Abstract: A computer readable media, a method, and a system registering a third party application providing an available communication system between a local user and a remote user identity, storing information related to the available communication system in a first database, obtaining contact information for the remote user identity from the third party application, determining a communication type for the third party application, pairing the remote user identity with a contact, and updating a graphical representation of contact information.

Abstract: A modified Costas control loop (80) using switched analog low pass filters (R2, C1, C2) (R3, C3, C4) and rectangular to polar conversion (341) computes an angular phase reference error that is processed by a digital loop filter (342) to control a counter (441) and a state machine (442) that are used to control the gating of a controllably conductive circuit (84) interposed between an AC source (81) and a phase-controlled load (83) such as a dimmable lamp.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical system includes a pair of surgical instruments having end effectors to hold and suture tissue, a pair of robotic arms coupled to the surgical instruments, a controller, and a pair of master handles coupled through the controller to the robotic arms, so that surgeon manipulation of the handles produces corresponding movement of the end effectors in an adjustably scaled fashion. An input button allows the surgeon to adjust the position of the handles without moving the end effectors, so that the handles may be moved to a more comfortable position. An optionally included robotically controlled endoscope allows the surgeon to remotely view the surgical site. Using the system, a cardiac procedure can be performed by making small incisions in the patient's skin, inserting the instruments and endoscope through the incisions, and manipulating the handles to move the end effectors to perform the cardiac procedure.

Abstract: The invention provides improved climbing devices and structures for use in mobile and fixed climbing installations. Modular climbing towers are generally assembled from panels having lateral curves by fastening upper and lower flanges of the panels together. The panels and flanges are integrally molded from fiberglass, and act as a monocoque structure. The climbing surface is on the radially outward portion of the partially or fully enclosed tower, thereby increasing the number of climbers that can safely be accommodated on a climbing surface of a given width. The invention also provides belaying devices for safely supporting a climber at the end of a flexible member such as a cable, rope, or the like. These belaying devices generally draw in the flexible member as the climber climbs. When the climber falls or completes the climbing route, the belay device supports the climber's weight, slowly and safely lowering the climber down to the ground.

Abstract: The invention provides improved climbing devices and structures for use in mobile and fixed climbing installations. The mobile climbing installation has a modular climbing tower pivotally mounted to a trailer to pivot between a road orientation and a climbing orientation. Modular climbing towers are generally assembled from panels having lateral curves by fastening upper and lower flanges of the panels together. The panels and flanges are integrally molded from fiberglass, and act as a monocoque structure. The climbing surface is on the radially outward portion of the partially or fully enclosed tower, thereby increasing the number of climbers that can safely be accommodated on a climbing surface of a given width. The invention also provides belaying devices for safely supporting a climber at the end of a flexible member such as a cable, rope, or the like. These belaying devices generally draw in the flexible member as the climber climbs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmission of data for voice, signaling data, air traffic control facilities, telephone equipment, communication systems, etc., wherein the data are transmitted in the form of data packets comprising preamble, header, data, and/or signal bytes via--if necessary--a dual bus between preferably decentralized stations connected to the bus, wherein the stations receive the data for transmission from connected peripheral devices, e.g. microphones, telephone equipment, loudspeakers, keyboards, line interfaces, radio equipment, etc., and the stations transmit received data via these peripheral units, and wherein the station clock pulse is synchronized by a synchronizing signal transmitted from a master station. In each station a device, e.g. a Manchester decoder, which recognizes preambles which are shortened in comparison with Ethernet preambles, is connected between the station-internal data processing unit, e.g., a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, etc., and the bus.

Abstract: A liquid level sensing apparatus, and related method, that utilizes a tuning fork assembly to detect the presence of not only a liquid or air at a particular location within a container, but also a solid material at that location. The tuning fork assembly includes an excitation transducer and a receiving transducer mechanically coupled to a pair of paddles that are exposed within the container, and a phase-locked loop control system applies an excitation signal to the excitation transducer having a frequency that is regulated to track the tuning fork's resonant frequency. A comparator compares that resonant frequency with a prescribed threshold, to determine whether the tuning fork assembly is disposed in air or a liquid. A failure of the phase-locked loop control system to lock the frequency of the excitation signal at any particular frequency indicates that the tuning fork assembly is over-damped and likely contacted by a solid material.

Abstract: A time-domain reflectometer is disclosed for reliably measuring the level of a liquid in a tank. The reflectometer emits an acoustic signal into a waveguide that projects downwardly into the tank and receives a return acoustic signal reflected from the surface of the liquid. The time delay between the transmitted acoustic signal and the reflected acoustic signal is a measure of the level of the liquid, and the reflectometer converts this level measurement into a electrical current that is linearly proportioned between predetermined minimum and maximum values. In addition, the reflectometer incorporates a liquid- and vapor-impervious membrane disposed in the path of the transmitted and reflected acoustic signals, adjacent to the transmitter and receiver, to prevent the escape of liquid and vapor from the tank and to isolate the electronics, including the transmitter and receiver, from such liquid and vapor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new synthetic process for the manufacture of zidovudine from the starting material D-xylose involving:(i) Conversion of D-xylose to a 1-(.beta.-D-xylofuranosyl)thymine derivative:(ii) 2'-Deoxygenation of the thymaine derivative; and(iii) 3'-Azidation of the 2'-deoxy compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new synthetic process for the manufacture of zidovudine from the starting material D-xylose involving:(i) Conversion of D-xylose to a 1-(.beta.-D-xylofuranosyl)thymine derivative;(ii) 2'-Deoxygenation of the thymine derivative; and(iii) 3'-Azidation of the 2'-deoxy compound.

Abstract: New pyridothienotriazines are described. These compounds are useful as anti-allergic reagents.