Abstract: A voice communication device, supporting both Internet and public switched telephone network telephony, performs call session hand off between Internet and public switched telephone networks. Hand off, with or without user confirmation, may be half or full duplex, yielding common and differing incoming and outgoing call session pathways. In addition to mid-call hand offs, hand off may also be performed as part of the call session setup. Information regarding the destination network is exchanged on the network from which the hand off will occur. Voice communication devices are each configured with a plurality of communication interfaces including a public switched telephone network interface and an Internet interface. Basic full-duplex operations include immediate and mid-call hand offs between the public switched telephone network and Internet. Mixed pathway communication and handoffs using partly Internet and partly public switched telephone network are also contemplated.

Abstract: The invention provides a decorative object comprising a transparent or translucent substrate having a body and at least one surface bearing a thin film coating. The coating imparts in the substrate a body color that appears substantially constant at different angles of observation. This body color is imparted in the substrate at least in part by absorption of visible radiation that is transmitted through said coating. The coating includes a high absorption layer comprising film that is highly absorptive of visible radiation. Also provided are methods of coating gems and other decorative objects, as well as methods of heat treating coated gems and other decorative objects.

Abstract: A system for dynamically placing textual elements adjacent a video content, based on aspect ratios, includes means for detecting the aspect ratio of the media player content and the aspect ratio of the display device and determining if there are unused positions of the video content when displayed on the display device.

Abstract: A fluid-filled container having a tray with a number of recesses. The tray has an upper rim, and the receptacles contain a freezable fluid. A closure element is removably sealed to the rim to contain the fluid. The closure element may be a flexible film, and the seal may be tamper evident and non-reseal able. Seals may be provided among the recesses to segregate some recess from the others.

Abstract: A trigger pull weight adjustment element for a firearm having a frame and a trigger spring. The adjustment element has a body with a connection element adapted to connect the body to the frame. The body has a number of spring engaging features each adapted to engage a portion of the spring. The spring engaging features are positioned at different locations such that a different spring force is provided based on which spring engaging feature is engaged. The spring engaging features may be angled with respect to a major axis of the firearm, and there may be only a single such feature, which is angled.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding monkey and canine Melanin Concentrating Hormone (MCH) Type 2 receptors and chimeric polypeptides are provided. Vectors and cells for recombinant expression of such MCH receptor polypeptides, and isolated MCH receptor polypeptides are also provided. MCH receptor polynucleotides and polypeptides may be used, for example, to identify agents that specifically interact with MCH receptor. Such agents find use within therapies for humans and animals afflicted with conditions associated with MCH receptor activation.

Abstract: The invention provides a decorative object comprising a transparent or translucent substrate having a body and at least one surface bearing a thin film coating. The coating imparts in the substrate a body color that appears substantially constant at different angles of observation. This body color is imparted in the substrate at least in part by absorption of visible radiation that is transmitted through said coating. The coating includes a high absorption layer comprising film that is highly absorptive of visible radiation. Also provided are methods of coating gems and other decorative objects, as well as methods of heat treating coated gems and other decorative objects.

Abstract: A surgical ratchet assembly includes a handle, a driver, a ratcheting mechanism and a locking mechanism. The driver is received within the handle in a rotatable relationship with respect thereto. The ratcheting mechanism is interposed between the handle and the driver. Unlocking of the locking mechanism enables ready disassembly of the assembly for cleaning and component sterilization. A superelastic biasing means is used. The cap reverser further prevents rotation beyond the depressions therein.

Abstract: A clock synchronization method and apparatus is disclosed for use in a communication system including a plurality of wireless nodes communicatively coupled via a wireless network, each of the plurality of wireless nodes having a local time base, and one of the plurality of wireless nodes being designated as a master node having a master time base which serves as a master clock against which the local time bases are synchronized. The clock synchronization method includes the steps of periodically transmitting synchronization frames to the plurality of non-master nodes so as to adjust the slave clocks associated with the respective non-master nodes. The synchronization frames are distributed from the master node at near-periodic intervals and includes a cycle time value that corresponds to the end of the previously transmitted synchronization frame. The slave clocks (i.e.

Abstract: A digital ticket is procured by a client ticket consumer upon, preferably, the Internet from and by staged interaction with a ticket provider server. The digital ticket becomes embodied in a tangible transportable data storage medium, normally a 2-D bar code printed on paper by the consumer, or on the consumer's flexible disk or smart card, containing Sign(s,I||hash(R))||R where (1) R is a number having its origin in the computer of the ticket consumer, which number R is appended to (2) a number Sign(s,I||hash(R)). This number Sign(s,I||hash(R)) was earlier computed in the computer of the ticket provider as a digital signature using signature key s of a number hash(R) combined with event information I, and was subsequently communicated across the communications network to the computer of the ticket consumer.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides encoding monkey Melanin Concentrating Hormone (MCH) Type 1 receptors and chimeric polypeptides are provided. Vectors and cells for recombinant expression of such MCH1R polypeptides, and isolated MCH1R polypeptides are also provided. MCH1R polynucleotides and polypeptides may be used, for example, to identify compounds that specifically interact with MCH receptor. Such compounds find use within therapies for humans and animals afflicted with conditions associated with MCH receptor activation.

Abstract: A flow through pressure regulator apparatus and method for directing a flow of fuel and reducing noise generation within a fuel system. Present invention includes a lower housing having fuel inlet where fuel flows through the fuel inlet and communicates with a valve biasing member through a fuel chamber. The valve biasing member permits or inhibits fuel flow through the fuel chamber by opening and closing a valve element. The valve biasing member comprises a flat disk having at least two reticulated concentric rings coupled by at least one bridge. As fuel flows past an open valve element, the valve biasing member diffuses the flow of fuel. A fuel cover directs the flow of fuel from the valve biasing member to the fuel outlet.

Abstract: A trigger pull weight adjustment element for a firearm having a frame and a trigger spring. The adjustment element has a body with a connection element adapted to connect the body to the frame. The body has a number of spring engaging features each adapted to engage a portion of the spring. The spring engaging features are positioned at different locations such that a different spring force is provided based on which spring engaging feature is engaged. The spring engaging features may be angled with respect to a major axis of the firearm, and there may be only a single such feature, which is angled.

Abstract: The invention is relates a web cleaning apparatus including: a pair of operatively rotating cleaning rollers operatively disposed on opposite sides of the web; a housing surrounding a major part of the surface of each roller; a vacuum chamber substantially co-extensive with each roller; a longitudinal slot extending parallel to each roller and substantially co-extensive therewith, the slot having an inlet proximate the roller surface and an outlet in communication with the vacuum chamber and operatively providing an air flow path from adjacent the roller into the vacuum chamber, wherein the air flow speed at each inlet is not less than the surface speed of the rollers, and a method of using such apparatus. Another apparatus of the invention includes a housing surrounding the roller and spaced therefrom with a gap of about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. Further embodiments of the invention provide a shutter for controlling the air flow around the rollers in a cleaning step.

Abstract: The invention provides a decorative object comprising a transparent or translucent substrate having a body and at least one surface bearing a thin film coating. The coating imparts in the substrate a body color that appears substantially constant at different angles of observation. This body color is imparted in the substrate at least in part by absorption of visible radiation that is transmitted through said coating. The coating includes a high absorption layer comprising film that is highly absorptive of visible radiation. Also provided are methods of coating gems and other decorative objects, as well as methods of heat treating coated gems and other decorative objects.

Abstract: The invention provides a decorative object comprising a transparent or translucent substrate having a body and at least one surface bearing a thin film coating. The coating imparts in the substrate a body color that appears substantially constant at different angles of observation. This body color is imparted in the substrate at least in part by absorption of visible radiation that is transmitted through said coating. The coating includes a high absorption layer comprising film that is highly absorptive of visible radiation. Also provided are methods of coating gems and other decorative objects, as well as methods of heat treating coated gems and other decorative objects.

Abstract: The invention provides a decorative object comprising a transparent or translucent substrate having a body and at least one surface bearing a thin film coating. The coating imparts in the substrate a body color that appears substantially constant at different angles of observation. This body color is imparted in the substrate at least in part by absorption of visible radiation that is transmitted through said coating. The coating includes a high absorption layer comprising film that is highly absorptive of visible radiation. Also provided are methods of coating gems and other decorative objects, as well as methods of heat treating coated gems and other decorative objects.

Abstract: A transflective assembly includes an absorbing polarizer and a first reflective polarizer disposed to reflect at least a portion of light transmitted through the absorbing polarizer. A second reflective polarizer is disposed between the absorbing polarizer and the first reflective polarizer. The second reflective polarizer reflects light transmitted through the first reflective polarizer having a polarization absorbable in the absorbing polarizer, and transmits light transmitted through the absorbing polarizer towards the first reflective polarizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermostabile UvrA polypeptides, thermostable UvrB polypeptides and the polynucleotides that encode the UvrA and UvrB polypeptides. The invention also includes compositions and kits containing the UvrA and UvrB polypeptides of the present invention. Also provided by the present invention are methods of detecting DNA damage using the UvrA and UvrB polypeptides.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides the ability to purchase products featured in a video through use of an consumer video playback device, such as a DVD or High-Definition video player. A video disc in accordance with the present invention includes a video that is specially encoded with commands or triggers that correspond with the display of a product for advertisement or sale. The video disc may for example be a DVD, and the video may be a movie. The playback device is configured to recognize these triggers and indicate to the user that a product may be available for purchase. When a product is displayed in the video, an indicator appears on the screen which indicates to the user that this product is available for purchase.