Abstract: A network entity, method and computer program product are provided for effectuating a conference session. The method includes receiving a plurality of audio measurements representative of audio levels adjacent respective participants of the conference session. At least one of the audio measurements can be received from a proximity network including a plurality of participants at one of the remote locations, the audio measurement having been identified as the highest audio measurement of the respective proximity network. After receiving the audio measurement, the audio measurements can be compared to identify the highest session measurement such that the participant associated with the highest session measurement is identified as a speaking participant, the identity being transferred to at least some of the participants of the conference session. A network entity, method and computer program product are also provided for presenting the identity of the speaking participant.

Abstract: A flexible reinforcement for garments includes a filament that is made of a spring material shaped to have a plurality of turns so as to form an elongated helical spring coil, caps located over the ends of the spring coil; and a cloth channel which receives the elongated coil. The channel is adapted to be sewn into a garment at a location to reinforce its shape. The spring coil may have a diameter of from about 1/32 to 3/16th inches. The caps may be made of plastics, Teflon, metal or similar material and shaped to be round and smooth so as to act to prevent the ends of the spring from penetrating the garment or poking the wearer.

Abstract: Approaches are disclosed for switching transport protocol connection keys. A method of automatically changing a message authentication key at each of two endpoints of a connection in a telecommunications network comprises testing a sequence value received in each of a plurality of data segments on the connection; and selecting a next message authentication key, from among a plurality of stored message authentication keys, for use in authenticating subsequently received data segments, when the sequence value matches a specified characteristic.

Abstract: A vibrating headset capable of generating a vibration of variable operational characteristics in the earpiece of the vibrating headset is disclosed. The vibrating headset may include one or more earpieces, each of which includes a speaker and a vibrator mechanism, wherein the vibrator mechanism receives a vibration input signal which is distinct from the audio input signal received by the speaker and defines the variable operational characteristics of the vibration to be generated by the vibrator mechanism. A gaming apparatus including a gaming device and a vibrating headset communicably coupled to the gaming device for generating vibrations of variable operational characteristics in response to receiving a vibration input signal from the gaming device is also provided. Finally, a method of creating vibrations defined by at least one variable operational characteristic in an earpiece of a vibrating headset is provided.

Abstract: A system is equipped with a computer-controlled rotating gantry and includes at least one radiation source mounted to the gantry. The radiation source moves along an arcuate path as the gantry rotates and emits an x-ray beam at a first energy level for imaging of a small animal and emits an x-ray beam at a second energy level for radiation therapy of the small animal. The first energy level is less than the second energy level. The system's imaging capabilities are implemented with the use of a flat panel detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides articles of manufacture and methods for making inorganic pigments. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for making titanium dioxide, said method comprising: (a) reacting titanium tetrachloride with oxygen in the presence of heat to produce titanium dioxide; and (b) cooling the titanium dioxide in a conduit having a helix, wherein said helix comprises at least one helical bend. Preferably the conduit comprises at least three helical bends, wherein the helix comprises at least three 360 degree spiral turns, and wherein the helix comprises an angle of from one to ten degrees. In a second embodiment, the present invention also provides a helical pipe for manufacturing pigment, comprising a conduit for receiving an inorganic pigment, wherein said conduit comprises a helix and wherein said conduit is capable of withstanding temperatures greater than about 650° C.

Abstract: A radiation therapy system that includes a radiation source that moves about a path and directs a beam of radiation towards an object and a cone-beam computer tomography system. The cone-beam computer tomography system includes an x-ray source that emits an x-ray beam in a cone-beam form towards an object to be imaged and an amorphous silicon flat-panel imager receiving x-rays after they pass through the object, the imager providing an image of the object. A computer is connected to the radiation source and the cone beam computerized tomography system, wherein the computer receives the image of the object and based on the image sends a signal to the radiation source that controls the path of the radiation source.

Abstract: The invention provides a lipid of general formula (I) or (II): wherein X1, X2 and R1 to R5 are as defined herein. Such lipids are used to form complexes with a biologically-active material such as a nucleic acid, peptide or small molecule for delivering the biologically-active material to cells. The complexes may incorporate an integrin-binding peptide and, when the biologically-active material is DNA, thereby constitute a LID complex.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel biocatalytic processes for the conversion of aliphatic ?, ?-dinitriles into the corresponding ?-nitrilecarboxylic acid. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for the conversion of 1-cyanocyclohexaneacetonitrile to 1-cyanocyclohexaneacetic acid using an enzyme catalyst with nitrilase activity. 1-cyanocyclohexaneacetic acid is a useful intermediate in the synthesis of gabapentin.

Abstract: A heated water mist therapy appliance generates temperature controlled therapeutic mist by applying ultrasonic vibration to temperature controlled (heated) water. The resulting heated water mist may be applied to the skin of the feet or diverted into a flexible conduit for application to other parts of the body. In some embodiments of the appliance, the user may control the temperature of the water used to make the mist, thereby controlling the temperature of the therapy. The user also controls the volume of water mist/air mixture by adjusting the speed of a fan. The appliance may include an ionizing electrode to enhance the ionic content of the water mist/air mixture.

Abstract: A radiotherapy apparatus comprises a first collimator and a second collimator, the first collimator being a multi-leaf collimator, the second collimator comprising a plurality of slits having a width which is a fraction of the width of the leaves of the first collimator, the first and second collimators being aligned such that each slit of the second collimator is associated with a leaf of the first collimator. A first irradiation is made, during which the first collimator will define the outer edge of the irradiation pattern, and the second collimator will serve to narrow the effective width of each leaf of the first collimator. This narrowing is a simple function of the relative widths of the slits of the second collimator and the leaves of the first. This will leave gaps in between the slits of the second collimator, which can then be filled by moving one or more of the patient, first and second collimators, so as to irradiate an area omitted in the first irradiation.

Abstract: A garment waistband having vertical stability and a concomitant ability to provide circumferential length variation to enable a garment to be a comfortable fit despite variations in waist size.

Abstract: A floating portable humidifier is configured to float partially submerged in an open tray of water. An internal cavity includes water entry apertures below the water line and air entry apertures above the water line. Water enters the cavity through the water entry apertures to establish a constant water level within the cavity. Humidifying apparatus installed within the cavity combines water and air to form humidified air that leaves the humidifier through air exit apertures. A motor-driven fan may assist circulation of humidified air. Sealed chambers or a porous closed cell body construction may provide the necessary buoyancy. Any humidifying apparatus may be used. The floating design eliminates the need for a water tank.

Abstract: A domestic air purifier includes a plurality of non-linear conduits through which room air is drawn and into which fluid is introduced to remove particulate matter from the air. A plurality of non-linear conduits having a plurality of fluid spraying nozzles provides thorough mixing between air and fluid to maximize the removal of particulates from the air. The fluid circulates continuously from a reservoir through the nozzles and conduits back to the reservoir. Simple fluids, such as water, are preferably used, although disinfectants, deodorants and/or scents may be added to the fluid.

Abstract: A hair curler heating appliance incorporates a plurality of heating posts over which curlers are placed. Individual heaters are vertically arranged within each heating post. Curlers are configured with a metal interior defining a thermal interface with the heater posts. Heat is efficiently transferred outwardly from the heaters through the heater post to the metal interior of each hair curler. No part of the heater is exposed to dissipate heat so that substantially all heat generated by each heater is transferred to each corresponding hair curler.

Abstract: A foil-type electric razor includes a coaxial motor and cutter. The coaxial relationship between the motor and the cutter permits a simplified suspension and drive assembly. The driven end of the cutter is supported and driven by a flexible drive shaft connected to the motor shaft. The opposite end of the cutter is supported for rotation by a flexible support shaft extending from the cutter to a bearing mounted accessory drive stud. Both the drive shaft and support shaft are constructed from coil springs. The coil spring shafts effectively combine the suspension, drive and support functions that in the prior art required multiple components. An optional nose hair trimmer may be driven by the flexible support shaft.

Abstract: A rotisserie grill includes a control device that alternates heat generation by a plurality of heating elements disposed at the periphery of a cooking chamber. The alternating heat evenly cooks food in a manner similar to a traditional rotisserie, while eliminating the need for food-rotating apparatus. The control device is a timer, which rotates a cam having a profile that actuates a switch. Heating elements are connected to the switch such that when one is energized, the other is not energized. The on/off cycle produced by the rotating cam repeats every 1 to 2 minutes. The rotisserie grill may be provided with multiple heating elements controlled by multiple switches. More than one cam may be employed to actuate the multiple switches in a complex pattern to simulate relative movement between the heating elements and the food.

Abstract: A domestic air purifier comprises a plurality of non-linear conduits through which room air is drawn and into which fluid is introduced to remove particulate matter from the air. A plurality of non-linear conduits having a plurality of fluid spraying nozzles provides thorough mixing between air and fluid to maximise the removal of particulates from the air. The fluid circulates continuously from a reservoir through the nozzles and conduits back to the reservoir. Simple fluids, such as water, are preferably used, although disinfectants, deodorants and/or scents may be added to the fluid.

Abstract: A pucker free garment seam providing a garment with a tailored and wrinkle free appearance. The pucker free seam and method for production utilizes a bonding strip which contains at least a thermal adhesive component which is inserted between first and second garment components sewn together along the seam. A sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the seam which causes the adhesive of the bonding strip to flow onto the surfaces of the garment components and into interstices thereby creating a seam and permanently bonding the first and second garment components together along the seam to eliminate puckering associated with shrinkage of the sewing thread.

Abstract: A pucker free collar seam providing a garment with a tailored and wrinkle free appearance. The pucker free seam and method for production utilizes a bonding strip, which contains at least a thermal adhesive component which is inserted between a first surface of a first collar component and an interlining along a seam. A sufficient amount of heat and pressure is applied to the seam, causing the adhesive of the bonding strip to flow onto the surfaces of the collar components and the interlining, thereby creating a compressed seam and permanently bonding a first collar component, a second collar component and an interlining together along the seam to eliminate puckering associated with the shrinkage of sewing thread relative to the collar fabric.