Abstract: The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for customizing computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, customizing a computer-based postage-indicia-bearing item such as exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, 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: 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: A lithium metal thin-film battery composite structure is provided that includes a combination of a thin, stable, solid electrolyte layer [18] such as Lipon, designed in use to be in contact with a lithium metal anode layer; and a rapid-deposit solid electrolyte layer [16] such as LiAlF4 in contact with the thin, stable, solid electrolyte layer [18]. Batteries made up of or containing these structures are more efficient to produce than other lithium metal batteries that use only a single solid electrolyte. They are also more resistant to stress and strain than batteries made using layers of only the stable, solid electrolyte materials. Furthermore, lithium anode batteries as disclosed herein are useful as rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for manufacturing lithium-metal anode [18] assemblies for thin-film, thick-film and hulk secondary batteries that use liquid or gel-type electrolytes [14], and lithium-metal anode [18] assemblies for thick-film and bulk secondary batteries that use solid electrolytes [18]. These methods involve electrolytic formation of a lithium metal anode [18] between a protecting lithium-stable, solid electrolyte [18] material and an eieethcaiiy-Gonductive substance [20]. Secondary lithium_ batteries made by these methods aw also provided.

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. 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: An electrosurgical system includes a first unit including a generator, and a second unit including an electrode assembly, the second unit being detachably connectible to the first unit such that radio frequency power can be conveyed to the electrode assembly, wherein the second unit firstly includes a passive electrical identification component having a parameter of a finite non-zero value indicative of a characteristic of the electrode assembly, and the second unit additionally includes an output circuit adapted to generate an identifiable characteristic signal, the first unit firstly including a sensing circuit for determining the value of the electrical identification component so as to identify the second unit when the second unit is connected to the first unit, and the first unit additionally including means for receiving the identifiable characteristic signal from the output circuit when the second unit is connected to the first unit.

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 vaporisation at the respective treatment electrodes when the system is used for tissue treatment.

Abstract: Gelled emulsions contain (i.) an external phase of an aqueous water-soluble solvent solution, polymeric viscosifying agent and, optionally, an oxidative and/or acidic breaker; and (ii.) an internal phase of a dispersed organic fluid. The aqueous water-soluble solvent solution constitutes between from about 15 to about 50 volume percent of the gelled emulsion and the dispersed organic fluid is presented in the gelled emulsion in amounts ranging from about 50 to about 85 volume percent. The gelled emulsions are useful in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, oil field, pipeline and processing facility applications.

Abstract: A method of using an organic peroxide containing composition as a gel breaker and a method of transporting the composition is disclosed, wherein the composition has a freeze point less than or equal to ?10° C. and a diluent which contains water and an organic solvent selected from ethylene glycol, methanol, ethanol and 1-propanol. During shipment, the amount of available oxygen in the composition is less than or equal to 1 weight percent.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for identifying bleedthrough in an image in which a reference tone point of a first image is determined, putative bleedthrough pixels in the first image are identified as a function of the reference tone point, the putative bleedthrough pixels are mapped into a putative bleedthrough representation of said first image, and the putative bleedthrough pixel mapping is analyzed to determine if bleedthrough is present in said first image. Also disclosed are systems and methods for removing bleedthrough from an image in which a document is scanned to provide an electronic first image and an electronic second image, a putative bleedthrough pixel mapping for the first image is generated, the putative bleedthrough pixel mapping is processed using information with respect to said second image, and pixels of the first image corresponding to putative bleedthrough pixels of said mapping are replaced.

Abstract: A security system with call management functionality is coupled to a telephone network for providing a telephone service and at least one telephone line. This system also includes a call management controller for enabling, disabling or changing telephone service based on user presence and identity. User presence and identity is determined by a security controller coupled to a plurality of sensors for providing at least one home security function.

Abstract: A security system with call management functionality is coupled to a telephone network for providing a telephone service and at least one telephone line. This system also includes a call management controller for enabling, disabling or changing telephone service based on user presence and identity. User presence and identity is determined by a security controller coupled to a plurality of sensors for providing at least one home security function.

Abstract: A security system with call management functionality is coupled to a telephone network for providing a telephone service and at least one telephone line. This system also includes a call management controller for enabling, disabling or changing telephone service based on user presence and identity. User presence and identity is determined by a security controller coupled to a plurality of sensors for providing at least one home security function.

Abstract: A method of producing soot containing high amounts of fullerenes comprising: providing a primary concentrator capable of impingement of a concentrated beam of sunlight onto a carbon source to cause vaporization of carbon and subsequent formation of fullerenes, or providing a solar furnace having a primary concentrator with a focal point that concentrates a solar beam of sunlight; providing a reflective secondary concentrator having an entrance aperture and an exit aperture at the focal point of the solar furnace; providing a carbon source at the exit aperture of the secondary concentrator; supplying an inert gas over the carbon source to keep the secondary concentrator free from vaporized carbon; and impinging a concentrated beam of sunlight from the secondary concentrator on the carbon source to vaporize the carbon source into a soot containing high amounts of fullerenes.

Abstract: A loose wheel restraint safety system provides bolt-on support brackets in a system for attachment to the chassis or to the body of a vehicle, to which brackets wheel restraint bars are detachably mounted. The brackets of the system are located adjacent the wheels of the vehicle, such that the restraint bars, when mounted, are located in close proximity to the tires and extend horizontally across the wheel. The system elements, when bolted in place form, in combination with the adjoining vehicle bed or chassis portions, substantial wheel enclosures that permit each wheel and rim to turn freely upon its axle or spindle, while restraining the wheel against lateral deviation from its axle. The system is applied to each outer wheel of a multi-wheel rig, to restrain a break-away wheel against run-away, such that the driver, upon observing the situation, can pull the rig off the road and to a halt.