Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a process for producing polymer fibers, typically polyacrylonitrile-based fibers, the morphology of which is controlled by the use of a polymer additive to form a polymer blend with polyacrylonitrile, which is then subjected to certain coagulation and washing conditions. The present disclosure also relates to carbon fibers produced by processing the polymer fibers made.

Abstract: A lancing device includes a housing, a lancet carrier translational within the housing, a drive spring for propelling the lancet carrier through a translational lancing stroke, and a charging mechanism. The charging mechanism includes a first cam member that is rotatable relative to the housing, a second cam member that abuts the first cam member, is coupled to the lancet carrier, and is restricted from rotation relative to the housing, and a rotatable handle co-rotationally attached to the first cam member. Rotation of the handle rotates the first cam member with it, causing the first cam member to rotate against the second cam member, which in response traverses axially because it is restricted from rotation, thereby retracting the lancet carrier to a retracted or charged state.

Abstract: A communication and workflow management system and method is provided for integrating a wide range of health care organization workflow management functions, generated by automated systems, manual and automated events associated with patients and staff interactions, through input-output devices such that requests and dispatch requests can be handled locally or over a widely distributed network, and can be tracked and escalated as required. The invention features a rules engine and database that identifies and defines resources, patients, tasks, and task handling. The invention uses extensive logic for the assignment of tasks and communication with resources that can execute tasks, tracking, completion of task, and escalation of tasks. The communication system can be integrated with staff and equipment tracking for automated closure of tasks.

Abstract: A lancing device includes a housing, a lancet carrier translational within the housing, a drive spring for propelling the lancet carrier through a translational lancing stroke, and a charging mechanism. The charging mechanism includes a first cam member that is rotatable relative to the housing, a second cam member that abuts the first cam member, is coupled to the lancet carrier, and is restricted from rotation relative to the housing, and a rotatable handle co-rotationally attached to the first cam member. Rotation of the handle rotates the first cam member with it, causing the first cam member to rotate against the second cam member, which in response traverses axially because it is restricted from rotation, thereby retracting the lancet carrier to a retracted or charged state.

Abstract: A communication and workflow management system and method is provided for integrating a wide range of health care organization workflow management functions, generated by automated systems, manual and automated events associated with patients and staff interactions, through input-output devices such that requests and dispatch requests can be handled locally or over a widely distributed network, and can be tracked and escalated as required. The invention features a rules engine and database that identifies and defines resources, patients, tasks, and task handling. The invention uses extensive logic for the assignment of tasks and communication with resources that can execute tasks, tracking, completion of task, and escalation of tasks. The communication system can be integrated with staff and equipment tracking for automated closure of tasks.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a system for increasing accessibility of a web application to a screen reader. The system includes a screen reader connected to a web browser, wherein the web browser has a document object model (DOM). At least one web application is accessible by the web browser. At least one accessibility widget, from a widget library, is provided to modify the DOM of the web browser. The system further includes user profile information stored in the web application indicating special accessibility needs for controlling activation of the accessibility widget. A cookie is also provided for controlling activation of the accessibility widget. The accessibility widget is operable with all server platforms allowing access with a web browser.

Abstract: A communication and workflow management system and method is provided for integrating a wide range of health care organization workflow management functions, generated by automated systems, manual and automated events associated with patients and staff interactions, through input-output devices such that requests and dispatch requests can be handled locally or over a widely distributed network, and can be tracked and escalated as required. The invention features a rules engine and database that identifies and defines resources, patients, tasks, and task handling. The invention uses extensive logic for the assignment of tasks and communication with resources that can execute tasks, tracking, completion of task, and escalation of tasks. The communication system can be integrated with staff and equipment tracking for automated closure of tasks.

Abstract: A method at a clearing house to verify the geographic region of an end user device for receiving encrypted digital content. In one embodiment the geographic region is a country. The method comprising three sub-methods. In the first sub-method the address is verified by determining the credit card clearing address of the end user using an address verification system. In the second sub-method the address is verified by determining the IP address of the end user device requesting delivery of the encrypted digital content. And in the third sub-method the address is verified by checking that the IP address of the end user device requesting delivery of the encrypted digital content is the identical IP address of the end user device requesting a license to use the encrypted digital content.

Abstract: Several effects are described which are programmable in telecines. Variable aperture correction is described which allows appropriate correction to be applied to different types of film stock. Soft focus and distortion effects are also described. The effects can be selected for whole scenes or for frames or frame portions, to give a range of effects which can be used to improve picture quality or for artistic effect.

Abstract: A video special effects generator is simulated by using a telecine with a still film frame therein. Effects such as zoom and pan are pre-programmed in a store and used to change the telecine scanning raster to give the desired visual effect, the operation being timed relative to the video output signals. Aperture correction is also proposed to be programmed in a telecine in similar manner.