Abstract: Comparator systems are provided that include first and second differential pairs of transistors with inherent offsets that are a function of their tail currents. Some system embodiments configure the pairs to have substantially-equal, nonzero inherent offset voltages and other embodiments configure them to have substantially-zero inherent offset voltages. The systems further include a feedback network arranged to provide a second tail current to the second differential pair that substantially nulls the second output signal of this differential pair when it is driven by a reference signal. The feedback network generates an identical first tail current for the first differential pair which will now accurately compare an input signal to the reference signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for measuring the thickness, or non-uniformity of thickness, of one or more layers of a film or article such as a preform. At least one layer contains a known concentration and a substantially uniform distribution of fluorophores. The fluorophores are added to the one or more layers in sufficient quantity to impart fluorescence capable of detection by a detector when exposed to electromagnetic radiation at absorbing wavelengths. The layers of the invention may be made from polymeric material, non-polymeric material, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A thermoelectrically cooled surface-enhanced Raman spectrometer sensor system and method for monitoring of volatile organic compounds in gas, liquid, and soil environments. The sensor system comprises a means for providing an inert gas, a thermal desorption tube containing an adsorbate, and a sample chamber with a SERS structure. For liquid and soil environments, the sensor system also comprises a manifold having a semipermeable membrane for separating moisture from an analyte. An optical module mounted to the sample chamber directs an optical excitation signal for irradiating the SERS structure and receives a SERS optical emissions signal. Such optical emissions signal may be detected by a spectroanalysis system and correlated to a particular analyte by a control processor, which generates an alert signal containing a message that the presence of analyte has been detected. The control processor may also activate warning device, such as an audible siren or a visual alarm.

Abstract: A computer-implemented automated building design and modeling and construction project cost estimating and scheduling system (“DMES system”) is described. The DMES system provides a central source for all of the design and construction information for a construction project in a coordinated two-dimensional and three-dimensional spatial database that is freely accessible by all of the members of an interdisciplinary construction project team as a means to produce automatically coordinated design development and construction document information. The DMES system acquires and stores all of the appropriate design, engineering, and construction expertise and information available for any building type for use in automatically assembling and coordinating the design, cost-estimating, and scheduling for a construction project. In one embodiment, the DMES system consists of a plurality of objects, comprising elements and massing elements arranged in an assembly hierarchy.

Abstract: Comparator systems are provided that substantially enhance comparator dynamic range. The enhancement is primarily realized by arranging the systems to apply comparator input signals at feedback taps positioned between the upper and lower ends of comparator strings of impedance elements.

Abstract: Searching for information in a distributed data processing system, including providing a semantics-based search index by storing in the semantics-bases search index search keywords from documents according to semantics from selected document structure templates, the document structure templates selected in dependence upon the structures of the documents and upon model document structures in the document structure templates; establishing a search scope corresponding to semantics supported by the semantics-based search index; receiving from a client a search query message comprising search terms and, optionally, the search scope; retrieving, from the semantics-based search index, index entries satisfying the search terms and the search scope; creating from the retrieved index entries a search result message; and transmitting the search result message to the client.

Abstract: Indexing information in a distributed data processing system, including providing document structure templates comprising model document structures and semantics for the model document structures; identifying the structure of a document; selecting a document structure template in dependence upon the structure of the document and the model document structures in the document structure templates; and storing search keywords from the document in records in a semantics-based search index according to the semantics from the selected document structure template. Selecting a document structure template in dependence upon the structure of the document and the model document structures in the document structure templates typically further comprises comparing the structure of the document and the model document structures in the templates; and selecting a template whose model document structure matches the structure of the document.

Abstract: A method and system for administering calls on a voice network allows a user to selectively determine which calls will be accepted and assists the user in placing calls to other users on the network. The user may establish a list of users whose calls will be accepted and may also establish a list of users whose calls will not be accepted. The method and system may provide unwanted callers with an option to speak with the user for a fee. The method and system may also display phone or other messages to the user on a video display.

Abstract: A method for marking or tagging individual microparticles using a near infrared fluorophore for identification is provided. The near infrared fluorophore is included with one or more layers comprising the microparticle. Desirably, the coating layers contain colorants such as dyes and/or pigments which increases the total possible combinations that may be used to identify the marked material. There is further provided a method for marking a material using these microparticles containing a near infrared fluorophore.

Abstract: A method for marking or tagging individual microparticles using a near infrared fluorophore for identification is provided. The near infrared fluorophore is included with one or more layers comprising the microparticle. Desirably, the coating layers contain colorants such as dyes and/or pigments which increases the total possible combinations that may be used to identify the marked material. There is further provided a method for marking a material using these microparticles containing a near infrared fluorophore.

Abstract: The genes encoding a novel class of insecticidal proteins have been isolated and characterized from a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis. Both the nucleic and amino acid sequences for the proteins are disclosed. The nucleic acid molecules are utilized in the transformation of host microorganisms and production of transgenic plants which are resistant to insects. Also, the gene encoding for the insect's receptor of the insecticidal protein has been isolated and characterized. Novel processes and methods for controlling plants pests are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a novel class of proteins, and their receptors. Novel processes, assays and methods for controlling plant pests are provided.

Abstract: An on-demand teleconferencing system and method for setting up an on-demand conference call in a telecommunications system having the Advanced Information Network (AIN) architecture with system signaling the number 7 (SS7) and a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). A subscriber is assigned an on-demand conference call number. When that number is dialed into the PSTN, it is identified by the PSTN that the dialed number requires handling by the SS7. The SS7 links the dialed number to a conference allocation and control system (CACS) which is connected to a plurality of scalable bridge servers. The CACS selects bridge servers available to handle the conference call and based upon a selection criteria such as a peak load sets up the on-demand conference call in one of the selected bridge servers.

Abstract: An on-demand teleconferencing system and method for setting up an on-demand conference call in a telecommunications system having the Advanced Information Network (AIN) architecture with system signaling the number 7 (SS7) and a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). A subscriber is assigned an on-demand conference call number. When that number is dialed into the PSTN, it is identified by the PSTN that the dialed number requires handling by the SS7. The SS7 links the dialed number to a conference allocation and control system (CACS) which is connected to a plurality of scalable bridge servers. The CACS selects bridge servers available to handle the conference call and based upon a selection criteria such as a peak load sets up the on-demand conference call in one of the selected bridge servers.

Abstract: A method for continuously producing a rigid polymer foam in rolled form comprising (a) continuously conveying a carrier along a production line, (b) depositing on the carrier a foam-forming mixture, a regulating means being located on the production line to ensure deposition of only enough of the foam-forming mixture for production, after foaming and curing, of a rigid foam having a maximum thickness of less than 1 inch, (c) foaming and curing the deposited foam-forming mixture to produce a rigid foam, and (d) rolling the rigid foam.

Abstract: An on-demand teleconferencing system and method for setting up an on-demand conference call in a telecommunications system having the Advanced Information Network (AIN) architecture with system signaling the number 7 (SS7) and a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). A subscriber is assigned an on-demand conference call number. When that number is dialed into the PSTN, it is identified by the PSTN that the dialed number requires handling by the SS7. The SS7 links the dialed number to a conference allocation and control system (CACS) which is connected to a plurality of scalable bridge servers. The CACS selects bridge servers available to handle the conference call and based upon a selection criteria such as a peak load sets up the on-demand conference call in one of the selected bridge servers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing molded, shaped or extruded articles comprising the steps of:a) melt reacting, in the presence of a catalyst which is substantially free of Co compounds, at least one glycol and at least one dicarboxylic acid to form a polyester having an I.V. of at least about 0.5 dL/g, wherein said at least one glycol is selected from the group consisting of glycols having up to 10 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof and said dicarboxylic is selected from the group consisting of alkyl dicarboxylic acids having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, aryl dicarboxylic acids having 8 to 16 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof;b) adding an acetaldehyde reducing additive to said polyester to form a reduced acetaldehyde polyester; andc) forming said reduced acetaldehyde polyester into articles directly from step b.Thus, the present invention provides a process for directly producing from the melt article having extremely low acetaldehyde content.

Abstract: An on-demand teleconferencing system and method for setting up an on-demand conference call in a telecommunications system having the Advanced Information Network (AIN) architecture with system signaling the number 7 (SS7) and a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). A subscriber is assigned an on-demand conference call number. When that number is dialed into the PSTN, it is identified by the PSTN that the dialed number requires handling by the SS7. The SS7 links the dialed number to a conference allocation and control system (CACS) which is connected to a plurality of scalable bridge servers. The CACS selects bridge servers available to handle the conference call and based upon a selection criteria such as a peak load sets up the on-demand conference call in one of the selected bridge servers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spectroscopic probe apparatus useful for Raman, near infrared, luminescence, ultraviolet or visible spectroscopies that is formed with a robust method of construction using a molten metal soldering technique. The disclosed method and apparatus provides an optical probe that is easy to manufacture yet able to withstand drastic environmental conditions without damage and produce useful spectroscopic results under such conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spectroscopic probe apparatus useful for Raman, near infrared, luminescence, ultraviolet or visible spectroscopies that is formed with a robust method of construction using a molten metal soldering technique. The disclosed method and apparatus provides an optical probe that is easy to manufacture yet able to withstand drastic environmental conditions without damage and produce useful spectroscopic results under such conditions.