Abstract: A method for converting a first time and a first date in a first format to a second time in a second format includes determining a number of seconds that have elapsed between a predetermined date and a beginning of a current year of the first date. The method further includes adding to the determined number of seconds, a calculated number of seconds calculated from the beginning of the current year to a current month and a current day of the first date to obtain a first sum. The first sum varies based on whether the current month is within a leap year and is subsequent to a leap day of the leap year. A number of seconds that have elapsed between a beginning of the current day of the first date and the first time is added to the first sum. Lastly, a predetermined number of seconds is added to the first sum when Daylight Savings Time is in effect to obtain the second time in the second format.

Abstract: A system and method for numbering plan area (NPA) split processing is disclosed. In one implementation, a query is received during a permissive dialing period. The query comprises a destination location that is associated with a first NPA. It is determined whether a first call processing record identifies a service that is NPA sensitive. The first call processing record is associated with a destination location that is undergoing a NPA split. The first call processing record is identified by the destination location and the destination location is associated with a first NPA. A second call processing record is then used for processing in place of the first call processing record when the first call processing record identifies a service that is NPA sensitive. The second call processing record is associated with the destination location that is undergoing an NPA split. The second call processing record is identified by the destination location and the destination location is associated with a second NPA.

Abstract: A current time and a current Gregorian date are converted into an epoch time stamp. A number of seconds that have elapsed since a predetermined date up until the current year is determined. A number of seconds that have elapsed since the beginning of the current year up until the current month is determined based on whether the current year is a leap year. In addition, a number of seconds that have elapsed since the beginning of the current month up until the current day is calculated, as is a number of seconds that have elapsed during the current day. All of these values are summed to obtain a converted time. Finally, it is determined whether Daylight Savings Time is in effect, and when Daylight Savings Time is not in effect, 3600 seconds are added to the converted time.

Abstract: A composition for stripping and cleaning organic coatings from substrates, comprising a solution of high-boiling alcohols, preferably polyglycols, a surfactant, preferably a nonylphenol ethoxylate, and an alkali metal hydroxide, said composition being essentially free of any amines. The composition aggressively and effectively strips paints and other organic coatings without harming underlying substrates damaged by prior art strippers, over conventional or lower time periods, and at conventional or lower temperatures. One embodiment of the invention comprises from about 40% to about 98.9% by weight of a high-boiling alcohol; from about 1% to about 60% of a non-ionic surfactant; and from about 0.1% to about 10% of an alkali hydroxide or mixture of alkali hydroxide.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a method for NPA split processing on a service control point. These preferred embodiments can be used to overcome problems encountered during a permissive dialing period of an NPA split and yield several advantages over prior art approaches to this problem. Specifically, these preferred embodiments do not require changes to be made to an existing call processing record to include a pointer to a new call processing record identified by a telephone number with a new NPA. Additionally, unlike prior approaches that require changes to be made to all incoming query messages to a service control point, these preferred embodiments do not require extra processing for services that are not NPA sensitive.

Abstract: A system and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information is invalid or can not be provided. In one disclosed embodiment, the Caller ID information must include a valid number of digits and a valid area code. If the Caller ID information is not valid, a calling party is prompted by an announcement to provide the audible caller identification information.

Abstract: A composition and method for stripping and cleaning organic coatings from substrates, comprising a solution of high-boiling alcohols, preferably polyglycols, a surfactant, preferably a nonylphenol ethoxylate, and an alkali metal hydroxide, said composition being essentially free of any amines. The composition aggressively and effectively strips paints and other organic coatings without harming underlying substrates damaged by prior art strippers, over conventional or lower time periods, and at conventional or lower temperatures. One embodiment of the invention comprises from about 40% to about 98.9% by weight of a high-boiling alcohol; from about 1% to about 60% of a non-ionic surfactant; and from about 0.1% to about 10% of an alkali hydroxide or mixture of alkali hydroxide.

Abstract: A system and method deliver audible caller identification information when standard Caller ID information is invalid or can not be provided. In one disclosed embodiment, the Caller ID information must include a valid number of digits and a valid area code. If the Caller ID information is not valid, a calling party is prompted by an announcement to provide the audible caller identification information.

Abstract: This invention relates to the reaction product of at least one starch with at least one aromatic anhydride and/or aromatic acid wherein the starch is reacted in the solid state with solid state reactants comprising the aromatic anhydride and/or aromatic acid, and at a time and temperature sufficient to obtain a reaction between the anhydride and/or acid.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a method for NPA split processing on a service control point. These preferred embodiments can be used to overcome problems encountered during a permissive dialing period of an NPA split and yield several advantages over prior art approaches to this problem. Specifically, these preferred embodiments do not require changes to be made to an existing call processing record to include a pointer to a new call processing record identified by a telephone number with a new NPA. Additionally, unlike prior approaches that require changes to be made to all incoming query messages to a service control point, these preferred embodiments do not require extra processing for services that are not NPA sensitive.

Abstract: An on/off valve for a funnel having a tapered funnel outlet tube which has a substantially circular cross-section and which has a larger diameter inlet end and a smaller diameter outlet end, and features a substantially spherical occluding element in the tapered outlet tube. The diameter of the occluding element is such that the occluding element rests against the inner wall of the tapered outlet tube to close the funnel outlet tube to prevent passage of liquid therethrough and to permit the sealing at a variety of angular displacements of the spherical occluding element. The occluding element's position in the tapered outlet tube is determined by a wire-like element protruding from the occluding element out of the outlet tube's outlet end, and the protruding element extends substantially parallel to the outlet tube's axis and then bends to form a transverse arm which contacts a rim of a vessel being filled by the funnel to start flow therefrom.

Abstract: An attachment for transmitting torque from a wrench to a socket is provided which has a first end adaptable to be connected to a socket and a second end having an outer surface which can be driven by a wrench. The geometry of the second end is such to allow a wrench having a small size to be engageable thereto.

Abstract: An on/off valve for a liquid-directing funnel having a tapered funnel outlet spout features a substantially spherical occluding element resident in the outlet spout. The diameter of the occluding element is such that the occluding element rests against the wall of the tapered spout close to a funnel outlet to prevent passage of liquid therethrough while minimizing discharge at the funnel outlet when the occluding element shuts off flow from the funnel. The occluding element's position in the outlet spout is determined by a wire-like element protruding from the occluding element out of the funnel outlet, the protruding element extending substantially parallel to the outlet spout axis and then bending to form a transverse arm which contacts a rim of a vessel being filled by the funnel whenever one wishes to start flow therefrom.

Abstract: This invention relates to an effect coloration process for pseudorandom dyeing of yarns in package or skein form by force filling regions of the yarns with dye formulations immoblized in foam followed by microwave heating to accelerate the diffusion and reaction of the dyes.