Abstract: A measurement system and method combine an audio announcement system with a plurality of spaced apart wirelessly coupled devices which evaluate speech intelligibility of audio output from loudspeakers of the audio announcement system. Processing can take place at some or all of the devices as well as at a common control element. Evaluations can be based on use of a method which maps to a Common Intelligibility Scale.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented herein for encrypting and authentication data, such that some of data can be transmitted in the clear but still be authenticated by the sender. A set of cleartext positions and/or a set of ciphertext positions are used to specify which data blocks will be used to generate an input checksum value and an output checksum value. These checksums are then used to generate an authentication tag.

Abstract: Imidazonaphthyridine and tetrahydroimidazonaphthyridine compounds induce the biosynthesis of cytokines such as interferon and tumor necrosis factor. The compounds exhibit antiviral and antitumor properties. Methods of preparing the compounds and intermediates useful in the preparation of the compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sound reproduction system has pairs of sound emitters that subtend different angles ?, the span angle, at the listener position. The pairs of sound emitters are arranged to be excited by different frequency bands of the signal output from an inverse filter means (Hh, Hl). The operational span-frequency range of the pairs of sound emitters is determined by an equation (I) where the transducer span ? is the angle subtended at the listener by a pair of transducers, where O<n<2. c0: is the speed of sound, and ?r: is the equivalent distance between the ears. The sound emitters may be discrete speaker units, the different pairs of units being positioned at different span angles, or they be constituted by area portions of an extended transducer (FIG. 10). When discrete speaker units are employed a cross-over filter (FIG. 28) is used to provide drive signals in the different frequency bands to the different speaker pairs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a heat dissipating system. In one embodiment, a heatsink comprising a plurality of cooling elements substantially encases a fan assembly disposed therein. When in operation, at least a portion of intake air for the fan assembly is caused to traverse the plurality of cooling elements prior to being exhausted from the fan assembly.

Abstract: A method for producing a chewing gum with a controlled release active agent, as well as the chewing gum so produced, is obtained by physically modifying the release properties of the active agent, such as a nutraceutical or nutritional supplement, by coating and drying. The active agent is coated by encapsulation, partially coated by agglomeration, entrapped by absorption, or treated by multiple steps of encapsulation, agglomeration, and absorption. The coated active agent is preferably then co-dried and particle sized to produce a release-modified active agent for use in chewing gum. The active agent may also be used in a coating on a chewing gum product, as part of a rolling compound applied to the chewing gum product, or as a part of the liquid in a liquid-center chewing gum product.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for tokenless authorization of an electronic payment between a payor and a payee using an electronic third party identicator and at least one payor bid biometric sample. In a payor registration step, the payor registers with an electronic third party identicator at least one registration biometric sample, and at least one payor financial account identifier. The payee registers a payee identification data with the electronic third party identicator. A payee bid identification data and a payor bid biometric sample collected from the payor's person are electronically forwarded to the third party electronic identicator. A comparator engine compares the bid biometric sample with at least one registered biometric sample for producing either a successful or failed identification of the payor.

Abstract: A redundant array includes a plurality of disks, a bus coupling the disks, a receiving device, and a device to reconstruct a block stored in one of the disks. The device reconstructs the block with associated data and parity blocks from other disks. The device transmits the reconstructed block to the receiving device in response to the one of the disks being unavailable or degraded.

Abstract: When resources are reported missing within a system they are logged in a system error log. Specifically, resources that are missing because they have been reassigned from one logical partition (LPAR) within the system to another LPAR are tagged. When diagnostics are run to resolve missing resources, the resource reconfiguration database is queried for all resources that were assigned to LPARs and now are reported as missing and a missing resource List is created. The system error log is searched for resources that are tagged as missing because of reassignment. Any tagged resource and associated child resources of the tagged resource are removed from the missing resource List thereby updating the List. Normal missing resource resolution procedures are run against the updated missing resource List.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for proximity control of a barrier comprising a stationary wireless signal receiving device and a mobile transmitting device. The wireless signal receiving device may monitor at least one transmitting device within a predetermined coverage area and may be a radio frequency receiver or a spread spectrum receiver located near the barrier. In one embodiment, the transmitter device emits a control signal that is received by the receiving device when the transmitter is within a reception range. In one embodiment, the control signal includes transmitter identification information, directional information and position information. In another embodiment, the barrier is closed only after a predetermined delay has lapsed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising anti-fibrotic agent(s) and/or polymeric compositions can be used in various medical applications including the prevention of surgical adhesions, treatment of inflammatory arthritis, treatment of scars and keloids, the treatment of vascular disease, and the prevention of cartilage loss.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compounds of formula (I), which antagonize of the effects of melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) through the melanin concentrating hormone receptor which is useful for the prevention or treatment of eating disorders, weight gain, obesity, abnormalities in reproduction and sexual behavior, thyroid hormone secretion, diuresis and water/electrolyte homeostasis, sensory processing, memory, sleeping, arousal, anxiety, depression, seizures, neurodegeneration and psychiatric disorders.

Abstract: A method of paying a merchant for a claim service provided to a claimant. The method including the steps of receiving a request from a merchant for a payment associated with a claim, generating a claim identifier, generating a payment number having a predetermined limit amount and a predetermined expiration date, associating the claim identifier with the payment number and transmitting the payment number to the merchant for payment of the claim.

Abstract: A trench-gate semiconductor device, for example a MOSFET or IGBT, having a field plate (24) provided below the trenched gate (8) is manufactured using a process with improved reproducibility. The process includes the steps of etching a first grove (28a) into the semiconductor body (20) for receiving the gate (8), and etching a second groove (28b) into the top major surface (20a) of the semiconductor body (20), the second groove (28b) extending from the bottom of the first groove (28a) and being narrower than the first grove. The invention enables better control of the vertical extent of the gate below the top major surface (20a) of the semiconductor body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the determination of analyte characteristics based upon binding properties using mass analysis and differential labeling reagents.

Abstract: A free piston device which is particularly applicable for use with a linear motor for providing acoustic energy to a cryocooler for generating refrigeration at cryogenic temperatures which comprises a time varying clearance seal to counteract piston drift.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical aerosol formulation comprising particles of formoterol or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or physiologically functional derivative thereof, said particles being suspended in the formulation; a compound of the formula (I), in which: R1 is 1-butyl, 2-butyl, cyclohexyl or phenyl and R2 is acetyl or isobutanoyl, said compound of formula (I) being dissolved in the formulation; and a propellant selected from 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane and a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A method for dynamic electrical testing of head gimbal assemblies may include initiating an automated continuous process that includes selecting an unmounted head gimbal assembly; aligning the unmounted head gimbal assembly; loading the unmounted head gimbal assembly to a disc; and testing the unmounted head gimbal assembly.