first recess centrally formed in a surface of the outer container and a second recess formed in the surface and disposed at one lateral side of the first recess. A water filled bag is received within the first recess, and a layer of dehydrated lime provided within the first recess in an amount sufficient to cover the water filled bag. A food containing package is placed on the layer of dehydrated lime and received within the first recess. A ripcord for releasing water from the water filled bag so that the water is released and allowed to flow into the layer of lime is provided. The lime undergoes an exothermic reaction as it is exposed to the water to heat food within the food containing package.

Abstract: Apparatus for fastening rails on ties of a railroad comprising four rail screws for flushly mounting an abutment face of a bedplate against the upper surface of the tie and a pre-stressed, elastically deformable bedplate having a convex curved abutment face for frictionally engaging the upper surface of the tie and for applying a spring force against the rail screws when the rail screws are used to brace the curved abutment face flush against the tie.