Abstract: Methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, are described for developing workflow processes associated with data-encoded tags. A server receives tag data associated with each of a plurality of data-encoded tags from one or more mobile devices capable of reading data-encoded tags. The server generates a collection of tags to include each of the plurality of data-encoded tags. The server develops a workflow process associated with the collection of tags using the received tag data, and stores the workflow process in a data storage module.

Abstract: A method for collecting data for geometric modeling of a physical object which includes: providing a first housing; providing an aperture in the first housing; providing a source of light within the housing that is strong enough to be perceptible in the ambient conditions at the aperture; providing a video recorder in a second housing; providing a rigid follower dimensioned and configured for following the surface of the physical object; rigidly fixing the rigid follower to one of the housings; and translating the follower along the surface of the physical object and simultaneously using the video recorder to video record the path of the aperture. Other embodiments of the present invention also include a method for guiding a tool. Still other embodiments of the present invention include a method for replicating a part.

Abstract: A method for generating and adjusting an image obtained based on computed tomography data using a non-linear blending function is provided. In one embodiment of the method, first image data is obtained using a first X-ray energy, and second image data is obtained using a second X-ray image energy. An image is generated by blending the first and second image data using the non-linear function. The first X-ray energy and the second X-ray energy are different.

Abstract: A pad assembly includes a carrier plate, a backing plate to one side of which is secured at least one friction pad and which is mounted on its alternate side on the carrier plate, a spring acting between the carrier plate and the backing plate and allowing for limited rocking and/or linear movement of the backing plate relative to the carrier plate against the action of the spring. A plurality of transmitting members are secured to one or the other of the carrier plate or the backing plate and project to engage the other so as to enable the transmission of force between the two plates. The arrangement of the force transmitting members is such that at least two of the force transmitting members are generally equiangularly arranged about the geometric center of the carrier plate.

Abstract: A method for generating and adjusting an image obtained based on computed tomography data using a non-linear blending function is provided. In one embodiment of the method, first image data is obtained using a first X-ray energy, and second image data is obtained using a second X-ray image energy. An image is generated by blending the first and second image data using the non-linear function. The first X-ray energy and the second X-ray energy are different.

Abstract: A pad assembly includes a carrier plate, a backing plate to one side of which is secured at least one friction pad and which is mounted on its alternate side on the carrier plate, a spring acting between the carrier plate and the backing plate and allowing for limited rocking and/or linear movement of the backing plate relative to the carrier plate against the action of the spring. A plurality of transmitting members are secured to one or the other of the carrier plate or the backing plate and project to engage the other so as to enable the transmission of force between the two plates. The arrangement of the force transmitting members is such that at least two of the force transmitting members are generally equiangularly arranged about the geometric center of the carrier plate.

Abstract: An analysis method for identifying and counting particles expressing a specific antigenic marker is proposed. One example (but not exclusive) is CD4+ T-lymphocyte analysis in blood. The method comprises obtaining a sample comprising particles in suspension, labeling the particles expressing the specific marker with an impedance label, and measuring the labeled sample using a dual frequency system to discriminate at least the labeled particles expressing the specific marker. The method allows an accurate count of particles e.g. the number CD4+ T-lymphocytes in a blood flow. A corresponding device is also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for establishing and enforcing row level database security are presented. Qualifiers are used to uniquely identify particular rows of a database table. The qualifiers are selectively combined to generate a hash value. The hash value is associated with a user. The user is permitted to accesses selective rows of the database table in response to the rows represented in the hash value, which is associated with the user.

Abstract: A method implemented in an electronic communication system associated with a settlement house for settling an electronic transaction between a customer and a merchant. The communication system receives through a first electronic communication path a first account identifier of a first account associated with the customer and a transaction amount from the merchant, contacts the customer through a second electronic communication path to allow the customer to select a payment method, and sends through a third electronic communication path the transaction amount and a second account identifier of a second account associated with the customer to a financial services provider associated with the payment method.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides systems and methods, which allow a more efficient shopping experience. A cascading commerce menu provides access to a plurality of product, service, and/or content categories. In one embodiment, the cascading commerce menu is stored on a client computer, thereby providing quick access to the menu.

Abstract: A method for electronic transaction settlement includes a customer providing an account identifier and contact information to a merchant, the merchant contacting a settlement house and transmitting the account identifier and a transaction amount, the settlement house contacting the customer, preferably via a mobile communication device. The customer then chooses a payment method such as a credit card and the settlement house contacts a credit provider for authorization. If the settlement house receives an authorization, the settlement house transmits it to the client, who approves the amount. The settlement house then completes the transaction with the credit provider and the merchant's bank.

Abstract: An electronic communication system associated with a settlement house for settling an electronic transaction between a customer and a merchant. The communication system is configured to receive through a first electronic communication path a first account identifier of a first account associated with the customer and a transaction amount from the merchant, contact the customer through a second electronic communication path to allow the customer to select a payment method, and send through a third electronic communication path the transaction amount and a second account identifier of a second account associated with the customer to a financial services provider associated with the payment method.

Abstract: An electronic communication system associated with a settlement house for settling an electronic transaction between a customer and a merchant. The communication system is configured to receive through a first electronic communication path a first account identifier of a first account associated with the customer and a transaction amount from the merchant, contact the customer through a second electronic communication path to allow the customer to select a payment method, and send through a third electronic communication path the transaction amount and a second account identifier of a second account associated with the customer to a financial services provider associated with the payment method.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides systems and methods, which allow a more efficient shopping experience. A cascading commerce menu provides access to a plurality of product, service, and/or content categories. In one embodiment, the cascading commerce menu is stored on a client computer, thereby providing quick access to the menu.

Abstract: There is provided processes for the preparation of various compounds, including compounds of formulae I, IV and VII, or salts and/or solvates thereof, which compounds are useful intermediates in the synthesis of certain oxabispidines having antiarrhythmic activity, such as compounds of formula XI wherein R1?, R15?, R16?, R18? and D have meanings given in the description.

Abstract: A system for controlling water flow through a shower head includes a shower mat made of resilient material having a transmitter, an electrical power supply, and a switch embedded and hermetically sealed therein. The switch, when activated by a bather, sends a power pulse provided by the power supply to the transmitter, which transmits a control signal in response to each received power pulse. Separate from the shower mat, the system also includes a low-voltage DC power source, a receiver powered by the power source, and control logic which alternately activates and deactivates a driver transistor of a solenoid control circuit in response to the receipt of control signals received by the receiver from the transmitter. A solenoid-controlled valve in line with water flow to the shower head has a control solenoid with an input that is coupled to the low-voltage power source through the driver transistor.

Abstract: Apparatus for permanent placement across an ostium of a left atrial appendage in a patient, which includes a filtering membrane configured to extend across the ostium of the left atrial appendage. The filtering membrane has a permeable structure which allows blood to flow through but substantially inhibits thrombus from passing therethrough. The apparatus also includes a support structure comprising a plurality of fingers which are radially outwardly expandable with respect to a longitudinal axis to permanently engage the interior wall of the left atrial appendage, wherein the filtering membrane is attached to the support structure extending across the ostium of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for registering a wireless network's identity using a central server. The central server receives a request for registration of an identifier of a wireless network. If the identifier has not been previously registered, the central server creates an association between the identifier and the wireless network, which is stored in a database maintained by the central server. The present invention also discloses a method for verifying a wireless network's identity by a wireless device. A central server comprising a database is provided, which registers an identifier of the wireless network. The central server receives from a wireless device an authentication request of the identifier. The authentication request arrives through a gateway of the wireless network. The central server then authenticates the identifier.

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods to communicatively couple field devices to controllers in a process control system are disclosed. An example method of changing a communication protocol of a first field device in a process control system includes decoupling from the first field device a first removable communication module configured to communicate using a first communication protocol. The example method also includes coupling to the first field device a second removable communication module configured to communicate using a second communication protocol. After coupling the second removable communication module, the first field device is configured to communicate using the second communication protocol.