Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for measuring forces in the space of a knee during surgery. Such forces can be caused by tension in the ligaments of the knee. A femoral member is engaged with a distal femur. While the knee is flexed, partially extended, or fully extended, a force sensor and a gauge shim can be placed in the gap between the femoral member and the tibial plateau to measure the forces therebetween. The force sensor provides an accurate and quantifiable measurement of force, making knee replacement surgery and ligament tension balancing more accurate, standardized and repeatable. The force sensor comprises an elongate housing which comprises a thin force sensing distal portion and a proximal handle portion.

Abstract: A container (1) is intended for filling with a hot liquid (21). The container (1) has a neck finish (2) with an opening closed off by a primary seal (4) which has an expandable side wall (4a). As the liquid (21) cools, the side wall (4a) is drawn into the container (1) to remove vacuum pressure created within the container (1). A permanent cap (25) can provide a secondary seal for the container and define a secondary headspace (24b) between the primary and secondary seals (4) (25). In other embodiments the seal (4) can be replaced by a mechanically movable seal which may be locked in its downward position. Also the secondary seal can be provided with a port or aperture to provide access into the secondary headspace for a commodity. Also a commodity such as a tablet or pill may be provided within the secondary headspace.

Abstract: The invention is a hydraulic cylinder for use in exercise machines to deliver a controllable fast acting force. The invention uses a hydraulic cylinder with features that allow high acceleration rates, rapid changes of force level and direction, and positive force limitation. In the preferred embodiment, the hydraulic cylinder is composed of a rodless, hydraulic cylinder coupled to a cable and pulley system. A water source delivers water to generate a force against an inner bi-directionally moving piston to generate a regulated movement and force. The ends of the rodless hydraulic cylinder are sealed by both a water control spool valve and a controllable poppet style pressure relief valve. The water control spool valves adjustably permits water to enter and exit the hydraulic cylinder to regulate the direction and speed of movement of the piston. The pressure relief valve controls the desired maximum pressure and corresponding forces exerted on cylinder.

Abstract: A dynamic user interface for a method and system for creating, selecting, and adapting a virtual contact center within a virtual world. A user's interaction with the virtual world is evaluated and one or more environmental characteristics established based on the user's interaction with the virtual world. A virtual contact center having the one or more environmental characteristics is provided based on the user's interaction with the virtual world. The virtual contact center may include one or more environmental characteristics that are updateable in real-time to incorporate the user's preferences and selections within the virtual world.

Abstract: A tibial knee joint prosthesis for attachment to a suitably prepared tibial bone, providing bearing portions in the lateral and medial compartments. The lateral and medial bearing surfaces of the component are inclined at different angles in the anterior to posterior direction of the knee, so that when mounted to the tibia, the lateral bearing surface of the prosthesis is higher than the medial bearing surface to the posterior side of the knee. In this way the lateral ligament is tightened progressively more than the medial ligament as the knee moves from extension to flexion, resulting in increased stability in the lateral compartment.

Abstract: A plastic container (1) has a first set of flex panels (2) and a second set of flex panels (3) at least one set being adapted to react to pressure changes within the container to a different degree which can be achieved by different curvature and/or size and/or different distance from a central longitudinal axis of the container. At least one of the panels has at least two different extents of curvature. In some embodiments one or more of the panels may be flat.

Abstract: A method of providing internet access to a data object repository comprising managing data objects hosted by said repository using a generalised repository directed graph data model having object nodes and resources, said resources comprising at least one of (i) a literal; (ii) actual resource data; and/or (iii) a URI directing a request for resources to an address; wherein said object nodes comprise higher level abstractions of data objects; wherein all object nodes and resources are named, as well as all arcs between object nodes and other object nodes or resources, said arcs modelling properties of said nodes; wherein each said directed graph has a graph interface which represents data as a directed graph of nodes and resources; and wherein said graph interface is capable of enabling access to data represented by said directed graph by traversal of said directed graph using http:GET.

Abstract: During communications sessions between an agent in a call center and a customer, it is often desirable that a secondary agent is consulted, the secondary agent perhaps more suited to the particular needs of the customer. It is preferred that the original agent is presented with a list of the best-suited agents with which to consult, if needs be. Accordingly, a system and method for managing a list of contacts for presentation to a user of a computer system (e.g. a call center agent) is disclosed. The system provides for the monitoring of live communications between an agent and a customer, and further provides for the detecting of a pattern of data in the monitored live communications interaction (e.g. utilising speech recognition to recognise use of a particular keyword). The system is then operable to present a list of suggested contacts to the agent, the suggested contacts chosen based on a match between selection criteria for that contact and on the particular data pattern detected.

Abstract: A combination of an electrically powered toothbrush incorporating an electric power supply which comprises a capacitor, and a charging unit which incorporates one or more replaceable or rechargeable battery cells, enabling recharging of the capacitor without connection to the main electricity supply.

Abstract: A container, suitable as a hot-fill container, includes a controlled deflection flex panel which may invert and flex under pressure, such as hot-fill conditions, to avoid deformation and permanent buckling of the container. The flex panel includes an initiator portion which has a lesser projection than the remainder of the flex panel and initiates deflection of the flex panel.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with enabling substantially anonymous purchases of media products or other products (or access to an on-line service) to be made on-line. In order to initiate a purchasing session, consisting of one or more purchasing transactions, the purchaser authenticates himself to a home provider computer (3) which ten allots an anonymous client identifier (clientID) to the client for the purposes of that session. The purchaser (1) contacts a vendor computer (6), using the anonymous identifier (clientID) and an anonymising HTTP proxy, in order to place an order for one or more products or services for which the vendor computer has the right to authorize delivery. In order to obtain delivery of the product or service from the repository computer (5), the purchaser (1) provides the clientID to the repository computer (3).

Abstract: This invention is a floating docking port that allows ships to dock within the port structure and be loaded, unloaded, and refueled, while converting the energy generated from wave motion into a usable source of power. The docking port isolates the vessels from waves and adverse sea currents, which allows for more effective cargo transfer. The docking port is extremely large and functions as a storage and distribution center for naval vessels. The loading and unloading of cargo and containers is accomplished by a container handling system that utilizes hoists, railed carriages, and cargo elevators to facilitate efficient loading and unloading of containers.

Abstract: An upper cap 1 has a thread 5 to engage with a thread 7 of a container cap closure 6. The upper cap 1 provides a receptacle in which any required commodity can be contained such as a novelty car as shown. Clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the cap 1, shown as 2 or 3, can selectively remove the cap 1 without or with the cap 6. A plurality of caps 1 may be connected together to form a vertical stack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing, transporting, and releasing high grade, thermodynamically useful energy for a wide variety of uses. Solar energy is collected and reflected onto a heat storage container using a three-mirror reflecting system. This invention involves a method of heating the heat storage container using a primary, secondary, and tertiary system, which has a core that is partially comprised of an aluminum alloy and a metallic shell with a higher melting point than the aluminum alloy contained within. Once heated, the storage containers can then be transported to different storage areas in order to heat secondary storage containers or can be used in processes such as cooking, powering heat engines, water heating, absorption refrigeration, or drying garbage, waste, or biomass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for authenticating financial transactions by using an additional factor which is not present on a physical card, and which is not used in sequential transactions. In one example, a purchaser provides card information to a merchant; the merchant transmits the card information and transaction information to an issuer; the issuer authenticates the card information, and transmits verification indicia to a target address associated with the card information. The purchaser target address may be the telephone number of a mobile telephone of the purchaser or a third party (e.g. parent). The purchaser or third party provides the verification indicia to a merchant; and the merchant transmits the verification indicia back to the issuer. The issuer authenticates that the received verification indicia relative to that sent to the target address, and thus the purchaser is the genuine or authentic person authorized to use card information; and the issuer approves the transaction.

Abstract: Location information provided by multiple positioning systems is combined to provide an estimated user location. In performing the combination, location information provided by the positioning system that is currently deemed more reliable is provided greater weight than the location information provided from the other positioning system(s). Alternatively, one of multiple positioning systems is selected to calculate an estimated user location. The selected system is the one that is currently deemed more reliable based on some indicia of reliability. Using either approach, an accurate estimate of a user's location can be provided both in rural areas or other sparsely-populated areas as well as in urban areas or other areas prone to high multipath effects.

Abstract: A light weight armor system for retrofitting onto a light vehicles or incorporating into a vehicle to protect against HEAT warheads. The armor system comprises an outer armor structure for rotating a HEAT warhead toward a preferred detonation angle to maximize the protection of underlying armor or vehicle structures. This first armor structure will further impart a rotational movement to increase the energy impact footprint, dissipate jet stream energy, and improve the probability that a second protection layer can successfully resist penetration by the jet stream. Coatings on the armor structure materials laterally impact a HEAT jet stream to further disrupt the jet and dissipate its energy.

Abstract: A wireless earpiece that is configured to fit to an ear of a user includes a sensor for sensing the proximity of the wireless earpiece to the user. The sensor produces a proximity signal indicative of whether the wireless earpiece is engaged with the user. If the proximity signal indicates that the wireless earpiece is engaged with the user, the wireless earpiece automatically initiates communication with a radio device.

Abstract: An immune system stimulant for stimulating the production of antibodies against a pathogen comprises said pathogen attenuated by exposure to hydroxyl radicals. The invention also provides a process for the manufacture of an immune system stimulant.