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.

Abstract: The present invention monitors a physiological process intrinsic to humans and which measures directly the approach of a sleep state. When sleep onset is detected, the subject is restored to a fully awake state by an alert mechanism. Sleep onset is determined by monitoring EEG and EMG signals of the subject with a bispectral index monitor and applying an analysis algorithm to the index values output by the monitor. As a person tires, the value of their bispectral index begins to drop and then oscillate back and forth between two discrete levels. This pattern is consistent among various subjects and indicates an early warning of impending sleep, before a dangerous loss of vigilance has occurred.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved multi-layer hand wrap stretch film products. The products comprise at least five layers. The first and second outer layers each represent from 4 to 13 percent by weight of the film and each comprises a blend of two different linear low density polyethylene products. The film includes a first and second inner layer where each represents from 20 to 40 percent by weight of the film and comprises linear low density polyethylene products. The core layer represents from 10 to 30 percent by weight of the film and comprises linear low density polyethylene products. The final film exhibits improved properties needed in hand wrap films such as puncture resistance and load retention. Preferably, each of the outer layers comprises a blend of linear low density-polyethylene hexene/copolymers and linear low density-polyethylene/butene copolymers. The same linear low density-polyethylene/butene copolymer may be utilized in each of the layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved multi-layer general purpose stretch film products. The products comprise at least five layers. In accordance with one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a multi-layer film comprising at least two outer layers, two inner layers and a core layer. A first outer layer represents from 8 to 25 percent by weight of the film and comprises a blend of linear low density polyethylene, a metallocene catalyzed linear low density polyethylene, an ethylene plastomer and an ethylene/methyl acrylate copolymer. A first inner layer represents from 15 to 35 percent by weight of the film and comprises a blend of linear low density polyethylene and a metallocene catalyzed linear low density polyethylene. A core layer represents from 15 to 35 percent by weight of the film and comprises a blend of linear low density polyethylene and polypropylene.

Abstract: A telephone sterilization apparatus and method having ultraviolet sterilization of the mouthpiece and earpiece of a telephone handset. The invention has an ultraviolet source within the earpiece and mouthpiece cradles of a telephone handset cradle. The telephone handset engages a seal around the earpiece and mouthpiece which blocks UV illumination from a user and seals in ozone gas that is produced by UV source below 200 nm. The UV source illuminated the earpiece and mouthpiece of a telephone handset when the handset is in telephone handset cradle. When in the telephone handset cradle, the handset engages a switch, which signals a timer/power circuit, which provides a timed application of power to the UV source(s). The duty cycle of the UV source is timed for substantially complete sterilization of the telephone handset. Minute amounts of ozone gas surround the earpiece and mouthpiece of the telephone handset providing more complete sterilization.

Abstract: A system and method for determining telephone status over a network. The system and method provides for off hook status to be determined by a switch or other monitor that then provides that information to a telephone status file. The telephone status file is accessible over the Internet by computer so that a calling party can first determine if the called party is on the telephone. Thus wasted time in making calls that cannot be completed is avoided. The system operates over normal PSTN's, over cable systems, and over the Internet.

Abstract: A splitterless system provides along a subscriber loop, full Ethernet wire speed data transmission between a date source and an Ethernet standard end device. The system includes a gateway modem device connected to a data source, and arranged in splitterless contact with a subscriber loop extending between a Punch Down Block (PDB), and an Ethernet standard end device; and a user modem device connected between the Ethernet standard end device and the subscriber loop so as to define with the gateway modem device a subscriber loop segment, wherein the gateway modem device and the user modem device are operative to communicate along the loop segment in different predetermined, first and second frequency spectra, for uplinking and downlinking, respectively, thus to facilitate therealong full Ethernet wire speed data transmission therealong.

Abstract: The present invention is to a method and system for providing protection from an EMS-targeted weapon by providing an appropriate spoofed EMS signal to cause an EMS-targeted weapon to determine an apparent object distance sufficiently close to the EMS-based targeting threat to nullify the weapon. In a first embodiment, the EMS-based targeting threat uses reflected EMS emissions, such as RADAR, to target the object the apparent object distance nullifies the weapon by falling within a weapon-safety lockout distance determined by a fire control system of the targeting threat. In another embodiment, the EMS-based targeting threat uses EMS signals from an external source, such as GPS, to target a position of the object and the apparent object distance nullifies the weapon by causing premature detonation at a safe standoff distance from said object.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an apparatus and method for collection, sorting, concentrating and impinging particles on a surface, primarily for use in detecting and classifying chemicals, particles, vira, and bacteria in fluids. In addition to mechanical and aerodynamic filtering, the present invention uses isokinetic filtering to acquire particles of interest by creating a local vortex in the fluid through use of a dam element at a high angle of attack. This isokinetically sorts particles by density and aerodynamic diameter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing an asphalt and thermoplastic elastomer composition. The process comprises heating an asphalt cut in a stirred tank to a temperature sufficient to allow the stirring of the asphalt in the tank. A thermoplastic elastomer or rubber is added to the asphalt while continuing to stir the asphalt. The mixture is stirred at a speed and for a period of time sufficient to increase the distribution of the elastomer into the asphalt. The stirring speed is reduced and the temperature is increased to add crosslinking agents to the tank. Stirring is continued for a period of time sufficient to improve the distribution of the crosslinking agent dispersion in the asphalt. Crosslinking agents comprise zinc 2-mercaptobenzothiole and elemental sulfur in a ratio of zinc 2-mercaptobenzothiazole to sulfur of 2.0/1.0. Useful concentrates are possible using this method while avoiding gel formation.

Abstract: An anti-fomitic device in the form of a bag or envelope which forms a cover for an object for preventing cross-infection by bacteria and other pathogens that may reside on the object being covered. The anti-fomitic device is a flat, flexible bag or envelope with a closure means at one end of the bag or envelope, having a sterile interior which is sealed during manufacture to maintain sterility. Therefore, no outer wrapping for the anti-fomitic device is required. Alternatively, the anti-fomitic device is a flat, flexible, internally sterile bag with two releasably closed ends, where one end is tucked inward so that the sterile interiors of the two releasably closed ends touch.

Abstract: A distributed computing platform using the idle computational processing power of a plurality of provider computers is disclosed. At least one networked server collects tasks from client computers, schedules and distributes the tasks to networked provider computers, and collects and returns results to client computers. A client API forms tasks and collects results. A compute engine operates on the provider computers to communicate with the server and execute tasks using idle computational power.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer processing system with a multi-tasking sequencer control that performs an automatic cleaning process for the process chamber or chambers of the system.