Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing a local replicated database with remote replicated databases. Generally, the system includes a local replicated database and a synchronization manager associated with the local replicated database. The synchronization manager may send changes made on the local replicated database to one or more remote replicated databases for reconstruction by the one or more remote replicated databases, and may receive changes made on a remote replicated database. In addition, the synchronization manager may reconstruct changes received from a remote replicated database on the local replicated database. Preferably, the synchronization manager may send, receive, and reconstruct changes independently from one another, i.e., may perform one or more of these activities autonomously and/or asynchronously.

Abstract: A sheet post processing device receives, sheets on an inverter structure which causes initial sheets supplied to the inverter to be overlayed first sheet on the second sheet, and moves the overlayed first and second and subsequent sheets to a sheet transport path for delivery to a sheet sending device adapted to be indexed vertically between selective gates and fixed outlets into selected trays, and has a stapler for stapling sheets in sets, before sending the sets to the outlet and into a tray.

Abstract: A tray for selectably heating or cooling the contents of the tray comprises a container body having a material chamber for containing said contents. The tray is specifically configured to heat of cool solid, semi-solid or viscous materials. The container body is generally flat wherein the width of the container body is greater than its height. The container body has a first compartment for housing a thermic module and a second compartment for containing the contents to be heated or cooled. Within the thermic module, an internal exothermic (or, alternatively, endothermic) chemical reaction is initiated to heat (or cool) the contents when a user actuates the thermic module. The thermic module comprises two reactant chambers separated by a breakable barrier, an actuator, and a piercing member movable between a retracted position and an extended position in response to a force placed on a portion of the actuator.

Abstract: An improved filling valve and liquid filling machine comprising such valve are herein disclosed. The filling valve comprises a housing having a base, a cap and a sidewall extending between the base and the cap thereby defining a chamber. The base has a ramp which slopes from a bottom surface of the base toward the cap. An outlet tube extends from said housing and has an inlet opening in fluid communication with the chamber. An inlet port extends through the sidewall to allow liquid product to enter the chamber. A plunger guide having an opening is provided on the cap with the opening extending through the cap. A plunger is slidably received in the outlet tube and the opening in the plunger guide. The plunger is movable between a position in which the plunger seals the outlet tube thereby closing the valve and a position in which the plunger is withdrawn from the outlet tube thereby unsealing the outlet tube and thereby opening the valve.

Abstract: A molding apparatus and method for use are provided for covering a seam extending between roof and side panels of a vehicle, the panels including opposing shoulders adjacent the seam defining a ditch. The apparatus includes a section of molding including first and second ends, an upper surface including a painted finish, and a lower surface. Mounts extend from the lower surface that are spaced apart from one another. Flexible trim extends along side edges of the molding between the first and second ends. In addition, a roof rack member extends from the upper surface of the molding. During use, the molding is mounted to the vehicle at a plurality of discrete locations, e.g., by the mounts, such that the molding extends along the ditch without touching the shoulders. The trim extends from the side edges to contact the shoulders of the ditch.

Abstract: A method for treating and/or styling selective sections of hair on a person's head is disclosed. The method includes the use of a substantially transparent polymer film having a thickness of approximately 0.025 mm. The hair is weaved in order to isolate the sections of hair to be treated. The film is placed against the hair to be treated and a chemical is applied to the hair. Typically, rolling or folding the film onto itself accomplishes sealing or bonding of the film. Optionally, a second film is placed over the first film with the treated hair contained between the two films. Static conductivity facilitates sealing of the film or films. The film or films as a result of the sealing or bonding contain the section of hair and chemical. Chemical development, accelerated by the static conductivity, is observed through the substantially transparent film. Hair, isolated during the treatment process, can be cut with the film and chemical in place, by cutting right through the thin film and hair at the same time.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating morphological features within a body cavity includes a catheter including proximal and distal ends, a transparent balloon carried on the distal end, and an optical imaging assembly carried on the distal end for imaging through the balloon. The balloon includes a channel extending therethrough to a lumen extending through the catheter. A guidewire or other localization member is received in the lumen that is extendabe through the channel. During use, the catheter is inserted into a right atrium of a heart, and the balloon is expanded and placed against the wall of the heart to locate the coronary sinus. Sufficient force is applied to clear blood between the surface and the wall and clear the field of view of the imaging assembly. The catheter is manipulated to locate the coronary sinus, whereupon the localization member is advanced into the coronary sinus.

Abstract: A compression device for a mammography unit includes a compression plate positionable in an x-ray field of the mammography unit, and a radiolucent foam pad removably attached to the compression plate that includes an impermeable exposed surface for contacting tissue disposed on the pad within the x-ray field. The pad includes an adhesive layer on the first surface, or a hook and eye fastener for removably attaching the pad to the compression plate. The pad is attached to the compression plate in the x-ray field of the mammography unit, a breast is compressed using the compression plate, a mammogram of the compressed breast is obtained, the pad producing no significant visual artifact on the mammogram, and thereafter the pad is removed.