Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for printing computer-based value-bearing items such as, for example, an exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The user may provide image 2 in an electronic form, such as by uploading a digital representation of image 2. In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, a user could alternatively provide a hardcopy image. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear a human-readable indication of the country 4 for which the postage is approved. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable indication of an amount of postage 5.

Abstract: One disclosed sleeve assembly disposed within a base pipe includes a first sleeve portion having a first shear resistance for resisting movement of the sleeve assembly with respect to the base pipe, and a second sleeve portion moveable with respect the first sleeve portion and having a second shear resistance for resisting movement of the second sleeve portion with respect to the first sleeve portion, the second shear resistance being greater than the first shear resistance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for setting a down hole tool include a base pipe having an interior and defining a port that communicates with a pressure chamber positioned outside of the base pipe. A sleeve is positioned in the interior to substantially block the port and to prevent substantial fluid communication between the interior and the pressure chamber. The sleeve includes a first portion having a first shear resistance for resisting movement of the first portion with respect to the base pipe. The sleeve also includes a second portion having a second shear resistance for resisting movement of the second portion with respect to the first portion. Movement of the first portion with respect to the base pipe in response to overcoming the first shear resistance exposes the port to permit fluid communication between the interior and the pressure chamber for setting the down hole tool.

Abstract: A security system with call management functionality includes a security controller having at least one first interface to at least one user identification device and a second interface to a call management controller. The security controller also includes logic to determine a security status of a user based on identification information received from the at least one user identification device and to communicate the security status of the user to the call management controller. The call management controller enables, disables, or modifies a communication service based on the security status of the user.

Abstract: Thin-film lithium-based batteries and electrochromic devices (10) are fabricated with positive electrodes (12) comprising a nanocomposite material composed of lithiated metal oxide nanoparticles (40) dispersed in a matrix composed of lithium tungsten oxide.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system has an electrosurgical generator with a multiple-phase RF output stage coupled to a multiple-electrode electrosurgical instrument. The instrument has three treatment electrodes each of which is coupled to a respective generator output driven from, for instance, a three-phase output transformer. Continuous RF output voltage waveforms are simultaneously delivered to respective generator outputs at the operating frequency, each waveform being phase-displaced with respect to the other waveforms. The magnitude of the RF output voltage waveform delivered to at least one of the generator outputs is sufficient to cause tissue vaporisation at the respective treatment electrodes when the system is used for tissue treatment.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide image-customized postage labels, and systems and methods for providing image-customized postage labels, in rolls adapted for high-speed application to mail pieces. The output of the exemplary systems and methods of the present invention is one or more exemplary rolls of liner-backed, self-adhesive, image-customized postage labels per an order placed by a customer. Each of the exemplary rolls comprises a label roll core and an exemplary length of liner-backed, self-adhesive, image-customized postage labels rolled around the label roll core.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system has an electrosurgical generator with a multiple-phase RF output stage coupled to a multiple-electrode electrosurgical instrument. The instrument has three treatment electrodes each of which is coupled to a respective generator output driven from, for instance, a three-phase output transformer. Continuous RF output voltage waveforms are simultaneously delivered to respective generator outputs at the operating frequency, each waveform being phase-displaced with respect to the other waveforms. The magnitude of the RF output voltage waveform delivered to at least one of the generator outputs is sufficient to cause tissue vaporization at the respective treatment electrodes when the system is used for tissue treatment.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system has an electrosurgical generator with a multiple-phase RF output stage coupled to a multiple-electrode electrosurgical instrument. The instrument has three treatment electrodes each of which is coupled to a respective generator output driven from, for instance, a three-phase output transformer. Continuous RF output voltage waveforms are simultaneously delivered to respective generator outputs at the operating frequency, each waveform being phase-displaced with respect to the other waveforms. The magnitude of the RF output voltage waveform delivered to at least one of the generator outputs is sufficient to cause tissue vaporization at the respective treatment electrodes when the system is used for tissue treatment. Also disclosed is an electrosurgical generator in combination with a cutting forceps instrument, such that the coagulation and cutting of the tissue may be performed simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electrosurgical system is described, the system including an electrosurgical generator and an electrosurgical instrument connected to the generator by means of a cable. A radio frequency signal is supplied to the electrosurgical instrument at an operating frequency, and the voltage of the radio frequency signal is monitored at a frequency corresponding to the frequency of a resonant circuit established by the electrosurgical instrument together with the cable. The monitored voltage is capable of indicating the initiation of arcing from the electrosurgical instrument, such that the voltage of the radio frequency signal can be adjusted in response to the monitored voltage at the resonant frequency. The magnitude of the monitored voltage is an indication of the degree of arcing. An electrosurgical system including an arc detector is also disclosed.

Abstract: A security system with call management functionality includes a security controller having at least one first interface to at least one user identification device and a second interface to a call management controller. The security controller also includes logic to determine a security status of a user based on identification information received from the at least one user identification device and to communicate the security status of the user to the call management controller. The call management controller enables, disables, or modifies a communication service based on the security status of the user.

Abstract: A security system with call management functionality is disclosed and includes a security controller having at least one first interface to at least one user identification device and a second interface to a call management controller. The security controller also includes logic to determine a security status of a user based on identification information received from the at least one user identification device and to communicate the security status of the user to the call management controller, where the call management controller enables, disables, or modifies a communication service based on the security status of the user.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide methods and a computer system for managing image content review for image customization of computer-based value-bearing items such as, for example, an exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The user may provide image 2 in an electronic form, such as by uploading a digital representation of image 2. In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, a user could alternatively provide a hardcopy image. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear a human-readable indication of the country 4 for which the postage is approved.

Abstract: A new apple tree (Malus domestica Borkh.) named ‘NC1’ is described. ‘NC1’ is the result of a cross between ‘Cox's Orange Pippin’ and ‘Golden Delicious.’ The fruit of ‘NC1’ is notable for its late maturity, attractive appearance and long shelf life as compared to its parents.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide methods and a computer system for managing image content review for image customization of computer-based value-bearing items such as, for example, an exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention as depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The user may provide image 2 in an electronic form, such as by uploading a digital representation of image 2. In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, a user could alternatively provide a hardcopy image. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear a human-readable indication of the country 4 for which the postage is approved.

Abstract: Thin-film lithium-based batteries and electrochromic devices (10) are fabricated with positive electrodes (12) comprising a nanocomposite material composed of lithiated metal oxide nanoparticles (40) dispersed in a matrix composed of lithium tungsten oxide.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for distributed printing of personalized postage indicia are shown. Embodiments facilitate printing of personalized postage indicia at various distributed printing locations, such as user sites, retail locations, consumer kiosks, etc., while implementing techniques to avoid widespread availability of live (e.g., active or representing postage value) postage barcodes, prevent printing of fraudulent postage indicia, and/or preventing approved images from being replaced with unapproved images in printed postage indicia. Embodiments facilitate distributed printing of personalized postage indicia through implementation of a technique wherein a manufacturer, such as a postage service provider or a postal authority, provides a centralized print of unassigned tokens on postage stock. The unassigned tokens are configured or otherwise able to form a complete postage indicia when appropriate personalized content is associated therewith.

Abstract: An aqueous viscoelastic fluid for enhancing the productivity of a subterranean formation contains, in addition to an anionic surfactant and a cationic surfactant, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC). The fluid may be pumped neat into the formation, foamed with nitrogen to qualities exceeding 90% or emulsified with liquid carbon dioxide to emulsion quality approaching 90%.

Abstract: Exemplary flexible thin film solid state lithium ion batteries (10) and methods for making the same are disclosed. An exemplary flexible solid state thin film electrochemical device (10) may include a flexible substrate (12), first (14) and second electrodes (18), and an electrolyte (16) disposed between the first (14) and second electrodes (18). The electrolyte (16) is disposed on the flexible substrate (12). The first electrode (14) is disposed on the electrolyte (16), and the second electrode (18) having been buried between the electrolyte (16) and the substrate (12).

Abstract: A new apple tree (Malus domestica Borkh.) named ‘NC1’ is described. ‘NC1’ is the result of a cross between ‘Cox's Orange Pippin’ and ‘Golden Delicious.’ The fruit of ‘NC1’ is notable for its late maturity, attractive appearance and long shelf life as compared to its parents.