Abstract: A trust verification system for automatically verify an integrity of an object across multiple operating system (OS) platforms. The trust verification system features package verification logic, catalog verification logic, and component verification logic. The package verification logic recovers, from an incoming package, (i) an object, (ii) a catalog including identifiers associated with software component(s) forming the object and representation(s) associated with each of the software component(s), and (iii) a representation of the catalog. The catalog verification logic is configured to verify an integrity of the catalog while the component verification logic is configured to verify an integrity of software component(s) associated with the object.

Abstract: A tape winding method and apparatus for facilitating the escape of air from between layers of a tape during a tape winding operation. A tape winding apparatus has a tape reel onto which a tape is adapted to be wound during a tape winding operation. A plurality of generally radial slots are provided in at least one of first and second flanges of the tape reel to create a fan-like action that generates a negative air pressure in the vicinity of the tape as the tape is being wound onto the tape reel to facilitate the escape of air from between layers of the tape during the tape winding operation.

Abstract: A user utilizes a wireless communications device, such as a cellular telephone, capable of establishing a connection with a credit card server located at a credit card service center associated with the issuer of the credit card held by the user. Stored within the wireless communications device is information on the credit card including the credit card number, expiration date, and credit card service center phone number and/or IP address. Utilizing a user interface in the wireless communications device, the user, when presented with a bill, enters the bill amount and the merchant ID number, and optionally a transaction number. The wireless communications device dials up the credit card service center and sends the transaction information. After authentication and approval, the credit card service center debits the user's account, credits the merchant's account, and sends approval messages to the user and the merchant in real time.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting an agent to service a contact at a contact center accounts for the state of the contact center and for individual agent proficiency and performance. A software-implemented method includes an algorithm that adjusts the agent-selection process according to variations in state such as fluctuating call volume. When two or more metrics describe distinct aspects of an agent's performance and both aspects are relevant to agent selection, the algorithm can weigh each according to relative importance to the center's operational effectiveness. The present invention couples to the information infrastructure of a computer-based contact center and interfaces with the components of the center that acquire and maintain information pertinent to the agent-selection process. This connectivity delivers real-time information to the software algorithms and thereby facilitates rapid response to changing conditions.

Abstract: The cutting instrument of this invention is adapted to be heated to a predetermined temperature range and includes a steel substrate having a cutting edge, a copper composition having a yield strength of at least 25,000 p.s.i. laminated to the steel substrate and an electrical heater means secured to the copper composition laminate. The cutting edge of the cutting instrument and at least a part of the copper composition and heater means may be coated with a non-stick composition in order to prevent the cutting instrument from sticking to the subject upon which the cutting operation is performed with the cutting instrument.

Abstract: A gas measurement method for metal-oxide gas sensors. The sensors are thermally cycled by sequential heating and cooling. It has been found that a continuous, concentration-dependent, unique signature for different gases is produced during thermal cycling. Once signature patterns are developed for different concentrations, an unknown gas concentration for which a signature pattern exists may be sampled, either by amplitude or time-dependent samples, in order to identify the gas in its concentration.

Abstract: A device useful in the performance of a variety of immunologic and biochemical assays which comprises a container enclosing a solid phase reagent with an adsorbent and a retaining means for prohibiting the removal of said solid phase reagent is disclosed. The device is particularly well adapted to perform heterogeneous immunoassays and to permit processing large numbers of said immunoassays by facilitating the separation of assay medium from the solid phase reagents.