Abstract: The invention relates to a refractory ceramic gas purging plug, with a gas inlet at a first end, the so-called cold end, a gas outlet at a second end, the so-called hot end, and a peripheral surface extending between first and second end.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for real-time detection and annunciation of blood associated with menstruation and surgical wounds. The system comprises blood detection means, communication means for relay of blood detection information, and annunciation means to inform the user of the emanation of blood. Various system embodiments include local and remote as well as covert and non-covert annunciation to users or medical personnel, various forms of real-time blood detection sensors, blood analysis capability, and smart bandage telemetry.

Abstract: A method of redirecting a directory-assistance call includes receiving a directory-assistance request from a caller, determining via a free directory-assistance service whether information corresponding to the directory-assistance request is available, responsive to a determination that the information is available, presenting, to the caller, the information free of charge to the caller and, responsive to a determination that the information is not available, redirecting the directory-assistance call to a chargeable directory-assistance service.

Abstract: A method of redirecting a directory-assistance call includes receiving a directory-assistance request from a caller, determining via a free directory-assistance service whether information corresponding to the directory-assistance request is available, responsive to a determination that the information is available, presenting, to the caller, the information free of charge to the caller and, responsive to a determination that the information is not available, redirecting the directory-assistance call to a chargeable directory-assistance service.

Abstract: A method of redirecting a directory-assistance call includes receiving a directory-assistance request from a caller, determining via a free directory-assistance service whether information corresponding to the directory-assistance request is available, responsive to a determination that the information is available, presenting, to the caller, the information free of charge to the caller and, responsive to a determination that the information is not available, redirecting the directory-assistance call to a chargeable directory-assistance service.

Abstract: A method of redirecting a directory-assistance call includes receiving a directory-assistance request from a caller, determining via a free directory-assistance service whether information corresponding to the directory-assistance request is available, responsive to a determination that the information is available, presenting, to the caller, the information free of charge to the caller and, responsive to a determination that the information is not available, redirecting the directory-assistance call to a chargeable directory-assistance service.

Abstract: An on-board intelligent vehicle system includes a sensor assembly to collect data and a processor to process the data to determine the occurrence of at least one event. The data may be collected from existing standard equipment such as the vehicle communication bus or add-on sensors. The data may be indicative of conditions relating to the vehicle, roadway infrastructure, and roadway utilization, such as vehicle performance, roadway design, roadway conditions, and traffic levels. The detection of an event may signify abnormal, substandard, or unacceptable conditions prevailing in the roadway, vehicle, or traffic. The vehicle transmits an event indicator and correlated vehicle location data to a central facility for further management of the information. The central facility sends communications reflecting event occurrence to various relevant or interested users. The user population can include other vehicle subscribers (e.g.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing personal, bi-directional, non-geographic base call management are presented. An inter-exchange provider network enables subscribers to obtain a personal telephone number that is independent of the subscriber's residence. As such, the subscriber retains the personal phone number even when the subscriber move to another part of the country. The personal telephone number may be used to receive inbound calls, either through call forwarding features, paging or voice mail, and to place outbound calls using the personal number as a calling card number. In this manner, a subscriber's telephone needs may be consolidated with a single carrier that provides simplified access for the subscriber while following the subscriber where ever the subscriber moves. The subscriber is also provided with access to customize the call management features provided by the inter-exchange carrier through a phone call.