Abstract: A method of making a haloapatite phosphor having a general formula represented by (Ca(1?x?y)MnxSby)5(PO4)3(F(1?z?y)ClzOy), where 0<x<0.05, 0.004<y<0.01, and 0<z<0.1. is provided. The method involves (a) formulating a blend of ingredients to make the haloapatite phosphor, the ingredients including CaHPO4 as a primary source of calcium and phosphorus, (b) partially substituting an amount of an equimolar combination of an ammonium phosphate compound and calcium carbonate for an equal number of moles of CaHPO4 in the formulation, (c) combining the ingredients in their formulated amounts to form the blend, and (d) firing the blend to form the haloapatite phosphor. The partial substitution has been found to increase the 100-hour brightness of the haloapatite phosphors.

Abstract: In a method and system, one or more communication devices within a communication network are provided with a dynamically and remotely configurable probe element, implemented at least partially in software and controllable by the network operator via one or more communication links, capable of monitoring, measuring and capturing user interaction data flowing from voice and/or data transactions occurring in the network. User interaction data reflects a user's experience on the network and thus provides valuable raw data usable by the network operator for improving network quality from the user's perspective, especially when received from a statistically significant number of network user devices. Collected user interaction data can include network engineering metric data and/or user profile data.

Abstract: The present invention is a single-component, UV-emitting phosphor having a composition represented by the general formula (Y1?x?y?zLaxGdyCeZ)PO4 where x has a value in a range from 0.001 to 0.98, y has a value in a range from 0 and 0.1, z has a value in a range from 0.01 and 0.2, and x+y+z<1. The phosphor when stimulated by 254 nm radiation emits in both the UVA and UVB regions. The relative balance of the UVA and UVB emissions may be varied by adjusting the relative amounts of Y and La. Brightness can be increased by adding Gd to the composition.

Abstract: A narrow-band UVB emitting phosphor is described wherein the phosphor has a preferred composition represented by the general formula (Y1-x-y-zGdxCeyPrz)MgB5O10 where x has a value in a range from 0.02 to 0.80, y has a value in a range from 0.01 to 0.97, and z has a value in a range from greater than 0 to 0.05 and x+y+z<1. The phosphor has a narrow emission centered at about 312 nm when excited by radiation from a low-pressure mercury discharge.

Abstract: In a method and system, one or more communication devices within a communication network are provided with a dynamically and remotely configurable probe element, implemented at least partially in software and controllable by the network operator via one or more communication links, capable of monitoring, measuring and capturing user interaction data flowing from voice and/or data transactions occurring in the network. User interaction data reflects a user's experience on the network and thus provides valuable raw data usable by the network operator for improving network quality from the user's perspective, especially when received from a statistically significant number of network user devices. Collected user interaction data can include network engineering metric data and/or user profile data.

Abstract: In a method and system, one or more communication devices within a communication network are provided with a dynamically and remotely configurable probe element, implemented at least partially in software and controllable by the network operator via one or more communication links, capable of monitoring, measuring and capturing user interaction data flowing from voice and/or data transactions occurring in the network. User interaction data reflects a user's experience on the network and thus provides valuable raw data usable by the network operator for improving network quality from the user's perspective, especially when received from a statistically significant number of network user devices. Collected user interaction data can include network engineering metric data and/or user profile data.

Abstract: There are disclosed systems and methods for performing diagnostic testing on portable communication devices, such as cellular telephones. In one embodiment, diagnostic commands are generated internal to the communication device and processed within the device as though the test commands had been received from a remote location. The processed commands can be analyzed either within the portable device or remote therefrom. For remote processing, a wireless port is provided.

Abstract: Flexible brackets or “wings” molded from marine grade, UV resistant PVC allow attachment of inflatable boat fenders to any piling or dock structure regardless of shape or size. Adjustable straps are used to encompass the fender and fasten it to the “wings” allowing use of any size fender from six to twelve inches in diameter. A short section of line is used to secure the fenders, when used vertically, to an eye screw fastened to the piling or structure in a location above the fenders where the line can pass through the central opening in the fenders and tie in a large knot at the bottom of the fenders.

Abstract: In a method and system, one or more communication devices within a communication network are provided with a dynamically and remotely configurable probe element, implemented at least partially in software and controllable by the network operator via one or more communication links, capable of monitoring, measuring and capturing user interaction data flowing from voice and/or data transactions occurring in the network. User interaction data reflects a user's experience on the network and thus provides valuable raw data usable by the network operator for improving network quality from the user's perspective, especially when received from a statistically significant number of network user devices. Collected user interaction data can include network engineering metric data and/or user profile data.

Abstract: Flexible brackets or “wings” molded from marine grade, UV resistant PVC allow attachment of inflatable boat fenders to any piling or dock structure regardless of shape or size. Adjustable straps are used to encompass the fender and fasten it to the “wings” allowing use of any size fender from six to twelve inches in diameter. A short section of line is used to secure the fenders, when used vertically, to an eye screw fastened to the piling or structure in a location above the fenders where the line can pass through the central opening in the fenders and tie in a large knot at the bottom of the fenders. Installation using simple hand tools is easy and can be accomplished by the average person in approximately one half an hour.