Abstract: A computer implemented method of evaluating customers in the airline industry in a given period is disclosed. Records of each customer' contribution factors, which include net revenue and number of flights, are first obtained. A score is then assigned for each of the attribute values. The records are consecutively sorted by the assigned scores, first for the net revenue, then for the number of flights. The records are further sorted by the raw values of the net revenue and number of flights, preferably until, records having different net revenue and/or number of flights have been sorted to different ranks. Finally, an evaluation score is assigned to each record which has been sorted.

Abstract: A position transducer of water level in a machine basin, preferably in a drum-type washing machine or a dishwasher and the like, transforms information relating to the water level in the flood basin of the machine into an electric signal to activate an execution organ. The circuit realizing the transformation is an embedded contact lamella provided with electronic members. Integrally with the step of embedding, a snap arrangement is prepared for engaging and retaining a connector connected to the circuit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a software method for creating a multilevel customer database that provides consumer data privacy via a smart card or other personal storage device. The method allows the merchant or business to access specific information that the consumer is willing to share. Each individual consumer maintains control of information that he or she considers to be personal, private, and only divulges the level or type of data that he or she feels is appropriate.

Abstract: A method of setting a key mapping used to generate key information from a keyboard responsive to manipulation of a key on the keyboard is described. A connected keyboard device having a programmable component is detected. A keyboard map usage corresponding to the detected keyboard device is determined. The keyboard map usage is transmitted to the programmable component of the keyboard device replacing a default keyboard map usage on the programmable component. The transmitted keyboard map usage may include a key matrix usage, a key matrix usage and a key matrix offset, or a plurality of key matrix usages. The keyboard map usage may remap one, some, or all of the keys on the keyboard. A corresponding keyboard, computer readable medium, and computer system for use with the present invention are also described.

Abstract: The Lane and Front-end Effectiveness Model (LFEM) is a self-contained PC desktop application that allows an analyst to quantitatively predict the impact of changes to their checkout operations. This application, according to the present invention, includes four simulation models representing the complex interactions between customers, staff, and checkstand resources. Three of these models are detailed lane models and the fourth is a store front-end checkout model. An analyst can use the LFEM to evaluate, in detail, different checkstand configurations and transaction processes and the effect these changes have on overall front-end performance. The purpose of this application is to provide retailers with timely information to reduce the risk and uncertainties of investing in new technologies or design changes by predicting their impact and return before committing resources to their acquisition or implementation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using security agents to perform security-related functions in an agent community is described. More particularly, security agents are used to monitor and police an agent community for abnormal actions of agents within an agent community and to detect and police non-approved agents within the community. The security agents include a configuration, a distribution, a secure copy, and a patrol agent.

Abstract: The present invention is called a document customizer. The document customizer captures and records changes made to an electronic and/or physical footprint of a data warehouse engagement by a knowledgeable field practitioner. The document customizer starts with a “system-of-record” document which defines the starting system parameters of the data warehouse, as initially delivered to the customer (i.e., Logical Data Model, Physical Data Model, Metadata and system configuration templates). The document customizer allows the practitioner to archive and document the modifications made to the system-of-record and creates an on-line environment to document and time-stamp the modifications made to the data warehouse. The document customizer then creates a “current” system-of-record document. Provisions are included to make additions and modifications to the (new) current document to allow text comments and notes to be input.

Abstract: To relieve a user of a first fixed or mobile terminal from consulting messages deposited in a voicemail server, the voicemail server notifies the first terminal of the presence of a deposited message associated with the identifier of a second terminal, immediately after off-hooking and transmission of the identifier. The message is transmitted to the first terminal only if the user wishes to listen to it so as to decide whether or not to hold the call to the second terminal. Otherwise, it proceeds with the setting up of the call to the second terminal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of and apparatus for associating a retail performance metric with individual entries within a transaction and/or time type categories. The retail performance metric is determined by recording the time the system waited for and received an input. The retail performance metric type is determined as a function of the input received by the system. A retail performance metric is recorded as a function of the time the system waited for and received an input and includes a reference to the specific event causing the RPM and/or the time type category of the input.

Abstract: The invention relates to assessing the level of visual contrast between foreground and background in visually presented information, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for determining whether a given set of foreground and background colors creates sufficient visual contrast to ensure legibility for the general population, as well as for individuals with visual disabilities, including color blindness/deficiency.

Abstract: A ceramic package with a lid attached thereon, which has radiating grooves at its upper surface and/or lower surface to radiate heat generated from a chip-type device is disclosed. The ceramic package includes a laminated ceramic substrate comprised of a plurality of ceramic substrate such that a cavity is centrally defined in the laminated ceramic substrate, a chip-type device mounted on the bottom of the cavity of the laminated ceramic substrate, and a lid attached to the top of the laminated ceramic substrate to close the cavity, which is provided at its upper and/or lower surface with protrusions to efficiently radiate heat generated from the chip-type device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a single-pot process for the preparation of metal nicotinates, useful as a dietary supplement, from beta picoline as a source of the starting material, said process comprising the steps hydrosulfonation of beta picoline with sulfuric acid, heating the reaction mixture thus obtained to a temperature of about 150°-210° C. followed by oxidation with a suitable oxidizing agent to obtain nicotinic acid sulfate, reacting the nicotinic acid sulfate with a water soluble zinc and/or chromium salt to produce a solid metal nicotinate and separating it to thereby recover the corresponding metal nicotinates of high purity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of and apparatus for storing a retail performance metric. The retail performance metric is determined by recording the time the system waited for and received an input. The retail performance metric type is determined as a function of the input received by the system. A retail performance metric is recorded as a function of the time the system waited for an input and the retail performance metric type and is recorded separately from the specific event causing the RPM.

Abstract: A ceramic multilayer substrate is formed by vertically stacking and firing a plurality of ceramic sheets, in which a connection bar is vertically formed between internal patterns and an external terminal of each ceramic sheet, preventing metallic conductive layers of the internal patterns from being deformed during processing the external terminal. The ceramic multilayer substrate has pattern layers formed on surfaces of at least some of the ceramic sheets. At least one through hole is formed on the edges of the stacked ceramic sheets so as to be opened to the outside. An external terminal is formed on an inner wall of the through hole connected with the pattern layers, and directly contacting the connection bar, whereby the connection bar supports the electrical connection between the external terminal and the pattern layers.

Abstract: A spraycoating device includes at least one coating liquid spray gun (2) which contains a measuring valve device (40) opening or closing a compressed gas measuring valve flow path (42) depending on the positions of a liquid feed valve (4). The measurement of the compressed gas flow allows automatically determining whether the liquid feed valve (4) is situated in a fully close or a fully open position or in an arbitrary intermediate position thereto.

Abstract: A method of allocating and distributing processes to network resources. The amount of network resources is determined for each process or groups of processes to be executed on the computer network. A minimum source allocation is provided for one or more of the processes. Each of the network resources is monitored for resource use. If necessary, a resource allocator redistributes network resources in accordance with the minimum resource allocation.

Abstract: A modular ladder assembly includes at least two ladder assemblies, each assembly having first and second parallel stiles and a plurality of spaced apart rungs disposed between the first and second stiles, the plurality of rungs being perpendicular to said first and second stiles. The first stiles of the at least two ladder assemblies are mechanically connected together and at least one adjustment assembly is mechanically connected to the second stile of one of the at least two ladder assemblies and a second end of at least one adjustment assembly is mechanically connected to a second stile of a second of the at least two ladder assemblies so that the at least two ladder assemblies and the at least one adjustment assembly have a triangular shape when viewed from a plane perpendicular to the first and second stiles of the at least two ladder assemblies.

Abstract: A hybrid technique for exchanging data files is described, i.e. dynamic architecture technique (DAT). Using the inventive technique, the producer and consumer applications work within the constraints of a “super schema”. Consumers and producers of data are not required to know a priori the exact definition of data needed to be exchanged. Consumers and producers negotiate a data exchange format as a subset of the “super schema”. DAT is a dynamically defined application integration technique to help consumer applications handle dynamically changing input data formats. DAT covers the scenario where the producer application publishes the data and any application can subscribe to it. DAT also accounts for the scenario where a consumer application requires a different data exchange format and requests the producer application to create data files having a new format.

Abstract: A telecommunication cable includes a plurality of modules, each with a thin retaining sheath for clamping optical fibers together. Each retaining sheath contains plural respective modules and is mechanically coupled to the retaining sheaths of the respective modules to form supermodules that contact an outside jacket. The retaining sheath of a supermodule includes an identification color or line to distinguish the supermodules from each other.

Abstract: A computer system that supports and analyzes Internet and/or electronic commerce data includes at least one user station transmitting a user request, and at least one Internet server, connectable to the user station, and providing the user station access to external data sources. The computer system also includes at least one data collection and analysis system. The data collection and analysis system includes at least one analysis module performing statistical and analytical analysis of the Internet and/or electronic commerce data for use by a user in performing one or more business decisions, and at least one Internet and/or electronic commerce data warehouse which is responsively connected to the analysis module and separated from external systems. The data warehouse receives the Internet and/or electronic commerce data, and provides access to the Internet and/or electronic commerce data by the user.