Abstract: A tracking device is disclosed for communication of location coordinate information. In one embodiment, the tracking device includes a signal transceiver device, a location coordinate acquisition device, and a computational processor activated and deactivated in accordance with a subscriber service usage profile. The location coordinate acquisition device generates a position fix of the tracking device and a signal transceiver device reports the position fix to a location tracking server. A flash memory device stores a zone management map. In accordance with a fix reporting period based at least in part on a subscriber service usage application including or accessing the subscriber service usage profile, an internal clock activates or deactivates the signal transceiver device, the computational processor, and/or the location coordinate acquisition device.

Abstract: An algorithm is disclosed for performing alien-wavelength channel balancing on channels between optical network elements within an optic-fiber communications system. The algorithm determines initial values of various optimization parameters for each of the channels, such as the input launch power and operating conditions of optical amplifiers in the optical path, and calculates an initial total optimization offset for the channels based on the initial values of the optimization parameters for each of the channels. The algorithm then adjusts the optimization parameters to new values and calculates a new total optimization offset based on the new optimization parameter values. The algorithm repeats this process until the relative channel launch powers and optical amplifiers are optimized.

Abstract: An algorithm is disclosed for performing channel balancing on channels between optical network elements within an optic-fiber communications system. The algorithm groups at least a portion of the channels into channel pairs, differentially adjusts the transmitter output power level of each of the channel pairs until the bit error ratio (BER) of at least one channel in each of the channel pairs exceeds a threshold, and records a respective power margin for each of the channels as the difference between the initial and final power levels. From the recorded power margins, a mean power margin is determined that is used to shift the transmitter output power level of each of the channels.

Abstract: An apparatus to monitor location coordinates of an electronic tracking device. The apparatus includes a transceiver, a signal processor, an accelerometer, and an antenna. The antenna communicates signal strength, to the signal processor associated with the electronic tracking device. In response to signal strength, a battery power monitor controls battery usage by electronic circuitry associated with the electronic tracking device. An accelerometer provides a supplemental location tracking system to improve tracking accuracy of a primary location tracking system of the electronic tracking device.

Abstract: A presentation system comprises a personal computer (PC) (1) and a display arrangement (3). The display arrangement (3) includes a large main monitor (5) and four small satellite monitors (7a-7d) arranged around the main monitor. Each monitor (5, 7a-7d) is a thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) and is separately connected to the PC (1) by a respective cable and video driver (not shown). An operating system is stored on the PC (1), as are two application programs, referred to herein as the interactive process visualisation (IPV) program and the multi-monitor support (MMS) program. The IPV program is an application which enables the user to show a presentation in the main monitor (5). This presentation can include a range of media, such as images, animations, video streams and so on. In addition, the IPV program is arranged to run an executable command which invokes one or more instantiations of the MMS program.

Abstract: An apparatus to package an electronic device. The apparatus includes a composite plastic package that is durable to environmental conditions. In particular, a mold process to produce a plastic composite material package and support an electronic component inserted therein. At least one injection nozzle supplies a specified level of plastic composite material into the mold to produce a substantially hermetically sealed package. A multi-patch antenna provides increased receiver sensitivity. An inductive battery power option provides a user flexibility to charge a tracking device and communicate near-field signals and energy with a tracking monitoring station.

Abstract: New compounds that bind to monoamine transporters are described. The compounds of the present invention can be racemic or pure R— or S-enantiomers. Certain preferred compounds of the present invention have a high selectively dopamine transporter versus the serotonin transporter. Preferred monoamine transporters for the practice of the present invention include the dopamine transporter, the serotonin transporter and the norepinephrine transporter.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a tank includes a cap shell and a cylindrical insert connected by a lost motion connection defining a first stop and a second stop for relative axial movement. A dome extends inwardly from the cylindrical insert and includes an orifice defining a valve seat. A stem includes a mating edge for engaging the valve seat. The mating edge abuts the valve seat and displaces the dome axially to seal the orifice at the first stop, and is spaced from the valve seat to at the second stop. Opening the valve allows vapor to vent from the tank along a tortuous path defined through an aperture and between the cap shell and the cylindrical insert. The aperture is open or sealed with the valve depending on the relative position of the cap shell and cylindrical insert.

Abstract: A coordinating push and user-initiated synchronization method and system. Initially, changes to a local application data store are detected and records affected by the change are identified. At some point, a record affected by a detected change is pushed to a remote system where it is ascertained whether the pushed record, in its current form as affected by the detected change, has already been replicated in or deleted from a remote application data store through user-initiated synchronization. If not, the pushed record is used to update the remote application data store. Instead, at some point it may be ascertained whether the identified record, in its current form as affected by the detected change, has been replicated in or deleted from the remote application data store through push synchronization as just described. If not, the remote application data store is synchronized with the local application data store.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a permeable, hollow membrane (7) in an arrangement of the type wherein a pressure differential is applied across the wall of the permeable, hollow membrane (7) immersed in a liquid suspension, the liquid suspension being applied to the outer surface of the permeable hollow membrane to induce and sustain filtration through the membrane wall, the method of cleaning comprising the step of producing mechanical agitation between the membrane and the liquid suspension to dislodge at least some of the solids retained in or on the membrane. Application of the pressure differential by force of gravity applied to the liquid is also disclosed.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for interfacing business processes with telephony functions. Particularly, an orchestration engine is interposed between a business process engine that executes business processes and an enterprise telecommunications network that executes telephony functions. Acting as an intermediary between the business process engine and the telecommunications network, the orchestration engine decouples the atomic telephony functions that are required for a business application from the business logic that is used in features that comprise one or more business processes. Thus, a new protocol state, feature, or algorithm change is isolated to a single and easy-to-develop location in software.

Abstract: A method for providing a wireless telephone service includes providing a wireless handset having an associated telephone number, and a dedicated programmable wireless switch coupled to a public switched telephone network and a billing server. The handset communicates with the switch to place and receive calls to and from selected telephone numbers on respective ones of a secured list, and optionally, a dependent list. Two billing accounts are associated with the handset, a secured account having a password and the telephone numbers of the secured list associated with it, and a dependent account having a password and the telephone numbers of the dependent list, if any, associated with it. Completed incoming calls to or from the handset in which the telephone number of the caller or the number being called corresponds to a number of the secured and dependent lists are debited to the secured and dependent accounts, respectively, and calls to and from other numbers are billed to the dependent account.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new class of triazolopyridine derivatives, to their use as antimicrobials, and to pharmaceuticals containing these compounds.

Abstract: A method for intrusion detection in an optical fiber communication network. The method includes at a first location on an optical fiber segment, receiving a set of multiple optical signals having wavelengths differing from each other, measuring received signal power for each of the received multiple optical signals, and repeating the receiving and the measuring steps. Each optical signal in the repeated steps has same wavelength as corresponding received optical signal in the initial steps. The method further includes computing a signal power loss between each received optical signal in the repeated set and the corresponding optical signal in the initial set, fitting a curve of signal power loss vs. wavelength to the computed signal power losses using a statistical analysis, and if the signal power loss of the curve over a preselected wavelength band is at least as great as a preselected minimum loss level, providing intrusion notification.

Abstract: An assembly comprises a male component and a female component which connect together to form a mechanical connection, the female component being adapted to at least partially receive an end portion of the male component. The female component has at least one bore which is adapted to receive a clamping pin which can be tightened to clamp the female component around the male component. A guide is provided which is carried by the male component and which defines at least one blocking region and one opening region, the opening region being aligned with the at least one bore in the female component to permit insertion of the clamping pin into the bore when the male component and female component are correctly aligned and the blocking region otherwise preventing insertion of the clamping pin when the male component is inserted into the female component with an incorrect alignment. The guide assists in achieving correct alignment of the male and female components during assembly.

Abstract: A prescription dispensing system having a dispensing station for holding an inventory of prescription medications, a secure internet connection to the dispensing station for access by a potential prescription medication recipient, by healthcare personnel in a physician office and by pharmacy personnel at the pharmacy distribution center in a remote location, at least two webcams for visual and auditory communication between the location of the dispensing station and the pharmacy personnel via the internet to allow identification of the correct medication, identification and communication with the correct potential prescription medication recipient, and visual validation and recording of all documentation from the physician's office or potential prescription medication recipient, and a biometric reader disposed at the dispensing station for identifying a potential prescription medication recipient.

Abstract: A service creation switch (114) supports both tightly coupled and loosely distributed application server (AS) (126) functions, with the tightly coupled AS (126) functions residing in the switch (114), and the loosely coupled AS (126) functions carried out in a service level executable environment (SLEE) (34). The SLEE (134) utilizes DLLs to facilitate the distribution of services over a packet network.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel glass ionomer type dental cement composition comprising a first component comprising an aqueous solution of polymers made from monomers comprising acrylic acid, and a second, preferably substantially anhydrous, component comprising alkaline glass flux in a medium comprising water soluble/miscible monomers or pre-polymers, of such monomers, having at least one —OH group per molecule. The compositions offer more convenient handling, excellent reproducibility of desired properties of the cured material, improved strength, and extended shelf life.

Abstract: A friction-based resistance exercise device is disclosed. In an embodiment, the exercise device includes an elongated track, and a cuff slidably mounted on the track and shaped to provide a grip that is parallel to the track. The cuff includes a set of guide wheels and at least one friction mechanism for providing an adjustable friction-based resistance to movement of the cuff on the track. In some embodiments, the exercise device includes one or more handles extending laterally from the device, attached to the cuff and/or a head mechanism at a distal end of the track.

Abstract: The TAN HAND is a product designed to make the application of suntan oil/lotion easy and cleaner. The TAN HAND's unique construction makes reaching all hard areas of the body a spray away. Just pump the TAN HAND's trigger to release your favorite suntan oil/lotion onto a soft spongy applicator. Then apply. When finished with your tanning session just rinse the TAN HAND's hand in water and slip on its glove for storage. Then you will ready for your next day in the sun. When you need a friend in the sand, the TAN HAND.