Abstract: A software application for recommending workforce resource allocation in a communication center based on requirements of events represented in a communication-center queue has a first interface for accessing information from the queue; a second interface for accessing information from a data source about workforce availability and state information; a processing component for processing queue information and workforce information; and a message generation and delivery component for generating a workforce allocation recommendation based on processing results and sending the recommendation to a target entity. In a preferred embodiment, the application periodically accesses the queue and the data source to obtain the most recent information for processing and generates periodic recommendations based on real-time requirements of events and availability states of resources, the recommendations sent ahead of time before the resources are required.

Abstract: A real-time operating system (RTOS) for use with minimal-memory controllers has a kernel for managing task execution, including context switching, a plurality of defined tasks, individual ones of the tasks having subroutines callable in nested levels for accomplishing tasks. In the RTOS context switching is constrained to occur only at task level, and cannot occur at any lower sub-routine level. This system can operate with a single call . . . return stack, saving memory requirement. The single stack can be implemented as either a general-purpose stack or as a hardware call . . . return stack. In other embodiments novel methods are taught for generating return addresses, and for using timing functions in a RTOS.

Abstract: A template system for guiding drywall cutouts has at least one control box incorporating a stud-finder, and a system of interconnecting extensions attached to the control box, the extensions forming a predetermined geometrical shape. The template system is characterized in that, with the template system positioned against a drywall, individual edges of the interconnecting extensions serve as guides for a cutting tool to cut out a portion of the drywall in the predetermined geometrical shape formed by the interconnecting extensions.

Abstract: A ridge seal molding having a length and width has a nailing flange with one straight edge to engage a ridge beam, the nailing potion for nailing the molding to the ridge beam, providing thereby a continuous contact along at least the one straight edge the length of the molding to the ridge beam, and a cover section formed generally at an angle to and contiguous with the nailing portion and having an undulating shape of adjacent cap and pan portions in the direction of the length to match the undulating shape of adjacent tiles along a front edge, the cover section having a sealing edge of an undulating shape opposite the one straight edge of the nailing potion.

Abstract: A switching node for transferring addressed packets in a network includes a plurality of input port modules, a plurality of output port modules and a switching fabric, including a packet meta-data processor and a packet switch. Each input port module, upon receiving a packet, buffers the packet and generates a meta-data packet identifying an output port module that is to transmit the packet and packet identifier information, and provides it to the packet meta-data processor. The packet meta-data processor processes the meta-data packets received from all of the input port modules in connection with operational status information to determine whether the packet should be passed or dropped. If to be dropped, the packet is dropped at the input, otherwise enqueued for the proper output port.

Abstract: A method for aligning measured track data collected from a railroad track to correct geographic location information for geometric parameters in the measured track data includes steps for (a) obtaining track geography data for use as reference data in data alignment; (b) reconstructing the track geography data to simulate in form and in coverage of length the measured track data to be aligned, (c) comparing the reconstructed reference data to the measured track data to identify a relative misalignment value between the data types; and (d) using the value identified through comparison to correct the geographic location information contained in the measured track data.

Abstract: An Internet-connected portal system has a data repository, a data-gathering system, a request processor, a plurality of report algorithms, and a report processor. The request processor receives a request from a user and matches the request to an individual one of the report algorithms. The data-gathering subsystem accesses plural Internet sites associated with the user and extracts raw data therefrom according to needs of the report algorithm. The report processor processes the raw data according to the report algorithm into metasummarized information defined by the report algorithm, and the portal system transmits the metasummarized information as a report to a destination associated with the report request.

Abstract: A striking tool having a handle engaged in an eye in a head uses a metal strongback unit engaged in a slot the handle to secure the handle in the eye of the head. The metal strongback unit has openings in a web that fits in the slot in the handle that allow wedges to be driven into the handle in a manner that both the handle end and the web of the strongback unit are spread. Metal of the strongback unit urges against an inside surface of the head in the eye to form a secure fit. In a preferred embodiment the strongback unit has metal sides that may extend below the head and provide metal surfaces for overstrike protection.

Abstract: A system for emulating interaction with an interactive voice response unit is provided. The system comprises, a client node connected to the network, the client node soliciting interaction with the interactive voice response unit and a proxy server node connected to the network, the server node accessible to client node, the interactive voice response unit accessible to the server node. A connection is established between the client node and the proxy server node, the proxy server node accepts data from the client node and translates the data into a format for interacting with the interactive voice response unit whereupon the data is then propagated to the interactive voice response unit. Response data resulting from the input data at the interactive voice response unit is propagated to the proxy server node whereupon the response data is translated into a format for dissemination at the client node and propagated thereto.

Abstract: A routing system is disclosed for routing communication events. The system comprises at least one data queue for queuing incoming events; at least one interaction mechanism for enabling bi-directional communication with authors of events in queue; and a processor for processing events in queue according to routing rules. In a preferred embodiment authors of the communication events are solicited through the at least one interaction mechanism to make a value contribution in exchange for advancement in the data queue.

Abstract: A water-wiping apparatus for wiping standing water from a curved surface has a flexible panel of a first height, with an upper long edge of a first length and a lower long edge of a second length, greater than the first length, the upper long edge centered on the length of the lower long edge, a substantially rigid handle having a length substantially equal to the first length attached along the upper long edge, and a lip formed along the lower edge, extending to one side of the flexible panel and ending in a sharp line at the end away from the flexible panel.

Abstract: A system for wireless communication comprises an architecture of routers connected to a network and having connected transceivers for wireless transmission and reception of data, and a plurality of hand-held communicators adapted for users to communicate with the network through the routers. The system is adapted to provide wireless Data Network Telephony (DNT), and the hand-held communicators execute Quality of Service (QoS) code adapted to prioritize DNT packet code over all non-DNT traffic, thereby preserving the real-time nature of the DNT code.

Abstract: An LED illumination module for a flashlight has a housing, electronic control circuitry, and one or more LEDs connected in series and to the circuitry. The module is characterized in that the module is shaped to modularly replace an incandescent-bulb in an existing flashlight. In one aspect the control circuitry operates in a dual mode to extend life of the unit, and to warn when battery replacement is warranted.

Abstract: An emergency call load handling system in a call network has an interactive voice response (IVR) unit associated with a switching apparatus to which calls may be diverted in special conditions, such as during emergencies or disasters when calls to certain destinations may suddenly increase dramatically. Calls are diverted depending on call destination and/or pre-programmed triggers, such as a call load threshold experienced by the switching apparatus or for a specific destination. The IVR unit in some cases negotiates with callers for priority to further route calls, and may play pre-recorded messages. Low priority calls are typically disposed of to for fire stations, hospitals, government emergency handling centers and the like. In some cases rules may be amended in real time by use of data network connections between call centers and the SCPs involved.

Abstract: A transaction server system is provided for routing and processing telephony events in a multi-tenant communication center. The transaction server system comprises a CTI-enabled routing point having transaction server software and multiple venues for receiving and notifying of telephony events according to venue, a plurality of virtual transaction server applications associated one each per venue for disposing of pending telephony events according to established protocols and an intermediary server disposed between and connected to the routing point and to the plurality of virtual transaction applications. The intermediary server maps communication paths between individual ones of the multiple venues of the routing point to individual ones of the virtual transaction applications and wherein each virtual transaction application functions on behalf of at least one tenant of the multi-tenant communication center to process events.

Abstract: An e-mail processing application executable on a computer station having a video display unit (VDU) searches a received e-mail for one or more words, phrases, and addresses for comparison with stored words, phrases and addresses in a stored table, and upon finding a match in the stored table, inserts one or more of words, phrases, or addresses associated in the stored table with the words, phrases or addresses from the received e-mail in any reply to the received e-mail. In a preferred embodiment a “send to” address in a received e-mail triggers automatically one or both of a particular “from” and “reply to” address in any response to the received e-mail. In an alternative embodiment, a “send to” address in a received e-mail, as a result of a table look-up, automatically prepares and sends a new e-mail identical to the received e-mail except for a new “send to” address retrieved from the stored table.

Abstract: A physical barrier system for barring entry for a vehicle having a clearance height through a door opening having a roll-up door has a physical barrier positionable in a first position visible to a driver of the vehicle and at least partially barring passage by the vehicle through the door opening, and in a second position not barring passage by the vehicle through the door opening, and a mechanism for moving the physical barrier from the first position to the second position. The system is characterized in that the mechanism for moving the physical barrier is initiated at a point at which the roll-up door has attained a height equal to or greater than the clearance height of the vehicle.

Abstract: Product displays are provided having planar elements suggesting three-dimensional entities, and indication product class and/or product type visible from a distance.

Abstract: A system for selecting and delivering information related to stationary exhibits in a premise to a user has a user-portable computerized appliance for receiving and reporting the information to the user, a data repository for storing the information, a system for periodically determining position of the appliance within boundaries of the premise, a server for selecting from the information and delivering the selected information to the appliance for reporting to the user, and a wireless communication link between the data repository and the user-portable appliance, characterized in that the system periodically tracks the position of the user-portable appliance within the boundaries of the premise, and in that the server selects and presents information specific to an exhibit if the user-portable appliance is stationary, and in response to movement of the user-portable device, selects and presents general information related to one or more approachable exhibits in the direction of movement of the device.