Abstract: There is disclosed a method of forming a conductive metal region on a substrate, comprising depositing on the substrate a solution of a metal ion, and depositing on the substrate a solution of a reducing agent, such that the metal ion and the reducing agent react together in a reaction solution to form a conductive metal region on the substrate.

Abstract: A safety cover for covering the electrical connectors or connections on the sides of an electrical device, such as an outlet or a switch, during construction is disclosed. The safety cover includes a first panel and a second panel that are spaced apart from one another and connected to one another by a connecting section. A strap or resilient arm is used to retain the safety cover over the electrical device.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly comprises a cover mounted on a flywheel of a driving shaft. A pressure plate has a contact surface for receiving a driving force from the driving shaft that is axially moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A spring supported by the cover urges the pressure plate into the engaged position. Compression of the spring releases pressure on the pressure plate to permit movement of the pressure plate to the disengaged position. At least one spacer attached to the cover and flywheel has an external surface that engages the pressure plate upon rotation of the flywheel. The external surface of the spacer conforms to the contact surface of the pressure plate so that torque is transmitted between the flywheel and the pressure plate over at least a line of engagement of the spacer external surface and the pressure plate contact surface upon rotation of the flywheel.

Abstract: The invention comprises use of first and second, and optionally additional further, genetically and information-linked swine nucleus breeding herds to transmit genetic improvement from the first herd to each of the other herds which can be closed to live animal introduction to provide benefits in addition to genetic improvement to both the first and second and any additional herds.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that lenses, such as contact lenses, can be pigmented using an ink that includes oligomers, polymers or polymerizable monomers. The ink can be used to make images on or within the lens. Images made using these inks are may be digital or analogue and can be used in a variety of printing methods, including ink-jet printing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming on the surface of a substrate a first solid layer which is suitable for activating a chemical reaction to form a second layer thereon, the method comprising the steps of: applying to the surface of the substrate a first liquid comprising a curable composition and an activator for the second layer-forming chemical reaction; and curing the curable composition, thereby forming a first solid layer adhered to the surface of the substrate, capable of activating the second layer-forming chemical reaction. A second layer can then be formed on the substrate by bringing into contact with the first solid layer a second fluid comprising components of a second layer-forming chemical reaction, activated by the activator, thereby causing a second layer to be formed on the first solid layer.

Abstract: A contact of a component is electrically connected to an associated contact of an electrical circuit, typically formed on a substrate, by depositing material between the contacts, the material forming or being processed to form an electrical connection between the contacts. The invention also provides apparatus for this purpose and a resulting circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming, on the surface of a substrate, a first layer which is suitable for activating a second solid-layer-forming chemical reaction thereon, the method comprising the steps of bringing into contact with the substrate a first liquid which forms a first solid layer thereon, the first liquid comprising an activator for the second solid-layer-forming chemical reaction, characterised in that the first liquid is selected so that the first solid layer adheres to the substrate and is permeable to a second liquid that comprises one or more reagents for the second solid-layer-forming chemical reaction. A second solid layer can then be formed on the substrate by bringing into contact with the first solid layer a second liquid comprising one or more reagents for the second solid-layer-forming reaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods of chip design and package implementation for attenuating noise in timing circuits, including phase-locked-loops (PLL) and delay-locked-loops (DLL), are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention attenuate coupled noise, such as the effects of ground current surges, or power supply noise coupling through electro-static discharge (ESD) structures. In known systems, the ground supplies for the timing circuits are designed with power and ground supplies, separate from the core power and ground; although the ground supplies are connected via common VSSsubstrate, they are separated from pad ring output driver power and ground supplies. In embodiments of the present invention, the PLL or DLL and core supplies are kept separate from the output driver power and ground supplies, providing for improved systems and methods that attenuate the effects of ground current surges from chip output drivers as they switch from logic highs to logic lows.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly comprises a cover mounted on a flywheel of a driving shaft. A pressure plate has a contact surface for receiving a driving force from the driving shaft that is axially moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. A spring supported by the cover urges the pressure plate into the engaged position. Compression of the spring releases pressure on the pressure plate to permit movement of the pressure plate to the disengaged position. At least one spacer attached to the cover and flywheel has an external surface that engages the pressure plate upon rotation of the flywheel. The external surface of the spacer conforms to the contact surface of the pressure plate so that torque is transmitted between the flywheel and the pressure plate over at least a line of engagement of the spacer external surface and the pressure plate contact surface upon rotation of the flywheel.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for medical monitoring physiological characteristics values such as blood glucose levels for the treatment of diabetes, are presented. The apparatuses and methods provide dynamic glucose monitoring functions that perform predictive analysis to anticipate harmful conditions, such as glucose crash and hyperglycemic incidents for a patient. The dynamic functions can also be used to maximize athletic performance and warn of inadequate nocturnal basal rate. Other aspects include advanced alarm and reminder functions, as well as advanced data presentation tools to further facilitate convenient and efficient management of various physiological conditions.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for medical monitoring physiological characteristics values such as blood glucose levels for the treatment of diabetes, are presented. The apparatuses and methods provide dynamic glucose monitoring functions that perform predictive analysis to anticipate harmful conditions, such as glucose crash and hyperglycemic incidents for a patient. The dynamic functions can also be used to maximize athletic performance and warn of inadequate nocturnal basal rate. Other aspects include advanced alarm and reminder functions, as well as advanced data presentation tools to further facilitate convenient and efficient management of various physiological conditions.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for medical monitoring physiological characteristics values such as blood glucose levels for the treatment of diabetes, are presented. The apparatuses and methods provide dynamic glucose monitoring functions that perform predictive analysis to anticipate harmful conditions, such as glucose crash and hyperglycemic incidents for a patient. The dynamic functions can also be used to maximize athletic performance and warn of inadequate nocturnal basal rate. Other aspects include advanced alarm and reminder functions, as well as advanced data presentation tools to further facilitate convenient and efficient management of various physiological conditions.

Abstract: A secure valet telephone system is provided having a computer accessible by a live operator, a private encrypted database containing a plurality of contact numbers for one or more parties, with the contact numbers accessible by the computer, a telephone number through which a caller may contact the live operator and be connected by the live operator to a preferred contact number of a party chosen by the computer based upon data in said database, wherein the preferred contact number is hidden from the live operator. This system facilitates more efficient calling by connecting the calling party with the call location at which the contact party is most likely to be reached. The actual number dialed is concealed from the operator in the interests of privacy and security.

Abstract: An electrical outlet safety cover for covering the electrical connectors or connections on the sides of an electrical outlet. The safety cover includes a first panel and a second panel that are spaced apart from one another and connected to one another by a connecting section. A closure strap having a connector for attaching the closure strap to one of the panels is attached to the first or second panel, so that the electrical connectors on the sides of the electrical outlet are covered by the first panel and the second panel while these panels are retained over the electrical connectors by the cooperation of the connecting section and the closure strap when the closure strap is attached to the second panel.

Abstract: A microprocessor based exercise treadmill control system is disclosed which includes various features to enhance user operation. These features include programs operative to: permit a set of user controls to cause the treadmill to initially operate at predetermined speeds; permit the user to design custom workouts; permit the user to switch between workout programs while the treadmill is in operation; and perform an automatic cooldown program where the duration of the cooldown is a function of the duration of the workout or the user's heart rate. The features also include a stop program responsive to a detector for automatically stopping the treadmill when a user is no longer on the treadmill and a frame tag module attached to the treadmill frame having a non-volatile memory for storing treadmill configuration, and operational and maintenance data. Another included feature is the ability to display the amount of time a user spends in a heart rate zone.

Abstract: A multiprogrammer system, for monitoring and optimizing implant performance, includes at least two programmers and an implant. Each programmer may perform inquiry and programming operations on the implant. In an inquiry operation, the programmer retrieves some or all of the configuration parameters from the implant. In a programming operation, the programmer provides one or more modified parameters to the implant. As part of the programming operation, the programmer is configured to verify that it is aware of the implant's current parameters before sending modified parameters. The current programmer verifies that the implant's parameters have not been altered since the current programmer's last interaction with the implant. If the parameters have been altered, the current programmer aborts the programming operation and provides notification. The verification may be performed by the implant, i.e.

Abstract: A method of providing diagnostic service for a data processing system includes retrieving product data identifying a data processing element in response to an alert generated by the element. The retrieved product data is forwarded to a networked diagnostic site. A diagnostic package is retrieved, the diagnostic package including diagnostic code appropriate for the alerting element. The diagnostic package is forwarded to the data processing system. The diagnostic code is then installed and executed to perform diagnostic testing of the element. Results generated during execution of the diagnostic code may then be used to take machine initiated corrective action. After the results have been generated, the diagnostic software is uninstalled from the data processing system.

Abstract: A friction clutch assembly connects driving and driven shafts and has a pressure plate axially moveable between an engaged position transmitting torque from the driving shaft to the driven shaft and a disengaged position. A cover is mounted on the flywheel and a spring is mounted on the cover. The spring urges the pressure plate into the engaged position and compression of the spring allows for movement of the pressure plate to the disengaged position. At least one lever assembly has a housing mounted on the cover, a lever pivotable in the housing to apply an axial force urging the pressure plate to the engaged position. A lever assembly spring is associated with the cartridge to bias against the pivoting movement of the lever and delay the pivoting movement of the lever until the clutch assembly reaches a predetermined rotational speed.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods of treating cancer and other diseases by modulating body temperature. Heat may directed to the hypothalamus of a warm-blooded animal to cool the animal, utilizing the physiological mechanisms that regulate body temperature to effect a compensatory cooling response, thereby lowering body temperature (hypothermia), and rendering other methods of lowering body temperature more effective. Heat may be withdrawn from the hypothalamus of an animal, cooling the hypothalamus, inducing a compensatory increase in body temperature (hyperthermia), and rendering other methods of raising body temperature more effective. Body temperature may be directly modulated by heat-exchange catheter positioned within a blood vessel of a patient.