Abstract: A method for arranging assays in an order for execution in a system that employs a plurality of clinical analyzers, typically automated clinical analyzers.

Abstract: A human-to-avatar communication environment is disclosed in which a user comes into contact with a life-sized avatar simulating a sales assistant. The avatar communicates with the user to assist with product information, give advice, provide specifications, answer questions, and transact sales. By interacting with the user, the avatar may gather information from the user that indicates the user's interests. The avatar could assist the user by providing information that may include answering questions the user may have about certain products, directing the user to detailed information about the products, informing the user about the product that best suits the user's needs, informing the user of any complementary or popular accessories that go along with the product, helping the user purchase the products, and notifying the retail store's inventory to prepare the product for delivery or pick-up by the user.

Abstract: A latch securing member for use in maintaining a first connector having at least one latching arm in latching engagement with a second connector having at least one latch projection. The latch securing member has an inclined member which extends from proximate a front face to a rear wall, with the inclined member being positioned proximate a bottom wall at the front face and inclined toward a top surface. At least one securing arm extends from the rear wall toward the front face and is positioned proximate the top surface. The inclined member is positioned to cooperate with the latching arm of the first connector to prevent the latching arm from disengagement from the latching projection of the second connector. The securing arm cooperates with the latching arm to maintain the latch securing member in position relative to the latching arm.

Abstract: A latch securing member for use in maintaining a first connector having at least one latching arm in latching engagement with a second connector having at least one latch projection. The latch securing member has an inclined member which extends from proximate a front face to a rear wall, with the inclined member being positioned proximate a bottom wall at the front face and inclined toward a top surface. At least one securing arm extends from the rear wall toward the front face and is positioned proximate the top surface. The inclined member is positioned to cooperate with the latching arm of the first connector to prevent the latching arm from disengagement from the latching projection of the second connector. The securing arm cooperates with the latching arm to maintain the latch securing member in position relative to the latching arm.

Abstract: A filter element suitable for use as a cigarette filter includes at least one section of fibrous tow comprising at least one plasticizer, the plasticizer including a citric acid ester, such as triethyl citrate, present in an amount of no more than about 15 weight percent based on the total weight of the filter material, and an adsorbent material, such as a granular carbonaceous material. One exemplary filter element has two or more sections of cellulose acetate tow comprising triethyl citrate in an amount of no more than about 12 weight percent based on the total weight of the filter material, and a granular carbonaceous material dispersed within at least one section of cellulose acetate tow. Cigarettes incorporating the filter element and methods of extending shelf-life of cigarettes including an adsorbent material are also provided.

Abstract: A method for arranging assays in an order for execution in a system that employs a plurality of clinical analyzers, typically automated clinical analyzers.

Abstract: The invention is a method and related structure for providing operating system drivers during installation of the operating system, where those operating system drivers are provided by way of a virtual disk drive. Basic input/output system (BIOS) routines are adapted to support showing these operating system drivers as residing on a virtual disk drive within the system. The operating system drivers are stored in the unreserved ROM space of the computer. Further, multiple floppy images are stored in the ROM, and the BIOS is adapted to show only the floppy image appropriate for the operating system to be installed. The virtual drive contents may be those operating system drivers stored in the unreserved ROM, but also may be physically stored in RAM.

Abstract: Therapeutic formulations adapted for positive-pressure application for controlling biological fluid at a desired site in a subject, absorbent articles comprising therapeutic formulations, and anti-infective devices coated with therapeutic formulations, said formulations comprising about 25% to about 99% by weight liquid-crystal forming compound and 0% to about 75% by weight solvent. In addition, methods of using said formulations including methods for controlling biological fluid at a desired site in a subject, methods for controlling blood loss, and methods for facilitating effective closure of a vascular wound or incision site at a desired site in a subject are disclosed, the methods comprising administering particular formulations comprising liquid-crystal forming compounds and solvents that are described herein.

Abstract: Therapeutic formulations adapted for positive-pressure application for controlling biological fluid at a desired site in a subject, absorbent articles comprising therapeutic formulations, and anti-infective devices coated with therapeutic formulations, said formulations comprising about 25% to about 99% by weight liquid-crystal forming compound and 0% to about 75% by weight solvent. In addition, methods of using said formulations including methods for controlling biological fluid at a desired site in a subject, methods for controlling blood loss, and methods for facilitating effective closure of a vascular wound or incision site at a desired site in a subject are disclosed, the methods comprising administering particular formulations comprising liquid-crystal forming compounds and solvents that are described herein.

Abstract: A semisolid system and combination semisolid, multiparticulate system for controlling biological fluids is provided which includes a body fluid control composition. The body fluid control composition is adapted for utilization both as an independent mixture for direct topical application to body tissue for human or veterinary application and for incorporation with a standard medical products in order to facilitate absorption, moisture balance, hemostasis, infection control, and wound healing.

Abstract: A screen driver is included with other drivers provided by a vendor with a computer system The screen driver is picked up by the OS along with the other drivers at the beginning of the installation of the OS. The screen driver remains dormant until the first time a user logs into the computer system. At that time, the driver executes and retrieves screen data along with a program that displays the screen. The program also maintains the displayed screen on top of any other screens that might be generated subsequent to completion of the first log-in to maintain visibility to the user until the user has an opportunity to act on the display screen.

Abstract: A system comprising a CPU, a memory coupled to the CPU and used as storage for programs executable by the CPU, and a system management processor coupled to the CPU that selectively establishes hardware-based remote console sessions and software-based remote console sessions.

Abstract: Logging into a remote computer by way of a management processor to initiate a remote console session and switching between a default remote console session and a non-default remote console session.

Abstract: A cigarette smoking article achieves very low levels of CO and other gas phase components by means of substantial air dilution, but has an acceptable pressure drop and sufficient delivery of particulate matter to provide a flavorful smoke. The filter has two sections, an upstream section which has substantially no pressure drop thereacross and a downstream section which provides substantially all the pressure drop of the filter. Dilution air is admitted to the upstream section of the filter to mix with mainstream smoke before it passes through the downstream section of the filter and thereby reduce the CO and gas phase levels in the smoke.