Abstract: A server in a communications network establishes a communication channel between a user's device and another device having a display. Particularly, the server generates a Quick Response (QR) code utilizing one or more parameters, and sends it to a device for display to a user. Using his or her device, the user captures an image of the displayed QR code and extracts the parameters using an image analysis technique. The device then sends the extracted parameters back to the server, which then utilizes them to authenticate the user and establish the communications session.

Abstract: The invention provides a bituminous composition comprising 20 to 80 wt % bitumen, 0.1 to 7 wt % of a copolymer formed from monomers including ethylene and glycidyl methacrylate or glycidyl acrylate, and 20 to 60 wt % sulphur, all weight percentages based on the weight of the bituminous composition. It further provides a process for making this composition and asphalt compositions comprising such bituminous composition.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrical inspection is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an inert gas delivery system that delivers inert gas near a microscope imaging element and electrical test probes. A gas supply provides an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen. The inert gas displaces oxygen to prevent premature oxidation of the test probes. In one embodiment, one or more delivery tubes deliver inert gas to the measurement area.

Abstract: An electrical cable includes a cable jacket extending a length and having an internal passageway that extends along the length of the cable jacket. Twisted pairs of insulated electrical conductors extend within the internal passageway along the length of the cable jacket. Each twisted pair includes two insulated conductors twisted together in a helical manner. At least two optical fibers extend within the internal passageway along the length of the cable jacket. The optical fibers are independently held within the internal passageway of the cable jacket relative to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrical inspection is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an inert gas delivery system that delivers inert gas near a microscope imaging element and electrical test probes. A gas supply provides an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen. The inert gas displaces oxygen to prevent premature oxidation of the test probes. In one embodiment, one or more delivery tubes deliver inert gas to the measurement area.

Abstract: A continuous process for preparing a pressure sensitive adhesive using a planetary roller extruder is described. The continuous process includes introducing at least one non-thermoplastic elastomer into a planetary roller extruder and initially compounding the non-thermoplastic elastomer in the planetary roller extruder to form an initially masticated non-thermoplastic elastomer. Then, a solid raw material, a liquid material, or both are introduced into the initially masticated non-thermoplastic elastomer in the planetary roller extruder, and subsequent compounding of the initially masticated non-thermoplastic elastomer with these additional components occurs to form an adhesive composition.

Abstract: A process for preparing a pressure sensitive adhesive using a modified planetary roller extruder is described. The process in accordance with one aspect of the invention is a continuous process that includes introducing primary raw materials comprising a non-thermoplastic elastomer into a planetary roller extruder, introducing a heat-activatable crosslinker into the planetary roller extruder for mixing with the primary raw materials, and compounding the primary raw materials and the heat activatable crosslinker to form an adhesive composition while maintaining the temperature of the adhesive composition between about 25° C. and about 100° C. The non-thermoplastic elastomer is masticated during compounding and at least some of the heat-activatable crosslinker remains generally unactivated and is available for later activation.

Abstract: A medical examination table is provided. The medical examination table comprises a base providing a storage area, a patient support movable independent of the base between a lowered position and a raised position, and a lift mechanism coupled to the patient support for moving the patient support between the lowered position and the raised position. The patient support comprises a backrest and a seat. Movement of the patient support independent or separately from the base and without interfering with the storage areas within the base may allow for the efficient use of the examination table as a storage area.

Abstract: Techniques or processes for providing markings on products are disclosed. The markings provided on products can be textual and/or graphic. The techniques or processes can provide high resolution markings on surfaces that are flat or curved. In one embodiment, the products have housings and the markings are to be provided on the housings. For example, the housing for a particular product can include an outer housing surface and the markings can be provided on the outer housing surface.

Abstract: A method of making a sulfur-extended asphalt mixture with a minimum of hydrogen sulfide gas release into the atmosphere by using sulfur granules with specific physical properties and which are made by successively coating a starting sulfur seed particle with liquid sulfur that is solidified between coatings to thereby build up the a sulfur particle of a desired size. The sulfur granules are used to in the preparation of a sulfur, bitumen and aggregate mixture to provide the sulfur-extended asphalt.

Abstract: An electrical cable includes a cable jacket extending a length and having an internal passageway that extends along the length of the cable jacket. Twisted pairs of insulated electrical conductors extend within the internal passageway along the length of the cable jacket. Each twisted pair includes two insulated conductors twisted together in a helical manner. At least two optical fibers extend within the internal passageway along the length of the cable jacket. The optical fibers are independently held within the internal passageway of the cable jacket relative to each other.

Abstract: A lavatory system is disclosed to include one or more integrated hand washing stations. Each hand washing station includes a basin, a faucet, a solenoid valve configured to control water flow to the faucet, and a electric hand dryer located adjacent the basin and the faucet so that the user of the washing station may use the faucet and the electric hand dryer without leaving the washing station. The electric hand dryer preferably includes an outlet to direct air across the associated basin so that any water that drips from the user's hands will fall within the basin. A control system may be provided to control activation of the fixtures such as the solenoid valve, the electric hand dryer, and/or soap dispenser. The control system may be configured, for example, to inhibit simultaneous activation of the solenoid valve and the hand dryer. A photovoltaic system may be provided to provide power to one or more of electrical fixtures.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrical inspection is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an inert gas delivery system that delivers inert gas near a microscope imaging element and electrical test probes. A gas supply provides an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen. The inert gas displaces oxygen to prevent premature oxidation of the test probes. In one embodiment, one or more delivery tubes deliver inert gas to the measurement area.

Abstract: A medical examination table is provided. The medical examination table comprises a base providing a storage area, a patient support movable independent of the base between a lowered position and a raised position, and a lift mechanism coupled to the patient support for moving the patient support between the lowered position and the raised position. The patient support comprises a backrest and a seat. Movement of the patient support independent or separately from the base and without interfering with the storage areas within the base may allow for the efficient use of the examination table as a storage area.

Abstract: A system and method for brokering industrial service contracts is described. The system registers customer users and service provider users. Further, customers may enter order data corresponding to a request for industrial service. Service provider users may enter qualification data corresponding to their ability or capacity to take on service contracts. The system implements a matching module based on the customer user-entered order data to generate a ranked list of suitable service provider users. Sequential offers are made to the qualified service providers in ranked order until an offer is accepted.

Abstract: A process for preparing a pressure sensitive adhesive using a modified planetary roller extruder is described. The process in accordance with one aspect of the invention is a continuous process that includes introducing primary raw materials comprising a non-thermoplastic elastomer into a planetary roller extruder, introducing a heat-activatable crosslinker into the planetary roller extruder for mixing with the primary raw materials, and compounding the primary raw materials and the heat activatable crosslinker to form an adhesive composition while maintaining the temperature of the adhesive composition between about 25° C. and about 100° C. The non-thermoplastic elastomer is masticated during compounding and at least some of the heat-activatable crosslinker remains generally unactivated and is available for later activation.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention is about a novel interconnection structure which can be incorporated into a variety of connectors, as well as other types of interconnections in order to reduce crosstalk, to improve signal integrity and to achieve EM emission compliance. A 4-via (2 signal vias, 1 power via, and 1 ground via) interconnection structure was used for demonstrating the effect of the novel interconnection structure. The same concept can be applied to any multi-via and multi-layer interconnection structure such as PCB, IC packaging circuit, or die circuit. Vias that have an electrical property can be added adjacent to the basic 4-via interconnection structure to achieve a multi-via interconnection structure. For 1-via (1 signal via or 1 power via), 2-via (1 signal via and 1 ground via or 1 signal via and 1 power via) and 3-via (1 signal via, 1 ground via, and 1 power via) interconnection structure, the proposed interconnection structure based upon the same concept can be applied as well.

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention is about a novel via structure which can be incorporated into printed circuit boards, integrated circuit packages, and integrated circuits in order to reduce crosstalk, to improve signal integrity and to achieve EM emission compliance. A 4-layer (2 signal layers and 2 power layers or 2 signal layers and 2 ground layers) circuit board assembly was used for demonstrating the effect of the novel via structure. The same concept can be applied to any multi-layer circuit board. Layers that have an electrical property can be added above, under, or within the basic 4-layer circuit board to achieve a multi-layer circuit board. For 2-layer and 3-layer circuit boards, a deformed version of the proposed via structure based upon the same concept will be needed for a coplanar waveguide configuration.