Abstract: An information management and entertainment system (1) comprises user terminals (2), and a switching system (5, 40-43) having interfaces (21, 23, 31) for receiving media streams and for routing the streams to the terminals. The system (1) comprises at least one management server (15) for routing control signals to components of the system. The server (15) and the terminals (2) execute a middleware engine (65, 70) for communication within the system. The middleware engine comprises a services processor (65) executing on a server (15) and functions executing on the terminals (2) for controlling provision of information management and entertainment services to users via the terminals (2). The system further comprises at least one vending machine (16) for vending user cards for usage of services.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for automating processes using data driven pre-recorded transactions. A process server comprising process modeling tools creates workflows comprising activities linked together based on a set of rules. A test script server connected to one or more activities in a workflow receives requests from the one or more activities to automate an activity. A remote test script agent connected to the test script server receives instructions from the test script server to play back a robotic test script of the activity, wherein the robotic test script is driven by a set of input parameters obtained from recording the activity, and wherein the robotic test script interacts with an application under test to perform the activity as an automated task.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a water-dissipatable polyurethane comprising preparation of a polyurethane prepolymer, reacting the polyurethane prepolymer with a mono functional end-capping agent to give a partially end capped polyurethane prepolymer and chain extending the partially end capped polyurethane prepolymer to give the water-dissipatable polyurethane. The polyurethanes are useful in ink jet printing.

Abstract: A mounting plate that is secured between a substrate and a component is used to mount a heat sink. The plate includes holes to accommodate the leads of the component and mounting flanges that partially surround the component and are used to mount the heat sink. In the mounted position, the heat sink is held in thermal communication with the component directly or through a thermally conductive material.

Abstract: A network-based messaging system comprises multiple agents to communicate messages between multiple users in real time using, for example, an XML document synchronization model. Each agent has properties defined in XML and can subscribe to properties of other agents. Each agent can notify other agents which subscribe to it of changes to its properties. The agents communicate using an XML or alternative extensible data interchange protocol. The agents include device agents to represent each of multiple user devices, which may include computers on a wireline network and mobile devices on a wireless network. The agents also include persona agents to represent each user. The persona agents collect information about the properties of other agents and publish the information to other, subscribing agents. Each persona agent comprises properties to maintain state information for each device used by the corresponding user. Most of the agents reside in a centralized agent system.

Abstract: Polymorphs of N-methyl-N-(3-{3-[2-thienylcarbonyl]-pyrazol-[1,5-?]-pyrimidin-7-yl}phenyl)acetamide (Compound 1), and use of the same as a sedative-hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and skeletal muscle relaxant agent. Processes for making the same, as well as related compositions and methods are also disclosed, particularly with regard to treatment of insomnia. A polymorph Form I possessing exception physical and heat stability is provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and circuits better detect transitions in a binary optical code signal and thus better detect edges in the binary optical code, such as a bar code. The optical code signal imperfectly indicates perceived regions of relatively dark and relatively light areas arranged in an alternating pattern as part of an optical code. That signal is differentiated to form a first derivative of the signal. Due to various non-ideal conditions, the first derivative may have a series of successive local peaks of the same polarity. Peaks in the series having a peak value less than a previous peak value in the series are ignored, thereby resulting in a set of unignored peaks. From the unignored peaks in the series is chosen the one peak occurring last in order. According to the chosen peak, there is generated a signal more reliably indicating the true edge position between a light area and a dark area in the pattern.

Abstract: A tool which provides counsel with a data collection mechanism to guide them through various steps in the litigation process and directs counsel and/or legal assistants to determine what information is required. The tool provides a “Discovery Generator” that is available to capture counsel's potential discovery requests, which are linked to existing document and form production tools for facilitated production of discovery. The tool informs the user of the percentage of progress of the required information that has been entered. The tool provides an analytical framework that captures the judgment of seasoned practitioners to provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal, factual, and business aspects of the lawsuit. The tool provides methodologies that quantify subjective analyses through the use of weighted measuring schemes. The tool provides a decision tree structure underlying the various steps of the methodology activated by user's answers to queries to aid in the capture and analysis of information.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the isolation of a target nucleic acid using a material with an unmodified silica surface and subsequent amplification of the target nucleic acid in the presence of the material with an unmodified silica surface. The method is preferably carried out as an automated process preferably in a high throughput format. The method is preferably used in diagnostics.

Abstract: A support bracket and extra-low voltage control device for installation with an electrical outlet box provides the capability of attaching or removing extra-low voltage (normally 30 volts or less) control of AC power (normally supplied at 120 volts) circuits such as lights. A controlling device in an enclosure (also called a control module) is attached to the exterior of one wall of an electrical outlet box, so that AC 120 volt wiring from the control module AC controlling device (a relay, a triac or a transistor) enters the electrical outlet box through an aperture in the wall of the electrical outlet box. Extra-low voltage control wiring enters the control module through an aperture in the control module enclosure and connects either to a relay coil or to an opto-coupling device within the control module enclosure to provide physical separation between the two wiring systems.

Abstract: A dual-mode display system, for applications such as viewfinders/displays in a digital still camera or video camcorder, may include a single spatial light modulator microdisplay that can be used both to provide a virtual image at a viewing location, such as near-eye viewing port, and to provide a real image that can be projected onto a surface such as a projection screen. The projection screen may be on an exterior surface of the camera, it may be extendable from the device such as with a camcorder, or it may be an external screen such as a on a wall, desk, piece of paper, or a traditional projection screen. The optical paths for the near-eye and projection modes may be entirely different, with only the SLM in common, or they may be largely or entirely common paths. Different light sources may be used for the two modes, or it may be the same light source.

Abstract: A device housing assembly for an industry standard electrical device, such as a switch or power receptacle, and a control device for controlling the electrical device, the control device having both controlled connectors and controlling connectors. The device housing assembly comprises an electrical device housing, a control components enclosure, and a dividing/mounting plate. The electrical device housing has an opening in the bottom defining two side ledges, and the top having a first mounting element adjacent to the front opening for mounting the electrical device in the electrical device housing. The control components enclosure has a top opening with side walls bent over to form flanges along sides of the top opening and fits through the opening in the bottom of the electrical device housing so as to hang by the flanges from the side ledges.

Abstract: An electrical control wiring system in which mains voltage (115 volts to 600 volts) power loads in a home or in a commercial building are controlled by use of extra low voltage devices such as switches, variable resistances and microcontrollers. Wires are routed from an electrical panel and looped between special electrical device enclosures that in some respects resemble conventional electrical outlet boxes. The special electrical device enclosures are located in walls so that the front edges appear flush with the finished wall as would be the case with a conventional electrical outlet box in a finished room. The mains voltage wiring is done in the manner normally used in mains voltage wiring. Multi-conductor extra-low voltage cable such as Category 5 cable is routed from a control location and looped to the same special electrical device enclosure locations.

Abstract: A support bracket and extra-low voltage control device for installation with an electrical outlet box provides the capability of attaching or removing extra-low voltage (normally 30 volts or less) control of AC power (normally supplied at 120 volts) circuits such as lights. A controlling device in an enclosure (also called a control module) is attached to the exterior of one wall of an electrical outlet box, so that AC 120 volt wiring from the control module AC controlling device (a relay, a triac or a transistor) enters the electrical outlet box through an aperture in the wall of the electrical outlet box. Extra-low voltage control wiring enters the control module through an aperture in the control module enclosure and connects either to a relay coil or to an opto-coupling device within the control module enclosure to provide physical separation between the two wiring systems.

Abstract: A portable communication device (1) automatically accesses a network server such as an ISP upon insertion of a card (30). The card (30) stores user-specific data setting conditions for controlled access to the server. This allows different users to have controlled access according to their situation. For example a child may use a card for access confined to children's Web sites. The device (1) updates the card and encrypts the user data. Proxy servers are used to control access.

Abstract: A combined enclosure for an industry standard electrical device, such as a switch or power receptacle, and a control device for controlling the electrical device, the control device having both controlled connectors and controlling connectors. The combined enclosure comprises an electrical device enclosure, a control components enclosure, and a dividing/mounting plate. The electrical device enclosure has an opening in the bottom defining two side ledges, and the top has a first mounting element adjacent to the front opening for mounting the electrical device in the electrical device enclosure. The control components enclosure has a top opening with side walls bent over to form flanges along sides of the top opening and fits through the opening in the bottom of the electrical device enclosure so as to hang by the flanges from the side ledges.

Abstract: Process for the free-radical polymerisation of olefinically unsaturated monomer(s) using a free-radical initiator, the polymerisation being performed in the presence of a compound for effecting molecular weight control, wherein the molecular weight control compound is a Co Il chelate of the following formula I ##STR1## wherein each group X, independently in each ring and in different rings, is a substituent selected from alkyl of 1 to 14 carbon atoms and cycloalkyl of 6 to 14 carbon atoms; n, independently in each ring, is 0 to 5 provided that in at least one ring, n is 1 to 5; Z, independently on each boron atom, is selected from F, Cl, Br, OH, alkoxy of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, aryloxy of 6 to 12 carbon atoms, alkyl of 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and aryl of 6 to 12 carbon atoms; or two Z groups taken together provide on one or both boron atoms a group --O--(Q)--O-- where Q is a divalent aryl or alicyclic linking group or an alkylene linking group, or two Z groups taken together on one or both boron atoms provide a

Abstract: A cab to cap gap filler apparatus includes a top assembly which includes a top width that is greater than a gap width of a gap between a rear of a truck cab and a front of a truck bed cap. The top assembly is flexible along lines which are parallel to the top width, and the top assembly has a top length which is sufficiently long for the top assembly to cover horizontal and vertical portions of the gap between the rear of the cab and the front of the truck bed cap when the top assembly is flexed around horizontal and vertical portions of the gap. A flexible housing assembly is connected to a bottom side of the top assembly and includes a portion which has a housing width which is less than the top width, and a quantity of moldable solid particulate material is contained within the flexible housing assembly.