Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for managing streamed audio communication sessions between user devices (50) configured to send streamed data indicative of received audio contributions from respective participants in a multiple-participant audio communication session via a communications network to one or more other user devices (50) for conversion to audio representations of said received audio contributions for other participants.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for managing streamed audio communication sessions between user devices (50) configured to send streamed data indicative of received audio contributions from respective participants in a multiple-participant audio communication session via a communications network to one or more other user devices (50) for conversion to audio representations of said received audio contributions for other participants.

Abstract: To represent the indirect lifecycle binding between the validity of data for a given topic, and the presence of sessions responsible for updating the data associated with that topic, sessions may register a policy referred to herein as a “session will” against specific nodes in the topic tree maintained by a data distribution system server. A session will binds the lifecycle of the topic node to that of the registering session. When a session that is responsible for updating a particular topic is disconnected, the data distribution system server initiates actions in accordance with the session will to determine how to manage updating the topic and the sub-topics in the topic path.

Abstract: To represent the indirect lifecycle binding between the validity of data for a given topic, and the presence of sessions responsible for updating the data associated with that topic, sessions may register a policy referred to herein as a “session will” against specific nodes in the topic tree maintained by a data distribution system server. A session will binds the lifecycle of the topic node to that of the registering session. When a session that is responsible for updating a particular topic is disconnected, the data distribution system server initiates actions in accordance with the session will to determine how to manage updating the topic and the sub-topics in the topic path.

Abstract: A laminated sensor comprises a base stratum and a terminal stratum. The base stratum has a first surface that is affixed to a surface of a structure to be monitored. The terminal stratum is affixed to the opposite second surface of the base stratum. A connector is attached to the terminal stratum. The base stratum is provided with first and second channels and that are cut through the thickness of the base stratum. The terminal stratum is provided with holes that extend through the thickness of the terminal stratum. A first pair of the holes are positioned to register with the first channel, while a second pair of the holes are positioned to register with the second channel. A first conduit is formed by the first channel and the holes; while a second conduit is formed by the second channel and the holes. The connector connects with tubes to provide fluid communication between the conduits and a differential pressure monitoring system.

Abstract: A laminated sensor comprises a base stratum and a terminal stratum. The base stratum has a first surface that is affixed to a surface of a structure to be monitored. The terminal stratum is affixed to the opposite second surface of the base stratum. A connector is attached to the terminal stratum. The base stratum is provided with first and second channels and that are cut through the thickness of the base stratum. The terminal stratum is provided with holes that extend through the thickness of the terminal stratum. A first pair of the holes are positioned to register with the first channel, while a second pair of the holes are positioned to register with the second channel. A first conduit is formed by the first channel and the holes; while a second conduit is formed by the second channel and the holes. The connector connects with tubes to provide fluid communication between the conduits and a differential pressure monitoring system.

Abstract: A method (300) for optimising transistor performance in semiconductor integrated circuits built from standard cells (12), or custom transistor level layout, is disclosed. An active area of NMOS diffusion is extended with a joining area (102) between two adjacent cells (112) having the same net on diffusion at the adjacent edges of each cell. The diffusion area is extended to limit the occurrence of active and nonactive interface to minimise lattice strain effects and improve transistor performance.

Abstract: A system (10,90), apparatus (12,30,40,50,60,70) and method (100) is disclosed for detecting excess current leakage between drain/source of a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistor (36,46) within a complementary MOS (CMOS) environment. A load control (32,42) is arranged as a compliment to the MOS transistor. A comparator (34,44) is electrically connected to the load control and the MOS transistor, and produces an output signal representative of the detection of a current leakage exceeding a threshold. In response to the received output signal indicating an excess current leakage, system voltage/frequency may be adjusted to prevent damage to the CMOS environment.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting kinetic energy into useable power comprising a frame (230) arranged to be fixed in a vehicle running track (240), a plate (250), (252) and (254) moveably mounted to the frame. Power transmitting means (260) is coupled both to the plate and a power generator. The plate is arranged to act on the power transmitting means to cause power to be generated. The track and plate are so disposed as to cause at least a part (221) of a vehicle (220) moving on the track to drop onto the plate.

Abstract: A PCD cutting element, which in operation (and as it wears to a worn condition) presents at least two cutting lips to the material being cut. One particularly advantageous use of this new PDC cutting element is as cutting elements for earth boring drill bits.

Abstract: The invention refers to a computer system, comprising: a computer, and a peripheral device, wherein the computer comprises one or more receivers for receiving signals sent from the peripheral device, and a peripheral device movement detector for detecting a movement of the peripheral device from the signals received from the peripheral device. Further, the invention referes to a mobile telephone, comprising a device movement tracking member, e.g., a rollerball. In addition, the invention refers to a computer system, comprising: a mobile telephone comprising a device movement tracking member, and a computer connectable to the mobile telephone, e.g. via a wireless RF connection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a superhard polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved resistance to thermal degradation without loss of impact strength. Collectively called PCD elements, these elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure process. The PCD element has a plurality of partially bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming at least one continuous diamond matrix, and the interstices among the diamond crystals forming at least one continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The element has a working surface and a body, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like element with greatly improved wear resistance without loss of impact strength. These elements are formed with a binder-catalyzing material in a high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) process. The PCD element has a body with a plurality of bonded diamond or diamond-like crystals forming a continuous diamond matrix that has a diamond volume density greater than 85%. Interstices among the diamond crystals form a continuous interstitial matrix containing a catalyzing material. The diamond matrix table is formed and integrally bonded with a metallic substrate containing the catalyzing material during the HTHP process. The diamond matrix body has a working surface, where a portion of the interstitial matrix in the body adjacent to the working surface is substantially free of the catalyzing material, and the remaining interstitial matrix contains the catalyzing material.

Abstract: A vehicle frame that includes first and second frame portions. The first frame portion has a plurality of struts associated with each other to form a first framework. The second frame portion is associable with the first frame portion in a stiffening association for significantly increasing the stiffness of the first frame portion. The associated first and second frame portions are configured to support a rider sitting on the vehicle frame. The associated frame portions also define an interior cavity dimension for housing a component of the propulsion system for propelling the vehicle. The associated frame portions also comprise attachments for supportedly connecting two wheels of the vehicle, a seat disposed on the frame, and other vehicle accessories and systems.

Abstract: An input stage of an integrated circuit comprising a first and a second voltage divider, and a comparator, each voltage divider comprising a respective first MOS transistor in series with a diode-connected second MOS transistor connected between a first and a second supply rail, outputs of each divider being input to a comparator, the gate of the first MOS transistor of the first divider providing the circuit input and the gate of the first MOS transistor of the second divider being responsive to a reference voltage, where the aspect ratios of the first and second MOS transistors of the first divider are selected to overcome oxide stress when the circuit input voltage lies outside the voltages on the first and second supply rails.

Abstract: A process for the affinity chromatographic separation of at least one biological or related substance from a mixture wherein the at least one biological or related substance is bound to a binding material, having a ligand containing at least one of the groups anthraquinone, phthalocyanine or aromatic azo, in the presence of at least one metal ion selected from the group Ca.sup.2+, Sr.sup.2+, Ba.sup.2+, Al.sup.3+, Co.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2+, Cu.sup.2+ or Zn.sup.2+. The preferred metal ions are Co.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2+ and Zn.sup.2+, with Zn.sup.2+ being particularly preferred. The ligand may be linked directly to the matrix or via a spacer arm. The process may be performed at atmospheric pressure or under pressure, especially high pressure (100-3500 psi). The nature of the contact, washing and eluting solutions depends on the substance to be separated.

Abstract: A ladder kit comprises a plurality of parts from which a ladder may be constructed. The parts of the kit may be selected and assembled in a number of ways, resulting in various types of ladder structures. The main components of the assembled ladders include elongated tubular side rail sections and rectangular frame sections. The frame sections fasten the side rail sections into coplanar pairs and form the rungs of the ladder.