Abstract: Using the Internet World Wide Web (WWW) network 320, a WWW Client 310 can communicate with a WWW Server 330 to request access to and notification of a user's voice mail. The user enters their voice mail mailbox number, and activates an appropriate hyperlink. The WWW Server then launches an application, MSG Client 350, which in turn communicates with an application, MSG Server 370, that runs in conjunction with the voice mail system 380, 385, 390. In response to an initial message from the MSG Client, the MSG Server returns information about all voice mail messages within the specified mailbox, which are displayed at the WWW Client. This display includes a hyperlink to each message in the mailbox. In addition, the MSG Server downloads an applet for execution on the WWW Client. This applet communicates with the voice mail system in order to provide up-to-date notification of incoming messages.

Abstract: Liquid gauging system for liquid in a container includes a plurality of sensors; each of the sensors measuring a respective parameter of the liquid in the container and producing a sensor output related to its measured parameter; there being at least two sensors that measure different parameters of the liquid; and a processor that receives the sensor outputs and determines, based on the sensor outputs, a quantity of the liquid in the container; the processor determining the quantity by executing at least one sensor fusion algorithm that is based on a set of relationships between the measured parameters and the quantity. The gauging system can also include a data fusion process for determining quantity based on a plurality of quantity measurements.

Abstract: An electrical sensing apparatus includes a conductor having longitudinally extending sections with parallel central axes and a connector section which extends between the longitudinally extending sections. The connector section has a central axis which extends parallel to the central axes of the longitudinally extending sections. A magnetic flux sensor is disposed adjacent to the connector section to detect variations in current conducted through the conductor. The magnetic flux sensor may be at least partially disposed in a slot in the connector section and have a flux sensitive side surface which extends perpendicular to a central axis of the connector section. The magnetic flux sensor may include an electrically insulating material which is at least partially enclosed by the connector section and a Hall effect device which is supported by the electrically insulating material. The electrically insulating material may be disposed in engagement with the connector section.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube 10 has an inflatable bag 20 towards its patient end for sealing with the inside of the trachea 11. Additionally, the tube 10 has a second, longer bag 50 separately inflatable to a lower pressure than the first bag 20 and such as to extend along the tube 10 from the first bag 20 to and through the vocal chords and larynx 13 and occupy the space between the first bag and the vocal chords 13. The inflated second tube 50 can thus reduce passage of secretions and minimizes the space available for them. A suction line 48 extends along the tube, opening between, or at the interface between, the two bags 20 and 50 so that any body secretions that do pass the second bag can be removed.

Abstract: An improved wet wipe includes a multiple layer basesheet to provide a unique combination of properties to the wipe which are not capable in a single layer basesheet. The layered basesheet includes at least two layers which include different fibers and have different physical properties. One of the layers may include polyethylene fibers to provide a soft, gentle feel for contacting the skin of the user during use while the other layer may include polypropylene fibers to provide strength and resiliency to the wipe to withstand the forces exerted by the user, and maintain its shape and integrity in use.

Abstract: A method for determining an optimized solution of positions for N liquid surface sensors used to gauge quantity of liquid in the container, comprising the steps of:a) defining geometric limits of the container in terms of coordinates of a three axis (x,y,z) reference coordinate system assigned to the container;b) defining a chromosome structure for an individual, wherein said chromosome structure identifies a solution in terms of position data of the N sensors;c) determining a population of individuals wherein each individual in said population is a possible solution within said geometric limits; each individual having a respective chromosome; andd) executing a genetic algorithm on said population to identify a solution that meets a performance criteria as measured by a predetermined cost function.

Abstract: A thermal treating apparatus and process providing convection thermal transfer for elevated processing temperatures and chemical treatment. A recirculation plenum for passage of spent treatment fluid from and fresh treatment fluid to a treatment chamber may contain a thermal control source, a chemical control source, and a blower to provide predetermined programmable temperatures and chemical environments to articles in the treatment chamber. Decreasing cross sectional areas along the length of the treatment chamber cause introduction of fresh treatment fluid at different locations along the length of the treatment chamber to achieve desired uniform thermal and chemical treatment of articles along the length of the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A 3-dimension thermoformed bicomponent fiber nonwoven material comprising a lofty bicomponent material layer forming a plurality of peaks separated from one another by channels and having a basis weight in the range of about 0.5 to 7.0 ounces per square yard. The bicomponent material layer comprises a structural component and a heat activatable adhesive component suitable for thermoforming. Also disclosed are various configurations of this material suitable for use in absorbent personal care articles such as sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, incontinent-care pads and the like.

Abstract: An improved circuit interrupter having a solenoid in series with the line and load terminals with an armature operable to activate a trip mechanism within the circuit breaker upon experiencing current levels indicative of short circuit conditions. The traditional solenoid coil is replaced with a free form conductor stamped in a serpentine pattern with adjacent legs deformed slightly in opposite directions to permit an electromagnetic material to be disposed therebetween. Current is directed through the conductor progressively back and forth through the serpentine pattern and creates a magnetic field in the electromagnetic material which is sufficient to activate an armature when current levels approximate short circuit conditions.

Abstract: A hinged mounting bracket used in conjunction with a telephone wire connecting block for termination of telephone circuit wires. The mounting bracket accepts modular connectors to form any size connecting block. The hinged bracket consists of two pieces, a bracket base and a front flap which receives the modular connectors. In one preferred embodiment, the front flap is coupled to the base by a hinge which enables the bracket to rotate open so that the rear of the modular connectors may be easily accessed. Access to the rear of the connectors at a time after the bracket has been mounted provides additional flexibility in all types of wiring schemes in that the front side of the connecting block may be kept from becoming overly congested. In a preferred application of the invention cable termination are made to the rear of connector modules and the cables enter the bracket through apertures in the base portion of the bracket.

Abstract: An assembly 10 for use in connecting optical fibers to an optical fiber device having input and output tails includes a plurality of housings 12 for housing optical fiber connections and a housing 18 for housing at least one passive optical device. The tails of the one or more devices are routed through manifold 16 to the housings 12 via respective routing members 14 and the optical fibers to be connected to the tails are routed to the appropriate housings 12 via these routing members 14. The housings 12 are arranged in an aligned bank adjacent the manifold 16 and each housing 12 is moveable out of such alignment for providing access thereto.

Abstract: A multiplexing power converter for use with a single inductor for providing multiple power outputs is disclosed. The multiplexing power converter includes first switching means for providing a first low resistance path for current to flow from a power source through an inductor so as to energize the inductor, and at least one second switching means for providing at least one second low resistance path for current to flow from the inductor so as to deenergize the inductor and provide an output current. Only one low resistance current path is provided at any one time.

Abstract: An assembly 10 for use in connecting optical fibers to an optical fiber device having input and output tails comprises a plurality of housings 12 for housing optical fiber connections. Each housing 12 is typically mounted to, and supported by a respective routeing member 14. The routeing members are rigidly connected one to another such that the housings are arranged in an aligned bank. Each housing is pivotable for providing access thereto from the stowed position out of alignment with the other housings.

Abstract: A cover for holding a document to be scanned against the transparent scanning surface of a scanning system. The cover includes at least one hinged "bending axis" about which a portion of the cover may be pivotally displaced without affecting the remaining portion(s) of the cover. Preferably, the bending axes are such that the cover may be pivoted about either of two lines corresponding to the diagonal axes of the rectangular cover.

Abstract: A battery connecting module mountable to an automotive vehicle battery provides electrical connection between a battery post, a cable leading to an alternator, one or more cables leading to vehicle electrical systems such as a fuse box and a starter motor, and a main fuse located inside the module and connecting the alternator cable with the other components. The battery connecting module protects the major engine compartment electrical connections from solid and liquid contaminants, and locates the main fuse in a manner which protects the alternator cable from short circuit conditions. Two of the cables are connected to the module by cable terminals which extend downward and into close proximity with the vertical battery side walls, thereby adding to the security of the battery connecting module's mounting on the battery.

Abstract: A system for guiding optical fibres comprises a device which includes a plurality of units, each of which defines a row of ducts extending from a first end of the unit to a second end thereof for guiding optical fibres. The units are arranged successively in overlapping relationship with their first ends in substantial alignment at an end portion of the device and their second ends being spaced apart at successively increasing distances from the device end portion.

Abstract: A tool, comprising a head bolt stud and extractor, useful in the alignment of a cylinder head to an engine block when re-attaching the cylinder head to the engine block following replacement of the cylinder head seals.

Abstract: This invention is a vapor-phase process for cleaning metal-containing contaminants from the surfaces of integrated circuits and semiconductors between the numerous fabricating steps required to manufacture the finished electronic devices. The process employs cleaning agents comprising an effective amount of hexamethyldisilazane. The process comprises contacting the surface to be cleaned with an effective amount of the desired cleaning agent at a temperature sufficient to form volatile metal-ligand complexes on the surface of the substrate to be cleaned. The volatile metal-ligand complexes are sublimed from the surfaces of the substrate providing a clean, substantially residue-free surface.

Abstract: Remote delivery system for potentially toxic moisture sensitive process gas to a point of use (e.g. CVD system).