Abstract: In one non-limiting embodiment, an apparatus is provided wherein the apparatus has a shell defining an interior volume, the shell having a first flange and a second flange. The apparatus may also be configured with an end cap having a connection flange, the end cap connected to the shell at the second flange. The apparatus may also be tunable to allow different heat amounts to be generated and exposed to fluid carried in tubes within the interior volume.

Abstract: Techniques have been developed whereby an actuary-manipulable rating model may be defined and transformed into executable form using automated techniques. By allowing business users to define, review and revise rating models using familiar methodologies and constructs (such as factor tables) and by providing an automated facility for transformation of the rating model into an efficient executable form, systems and techniques in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention facilitate rapid deployment and update of insurance product offerings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating a pulmonary bacterial infection comprising bacteria growing under anaerobic conditions using a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. The fluoroquinolone antibiotic may, for example, be levofloxacin or ofloxacin. Also disclosed are methods of inhibiting bacteria growing under anaerobic conditions by exposing the bacteria to an amount of fluoroquinolone antibiotic effective to inhibit growth of said bacteria.

Abstract: Techniques have been developed whereby an actuary-manipulable rating model may be defined and transformed into executable form using automated techniques. By allowing business users to define, review and revise rating models using familiar methodologies and constructs (such as factor tables) and by providing an automated facility for transformation of the rating model into an efficient executable form, systems and techniques in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention facilitate rapid deployment and update of insurance product offerings.

Abstract: An automatic downhole jetting system for advancing a string and automatically operating a valve mechanism upon contact with a restriction in a wellbore. A jetting unit receives a working fluid, and an activation unit slidably engaged with the jetting unit. The jetting unit includes the valve mechanism for controlling fluid flow out through angled jet ports or through the activation unit. The activation unit can move toward the jetting unit upon contact with a restriction in the wellbore. The activation unit activates the valve mechanism, thereby allowing fluid to flow past the activation unit to remove the restriction. Upon removal of the restriction, the fluid flow deactivates the valve mechanism, thereby closing fluid flow past the activation unit and continuing jetting operation.

Abstract: A hybrid touch-screen display that integrates force-based touch-screen technology with any one from among a group of projective capacitive, surface capacitive, resistive, digital resistive, SAW, IR, APR, DST, optical and electromagnetic touch-screen technologies to provide an ability to compensate for non-perfect force transfer. An alternate implementation is also disclosed that employs a single force sensor for relative force measurement in a system in which force is traditionally not measured, here a water dispenser unit. This allows compensation for varying static loads, run-time calibration, and filtering of extraneous loads through firmware.

Abstract: The present invention is an automatic downhole jetting system for advancing a string and automatically operating a valve mechanism upon contact with a restriction in a wellbore. The system includes a jetting unit that receives a working fluid, and an activation unit slidably engaged with the jetting unit. The jetting unit includes the valve mechanism for controlling fluid flow out through angled jet ports or through the activation unit. The activation unit can move toward the jetting unit upon contact with a restriction in the wellbore. The activation unit activates the valve mechanism, thereby allowing fluid to flow past the activation unit to remove the restriction. Upon removal of the restriction, the fluid flow deactivates the valve mechanism, thereby closing fluid flow past the activation unit and continuing jetting operation.

Abstract: A prone cart for transporting a patient in a hospital or clinic setting is provided. The prone cart includes a frame having a pair of extension slides coupled thereto and first and second sets of wheels. An upper portion includes first and second moveably adjustable trays operably coupled to said extension slides. The second tray includes a plurality of apertures in at least one side rail and the first tray includes at least one locking spring pin operably receivable by one of said plurality of apertures. The prone cart also includes a patient support surface.

Abstract: A hybrid touch-screen display that integrates force-based touch-screen technology with any one from among a group of projective capacitive, surface capacitive, resistive, digital resistive, SAW, IR, APR, DST, optical and electromagnetic touch-screen technologies to provide an ability to compensate for non-perfect force transfer. An alternate implementation is also disclosed that employs a single force sensor for relative force measurement in a system in which force is traditionally not measured, here a water dispenser unit. This allows compensation for varying static loads, run-time calibration, and filtering of extraneous loads through firmware.

Abstract: A hybrid touch-screen display that integrates force-based touch-screen technology with any one from among a group of projective capacitive, surface capacitive, resistive, digital resistive, SAW, IR, APR, DST, optical and electromagnetic touch-screen technologies to provide an ability to compensate for non-perfect force transfer. An alternate implementation is also disclosed that employs a single force sensor for relative force measurement in a system in which force is traditionally not measured, here a water dispenser unit. This allows compensation for varying static loads, run-time calibration, and filtering of extraneous loads through firmware.

Abstract: A prone cart for transporting a patient in a hospital or clinic setting is provided. The prone cart includes a frame having a pair of extension slides coupled thereto and first and second sets of wheels. An upper portion includes first and second moveably adjustable trays operably coupled to said extension slides. The second tray includes a plurality of apertures in at least one side rail and the first tray includes at least one locking spring pin operably receivable by one of said plurality of apertures. The prone cart also includes a patient support surface.

Abstract: A hybrid touch-screen display that integrates force-based touch-screen technology with any one from among a group of projective capacitive, surface capacitive, resistive, digital resistive, SAW, IR, APR, DST, optical and electromagnetic touch-screen technologies to provide an ability to compensate for non-perfect force transfer. An alternate implementation is also disclosed that employs a single force sensor for relative force measurement in a system in which force is traditionally not measured, here a water dispenser unit. This allows compensation for varying static loads, run-time calibration, and filtering of extraneous loads through firmware.

Abstract: An electrical heater has first and second heater elements, each having a hairpin-shaped metal tube with an upstream and a downstream leg and tube ends adjacent each other. An electrical resistance wire surrounded by insulation powder extends through the tube. Electrical terminals join to the wire and protrude from each of the tube ends. Conduits enclose the upstream and the downstream legs of the heater elements, providing a continuous annular flow path. A manifold has heater element passages for end portion of the legs. An inlet passage in the manifold leads from an exterior portion of the manifold to the annular flow path surrounding the upstream leg of the first heater element. A transfer passage within the manifold leads from the annular flow path surrounding the downstream leg of the first heater element to the annular flow path surrounding the upstream leg of the second heater element.

Abstract: A suspension system for a differential-pressure touch sensitive panel suspended over force sensors, for use in either fixed or mobile devices such as point of sales terminals, kiosks, laptops, monitors, PDAs, cell phones, UMPCs and more. In one embodiment, a number of leaf springs are attached directly to the touch lens at both ends and attached directly to the underlying housing at the center, effectively pulling the leaf spring down at the center into a concave arc. The spring bias preloads the touch lens downward against the force sensors. The leaf springs bring the touch lens into a fixed state in the xy-plane and resist translation; however, the touch lens remains free to float against the bias of the leaf spring(s) without any frictional physical contact along the z-axis.

Abstract: A hybrid touch-screen display that integrates force-based touch-screen technology with any one from among a group of projective capacitive, surface capacitive, resistive, digital resistive, SAW, IR, APR, DST, optical and electromagnetic touch-screen technologies to provide an ability to compensate for non-perfect force transfer. An alternate implementation is also disclosed that employs a single force sensor for relative force measurement in a system in which force is traditionally not measured, here a water dispenser unit. This allows compensation for varying static loads, run-time calibration, and filtering of extraneous loads through firmware.

Abstract: An electrical heater has first and second heater elements, each having a hairpin-shaped metal tube with an upstream and a downstream leg and tube ends adjacent each other. An electrical resistance wire surrounded by insulation powder extends through the tube. Electrical terminals join to the wire and protrude from each of the tube ends. Conduits enclose the upstream and the downstream legs of the heater elements, providing a continuous annular flow path. A manifold has heater element passages for end portion of the legs. An inlet passage in the manifold leads from an exterior portion of the manifold to the annular flow path surrounding the upstream leg of the first heater element. A transfer passage within the manifold leads from the annular flow path surrounding the downstream leg of the first heater element to the annular flow path surrounding the upstream leg of the second heater element.

Abstract: Techniques have been developed whereby an actuary-manipulable rating model may be defined and transformed into executable form using automated techniques. By allowing business users to define, review and revise rating models using familiar methodologies and constructs (such as factor tables) and by providing an automated facility for transformation of the rating model into an efficient executable form, systems and techniques in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention facilitate rapid deployment and update of insurance product offerings.

Abstract: A suspension system for mounting a touch surface of a pressure sensitive touch display or panel. The suspension system comprises a frame and a flexible suspension membrane connected to the touch surface and the frame, the membrane allowing frictionless movement of the touch surface along the z-axis and resisting movement of the touch surface within the x-y plane. At least one force sensor is connected beneath the touch surface, whereby the touch surface is pre-loaded against the at least one force sensor.

Abstract: A suspension system for a differential-pressure touch sensitive panel suspended over force sensors, for use in either fixed or mobile devices such as point of sales terminals, kiosks, laptops, monitors, PDAs, cell phones, UMPCs and more. In one embodiment, a number of leaf springs are attached directly to the touch lens at both ends and attached directly to the underlying housing at the center, effectively pulling the leaf spring down at the center into a concave arc. The spring bias preloads the touch lens downward against the force sensors. The leaf springs bring the touch lens into a fixed state in the xy-plane and resist translation; however, the touch lens remains free to float against the bias of the leaf spring(s) without any frictional physical contact along the z-axis.

Abstract: Techniques have been developed whereby an actuary-manipulable rating model may be defined and transformed into executable form using automated techniques. By allowing business users to define, review and revise rating models using familiar methodologies and constructs (such as factor tables) and by providing an automated facility for transformation of the rating model into an efficient executable form, systems and techniques in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention facilitate rapid deployment and update of insurance product offerings.