Abstract: A multimodal network element facilitates concurrent multimodal communication sessions through differing user agent programs on one or more devices. For example, a user agent program communicating in a voice mode, such as a voice browser in a voice gateway that includes a speech engine and call/session termination, is synchronized with another user agent program operating in a different modality, such as a graphical browser on a mobile device. The plurality of user agent programs are operatively coupled with a content server during a session to enable concurrent multimodal interaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus maintains, during non-session conditions and on a per user basis, concurrent multimodal session status information of user agent programs configured for different concurrent modality communication during the same session, and re-establish a concurrent multimodal session in response to accessing the concurrent multimodal session status information.

Abstract: An omni-directional antenna assembly is provided for wireless communications devices requiring multiple polarization characteristics. An antenna assembly for a communications device operating at a predetermined wavelength and having a transceiver circuit including a signal output and a ground plane, the antenna assembly including a conductive planar element disposed away from the ground plane and a conductive leg member coupled to the planar element proximate a perimeter, the planar element being disposed a distance away from the ground plane of the communications device to define a region capable of receiving one or more components associated with the wireless communications device.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. A method for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. A suture. A grommet for a bone. A method for securing a suture through a bone.

Abstract: An automatic fill system for a beverage dispenser includes a sensor system for monitoring the beverage level in the dispenser. The sensors are wired in series with a level control board mounted inside the frame of the beverage dispenser. Sensing points are connected in an electrical circuit for maintaining the proper water to beverage concentrate ratio in the mixing hopper of the beverage dispenser. Resistance in the circuit is monitored so that when the resistance in the circuit reaches a predetermined value, a relay and solenoid open to divert water to the mixing hopper for mixing with the beverage concentrate. Sensors in the hopper shut off the dispenser when the beverage level in the hopper exceeds maximum and minimum levels.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. A method for holding a first portion of a bone and a second portion of a bone together for the bone to heal. A suture. A grommet for a bone. A method for securing a suture through a bone.

Abstract: An omni-directional antenna assembly is provided for wireless communications devices requiring multiple polarization characteristics. An antenna assembly for a communications device operating at a predetermined wavelength and having a transceiver circuit including a signal output and a ground plane, the antenna assembly including a conductive planar element disposed away from the ground plane and a conductive leg member coupled to the planar element proximate a perimeter, the planar element being disposed a distance away from the ground plane of the communications device to define a region capable of receiving one or more components associated with the wireless communications device.

Abstract: Aspects for more reliable particle removal from a semiconductor processing chamber following a chamber wet clean are described. With the present invention, an improved particle removal following wet cleans of semiconductor processing chambers occurs. The present invention creates a turbulent gas flow in a chamber in order to more thoroughly remove particles from the chamber, including those that the wet clean procedures cannot reach. In a straightforward and efficient manner, the turbulent gas flow is created by providing gas in both an upper and lower portion of the chamber substantially simultaneously, including the advantageous use of the backside helium available to chamber processing.

Abstract: A compact single or multiple band antenna assembly for wireless communications devices. One multi-band embodiment includes a high frequency portion and a low frequency portion, both fed at a common point by a single feed line. Both portions may be formed as a single stamped metal part or metallized plastic part. The overall size is suitable for integration within a wireless device such as a cell phone. The low frequency portion consists of two resonant sections which are stagger tuned to achieve a wide resonant bandwidth, thus allowing greater tolerance for manufacturing variations and temperature than a single resonant section, and is useful for single band antennas as well as multi-band antennas where it may be used to enhance bandwidth for both sections of a dual band antenna as well. The resonant sections for single or multi-band antennas operate in conjunction with a second planar conductor, which may be provided by the ground trace portion of the printed wiring board of a wireless communications device.

Abstract: A compact single or multiple band antenna assembly for wireless communications devices. One multi-band embodiment includes a high frequency portion and a low frequency portion, both fed at a common point by a single feed line. Both portions may be formed as a single stamped metal part or metallized plastic part. The overall size is suitable for integration within a wireless device such as a cell phone. The low frequency portion consists of two resonant sections which are stagger tuned to achieve a wide resonant bandwidth, thus allowing greater tolerance for manufacturing variations and temperature than a single resonant section, and is useful for single band antennas as well as multi-band antennas where it may be used to enhance bandwidth for both sections of a dual band antenna as well. The resonant sections for single or multi-band antennas operate in conjunction with a second planar conductor, which may be provided by the ground trace portion of the printed wiring board of a wireless communications device.

Abstract: A system for closing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum of a patient. The system includes a first grommet to be disposed in the first side. The system includes a second grommet adapted to be disposed in the second side. The system includes a mechanism for placing a grommet into the sternum. The placing mechanism is adapted to hold the grommet for placement in the sternum. The system includes a first wire suture for insertion through the first and second grommets. The system includes a stop mechanism for allowing the placing mechanism to place a grommet into the sternum only in a desired location of the patient and any other portion of the patient is protected from damage by the placing mechanism during operation. A grommet. An approximator. A drill stop mechanism. A placement tool. A method of threading a wire suture through a hole in a sternum. A method of bringing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum.

Abstract: A compact single or multiple band antenna assembly for wireless communications devices. One multi-band embodiment includes a high frequency portion and a low frequency portion, both fed at a common point by a single feed line. Both portions may be formed as a single stamped metal part or metallized plastic part. The overall size is suitable for integration within a wireless device such as a cell phone. The low frequency portion consists of two resonant sections which are stagger tuned to achieve a wide resonant bandwidth, thus allowing greater tolerance for manufacturing variations and temperature than a single resonant section, and is useful for single band antennas as well as multi-band antennas where it may be used to enhance bandwidth for both sections of a dual band antenna as well. The resonant sections for single or multi-band antennas operate in conjunction with a second planar conductor, which may be provided by the ground trace portion of the printed wiring board of a wireless communications device.

Abstract: An antenna device is disclosed, which is intended for a portable radio communication device. The communication device includes a signal generating component having a signal output, said output defining a signal generating circuit impedance. The antenna device includes a substantially planar conductor having an associated impedance and preferably extending in a first dimension greater than approximately one-quarter of a predetermined operational wavelength. The antenna device further includes a matching network which is coupled to the signal generating output. The matching network having a substantially planar dielectric substrate and a conductive meander element and a conductive trace element, wherein said matching network transforms the impedance of the signal generating component to approximate the impedance of the planar conductor element.

Abstract: A diversity antenna structure for a wireless communication device for receiving and transmitting communication signals is provided. The antenna structure including a dielectric substrate defining a pair of major surfaces and having a conductive reflector element disposed upon one of the major surfaces of the dielectric substrate, said reflector element being operatively coupled to a pair of shield conductors of coax feedlines. The antenna further including a plurality of serpentine radiator elements conductively coupled to the reflector element.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for a wireless communication device for receiving and transmitting a communication signal is disclosed. The wireless communication device having a ground plane element and a feedline conductor, said antenna assembly including a configured radiating conductor element having a pair of opposed ends disposed proximate the ground plane element and an intermediate extending portion disposed away from the ground plane element to define an interior region, said first end operatively coupled to the ground plane element, said second end capacitively coupled to the ground plane element, and said intermediate extending portion operatively coupled to the feedline conductor at a feedpoint between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: A system for closing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum of a patient. The system includes a first grommet to be disposed in the first side. The system includes a second grommet adapted to be disposed in the second side. The system includes a mechanism for placing a grommet into the sternum. The placing mechanism is adapted to hold the grommet for placement in the sternum. The system includes a first wire suture for insertion through the first and second grommets. The system includes a stop mechanism for allowing the placing mechanism to place a grommet into the sternum only in a desired location of the patient and any other portion of the patient is protected from damage by the placing mechanism during operation. A grommet. An approximator. A drill stop mechanism. A placement tool. A method of threading a wire suture through a hole in a sternum. A method of bringing together a first side of a sternum and a second side of the sternum.

Abstract: A computer and a cooling unit for cooling a computer having a housing with a first panel including an aperture, a central processing unit coupled to a circuit board, a heat exchanger coupled to the central processing unit, and a power supply positioned apart from the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is positioned internally in the housing, and it is obstructed from the aperture in the first panel. In one particular embodiment, the cooling unit has a separate support element segregated from the power supply and an airflow director attached to the support element. The support element, for example, may have a first section attached to either the housing the motherboard, or another component of the computer apart from the central processing unit. The support element may also have a second section extending from the first section to an airflow site proximate to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An antenna assembly achieving improved directionality and signal strength using a configured conductive radiator disposed in relationship with the ground plane element of a wireless communication device. The configured conductive radiator includes an elongate slot aperture and surfaces directed toward the ground plane element. The antenna assembly further includes a dielectric element for communicatively coupling the conductive radiator and the ground plane member. Preferably, the dielectric element may be disposed between a portion of the radiator element and the ground plane member, thus forming a compact, directional antenna system.

Abstract: An antenna assembly for a hand-held radio transceiver, examples of which include a cellular telephone and PCS device. A multiple element antenna assembly is utilized to provide improved performance characteristics. The antenna assembly may include a conductive radiation director element and a support member for maintaining the director element in deployed and undeployed orientations. The antenna assembly may be selectively attached to a base portion of an active antenna element of a transceiver or may be pivotally secured to the transceiver.