Abstract: A method and system of computer-assisted business resource automation that is applicable to a variety of business enterprise requirements including, but not limited to customer relationship management and sales force automation. The system provides improved an apparatus and method for automating the production of business resources such as documents and presentations. The system further provides an apparatus and method for analyzing the associated processes of the enterprise and providing business intelligence such as sales analytics. In particular, aspects of the invention include, but are not limited to: a hierarchical architecture that simplifies customization and maintenance of enterprise software, the encapsulation of data within reusable intelligent advisor objects, and the flexible integration of a variety of expert systems functionality and other apparatus and means of artificial intelligence therein.

Abstract: A computer-aided decision-making system and method that is applicable to a variety of decision-making contexts and applications such as, but not limited to, automobile or home purchase decisions. The computer-aided decision-making system provides immediate, useful, and relevant information to a person in a decision-making context, overcoming common human cognitive problems that occur in decision-making, and enabling consumer purchases in an on-line sales environment. In particular, aspects of the invention that aid a person in decision-making include, but are not limited to: managing all the sub-decisions, educating the decision-maker, highlighting the most important sub-decisions, offering the most viable proposals for evaluation, distinguishing significant differences between proposals, supplying various evaluation tools, preventing blind spots, assisting the decision-maker's memory, gauging the progress of the decision process, and learning about the decision maker from the decision process.

Abstract: A computer-aided decision-making system and method that is applicable to a variety of decision-making contexts and applications such as, but not limited to, automobile or home purchase decisions. The computer-aided decision-making system provides immediate, useful, and relevant information to a person in a decision-making context, overcoming common human cognitive problems that occur in decision-making, and enabling consumer purchases in an on-line sales environment. In particular, aspects of the invention that aid a person in decision-making include, but are not limited to: managing all the sub-decisions, educating the decision-maker, highlighting the most important sub-decisions, offering the most viable proposals for evaluation, distinguishing significant differences between proposals, supplying various evaluation tools, preventing blind spots, assisting the decision-maker's memory, gauging the progress of the decision process, and learning about the decision maker from the decision process.

Abstract: A computer-aided decision-making system and method that is applicable to a variety of decision-making contexts and applications such as, but not limited to, automobile or home purchase decisions. The computer-aided decision-making system provides immediate, useful, and relevant information to a person in a decision-making context, overcoming common human cognitive problems that occur in decision-making, and enabling consumer purchases in an on-line sales environment. In particular, aspects of the invention that aid a person in decision-making include, but are not limited to: managing all the sub-decisions, educating the decision-maker, highlighting the most important sub-decisions, offering the most viable proposals for evaluation, distinguishing significant differences between proposals, supplying various evaluation tools, preventing blind spots, assisting the decision-maker's memory, gauging the progress of the decision process, and learning about the decision maker from the decision process.

Abstract: An apparatus as provided for use in carrying out electrochemiluminescence test measurements. The apparatus includes a fluid container having an inlet for introducing an electrochemiluminescence sample fluid and a fluid outlet. The fluid container is composed of a durable, transparent, chemically inert, and electrically nonconductive material. A working electrode is disposed to one side of a fluid flow path of the container which has a light transmissive wall opposite the working electrode. A counter electrode is secured to the light transmissive wall. A first portion of the counter electrode is disposed upstream of the working electrode, while a second portion of the counter electrode is disposed downstream of the working electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus is taught for carrying out electrochemiluminescent measurements which includes a working electrode and a temperature sensor. The electrochemiluminescent measurements made by the apparatus are adjusted based upon the measured temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for agitating an electrochemiluminescent test sample in a sample container having a mouth for permitting withdrawal of the electrochemiluminescent test sample therefrom and a body extending away from the mouth. The apparatus includes a base, a first member movably mounted with respect to the base and including a first engaging mechanism for engaging the body of the sample container at a first position, and a second member fixedly mounted with respect to the base and including a second engaging mechanism for engaging the body of the sample container at a second position between the first position and the mouth thereof. In this apparatus, a first motive mechanism is provided for moving the first member so that at least a portion of the sample container adjacent to the first position thereof together with the electrochemiluminescent test sample therein is agitated in response to the motion of the first member.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting electrochemiluminescence test measurements consisting of a fluid container having a fluid flow path, a first counter electrode positioned within the fluid container directly secured to a transparent mounting block and having an electrode surface exposed to fluids within the fluid flow path, a working electrode with an electrode surface being displaced from the electrode surface of the first counter electrode laterally with respect to the flow direction of fluid within the fluid flow path.

Abstract: An apparatus as provided for use in carrying out electrochemiluminescence test measurements. The apparatus includes a cell to contain an electrochemiluminescence sample fluid. A working electrode is provided within the cell and is coupled to a supply of electrical energy to apply the same to the sample fluid. A temperature effect adjustment system serves either to adjust a temperature of the electrochemiluminescent sample fluid so that it is within a predetermined range, or else adjusts an output signal representing light produced through electrochemiluminescence of the sample fluid based on the temperature of the sample fluid.