Abstract: A system (1) for issuing parking permits in pay-for-parking zones, for example, permits for short-term street parking in local authority areas comprises a central control terminal (2) which controls operation of the system. Clients wishing to avail of the system (1) obtain a visual display device (3) for mounting in his or her motor vehicle for displaying the expiry time of the parking permit, and register with the system (1). The central control terminal (2) is controlled by a computer (7) and each client of the system is identified by his or her mobile telephone number, which is cross-referenced with an address code of the visual display device (3) in an ID memory (8) of the central control terminal (2). Each client of the system, in general, maintains a positive credit balance in his or her account in an account memory (14) of the central control terminal (2).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling one or more aspects of one or more communication devices. In one embodiment the communication device is configured to transmit and receive packets of data via a packet-switched network. In one configuration the monitoring and controlling is performed by a command and control system (C/C system) that is configured to operate in conjunction with a communication device. In one configuration the communication device comprises an Interface device configured to Interface a voice communication network with a packet switched network. The C/C system may be configured to monitor or control aspects of the communication device including temperature, cooling device operation, security, drive operation, power supply output and power supply routing, system re-boots, or any other aspect of device operation. In one configuration the C/C system Interfaces with a remote location via a communication link, such as a packet switched network.

Abstract: Nails are manufactured using a sequence of steps including hot galvanizing of the nails with a zinc/tin/flux composition followed by vinyl coating to provide fasteners which resist corrosion that may result from chemically treated wood and cement infused materials.

Abstract: Systems and methods for forming patterns and structures in target materials are described. The method produces a pattern or structure in a target material by contacting a stamp including one or more features with a target material using a normal load sufficient for keeping the one or more features in contact with the target material, and providing a cyclic shear force in an amount sufficient to extrude the target material and form a negative relief of the one more features in the target material. The systems and methods can be used to produce a variety of articles including, but not limited to, semiconductor integrated electrical circuits, integrated optical, magnetic, mechanical circuits and microdevices.

Abstract: This is a balloon filling system or device that can fill one or more balloons at a time. The balloon filler is intended for use in water balloon activities, such as games, where many balloons need to be filled at the same time. The balloon filler can be attached to any source or filler. The balloon filler can also be attached to a stand, such as a set of legs or a freestanding or mobile container, with a set of wheels. Some versions of the balloon filler can be preassembled, while others can be sold as a kit, which a user can assemble into many desired arrangements or configurations. The balloon material and the filling material can be from many choices. It can also cover the toys attached to the system.

Abstract: A fabric for use with a system for monitoring prescribed body functions comprising an elastic fabric, adapted to be carried by a torso, which is stretchable in its longitudinal direction so as to expand and contract in response to body movement and size. The carrier includes at least one conductive and inelastic yarn arranged longitudinally of and located between upper and lower surfaces. The conductive yarn is arranged in sinusoidal configurations longitudinally of the fabric. The conductive yarn breaks through one of the outer surfaces at a selected breakout along the length of the fabric. The conductive yarn is cut to present at least one exposed end above the one outer surface. A monitoring unit, which includes a connector and a sensor, is secured with the one outer surface of the fabric at the breakout with the connector being united with the at least one exposed end of the conductive yarn.

Abstract: A thermal measurement system includes a number of detectors configured to receive radiation within respective wavelength ranges. The system also includes a mirror configured to selectively direct the radiation from an object to each of the detectors. The system further includes an actuator mechanically coupled to the mirror and configured to rotate the mirror through a number of angles. The system also includes an optical and probe subsystem disposed between the object and the mirror to focus the radiation on to the mirror.

Abstract: A fabric for use with a system for monitoring prescribed body functions comprising an elastic fabric, adapted to be carried by a torso, which is stretchable in its longitudinal direction so as to expand and contract in response to body movement and size. The carrier includes at least one conductive and inelastic yarn arranged longitudinally of and located between upper and lower surfaces. The conductive yarn is arranged in sinusoidal configurations longitudinally of the fabric. The conductive yarn forms a breakout through one of the outer surfaces, at selected locations along the length of the fabric, forming opposed exposed ends above the surface. A monitoring unit, which includes a connector and a sensor, is secured with the one surface at the breakout with the connector being united with the exposed ends of the conductive yarn. The fabric acts to maintain the monitoring unit in a desired stationary position allowing the sensor to sense signals emitted from the torso and transmit these senses signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel ?-O-linked glycoconjugates such as ?-O-linked glycopeptides, as well convergent methods for synthesis thereof. The general preparative approach is exemplified by the synthesis of the mucin motif commonly found on epithelial tumor cell surfaces. The present invention further provides compositions and methods of treating cancer using the ?-O-linked glycoconjugates.

Abstract: A connector assembly is disclosed for interconnecting high speed data transmission cables across an interface panel to an external circuit. A first pin array of conductive pins is carried by an input face and a corresponding second pin array of conductive pins is carried by an output face of a panel connector. An array of conductive sockets corresponding to the second pin array is carried by a plug front of a plug connector for receiving the second array of pins when connectors are mated together. A third pin array of conductive pins is carried by plug back corresponding to the first pin array. In this manner, a first set of transmission cables electrically connected to the first pin array of the panel connector is electrically connected to a second set of transmission cables connected to the third pin array of the plug connector.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new method for synthesizing an amide based on a fundamental mechanistic revision of the reaction of thio acids and organic azides. Moreover, the application of this method to the selective preparation of several classes of complex amides in nonpolar and polar solvents, including water, is provided.

Abstract: An article protected by a protective coating has a substrate and a protective coating having an outer layer deposited upon the substrate surface and a diffusion zone formed by interdiffusion of the outer layer and the substrate. The protective coating includes platinum, aluminum, no more than about 2 weight percent hafnium, and substantially no silicon. The outer layer is substantially a single phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting packets of data over a packet-switched network and for monitoring the transmission characteristics associated with the transmission is disclosed. In one configuration the method and apparatus is configured to interface with a telephone network, such as the public switched telephone network. In such a configuration, two or more interface devices located at different locations connect to a computer network, such as the Internet and to a telephone network. The interface devices receive information from the telephone and manipulate this information and transmits it over a computer network to another interface device. Also included is monitoring and routing software located on any of the interface devices or a separate monitoring and routing system. The monitoring and routing software is in communication with each interface device to obtain information regarding the communication characteristics between each of the one or more interface devices.

Abstract: An in vitro bioassay method is provided by maintaining an infection of Strongyloides stercoralis in a host animal, multiplying excreted larvae in coproculture, and exposing the larvae suspended in liquid medium to materials capable of having a biological effect on the larvae. The assay method is useful in assaying the effect of candidate anthelmintic materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling one or more aspects of one or more communication devices. In one embodiment the communication device is configured to transmit and receive packets of data via a packet-switched network. In one configuration the monitoring and controlling is performed by a command and control system (C/C system) that is configured to operate in conjunction with a communication device. In one configuration the communication device comprises an Interface device configured to Interface a voice communication network with a packet switched network. The C/C system may be configured to monitor or control aspects of the communication device including temperature, cooling device operation, security, drive operation, power supply output and power supply routing, system re-boots, or any other aspect of device operation. In one configuration the C/C system Interfaces with a remote location via a communication link, such as a packet switched network.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel &agr;-O-linked glycoconjugates such as &agr;-O-linked glycopeptides, as well as convergent methods for the synthesis thereof. The general preparative approach is exemplified by the synthesis of the mucin motif commonly found on epithelial tumor cell surfaces. The present invention further provides compositions and methods of treating cancer using the &agr;-O-linked glycoconjugates.

Abstract: An elongate manifold construction (10) having an longitudinal axis (20) is provided for use in a heat exchanger (12) having a plurality of tubes (14). The manifold construction (10) includes an elongated tank piece (3 2) and an elongated header piece (34). A plurality of embossed beads (48) having openings (50) therein that are engaged by tabs (52) spaced along the longitudinal axis (20) to maintain the tank and header pieces (32, 34) in proper alignment with each other so as to obtain a suitable bond joint therebetween during a bonding operation.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle air-conditioning system for cooling an interior of a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle air conditioning system has a compressor coupled to an electronic control valve.

Abstract: An elongate manifold construction (10) having an longitudinal axis (20) is provided for use in a heat exchanger (12) having a plurality of tubes (14). The manifold construction (10) includes an elongated tank piece (32) and an elongated header piece (34). A plurality of embossed beads (48) having openings (50) therein that are engaged by tabs (52) spaced along the longitudinal axis (20) to maintain the tank and header pieces (32, 34) in proper alignment with each other so as to obtain a suitable bond joint therebetween during a bonding operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel &agr;-O-linked glycoconjugates such as &agr;-O-linked glycopeptides, as well convergent methods for synthesis thereof. The general preparative approach is exemplified by the synthesis of the mucin motif commonly found on epithelial tumor cell surfaces. The present invention further provides compositions and methods of treating cancer using the &agr;-O-linked glycoconjugates.