Abstract: By providing a single house (21) which incorporates an elongated probe (22) receiving zone interconnected to a pump member (55), a plurality of automated valves (51-54), a disinfectant dispensing chamber (20), a water supply (41), and a control system for automatically cycling each of the components to achieve the desired result, a fully automated disinfection system (20) for transesophageal ultrasonic probes is achieved. In accordance with the present invention, a simple, easily employed, convenient, fully integrated system (20) is attained for quickly and easily receiving the transesophageal ultrasonic probe in its entirety, supporting the electronic bearing head portion independently from the disinfection portion, and automatically performing various disinfection and rinse cycles for providing a completely disinfected ultrasonic probe member ready for use.

Abstract: The disclosed armor system for protecting a vehicle from high energy projectiles includes a leading layer, relative to the projectile trajectory, positioned exterior to the hull; a first plurality of sheet-like layers of a low density material positioned between the leading layer and the hull; and a second plurality of sheet-like high strength metal layers positioned between the leading layer and the hull. The individual ones of the first plurality of high strength metal layers are positioned alternating with, and to the rear of, individual ones of the second plurality of low density material layers. The leading layer can be one of a sheet-like metal layer, a metalicized grid layer, and the outer-most layer of the first plurality of low density materials layers. The materials of the high strength metal layers may be selected from high strength steel and high strength aluminum, and the materials of the low density material may be selected from low density polypropylene composites and R-Glass composites.

Abstract: Actuators facilitating mechanical beam steering for optical integrated circuits are disclosed. The mechanical beam steering can mitigate thermal sensitivity of optical circuits, for example, arrayed waveguides. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating optical integrated circuits employing actuators.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for determining a plurality of turfs from where to reallocate a workforce to a given turf. According to embodiments, a method for determining a plurality of turfs from where to reallocate a workforce to a given turf is provided. According to the method, an indication of the given turf is received. Optimal turfs from where to reallocate technicians to the given turf are determined from a plurality of turfs. Visual cues for identifying at least a portion of the optimal turfs are generated.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for providing future job information. According to embodiments, a method for providing future job information is provided. According to the method, a number of non-dispatched jobs within a future time frame for a plurality of buckets and a plurality of turfs is determined. A numeric indicator indicating the number of non-dispatched jobs associated with at least one turf and at least one bucket is displayed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for providing contact information at turf level. According to embodiments, a method for providing contact information at turf level is provided. According to the method, a selected turf from a plurality of turfs displayed in a spreadsheet-based graphical user interface (GUI) is received. In response to receiving the selected turf, contact information for field supervisors associated with disciplines of the selected turf is displayed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for generating a report indicating job availability. According to embodiments, a method for generating a report indicating job availability is provided. According to the method, a selected assignment group is displayed. A number of status messages received by a technician in the selected assignment group is displayed. The status messages indicate that no jobs are available for the technician. An amount of lost time associated with the technician in the selected assignment group is determined. The lost time includes a difference between a time at which the technician received one of the status messages and a time at which the technician is dispatched to a next job. The amount of lost time associated with the technician in the selected assignment group is displayed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for providing commitments information relative to a turf According to embodiments, a method for providing commitments information relative to a turf is provided. According to the method, a time frame for each of a plurality of turfs is determined. The time frame indicates when a work order of a given category is to be completed. A numeric indicator indicating the time frame in which the work order of the given category is to be completed is displayed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for providing an indication of hightime. According to embodiments, a method for providing an indication of hightime is provided. According to the method, whether at least one of a plurality of technicians exceeds an allotted time with which to complete a job is determined. In response to determining that at least one of the plurality of technicians exceeds the allotted time, an indication that at least one of the plurality of technicians exceeds the allotted time is provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for providing an indication of a schedule conflict. According to embodiments, a method for providing an indication of a schedule conflict is provided. According to the method, whether one of a plurality of technicians is scheduled but not dispatched or dispatched but not scheduled is determined. In response to determining that the one of the plurality of technicians is scheduled but not dispatched or dispatched but not scheduled, an indication that the one of the plurality of technicians is scheduled but not dispatched or dispatched but not scheduled is provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for providing a ratio of tasks per technician. According to embodiments, a method for providing a ratio of tasks per technician is provided. According to the method, a number of tasks associated with a given geography is determined. A number of technicians dispatched to the given geography is determined. The ratio of tasks per technician is determined based on the number of tasks and the number of technicians. The ratio of tasks per technician is displayed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for providing workforce to load information. According to embodiments, a method for providing workforce to load information corresponding to a plurality of turfs is provided. According to the method, a number of hours of pending and assigned work orders corresponding to the plurality of turfs, a number of tickets corresponding to the plurality of turfs, and a number of technicians dispatched corresponding the plurality of turfs are determined. A plurality of textual indicators, each indicating one of the plurality of turfs, are displayed. A first plurality of numeric indicators, each indicating the corresponding number of hours of pending and assigned work, are displayed. A second plurality of numeric indicators, each indicating the corresponding number of tickets, are displayed. A third plurality of numeric indicators, each indicating the corresponding number of technicians dispatched, are displayed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide a notification of a last job dispatch. According to embodiments, a method for providing a notification of a last job dispatch is provided. According to the method, whether a technician is dispatched to a last job is determined. In response to determining that the technician is dispatched to the last job, a visual cue indicating that the technician is dispatched to the last job is provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for enhancing telephone work orders with Global Positioning System information. One method generates a work order for repair of a telecommunications network. A turf is assigned to the work order, and the assigned turf is verified with a wire center. The work order is then dispatched for repair of the telecommunications network.

Abstract: Methods are provided for increasing libido and/or treating erectile dysfunction in a man. The methods include the administration of a formulation testosterone alone, another fast-acting drug to treat erectile dysfunction or a combination of the testosterone and the other drug where at least one is delivered by aersolization. The formulation is preferably aerosolized and inhaled into a patient's lungs where particles of testosterone and/or the fast-acting erectile dysfunction drug deposits on lung tissue and then enter the patient's circulatory system.

Abstract: Methods are provided for increasing libido and/or treating erectile dysfunction in a man. The methods include the administration of a formulation testosterone alone, another fast-acting drug to treat erectile dysfunction or a combination of the testosterone and the other drug where at least one is delivered by aersolization. The formulation is preferably aerosolized and inhaled into a patient's lungs where particles of testosterone and/or the fast-acting erectile dysfunction drug deposits on lung tissue and then enter the patient's circulatory system.

Abstract: This invention provides an absorbent article having an absorbent layer including elongated longitudinal portions which thereby define an elongated gap. The elongated gap is defined by lateral spacing of the elongated longitudinal portions of the absorbent layer from one another. The invention is also directed to the method of manufacturing the absorbent article and the method of forming the elongated gap within the absorbent layer.

Abstract: This invention provides an absorbent article having an absorbent layer including elongated longitudinal portions which thereby define an elongated gap. The elongated gap is defined by lateral spacing of the elongated longitudinal portions of the absorbent layer from one another. The invention is also directed to the method of manufacturing the absorbent article and the method of forming the elongated gap within the absorbent layer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for increasing libido and/or treating erectile dysfunction in a man. The methods include the administration of a formulation testosterone alone, another fast-acting drug to treat erectile dysfunction or a combination of the testosterone and the other drug where at least one is delivered by aersolization. The formulation is preferably aerosolized and inhaled into a patient's lungs where particles of testosterone and/or the fast-acting erectile dysfunction drug deposits on lung tissue and then enter the patient's circulatory system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a flow through assay process is disclosed. The method is characterised by a “pre-incubation step” in which the sample which is to be analysed, (typically for the presence of a particular protein), and a detection analyte (typically an antibody bound to colloidal gold or a fluorescent tag) which is known to bind to the particular protein may bind together for a desired period of time. This pre incubation step occurs before the mixture of sample and detection analyte come into contact with a capture analyte bound to a membrane. The provision of the pre-incubation step has the effect of both improving the sensitivity of the assay and reducing the volume of sample required for an assay. An apparatus for carrying out the method is disclosed defining a pre-incubation chamber for receiving the sample and detection analyte having a base defined by a membrane and a second membrane to which a capture analyte is bound.