Abstract: This invention relates to an elongated hollow non-deformable structure that can be used as beams and pillars of modular building structures. The structure includes first and second elongated C-shaped channels (20) with inwardly bent flanges (25) and means for holding the two channels (20) together so that the flanges (25) contact each other. The first and second C-shaped channels (20) may be formed without flanges (25). L-shaped (42) and T-shaped (40) and H-shaped flanges of appropriate design are provided with holes in the flanges at predetermined locations to correspond to the holes in the end portions of the beams and pillars. There are plugable holes (21) provided in the end portions of the beams and pillars so that workers can easily access inside the hollow space to use nuts (72), washers, and bolts (70) to couple the elongated hollow structures together. Instead of the C-shaped channel (20) structure two identical L-shaped channels (20b) may be used.

Abstract: A building is erected using pre-cast wall panels, preferably load-bearing wall panels having a shear key on each vertical edge and starter bars on each horizontal edge, by first erecting the wall panels, and then casting a concrete column around the vertical edges of adjacent or intersecting wall panels using movable formwork made up from a set of standard modules that can be assembled to form different configurations and sizes of column for different panel arrangements. The moulding surfaces of the modules may be shaped to provide decorative features to the columns and/or the column/wall intersections.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for connecting Internet or IP users to agents of a call center, which may be linked to an Internet web site. Visual information about quality of service, available agents, and history of previous connections, is transferred to the IP user via the IP network prior to voice call establishment, and a voice call is established according to inputs from the IP user which are responsive to the transferred information. An IP user who accesses a web site is identified and initiates a session with the serving call-center. Agent status information is stored at the call-center database. Information about the status and skills of each agent, which is stored at a database, is sent over the IP network and displayed on the screen of the IP user. A first selection menu is displayed on the screen and the IP user is requested to select between waiting for a preferred agent or sending voice or text messages. Available agents are displayed on the first menu, as well as their queuing time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to design and preparation of LDH-diisopropylamide through simple exchange process for the first time and its use in catalytic amounts for preparing aldols/&agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated nitriles/&agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated esters/transesterified products/&bgr;-nitroalkanols/Michael adducts and epoxide, resulting in higher yields.

Abstract: An integrated, modular computer program system provides for the encryption and decryption of files utilizing conventional encryption algorithms and a relational key generated by the system. The computer program system also generates a series of labels that are encrypted and appended as a trailer to the encrypted message. The encrypted labels provide a history behind the particular encryption and they can be individually selected, separated, and decrypted from the total file. A rule based expert system is utilized as an intelligent label selection system to minimize message sensitivity. An access control module permits a user with a preassigned passphrase to have access to the encryption or decryption portion of the program by comparing a generated vector or key with a partially decrypted version of a second vector or key stored on a portable storage medium such as a floppy disk.

Abstract: Feeding structures for suspended plate antennas are disclosed hereinafter for enhancing the impedance bandwidth performance thereof. In any of these feeding structures, a multi-dimensional broadband impedance transformer is integrated with a suspended plate antenna. The impedance transformer electrically connects the radiating plate and feeding probe of the suspended plate antenna. As a result, the impedance bandwidth is increased. Moreover, the multi-dimensional design of the impedance transformer is variable to allow the flexible design and adjustment of the feeding structure.

Abstract: A method of transmitting signals along a communication path, by a first compression/decompression unit, which method comprises receiving first signals from a first direction along the path, determining based on the received first signals whether a second decompression unit is located along the path in the first direction, receiving second signals from a second direction. In the case it is determined that a second decompression unit is located along the path in the first direction, selecting a compressed or decompressed format for transmission of the second signals responsive to at least one additional parameter, such that the determination that a second decompression unit is located along the path in the first direction does not always bring about selecting the compressed format. Then, the second signals are transmitted in the selected format.

Abstract: Inter-connectors are typically used for interconnecting electronic components. Interconnections between electronic components are generally classified into at least two broad categories of “relatively permanent” and “readily demountable”. A “readily demountable” connector includes a spring-like contact structure of one electronic component for connecting to a terminal of another electronic component. The spring-like contact structure, also known as an inter-connector, generally requires a certain amount of contact force to effect reliable pressure contact to a terminal of an electronic component. Therefore, the shape and metallurgy of the inter-connector are important factors in determining the effectiveness of the inter-connector for making pressure connection to a terminal of the electronic component. Conventional methods of making such an inter-connector use lithographic and planarisation methods to “make” the inter-connectors in segments.

Abstract: A bundle tube type optical cable is disclosed. A bundle tube type optical cable comprises: a bundle of optical fiber tubes being arranged in the middle portion of the optical cable and each containing at least two optical fiber cores loosely arranged therein; a first water-blocking layer protecting the optical fiber cores in the optical fiber tube from external moisture by a water-blocking material filled in the inner space of the tube; an inner shell made of aluminum material enclosing the bundle of optical fiber tubes with a predetermined gap; a second water-blocking layer protecting the optical fiber tubes from external moisture by the water-blocking material filled in the inner space of the inner shell; and an outer sheath made of plastic material enclosing the outer surface of the inner shell.

Abstract: A film scanning device using the same CCD light sensor for pictures of strip film and for a slide mount also comprises a body having a strip film transport path disposed there through. The transport path has a first opening in the body for inserting a developed strip film, a second opening in the body through which the developed strip film exits the body, and a third opening for inserting and pulling out a slide mount juxtaposed vertically relative to the strip film transport path.

Abstract: This invention discloses a wave division multiplexing communications system including a pluarity of optical transmitters, each of said optical transmitters further including a distributed feed back laser characterized in that it has a dispersion penalty of less than 2 dB when used for transmission into an optical fiber having chromatic dispersion of 1800 ps/nm, a driver operative for receiving a communications signal input and providing electrical power to said distributed feed back laser in accordance therewith and a wave division multiplexer receiving outputs from said plurality of optical transmitters comprising thin film dielectric layers and having a maximum power insertion loss of 4.5 dB.

Abstract: A spirit level comprising a body having a level face for setting a surface, at least one bubble vial mounted in the body, the bubble vial having a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the level face, and an optical transfer element fixed to the body which transfers an image of the bubble vial to a viewing plane generally parallel to the level face.

Abstract: A method, a system and equipment for determining quality of telecommunication service over a telecommunication network, which provide: (a) obtaining data on quality of service over a number of routes in the network by determining, for each route, N parameters pi, each reflecting either a quality of transmission of a particular service through said route or a statistical characteristics of said route's availability to a subscriber, and (b) building an objective quality score (OQS) for each of the routes, the OQS being a multi-profile quality estimation equation presenting a sum of N said parameters pi taken with respective weight functions Wi(pi) thereof. Based on the score, one or more routes can be selected in the network (for example, for routing), which have the OQS value not lower than a predetermined OQS.

Abstract: The invention provides novel inclusion complexes of highly potent opioid peptide of L-Tyrosyl-D-alanyl-glycyl-N-methylphenylalanyl-glycyl-isopropylamide with cyclodextrin, pharmaceutical preparations containing these inclusion complexes of L-Tyrosyl-D-alanyl-glycyl-N-methylphenylalanyl-glycyl-isopropylamide with cyclodextrin derivatives, the complexes being better soluble in water and having improved biopharmaceutical properties such as lesser toxicity, better analgesic action and non-addiction properties.

Abstract: POTS splitter devices are provided which are externally mounted with respect to digital subscriber loop access multiplexers and remote terminal and central office equipment racks. A cable having in-line sockets for receiving a combination POTS splitter and surge protection device provides POTS-only signals from a customer's premises to channel banks. The cable is connected to a protection panel configured so as not to consume equipment rack space. A multiport enclosure is provided with a multiport POTS splitter and surge plugs to transmit POTS signals from plural telephone lines to line termination equipment, and at least xDSL signals to a DSLAM via a cable. A multiport POTS splitter enclosure is also provided with connectors for externally mounted surge plugs. A protection panel is provided with integrated POTS splitters, xDSL filters and surge plugs to support plural telephone lines.

Abstract: A multiple frequency band antenna is disclosed involving a first resonant portion tuned to a low frequency band; a second resonant portion tuned to a first high frequency band at frequencies higher than the low frequency band; a third resonant portion tuned to a second high frequency band at frequencies higher than the low frequency band and substantially different from the first high frequency band; and a first conductor portion forming part of the first resonant portion and the second resonant portion, the first conductor portion having a grounding point, a feeding point for providing an input signal to at least one of the first resonant portion and the second resonant portion and for receiving an output signal from at least one of the first resonant portion and the second resonant portion, and a second conductor portion electrically connected to the feeding point wherein the third resonant portion is electrically connected to the second conductor portion.

Abstract: A thermally conductive polymer composition includes polymer matrix such as thermoplastic resin or thermoplastic elastomer and a graphitized carbon fiber which serves as a thermally conductive filler. The graphitized carbon fiber is made from a mesophase pitch. The mesophase pitch is spun, infusibilized, carbonized, pulverized, and graphitized to form powdery graphitized carbon fibers. Preferably, the graphitized carbon fibers have a diameter of 5-20 &mgr;m, an average particle size of 10-500 &mgr;m, and a density of 2.20-2.26 g/cm3. The composition may be molded to form a thermally conductive molded article such as a thermally conductive sheet. The thermally conductive polymer composition and thermally conductive molded article have high thermal conductivity and transfer large amounts of heat from electric or electronic parts.

Abstract: A method and a system for building a Combined Call Detail Records data base (Combined CDR) in a management system of a telecommunications network, by collecting one or more call related events (real time Pre-CDRs) from the network with respect to a particular call by probes in real time, obtaining at least one off-line Call Detail Records data base (off-line CDR) from another system not belonging to the management system, and then integrating all the acquired data in a combined Call Detail Records data base (Combined CDR) of the management system, using computer means.