Abstract: An approach to control workflow so that a relatively high priority work item can sometimes be automatically controlled by software to interrupt work being performed, by one or more resource unit(s), on a relatively lower priority work item. The analysis for deciding whether or not an interruption occurs depends upon interruptibility scalars (that is, interruptibility quotients and/or factors) and interruptibility threshold(s).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for simulating risk tolerance and associated adversary costs in a distributed business process are disclosed. The methods and apparatus simulate an interdependent business process, such as a financial transaction system, in a secure distributed manner. Each business entity that is part of the interdependent business process models itself on a local client device at any chosen level of detail. A simulation server connects the separate client based simulations into one large simulation. Details of each local simulation may be hidden from other simulation participants. However, interruptions in business flow caused by simulated disruptions introduced at the simulation server and/or a client device are propagated to all of the effected simulation participants via the simulation server. In addition, the simulation server receives inputs from users indicative of risk tolerance levels and associated response actions.

Abstract: An approach for identifying missing content is provided. An approach includes: receiving a search string; determining a skill rating associated with a searcher that generated the search string; and searching a database using the search string. The approach also includes: updating at least one of a first score associated with the search string and a second score associated with the database based on the skill rating; and generating an alert based on one of the first score exceeding a first threshold and the second score exceeding a second threshold.

Abstract: An approach for adjusting ranked search results based on user data is provided. An approach includes: receiving a search query from a search user; generating a ranked result set based on the search query; generating an adjusted ranked result set by adjusting the ranked result set based on a skill rating of the search user; and providing the adjusted ranked result set to the search user.

Abstract: A printing stock feeder system may include, but is not limited to: a support stand; a feed deck rotatably coupled to the support stand; a printing stock storage stack; and a printing stock transfer mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for processing a color image for a color blind person to perceive color variation within the color image. Specifically, in a typical embodiment, a color image is received from an image capture device or other means. Each area of the color image having one of a specific color or color combination is determined. A pattern is generated based on the one of the specific color or color combination. A pattern overlay of the generated pattern is rendered on a display device.

Abstract: In a method for managing an online chat session, an instant message received from a customer participating in the online chat session is examined. A determination that the examined instant message indicates characteristic of a problem being experienced by the customer is made. One or more chat participants to include in the online chat session to address the problem are determined based on the characteristic of the problem. A set of chat participants participating in the online chat session is modified to include the determined one or more chat participants in the set of chat participants.

Abstract: A retaining ring can be shaped by machining or lapping the bottom surface of the ring to form a shaped profile in the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can include flat, sloped and curved portions. The lapping can be performed using a machine that dedicated for use in lapping the bottom surface of retaining rings. During the lapping the ring can be permitted to rotate freely about an axis of the ring. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can have curved or flat portions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an approach for characteristic-based (e.g., color) selection of items (e.g., clothing) in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, at least one computer storage device will be populated with a first set of items. The first set of items may be associated in the at least one computer storage device with a first set of corresponding characteristics. A computer data structure may then be generated that comprises compatibility scores of the first set of items to one another. A second set of items may then be received in the at least one computer storage device. The second set of items may also be accompanied by a second set of corresponding characteristics. A set of matches between the first set of items and the second set of items may then be generated according to one or more criteria.

Abstract: A modular standing frame is described herein. The modular standing frame has a chair module adapted to raise and lower a user between sitting and standing postures without inducing shear between the user and the seat and seat back of the chair module. The chair module may be selectively coupled to one of a glider module adapted to provide walking-type exercise to a standing user, a workstation module that provides a work surface for a sitting or standing user, and a mobility module that allows the standing frame to be moved about by a user much like a wheel chair.

Abstract: A printing stock feeder system may include, but is not limited to: a support stand; a feed deck rotatably coupled to the support stand; a printing stock storage stack; and a printing stock transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A retaining ring can be shaped by machining or lapping the bottom surface of the ring to form a shaped profile in the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can include flat, sloped and curved portions. The lapping can be performed using a machine that dedicated for use in lapping the bottom surface of retaining rings. During the lapping the ring can be permitted to rotate freely about an axis of the ring. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can have curved or flat portions.

Abstract: A retaining ring can be shaped by machining or lapping the bottom surface of the ring to form a shaped profile in the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can include flat, sloped and curved portions. The lapping can be performed using a machine that dedicated for use in lapping the bottom surface of retaining rings. During the lapping the ring can be permitted to rotate freely about an axis of the ring. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can have curved or flat portions.

Abstract: A retaining ring can be shaped by machining or lapping the bottom surface of the ring to form a shaped profile in the bottom surface. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can include flat, sloped and curved portions. The lapping can be performed using a machine that dedicated for use in lapping the bottom surface of retaining rings. During the lapping the ring can be permitted to rotate freely about an axis of the ring. The bottom surface of the retaining ring can have curved or flat portions.

Abstract: Gas flow is controlled to a feed gas consuming device depending on whether a contaminant gas is present. In one embodiment, hydrogen gas flow from a hydrogen gas generator to a hydrogen consuming device, such as a fuel cell, gas chromatograph or a flame ionization detector, is terminated when there is chemical contaminant breakthrough in the hydrogen gas flow. The apparatus relates to the use of a sensor for detecting a predetermined concentration of a chemical contaminant such as ammonia. In one embodiment the apparatus terminates the gas flow when a concentration of ammonia in the gas flow corresponds to a breakthrough (e.g., approximately in the range of 2.0% or greater). The apparatus prevents the ammonia-contaminated hydrogen from disabling such a hydrogen consuming device that would have otherwise received the contaminated gas flow.

Abstract: A modular standing frame is described herein. The modular standing frame has a chair module adapted to raise and lower a user between sitting and standing postures without inducing shear between the user and the seat and seat back of the chair module. The chair module may be selectively coupled to one of a glider module adapted to provide walking-type exercise to a standing user, a workstation module that provides a work surface for a sitting or standing user, and a mobility module that allows the standing frame to be moved about by a user much like a wheel chair.

Abstract: A modular standing frame is described herein. The modular standing frame has a chair module adapted to raise and lower a user between sitting and standing postures without inducing shear between the user and the seat and seat back of the chair module. The chair module may be selectively coupled to one of a glider module adapted to provide walking-type exercise to a standing user, a workstation module that provides a work surface for a sitting or standing user, and a mobility module that allows the standing frame to be moved about by a user much like a wheel chair.

Abstract: An extender-arm for use in an automobile. The extender-arm includes a handle section, a gripping section, and an extension section connecting the handle section to the gripping section. The handle section includes an actuator for effecting open-and-close movement of a gripper or other device in the gripper section. The handle also includes a socket into which a variety of tools—that may be useful in an automobile or other one environment—may be removably inserted. The extender-arm may include a rechargeable power source for connection with the tools inserted into the socket. The extension section may include an ancillary device such as a cellular phone holding clip, and/or a coin holding structure. Also, a pouch may be provided to store the tools that are removably attachable to the socket.

Abstract: Techniques for attaching a retaining ring to a carrier head so that the bottom surface of the retaining ring is orthogonal to a central rotational axis of the carrier head are described.