Abstract: A system, method and software for implementing an automated call routing application in a speech enabled call center environment are provided. In operation, the invention provides for the identification of a call center transaction selection from a natural language user utterance and the invocation of one or more scripts operable to route the user to a call center service agent configured to service the selected transaction. In the event a transaction selection cannot be readily identified or can only be partially identified, the invention provides for the initiation of a dialog module or script directed to eliciting a discernable transaction selection and/or the presentation of one or more menus from which the user may select an available call center transaction.

Abstract: A system, method and software for implementing an automated call routing application in a speech enabled call center environment are provided. In operation, the invention provides for the identification of a call center transaction selection from a natural language user utterance and the invocation of one or more scripts operable to route the user to a call center service agent configured to service the selected transaction. In the event a transaction selection cannot be readily identified or can only be partially identified, the invention provides for the initiation of a dialog module or script directed to eliciting a discernable transaction selection and/or the presentation of one or more menus from which the user may select an available call center transaction.

Abstract: Apparatuses for and methods of applying alignment markings to shoes are provided. One such method comprises overlaying a first alignment template over a first shoe, the first alignment template having first indicia associated with a predetermined stance, marking the first shoe adjacent to the first indicia, removing the first alignment template, utilizing the marking on the first shoe to provide a first alignment stripe on the first shoe, overlaying a second alignment template over a second shoe, the second alignment template having second indicia associated with the predetermined stance, marking the second shoe adjacent to the second indicia, and utilizing the marking on the second shoe to provide a second alignment stripe on the second athletic shoe.

Abstract: A system, method and software for implementing an automated call routing application in a speech enabled call center environment are provided. In operation, the invention provides for the identification of a call center transaction selection from a natural language user utterance and the invocation of one or more scripts operable to route the user to a call center service agent configured to service the selected transaction. In the event a transaction selection cannot be readily identified or can only be partially identified, the invention provides for the initiation of a dialog module or script directed to eliciting a discernable transaction selection and/or the presentation of one or more menus from which the user may select an available call center transaction.

Abstract: A system, method and software for implementing an automated call routing application in a speech enabled call center environment are provided. In operation, the invention provides for the identification of a call center transaction selection from a natural language user utterance and the invocation of one or more scripts operable to route the user to a call center service agent configured to service the selected transaction. In the event a transaction selection cannot be readily identified or can only be partially identified, the invention provides for the initiation of a dialog module or script directed to eliciting a discernable transaction selection and/or the presentation of one or more menus from which the user may select an available call center transaction.

Abstract: A system, method and software for implementing an automated call routing application in a speech enabled call center environment are provided. In operation, the invention provides for the identification of a call center transaction selection from a natural language user utterance and the invocation of one or more scripts operable to route the user to a call center service agent configured to service the selected transaction. In the event a transaction selection cannot be readily identified or can only be partially identified, the invention provides for the initiation of a dialog module or script directed to eliciting a discernable transaction selection and/or the presentation of one or more menus from which the user may select an available call center transaction.

Abstract: A vasectomy procedure is performed using a vas irrigation solution having a spermicidal agent that (a) acts to reduce the viability of downstream sperm following a vasectomy procedure and (b) has been established as safe and non-toxic in humans when administered by intravenous or other routes of injection for the treatment of other conditions. Preferred spermicidal agents are methylene blue and diltiazem. A kit having a pair of single-use, pre-filled injection devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: A needle holding device includes a handle, a pivot point and two opposing jaws opposite the handle and pivotable about the pivot point. The jaws have inner opposing surfaces and at least one inner opposing surface has at least one needle groove formed therein for receiving and gripping a needle. At least one of the opposing surfaces has a knurled or rugged platform for securely gripping at least one needle. The needle holding device may have a plurality of substantially parallel or non-parallel needle grooves formed therein for simultaneously receiving and gripping a plurality of needles.

Abstract: A bicycle saddle including a contoured upper seating surface that primarily supports the rider's ischeal tuberosities and further including a depressed, extremely soft central anterior portion to reduce pressure placed on the perineum is disclosed. The saddle is essentially constructed from a shell, foam padding, a self-contained gelatin pack, a leather cover, and a suspension rail for mounting the saddle onto a bicycle. The seating surface of the saddle includes laterally spaced apart right and left cup-shaped posterior support surfaces for supporting primarily the right and left ischeal tuberosities in the buttocks of the bicycle rider. The right and left posterior support surfaces are formed by a pair of essentially concave depressions in the posterior portion of the shell of the saddle, and corresponding cup-shaped depressions in the foam padding covering the shell.

Abstract: A method for autotransplantation, is provided including the steps of (a) obtaining a piece of tissue from one part of a body, (b) preserving the tissue by contacting it with a tissue preserving medium, without tissue culturing occurring, and (c) grafting the tissue in another part of the body. The method is especially advantageous for the repair of hypospadias using buccal mucosa tissue. The tissue preserving medium preferably is a solution of (a) 80-120 mM NaCl, (b) 3-6 mM KCl, (c) 0.1-0.3 mM MgSO.sub.4.7H.sub.2 O, (d) 1-3 mM CaCl.sub.2.2H.sub.2 O, (e) 0.2-0.6 mM NaH.sub.2 PO.sub.4, (f) 1.5-4 mM glucose, (g) 15-25 mM Na lactate, (h) 0.2-0.6 mM Na pyruvate, (i) 0.01-0.05 mM phenol red, (j) 0.1-0.4 mM L-glutamine, (k) 2-35 mM sodium bicarbonate, (l) 125-200 units/ml penicillin-G, (m) 40-60 .mu.g/ml streptomycin sulfate, (n) vehicle consistent with tissue preservation; said medium having a pH ranging from 7.0-7.8.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for both supporting and preserving a piece of graft tissue during pre-implantation preparation, and for creating a tubular graft from the piece of graft tissue. The purpose of the device is (1) to support, stabilize, and preserve a piece of graft tissue; (2) to provide a rotating base to debride or otherwise prepare the donor tissue; and (3) to place the tissue around a mandrel for tubularization. The apparatus may be used as a support for preparing a piece of tissue for use as a skin graft or the like. Additionally, the preferred embodiment of the invention provides an advantageous method and apparatus for forming the graft tissue into a tubular configuration for use as a tubular graft.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microsurgical needle for use in microsurgical techniques. The distal segment of the needle is straight with a circular cross section, and has a sharpened tip with a triangular cross section having three sharp edges for cutting rather than tearing tissue during penetration. The middle segment of the needle has an acutely angled arched shape, and a transitional cross section which transitions between a squared cross section of the main shaft segment and the circular cross section of the straight distal segment. The main shaft segment of the needle has a generally squared cross section, and forms a broadly curved or arched shaft segment which may be easily gripped by a needle holder. The proximal end of the needle forms a suture attachment segment, and may be circular in cross section. The shape of the needle provides an easy angle, better stability, superior tissue alignment, and better control than conventional. needles, while the point is designed to minimize tissue trauma.

Abstract: A cellulose binding domain (CBD) having a high affinity for crystalline cellulose and chitin is disclosed, along with methods for the molecular cloning and recombinant production thereof. Fusion products comprising the CBD and a second protein are likewise described. A wide range of applications are contemplated for both the CBD and the fusion products, including drug delivery, affinity separations, and diagnostic techniques.

Abstract: A pair of golf shoes for aiding a golfer in establishing an optimal stance and improving the golfer's aim during driving and iron shots is disclosed. The golf shoes comprise an upper portion and a sole portion. The upper portion includes visual alignment guide lines thereon for aiding a golfer in establishing relative positioning of the golfer's feet with respect to each other, the golf ball and the target.

Abstract: A percutaneous vasectomy method is disclosed which involves closing the vas deferens of a male patient without incising the patient's scrotum. The method comprises the steps of inserting a sharp-tipped needle having a first predetermined diameter into the scrotum of the male patient and through a wall of the vas deferens, the insertion forming a passageway from the surface of the scrotum to the interior of the vas deferens; removing the sharp-tipped needle from the vas deferens and the scrotum; inserting a blunt-tipped needle having a second predetermined diameter, less than the first predetermined diameter, through the passageway and into the interior of the vas deferens; activating a cauterizing element which includes the blunt-tipped needle for a selected period of time to cauterize and thereby close the vas deferens to sterilize the male patient; and removing the blunt-tipped needle from the vas deferens and scrotum.

Abstract: A microspike surgical approximator usable to stabilize the ends of ducts or vessels being anastomosed microsurgically includes a pair of approximating clamps slidable along a bar which is foldable at a point intermediate the approximating clamps. Each clamp includes a stationary blade which is alidable along the bar and a pivoted blade that is movable with respect to the stationary blade. The major faces of the blades terminate in lower duct or vessel clamping portions, each of which has a curved jaw segment. These jaw segments cooperate to form an annular duct or vessel receiving aperture. A plurality of microspikes are secured to the curved jaw segments and extend into the duct or vessel receiving aperture. During vessel stabilization, the microspikes contact the adventitia of the vessel to hold the duct or vessel ends with minimal trauma.