Abstract: A method for analyzing a problem in a distributed processing business system used to provide a service is disclosed. The method comprises identifying the problem; preparing for an audit; performing the audit; reviewing the audit; developing an action plan; developing an execution plan; deploying a solution in accordance with the execution plan; monitoring the deployed solution; and recording lessons learned. Alternatively, the method may be applied to evaluate the capacity of a distributed processing business system to provide a prospective service. In this alternative embodiment, the method comprises identifying the problem; preparing for an audit; performing the audit; reviewing the audit; preparing a rating table; populating the rating table with results from the audit; calculating a service rating based upon the results entered in the rating table; and presenting the service rating to management.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for quantifying the extent a cataract impairs vision in an eye having a pupil, an ocular lens, and a retina. The method includes illuminating a localized region of the retina such that light is reflected from the localized region and is transmitted through the ocular lens. A portion of the reflected light is scattered by the cataract associated with the ocular lens. Light reflected from the localized region of the retina is collected, and the amount of scatter is measured so as to quantify the extent the scatter impairs vision of the eye.

Abstract: A composite image generator for producing a lenticular novelty item at a point of purchase is disclosed. The composite image generator receives a theme selection and a captured digital image. Images associated with the selected theme and the captured digital image are then interlaced and/or combined to produce a final composite image. The final composite image is printed and a lenticular surface is applied to produce the lenticular novelty item at a point of purchase.

Abstract: A composite image generator for combining a prestored composite background image, a prestored composite foreground image, and a composite interior image is disclosed. The composite interior image is preferably generated by the composite image generator by interlacing a prestored interior image with a captured digital image. Portions of the composite background image are deleted or hidden based on the composite interior image. Similarly, portions of the composite interior image are deleted or hidden based on the composite foreground image.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying thermoplastic strips to thermoplastic membranes, each strip having an upstanding central portion and opposed flange portions extending widthwise therefrom. The apparatus includes a housing having drive wheels for movably supporting the housing. A guide assembly fixed to the housing includes a first pair of guide wheels for disposition around an applied first strip and movable along the first strip with one guide wheel on either side thereof, and a second pair of guide wheels for disposition around a second strip to be applied and movable along the second strip, so as to guide the second strip to a welding station on the apparatus. The welding station is adapted to heat weld the second strip to the membranes along the length of the second strip equidistantly from the first strip.

Abstract: Slats and a supporting structure for a reciprocating floor located on a surface of a base are provided. The slats may be constructed of ultra high molecular weight materials. The slats may be configured to be retained on the surface of the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is buoyant filtration media including a buoyant backbone support and a material disposed in or on the surface of the buoyant backbone support where the filtration characteristics of the filtration media are dependent on the material being disposed in or on the buoyant backbone support. In one embodiment, foamed polypropylene pellets are embedded with ceramic spheroids such that the buoyant media retains its buoyancy yet exhibits the characteristics of ceramic filter media.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a system requiring periodic measurements of a plurality of points of the system, includes the steps of identifying deterministic points in the system as those points which are determinative of one or more determined points in the system, collecting measurements from the deterministic points of the system, storing the measurements, calculating a rate of change for each of the deterministic point value using previously stored measurements, calculating a rate of change of determined points from the rate of change of the deterministic points and using the rate of change values for deterministic points and determined points to estimate when an event will occur in relation to each point.

Abstract: The invention is a business services method (BSM) for procedures research and analysis, which comprises a process for selecting an appropriate medium for a given set of procedures, business procedure decomposition, and technology decomposition. More particularly, the inventive process comprises: organizing service requirements; collecting data; documenting “source activities,” the intended audience, use of the procedures, and tools to be used; choosing the appropriate media for delivering information to the customer; coordinating teams and defining team requirements; conducting workshops; and sizing the development effort.

Abstract: A pneumatic drive tire for tracked vehicles is provided having an outer tread surface divided into two zones. The first tread zone has a plurality of lugs and grooves, the grooves may extend across the entire first zone creating soil discharge channels. The soil discharge channels preferably extend into the shoulder. The tire has a second tread zone with no lugs or grooves.

Abstract: A panel apparatus comprises a tongue-in-groove connection connecting first and second panels. A support secured to one of the panels underlies the tongue-in-groove connection for support thereof when a load is applied.

Abstract: Various game embodiments and methods of playing the same comprising a plurality of game components that can be projected onto a surface. The game components can have a plurality of indicia thereon with some indicia being determinative of how a particular game component can interact with other game components and some indicia signifying a distance within which a game component must be deployed to another game component in order for the game component to affect the another game component.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a floor slat as part of a moving floor apparatus includes a clamp assembly which clamps the floor slat. The clamp assembly may include a pair of clamp blocks which clamp the floor slat therebetween. A method of securing a floor slat to a drive beam of a moving floor is also disclosed.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a printable thin microporous membrane. The printable thin microporous membrane includes a thin microporous membrane, and a printing ink on the thin microporous membrane. The membrane has a thickness in the range of 8? to 50?, a Gurley permeability in the range of 5 to 100 seconds/10 cc, and an average porosity in the range of 30% to 60%.

Abstract: An adsorption bed arrangement includes a plurality of adsorption elements, a housing, and a gasket member. Each of the adsorption elements has a first adsorptive media and a second adsorptive media, which remove different contaminants from an incoming air stream. For example, the first adsorptive media removes acidic contaminants and the second adsorptive media removes basic contaminants. The housing defines an interior, a plurality of inlet openings, and a plurality of outlet openings. The adsorption elements are positioned within the housing interior and the housing is selectively openable to provide access to the adsorption elements. A method for changing the media includes removing an access panel from the adsorption bed housing to expose a cover member covering an end of an adsorption element; removing the cover member to expose media within the element; and pouring the media from the element.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for quantifying the extent a cataract impairs vision in an eye having a pupil, an ocular lens, and a retina. The method includes illuminating a localized region of the retina such that light is reflected from the localized region and is transmitted through the ocular lens. A portion of the reflected light is scattered by the cataract associated with the ocular lens. Light reflected from the localized region of the retina is collected, and the amount of scatter is measured so as to quantify the extent the scatter impairs vision of the eye.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for quantifying the extent a cataract impairs vision in an eye having a pupil, an ocular lens, and a retina. The method includes illuminating a localized region of the retina such that light is reflected from the localized region and is transmitted through the ocular lens. A portion of the reflected light is scattered by the cataract associated with the ocular lens. Light reflected from the localized region of the retina is collected, and the amount of scatter is measured so as to quantify the extent the scatter impairs vision of the eye.

Abstract: A filter apparatus is provided which includes a first filter membrane element (40a), and a second bacterial filter membrane element. The first viral filter element (40a) is capable of treating water at a first second flow rate and is adapted to remove contaminants which are larger than a first size, while the second bacterial filter element (40b) is capable of treating water at a second higher flow rate and is adapted to remove contaminants which are larger than a second contaminant size. The first and second filter elements (40a), (40b) may be commonly housed within a sealed housing. An accumulating vessel (60) is placed in fluid communication with an outlet of the first filter element (40a) and an outlet of the second filter element (40b). The filter apparatus includes a duck bill type check valve (75) made of an antimicrobial material intermediate the second filter element (40b) and a dispensing faucet (70).

Abstract: A badge is disclosed having a metallic emblem having a thickness about 0.01 to about 1 mm, adhesively attached to a mounting frame by an adhesive polymeric resin having a Shore D hardness about 20 to about 90. Also disclosed is a vehicular sub-assembly including a substrate with the badge attached thereto. Methods of making the badge and the sub-assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A badge is disclosed having a metallic emblem having a thickness about 0.01 to about 1 mm, adhesively attached to a mounting frame by an adhesive polymeric resin having a Shore D hardness about 20 to about 90. Also disclosed is a vehicular sub-assembly including a substrate with the badge attached thereto. Methods of making the badge and the sub-assembly are also disclosed.