Abstract: The invention relates to a method of forming cutouts (4) and transverse welding seams (10) in a sheet of film (5) that is advanced continuously at high velocity, wherein the cutouts (4) constitute areas that are delimited by cutting lines (6, 7), wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) the formation of the cutouts (4) in a sheet section with high sheet tension with cutting lines (7) that extend longitudinally of the sheet of film (5), and cutting lines (7) that extend transversely of the sheet of film, said cutting lines featuring a number of interruptions (8) that constitute support points whereby the cutouts (4) continue to be coherent with the sheet of film (5) at the support points, b) subsequent formation of the transverse welding seams (10) in a sheet section with low sheet tension.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting rapid control traffic in a time division multiple access (TDMA) communication system comprises a base station communicating with a plurality of user stations in assigned time slots of a time frame. For bearer traffic, time slots are assigned to particular user stations for an extended duration. In unassigned time slots, the base station transmits a general polling message indicating availability of the time slot. A user station desiring to hand off communication from one base station to another uses multiple available time slots at the target base station for exchanging control traffic messages with the target base station. The next available time slot is indicated by a slot pointer in the header of each general polling message to facilitate rapid exchange of control traffic messages. During handover, the user station may establish a new link with the target base station before relinquishing the existing communication link with the old base station.

Abstract: A controlled equilibrium device comprising a housing; at least one spring, each at least one spring having a spring stiffness; and a load leveling device movable through the housing between a first maximum displacement position and a second maximum displacement position, the load leveling device comprising a deadband displacement zone defined between a first deadband displacement threshold and a second deadband displacement threshold, the displacement required to reach the first and second deadband displacement thresholds being less than the displacement distances required to reach the first and second maximum displacement positions, the at least one spring stiffness being substantially constant when the displacement of the load leveling device is within the deadband zone, the stiffness of the at least one spring being modified to a second stiffness when the load leveling device is equal to or beyond either the first deadband displacement threshold or the second deadband displacement threshold.

Abstract: The present invention is a kit for preparing a medical catheter from catheter sections which are short relative to the length of the catheter. The catheter is divided into two or more sections configurable into two configurations. In one configuration, the sections are joined to form a catheter of a greater length than the length of each individual section. In the other configuration, the length of the catheter is reduced. The invention also relates to a method of producing a catheter section by injection molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible tool for handling small objects, as well as a method for handling small objects using the flexible tool. The flexible tool comprises one or more mini robots, such as a free arm robot and one or more hexapod(s) working in an internal workspace when performing operations on small objects. Furthermore, an external space can be used for storing the objects during non-operation. The hexapods are adapted to engage with a small object and to move a small object between the internal workspace and the external space, and the free arm robot is adapted to move one or more hexapod(s). Fast measurements of robot positions are included, the measurements being feed back to a computer system controlling the mini robots. The computer system further comprises vision and motion planning.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter assembly allowing for non-contaminated insertion of a catheter into a urinary canal. The assembly includes a package for the catheter and an applicator to be used for guiding the catheter into the urinary canal without touching the catheter by holding the catheter via walls of the applicator. The assembly further comprises clamping means for pressing the walls of the applicator into engagement with the catheter. The present invention further relates to an applicator with integrated clamping means to be used with the assembly.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for a composition comprising at least one &agr;-sulfofatty acid ester in a first portion and at least one basic material in a second, different portion. After preparing the first and second portions separately, the first and second portions are joined to form a final composition. The first and second portions are joined together to form the final composition in a manner to minimize contact, thereby reducing the formation of additional di-salts, and thereby improving the properties of the composition.

Abstract: A fitting for the tool ring in a nail machine, or a tool ring, said fitting having means for receiving and securing at least one holding jaw in the fitting, and a support face that enables the fitting to abut on a support face which is complementary to the support face of the fitting; and means for clamping the fitting onto the complementary support face; and wherein the fitting has at least one clamp face which is arranged opposite the support face; and wherein the means for clamping the fitting on the tool ring comprise a first element configured for abutment on the clamp face and past the support face and for engaging with an element on a tool ring included therefor.

Abstract: The system for automatically routing calls to call center agents provides the call center administrator with an automatic agent assignment paradigm which functions to automatically increase the efficiency of assigning multiple skill agents to contacts. The presence of an agent surplus condition provides the present system with a plurality of choices in the assignment of the agent to process a presently received contact. Since the agents who staff the call center include multiple skill agents, the system must make a determination of not only which of the available agents is the best equipped to handle the present contact, but also how that assignment statistically effects the efficiency of successive assignments of agents to contacts next received, based upon the past performance of the agents and the call center.

Abstract: A sweet and salty microwave popcorn composition is provided. The sweet taste is provided by using a sweetening effective amount of sucralose in the composition. The salt taste is provided by using an effective amount of sodium chloride or common salt. Various sugar components (monosaccharides and non-sucralose disaccharides) are preferably avoided, to accomplish a desirable taste without burn. Microwave popcorn products using compositions as characterized, and preferred methods, are also provided.

Abstract: A computer chassis includes heat generating components and a fan housing adjacent the components. A plate is mounted in the fan housing. A first flexible member extends from the plate. A second flexible member extends from the plate and is spaced apart from the first member. A grip member interconnects a distal end of the first and second members spaced apart from the plate. A latch extends from adjacent the grip member. An anti-buckle member extends between the first and second members for maintaining the flexible members spaced apart.

Abstract: A new miniature rose plant which has abundant, dark red colored flowers and attractive foliage. The variety successfully propagates from softwood cuttings and is suitable for year round production in commercial glass houses as a flowering pot plant. This new and distinct variety has shown to be uniform and stable in the resulting generations from asexual propagation.

Abstract: The invention is a group of compounds named halovirs with antiviral activity that are structurally related to compounds isolated from a marine fungus CNL240. Halovirs are comprised of a short, amphipathic helical peptide with an extended lipid moiety on the N-terminal end of the peptide. The halovirs have demonstrated activity against herpes simplex virus, types I and II.

Abstract: A microfluidic controller and detector system and method for performing screening assays are disclosed. The microfluidic controller and detector system comprises a fluidic chip that includes at least two intersecting channels and a detection zone, a fluid direction system comprising an electrical interface configured for electrical contact with the at least two intersecting channels, an optics block having an objective lens disposed adjacent the detection zone, and a control system coupled to the optics block and adapted to receive and analyze data from the optics block. The electrical interface generally includes electrodes configured for electrical contact with the intersecting channels and coupled to electrode channels for supplying electrical input to the electrodes. A reference channel is optionally provided to calibrate the electrode channels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutations of the subtilisin gene, some of which result in changes in the chemical characteristics of subtilisin enzyme. Mutations are created at specific nucleic acids of the subtilisin gene and, in various specific embodiments, the mutant enzymes possess altered chemical properties including, but not limited to, increased stability to oxidation, augmented proteolytic activity, and improved washability. The present invention also relates, but is not limited to, the amino acid and DNA sequences for two proteases derived from Bacillus lentus variants, subtilisin 147 and subtilisin 309, as well as mutations of these genes and the corresponding mutant enzymes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing a data input signal with a single ended sense amplifier. The single ended sense amplifier includes a transmission gate circuit and a control circuit coupled between a feedback inverter circuit and an output signal that is fed back to the feedback inverter circuit. An inverter circuit is coupled between an enable signal and the transmission gate and control circuits. During pre-charge operation, the input to the feedback inverter circuit is driven to a first state. The feedback inverter correspondingly drives the input signal to a sensing inverter to a state that is complementary to the input to the feedback inverter circuit, thereby assisting the pre-charge mode and substantially reducing time delay due to the input signal contending with the feedback inverter circuit. One advantage of the present invention is that sense amplifiers can be sized for faster sensing than would other-wise be feasible due to the excessive contention during the pre-charge mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ion channel modulating agents. More particularly, the present invention relates to a particular class of chemical compounds represented by general formula (I) that has proven useful as modulators of SKCa, IKCa and BKCa channels. In further aspects, the present invention relates to the use of these SK/IK/BK channel modulating agents for the manufacture of medicaments and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the SK/IK/BK channel modulating agents. The SK/IK/BK channel modulating agents of the invention are useful for the treatment or alleviation of diseases and conditions associated with the SK/IK/BK channels.

Abstract: A system tracks ownership data for data resources coupled on a network. The system includes a data extractor for extracting data resource communication activity data from a plurality of network activity data sources, a database of organizational data resource ownership data, and a communication activity report generator for correlating extracted data resource communication activity data and organizational data resource ownership data so that ownership of communication activity may be tracked. The data extractor obtains network activity data from a variety of data sources such as firewalls, routers, servers, PBXs, softswitches, media gateways, SS7 signaling points, integrated access devices, and calling card imports. Network activity data about communication activity may be obtained directly from the data resources initiating the communication activity or from data sources that handle communication activity initiated by a data resource.

Abstract: A hearing aid with a test controller for detection of a defect in the signal path of the hearing aid is provided. The test controller controls a test signal generator and a probe means for determination of a signal parameter, such as signal level, frequency spectrum, phase characteristic, auto-correlation, cross-correlation, etc. A set of signal switches controlled by the test controller is provided for connecting a desired test signal generator or a desired probe means to a desired point in the signal path for testing of a desired part of the hearing aid. Further signal switches are provided for coupling hearing aid components into and out of the signal path of the hearing aid.

Abstract: A system and method for treating water to be used for irrigation. The system and method utilizes an apparatus for generating ozone and other atoms and molecules resulting from the bombardment of a feed gas with electrons has, preferably, a first electrode positioned within a channel in a second electrode. The first electrode is a substantially sealed tube made of dielectric material, having at least one electron gun positioned proximate an end thereof for firing electrons into the first electrode. In electrical communication with the electron gun is a rod, maintained in a tube also made of dielectric material, which acts to maintain a constant energy level through the length of the rod and thus the length of the electrode. Within the first electrode is an inert gas which, upon the firing of the electron gun, is formed into a plasma.