Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic yoke for a pressurized gas reservoir. The yoke comprises an aperture for receiving a stem of the pressurized gas reservoir, the stem having a stem valve selectively operable to permit a flow of pressurized gas through an opening of the stem; a gas passage for alignment with the opening of the stem to accept the flow of pressurized gas; a gas diverting conduit in fluid communication with the gas passage; a movable clamping member within the gas diverting conduit, the movable clamping member having a surface forming a boundary of the conduit, the boundary displaceable by a flow of gas into the conduit to thereby vary the volume of the conduit to thereby engage the clamping member with the stem; and, a release valve in fluid communication with the gas diverting conduit, the release valve selectively operable to permit a flow of gas from the conduit to permit disengagement of the movable clamping member with the stem.

Abstract: “VCR Manipulation of Broadcast Digital Content” Including start of content and end of content indicators in the broadcast data provides for early identification and clean storage and manipulation of broadcast digital content. Thus, a receiver is able to identity a state change (e.g., start of a song or end of a song) and use this information for storing the broadcast content in its entirety. Furthermore, a user is also able to perform VCR-like functions (e.g., like rewind, fast-forward, pause, play) on the broadcast data.

Abstract: A method for supporting, streamlining and standardizing a deal-making process using a deal managing and processing system includes the steps of creating a new deal profile, creating a deal prospect user interface, updating a status of prospects based upon a prospects response and using system based tool to guide a deal team through the deal-making process. In one embodiment, personal portals are configured for prospective customers to access deal information. In another embodiment, personalized web pages are configured to attract prospects for business.

Abstract: A novel dialogue design system is provided for creating dialogue applications of the type understood and used by automatic speech recognition systems. The dialogue design system is loaded into a computer having a display and a control keyboard and comprises a novel Dialogue Assistant (DA). The DA is controlled from the keyboard and comprises a navigator screen for defining and connecting compartments of the dialogue application. Each said compartment of a dialogue application is provided with an associated design and editing screen which enables the designer to create, build and edit compartments with associated sounds and variables. Compartments or parts of the dialogue may be played back or used in an actual or simulated environment until the application is proven and ready for use. The dialogue flow may be converted into a machine readable code used by interactive voice response systems with a minimum requirement for manual or machine software implementation.

Abstract: An adjustable depth grid assembly for a barbecue grid. The assembly includes a grid body which has a plurality of grid cross wires whereby the grid cross wires provide support for food, as well as optionally cooking briquettes, lava rocks, and/or other flavor enhancers, resting thereon. The grid body includes at least one bracket. The grid assembly also includes an outrigger which has a plurality of outrigger cross wires whereby the outrigger cross wire provide support for food resting thereon. The outrigger has at least one locator wire wherein the locator wire is slidably received in the bracket so that the depth of the grid assembly is adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer apparatus and method for adding speech interpreting capabilities to an interactive voice response system. An annotated corpus is used to list valid utterances within a grammar along with token data for each valid utterance representing the meaning implied behind the valid utterance. When valid utterances are detected, the interactive voice response system requests that a search is made through the annotated corpus to find the token identified with the valid utterance. This token is returned to the interactive voice response system. If the valid utterance included a variable, additional processing is performed to interpret the variable and return additional data representing the variable.

Abstract: A whirlpool bath assembly with a recirculation pump fed from the bath by a suction pipe and then to venturi jet units through by system feed pipes. Further air pipes feed the venturi jet units. A drain-off valve connects the pump through a drain pipe to a waste-water drain. All the units forming the assembly are constructed so as to provide a gravity drain-off into the bath and drain pipe. This is done by ensuring that height of the surfaces over which drain-off water flows when the assembly is inoperative reduce continuously without forming any water retaining recesses.

Abstract: A method for detecting a specific polynucleotide sequence in a material is disclosed. The method includes exposing said material to an oligonucleotide primer having a sequence complementary to part of said specific polynucleotide sequence wherein said primer binds to part of said polynucleotide sequence when present in said material. Primer bound to the polynucleotide sequence is extended wherein any extended primer includes a detectable element and/or a separation element. Any extended primer is then separated into a fraction wherein said fraction does not have detectable element not included in said extended primer.

Abstract: A fuel adjustment screw apparatus for a diaphragm-type carburetor comprises a screw member (4) having a shaft (4a) and a head (12) by which the shaft may be rotated, with a generally tubular open-ended housing (9) surrounding the head of the screw member. A cap member (10) is mounted in the housing and is movable axially of the screw member between a first position (as seen in FIG. 1) and a second position (FIG. 2). The cap member is held clear of the head of the screw member in the first position so that the screw member can rotate freely, and engages over the head of the screw member in the second position for rotation with the head. The housing has stop means (20) which is engaged by the cap member in the second position for limiting the angle of rotation of the head.

Abstract: A diagnostic whole body counter includes both a detector for external or beta radiation and a detector for internal or gamma radiation. A subject stands on a platform and external radiation detectors inset in a back wall of the radiation detector are employed to quickly check for any external radiation on the subject. After it is determined that no external radiation is present, the subject is scanned using an internal radiation detector which is transported vertically along the length of the subject. An intrinsic germanium detector is employed as the internal radiation detector to provide a highly accurate determination of radiation dosage. Variable diameter lead collimators are positioned in front of the internal radiation detector to vary the size of the area scanned by the internal radiation detector.