Abstract: A method and system to register a user on an application system. The system includes an application system that receives a first request to retrieve user profile information to register the user on the application system. The application system, in turn, communicates a second request for the user profile information to the information provider. Finally, the application system receives the user profile information from the information provider to register the user on the application system.

Abstract: A supervisory method and apparatus provide for detection of “partial fault” conditions such as a relatively high series impedance in the wiring, or a relatively low parallel impedance across the wiring. A non-linear element, such as a semiconductor diode, can be used as an end of line element. The element functions as a current controlled dynamic impedance such that currents through the element can be used to detect low parallel leakage currents. Higher currents through the element can be used to detect partial open circuits.

Abstract: To provide an excimer laser device and method in which the frequency of full gas exchange within the laser chamber is reduced, and more preferably full gas exchange is made unnecessary. The gas supply device and gas exhaust device are controlled so that the laser gas in the laser chamber is partially exchanged in a gas exchange quantity that maintains the quantity of impurities in the laser chamber at or below a fixed level. Also, the gas exchange quantity is obtained using the total quantity of output light energy reduction A, the total gas pressure in the laser chamber P, and output light energy reduction quantity per unit time k, for the case where partial gas exchange is repeated infinitely in the laser chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring a time of considering an e-mail message received by an agent of an automatic contact distribution system. The method includes the steps of detecting each opening and closing of the e-mail received by the agent, measuring an elapsed time between each detected opening and closing of the e-mail and summing the measured elapsed times between the openings and closings of the e-mail to provide a cumulative total time for preparing the response to the e-mail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for providing enterprise information to a client through a call center of the enterprise. The method includes the steps of detecting an identity of the client based upon call associated information received through a call connection between the client and the call center, presenting the client with a plurality of options based upon the identity of the client and presenting the client with enterprise information based upon a selected option of the plurality of options.

Abstract: A safety belt without tightly binding body includes a safety belt, a belt retractor, a flashboard, a buckle and a limiter. The limiter includes a housing having a belt inlet and outlet located at side faces thereof. An upper roller and a lower roller are provided within the housing. The lower roller is movably engaged with two lower roller supports disposed in the lower housing. A clamping sleeve is fixedly secured around the lower roller. Electromagnets are mounted to the lower roller supports, respectively. A ratchet wheel and a ratchet pawl are mounted to the lower roller. A clamping sleeve is fixedly secured around the upper roller. The upper roller is movably engaged with two upper roller supports. Springs are provided on the two upper roller supports, respectively. A ratchet wheel and a ratchet pawl are mounted to the upper roller. Electromagnets may be mounted to the bottom of the upper roller supports, respectively. A motor may be mounted within the lower housing for rotating the lower roller.

Abstract: A method for preventing cloning of a genuine security element is described. The method includes associating a random number generator (RNG) in the security element with a portion of a non-volatile memory (NVM) in the security element, and activating the RNG to automatically write, during a normal operation mode of the security element, a new random number into the portion of the NVM whenever an attempt is made to write into the portion of the NVM. Any unit other than the RNG is preferably prevented from writing data into the portion of the NVM during the normal operation mode of the security element. Related apparatus and method are also described.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing user information using a customized computer interface which is user centric and geared toward creating and managing a personal information portal. In one aspect, the invention provides computerized methods for organizing a representation of user activities and information and navigating through an information management system that utilizes the representation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for providing a graphical user interface for a plurality of users under a predetermined format substantially controlled by an employer of the plurality of users. The method includes the steps of disposing a proxy server between the plurality of users and an information resource used by at least one user of the plurality of users and converting information exchanged between the predetermined format substantially controlled by the employer of the user and a predetermined format of the information resource.

Abstract: A chimeric, carboxy-terminal truncated hepatitis B virus nucleocapsid (HBc) protein is disclosed that contains an immunogen for inducing the production of antibodies to the influenza M2 protein. An immunogenic influenza sequence in two to four copies is preferably expressed at or near the N-terminus or in the HBc immunogenic loop sequence. The HBc chimer preferably contains an influenza-specific T cell epitope and is preferably engineered for both enhanced stability of self-assembled particles and enhanced yield of those chimeric particles. Methods of making and using the chimers are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ambient condition detector has a housing that carries a sensor of an airborne constituent such as a gas, and a condenser for minimizing an inflow of moisture into the sensor. A filter can be used to reduce fluid flow velocity prior to passing through or by the condenser.

Abstract: A modular system of power and data components comprising a substation having power and data ports is provided. The system includes channels releasably connectable to the substation and supports. The substation, channels and supports are releasably and rotatably connected to permit the system to be formed in almost infinite combinations to accommodate numerous office or work space configurations. The system is used in conjunction with tables, screens and other furniture to form a fully and easily adjustable office or work space set-up to accommodate any office or work space situation and to allow quick change to accommodate changes in the initial office or work space set-up.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method for reserving spare bandwidth for a link in a communication network including a plurality of links. The method provides for monitoring the volume of traffic routed through each link of the communication network. A single link failure for each link is then simulated and one volume of traffic which would be rerouted through each link for maintaining communication and the volume of traffic removed from each link are determined for each simulated single link failure. The difference between the volume of traffic which would need to be rerouted through each link and the corresponding volume of traffic removed from each link is then computed, and a maximum difference value is determined for each link for all simulated single link failures. An amount of spare bandwidth equivalent to the determined maximum difference is then reserved for each link.