Abstract: Software can be automatically distributed in stages. An administrator can specify a stage indicating software to be distributed to nodes in a network. The nodes can be organized into groups. The administration functions can be performed via an application service provider scenario. For example, a browser-based user interface can be used to configure nodes and indicate an appropriate software stage for the nodes. Agent software at a node can query a data center to discover what software is appropriate. Software of the proper stage can be provided and installed. The software can be provided via an application service provider scenario, and automatic installation can be achieved even if the nodes are behind a firewall. A versionless arrangement can be implemented.

Abstract: A system and method for remote monitoring one or more liquid chemical delivery systems and/or tools associated with the fabrication and/or manufacturing of electronic/semiconductor components. Such a system and method allows the operator to quickly and accurately verify the status of each delivery system and tool with respect to liquid condition, alarms, problem situations, and other indications from one convenient location.

Abstract: Software can be acquired via a distributed server arrangement. Software designated as to be installed at a set of nodes can be acquired from a local peer node. Nodes can include agents that periodically query a data center to discover software designated as to be installed on the node. The designated software can then be acquired via one or more references to peer nodes. The nodes can periodically update the data center to accurately indicate which software is available at the nodes. Proxy server nodes can serve as liaisons between a data center and other nodes that lack direct network access to the data center. Various aspects can be performed within an application service provider scenario. If desired, any node can be designated as a sharing peer node, a proxy server node, or both.

Abstract: A system and method for applying for a credit card, preferably at a point of sale, is disclosed. The system employs an automated interactive voice response system preferably sponsored by a credit card issuer. The user calls into the system using a standard telephone, and enters credit assessment information about the customer using the key pad of the telephone in response to verbal questions posed by the system. In one embodiment, only numeric information concerning the customer is entered, such as the customer's social security number. This credit assessment information is used to retrieve a credit report or score from a credit bureau database, which is used by the system to electronically decide whether to issue credit and to what extent and to establish a customer account. The system verbally provides information to the user regarding the credit assessment so that the customer's credit purchase can be quickly consummated.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of formula I: 1

Abstract: Software can be administered via an application service provider scenario. An administrator can specify configuration directives to be implemented at nodes in a network. The nodes can be organized into groups. The configuration directives can be organized into policies. The administration functions can be performed via an application service provider scenario. For example, a browser-based user interface can be used to configure nodes and indicate appropriate settings, software, or behavior for the nodes. Agent software at a node can query a data center to discover and implement the configuration directives. More than one organization can be serviced by an application service provider.

Abstract: Poly(1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate)s, especially poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate), are prepared from at least one relatively non-volatile diol, such as 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid by an esterification process in the presence of a catalyst, at a maximum temperature of about 260°. In one embodiment the procedure employs a two-step process, the second of which may be performed in the melt or in the solid state. A volatile diol such as ethylene glycol may also be present.

Abstract: An executable is executed on a computer via a software component with customization data. The software component can be embedded in a document such as a web page. The software component may be, for example, an ActiveX control or a Java applet. The executable can be a remote deployment utility for installing software. To perform a remote deployment operation, such as an installation, uninstall, or update, on client computers on a network, instructions are sent from an administrator computer to plural client computers on the network. The plural client computers can be located in different domains. The remote deployment operation is then performed on the client computers. A remote deployment operation may be performed using a downloaded remote deployment utility.

Abstract: Supermolecular structures and devices made from same. Semiconductor materials and devices are manufactured and provided which use controlled, discrete distribution of and positioning of single impurity atoms or molecules within a host matrix to take advantage of single charge effects. Single-dopant pn junctions and single-dopant bipolar cells are created. Each bipolar cell can function as a bistable device or an oscillator, depending on operating temperature. The cells can be used alone or in an array to make useful devices by adding an insulating substrate and contact electrodes.

Abstract: A bond pad support structure for a semiconductor device comprises at least two metal layers subjacent an uppermost passivation layer on the device. An opening through the passivation layer exposes a top surface of a top metal layer. A metal feature is formed in an insulating layer, disposed between the two metal layers, and divides the insulating layer into a plurality of discrete sections. The metal feature includes a plurality of intersecting metal-filled recesses that interconnect the two metal layers. At least a portion of the metal feature is disposed within a cross-sectional area defined as a perimeter of a periphery of the opening.

Abstract: A method of identifying a peptide which permits or facilitates the transport of an active agent through a human or animal tissue. A predetermined amount of phage from a random phage library or preselected phage library is plated unto or brought into contact with a first side, preferably the apical side, of a tissue sample or polarized tissue cell culture. At a predetermined time, the phage which is transported to a second side of the tissue opposite the first side, preferably the basolateral side, is harvested to select transported phage. This modified phage is amplified in a host. This cycle of events is repeated (using the transported phage produced in the most recent cycle) a predetermined number of times to obtain a selected phage library containing phage which can be transported from the first side to the second side.

Abstract: A process for the production of polycarbonate by melt-polycondensing an aromatic dihydroxy compound and diphenylcarbonate, the process comprising adding the to polycarbonate under melt conditions a compound of the formula (1): wherein R1 and R3 may be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of alkoxy, phenoxy, benzoxy, aryloxy, phenyl and aryl groups, R2 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, phenyl, aryl, or aralkyl groups.

Abstract: Data items contained in personal information are displayed in manner that is indicative of both the importance and the urgency of the data items. A first visual cue is assigned to the data item based on an importance of the data item. The first visual cue may cause more important items to be displayed with increased size and less important items to be displayed with decreased size. A second visual cue is assigned to the data item based on an urgency of the data item. The second visual cue may cause more urgent items to be displayed in a first color and less important items to be displayed in a second color. The data item is displayed using the first and second visual cue as to provide a visual indication as to both the importance and urgency of the data item.

Abstract: Block copolyestercarbonates may be prepared by first conducting a reaction between at least one of resorcinol or an alkyl- or haloresorcinol and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid dichloride, preferably isophthaloyl dichloride, terephthaloyl dichloride or a mixture thereof, to produce a hydroxy-terminated polyester intermediate, and then conducting a reaction of the intermediate with a carbonate precursor, preferably in the presence of a dihydroxy compound such as bisphenol A. The products have excellent physical properties, including a high degree of weatherability. They may be blended with other polymers such as polycarbonates, poly(alkylene carboxylates), polyarylates, polyetherimides, and addition polymers to improve the weatherability thereof.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a system is provided that includes a first device that can store data and transfer data. The first device is capable of transferring data at a first rate, although the first device may transfer data at other rates. An intermediate storage location is coupled to the first device, and a second device is coupled to the first device and to the intermediate storage location. The second device includes a processor that is adapted to execute a computer program that requires data to be transferred to the processor at a second rate which is lower than the first rate. Computer program code is provided that can initiate the transfer of data at the first rate from the first device to the intermediate storage location and that can initiate the transfer of data at the second rate from the intermediate storage location to the processor.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a measuring tape for measuring the torso girth of a user, the tape comprising a separable fastening that, when fastened, creates a loop of tape that extends in use around the user's torso without support from the user's hands, a link co-operable with the tape allowing the circumference of the loop to be adjusted or varied when around the user's torso, and girth indicia co-operable with the link to indicate the circumference of the loop. The link maintains a securing tension on the loop to secure the loop around the torso but allows expansion of the loop when the user expands her torso during said measurement, and resists variation of the loop circumference when the fastening is unfastened after use. In this way, the circumference of the loop can be read by the user after use with reference to the girth indicia A method for measuring the torso girth of a user by means of the present invention is also contemplated.

Abstract: A plurality of separate customers can enter into separate agreements with a vendor who provides application services to the customer via provider. A plurality of vendors can sell services hosted by a single application service provider to different customers. The provider vendor-brands portions of the application services supplied to a customer. The vendor-brand presentation perceived by a customer is of the vendor who contracts to provide those services to the customer. Because of the vendor-branded presentation, a specific customer may be unaware that the provider is hosting the vendor-branded application service. A data center is used to provide information about administered software, customers and vendors.

Abstract: A package with a label, wherein the material of which the label, label adhesive and/or top coating is made comprises UV absorbers to protect the product's colorant dye and other organic compounds. The package may contain translucent or transparent consumer product, such as an aqueous heavy duty liquid having colorant dye. The package may itself be transparent or translucent.

Abstract: A translucent or transparent aqueous heavy duty liquid in a clear bottle comprising colorant dye and fluorescent dye and/or UV absorber to protect said colorant dye.

Abstract: Methods of obtaining directional information of a solvent-accessible surface of an atom or molecule are described. Also disclosed are methods for simulating the kinetic behavior of a solute molecule in a solvent are also described. The methods utilize a representation of the solvent-accessible surface of the solute molecule which includes information on the geometric orientation of the surface relative to the molecule, and using the representation in a corrected kinetic model to simulate the kinetic behavior of the solute molecule in the solvent.