Abstract: A balance testing apparatus for testing balance of a test subject having a stance foot and an excursion foot includes a mat, at least one elongate reference line and an electronic measuring device. The mat has a stance foot orientation guide for receiving the stance foot. The at least one elongate reference line extends radially from the stance foot orientation guide. The electronic measuring device is designed for measuring the distance between the stance foot and the excursion foot when the excursion foot is on or near the reference line. A method of balance testing using the balance testing apparatus includes the steps of: measuring a first predetermined parameter having the stance foot in a first predetermined position; storing the data; repeating the steps with the stance foot in a different predetermined position; and evaluating the data to obtain a balance test protocol score.

Abstract: Techniques for improving customer relationship management are disclosed. The techniques may be realized via a call processing system that may efficiently rout an incoming call to an agent of a call center. Also, the call processing system may provision a telephone number to a web-based help desk call center. Further, the call processing system may include a communication framework enabling a communication between a plurality of browser windows and a local storage medium.

Abstract: Techniques for improving customer relationship management are disclosed. The techniques may be realized via a call processing system that may efficiently rout an incoming call to an agent of a call center. Also, the call processing system may provision a telephone number to a web-based help desk call center. Further, the call processing system may include a communication framework enabling a communication between a plurality of browser windows and a local storage medium.

Abstract: Techniques for improving customer relationship management are disclosed. The techniques may be realized via a call processing system that may efficiently rout an incoming call to an agent of a call center. Also, the call processing system may provision a telephone number to a web-based help desk call center. Further, the call processing system may include a communication framework enabling a communication between a plurality of browser windows and a local storage medium.

Abstract: An optical fiber includes a core region having a longitudinal axis. A cladding region surrounds the core region. The core region and cladding region are configured to support and guide the propagation of signal light in a fundamental transverse mode in the core region in the directions of the axis. The fiber has a bend-induced gradient of its equivalent index of refraction indicative of a loss in guidance of the mode. At least a portion of cladding region has a graded index of refraction opposite the bend-induced gradient. The cladding region is configured to have a substantially flat equivalent index in response to a bend of the optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) that are useful as hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A inhibitors, the synthesis of such compounds, and the use of such compounds for inhibiting HCV NS5A activity, for treating or preventing HCV infections and for inhibiting HCV viral replication and/or viral production in a cell-based system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) that are useful as hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A inhibitors, the synthesis of such compounds, and the use of such compounds for inhibiting HCV NS5A activity, for treating or preventing HCV infections and for inhibiting HCV viral replication and/or viral production in a cell-based system.

Abstract: An optical fiber includes a core region having a longitudinal axis. A cladding region surrounds the core region. The core region and cladding region are configured to support and guide the propagation of signal light in a fundamental transverse mode in the core region in the directions of the axis. The fiber has a bend-induced gradient of its equivalent index of refraction indicative of a loss in guidance of the mode. At least a portion of cladding region has a graded index of refraction opposite the bend-induced gradient. The cladding region is configured to have a substantially flat equivalent index in response to a bend of the optical fiber.

Abstract: Techniques for improving customer relationship management are disclosed. The techniques may be realized via a call processing system that may efficiently rout an incoming call to an agent of a call center. Also, the call processing system may provision a telephone number to a web-based help desk call center. Further, the call processing system may include a communication framework enabling a communication between a plurality of browser windows and a local storage medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) that are useful as hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5A inhibitors, the synthesis of such compounds, and the use of such compounds for inhibiting HCV NS5A activity, for treating or preventing HCV infections and for inhibiting HCV viral replication and/or viral production in a cell-based system.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner head for attachment to a suction pipe or hose of a vacuum cleaner includes a body, an inlet through which air from a surface enters the body en route to the vacuum cleaner, and an agitation plate attached movably to the body across or adjacent to the inlet and adapted to beat against the surface in use. An ultraviolet lamp illuminates and disinfects dust and debris as is passes through the head.

Abstract: A plant stand includes a base for supporting a contained plant, a hood positioned above the base and a light source mounted to the hood for emitting light toward the base. An adjustable support member is mounted to the base and supports the hood in such a way that the distance between the light source and the base can be adjusted as the plants grow.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a housing, a heater within the housing, a cooking space within the housing, a fan causing hot air from the heater to enter the cooking space, a receptacle located lower than the cooking space, a passage from the cooking space to the receptacle, and a pan located within the cooking space for receiving food and being movable from a first position in which the hot air cooks the food, to a second position whereupon cooked food in the pan can fall through the passage to the receptacle.

Abstract: A popcorn cooking and dispensing appliance includes a housing, a cooking vessel located within the housing, a scoop located within the housing, an inclined surface adjacent to the cooking vessel and adapted to deliver popcorn ejected from the cooking vessel upon cooking/popping to the scoop when the scoop is at a first position, and a dispensing mechanism for moving the scoop from the first position to a second position whereat popcorn is dispensed from the scoop.

Abstract: A handheld device includes a casing having a cylinder presenting an opening for placement upon a user's skin. A motor is housed within the casing. A piston driven by the motor oscillates within the cylinder toward and away from the skin of a user to cause a pressure fluctuation thereagainst.

Abstract: A handheld device includes a casing, a motor housed within the casing and a massage member having a longitudinal pivot axis and a surface for bearing against a user's skin which is spaced radially from the pivot axis. The massage member is driven by the motor for pivotal oscillation about that axis.