Abstract: A switched telephone network is arranged in a manner to enable packet voice communication between telephone terminals via multiple redundant packet switched networks. The packet switched networks may utilize different protocols, be operated by different entities, and have primary functions other than voice communication. One example of such a network may be internetworked networks, such as the Internet. One example of an alternate packet switched network may be a network whose primary function is control of a circuit switched telephone network. The common channel interoffice switching system (CCIS) of a public switched telephone network (PSTN) is a preferred example. A voice communication link may be established from telephone terminal to telephone terminal via the Internet, the quality of voice communication may be monitored, and the link may be transferred to the common channel interoffice signaling network if and when the quality of voice communication deteriorates beneath a pre-established norm.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods or the detection of immunodeficiency virus infection, especially immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection. The invention particularly concerns compositions and methods that may be used in HIV vaccine recipients whose sera may contain vaccine-generated anti-HIV-1 antibodies.

Abstract: An on-line teaching and learning system with rapid change-by-change or real time reinforcement signals for students and simultaneous monitoring by the teacher of the actual responses as well as their correctness is disclosed. The system may include at least one teacher computer, a plurality of student computers operably connected to the at least one teacher computer by a communications network. The system may be used in a classroom setting or in a distance-learning environment.

Abstract: A system for mooring a vessel at an offshore site comprises at least one floating mooring element with two opposite mooring bodies for receiving therebetween and engaging the hull of the vessel. Each mooring element is movable between an upper position for engaging the hull of the vessel and a lower position in which at least one of its mooring bodies is lowered below the upper position for disengaging the hull of the vessel. Further means are provided for maintaining a substantially stationary position of the mooring element relative to the seabed. Preferably the system comprises at least two mooring elements spaced in the longitudinal direction of the vessel.

Abstract: A frangible flapper valve that may be closed to hydraulically isolate a portion of a wellbore tubular. The flapper valve is made of a frangible material adapted to shatter upon impact from an impact sleeve. The sleeve may be used to initially hold open the flapper valve. A latching mechanism may be used to retain the sleeve above its initial position allowing the flapper to close isolating a portion of the tubular. The latching mechanism may engage a piston to retain the sleeve at the second position. A shearable device adapted to shear under a predetermined pressure selectively connects the piston to the tubular. When the pressure within the tubular increases above the predetermined amount the shearable device releases the piston and pushes the sleeve into the closed flapper valve causing the flapper valve to shatter. A second latching mechanism may prevent further movement of the sleeve.

Abstract: Methods of using 7?,11?-dimethyl-17?-hydroxy-4-estren-3-one bucyclate (I) and 7?,11?-dimethyl-17?-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one 17-undecanoate (II) for various hormonal therapies, dosage forms comprising 7?,11?-dimethyl-17?-hydroxy-4-estren-3-one bucyclate and 7?,11?-dimethyl-17?-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one 17-undecanoate, and processes for their preparation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular-construction storage and transporting unit (1) for a roll (2) made of a material web, in particular a sheet-material strip, which is wound up on a winding core. The storage and transporting unit (1) comprises a support in which fork tines of an industrial truck can engage. The storage and transporting unit also comprises at least two supporting walls (3), which are arranged opposite one another in the roll-transporting position and each have at least one plug-in opening (4) for accommodating one end of the winding core, and/or allow a retaining sleeve (6) to engage through them, in which case the roll is accommodated axially between the supporting walls (3). The support here is formed from at least two supporting runners (7a), wherein, in the roll-transporting position, the supporting runners (7a) are arranged at a distance apart from one another, and preferably parallel to one another, and the supporting walls (3) are arranged, and retained, on these supporting runners.

Abstract: A device may receive a discovery signal from a mobile node, register the mobile node in response to receiving the discovery signal from the mobile node, assign a mobility label to the mobile node after the registration, distribute messages describing the mobility label and the mobile node to edge routers in the network to create a label switched path, and route communication messages from a remote node to the mobile node along the label switched path in the network.

Abstract: One embodiment includes an apparatus that includes a coherent radiation source to emit coherent radiation through a signal carrier that is positioned along at least a part of a length of a downhole drilling component. The apparatus also includes a receiver to receive the coherent radiation that is to be emitted through the signal carrier.

Abstract: A payment processor for providing a payment service includes a transaction processor to process a transaction request. An application programming interface links a merchant to the transaction processor based on an identifier. A merchant center, located between a gateway and a point of sale device of the merchant, queries a database for information associated with a buyer and the merchant based on information received from the point of sale device, to generate the transaction request based from merchant transaction data received from the point of sale device and the information associated with the buyer and the merchant received from the database, and to communicate the transaction request to the transaction processor. The transaction processor also communicates information associated with the transaction request with the merchant based on the identifier.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to compositions and methods for stimulating immune responses in vivo against a tolerogen. Novel biotechnological tools, pharmaceuticals, therapeutics and prophylactics, which concern chimeric or conjugated virus-like particles, and methods of use of the foregoing are provided for the study of B cell tolerance and the treatment or prevention of human diseases, which involve the onset of B cell tolerance, such as chronic viral infection, chronic inflammatory disease, and neoplasia.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of taste cell specific G-protein coupled receptors, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of taste cell specific G-protein coupled receptors.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for treating multiple interval well bores. More particularly, an isolation assembly may be used to allow for zonal isolation to allow treatment of selected productive or previously producing intervals in multiple interval well bores. One example of a method for treating a multiple interval well bore includes the steps of: providing an isolation assembly comprising a liner and a plurality of swellable packers wherein the plurality of swellable packers are disposed around the liner at selected spacings; introducing the isolation assembly into the well bore; allowing at least one of the plurality of swellable packers to swell so as to provide zonal isolation of at least one of a plurality of selected intervals; establishing fluidic connectivity to the at least one of a plurality of selected intervals; and treating the at least one of a plurality of selected intervals.

Abstract: The specification discloses systems and methods that provide improved capability to detect and decode encoded telemetry data. More particularly, the specification discloses embodiments for detecting and decoding telemetry data by receiving a plurality of waveforms comprising encoded telemetry data. A first set of outputs is detected from the encoded telemetry data using a first set of filtering and detection parameters, and a second set of outputs is detected substantially concurrently from the encoded telemetry data using a second set of filtering and detection parameters. The sets of outputs are merged to produce decoded telemetry data.

Abstract: The invention includes an integrated toolset of software development aids for testing of software systems directed toward the production, access, management, and retrieval of stored data by providing a fast and efficient means for a developer to recreate production data within a testing environment. The toolset consists of components which, when combined, provide an interactive on-line system where a developer is provided with access to low volume, high-quality, depersonalized, and targeted data with referential integrity and is suitable for most testing needs.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprising: providing an extended settable composition comprising hydraulic cement, cement kiln dust, water, and a set retarding additive, wherein the extended settable composition is capable of remaining in a pumpable fluid state for at least about 1 day; adding a cement set accelerator to the extended settable composition; introducing the extended settable composition into a well bore; and allowing the extended settable composition to set. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprising: providing an extended settable composition comprising hydraulic cement, cement kiln dust, water, and a set retarding additive; storing the extended settable composition; adding a cement set accelerator to the extended settable composition; introducing the extended settable composition into a well bore; and allowing the extended settable composition to set.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for supporting interactive presentations to a customer. A customer characteristic is received from a sales representative presentation device. A presentation data is extracted from a sales force automation tool wherein the presentation data is tailored to the customer based on the customer characteristic. The presentation data is transmitted to the sales representative presentation device.

Abstract: An improved frac head includes a mixing chamber located in an internal bore downstream of an intercept between the side ports and the internal bore and upstream of a tapered vortex portion of the bore. The tapered vortex reduces the diameter of the bore from a first diameter to a second diameter. The length of the mixing chamber (along the longitudinal axis of the frac head) is advantageously greater than the first diameter. The ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter is further advantageously greater than 1.5. Frac heads in accordance with this invention tend to undergo significantly reduced erosion as compared to frac heads of the prior art thereby improving service life. The invention also advantageously obviates the need for deployment of erosion resistant sleeves (or other wear resistant liners) in the interior of the frac head.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adeno-associated virus 5 (AAV5) virus and vectors and particles derived therefrom. In addition, the present invention provides methods of delivering a nucleic acid to a cell using the AAV5 vectors and particles.

Abstract: Transaction cards are provided wherein the foldable transaction cards have internal hinge material disposed within the foldable transaction card and fold lines for folding the transaction cards. In addition, foldable transaction card systems are provided, whereby transaction cards, having the internal hinge material, are provided within housings, cases or carriers. Moreover, methods of making foldable transaction cards are provided.