Abstract: A method and computer readable medium for routing a call to geographically dispersed agents based on agent skill-set, agent location and caller location that results in the call being delivered to the best available agent. The computer readable medium and method are utilized with a system comprised of a call center application module coupled to a database module with a communications network being used to couple incoming calls from customers with the best available agent. A database contains a ranking of available agents, based on a dataset including information regarding skill-set, previous interaction with the customer, proximity to the customer, language capability, current availability, and the like. The method chooses the best available agent to service a customer call based on the agent rankings. In the case where the customer has a preference for proximity of the agent to the customer, the system adjusts the agent rankings according to the agent's distance from the customer prior to making a selection.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media of enrolling conferees to receive conferencing services. Methods to achieve the foregoing can comprise: receiving a request from the conference call host to enroll in conferencing services; receiving data representing a unique identifier relating to the conference call host; providing data representing access information to the enrolled conference call host, wherein the given conference call host can request access to a given conference call using the access information; and configuring a component of a system related to supporting the conference call to connect the conference call host directly to the conference call in response to recognition of the access information of and the unique identifier in a communication from the conference call host.

Abstract: Methods for entering hosts and participants into new or existing conference calls. The method can include receiving a call from a given caller at a VRU. The caller may be either a conference host or participant. The VRU obtains a conference code from the caller and forwards it to a proxy server, along with a request to the proxy server to enter the given caller into a conference call. The proxy server determines that the request from the VRU relates to conferencing services, and forwards the request from the VRU to a conference management system (CMS). The CMS determines whether the given caller is a conference host or a participant, and determines whether a participant has called in before the given caller and has provided a conference code that is related to the conference code entered by the given caller.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to conference calls and more specifically, to methods and apparatus for conducting conference calls using a conference system adapted to operated between a circuit-switched network and a packet-switched network. In one embodiment, a method for conducting conference calls using a conferencing system is disclosed. In another embodiment, a conferencing system is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for admitting conferees into a conference call. Methods to achieve the foregoing can comprise: receiving a request from the conferee for access to the conference call; obtaining data representing a unique identifier associated with the conferee; matching the data representing the unique identifier with data representing an identifier that was previously associated with the conferee; and connecting the conferee directly to the given conference call.

Abstract: A handwheel-operated device comprising a body, a handwheel and a chuck, the handwheel and the chuck being rotatable relative to the body, and the device further comprising a first motor operable to rotate the chuck, first sensor means responsive to rotation of the handwheel and first control means operable in conjunction with the first sensor means to cause the first motor to rotate the chuck in dependence upon an angular displacement and/or angular velocity of the handwheel.

Abstract: A handwheel-operated device comprising a fixed body, a handwheel and a moveable body, the handwheel being rotatable relative to the fixed body and the moveable body moveable relative to the fixed body, and the device further comprising a first motor operable to actuate the moveable body, first sensor means responsive to the rotation of the handwheel and first control means operable in conjunction with the first sensor means to cause the first motor to rotate upon an angular displacement and/or angular velocity of the handwheel.

Abstract: Automated system, method, and computer-readable medium for enabling at least one given caller, who may be either a hearing caller or a hearing-impaired caller, to access functionality associated with at least one resource, such as via a telephone number made available to both hearing callers and hearing-impaired callers. The automated systems can comprise at least one computer-based subsystem adapted at least to receive a call from the given caller; issue at least a first prompt in a first format that requests at least a first response; receive a response after issuing the prompt and the at least further prompt; and route the call so as to provide the given caller access to the at least one resource depending on an analysis of the response. The system can include platforms (specialized or standard) for handling transactions with either the hearing caller or the hearing-impaired caller. Methods and computer-readable media for executing these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand held battery powered vegetation trimmer, comprising a battery pack (4), which powers an electric motor (12) to generate a rotary output (22) and a cutting line (30) which is adapted to be rotatably driven by a line support structure (28). By introducing a reduction gear stage (24) between the motor output (22) and the line support structure (28) the speed at which the line (30) is rotated is reduced which substantially reduces the power consumption of the trimmer without reducing the cutting performance of the line.

Abstract: A vertically oriented tube bending apparatus includes a vertically oriented support frame, which takes up less floor space than the previously known tubing benders. A tube bending apparatus in accordance with the invention, generally, includes a support frame having a length, a width, and a height, wherein the greatest of these is the height. The apparatus further includes a tubing advance mechanism, attached to the support frame, for advancing a tubing workpiece along a substantially vertical path. A bend die is also provided which is rotatably attached to the support frame and pivotally movable about a pivot axis. The bend die has an outer side edge with an arcuate peripheral groove formed therein to receive a portion of a tubing workpiece. The apparatus also includes a pressure die movably attached to said support frame.

Abstract: A hand held battery powered vegetation trimmer includes a battery pack that powers an electric motor to generate a rotary output and a cutting line adapted to be rotatably driven by a line support structure. By introducing a reduction gear stage between the motor output and the line support structure, the speed at which the line is rotated is reduced which substantially reduces the power consumption of the trimmer without reducing the cutting performance of the line.

Abstract: An apparatus for bending and cutting metal tubing includes a support base and a number of components attached thereto. A bend die is rotatably attached to the support base, and is pivotally movable about a pivot axis. The bend die has a tube-receiving peripheral groove, and a first blade guide slot formed therein to receive a first portion of a blade therein. The apparatus also includes a pressure die which is movably attached to the support base, including a reciprocally movable first pressure applicator, and a follower slide which is slidably attached to the first pressure applicator. The follower slide clamps against a portion of tubing, substantially opposite the bend die. The follower slide also has a second blade guide slot formed therein, to recieve a second portion of the blade. The apparatus further includes a movable bend arm assembly for contacting and bending a tubing workpiece against the bend die. A blade holder is attached to the support base for holding and supporting a blade.

Abstract: A tube bending apparatus, comprising a tube holding mechanism; a first head member for substantially preventing lateral movement of a first portion of the tube; a unit for translating the tube along its longitudinal axis so as to be substantially adjacent the first head member; a unit for rotating the tube about its longitudinal axis; a bend arm member which is pivotally connected to the first head member; a drive mechanism for rotating the bend arm member so as to contact the tube for bending thereof; and wherein the drive mechanism comprises an electric motor and associated gearing for directly coupling the motor to the bend arm member.

Abstract: A clean fan debris collecting apparatus is disclosed in which the suction of debris is performed by an entrained stream of air (34). The apparatus comprises a motor (24) which drives an impeller (20) which generates at air steam which is directed down an air supply duct (6). The air stream is then directed into a collecting duct (4) through an air inlet (8) which is located adjacent to a collecting mouth (5) of the collecting duct. The air stream, upon entering the collecting duct (4) generates the entrained stream of air (34) which sucks debris into the collecting mouth (5) and transports it up the collecting duct (4) to a collecting bag (30). An air stream dispersing apparatus (26) is located adjacent to the air inlet (8) to disperse the air stream as it enters to collecting duct (4). This dispersion improves the efficiency with which the entrained stream of air can be generated. Alternatively the air inlet (8) can be formed to include the static air dispersing apparatus.

Abstract: A debris blowing apparatus with a motor, a fan driven by the motor, an inlet to the fan and an air outlet from the fan. A portion of the air which is emitted through the outlet is recycled through a metering aperture into the air inlet to maintain a constant load on fan whilst varying the air output.

Abstract: A debris blower and/or vacuum device is disclosed which comprises a motor unit which drives an impeller. When the device is to be used as a blower, a volute arrangement adopted for blowing in which the impeller is locatable is releasably attached to the motor unit. The blower volute includes an air inlet and an air outlet duct for expelling a stream of air created by the impeller. When the device is to be used as a vacuum, a volute arrangement adapted for vacuuming in which the impeller is locatable is releasably attached to the motor unit. The vacuum volute includes a suction duct for transporting debris to the impeller in an airstream created by the impeller and an air expelling duct for transporting debris away from the impeller in the stream of air to a collecting location.

Abstract: A blower vacuum device of the kind having a motor (2) which is located in a housing (4) and which drives an impeller (12) located in a the volute (16). The volute (16) has an air inlet (18) and an air outlet (20). When the device is used as a blower a blower attachment (28), formed in a single piece from a blower duct (28) and a grill (22), is releasably attached to the volute so that the grill (22) is attached over the air inlet of the volute and the blower duct (28) is attached over the air outlet. When the device is used as a vacuum, a vacuum attachment (36) which is formed in one piece from a suction duct (30) and a collecting bag duct (34) is releasably attached to the volute so that the suction duct (30) is attached over the air inlet and the collecting bag duct (34) is attached over the air outlet. This means that it is easy to change the device between a blowing mode and a vacuum mode by detaching a single piece blowing attachment from the device and replacing it with a single piece vacuum attachment.

Abstract: A blower vacuum comprising a motor (10) operated by a switch (16) and located in a housing (4), a fan (14) drivable by a motor, at least one attachment member (6,106) which covers the fan and which is releasably attachable to the housing, and a safety interlock located at the interface between the housing and the attachment member comprising an actuating means (53) for activating the switch only when the attachment member is attached to the housing and a locking means (54, 42) for locking the attachment member to the housing when the motor is switched on.