Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque capacity of a driveline disconnect is coordinated with torque control of an electric machine immediately following engine starting. The electric machine and the driveline disconnect clutch may assist starting of an engine, or alternatively, the engine may be started via a starter motor.

Abstract: An interface for use in a telephone communication system provides for connection of a telephone switch to an IP network, allowing data signals between the telephone switch and a VMS to be transmitted by the IP network. In addition to transmission of the signals over an IP network, the interface can be configured to provide additional functionality including translation of the message protocol; connection of the interface to a network operations center; verification of message accuracy and completeness; acknowledgment of the receipt of a message; activation/deactivation of a message waiting indicator; connection to an SS7 network; back-up transmission between the IP network and the switch; and proxy/redirect of voice signals.

Abstract: A container, such as a metered dose inhaler, suitable for use with a propellant-based medicinal formulation, the container comprising one or more treated metal surfaces that come into contact with the medicinal formulation, wherein the one or more treated metal surfaces are characterized by an organic surface treatment compound covalently bonded to the metal surface through a reactive head group selected from either phosphonic acid or carboxylic acid and wherein the organic surface treatment compound is further characterized by an exposed, substantially non-reactive tail group disposed away from the metal surface. Also, metered dose inhaler canisters and valves with treated surfaces.

Abstract: An interface for use in a telephone communication system provides for connection of a telephone switch to an IP network, allowing data signals between the telephone switch and a VMS to be transmitted by the IP network. In addition to transmission of the signals over an IP network, the interface can be configured to provide additional functionality including translation of the message protocol; connection of the interface to a network operations center; verification of message accuracy and completeness; acknowledgment of the receipt of a message; activation/deactivation of a message waiting indicator; connection to an SS7 network; back-up transmission between the IP network and the switch; and proxy/redirect of voice signals.

Abstract: An improved interface is provided for transmitting data messages between a telephone switching system and an adjunct processor. The interface hardware includes multiple connectors for connecting the interface to the telephone switching system and a single connector for connecting the interface to an adjunct processor. The interface software provides multiple transmission links for processing and transmitting the data messages between the telephone switching system and the adjunct processor. The multiple links provided by the interface of the present invention result in a system with improved performance and reliability.