Abstract: There is developed a burr processing apparatus in which a discharge electrode is moved along a peripheral edge of the processed material, the burr is processed in an entire uniform manner and concurrently the arc discharge is performed stably and a long life of the electrode is attained. The burr processing apparatus of the present invention is made such that the discharge electrode 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape having a sectional shape gradually narrowed toward the extremity end and having a specified width in a lateral direction, the discharge electrode 20 is kept at a height suitable for the arc discharge, the case 30 is arranged to cover the electrode, the handle 40 is connected to the case 30 to be moved manually and a power supply for the arc discharging is connected to the discharge electrode 20.

Abstract: An inbound/outbound balancing system transfers agents based on a predicted future inbound average call waiting time. In one embodiment of the invention, the future average call waiting time is predicted to be the then sampled average call waiting time times the slope (i.e. rate of change) in average call waiting time between the current sample and the next previous sample. Based upon the predicted call waiting time, a determination is made whether or not agents should be added or deleted to maintain the inbound performance parameter within an acceptable range. The direction of change in call waiting time (i.e. increasing or decreasing); the rate at which it is changing, and the duration of the predicted average call waiting time relative to the boundaries of a range area used to determine whether or not to reassign blend agents and if reassigned, how many to reassign.

Abstract: A call center blending system in which the look ahead interval is variable and is equal to the average time an agent is engaged in an outbound call, including after call wrap-up work.

Abstract: In an outbound call management system, calls to dial are placed in a buffer queue before transfer to the outbound switch. The rated switch capacity (i.e., X calls per minute) is divided into small submultiples (i.e., Y calls per second) such that short term switch capacity will not be exceeded. Calls are transferred from the queue at the submultiple rate or less depending upon the number of calls in the queue. The time scale is small enough that this instantaneous rate at which calls can be transferred from the queue to the switch does not exceed the instantaneous capacity of the switch. If calls are being placed into the queue at a faster rate than they are sent to the switch, the number of calls in the queue will increase. The call management system will see a resultant apparent increase in the number of placed but unanswered calls.

Abstract: A system in which agents are transferred based on the future performance parameter of a call center predicted from the trend of current samples. In a multi-media call center, the performance parameter may be any defined variable, such as profit per contact, incoming call wait time, etc. The agents being transferred come from any agent activity such as web chat, e-mail, another incoming call campaign, an outgoing call campaign, etc.

Abstract: A coin operated amusement device that includes a coin acceptor that directs coins down a coin chute and delivers the coins to a playing surface. A series of moveable pushers are oriented on the playing surface and push coins on the surface toward a ledge. The distance the pusher will travel toward the ledge is dependent on the timing of the insertion of the coin into the acceptor with respect to a moving indicator that constantly sweeps back and forth across a gauge. The pushers may be advanced independently or in unison. The object of the game is to time the insertion of coins so that the pusher will travel a maximum distance and push coins off the ledge.

Abstract: A filter is provided within a transparent drinking straw. The filter has a dense core region and a less dense outer peripherial region. The filter is retained in place within the straw by frictional forces under static conditions. The frictional forces which maintain the filter in place under static conditions may be overcome by fluid flowing through the straw causing the filter to move within the conduit. The filter may support particulate matter which may be a medication or drug. Accordingly, the device may be used as delivery device for drugs administered by oral ingestion. Movement of the filter from a first to a second position provides a visual indication that a predetemined volume of fluid has passed through the conduit.

Abstract: A method of forming spatially offset storage nodes for deep trench-based DRAMs on a semiconductor substrate. The method involves etching trenches in the surface of the substrate, masking adjacent trenches with a resist material, etching exposed trenches to a depth of about 1 micron. Removing the masking and etching all the trenches to form bulbulous regions in the sidewall of the trenches. The adjacent trenches having vertically spaced bulbulous regions are filled with dielectric material to form high capacitance storage nodes.

Abstract: A device for manually capturing and restraining intended insects, the same comprising a pad of stacked, singular sheets each sheet having a partial enveloping means comprised of hydrophillic absorbing material and collapsible sheet construction whereby the sheet partially conforms in response to the insects body mass. Each sheet has a region is coated with a mild compression adhesive material capable of trapping of an insect in response to the physical manipulation by a human being. The pad of stacked adhesive sheets can be used by separating each sheet individually or as a stack. Upon apprehension of an insect, the sheet restraining the insect is separated, if not already separated from its stack, folded to encase the insect and ready for disposal. The pad of stacked adhesive sheets can have various sheet sizes, thickness and density with varying enveloping ability—all depending upon intended insect to be trapped.

Abstract: A putting practice device for practicing the velocity of a putt which has a ramp section and two trough sections. A ball having a predetermined speed will travel up the ramp and fall into the first trough section. If the ball has insufficient velocity to climb a ridge which defines the rear of the trough, it will be momentarily retained in the first trough section and fed to a lateral side of the device. Balls traveling with greater velocity may pass over the ridge and enter a second trough area where they will be momentarily retained and fed to a lateral side of the device.

Abstract: Plaster structures for iontophoresis are disclosed for the administration of drugs through skin and mucous membranes. The devices provide for the stable retention and storage of a predetermined amount of a physiologically active agents until the device is applied to a patient. The devices include an electrically conductive medicinal substance storing layer which contains physiologically active agents, and a non-permeable backing layer which covers the medicinal substance storing layer. An electrode passes through the backing layer where it makes contact with the medicinal substance storing layer. On the opposite side of the storing layer a non-permeable protective layer is provided which a has a portion adapted to be removed to allow access to the medicinal substance storing layer. This protective layer supports the medicinal substance layer and, on the opposite side, is provided with an adhesive agent layer. The adhesive agent is protected by a laminate layer.