Abstract: A method for generating labor requirements including the step of providing a plurality of sales models based upon historical data, where each sales model is associated with a store within an enterprise. A sales model is selected and a sales forecast is generated based upon the selection of at least one sales model from the plurality of sales models. Workload standards and labor rates are obtained and a labor forecast for the store is generated based upon the sales forecast, the workload standards and the labor rates. Store level users are able to generate the labor requirements.

Abstract: The present invention provides luminescent lanthanide metal chelates comprising a metal ion of the lanthanide series and a complexing agent comprising at least one salicylamidyl moiety. Also provided are probes incorporating the salicylamidyl ligands of the invention and methods utilizing the ligands of the invention and probes comprising the ligands of the invention.

Abstract: A multi-stable memory or data storage element is used in crosspoint data-storage arrays, as a switch, a memory device, or as a logical device. The general structure of the multi-stable element comprises a layered, composite medium that both transports and stores charge disposed between two electrodes. Dispersed within the composite medium are discrete charge storage particles that trap and store charge. The multi-stable element achieves an exemplary bi-stable characteristic, providing a switchable device that has two or more stable states reliably created by the application of a voltage to the device. The voltages applied to achieve the “on” state, the “off” state, any intermediate state, and to read the state of the multi-stable element are all of the same polarity.

Abstract: A shaving apparatus is provided that includes a razor cartridge, a shaving aid dispenser, and a reservoir operable to contain a non-solid shaving aid material. The shaving aid dispenser includes one or more valves disposed within a contact panel. The contact panel is disposed adjacent the cutting edges of the one or more razor blades. Each of the valves is selectively operable between an open position and a closed position. The valves are operated by the normal force of the contact surface applied to the surface to be shaved. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the selectively operable valves.

Abstract: A multi-stable memory or data storage element is used in crosspoint data-storage arrays, as a switch, a memory device, or as a logical device. The general structure of the multi-stable element comprises a layered, composite medium that both transports and stores charge disposed between two electrodes. Dispersed within the composite medium are discrete charge storage particles that trap and store charge. The multi-stable element achieves an exemplary bi-stable characteristic, providing a switchable device that has two or more stable states reliably created by the application of a voltage to the device. The voltages applied to achieve the “on” state, the “off” state, any intermediate state, and to read the state of the multi-stable element are all of the same polarity. The multi-stable element is stable, cyclable, and reproducible in both the “on” state and the “off” state. The storage medium has a relatively high resistance in both its on and off states.

Abstract: In a shaving aid material dispenser, a reservoir is provided for storing a shaving aid material therein. A dispenser head is provided and includes a housing having at least one roller rotatably attached to the housing and in fluid communication with the reservoir and its contents. During a shaving operation, as the roller rotates across the surface over which it is being drawn, shaving aid material is distributed from the reservoir to the roller and thereby to the surface being shaved.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a shaving apparatus handle includes an interior cavity, a housing, and an actuator. The interior cavity has a first end and a second end lengthwise, and is operable to store flowable shaving aid material. The housing is mounted on the handle and includes one or more ports in fluid communication with the contents of the interior cavity. The actuator is disposed within the interior cavity and includes a ratchet mechanism, a button, and a piston. The ratchet mechanism and the button are operable to work in concert to move the piston uni-directionally toward the second end of the interior cavity. The movement of the piston causes the flowable shaving aid material to be dispensed from the handle adjacent a razor cartridge.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a shaving apparatus handle includes an interior cavity, a housing, and an actuator. The interior cavity has a first end and a second end lengthwise, and is operable to store flowable shaving aid material. The housing is mounted on the handle and includes one or more ports in fluid communication with the contents of the interior cavity. The actuator is disposed within the interior cavity and includes a ratchet mechanism, a button, and a piston. The ratchet mechanism and the button are operable to work in concert to move the piston uni-directionally toward the second end of the interior cavity. The movement of the piston causes the flowable shaving aid material to be dispensed from the handle adjacent a razor cartridge.

Abstract: A shaving apparatus is provided that includes a razor cartridge, a shaving aid dispenser, and a reservoir operable to contain a non-solid shaving aid material. The shaving aid dispenser includes one or more valves disposed within a contact panel. The contact panel is disposed adjacent the cutting edges of the one or more razor blades. Each of the valves is selectively operable between an open position and a closed position. The valves are operated by the normal force of the contact surface applied to the surface to be shaved. The reservoir is in fluid communication with the selectively operable valves.

Abstract: High density circuitry and metallic patterns are grown from polymer that has been patterned using a contact molding process. The patterned polymer is either intrinsically seedable or treated to make it seedable, e.g., it may be seeded with metallic seed ions, such as Pd ions. The patterned polymer is placed in an electroless deposition bath, with metal being plated onto its surface. Using these methods, metal (e.g, copper) may be deposited onto substrates of either organic or inorganic dielectric materials. The dielectric materials may comprise epoxy resins, ceramics, semiconductors (Si), glass, and silicon oxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides luminescent lanthanide metal chelates comprising a metal ion of the lanthanide series and a complexing agent comprising at least one phthalamidyl moiety. Also provided are probes incorporating the phthalamidyl ligands of the invention and methods utilizing the ligands of the invention and probes comprising the ligands of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides hydroxypyridinone and hydroxypyrimidone chelating agents. Also provides are Gd(III) complexes of these agents, which are useful as contrast enhancing agents for magnetic resonance imaging. The invention also provides methods of preparing the compounds of the invention, as well as methods of using the compounds in magnetic resonance imaging applications.

Abstract: An absorbent structure made at least in part from a superabsorbent material having a retention capacity (CRC) as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 25 g/g and a free swell gel bed permeability (GBP) as determined by a Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability Test of at least 575×10−9 cm2. In another embodiment, the absorbent structure is made at least in part from a superabsorbent material having a retention capacity (CRC) as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 25 g/g, an absorbency under load (AUL) at 0.9 psi as determined by an Absorbency Under Load Test of at least 18 and a free swell gel bed permeability (GBP) as determined by a Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability Test of at least about 350×10−9 cm2.

Abstract: Cellulose mixed esters are disclosed having low molecular weights and low degrees of polymerization. These new cellulose mixed esters include cellulose acetate propionate and cellulose acetate butyrate. The esters exhibit solubility in a wide range of organic solvents with minimal viscosity increase, are compatible with a wide variety of resins, and are useful in coatings and inks compositions as binder resins and rheology modifiers.

Abstract: High density circuitry and metallic patterns are grown from polymer that has been patterned using a contact molding process. The patterned polymer is either intrinsically seedable or treated to make it seedable, e.g., it may be seeded with metallic seed ions, such as Pd ions. The patterned polymer is placed in an electroless deposition bath, with metal being plated onto its surface. Using these methods, metal (e.g, copper) may be deposited onto substrates of either organic or inorganic dielectric materials. The dielectric materials may comprise epoxy resins, ceramics, semiconductors (Si), glass, and silicon oxide.

Abstract: A process for forming a portion of an integrated circuit includes placing a layer of material on a substrate, in which the material includes a polymeric composition or a precursor to a dielectric composition. The material is contacted with a stamping surface having relief structures that define a pattern, so that a patterned layer is formed as a result of the contact, which may include heating the material to mold it. A metal film or layer is then deposited onto the patterned layer. The metal can then be planarized to form a layer of an integrated circuit. A decomposable or sacrificial polymer is preferably included in the material, so that porous dielectric material is formed, thereby leading to a lower dielectric constant of the end product.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment has a front region, a back region, and a central region, each region having a length along a longitudinal axis of one third of the length of the absorbent garment. An absorbent pad positioned within the regions has a length of absorbent pad in the back region divided by a length of absorbent pad in the front region and central region less than 0.10, and the length in the front region is greater than the length in the back region.

Abstract: A process for forming a portion of an integrated circuit includes placing a layer of material on a substrate, in which the material includes a polymeric composition or a precursor to a dielectric composition. The material is contacted with a stamping surface having relief structures that define a pattern, so that a patterned layer is formed as a result of the contact, which may include heating the material to mold it. A metal film or layer is then deposited onto the patterned layer. The metal can then be planarized to form a layer of an integrated circuit. A decomposable or sacrificial polymer is preferably included in the material, so that porous dielectric material is formed, thereby leading to a lower dielectric constant of the end product.

Abstract: A window assembly comprises a frame into which is removably mounted a fan assembly. The fan assembly includes at least one fan mounted in an opening through a mounting plate. The mounting plate is removably secured to the window assembly by a screen, which is removably secured to the window frame. The inventive window assembly is particularly useful for existing glass block window and vent designs.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating a circuit assembly including a chip; a substrate; at least one solder joint which spans between the chip and the substrate forming an electrically conductive connection between the chip and the substrate by applying an encapsulant adjacent the solder joint, wherein the encapsulant comprises a thermoplastic polymer formed by ring opening polymerization of a cyclic oligomer.