Abstract: Systems and methods for generating performance metrics to monitor and/or enhance the performance of telephone-intensive personnel are disclosed. The method generally includes detecting voice activity on a receive and/or a transmit channel in a communications system, outputting voicing decision outputs based on the detecting, storing the voicing decision outputs over a period of time to memory, and generating voice activity performance metrics based on the voicing decision output stored in the memory. The generating may include generating a running average ratio of duration of voice activity on the transmit channel to duration of voice activity on the receive channel (talk-listen ratio) over a certain period of time for one or more agents. The talk-listen ratio may be compared to a target ratio.

Abstract: A printhead includes a nozzle plate and a nozzle bore located in the nozzle plate. In one embodiment, the nozzle bore includes a first section, a second section, and a third section when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the nozzle plate. The first section and the second section are spaced apart from each other by the third section. The first section includes a converging area portion and the second section includes a diverging area portion. In another embodiment, the first section and the second section of the nozzle bore are adjacent to each other. The first section includes a converging area portion and the second section includes a diverging area portion. The diverging area portion and the converging area portion are asymmetrical relative to each other when viewed along the plane perpendicular to the nozzle plate.

Abstract: A device for cooling a gas is provided. The device comprises an inlet having a first diameter, a mixing section downstream of the inlet and having a second diameter, and an opening in fluid communication with the mixing section and a source of air. The device is such that the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter and a vacuum is created for drawing in the air from the opening as gas passes from the inlet to the mixing section so that the air drawn into the mixing section mixes with the gas. A method for mixing two gases and an exhaust system are also provided.

Abstract: A swivel assembly for a tire comprises a clamp assembly adapted to be secured to a header tube, a swivel first member suspended from the clamp to pivot either parallel to or perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the header tube, a swivel second member which is suspended from the swivel first member to pivot 90° relative to the pivotal motion of the swivel first member, and a swivel third member which can rotate about the swivel second member. The swivel first member is pivotally mounted to the clamp via an upper pivot pin and the second swivel member is pivotally mounted to the swivel first member by a second lower pivot pin. The center-to-center distance between the upper and lower pivot pins is preferably less than about 3?. Additionally, the lower pivot pin can have a diameter that is less than the diameter of the upper pivot pin.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing syngas utilizing heat from thermochemical conversion of a carbonaceous fuel to support decomposition of at least one of water and carbon dioxide using one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells. Simultaneous decomposition of carbon dioxide and water or steam by one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells may be employed to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A portion of oxygen produced from at least one of water and carbon dioxide using one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells is fed as a controlled flow rate in a gasifier or combustor to oxidize the carbonaceous fuel to control the carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide ratio produced.

Abstract: A portable voting booth for a user to erect at a voting place when needed and disassemble thereafter for transportation and storage includes a base portion and a plurality of legs for assemble onto the base portion. The base portion defines a plurality of leg-receiving bores for receiving hollow tubular end portions of the plurality of legs. The base portion also includes leg-gripping components within the bores for gripping the tubular end portions in order to restrain the legs from falling out of the leg-receiving bores under influence of gravity. The leg-gripping components of one embodiment include four resiliently deformable, axially extending fingers within each of four leg-receiving bores, the fingers resiliently deforming so that they fit axially into the tubular end portions to bear radially outward against the inwardly facing inner walls of the tubular end portions for leg-restraining purposes.

Abstract: A social browsing system for operation with a source client system operated by a first user and a target client system operated by a second user—wherein each of the source client system and the target client system comprise a browser executing thereon. The social browsing system may comprise a social browsing infrastructure system and a local component for installation on each of the source client system and the target client system. The local component may comprise source functions and target functions. The source functions may be adapted to: i) render a redirect control in association with an instance of the browser; ii) in response to user activation of the redirect control, obtain a location URL from the web browser; and iii) generate a redirect invite to the social browsing infrastructure system.

Abstract: A system and method for monetizing the referral of web pages comprises a source client system, at least one target client system, a referral server, and an accounting server. The source client system comprises a web browser adapted to render an advertising merchant's web page. A source referral module is coupled to the source web browser and, in response to user selection of at least one target client, generates a referral message to the referral server. The referral server in turn provides a provide a referral instruction to a target client system. The target client system includes a referral module receiving the referral message and upon the target client accepting the referral message, passes identification of the advertising merchant's web page to a target web browser for rendering. The target client system further generates an informational message upon the execution of a revenue event by the target client system.

Abstract: An ammunition container is in the form of an enclosure for holding a supply of ammunition, preferably in belt form. A partition member is positioned in the enclosure. The container includes three separate holding features positioned in a spaced-apart relation relative to the enclosure which are adapted to engage the partition. The holding features and partition thereby provide a capability of holding ammunition of at least three different calibers.

Abstract: A method and system for removing contaminating iron from an acid pickle bath. The method comprises the steps of removing at least a portion of the acid pickle solution containing an amount of contaminating iron therein from a primary acid pickle bath, raising the pH of the at least the portion of the acidified acid copper solution with a pH adjuster to a level which is conducive to the precipitation of iron, precipitating the contaminating iron from the acidified acid copper solution, and acidifying the acid copper solution back to operating conditions for the system. Once the portion of the acid pickle solution has been treated, it is returned to the primary acid pickle bath.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for collection and analysis of dry powder inhaler products to determine foreign particulate matter found therein. The apparatus includes a collection chamber that communicates directly with the mouthpiece of a dry powder inhaler device. The collection chamber is used to both collect product samples, as well as to mix the samples with a diluent that places the active pharmaceutical components and excipients in solution, while the foreign particulate matter remains suspended. Analysis of a sample is preferably conducted by light obscuration wherein a probe is inserted directly within the collection chamber of the apparatus. An integral magnetic stir-bar incorporated within the apparatus eliminates the need to transfer the collected sample to a secondary vessel for mixing or analysis.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for estimating NOx produced by an internal combustion engine. The flow rate of fuel supplied to the engine and a plurality of engine operating parameters are monitored. NOx produced by the engine is estimated based on a product of the flow rate of fuel and a function of the plurality of engine operating parameters. The NOx estimate is stored in memory.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the exterior or polished surface of wheels as tires are removed and placed on the wheel. The apparatus includes a substantially flat base having a plurality of stanchions extending out from the base. Each stanchion has a collar positioned adjacent to the base that includes a diameter greater than the stanchion. The stanchions are sized to fit through the bolt holes of the wheel in order to generally align each stanchion with one of those holes. Each collar is sized to be preferably slightly larger than the average bolt, or lug, hole on the wheel. Additionally, each collar is sized to cover substantially the same area as the lug nut or nut that normally attaches the wheels to the vehicle upon which they are used.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a hydraulic control system with a user input to select a range of metering rates.

Abstract: Techniques involving the acquisition of wireless communications systems are disclosed. For example, an apparatus may store a list of one or more preferred wireless communications systems. Upon identifying a first accessible wireless communications system that is absent from the list, the device may acquire this system. However, after this acquisition, the device may further identify a second accessible wireless communications system. If the second system is included in the list of one or more preferred wireless communications systems, the apparatus may acquire the second system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a chemical hydride is described and which includes a pseudo-plasma-electrolysis reactor which is operable to receive a solution capable of forming a chemical hydride and which further includes a cathode and a movable anode, and wherein the anode is moved into and out of fluidic, ohmic electrical contact with the solution capable of forming a chemical hydride and which further, when energized produces an oxygen plasma which facilitates the formation of a chemical hydride in the solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides an echo reduction apparatus, system, and method that advantageously reduces echo when communicating over packet-switched networks. An echo reduction apparatus, including echo reduction circuit, operably couples a headset or handset device to an audio source that is capable of transmitting a sound signal. The echo reduction circuit receives the sound signal from the audio source and a transmit signal from the headset or handset device and provides an adjusted sound signal to the audio source. Advantageously, a variety of headsets and handsets may be used in accordance with the present invention with reduced caller echo and without the need to purchase new headsets or handsets.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a surface is provided. The cleaning apparatus has a housing for movement along a surface with a suction nozzle assembly having an inlet and outlet provided on the housing. A recovery container is removably mounted to the housing. A hose having a first end detachably connected to the outlet of the suction nozzle and a second end in fluid communication with the recovery container floor-scrubbing machine is provided. A vacuum source is in fluid communication with the suction nozzle, hose, and recovery container for drawing dirt from the cleaning surface into the inlet of the suction nozzle and into. The cleaning apparatus further includes a handle movably connected to the housing and movable between a first position that locks the first end of the hose to the housing to a second position that unlocks the first end of the hose to the housing.

Abstract: A novel method and system for a systematic approach to the treatment of hemorrhoids is provided. The system is a coherent and targeted treatment regimen for the comprehensive treatment for hemorrhoid sufferers. The system of the present invention includes the following elements: 1) Educational materials about hemorrhoids including the prevention and treatment thereof; 2) Cream for use in early stages of development for relief of minor symptoms in a manner that aids in preventing progression to more uncomfortable stages requiring surgical intervention; 3) Fiber pad wipes; 4) Cleanser; and 5) Optionally, a prescription strength ointment for relief of moderately severe symptoms of pain and swelling, the use of which can prevent progression to a stage requiring surgery.

Abstract: A convection oven with laminar airflow and/or moisture injection. A radial airflow fan is used to provide a circulating airflow that is substantially even and substantially turbulence free. The circulating airflow is provided to an oven chamber via a plurality of egress ports that rim a divider wall disposed between the oven chamber and a fan chamber. The airflow interleaves with a plurality of pans in the oven chamber to provide a laminar airflow. Moisture is injected into the circulating airflow either upstream of the fan or by flashing water onto the hot blades of the fan from either the low pressure side or the high pressure side of the fan.