Abstract: A novel communication distribution system is provided. In one form, an automatic communication distributor manages multiple queues of calls waiting to be handled by agents. When a call is transferred to an agent's workstation, the workstation provides different ringing signals to the agent based on the automatic communication distributor queue from which the call is coming. In another form, a computer-readable medium is encoded with programming instructions that are executable by a processor to differentiate between calls coming from different ACD queues, and to provide different ringing signals to a user based on that differentiation.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing between fluorescent light emitted by green fluorescent protein and fluorescent light emitted by auto-fluorescent molecules, the method comprising: using plane-polarised light to illuminate a sample containing green fluorescent protein and auto-fluorescent molecules; detecting the intensity of fluorescent light that is emitted with a first polarisation from the sample; detecting the intensity of fluorescent light that is emitted with a second polarisation from the sample; and subtracting a first of said detected intensities from a second of said detected intensities to obtain a difference signal.

Abstract: An air-decant device for the aeration and decanting of liquids stored in containers, comprising a pump which can pump air through the device to the liquid in the container and/or pump liquid from the container over an exposed surface or through a special nozzle to create a dome shaped flow of liquid to aerate the liquid before returning it to the container. In addition, the pump can pump liquid from the device via decanting attachment to decant the same to another container.

Abstract: A passenger restraining harness and support assembly for use with a bench seat mounted in a vehicle. The bench seat includes a frame having a seat support portion and a back support portion. The seat is supported on legs anchoring the seat to the vehicle. A harness support assembly includes towers pivotally mounted to the bench seat to move with the seat back through a limited deflection. Web slack take-up devices are mounted to the towers and pivot therewith contacting webs mounted to the towers and removing slack therefrom upon deacceleraton.

Abstract: A magnetic rotational position sensor senses each rotational position of a control shaft about a first rotational axis over a definable range of rotation of the control shaft. The magnetic rotational position sensor includes a magnetic circuit, a magnetic flux sensor, a drive circuit, and an output signal amplifier. The magnetic circuit encloses an equally balanced magnetic field, and is adjoined to the control shaft to synchronously rotate the magnetic field about a second rotational axis. The magnetic flux sensor is disposed within the magnetic field to sense each rotational position of the control shaft as the control shaft is rotated about the first rotational axis over the definable range of rotation. The drive circuit is operable to generate a constant current drive signal and a constant voltage drive signal.

Abstract: A stepping motor comprises a stator (3) with at least two magnetic circuits and a rotor (2) that is rotatably mounted on the stator through a single ball bearing having four contact points. The rotor comprises a mutipolar magnet (5) essentially in the form of a disc having a central opening (6). One rotor portion (7) is fixed at one radially external portion of the magnet (5), while one radially internal portion of the magnet is arranged within the air gap of said magnetic circuits.

Abstract: A method and instrumentation for spinal interbody fusion is disclosed. The instruments and methods are particularly adapted for interbody fusion from a posterior approach to the spine. One instrument is a retractor having a lockable pivotally mounted handle. Another instrument is a template for straddling the dura. A modular distractor is also provided and preferably includes a tapered shaft with a visualization window disposed therein. Yet another instrument is a depth gauge to verify bone opening depth and dimension, preferably including a radiopaque portion. A method contemplates the use of these instruments to prepare a disc space to receive an implant.

Abstract: A mitt is made from three sheets of thin fabric arranged with first and second sheets stitched together along their edges so that facing surfaces of the two sheets slide readily over each other. A third sheet is fastened to at least one of the first two sheets, providing an opening whereby the third sheet and the second sheet form a hand-receiver pocket. Means are provided around the opening to assist in keeping the mitt on the hand after the hand is received in the pocket. The second (middle) sheet is movable-relative to the first sheet, with the facing surfaces of these two sheets readily slidable relative to each other. The other surfaces of the sheets have surfaces of a nature more inclined to stay in place on the skin of the body portion being examined and on the fingers of the examiner while moving the second sheet relative to the first sheet and looking for lumps or irregularities below the surface of the skin of the body portion being examined.

Abstract: A tire lock mounts to an opening in the vehicle frame in order to suspend a locking bar down through an opening in the spare wheel. A locking device may then be slid over the distal end of the locking bar in order to lock the spare wheel securely in place. The locking device is designed to accept a lock cylinder from the manufacturer's easily-defeated spare tire lock, so that the locking device of the present invention may be keyed with the remaining locks of the vehicle. The locking mechanism of the present invention also incorporates a spring-loaded resilient boot which engages the vehicle spare wheel lug nut hole, thereby preventing annoying rattling between the spare tire lock of the present invention and the spare tire.

Abstract: A yellow jacket and fly trap. The main body of the trap is produced from a screen and has a narrowing inlet passage with a passage defining an oblong inlet from the passage into a holding chamber. A bait receptacle is removably mounted within the passage.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, devices, and apparatus to interrogate a clothed individual with electromagnetic radiation to determine one or more body measurements at least partially covered by the individual's clothing. The invention further includes techniques to interrogate an object with electromagnetic radiation in the millimeter and/or microwave range to provide a volumetric representation of the object. This representation can be used to display images and/or determine dimensional information concerning the object.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing aloin which consists in extracting from a substance containing aloe, in particular the yellow sap of aloe or a derived product, in the presence of an aliphatic diol or triol with low molecular weight, for instance glycerol or a glycol, followed by a purification by crystallization in an alcohol. The invention is useful for industrial preparation of aloin.

Abstract: A vehicle stand, particularly a kickstand for motorcycles, includes a support arm and a angularly turned portion of the arm. The angularly turned portion is rotatably received in the bore of a carrier block, and the block is pivotally mounted in a bracket. The bracket is mounted to a vehicle and includes a locking slot at the top portion. A corresponding locking bar is provided at the top of the angularly turned portion of the support arm. When the kickstand is in the vehicle supporting position, this bar engages the slot when the weight of the vehicle is placed on the arm. The block includes a hole for receiving a compression spring to bias the block and consequently the angularly turned portion of the arm toward the unlocked position where the bar is removed from the slot. The carrier block also includes a ball detent mechanism including a threaded plug biasing a urethane plug against a hardened steel ball.

Abstract: A kit of tooling components for facilitating removal of a gear from a shaft includes a plurality of jaw members that are adapted to fit through blanking holes defined in the gear. The jaw members are further adapted to engage the gear. The kit further includes a set of studs with each of the studs adapted to engage one of the jaw members and a plate adapted to couple to the studs. The kit further includes a jack adapted to engage and fit between the plate and the shaft. Included as a part of this disclosure is a method of removing a camshaft gear by use of the kit of tooling components.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention generally comprises a hauling vehicle equipped with a conventional receiving style hitch assembly having a tubular cross member extended along the width of the hauling vehicle and attached to the frame thereof. The tubular cross member includes opposing ends and a centrally located extension tube each having an opening for receiving the mounting hardware of the carrier rack. The carrier rack further comprises a sturdily constructed carrying platform, ramp means for loading the carrying platform, and retractable casters for supporting the carrier rack when not mounted on a hauling vehicle. In addition, the carrier rack preferably has one or more rear safety lights which are communicatively connected to the electrical system of the vehicle via a wiring harness. For the driver to easily locate the rear of the carrier rack via a rear view mirror, a removable tailgate may also be installed.

Abstract: A theft resistant lamp assembly for a vehicle includes a lamp unit and a lens. The lamp unit is adapted to generate light and is enclosed in the lens. The lens has a body portion adapted to transmit light from the lamp and one or more lock tabs. A flange extends from the body portion. Each lock tab is constructed and arranged to resiliently deflect in order to secure the lens to the vehicle.