Abstract: An acoustic transmission is retransmitted by telephone to a network operations center over one path. The network operations center receives acoustic transmissions containing inaudible marks from other sources over secondary paths. The retransmitted acoustic transmission and secondary transmissions are processed and compared to determine a best match between the retransmitted acoustic transmission and one of the secondary transmissions. An acoustic mark in the best match secondary transmission is decoded and associated with the retransmitted acoustic transmission. This association in combination with decision rules stored at the operations center may be used to trigger a variety of transactions with the user.

Abstract: A microfluidic detection device provides reduced dispersion of axial concentration gradients in a flowing sample. The microfluidic detection device includes a cell body and a flow path through the cell body. The flow path has an inlet segment, an outlet segment, and a central segment, which forms a detection cell. The central segment is located between and at an angle with both the inlet segment and the outlet segment. The central segment has a first junction with the inlet segment and a second junction with the outlet segment. The cell body contains two arms that can transmit light to and from the detection cell. At least a portion of a first arm is located in the first junction and at least a portion of a second arm is located in the second junction. The portions of the arms located in the junctions are situated so that fluid entering or exiting the central segment of the flow path flows around the outer surface of one of the portions.

Abstract: A bed enclosure comprising a frame, a tent supported by the frame, and a mattress cover is disclosed. The frame employs a pair of opposed upright end members, an upper support bar connecting the upright end members, and an attachment bar connected to at least one of the upright end members which is movable up and down along a portion of the end member. The frame further includes a releasable fastener for fastening the attachment bar to the bed.

Abstract: A conveyor 1 for holding glass plates 2 in position during grinding and drilling operations comprising one or more than one belt 3, 3? 3? having a rotating surface and a suction generator 6 for generating a vacuum on the surface.

Abstract: A device useful as a nightstick includes a generally linear long member and an attached short member. The short member can be curved or otherwise disposed so as to define a slot with a single open end. The device includes a handcuff clasp for closing the open end and to thereby define an enclosed portion of the slot between the long member and the short member. The handcuff clasp is moveable between an open position and a closed position. A trigger is provided proximate to the attachment point between the long member and the short member. Power means are also provided for closing the slot by rapidly moving the handcuff clasp to the closed position.

Abstract: A method for image processing of a plurality of digital images comprising the steps of determining one or more sets of pixel characteristics, each set having at least one characteristic that is location independent; determining for each pixel characteristic set, an image processing filter; providing a mixing function algorithm embodied on a computer-readable medium for modifying the plurality of digital images; and processing each of the digital images by applying the mixing function algorithm based on the one or more pixel characteristic sets and determined image processing filters. Various mixing function algorithms are described. An application program interface embodied on a computer-readable medium is also provided.

Abstract: A strengthened pipe fitting has an internally threaded surface and a compression band. The compression band is sized to compress the internally threaded surface sufficiently so that the pipe fitting is subjected to a compressive preload. The compression band is covered with a non-corrosive material.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument has a business end and a handle attached to the business end. The handle has a gripping portion and a longitudinal axis. A knob is provided on the gripping portion of the handle to facilitate the wielding of the hand-held instrument. The knob is disposed such that it projects away from the handle in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. In a preferred, but not required embodiment, the knob is removably attached to the handle by a quick release attachment device. In a typical, but not required, such embodiment, the quick release attachment device includes a male connection pin disposed within the knob and a female receptor disposed within the hand tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning bound pages, the apparatus having a support assembly for holding the bound pages; a lifting assembly coupled to the support assembly and capable of lifting at least a portion of a page; a turnstile assembly, the turnstile assembly comprising a plurality of flippers; and a motor assembly secured to the support assembly and coupled to the turnstile assembly; wherein the turnstile assembly has a rest position in which one of the plurality of flippers is positioned across two opposed bound pages to hold the bound pages in an open condition; wherein the turnstile assembly is rotated by the motor assembly causing the lifting assembly to lift one of the pages and one of the plurality of flippers to rotate underneath the lifted page; and wherein the finger underneath the lifted page is rotated to turn the page and to place the turnstile in the rest position.