Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the subject invention comprise: (a) electronically receiving securities order-related data regarding a set of securities market participants; (b) electronically storing the received order-related data regarding the set of securities market participants; (c) electronically receiving a securities order-related query (or order parameters) from a first securities market participant; (d) based on the order-related query (or order parameters) received from the first securities market participant and on the securities order-related data regarding the set of securities market participants, computing a dissemination list of securities market participants based on ranking likely contras by probability of execution; and (e) transmitting that dissemination list to an entity who has been granted the privilege of receiving such lists in exchange for being contractually bound to respect confidentiality of the dissemination list and to use the list only for the purpose of sending securities-related i

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the subject invention comprise: (a) electronically receiving securities order-related data regarding a set of securities market participants; (b) electronically storing the received order-related data regarding the set of securities market participants; (c) electronically receiving a securities order-related query (or order parameters) from a first securities market participant; (d) based on the order-related query (or order parameters) received from the first securities market participant and on the securities order-related data regarding the set of securities market participants, computing a dissemination list of securities market participants based on ranking likely contras by probability of execution; and (e) transmitting that dissemination list to an entity who has been granted the privilege of receiving such lists in exchange for being contractually bound to respect confidentiality of the dissemination list and to use the list only for the purpose of sending securities-related i

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method using human soluble ErbB3, for example p85-sErbB3, as a negative regulator of heregulin-stimulated ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4 activation. The present invention also discloses p85-sErbB3 binding to heregulin with an affinity comparable to that of full-length ErbB3, and competitively inhibiting high affinity heregulin binding to ErbB2/ErbB3 heterodimers on the cell surface of breast carcinoma cells. The present invention also uses p85-sErbB3 to inhibit heregulin-induced phosphorylation of ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4 in cells, as a negative regulator of heregulin-stimulated signal transduction, and as a block for cell growth. The present invention is also directed to nucleic acids and expression vectors encoding p85-sErbB3, host cells harboring such expression vectors, and methods of producing the protein. The present invention discloses a method of therapeutically treating human malignancies associated with heregulin-mediated cell growth such as breast and prostate cancer.

Abstract: A lecithin organogel composition used to deliver pharmaceutical products transdermally as well as a method for producing the lecithin organogel composition, which may contain up to 40% additive ingredients. Preferred embodiments of the invention may include lecithin organogel compositions which provide high penetrating power, which are ready-to-use, which have improved stability, which have a high uptake capacity for active drugs, and which do not grow mold if the gel becomes contaminated.

Abstract: A steering system has a steering wheel with an opening configured to mount a steering knob. In one embodiment, the system includes a cover removably coupled to the steering wheel to at least partially cover the opening. In one embodiment, the steering knob has three protuberances equally spaced about the knob.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for increasing expression of cell surface molecules of CD5+ B cell lymphoma cells by contacting cells with immune response modifiers. The invention also provides methods for the treatment of CD5+ B cell lymphomas, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma, by administering immune response modifier compounds to a subject in need of such treatment. Suitable immune response modifier compounds include agonists of TLR7 and/or TLR8.

Abstract: A speech analysis system includes a codebook (230) that stores speech spectral parameters corresponding to a speech spectral hypothesis. The speech spectral hypothesis may be combined with a noise spectral hypothesis and the combined hypothesis compared to a sensed signal via a discriminant function (240). The discriminant function may be evaluated using the preconditioned conjugate gradient (PCG) process.

Abstract: A system and method of actuating a remote control access system in a motor vehicle non-invasively detects the occurrence of an event involving an actuation of at least one component of a motor vehicle. A control signal is transmitted to a remote control access system as a result of detecting the event.

Abstract: A self-adjusting parking brake actuator includes a brake lever that is movable between brake-released and brake-applied positions. A self-adjustment assembly connects to the lever and includes a rack, a pinion, and a clutch. The toothed rack mounts to the lever for movement relative to the lever along a longitudinal direction of the rack. The rack connects to a brake cable and is resiliently biased in a tensioning direction. The rotatable pinion continuously meshes with the toothed rack. The clutch engages to prevent the pinion from rotating when the brake lever is in its brake-applied position, and disengages to allow the spring-biased rack to take up slack in the brake cable when the lever is in its brake-released position.

Abstract: A disc brake rotor comprises an internally disposed splined surface defining a circular opening and including one or more axially disposed internal splines that are adapted to be received on external splines of a splined structure of a wheel hub, the surface including a non-continuity such as a cut-away portion of the surface into which independent splines are selectively actuable to align with the internal splines as a part of the surface to allow the rotor to be connected to or released from the hub without using any tools or the like. Preferably, the independent splines are finger actuable, and provide through a workpiece comprising a locking hammer of locking foot.

Abstract: A user interface system for use with an internet ordering system includes a user-navigable bookshelf environment providing a plurality of columns and rows for displaying items for purchase within item windows aligned along visual representations of shelves bordering the rows. A datastore of item artwork provides visual renderings of items for purchase. An Internet storefront provides a view of a portion of the virtual bookshelf environment to a user. The user interface populates the item windows with item artwork according to predefined criteria, and responds to user interaction with a control of said storefront to change the view of the virtual bookshelf environment presented to the user.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of non-invasive treatment of periodontal disease using ultrasonic waves. The treatment involves placing a tray, covering a metal fork, over the arch intended to be treated. The tray holds the metal fork to the teeth and gingival surface. The metal fork is connected to at least one ultrasonic transducer, which is in turn connected to a control unit that controls the delivery of ultrasonic energy. Both upper and lower arches can be treated simultaneously. The tray(s) may be filled with a therapeutic gel or the patient's own saliva maybe permitted to fill the tray and serve as a conductive gel. The ultrasonic waves, both alone or with a therapeutic gel, and heal the diseased tissue without surgery or curettage. Treatment may be repeated as needed or it may be used as a preventative measure with lesser treatment time.

Abstract: A traveler safety information correlation system is provided. An interactive, real-time mapping tool is combined with traveler location and alert information data sources. Recorded locations corresponding to human assets are overlaid on geographical maps enabling an operator to determine real or near real-time locations of human assets, such as an organizations employees. Traveler location information may obtained from computerized reservation systems, credit card processing systems, cellular and wireless computer networks, and/or other systems. The traveler safety information correlation system may also be used to generate alerts and to deliver information messages to human assets.

Abstract: Processes for the thermal reduction of sulfur dioxide to elemental sulfur are described and disclosed. The processes described include three general reaction sections, including the reaction furnace portion where the SO2-containing stream is combusted, the hydrogenation portion wherein the effluent from the reaction furnace is hydrogenated over an appropriate catalyst, and a Claus conversion portion, wherein residual H2S and SO2 are further reacted to produce additional elemental sulfur.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a cost effective instrument for storing a fluid material, and applying a predetermined amount of the fluid material to a surface. The instrument is comprised of few parts including an outer casing and a fluid insert, making the instrument cheaper to manufacture, and easy to assemble. The embodiments disclosed can be provided in a pre-assembled form to cosmetic companies and the like seeking to fill a dispenser with their fluid cosmetic products. The ability to provide dispensers in a pre-assembled form, combined with the compatibility of the fluid dispensers with industrial high speed filling machines, reduces the overall filling costs to the cosmetic company, as well as the cost to the consumer.

Abstract: A wireless mouse suitable for use with a computing device, and method of using such a mouse. The mouse includes a housing, electronics within the housing for sensing movement of the mouse and wirelessly communicating with the computing device, at least two batteries within the housing, a device for monitoring a power level of each of the batteries, and a device for switching between the batteries to deliver electrical power from one of the batteries to the electronics. Each battery is adapted for individually powering the electronics, and the switching device operates to switch from a first of the batteries to a second of the batteries when the power level of the first battery sensed by the monitoring device drops below a preset depletion threshold value.

Abstract: In one method and apparatus for blocking unwanted calls in a callback system, parameters associated with a callback request (e.g., the user device to which the call is to be directed, the IP address from which the request originated or an identifier of the source computer from which the callback request originated, the party from whom the call is requested) are tracked for each call. A decision to automatically block the requested callback is made based on one or more criteria based on a combination of these parameters, which may be a total over a period of time. In a second method, one or both of the parties to the callback is queried as to whether the callback is unwanted and, if so, one or more parameters associated with the request are blacklisted.

Abstract: A system for providing an open-ended subscription to commodity items normally available on a term basis includes a central agent that serves as the front-end for commodity suppliers. This central agent maintains databases containing information associated with a group of commodity items and their sales. Using these databases, the central agent produces subscription records to provide open-ended subscription services to its customers, while supporting the term-based subscriptions of the commodity suppliers.

Abstract: A brake actuating assembly for a vehicle having a brake system is provided. The assembly includes a mounting bracket for mounting the brake actuating assembly to the vehicle, and a pedal arm mounted to the mounting bracket for pivotal movement about a pivot axis. The pedal arm is connectable to the brake system such that movement of the pedal arm in a brake applying direction activates the brake system and movement of the pedal arm in a brake releasing direction de-activates the brake system. An arcuate rack of teeth is connected to the pedal arm, and a pawl that includes a tooth engages the rack. The assembly also includes a spring that has a first end that operatively connected to the pawl, and the second end that is operatively connected to the mounting bracket in an opening that includes a surface extending between a first stop and a second stop.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for receiving layered modulation signals is disclosed. A typical method includes receiving a layered modulation signal including an upper layer signal and a lower layer signal, demodulating and decoding the upper layer signal from the received layered modulation signal, estimating an upper layer amplitude factor and an upper layer phase factor from the received layered modulation signal. A substantially ideal upper layer signal is reconstructed from the demodulated and decoded upper layer signal including matching an ideal amplitude and an ideal phase by applying the upper layer amplitude factor and the upper layer phase factor to the reconstructed ideal upper layer signal. Finally, the reconstructed ideal upper layer signal is subtracted from the received layered modulation signal to produce the lower layer signal for processing.