Abstract: The ribbon drive pump has an extended tube having an intake at a first end and an outlet at a second end. A ribbon formed of helical coils is mounted in the tube for rotation and the frequency of the coils decreases from the first end to the second end of the cube. Liquid is collected at the first end, an axial component of velocity of the liquid is increased via the rotating ribbon, and the liquid is ejected from the second end to provide pumping of the liquid.

Abstract: The coin sorting apparatus includes a coin carrying vessel and a coin sorting plate. The coin carrying vessel has a plurality of coin carrying slots, and the coin sorting plate has a plurality of coin sorting slots. Each of the coin carrying slots consists of a large arc and a small arc, and therefore, a large coin is settled into the large arc, while a small coin is settled in the small arc. Accordingly, when a coin carrying vessel with the coin carrying slots formed therein revolves, a large coin drops into a large coin sorting slot, while a small coin drops into a small coin sorting slot. Thus the sorted and dropped coins are guided by a plurality of guides respectively, thereby making it possible to sort coins according to their sizes.

Abstract: A virtual interactive response (VIR) system mimics and enhances interactive voice response (IVR) technology by using humans to drive the voice recognition unit (VRU) speech recognition functionality. This VIR system initiates a dialogue with the customer by prompting the customer with an initial welcoming message. Calls from a customer are initially made in a first region having high labor costs, but are then directed to an overseas location using voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) or other voice communications technology. The calls are then directed to an appropriate human agent at the overseas location who then listens to the customer's query and makes a decision on how to respond to the customer.

Abstract: A capillary wick for use in capillary evaporators has properties that prevent nucleation inside the body of the wick, resulting in suppression of back-conduction of heat from vapor channels to the liquid reservoir. Use of a central liquid flow channel in the wick is eliminated, and pore size in the wick is chosen to maximize available pressure for fluid pumping, while preventing nucleation in the wick body. The wick is embodied with different geometries, including cylindrical and flat. A flat capillary evaporator has substantially planar heat input surfaces for convenient mating to planar heat sources. The flat capillary evaporator is capable of being used with working fluids having high vapor pressures (i.e., greater that 10 psia). To contain the pressure of the vaporized working fluid, the opposed planar plates of the evaporator are brazed or sintered to opposing sides of a metal wick. Additionally, a terrestrial loop heat pipe and a loop heat pipe having overall flat geometry are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing preservative-free allergen test solutions in a prepared sterile environment. A sterile environment is prepared by utilizing a disinfectant wipe and a sterile barrier field. An antigen is added to a diluent to form a solution of the antigen by dispersing or suspending the antigen in the diluent. The solution is subjected to triple filtration under specific and sequential conditions to provide consistent and preservative-free allergen test solutions. Shelf life is extended by storing the solution at a temperature below 5° F. or by lyophilizing the allergen test solution.

Abstract: A two-dimensional field of regard is scanned with a single plane mirror in the object space of a telescope, maintaining a fixed relationship between the rotational direction of scan and the projection of the telescope's focal plane. The two dimensional field of regard is covered by a series of conical arcs, each arc being scanned by rotation at constant angular velocity about the inner axis of the two-axis system. This scanning system accommodates applications such as TDI that require an opto-mechanical scan with a constant linear velocity (magnitude and direction) in the focal plane. Shading of IR images is mitigated by calibration at the ends of each scan line and by a scan geometry that minimizes changes in reflection angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coin separator which sorts and separates coins according to size, particularly to a withdrawal apparatus of a coin receipt tube for a coin separator, wherein a sloping structure having a rail is built on the rear part of a fallen-coin drawer, a roller at the lower part of a receipt vessel is laid on the rail of the above sloping structure, and the receipt vessel containing a coin receipt tubes is pushed upward by the slanting structure which slides toward the front when the fallen-coin drawer is opened, whereby the above receipt tube is protruded to the outside of the coin separator so that the withdrawal of a coin receipt tube from the receipt vessel is facilitated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning sensors relative to one another and anatomic features in a non-invasive device for measuring and monitoring multiple physiological variables from a single site uses an earpiece incorporating a shielded pulse oximetry sensor (POS) having a miniaturized set of LEDs and photosensors configured for pulse oximetry measurements in the reflectance mode and located in the earpiece so as to position the POS against a rear wall of an ear canal. The earpiece also includes a thermopile of no larger than 7 mm. in diameter located on the earpiece to so as to position the thermopile past a second turn of an external auditory meatus so as to view the tympanic membrane. The thermopile includes a reference temperature sensor attached to its base for ambient temperature compensation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to prevent malfunctions or sorting errors when supplying coins to coin separation holes in a coin separator. The coin separator includes a coin carrier vessel with a coin supply control vessel that can successively supply a small quantity of coins, and an automatic coin release mechanism that causes the above coin carrier vessel to rotate in the reverse direction instantaneously to prevent malfunction and then rotate in the normal direction again resume normal coin separation operations. The automatic coin release mechanism operates in response to any coin that gets caught in the coin carrier vessel during the operation of coin separation that causes the operation to come to a stop.

Abstract: A point of sale system designed to read information from a consumer's check, credit card, or manual input with a subsequent debiting of a consumer's account and crediting merchant's account for the goods or services provided. Point of sale terminals are designed to accept a form of credit card with a consumer's bank account information encoded thereon or in the alternative to read the MICR number from a consumer's check in order to verify that a consumer has an appropriate balance to conduct the transaction with a given merchant. Thereafter the transaction of that information is transmitted to a central computer system which verifies the consumer's credit worthiness and stores the transaction event information for subsequent bank reconciliation via the ACH or other competing network. The invention eliminates the need for paper checks with all bank reconciliation being accomplished electronically.

Abstract: A zipper closure system is disclosed comprising one or more slider bodies with a reinforced bracing integrated with a lock eyelet, a closed bail, slider body top and bottom platforms and a slider body diamond. A releasing pull tab assembly comprised of a pull tab channeled to receive a pull tab connector attaches to the slider body. The connector's head portion encompasses the slider body's bail and the connector's lower portion is mated with the pull tab securely attaching connector to the pull tab. At a predetermined force, the connector will release from the pull tab, releasing the slider body with no loss of functionality. The other components are designed to withstand a force in excess of the predetermined force. This release prevents damage to other components. The predetermined release force ranges from 25 to 200 pounds in alternate embodiments. A consumer can easily repair the unit by mating the original or replacement connector piece with the pull tab.

Abstract: Disclosed is a finger tape for aiding bowling. The thumb, the middle finger and the ring finger are inserted into holes formed in a bowling ball. Upon bowling, a player grips the ball by inserting the thumb, the middle finger and the ring finger into the holes formed in the ball. For releasing and rolling the ball, the thumb is instantly slipped out of the hole, followed by the middle finger and the ring finger while spinning the ball. Accordingly, an elasticized cotton tape with gravure printed acryl resin adhesive having different effects depending on actions of the fingers is attached to the thumb, the middle finger and the ring finger to obtain effective bowling results, wherein the thumb tape slides easily and the finger tape provides better grip, based on differing amounts of hardener in the adhesive.

Abstract: A ribbon drive pumping apparatus and method for liquids is disclosed wherein the inherent centrifugal separation that occurs adjacent the pump inlet is used to remove contaminants. The pump has an extended tube having an intake at a first end and an outlet at a second end. A ribbon formed of helical coils is mounted in the tube for rotation and the frequency of the coils decreases from the first end to the second end of the tube. Liquid is collected at the first end, contaminants are centrifugally separated and sorbed or bled off, an axial component of velocity of the liquid is increased via the rotating ribbon, and the purified liquid is ejected from the second end to provide pumping of the liquid. A central opening helps decrease cavitation and can be useful for pumping live fish.

Abstract: A multi-segment alphanumeric display, such as a seven-segment display, is described. The display comprises a body including at least seven discreet segments. A lens to covers each of the segments. A bottom section comprising at least two light sources per segment is attached to the body. Electric circuitry is connected with the light sources in each segment for selective actuation of the segments. The segments in the body comprise partitioning of sufficient depth to prevent light bleeding from one segment to another.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a hook and eye closure for garments such as brassieres. The eye tape and/or the hook tape is stabilized in a vertical direction, but stretches in a horizontal direction so as to provide a comfortable and self-adjusting fit to garments. The eye tape preferably includes a soft, stretchable backing material that wraps around three edges of the eye tape and is heat-sealed to the front side. This provides a soft, seam-free back and edge portion to allow increased comfort.

Abstract: A system and method for assigning an expert to a request for assistance including real time interaction. The invention allows users to request assistance over the internet to an expert server having a file of qualified experts. The trouble “ticket” is assigned and alias and is sent out to a number of experts having the correct qualifications who then have an opportunity to respond. The first to respond is assigned an alias and communicates in real time with the requester via the expert server. Upon completion of the ticket, the expert so designates and the requester is asked to fill out a survey noting the satisfaction with the service provided. Experts are assigned rankings and are paid and solicited for further work based upon the ranking. The system of the present invention is used in a variety of disciplines.

Abstract: A printing system, for instance, for printing labels makes use of one or more sequence generators (13, 14; 113, 114) which can return an indicium definition in response to an input value. Typically, the input value is a sequence position, modified by step and repeat values. The sequence generators (13, 14; 113, 114) are used during the printing operation, avoiding the need for the data source file required in conventional mail merge and label printing systems.

Abstract: A system and method for assigning an IT expert to a request for assistance. The invention allows users to request assistance over the Internet to an IT expert server having a file of qualified IT experts. The trouble “ticket” is assigned and alias and is sent out to a number of IT experts having the correct qualifications who then have an opportunity to respond. The first to respond is assigned an alias and communicates with the requester via the IT expert server. Upon completion of the ticket, the IT expert so designates and the requester is asked to fill out a survey noting the satisfaction with the service provided. IT experts are assigned rankings and are paid and solicited for further work based upon the ranking.

Abstract: A system and method for assigning an expert to a request for assistance. The inventions allows users to request assistance over the internet to an expert server having a file of qualified experts. The trouble “ticket” is assigned and alias and is sent out to a number of experts having the correct qualifications who then have an opportunity to respond. The first to respond is assigned an alias and communicates with the requester via the expert server. Upon completion of the ticket, the expert so designates and the requester is asked to fill out a survey noting the satisfaction with the service provided. Experts are assigned rankings and are paid and solicited for further work based upon the ranking. The system of the present invention is used in a variety of disciplines.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a carpet, a process for manufacturing a carpet and a method for recycling a carpet. The carpet of the present disclosure includes a primary backing having tufts of synthetic carpet fibers protruding from a top surface and, optionally, a secondary backing, with an extruded sheet of a polyolefin polymer composition between and integrally fused to a bottom surface of the primary backing and an upper surface of the secondary backing. The extruded sheet polymer composition comprises at least 10%, preferably, at least 20% by weight of a syndiotactic polypropylene product. The extruded sheet polymer composition may further comprise less than 40% by weight of an impact modifier. The process for manufacturing the recyclable carpet includes contacting the extruded sheet with the primary backing and, optionally, the secondary backing, at a temperature sufficiently high to integrally fuse the extruded sheet to the respective backing.