Abstract: A headset is disclosed having a headband configuration that distributes the compression forces on the user's head to provide firm placement without causing discomfort to the user. The headband is preferably integrally formed with a soft overmold molded along a portion of its interface with the user's head. The headband terminates in first and second ends. Either or both ends may terminate in a flared temple pad for further distribution of compression forces or may terminate in an earphone. A boom is pivotally connected to either a temple pad or an earphone and is optionally conformable for positioning towards the wearer's mouth. The boom terminates in a microphone.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods are used to maintain client relationships by tracking and managing customers and agents involved in booking a cruise. Furthermore, various activities which take place between an agent and active customers are monitored, whereby the type and quantity of activities performed by the agent is evaluated to assign a period of time of ownership of the customer. During the period of time while the customer is owned, other agents are prevented from acquiring the customer and subsequent booking commission. A series of rules which determine the duration of ownership of the customer are maintained and applied to enable the ownership to be changed as needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for matching customer preferences with available options determining customer needs which may be used for the purpose of facilitating the cruise selling and booking process. The cruise selling and booking system is designed to store customer information and preferences and use the information to query available cruise options. The results of the query represent optimized cruise selections for which the customer will be well suited. The user quickly accesses relevant cruise package and pricing information which may be used for detailed comparisons between individual cruise packages.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods of comparing pricing information may commence with a user access the cruise selling and booking system to search for cruise packages that meet a customer's preferences. The user may utilize the cruise selling and booking system to select a set of pricing options for which the customer may qualify. The user may then view detailed pricing information that corresponds to the set of pricing options in one or more of the available price matrices.

Abstract: In one embodiment, systems and methods are used to maintain client relationships by tracking and managing customers and agents involved in booking a cruise. Furthermore, various activities which take place between an agent and active customers are monitored, whereby the type and quantity of activities performed by the agent is evaluated to assign a period of time of ownership of the customer. During the period of time while the customer is owned, other agents are prevented from acquiring the customer and subsequent booking commission. A series of rules which determine the duration of ownership of the customer are maintained and applied to enable the ownership to be changed as needed.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula R2.[(AO)n.R3]m, where R2 is a residue of a group having at least m active hydrogen atoms derived from hydroxyl and/or amino and/or amido groups, AO is alkyleneoxy, n is 2 to 200; R3 includes residue(s) of alkenyl succinic acids and optionally other acids, and m is 2 to 10, but when m is 2 there are other restrictions in the definitions, are disclosed as useful thickeners and/or dispersants in aqueous systems. The use of such materials as thickeners is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I), where R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 have defined meanings ##STR1## are useful as surfactants especially in agrochemical formulations, pigment dispersions and domestic detergent formulations. Compounds where one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is hydrogen and the other is C.sub.8 to C.sub.18 straight chain alkenyl group, the group --NR.sup.3 R.sup.4 is the residue of a glycamine, especially a glucamine, and R.sup.5 is --NR.sup.3 R.sup.4 as defined (especially a glycamine residue) or a group O.(AO).sub.n.R.sup.6 where AO is an alkylene oxide, especially an ethylene oxide, residue, n is especially from 3 to 50 and R.sup.6 is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl group, are particularly desirable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a sintered body comprising one or more hard constituents and a binder phase based on cobalt, nickel and/or iron by powder metallurgical methods milling, pressing and sintering of powders. At least part of the binderphase powder consists of non-agglomerated particles of spheroidal morphology having dimensions of 0.1 to 20 .mu.m.

Abstract: A hollow, heat-recoverable article 1, for enclosing objects such as electronic components etc. has a thermoplastic lining on its interior surface and includes a fusion bonded portion 2 in which different parts of the article have been brought together and bonded by fusion of the lining with substantially no welding of the heat-recoverable material forming the wall. The lining has a melting point that is higher than the recovery temperature of the article, thereby enabling subsequent recovery of the article without rupture of the bonded portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a sintered body comprising one or more hard constituents and a binder phase based on cobalt, nickel and/or iron by powder metallurgical methods milling, pressing and sintering of powders. At least part of the binderphase powder consists of non-agglomerated particles of spheroidal morphology having dimensions of 0.1 to 20 .mu.m.

Abstract: A preferred cap for the fill spout of a water bed comprises a screw cap having a top and a threaded flange which is capable of mating with the threaded portion of a fill spout, a turning knob, and a sliding shaft for connecting the screw cap to the turning knob. The shaft allows the knob to reciprocate between a first position substantially abutting the top of the cap and a second position raised above the top. In the raised position, turning of the knob turns the screw cap through the shaft, thereby unthreading or threading the screw cap onto the threaded portion of the fill spout. The knob may also be used as a handle to apply sufficient force to extract a retracted fill spout from its stored position in the envelope of the water bed.To enhance sealing of a cap in a water bed, a sealing thimble may be used to fill the inner volume of the fill spout. An outwardly projecting flange of the thimble bears against the rim of the fill spout.

Abstract: A flotation mattress and a method for making same. The mattress is comprised of flexible, liquid-impermeable material sealed to form a liquid impermeable envelope. One or more damping chambers are disposed within the mattress which damping chambers have means for liquid communication between the portion of the liquid within the interior of the chambers and liquid around the chambers. The damping chambers impede wave motion generated by an imposed pressure on the mattress by operating as physical impediments to wave propagation and, additionally, by providing countervailing liquid flow from the interior of said chambers into the surrounding liquid body within the envelope.

Abstract: A flotation mattress and a method for making same. The mattress is comprised of flexible, liquid-impermeable material sealed to form a liquid impermeable envelope. One or more damping chambers are disposed within the mattress which damping chambers have means for liquid communication between the portion of the liquid within the interior of the chambers and liquid around the chambers. The damping chambers impede wave motion generated by an imposed pressure on the mattress by operating as physical impediments to wave propagation and, additionally, by providing countervailing liquid flow from the interior of said chambers into the surrounding liquid body within the envelope.