Abstract: An apparatus for digitising an impedance is provided that comprises a first impedance element having a first impedance that varies with a property to be measured and a second impedance element having a second impedance. The apparatus also includes a drive signal generator for applying a first alternating drive signal to the first impedance element and a second alternating drive signal to the second impedance element. An analogue-to-digital converter, ADC, receives a resultant signal comprising the combination of the signals produced by the application of the first and second alternating drive signals to the first and second impedance elements. The first alternating drive signal is phase shifted relative to the second alternating drive signal such that the resultant signal received and sampled by the ADC sequentially relates to the sum of, and the difference between, the first and second impedances.

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 system and method for: providing virtual social networking and online dating services; providing collaborative capability between a plurality of members; and providing interactive live multi-point streaming video/audio to the members. The collaborative capability may include auditions. Further, the collaborative capability and interactive live multi-point streaming video/audios may be provided through a single site. The system and method may provide for direct referrals between members and online video dating including speed dating. Further, the social/dating service may also interact with other services.

Abstract: The invention relates to the transmission of power and/or data from/to a stationary part of a machine tool 200 to/from an accessory 100 mounted in the spindle 210 of the machine tool 200. A first electrical link or interface 1a,1b,1c,1d provides electrical communication between the stationary part 200 and the spindle 210, and a second electrical link or interface 3 is provided electrically connected to the first electrical link at the accessory mounting area 230. The second link 3 is in the form of electrical contacts. The invention extends to an accessory shank 360 for mounting to the spindle 210 of the machine tool, and also to an accessory 100 e.g. in the form of a measurement probe, connected to the said shank 360.

Abstract: A modular imaging system includes a camera module having a camera and an electrical interface for providing a video signal representing an image picked up by the camera, a wireless transmitter module having an electrical interface for receiving the video signal from the camera module and generating a high frequency signal, a wireless receiver module for receiving the high frequency signal from the wireless transmitter module and producing a baseband signal, and a display module for receiving the baseband signal and displaying the baseband signal on a display.

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 workpiece inspection system is disclosed for determining measurements of a workpiece on a machine tool. The system utilizes a measurement device which outputs data relating to the workpiece (e.g. in place of a conventional cutter). The problem of obtaining real time data relating to the position of the machine tool is overcome by recording a machine tool position data set and a measurement device data set at selected instants which are defined by a synchronization signal. The data sets are combined later in the correct relative position because the synchronization signal was used. The synchronization signal can issue from the machine tool controller, an interface, measurement device or another part of the system.

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: 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: Apparatus for treating liquid by contact with a particulate adsorbent material comprises a regeneration chamber (10) within a reservoir (2) for liquid to be treated. Adsorbent material is recycled along a path including passage through the regeneration chamber (10) and in a body of liquid in the reservoir to contact and treat the liquid. The adsorbent material is capable of regeneration, and the regeneration chamber (10) is defined between two electrodes (36, 38), which can be coupled to a source of electrical power. The treatment process can be continuous with liquid flowing through the reservoir while the adsorbent material is recycled and regenerated. Alternatively, individual quantities of liquid may be treated on a batch basis. A plurality of regeneration chambers may be arranged within a common reservoir, such as in a bank of chambers aligned along an axis thereof.

Abstract: Described herein are eating utensils forks, spoons and chopsticks which have imparted upon them the function of liquid dispensing and aspirating via fluidic passages inside of the utensils which attach to a container of a liquid affixed at a point either within or at the top end of the handle of the utensil. The attachment coupled with the action of the user of the utensil actuates the flow of the liquid from the container to the eating surface of the utensil.

Abstract: The invention relates to the transmission of power and/or data from/to a stationary part of a machine tool 200 to/from an accessory 100 mounted in the spindle 210 of the machine tool 200. A first electrical link or interface 1a,1b,1c,1d provides electrical communication between the stationary part 200 and the spindle 210, and a second electrical link or interface 3 is provided electrically connected to the first electrical link at the accessory mounting area 230. The second link 3 is in the form of electrical contacts. The invention extends to an accessory shank 360 for mounting to the spindle 210 of the machine tool, and also to an accessory 100 e.g. in the form of a measurement probe, connected to the said shank 360.

Abstract: The transmission of power and/or data from/to a stationary part of a machine tool to/from an accessory mounted in the spindle of the machine tool. A first electrical link or interface provides electrical communication between the stationary part and the spindle, and a second electrical link or interface is provided electrically connected to the first electrical link at the accessory mounting area. The second link is in the form of electrical contacts. An accessory shank for mounting to the spindle of the machine tool, and also to an accessory e.g. in the form of a measurement probe, connected to the said shank.

Abstract: An adsorbent particulate product for treating contaminated fluid and capable of electrochemical regeneration. The product includes unexpanded intercalated graphite in particulate form, in the form of flakes or in powder form.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating liquid by contact with a particulate adsorbent material comprises a regeneration chamber (10) within a reservoir (2) for liquid to be treated. Adsorbent material is recycled along a path including passage through the regeneration chamber (10) and in a body of liquid in the reservoir to contact and treat the liquid. The adsorbent material is capable of regeneration, and the regeneration chamber (10) is defined between two electrodes (36, 38), which can be coupled to a source of electrical power. The treatment process can be continuous with liquid flowing through the reservoir while the adsorbent material is recycled and regenerated. Alternatively, individual quantities of liquid may be treated on a batch basis. A plurality of regeneration chambers may be arranged within a common reservoir, such as in a bank of chambers aligned along an axis thereof.

Abstract: A tool shank (18;38;138) is described that comprises a spindle attachment portion (20) that is removably attachable to the rotatable spindle (12) of a machine tool (10), a shank body portion (21;121) which extends beyond the end of the spindle when the tool shank (18;38;138) is attached to the spindle (12) of a machine tool (10) and the first part (26;38;148) of a separable electrical coupling (22;132). The shank body portion comprises a feature (28;128) suitable for engagement with a tool change device (29) and the first part (26;38;148) of the separable electrical coupling (22;132) is located on the shank body portion (21;121) between the feature (28;128) and the spindle attachment portion (20). A machine tool (10), and a kit for retrofitting a machine tool (10), that comprise the second part (24;148) of the separable electrical coupling (22;132) are also described.

Abstract: A tool shank (18;38;138) is described that comprises a spindle attachment portion (20) that is removably attachable to the rotatable spindle (12) of a machine tool (10), a shank body portion (21;121) which extends beyond the end of the spindle when the tool shank (18;38;138) is attached to the spindle (12) of a machine tool (10) and the first part (26;38;148) of a separable electrical coupling (22;132). The shank body portion comprises a feature (28;128) suitable for engagement with a tool change device (29) and the first part (26;38;148) of the separable electrical coupling (22;132) is located on the shank body portion (21;121) between the feature (28;128) and the spindle attachment portion (20). A machine tool (10), and a kit for retrofitting a machine tool (10), that comprise the second part (24;148) of the separable electrical coupling (22;132) are also described.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention would provide methods and systems for generating and printing an identifier on a sheet of label stock that comprises a plurality of same-sized labels. In the exemplary embodiment, the identifier would comprise an identification of a media type of the sheet of label stock, and would further comprise an identification of an orientation for printing value-bearing item indicia, such as postage indicia, with respect to each label on the sheet of label stock. The orientation for printing value-bearing item indicia, such as postage indicia, would correspond to an orientation selection by a user that ordered the labels (sometimes referred to herein as the “ordering user”).

Abstract: A mobile data center unit has a mobile weatherized enclosure; a plurality of rack sets within the enclosure, with each rack set being comprised of one or more racks holding rack-mounted data processing equipment. A plurality of guides guide the motion of the rack sets between at least: a first position, that provides access by a person to the front and/or back of the racks in a rack set, and the equipment mounted in the racks; and a second position that does not provide such access. Each rack set is mounted to move as a unit along one or more of the guides. Mobile data center units can have a plurality of cooling or power units and control circuitry for sensing how much cooling or power the mobile data center unit need and selecting how many cooling or power units should be turned on as a result.

Abstract: A security architecture for telecommunications services is provided that includes a first and second user interfaces, a first and second web servers, a service broker, application servers, and data stores. The first user interface is for enterprise users to access an enterprise. The first web server communicates with the first user interface. The application servers run enterprise applications which communicate with the data stores. A customer data is stored on a first portion of one of the data stores and a government data is stored on a second portion. The second user interface is for access to an enterprise by government users. The second web server communicates with the second user interface. The service broker receives requests from the second web server related to the government data and authorizes the enterprise applications to access the government data stored on the second portion of one of the data stores.