Abstract: An image acquisition system has a computer and one or more imaging devices coupled thereto. Each imaging device has a device memory and is capable of capturing and storing a digital image in its memory. An image device manager is implemented in software on the computer to control imaging device operation. The image device manager presents a user interface (UI) within the familiar graphical windowing environment. The UI has a context space to a particular imaging context (e.g., scanning, photography, and video). The UI also has a persistently-visible imaging menu positioned within the context space that lists options particular to the imaging context. The image acquisition system also includes a set of application program interfaces (APIs) that enable applications to manage loading and unloading of imaging devices, monitor device events, query device information properties, create device objects, capture images using the devices, and store or manipulate the captured images.

Abstract: A method of knowledge acquisition for entering data into a computer database in a readily computable format, comprises eliciting a set of data statements using an analysis structure determined from an underlying mathematical base, combined with a genuine falsificationist epistemology, entering elicited data statements into a database structured as a plurality of data entries, each data entry comprising a label, a said data statement and a default value, and a root node indicator; storing a relationship between said data entries as a connectivity lattice.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the manufacture of shaped articles by extrusion blow molding comprising the steps of (1) extruding a copolyester through a die to form a tube of molten copolyester; (2) positioning a mold having the desired finished shape around the tube of molten copolyester; and (3) introducing a gas into the tube of molten copolyester, causing the extrudate to stretch and expand to fill the mold; wherein the copolyester is a linear, copolyester having an inherent viscosity (IV) of at least about 0.7 dL/g measured at a temperature of 25° C. at 0.

Abstract: Polymer composite materials comprising of least one polymer resin and platelet particles from at least one layered silicate material uniformly dispersed in the resin and articles prepared from the polymer composite materials. The polymer composite contains at least one polyamide resin, at least one oxygen scavenging system, and at least one layered silicate material. These polymer composite materials are especially useful for manufacturing clear polyester bottles and polyester film that are recyclable have improved active gas barrier properties to oxygen, and have improved passive barrier properties to carbon dioxide and other gases. The polymer composite materials can be used in relatively minor amounts as either a blend or a coextruded thin layer with virgin or post consumer recycled polyesters and related copolymners.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the manufacture of shaped articles by extrusion blow molding comprising the steps of (1) extruding a copolyester through a die to form a tube of molten copolyester; (2) positioning a mold having the desired finished shape around the tube of molten copolyester; and (3) introducing a gas into the tube of molten copolyester, causing the extrudate to stretch and expand to fill the mold; wherein the copolyester is a linear, copolyester having an inherent viscosity (IV) of at least about 0.7 dL/g measured at a temperature of 25° C. at 0.

Abstract: An iterative escalation method and system, for use in an event management system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of passing data from a first notification process to at least one additional notification process; and subsequently automatically updating said additional notification process.

Abstract: An autonomous dynamic behavior modification method and system, for use in an event management system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining aspects to be behavior modified; and modifying said aspects behavior.

Abstract: A message suppression method and system, for use in an event management system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of storing values from a first notification in an event data store; subsequently comparing values from a second notification to said stored first notification values, and suppressing said second notification when one or more predetermined elements match.

Abstract: A contextual drill through method and system, for use in an event management system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining data related to one or more elements of a notification; and providing access to said data from said notification.

Abstract: A trend detection method and system, for use in an event management system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of storing event data from a plurality of events in an event store, subsequently analyzing said stored event data, and determining one or more trends from said analysis.

Abstract: An event management system and method is disclosed. The system has access to at least one data source and includes a server component, a definition data store for storing data definitions; a client component for authoring said agents using said definitions; and an interface between said agent engine and said data source. The server component includes an agent engine for creating one or more agents, and a scheduler for running said created agents.

Abstract: A dynamic recipient method and system for use in an event management system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of inserting a dynamic addressee placeholder into a notification; subsequently determining a dynamic addressee based on event data; and dynamically addressing a notification.

Abstract: A data crawling and associated action method and system, for use in an event management system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of monitoring disparate data sources; and processing said monitored data to provide preconditioned data.

Abstract: A recipient input method and system, for use in an event management system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of determining a requirement for input from a recipient; and requesting said recipient input.

Abstract: A notification service method and system, for use in an event management system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of storing notification data; and subsequently accessing said stored data to determine notification parameters.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a polyester comprising the steps of:

Abstract: This invention is directed to a process for preparing an exfoliated, high I.V. polymer-platelet particle nanocomposite comprising the steps of: (i) melt mixing platelet particles with a matrix polymer-compatible oligomeric resin to form an oligomeric resin-platelet particle composite, and (ii) mixing the oligomeric resin-platelet particle composite with a high molecular weight matrix polymer, thereby increasing the molecular weight of the oligomeric resin-platelet particle composite and producing an exfoliated, high I.V. polymer nanocomposite material. The invention also is directed to a nanocomposite material produced by the process, products produced from the nanocomposite material, and a nanocomposite prepared from an oligomeric resin-platelet particle precursor composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for preparing a nanocomposite comprising: a. preparing an organoclay material by reacting a swellable layered clay with an onium ion represented by Formula (I): wherein i) M is nitrogen or phosphorus, ii) R1 is a straight or branched alkyl group having at least 8 carbon atoms, iii) R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from organic or oligomeric ligands or hydrogen, and iv) at least one of R2, R3, and R4 comprises an alkylene oxide group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms or a polyalkylene oxide group, and b. melt mixing the organoclay material with an expanding agent, and c. melt extruding the expanded organoclay and a polymer to provide a nanocomposite.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting a flexible liner 2 including a layer 3 of composite material comprising thermoplastics material and reinforcing fibres, into a structural member within a duct 1, has a front portion 6 for insertion in the liner 2, a central portion 7 for heating one side of the layer 3 and a rear portion 20 which forces the heated layer 3 against the duct 1 for consolidation and cooling under pressure. The central portion 7 has heating means 8 producing hot gas which is forced under pressure through the layer 3 of composite material to heat the layer 3, and provides an air gap 14 on the opposite side of the layer 3 while heating takes place. This ensures uniform heating of the layer 3, to melt the thermoplastics material which then mixes intimately with the reinforcing fibres, and is consolidated and cooled to form the structural member.

Abstract: Method, control system and computer-readable medium are respectively provided for determining angular crankshaft position prior to a cranking event of an internal combustion engine. Upon issuance of an engine shutdown command, the method allows determining an initial crankshaft position based on a crankshaft position sensor. The method further allows providing a rulebase for relating angular travel of a rotor in an accessory device to crankshaft angular travel. Angular travel of the rotor in the accessory device is sensed since issuance of the engine shutdown command until the engine reaches a resting position. The rulebase is accessed to relate the value of the angular travel of the rotor in the accessory device to crankshaft angular travel and provide an incremental crankshaft angular travel relative to the initial crankshaft position at engine shutdown.