Abstract: A method of presenting data over a Web service interface includes: establishing, by a first computer process, a persistent transmission control protocol (TCP) network connection between the first computer process and a second computer process; dynamically allocating, by the second computer process, memory in response to receipt of static data over the persistent TCP network connection from the first computer process; updating, by the second computer process, the memory in response to receipt of dynamic data received over the persistent TCP network connection from the first computer process; and enabling, by the second computer process, a Web server to access the updated data for presentation by the Web service interface. The static data identifies a given entity and the dynamic data includes metric data provided for the entity.

Abstract: A method of presenting data over a Web service interface includes: establishing, by a first computer process, a persistent transmission control protocol (TCP) network connection between the first computer process and a second computer process; dynamically allocating, by the second computer process, memory in response to receipt of static data over the persistent TCP network connection from the first computer process; updating, by the second computer process, the memory in response to receipt of dynamic data received over the persistent TCP network connection from the first computer process; and enabling, by the second computer process, a Web server to access the updated data for presentation by the Web service interface. The static data identifies a given entity and the dynamic data includes metric data provided for the entity.

Abstract: A system for centrally managing a set of network-connected laboratory instruments is disclosed. For example, the system includes a centralized database that includes information about the instruments in the system and about the authorized users of the system. In particular, the centralized database indicates which users are authorized to use each of the instruments in the system. The database may also include information about the operations that each user is authorized to perform using the instruments and information indicating whether tests performed by each instrument must be signed using one or more electronic signatures. The system may recognize a number of “roles,” each of which is associated with a particular set of rights, and may assign one or more roles to each user. Instruments and other elements of the system may access the centralized database over a network to enforce the user rights represented by the information in the database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which provides for a referral program where a financial institution, such as a broker dealer, can refer customers to an independent financial advisor, under an on-going referral fee sharing agreement. The on-going referral fee sharing agreement provides that the financial advisor will pay the referring financial institution an on-going referral fee based on the asset management fee that the advisor charges. These referral fees are processed automatically and the transfers are done electronically, allowing the referral program to be implemented efficiently and effectively.

Abstract: A system for centrally managing a set of network-connected laboratory instruments is disclosed. For example, the system includes a centralized database that includes information about the instruments in the system and about the authorized users of the system. In particular, the centralized database indicates which users are authorized to use each of the instruments in the system. The database may also include information about the operations that each user is authorized to perform using the instruments and information indicating whether tests performed by each instrument must be signed using one or more electronic signatures. The system may recognize a number of “roles,” each of which is associated with a particular set of rights, and may assign one or more roles to each user. Instruments and other elements of the system may access the centralized database over a network to enforce the user rights represented by the information in the database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which provides for a referral program where a financial institution, such as a broker dealer, can refer customers to an independent financial advisor, under an on-going referral fee sharing agreement. The on-going referral fee sharing agreement provides that the financial advisor will pay the referring financial institution an on-going referral fee based on the asset management fee that the advisor charges. These referral fees are processed automatically and the transfers are done electronically, allowing the referral program to be implemented efficiently and effectively.

Abstract: A system for centrally managing a set of network-connected laboratory instruments is disclosed. For example, the system includes a centralized database that includes information about the instruments in the system and about the authorized users of the system. In particular, the centralized database indicates which users are authorized to use each of the instruments in the system. The database may also include information about the operations that each user is authorized to perform using the instruments and information indicating whether tests performed by each instrument must be signed using one or more electronic signatures. The system may recognize a number of “roles,” each of which is associated with a particular set of rights, and may assign one or more roles to each user. Instruments and other elements of the system may access the centralized database over a network to enforce the user rights represented by the information in the database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which provides for a referral program where a financial institution, such as a broker dealer, can refer customers to an independent financial advisor, under an on-going referral fee sharing agreement. The on-going referral fee sharing agreement provides that the financial advisor will pay the referring financial institution an on-going referral fee based on the asset management fee that the advisor charges. These referral fees are processed automatically and the transfers are done electronically, allowing the referral program to be implemented efficiently and effectively.

Abstract: In a preferred form, a keyboard has a single row of eight multi-position keys with the letters arranged in a standard QWERTY keyboard configuration. The eight keys correspond to the eight fingers used when touch typing; each finger operates one key, and that key contains all the letters that the finger normally accesses when touch typing on a standard QWERTY keyboard. With this design, no finger has to move to a different key while typing. When depressed at different locations on its key face, each key either moves straight down, or down while tilting slightly about one of a plurality of axes. Three-position keys have two tilt axes and six-position keys have five tilt axes. The switches utilize contacts located on the bottom of the switches which may be conductive or nonconductive.

Abstract: A keyboard has a single row of eight multi-position keys with the letters arranged in a standard QWERTY keyboard configuration. The eight keys correspond to the eight fingers used when touch typing; each finger operates one key, and that key contains all the letters that the finger normally accesses when touch typing on a standard QWERTY keyboard. With this design, no finger has to move to a different key while typing. When depressed at different locations on its key face, each key either moves straight down, or down while tilting slightly about one of a plurality of axes. Three-position keys have two tilt axes and six-position keys have five tilt axes. The switches utilize contacts located on the bottom of the switches which may be conductive or nonconductive.

Abstract: A system for centrally managing a set of network-connected laboratory instruments is disclosed. For example, the system includes a centralized database that includes information about the instruments in the system and about the authorized users of the system. In particular, the centralized database indicates which users are authorized to use each of the instruments in the system. The database may also include information about the operations that each user is authorized to perform using the instruments and information indicating whether tests performed by each instrument must be signed using one or more electronic signatures. The system may recognize a number of “roles,” each of which is associated with a particular set of rights, and may assign one or more roles to each user. Instruments and other elements of the system may access the centralized database over a network to enforce the user rights represented by the information in the database.

Abstract: An adjustable reading stand which can be mounted on any wall of a home or the like and is utilized for retaining a book or the like so that a user's hands are unoccupied to perform other tasks. The adjustable reading stand comprises a mounting base, a vertical rod, a slidable arm base, a proximal connecting rod, two spaced apart distal connecting rods, a reading platform pivoting bracket, a reading platform and a spring-biased book spring. The slidable arm base is installed on the vertical rod and slidable on the rod to adjust a vertical height for the reading platform. One end of the proximal connecting rod is attached between one ends of the two spaced apart distal connecting rods and the other end is attached to the reading platform pivoting bracket. The other ends of the two spaced apart distal connecting rods are attached to the slidable arm base.