Abstract: An apparatus and method delivers an expandable body member into a uterine cavity of a uterus through a cervical opening and deploys the expandable body member in the uterine cavity. The expandable body member in a compressed state is inserted into the uterine cavity. A fluid is provided to the uterine cavity at a pressure sufficient to inflate the uterine cavity. The expandable body member expands from the compressed state to the expanded state. After expansion of the expandable body member and inflation of the uterine cavity, the fluid pressure is relieved thereby collapsing the uterine cavity about the expandable body member in the expanded state such that an endometrial layer of the uterus and a surface of the expandable body member substantially contact each other in a facially opposing relationship maximizing contact therebetween.

Abstract: A floatation device for a child having a buoyant board, with generally parallel top and bottom surfaces, and with a child opening in about the middle of the board. A child seat is provided beneath the opening attached to the board for supporting a child in the opening with his abdomen about even with the board. A wet play area is recessed in the top surface of the board in front of the opening in reach of the child, the play area having a bottom surface below the waterline of the board when a child is on the board. An opening in the board connects the play area to the bottom surface to allow water to enter the play area when the board is in the water. A canopy is mounted on the board. The canopy has an awning support mounted on the board behind the child opening. An awning is rotatably mounted on the awning support for movement between an operative position where the awning is generally horizontal over the child opening and an inoperative position allowing access to the child opening.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methods for deployment in digital networks to enable t-commerce and other transactions responsive to events generated by peripheral devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, devices and methods for deployment in digital set-top boxes and associated networks to enable t-commerce and other transactions responsive to events generated by peripheral devices.

Abstract: Patterns for a routable interface of the signal lines of a integrated circuit device include several groups of terminals distributed about the pattern center, each group clustered along a corresponding curvilinear reference segment extending outward from the pattern center to its perimeter. Routability zones are created between each successive pair of groups. For higher terminal density, in at least one of the terminal groups of the pattern, either the offset of the terminals from the reference line segment is not uniform, or the distance of the terminals from the pattern center does not increase uniformly. A portion, preferably at least about 50% of the terminals in a group of the pattern are not collinear with, but offset from, the reference segment. A portion, preferably at least about 90% of the terminals in a given terminal group are each closer to the reference line segment of that terminal group than they are to the reference segment of another terminal group.

Abstract: A method of directional radio communication between a first station and a second station comprises the steps of determining from at least one signal received at the first station from the second station which of a plurality of different radio environment types is present between said first and second stations. A signal is transmitted from the first station to the second station with at least one parameter of said transmitted signal being dependent on the determined radio environment type.

Abstract: A method of directional radio communication between a first station and a second station comprises the following steps. A first signal transmitted from the second station is received at the first station. The first signal is receivable from a plurality of different directions. A principle beam direction from which the first signal is received by the first station is determined. A plurality of beam directions for transmitting a radiation beam is defined at the first station. Each of the beam directions is selectable. The determined principle beam direction and at least one other auxiliary beam direction is selected at the first station. The at least one auxiliary beam direction is adjacent to the determined principle beam direction. A second signal is transmitted from the first station to the second station in the selected beam direction.

Abstract: A method for use in a distributed system that includes a server managing a master volume of data including a plurality of static attributes and at least one dynamic attribute whose prevailing values in the master volume of data are respectively updated and not updated as a consequence of a command from a client, and at least two clients each managing a volume of data intended to mirror the master volume of data. The method provided, enables data mirroring restoration at a client freshly reconnected to the server after a communication downtime period.

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: The invention provides a device comprising an improved n-channel semiconducting film, the film formed from a fused-ring tetracarboxylic diimide compound which exhibits a field effect electron mobility greater than 0.001 cm2/Vs, advantageously greater than 0.03 cm2/Vs, in film form. Contemplated compounds include naphthalene 1,4,5,8, tetracarboxylic acid diimides, naphthalene 2,3,6,7 tetracarboxylic acid diimides, anthracene 2,3,6,7-tetracarboxylic acid diimides, and heterocyclic variants thereof. The n-channel compounds are capable of being significantly soluble in common organic solvents, allowing for solution deposition of active semiconductor films, and are also capable of possessing significant volatility, such that vapor phase deposition, where desired, is relatively facile. It is also possible for the compounds to display the desirably high n-channel mobilities and on/off ratios even when operated in air.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for effecting remote commerce, such as in telemarketing (either inbound or outbound) and in electronic commerce, which are particularly adapted for the intelligent selection and proffer of products, services or information to a user or customer.

Abstract: The present invention is a protection device for use with elevator door jamb panels and entryway doors and jambs to protect the surfaces of these panels and doors from sustaining damage from collisions with moving equipment, building materials and furniture. The device protects the surfaces from scratches and dents when furniture and construction materials inadvertently bang into these protected surfaces. The entryway protector includes two sections and a securing system. A main rectangular section is separated by a line of stitching from a minor rectangular section, both sections including a padding material. The securing system can secure the protector to the surfaces against dislodging by contact with equipment, building materials and furniture.

Abstract: A digitally switched impedance has improved linearity by minimizing the amount of impedance error introduced by switches used to switch the impedance elements comprising the digitally switched impedance. Improved settling time of the digitally switched impedance is achieved by reducing the amount of switch capacitance connected to the output of the digitally switched impedance. The digitally switched impedance may be fabricated on an integrated circuit die and the switches may be fabricated with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transistors. The number of impedances needed for a desired number of impedance step changes is reduced by using two major impedance ranks and one minor impedance rank, or two minor impedance ranks and one major impedance rank connected in series.

Abstract: A helmet for protection against non-motorized injuries comprises a number of arched segments with ventilation spaces between them, the arched segments being shaped to extend about and engage the skull. The helmet is constructed to cover the apical as well as the frontal, temporal and occipital basilar skull. The arched segments are convex on their outer surfaces, have flat, curved inner surfaces, and are made of a cushioning, impact absorbing material such as plastic foam. Reinforcing elements extend in longitudinal passages in the arched segments to provide resistance against forces which are only partly absorbed by the cushioning material. In an alternate embodiment, support straps extend over the apical skull, and an impact resistant helmet is worn over the apical skull.

Abstract: Magnetic apparatus for MRI/MRT probes and methods for construction thereof are disclosed. One embodiment includes a pair of opposed magnet assemblies defining an open region therebetween, a transmitting RF coil having at least a portion thereof disposed within the open region, at least one receiving RF coil disposed within the open region and X, Y and Z gradient coils. At least one of the X, Y and Z gradient coils is disposed outside of the open region. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a single magnet assembly having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface, a transmitting RF coil having at least a portion thereof opposing the first surface, at least one receiving RF coil and X, Y and Z gradient coils. At least one of the X, Y and Z gradient coils opposes the second surface. In another embodiment the magnet assembly generates a permanent z-gradient magnetic field and therefore includes only X and Y gradient coils, at least one of which opposes the second surface.

Abstract: A pipe coupling includes a body member (10) formed with a bore (11) for receiving one end of a pipe (P) to be coupled; a sealing ring (20) and a compression sleeve (30) receivable within the bore (11); a radially-deformable gripping ring (40) having one end abuttable against the compression sleeve (30), a securing nut (50) threaded on the body member (10) and engageable with the gripping ring (40) to move the gripping ring (40) axially and to effect a sealing action via the compression sleeve (30) and the sealing ring (20), and also to compress the gripping ring (40) radially to effect a gripping action of the pipe (P) received in the bore (11); and an axially-extending limit element (45) between the gripping ring (40) and the body member (10) effective to cause the nut (50), when tightened; (a) in an initial stage, to move the gripping ring (40) and the compression sleeve (30) until the limit element engages (45) prevents further axial movement of the gripping ring (40); and (b) in a final stage, to radially

Abstract: The present invention relates to amorphous inorganic materials having pores of controlled size and shape with one or more spatially organized functional groups formed therein. Much like the active site residues in an enzyme, these functional groups can be positioned in a defined three dimensional relationship within the voids and with respect to each other. By varying both the positions and identities of these functional groups, diverse sets of substrate specific adsorbents and non-biologically-based catalysts can be made.

Abstract: In an automated exchange system a method and a device which automatically checks the corresponding price in other exchange's order books is provided the exchange only allows a match if a better price cannot be found elsewhere. In a preferred embodiment the order is automatically transferred to the exchange having the better price if this is the case, and the order is further processed at that exchange the method and device provides means so that investors will not have to worry about getting a better price elsewhere, when entering bids into an automated exchange.

Abstract: Powder coating formulations include as a component thereof a silane formula I: where R1 is a hydrocarbon, acyl, alkylsilyl or alkoxysilyl group; R2 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group; R3 is alkylene, optionally interrupted with one or more ether oxygen atoms; a is 0 or 1; Z is a direct bond or a divalent organic linking group; X is an m-valent organic group or H; and m is 1-20. The silanes are useful as crosslinkers, property modifiers and/or adhesion promoters. Powder adhesives may be similarly formed with silanes of formula I.