Abstract: By providing a rotatable wheel mounted in cooperating engagement with a longitudinally movable arm or slide member, an easily employed, dependable, and reliable movable comb control system is achieved, enabling users to controllably move the comb member on a hair trimmer any desired distance. In the present invention, cam slots are formed in the wheel with the slots positioned for controlled engagement with cam pins formed on the movable arm or slider. By employing this construction, rotational movement of the wheel causes controlled movement of the cam pins which results in the desired longitudinal movement of the arm/slider. By securing the elongated arm/slider to the comb element, either directly or through an interconnecting plate, the longitudinal movement of the arm/slider causes the comb element to move simultaneously therewith.

Abstract: A silicate material, comprising a silicate domain and one or more substantially nonsilicate domains. The material is produced by mixing a templating mixture with a precured resin and one or more resin precursors. The templating mixture is preferably comprised of one or more surfactants, one or more alcohols and water. A precured resin is formed by reacting one or more silicate resin precursors with water, and preferably in the presence of a co-solvent and a catalyst. The precured resin is mixed with the templating mixture and preferably with an additional amount of one or more silicate precursors. The invention also includes a method for fabricating the silicate material, a holographic medium, an optical article, and a method for fabricating an optical article.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing the value associated with a pre-purchased amount of telecommunication-time for making telephone calls and for uses other than making telephone calls is provided. The system includes a computer system including a prepaid platform adapter for interfacing with a prepaid platform, and a financial network adapter for interfacing with a financial network. Unit minutes, having a value associated with the purchased amount of telecommunication-time, are convertible to telecommunication-time equivalents for making telephone calls and monetary equivalents for uses other than making telephone calls. A database, communicating with the computer, includes subscriber account information and transaction processing protocol information for each adapter. A remote input server, communicating with the computer, provides an input device to access the computer.

Abstract: A telephonic-interface lottery system D interfaces with a multiplicity of individual terminals T1-Tn of a telephone network facility C to enable lottery players to call and play for at least one additional chance to possibly win by dialing a pay-to-dial telephone number indicated on a “scratch-off” or online game lottery ticket for use in the system. At the terminals, callers are prompted by voice-generated instructions to provide digital data, such as their telephone number, age, social security number, and/or drivers license number. In addition, the sequence number of the caller as well as the date and time of the call is recorded for positive association with a caller and is stored for processing. The caller's identification data is confirmed using various techniques and callers may be ranked and accounted for on the basis of entitlement-and sequence.

Abstract: A wireless tire inflation pressure measurement device is used to obtain inflation pressure information for a tire of a vehicle and a signal therefrom may be used for determining the location of the tire. An identifier may be associated with the inflation pressure information for each wheel of the vehicle. Tire rotation speed may be determined by amplitude fluctuations of a radio frequency carrier from a radio frequency transmitter rotating with the wheel. Differences in wheel rotation speeds during a turn may be used in determining the location of each tire of the vehicle. An antenna may be placed on each wheel toward the outer perimeter of the wheel and connected to the radio frequency transmitter. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and pressure sensor may be used as the wireless tire inflation pressure measurement device and a RFID pickup coil may be provided in each wheel well for pickup of the inflation pressure signals from each RFID tag on a wheel.

Abstract: A system to detect eye disease in which monochromatic laser light is directed into the vitreous humor after passing through the front of the eye. A very sensitive detection system then detects the light scattered from the vitreous humor as it exits the eye. The light is scattered at a wavelength different from that of the laser in a manner known as Raman scattering. The wavelength of the Raman scattered photons are shifted by vibrational modes of the molecules, and this shift is a characteristic feature of the molecules interacting with the light. In this way, the Raman scattered light is essentially imprinted with a fingerprint of relevant molecules. As it exits the eye, this Raman scattered light can be separated from other types of scattered light and then routed to a detection system, wherein the results are calibrated against actual standards for the particular vitreous substances being analyzed.

Abstract: An optical scanning system for reading indicia of differing light reflectivity has an optical scan module which is adapted to be mounted on a finger of a user. A first peripheral module, preferably in the form of a wrist watch, has a receiver which detects the reflected light. A second peripheral module, mounted on the other arm of the user, communicates with the first module by radio frequency transmission. According to other aspects of the invention, the light detector may be mounted in a housing which is separate and part from the optical scan module. According to another aspect, a laser pointer or scanner is mounted to a ring which is arranged to be worn on a single finger of the user.

Abstract: A wireless tire inflation pressure measurement device is used to obtain inflation pressure information for a tire of a vehicle and a signal therefrom may be used for determining the location of the tire. An identifier may be associated with the inflation pressure information for each wheel of the vehicle. Tire rotation speed may be determined by amplitude fluctuations of a radio frequency carrier from a radio frequency transmitter rotating with the wheel. Differences in wheel rotation speeds during a turn may be used in determining the location of each tire of the vehicle. An antenna may be placed on each wheel toward the outer perimeter of the wheel and connected to the radio frequency transmitter. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and pressure sensor may be used as the wireless tire inflation pressure measurement device and a RFID pickup coil may be provided in each wheel well for pickup of the inflation pressure signals from each RFID tag on a wheel.

Abstract: An interactive voice response system integrated with cellular phone technology which uses wireless access protocol and/or handheld wireless Internet protocol devices to collect passenger pickup and destination addresses using nationwide database of addresses and phone numbers and to dispatch drivers to pick up passengers. The system has the capability of automatically detecting pickup location via automatic number identification and/or caller ID technology.

Abstract: A telephonic-interface lottery system D interfaces with a multiplicity of individual terminals T1-Tn of a telephone network facility C to enable lottery players to call and play for at least one additional chance to possibly win by dialing a pay-to-dial telephone number indicated on a “scratch-off” or online game lottery ticket for use in the system. At the terminals, callers are prompted by voice-generated instructions to provide digital data, such as their telephone number, age, social security number, and/or drivers license number. In addition, the sequence number of the caller as well as the date and time of the call is recorded for positive association with a caller and is stored for processing. The caller's identification data is confirmed using various techniques and callers may be ranked and accounted for on the basis of entitlement-and sequence.

Abstract: A wireless tire inflation pressure measurement device is used to obtain inflation pressure information for a tire of a vehicle and a signal therefrom may be used for determining the location of the tire. An identifier may be associated with the inflation pressure information for each wheel of the vehicle. Tire rotation speed may be determined by amplitude fluctuations of a radio frequency carrier from a radio frequency transmitter rotating with the wheel. Differences in wheel rotation speeds during a turn may be used in determining the location of each tire of the vehicle. An antenna may be placed on each wheel toward the outer perimeter of the wheel and connected to the radio frequency transmitter. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag and pressure sensor may be used as the wireless tire inflation pressure measurement device and a RFID pickup coil may be provided in each wheel well for pickup of the inflation pressure signals from each RFID tag on a wheel.

Abstract: A method for data transmission over an optical network, the method including collecting a plurality of services data to be transmitted in at least one service collection unit, processing the services in their original protocols into packets, and converting the services into optical signals on an optical fiber for transmission into a metro network; and sorting the services from a plurality of packets according to service type in an aggregator, coupled for optical communication to the service collection units, and combining like services for transmission over a compatible transport network.

Abstract: A stabilization device for an athletic shoe or sneaker having two elongate straps for wrapping around a foot within the shoe. The straps are attached to the inside sidewalls of the shoe and exit the shoe through lateral slits adjacent to the sole. Each strap then passes through a buckle, and the two straps are attached to each other with a VELCRO material. Two lateral support bumpers, integral with the shoe near the sole and which project outwardly on the lateral sidewall, provides further projection against foot injuries. The upper shoe component having a sufficiently stiff consistency to prevent acute angles that form during inversion stresses.

Abstract: A computer network based digital information library system employing authentication and encryption protocols for the secure transfer of digital information library programs to a client computer system and a mobile digital information playback device removably connectable to the client computer system. The present invention is a computer network based library and information delivery system for accessing and obtaining selected digital information files.

Abstract: In an audio-digital telephone interface system, selective operation prompts a caller with oral instructions to provide: digital control signals, digital data signals (numeric) or audio signals. Inbound and outbound operations are involved and inbound callers are qualified as by automatic number identification (ANI) signals and consumable key operation. A data cell is loaded in accordance with an operating program and the resulting data packet is flagged depending on the presence of audio signals. Data packets are returned to storage, as for subsequent addressing to call up, as to process or cue a caller. The illustrative format receives and organizes order data for goods or services or to isolate a subset or a sub-subset of callers.

Abstract: A jewelry setting is provided to accommodate different shapes and sizes of gemstones. The multi-part jewelry setting comprises a gemstone holding means and a housing means for totally encasing a gemstone while affording substantial exposure of the gemstone. The U-shaped holding means is formed with a retaining means for engaging a peripheral edge of a gemstone and is formed to be resilient to accommodate gemstones of various diameters. By forming the gemstone holding means with a resilient material, the gemstone holding means will act like a spring and capture the gemstone by a compression fit. All of the components can be stamped from a single piece of sheet material. Being formed from sheet material, the completed housing is essentially hollow and results in an aesthetically pleasing, relatively inexpensive setting since less precious metal is required, even though, it appears to be of significant and massive precious metal construction.

Abstract: Compositions comprising chromium complexes such as chromium picolinate or chromium nicotinate are administered to a subject presenting with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The compositions may further comprise at least one of a chelating agent, cyclooxygenase inhibitor, a mucolytic, and/or a salicin-containing herb.

Abstract: In an audio-digital telephone interface system, selective operation prompts a caller with oral instructions to provide: digital control signals, digital data signals (numeric) or audio signals. Inbound and outbound operations are involved and inbound callers are qualified as by automatic number identification (ANI) signals and consumable key operation. A data cell is loaded in accordance with an operating program and the resulting data packet is flagged depending on the presence of audio signals. Data packets are returned to storage, as for subsequent addressing to call up, as to process or cue a caller. The illustrative format receives and organizes order data for goods or services or to isolate a subset or a sub-subset of callers.

Abstract: A hand-held optical reader for reading printed indicia on a remote target includes a light source for generating a scanning light beam and a detector for detecting the light reflected from the printed indicia. The light source and detector are housed within a housing having a window through which the light beam passes from the source to the target for reflection from the target to the detector. The housing includes parallel front and rear faces, each being generally rectangular in shape and having a lower portion and upper portion. The front and rear faces are joined by a substantially planar base face at their lower edges. The window is disposed in the front face with the reader being ergonomically configured so as be comfortably held in the hand of a user, with the user's palm adjacent the rear face to enable the user to direct the scanning light beam at a remote target.

Abstract: Gene probes for specific regions of chromosome 3 (3p21.3) and chromosome 10 (10q22) have been found to be tools for the diagnosis and prognosis of smoking related cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). For example, these probes can be used with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and used to stratify smokers into high and low risk groups, as well as determine a patients susceptibility to the development of smoking related cancers.