Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating keywords in an automated manner for use in searching an electronic database. The generated groups of keywords may be formatted in a variety of configurations, including a table. The table may include a plurality of columns for keywords and a plurality of rows for groups of keywords. The plurality of columns may include categories for keywords, and keywords with software compatible operators. A user may input at least one keyword in the table and is presented, in an automated manner, with at least one suggestion of a related term from which the user may choose. The sources of suggestions may include commercial thesauri or dictionaries, or a database of previously executed search queries or saved keyword tables. Boolean operators compatible with the database to be searched are added in an automated manner to the selected keywords when the table is populated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for efficiently searching a patent database using patent search software. A target patent or group of patents are identified and utilized through a forward and backward citation search (FNB search) to identify patent references closely related to the patent search subject. The FNB search may be customized by a plurality of user selectable options to manipulate the results of the FNB search, and the results may be output in a variety of formats depending on the preferences of the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for a motor vehicle having a monitoring unit which monitors a fault-free functionality of at least one operator control unit of the motor vehicle and generates warning signals in the case of limit-value functions of the at least one operator control unit. The monitoring unit generates tactile signals as warning signals so that degradation of performance of the at least one operator control unit can be communicated haptically to a driver of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: Method for producing an evacuated insulation panel comprising the steps of enveloping an open celled (semi-)rigid insulating foam in a substantially gas impermeable flexible vessel, evacuating the whole and sealing, wherein the panel is compressed during or after evacuation and sealing to a thickness of 10 to 90% of its initial thickness prior to compression.

Abstract: A laparoscopic apparatus for tunneling dissection including a hollow tunneling member and an inflatable balloon disposed at the distal end of the tunneling member to form together a blunt tipped obturator. The tunneling member has a bore sized allow the insertion of a conventional laparoscope therein to provide observation during surgical procedures. The laparoscope provides direct observation of dissection through the open distal end of the tunneling member. Observation is provided both when the device is used to tunnel between tissue layers to a region of interest within the body of a patient, and during subsequent balloon inflation when the tissue layers are dissected to cause separation of the tissue layers and the creation of an anatomical working space. After the anatomic space has been created, the device and laparoscope are withdraw through the incision.