Abstract: Each agent in a work setting is able to take work breaks as needed to devote personal time to attend to personal matters. An agent module is associated with a computing device of each agent and a central module is central to all of the agents. The agent module receives a request from the agent for a work break and forwards the request to the central module for processing thereat. The central module examines the request according to a set of rules to determine whether and/or when the request for the work break from the agent is to be approved, and grants the request based on the set of rules. Thereafter, the central module notifies the agent by way of the agent module that the request has been granted. Thus, the agent may take the requested work break.

Abstract: An aural volume feedback system is implemented in a center having a plurality of agents working thereat. Each agent is situated at a work station for being in calling contact with a client. At the work station, a microphone transforms aural speech of the agent into an electrical format, and a volume detector samples the electrical format and generates based on the sampling an instantaneous volume level. The volume detector compares the generated volume level to a predetermined threshold to determine that the agent is speaking excessively loudly, and thereafter outputs a trigger signal. A feedback generator receives the trigger signal, and based thereon generates a feedback to be perceived by the offending agent at the work station, where the perceived feedback hopefully causes the offending agent to reduce the aural volume thereof.

Abstract: An aural volume feedback system is implemented in a center having agents each situated at a work station in calling contact with a client. At the work station, a first microphone closer to the agent transforms aural speech thereof into an electrical format forwarded toward the client. A second microphone farther from the agent transforms aural speech thereof into an electrical format forwarded toward a volume detector which samples same and generates based thereon an instantaneous volume level. The volume detector compares the generated volume level to a predetermined threshold to determine that the agent is speaking excessively loudly, and outputs a trigger signal. A feedback generator receives the trigger signal, and generates a feedback to be perceived by the offending agent at the work station, where the perceived feedback hopefully causes the offending agent to reduce the aural volume thereof.

Abstract: Refrigerator appliances are provided. A refrigerator appliance includes a cabinet defining a fresh food chamber, and a door rotatably hinged to the cabinet for accessing the fresh food chamber, the door including an inner surface and an outer surface. The refrigerator appliance further includes a compartment defined in the inner surface of the door, the compartment defining an interior chamber and including a compartment door providing access to the interior chamber. The compartment is selectively operable at a first temperature below approximately 32 degrees Fahrenheit and a second temperature above approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: An aural volume feedback system is implemented in a center having a plurality of agents working thereat. Each agent is situated at a work station for being in calling contact with a client. At the work station, a microphone transforms aural speech of the agent into an electrical format, and a volume detector samples the electrical format and generates based on the sampling an instantaneous volume level. The volume detector compares the generated volume level to a predetermined threshold to determine that the agent is speaking excessively loudly, and thereafter outputs a trigger signal. A feedback generator receives the trigger signal, and based thereon generates a feedback to be perceived by the offending agent at the work station, where the perceived feedback hopefully causes the offending agent to reduce the aural volume thereof.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ice maker systems are disclosed. One exemplary method comprises the steps of: heating an ice mold body to separate ice formed in the ice mold body from the ice mold body; releasing the separated ice from the ice mold body; and contacting at least a portion of the ice mold body with a heat transfer fluid to cool the ice mold body.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment and one or more power consuming features/functions including a refrigeration system for cooling the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of current state of an associated energy supplying utility. The controller operates the refrigerator in one of plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode, in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively schedule, delay, adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the refrigerator in the energy savings mode.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel Pleuromutilin gene cluster and methods of increasing yields of Pleuromutilin produced by Clitopilus and related basidiomycete species.

Abstract: A disposable hypodermic syringe for stable one-handed dispensing of fluids and precision positioning comprises a hollow barrel for retaining fluid. The barrel has proximal end, a midpoint, and a distal end, and a proximal end. At least one forward barrel flange is fixedly formed around or connected to the barrel and positioned at a point between the midpoint and the distal end of the barrel. A barrel and plunger with larger diameter and shorter length compared to conventional syringes of a given volume is disclosed. A method of performing an injection using a syringe with a forward barrel flange is disclosed.

Abstract: An ice dispensing assembly includes an ice bucket for containing ice cubes, with at least a first exit in the ice bucket for the ice cubes. An optional second exit may be provided in the ice bucket for crushed ice made from the ice cubes. One motor moves a rotatable member to move ice from the ice bucket through at least one of the exits. A second motor moves either a crush plate or counter rotating members to create crushed ice. The crushed ice may be dispensed though the first exit or the second exit. Related refrigeration appliances are disclosed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ice maker systems are disclosed. One exemplary method comprises the steps of: heating an ice mold body to separate ice formed in the ice mold body from the ice mold body; releasing the separated ice from the ice mold body; and contacting at least a portion of the ice mold body with a heat transfer fluid to cool the ice mold body.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment and one or more power consuming features/functions including a refrigeration system for cooling the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment. A controller is operatively connected to the one or more power consuming features/functions. The controller is configured to receive and process a signal indicative of current state of an associated energy supplying utility. The controller operates the refrigerator in one of plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode, in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least one of selectively schedule, delay, adjust and deactivate at least one of the one or more power consuming features/functions to reduce power consumption of the refrigerator in the energy savings mode.

Abstract: An appliance includes a display unit for an appliance and a control unit coupled to the display unit. The control unit is configured to detect at least one operating parameter associated with use of the appliance, calculate energy usage and energy costs associated with the at least one operating parameter, and present current energy usage and cost information on the display unit.

Abstract: A quick chill and thaw system includes an air handler mounted in a fresh food compartment of a refrigerator and drawing air from a freezer compartment for rapid chilling of items inside a slide-out pan. The air handler produces convective airflow at temperatures within the pan at temperatures above and below a temperature of the fresh food compartment to achieve both chilling and thawing of items in the pan.

Abstract: A data integration system and method collects and stores customer information from disparate information sources in real-time. The stored information can be retrieved and assembled for presentation to a user according to the role and/or security profile of the user. The customer information is presented through a 360° viewer, which is embedded in an application or a browser, or runs as a standalone viewer. A data correlation system and method correlates data records collected from disparate Customer Relationship Management (CRM) applications using a three-tier approach comprising deterministic correlation, heuristic correlation and historical correlation. The correlation rules are fully configurable and extensible.

Abstract: The thermal performance of the heat transfer element assemblies for rotary regenerative air preheaters is enhanced to provide a desired level of heat transfer and pressure drop with a reduced weight. The heat transfer plates in the assemblies have spaced apart dimples for maintaining plate spacing and oblique undulations with the undulations on adjacent plates preferably extending at opposite oblique angles. The dimples may be on every other plate and alternate between the two sides of the plates or they may be on every plate and all extend to the same side.

Abstract: Heat transfer elements for rotary regenerative heat exchangers are formed with spacing ridges or notches having flow-disrupting indentations in the peaks of the notches formed at selected intervals to project into the flow channels. These projections interrupt the boundary layer and cause turbulence and mixing to enhance the heat transfer. Various methods of forming the indentations are disclosed.

Abstract: Heat transfer elements for rotary regenerative heat exchangers are formed with spacing ridges or notches having flow-disrupting indentations in the peaks of the notches formed at selected intervals to project into the flow channels. These projections interrupt the boundary layer and cause turbulence and mixing to enhance the heat transfer. Various methods of forming the indentations are disclosed.

Abstract: A refrigerator cabinet has an outer case with lateral walls and a continuous front flange. A pair of liners are nested in the case and have lateral walls with a front edge positioned rearward of the case front flange. A resilient breaker strip connects the case walls to corresponding liner walls. The strip front wall extends inward from the case flange to a point inward of the liner wall and a side wall extends rearward to overlap the liner wall. A bifurcated edge of the strip receives the case flange. The strip side wall is return bent to form an inner wall engaging the inner surface and a resilient finger engaging the outer surface of the liner wall. A resilient mullion, connecting the adjacent inner lateral walls of the liners, has a front wall extending across the space between the liners and a side wall projecting rearward from each edge of the front wall to overlap the liner lateral wall.