Abstract: An Internet enabled, business-to-business computerized transaction system is disclosed in its preferred embodiment for use in providing rental car services for high volume users and comprises an Internet web portal through which the high volume user may access a plurality of service providers including an integrated business computer network for at least one rental vehicle service provider. The rental vehicle services provider computer network is configured to interconnect a geographically diverse plurality of branch offices, cataloguing their available rental vehicles and schedules for same as well as handling all transactional data relating to its business. The Internet web portal provides ubiquitous connectivity and portability for a multi-level business organization who regularly places high volumes of rental purchases with its business partner and also those other service providers who may or may not have the same integrated business computer system and software.

Abstract: A structural sandwich plate member particularly adapted for use as a floor panel comprises a structural sandwich panel (10a, 10b) comprising first and second outer metal plates (11, 12), an edge member (20) fixed between the outer metal plates (11,12) in an edge of the panel (10a, 10b) and a core (13) bonded to the outer metal plates (11, 12) and arranged to transfer shear forces therebetween, wherein the edge member (20) comprises: an inner part fixed between the outer metal plates (11, 12); and an outer part projecting beyond the outer metal plates (11, 12) and having a plurality of through-holes (22) therein arranged to receive respective bolts (34) to fix the panel (10a, 10b) to another structure (40).

Abstract: An Internet enabled, business-to-business computerized transaction system is disclosed in its preferred embodiment for use in providing rental car services for high volume users and comprises an Internet web portal through which the high volume user may access an integrated business computer network for the rental vehicle service provider. The rental vehicle services provider computer network is configured to interconnect a geographically diverse plurality of branch offices, cataloguing their available rental vehicles and schedules for same as well as handling all transactional data relating to its business. The Internet web portal provides ubiquitous connectivity and portability for a multi-level business organization who regularly places high volumes of rental purchases with its business partner.

Abstract: An Internet enabled, business-to-business computerized transaction system is disclosed in its preferred embodiment for use in providing rental car services for high volume users and comprises an Internet web portal through which the high volume user may access an integrated business computer network for the rental vehicle service provider. The rental vehicle services provider computer network is configured to interconnect a geographically diverse plurality of branch offices, cataloguing their available rental vehicles and schedules for same as well as handling all transactional data relating to its business. The Internet web portal provides ubiquitous connectivity and portability for a multi-level business organization who regularly places high volumes of rental purchases with its business partner.

Abstract: An Internet enabled, business-to-business computerized transaction system is disclosed in its preferred embodiment for use in providing rental car services for high volume users and comprises an Internet web portal through which the high volume user may access an integrated business computer network for the rental vehicle service provider. The rental vehicle services provider computer network is configured to interconnect a geographically diverse plurality of branch offices, cataloguing their available rental vehicles and schedules for same as well as handling all transactional data relating to its business. The Internet web portal provides ubiquitous connectivity and portability for a multi-level business organization who regularly places high volumes of rental purchases with its business partner.

Abstract: Transmitting communication data for a connection between at least one calling first terminal and at least one called second terminal in an at least partly packet-oriented network comprising a plurality of node units, a primary connection being established via the packet-oriented network is provided. User data is detected and evaluated in the first node unit that is designated as a terminal node when the primary connection is established. Parameters of the node unit that are adjustable for converting and/or transmitting the user data are adapted to the evaluated user data. The parameters are transmitted to a second node unit that is designated as a terminal node, whereupon a direct media coupling connection is established between node units which have been designated as terminal nodes along the primary connection, the direct media coupling connection being established with parameters that are adapted to the evaluated user data.

Abstract: Composite elements have the following layer structure: (i) from 2 to 20 mm of metal, (ii) from 10 to 300 mm of plastic, and (iii) from 2 to 20 mm of metal, where (i) and/or (iii) have an opening which may, if desired, be sealable.

Abstract: An Internet enabled, business-to-business computerized transaction system is disclosed in its preferred embodiment for use in providing rental car services for high volume users and comprises an Internet web portal through which the high volume user may access an integrated business computer network for the rental vehicle service provider. The rental vehicle services provider computer network is configured to interconnect a geographically diverse plurality of branch offices, cataloguing their available rental vehicles and schedules for same as well as handling all transactional data relating to its business. The Internet web portal provides ubiquitous connectivity and portability for a multi-level business organization who regularly places high volumes of rental purchases with its business partner.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject having a musculoskeletal disorder includes administering to a subject's articular site in need thereof an effective amount of a hyaluronic acid (HA) composition. In one embodiment, the HA composition includes an HA derivative, wherein carboxyl functionalities of the hyaluronic acid derivative are each independently derivatized to include an N-acylurea or 0-acyl isourea, or both N-acylurea and 0-acyl isourea. In another embodiment, the HA composition includes a crosslinked HA gel that is prepared by reacting an uncrosslinked HA with a biscarbodiimide in the presence of pH buffer in a range of between about 4 and about 8. The composite can optionally include at least one second bioactive agent other than the HA derivative, such as a steroid.

Abstract: A structural sandwich plate member is provided with at least one interlayer to improve ballistics and/or blast resistance. The interlayer may be a solid or perforated metal plate, a metal mesh, hard ceramic or high tensile strength fabric. The interlayer may be corrugated.

Abstract: The invention relates to composite elements comprising the following layered structure: (i) 2 to 20 mm metal, (ii) 10 to 300 mm plastic, (iii) 2 to 20 mm metal, whereby (i) and/or (iii) optionally comprise a closable opening.

Abstract: A structural sandwich plate member is provided with a plurality of lightweight forms within the space between the outers plates. The forms do not tesselate and have principal dimensions in the range of from 20 to 200% of the distance between the outer plates.

Abstract: A wooden deck is formed by a structural sandwich plate member with a wooden layer applied to one surface.

Abstract: A structural sandwich plate member comprises first and second outer plates and a core of plastics or polymer material. A plurality of lightweight forms are disposed between the outer plates so that the core material forms ribs extending in two substantially orthogonal directions. The lightweight forms are formed of a fire resistant insulating material, such as mineral wool, preferably surrounded by a barrier to prevent the insulating material being soaked by the liquid form of the plastics or polymer material during injection of the core. The barrier may take the form of a hollow tube in which the insulating material is placed or a coating applied by dipping or spraying or a sheet material such as metal foil, felt, mineral cloth, etc.

Abstract: To connect two structural sandwich plate members (10, 20), each is provided with a channel-shaped connecting member (14, 24) fitted between and projecting from the outer plates (11, 12, 21, 22). The two plate members (10, 20) are abutted and welds (31, 32) formed between the outer plates (11, 12, 21, 22).

Abstract: A tubular structure is reinforced or reinstated by providing a reinforcing layer in its interior in spaced relation to the existing structure so that a cavity is formed. Plastics or polyer material, preferably a compact elastomer, is injected into the cavity and cures to bond the existing structure and reinforcing layer together so that shear forces are transferred and the reinforced structure behaves as a composite body.

Abstract: A riser is formed by a structural sandwich plate member in the run or tread portion but a simple steel plate in the rise portion. This riser is cheaper and simpler to manufacture than risers in which both the run and tread are formed by structural sandwich plate members.

Abstract: Implantable biomaterials, particularly hydrogel substrates with porous surfaces, and methods for enhancing the compatibility of biomaterials with living tissue, and for causing physical attachment between biomaterials and living tissues are provided. Also provided are implants suitable for load-bearing surfaces in hard tissue repair, replacement, or augmentation, and to methods of their use. One embodiment of the invention relates to an implantable spinal disc prosthesis.

Abstract: Barge double hull sections wherein at least part of the double hull is comprised of first and second layers and an intermediate layer of elastomer material bonded to the first and second layers. By manufacturing double hull walls of such three layered structures, the stiffness of the hull as compared to hulls of the prior art can be significantly increased, thereby decreasing the amount of separate stiffeners required in the hull structure.