Abstract: A call routing system and method comprising a branch exchange system designed to receive telephone calls. A session initiation protocol server is operative with the branch exchange system, the session initiation protocol server further having a firewall designed to allow telephone calls to pass therethrough. At least one automated attendant system is designed to request authentication for said telephone calls. At least one computerized telephone device is designed to receive telephone calls and notifications of telephone calls routed through the session initiation protocol server and sent from the branch exchange system. The branch exchange system is designed to route telephone calls based on the validity of the authentication and the presence or absence of a breakthrough number. A voicemail system may be included for message storage and converting audio files to text tiles, increasing, therefore, routing and message delivery options.

Abstract: An attachment for an apparel strap such as a strap on a handbag, a backpack, a visor, a headband, or a size-adjustable baseball style sports cap which has a dome and adjustment strap or straps at the rear of the cap for adjustment of the size of the cap. The attachment has a badge member with a display surface and a rear surface on which a clasp member is fixed. The clasp member includes first and second elements which are separated by an elongate gap through which the adjustment strap may be maneuvered to place the strap between the clasp elements and the rear of the badge member so that the badge member is secured to the adjustment strap such that the display surface of the badge may be observed by a person in the presence of the wearer of the cap or other apparel.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for cooling a plasma tube generally includes flowing a hydrocarbon dielectric heat transfer fluid into a space defined by the plasma tube and a concentric tube surrounding the plasma tube. In one embodiment, the hydrocarbon fluid is selected to have a dissipation factor less than 0.002 and a thermal efficiency coefficient greater than or equal to 1.30 kJ/kg*K.

Abstract: An electrodeless lamp and process for emitting ultraviolet and/or vacuum ultraviolet radiation comprises an envelope formed of an ultra-pure and/or low-defect quartz material and an ultraviolet and/or vacuum ultraviolet emissive material disposed in the interior region of the envelope. The electrodeless lamp formed of the ultra-pure and/or low-defect quartz material minimizes degradation during use.

Abstract: A method for solid material detection in a medium includes receiving an exhaust gas downstream with respect to a workpiece from which a photoresist material is removed. An electromagnetic circuit is configured to include the exhaust gas, the exhaust gas is excited with electromagnetic energy and an impedance value of the electromagnetic circuit is determined, wherein the impedance value corresponds to an amount of solid material within the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A linear motion, muscle-actuated cardiac assist device novelly uses a powering muscle whose contractions and relaxations are made in a substantially linear fashion, as opposed to the curvilinear muscle motions associated with prior art muscle-actuated cardiac assist devices. As a result, collateral circulation of the powering muscle need not be cut, theoretically leading to prevention of ischemia in the powering muscle. Other benefits include: greater energy efficiency of the powering muscle; greater available choice of powering muscles (i.e., not limited to the latissimus dorsi as the powering muscle); and reduced profile height of the cardiac assist device to reduce protrusion from the implanted area of the body.

Abstract: An improved electrode for establishing electrical contact with a nerve of a patient. This electrical contact may be used to sense neural activity on the nerve or to artificially stimulate it to perform various medical treatments. One embodiment of the electrode has an outer cuff of an insulating material which is sutured around the nerve to be contacted. A drug impregnated layer of material is positioned inside of the outer cuff. This material is a polymeric matrix which permits the drug to leach out at a predetermined rate. The drug is preferably a glucocortico steroid such as dexamethasone sodium phosphate. The actual electrical contact is produced by metallic foil which is positioned on the surface of the drug impregnated layer of material which is located inside of the cuff. A second embodiment employs a half cuff which is held in contact with the nerve tissue by being sutured to muscle tissue. The insulative substrate of the half cuff is a drug impregnated polymeric matrix.