Abstract: A method for determining flight reservation data associated with reservations of a set of airline passengers is disclosed. The method also determines flight status data for at least one airplane associated with the reservations of the set of airline passengers. Further, the method determines a passenger status for each passenger in the set of airline passengers based on the flight reservation data and based on the flight status data. In another embodiment, a system is disclosed. The system includes a customer reservation subsystem, a disruption prediction subsystem responsive to the customer reservation system, an external communication subsystem responsive to the disruption prediction subsystem, and an alternate travel solution subsystem responsive to the disruption prediction subsystem. The alternate travel solution subsystem provides input to the external communication subsystem.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a travel related interface to a computer system that includes a data parsing element and a data server responsive to the data parsing element is provided. The travel related interface comprises a client computing device having a display interface, a reporting interface, and an event notification interface. The travel related interface further comprises a client facing module responsive to the data server. The client facing module provides a modular interface to communicate with the client computing device.

Abstract: A system comprising a customer reservation subsystem is disclosed. The system also comprises an external communication subsystem responsive to the disruption prediction subsystem. The system also includes an alternate travel solution subsystem responsive to the disruption prediction subsystem and providing input to the external communication subsystem.

Abstract: A method of using travel-related information is disclosed. The method monitors a travel plan for a travel path to a desired destination and determines a magnitude and likelihood of a disruption at each potential disruption point. The method also includes the detection of triggering disruption events at one of the disruption points and determines an alternate travel plan to reach the desired destination.

Abstract: A process and system for compressing bioprosthetic tissue for use in medical implants. The process involves placing the tissue between two compressive surfaces and applying a force to reduce any nonuniformity of thickness in the tissue, while at the same time reduce the overall thickness. One particularly useful application is the compression of bioprosthetic sheet during the preparation of heart valve leaflets. Bovine pericardium may be compressed to reduce its thickness by about 50%, and then formed into heart valve leaflets. The thinned leaflets have substantially the same absolute strength as those made from uncompressed tissue, and are particular desirable for use in minimally invasive valves which must be compressed into a small profile. The thin tissue enables a reduction in the overall size of the minimally invasive heart valve for delivery. For instance, rolled MIS valves may be reduced in size to as small as 20 mm in diameter.

Abstract: A signal distribution method and apparatus which distribute higher quality signals in addition to standard signals, thereby enabling reception of higher quality picture and sound at a remote reception appliance. The method and apparatus also distribute digitally compressed signals in addition to standard signals, which also enables reception of higher quality picture and sound at the remote reception appliance. Finally, the method and apparatus distribute the higher quality signals and the digitally compressed signals to multiple reception appliances, located in a single family home environment or to multiple reception appliances within a multiple dwelling unit.

Abstract: A method (120) and system (20) for reporting satellite receiver diagnostic information to a remote location is provided. A satellite receiver (24) includes an interface for receiving a service request for diagnostic information, a controller (69) for gathering the diagnostic information in response to the request, and a modem (66) for transferring the diagnostic information over a telephone network (32). This arrangement permits remote trouble-shooting by service technicians located at customer service centers.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion into a well to displace well fluid. A flexible hose is lowered into an annulus between strings of casing. A nozzle is affixed to the lower end of the hose. During insertion, the hose is pressurized and rigid to keep the hose from winding about the well. To keep the hose rigid, internal pressure is maintained in the hose. The nozzle is provided with a check valve that holds the internal pressure up to a selected amount. Once the hose is lowered to a desired depth, the operator increases the pressure sufficiently in the hose to open the check valve, thereby allowing heavy liquid to flow out. The heavy liquid displaces the lighter well production, which flows out of the outlet. After the heavy fluid has been dispensed, the internal pressure is reduced, causing the check valve to close. The check valve can also be opened during insertion, if desired.

Abstract: A female tag component for a two piece animal ear tag of the type comprising a male component having a stem with a head portion and a female component having an opening through which the head portion can be forced to effect coupling of the male and female components. The opening in the female component has an annular wall thereabout and the head portion of the male component, when the male and female components are coupled together, is located within the annular wall. An insert is located within the confines of the annular wall, this insert being in the form of a collar having an internal rim adjacent the end of the collar which is located about the opening. A portion of the collar, including that end of the collar which incorporates the rim, is deformable such as to enable entry of the head portion into the collar. The collar returns to the non-deformed state when the head is located therein so that the rim locates behind the head portion and retains the head portion within the collar.

Abstract: A tag for attachment to the ear of an animal, said tag comprising in combination a male component having a headed stem and a female component having a base portion 11 with an upper surface and a lower surface, a panel 10 projecting upwardly from the upper surface. An opening 12 is formed in the base portion 11 and the headed portion of the stem of the male component is able to pass through the opening 12 to effect coupling of the male and female components. The lower surface of the base 11 includes an engagement surface 16 which in use of the tag engages with the upper outer surface of an animal's ear. The engagement surface 16 has a profile which relative to the panel is transverse to the plane of the panel and follows the contour of the upper outer surface of the animal's ear to which the tag is to be applied to resist swivelling movement of the tag about the axis of coupling between the male and female components.

Abstract: An excessive gas flow detector has a probe in which an electrode and immediately surrounding part of an insulating sleeve are protected by a shielding ring surrounding the electrode from direct impingement of spray carried by gas sweeping down into a well under excessive gas flow conditions. A test unit for plugging into a socket of the detector gives an indication on light emitting diodes of whether there is an excessive or normal gas flow through the detector.

Abstract: An animal ear tag applicator tool which includes spaced apart first and second retention members each of which is adapted to retain an animal ear tag part. The tool has a body to which is pivotally attached a lever. Movement of the lever toward handle of body results in rectilinear movement of the first retention member toward the second retention member. The tool is characterized by a linkage which transforms pivotal movement of the lever into a varying speed rectilinear movement of the first retention member toward the second retention member relative to the movement of the lever itself.

Abstract: A venting valve comprising a body having first and second ports. A movable valve member having a venting passage is located in the body and is biassed to a first position where the venting passage provides communication between the first and second ports. A chamber is located within said body and a third port opens into the chamber. The construction and arrangement is such that the introduction of sub-atmospheric pressure into the chamber via the third port causes the valve member to move to a second position where the first port is isolated from the second port but is opened to the third port via the chamber.

Abstract: A device for closing a fluid flow passage in response to a decrease in vacuum pressure existing in the passage. The device comprises a fluid flow passage with a seating therein. A diaphragm is located so that one face thereof can locate on the seating to close the passage. A chamber is formed partially by the or at least part of the other face of the diaphragm. In use the diaphragm is maintained away from said seating by a higher pressure in the chamber due to a pressure differential existing between chamber and passage. Venting means open the chamber to atmosphere, and means are provided to seal said venting means. Actuating means are provided and engage with said diaphragm when the pressure differential exists. Accordingly when the pressure differential is altered by a decrease in the vacuum in said passage, the resultant movement of the diaphragm causes the actuating means to operate the sealing means such that the venting means vent said chamber and enables the diaphragm to locate on the seat.

Abstract: There is disclosed a valve unit for a liquid flow sensing device of the type having a control means which is movable between first and second positions when the flow rate is respectively low and high but biased to the first position. The valve unit comprises three valve sections one of which is movable in response to movement of the control means a second of which is fixed relative to the control means and a third which is movable independently of the other two sections. The valve includes first and second ports, port connecting means, a flow passage and a diaphragm which forms part of the chamber and can close said flow passage. The third valve section can be moved so that the first port is isolated from the second port but coupled to the chamber when the control means is in the first position and moves to the second position.

Abstract: A sliding or wrenching strap portion is secured by one end thereof to one side of a buckle frame and is formed into a bight. The other end passes through the buckle frame and terminates in a handle. A tension or locking strap is secured by one end to the other side of the buckle and also terminates in a handle. In use, the bight is engaged around the object or component to be turned and the brace handle steadies the buckle and acts as a reaction or tension member. Tangential pull on the first handle with tension applied by the second handle, causes torque to be applied to the object to be turned.