Abstract: In its broad aspect, the invention provides a method for analyzing relationships among patterns within a data set having a set of samples and associated attribute values defining each attribute of each said sample. The method comprises receiving at an input at least two patterns; defining a data cluster within the data set for each of said at least two patterns, each defined data cluster having samples with attribute values associated with a corresponding pattern of said at least two patterns; grouping at least some of the samples of each defined data cluster with one another to generate a resultant data cluster; and calculating a variation between the attribute values of a first set of samples and the attribute values of a second set of samples within said resultant data cluster, the attribute values of the first set of samples and the second set of samples corresponding to the same attribute.

Abstract: A method for changing the timing of gear changes of an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle including repetitively updating a current value of a count whose value is a measure of driving behavior, performing an evaluation of driving behavior and updating the current value by a value determined from the evaluation, determining shift schedules that define the occurrence of a gear change to be produced by the transmission, and using the updated current value to establish from among the shift schedules a shift schedule that defines a gear change to be produced by the transmission.

Abstract: A hub assembly, such as for long needles, is disclosed. The hub assembly includes a needle hub having a proximal end and a distal end, having a cannula extending therethrough and protruding from the distal end, with the needle hub having a first engagement portion. The hub assembly also includes a stylet handle having a stylet extending therefrom. The stylet is adapted to be received within a portion of the cannula, with the stylet handle having a second engagement portion. Engagement of the first engagement portion of the needle hub and the second engagement portion of the stylet handle forms a positive lock in which at least a portion of one of the first and second engagement portions is held within the other of the first and second engagement portions in an unbiased state.

Abstract: A needle guard is disclosed. The needle guard includes a binding plate defining a multi-slot aperture adapted to receive a needle cannula therethrough. The needle guard also includes a biasing member for biasing the needle cannula within the multi-slot aperture, and a sensing arm connected to the binding plate. The sensing arm is adapted to contact a portion of the needle cannula, and is positionable for restricting movement of the needle cannula. The multi-slot aperture may include a first region having a first dimension, a second region having a second dimension, and optionally, a third region having a third dimension with the third dimension being smaller than the second dimension and the second dimension being smaller than the first dimension.

Abstract: A needle guard having a housing defining an interior cavity, and a transitional member disposed within the interior cavity is disclosed. The transitional member includes a pivoting arm having a first end and a second end, the first end adjacent an interior portion of the housing. The transitional member also includes a needle tip sensing element, and a transverse barrier, such that the needle tip sensing element and the transverse barrier are oriented on opposing sides of the pivoting arm adjacent the second end. The needle guard may be adapted for transition from a restrained position when the needle tip is exterior to the interior cavity, to an activated position when the needle tip is within the interior cavity. The transitional member may also have a needle tip sensing element for contacting a needle in the restrained position, and a binding edge for engaging the needle in the activated position.

Abstract: A method of enabling electronic commerce transactions is provided by a service, the service giving to users a disposable credit card or other indicia of credit for a particular transaction or amount. The service receives registration information from the user and authorizes the user. The service establishes an account for the user and issues a disposable (one use) credit card number to the user which has the same format as a permanent credit card number, is acceptable to the user and the institution with whom the user is transacting business. The system incorporates various security features.

Abstract: A wireless toy phone system that may be used with toy figures, such as dolls. The system may include doll sized phones and child sized phones. The child sized phone may have a display screen and input buttons. A child can compose a message with a phone keypad on the child's phone and send the message to another child sized phone, which will display the message. The phone may also receive messages from other child sized phones. The child may also be able to send a message to a doll sized phone associated with a doll or other figure, and the doll sized phone may respond with lights or sounds or both. The child sized phone may then compose a response that is displayed on the child sized phone simulating a return message from the doll.

Abstract: Method, system and computer program product for modifying installation software in a data processing system. Installation software is stored on a rewritable data storage medium using a file system that allows portions of software stored on the rewritable data storage medium to be modified without modifying other portions of the software stored on the rewritable data storage medium. At least one portion of the stored installation software is modified to provide modified installation software on the rewritable data storage medium. The invention enables modifications to installation software to be selectively placed on the same data storage medium that stores the installation software.

Abstract: The present application relates to a mobile computer and, more specifically, to a power management system for a user-supported computer that can be operated in a hands-free manner. Specifically, a mobile, body-supported computer comprising a computer housing, a heat insulating grille, an integral battery with a thermally non-conductive casing, activating means, means for attaching said computer housing to a user, said computer housing comprising substantially all of the components of a conventional computer. The thermally non-conducting battery casing and insulating grille provides a user a contact area that will not result in a burn injury.

Abstract: Disclosed are oral care compositions, including therapeutic rinses, especially mouthrinses and methods of use to provide significantly enhanced antimicrobial activity, thereby reducing oral bacteria and promoting overall oral health. The present compositions are formulated to deliver increased bioavailable levels of cationic antimicrobials, particularly quaternary ammonium compounds such as cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and are useful for preventing and treating diseases or conditions of the oral cavity including dental plaque, caries, gingivitis, periodontal disease and breath malodor. The present compositions are formulated to be essentially free of anionic, nonionic or amphoteric surfactants, which have been found to have a negative effect on bioavailability of the quaternary ammonium compounds and thus, their antimicrobial efficacy.

Abstract: A faucet body (10) is molded from a plastic material and coupled to an underbody that is likewise molded from a plastic material. The unitary faucet body includes a spout portion (12) and a base portion (14). The underbody comprises a manifold (40) including an inlet (48) and an outlet (50). An end body (24) is coupled to the manifold and to the base portion. The end body includes means for coupling the faucet body to the manifold. A valve (96) is coupled to the end body. Alternatively, the faucet spout and base can be molded as a unitary structure using a lost core method, thereby eliminating the need for a separate manifold.

Abstract: In this invention, a sensor is placed in the computer system or sometimes in the display to optimize the display figures. Various types of sensors are used to measure ambient conditions and the user specifications and requirements.

Abstract: This is a body-supported computer that has safeguards against the heated computer housing injuring the user. A grille that is heat insulating is used on at least one outer surface of the housing. This grille, together with heat dissipating housing materials, keeps the temperature of the body-supported computer and its housing within tolerable limits.

Abstract: The present application relates to a mobile computer and, more specifically, to a power management system for a user-supported computer that can be operated in a hands-free manner. Specifically, a mobile, body-supported computer comprising a computer housing, a heat insulating grille, an integral battery with a thermally non-conductive casing, activating means, means for attaching said computer housing to a user, said computer housing comprising substantially all of the components of a conventional computer. The thermally non-conducting battery casing and insulating grille provides a user a contact area that will not result in a bum injury.

Abstract: This is a body-supported computer that has safeguards against the heated computer housing injuring the user. A grille that is heat insulating is used on at least one outer surface of the housing. This grille, together with heat dissipating housing materials, keeps the temperature of the body-supported computer and its housing within tolerable limits.