Abstract: An example damping system for capacity signals displays a default present capacity status and projected need signal of the one or more of the service channels based on the corresponding monitored present capacity status and projected need signal. The system displays the calculated connecting parameter of the one or more service channels and automatically generates the notification based on the present capacity status being above the threshold capacity status. The notification can include a present capacity status of one or more services of at least one service channel. The system can automatically update the present capacity status and the connecting parameter of the one or more service channels based on the determination that the present capacity status is above the threshold capacity status. A user may toggle the projected need signal according to the notification to damp the discrepancy between the projected need signal and the future capacity status.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capacity managing and resource throttling are disclosed. An example system can request a plurality of service capacity content parameters from a user and receive the plurality of service capacity content parameters from the user. The plurality of service capacity content parameters can include a service category comprising a service provided by a service provider, a timeframe comprising a number of days, a capacity of potential appointments, and a plurality of input scheduling data comprising a plurality of individual appointments associated with the service category. They system can store the plurality of service capacity content parameters in a database and determine in real-time resource allocation based on the plurality of service capacity content parameters. The system can communicate to a resource allocation platform to adjust a resource activity. The resource activity can be adjusted based upon the generated resource allocation information.

Abstract: An image guided biopsy grid markable with marking medium for marking a subject's skin underlying the grid with a marking to identify a needle entry target. The grid includes a flexible substrate and a plurality of substrate pores extending therethrough. An adhesive layer on the underside of the substrate conformingly and removably attaches the substrate to the skin substantially without gapping therebetween. The adhesive layer defines a plurality of adhesive pores and/or adhesive free spaces that allow marking medium to flow through the adhesive layer and onto the skin to mark the skin and identify the needle entry target. The biopsy grid may be marked substantially anywhere along its upper surface and marking medium will pass therethrough and mark the skin.

Abstract: An adjustable food support includes a stabilizing member and a plurality of support members. Each support member may include two opposing intermediate sections, two opposing interfacing surfaces, and a connecting section. A longitudinal axis of each interfacing surface may be skew to a longitudinal axis of the opposing interfacing surface, defining an angle therebetween within the range from 60 degrees to 160 degrees. A first support member plane may be defined by the longitudinal axes of the opposing interfacing surfaces of a support member. The first support member plane of one support member may be positionable so as to be generally parallel to the first support member plane of another support member of the plurality of support members.

Abstract: An adjustable food support includes a stabilizing member and a plurality of support members. Each support member may include two opposing intermediate sections, two opposing interfacing surfaces, and a connecting section. A longitudinal axis of each interfacing surface may be skew to a longitudinal axis of the opposing interfacing surface, defining an angle therebetween within the range from 60 degrees to 160 degrees. A first support member plane may be defined by the longitudinal axes of the opposing interfacing surfaces of a support member. The first support member plane of one support member may be positionable so as to be generally parallel to the first support member plane of another support member of the plurality of support members.

Abstract: An oral delivery device for delivering substance directly into a mouth of a patient includes an elongated flexible conduit coupled to a connector at a proximal end thereof for connecting to a substance source, and a nipple portion at an opposing distal end thereof for placement into a mouth of a patient. The nipple portion defines a flow aperture at a distal tip thereof. The distal end of the flexible conduit is located substantially immediately adjacent to, and in sealed fluid communication with, the flow aperture, such that substance exiting the distal end of the conduit substantially directly exits the nipple portion through the flow aperture and enters into the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: A stress detecting system and method operable to detect stresses in a conduit or pipe includes a tool movable along a conduit or pipe and operable to generate a magnetic field. The tool is operable to sense magnetic Barkhausen noise within the conduit, such as within a wall of the conduit, in response to the tool generating the magnetic field. The stress detecting system is operable to detect a change in stress along the conduit responsive to an output of the tool. The system may detect changes in stress that are caused by geological changes or shifting or thermal changes at or near the conduit to determine changes in stress along the conduit and changes in stress along the conduit over time and during use of the conduit.

Abstract: An image guided biopsy grid markable with marking medium for marking a subject's skin underlying the grid with a marking to identify a needle entry target. The grid includes a flexible substrate and a plurality of substrate pores extending therethrough. An adhesive layer on the underside of the substrate conformingly and removably attaches the substrate to the skin substantially without gapping therebetween. The adhesive layer defines a plurality of adhesive pores and/or adhesive free spaces that allow marking medium to flow through the adhesive layer and onto the skin to mark the skin and identify the needle entry target. The biopsy grid may be marked substantially anywhere along its upper surface and marking medium will pass therethrough and mark the skin.

Abstract: A tool disposable within a well pipe, such as for detecting a freepoint of a well pipe, includes an electromagnet capable of inducing a magnetic field within a wall of a well pipe. The tool includes a Barkhausen noise sensing device capable of sensing magnetic Barkhausen noise in response to the electromagnet inducing the magnetic field within the wall of the well pipe. The tool may be moved along the well pipe so as make two passes of the tool along the well pipe, with one pass being performed while the well pipe is less stressed and the other pass being performed while the well pipe is more stressed, with the output of the tool during a first pass being compared to the output of the tool during a second pass to determine the location of the freepoint of the well pipe.

Abstract: A system for manually connecting decorated panels in a self-standing display. The panels have kerfs in the side edges and are decorated with photographic or graphic images that are sublimation printed on the panels. The panels are joined by inserting the leaves of hinges into the kerfs where they are held by friction fit. Hinges may be removed and additional panels added to augment the display.

Abstract: A communications device and method of operating the communications device are provided. The communications device includes a housing having a first edge portion. A display device is attached to a display device support member. The display support member is slidably attached to the housing to allow the display device to be positioned in an extended position beyond the first edge portion of the housing for viewing the display device when the communications device is in use and a retracted position within the housing when the communications device is not in use.

Abstract: System for mounting a thin flat object such as a photograph into a curvilinear recess formed in the front of a substrate, using a curvilinear decorative flexible retaining ring. The retaining ring is retained either by interference or frictional engagement with a smooth sidewall portion of the recess wall. Optionally, a transparent protective cover may be included.

Abstract: A communications card allows computers to be electrically connected to electronic devices and communications systems. The communications card includes a modular jack with a plurality of contact pins. The contact pins include a plug engaging portion that does not include any sections that are angled more than about 90° in order to minimize the stresses in the contact pins. The contact pins also include a connector portion that allows the contact pins to be electrically connected to a printed circuit board disposed within the communications card. Preferably, the plug engaging portion includes an elongated arm that aids in absorbing stress and deflection of the contact pins. Advantageously, the contact pins are designed to minimize the height of the modular jack such that the modular jack can be used with communications cards that comply with the PCMCIA Type III standards.

Abstract: A retractable antenna system is disclosed that enables electronic devices to engage in wireless communication. A preferred embodiment includes a retractable antenna disposed within a cavity in the electronic device and an actuating mechanism for selectively extending and retracting the antenna from within the cavity. The antenna system is preferably disposed within the housing of a communications card such as a PC Card. The retractable antenna may be rigid or flexible, and may be a single piece design or telescopic. The antenna system may also include two or more retractable antennas, a light source attached to the antenna, a control mechanism used to determine antenna functionality based on the positioning of the antenna, and the retractable antenna may be connected modular portion of the communication card.

Abstract: A communication card includes a retractable connector that is smoothly extendable and retractable. A torsion spring is positioned within a slot that receives the retractable connector and the torsion spring assists the extension of the retractable platform and counter forces that may otherwise cause the platform to bind as it extends and retracts. A flexible circuit is attached to the torsion spring and it allows electrical communication between the retractable connectors and the communication card. The flexible circuit is preferably attached to the retractable connector and the communication card by zero insertion force connectors. Because the flexible circuit is bonded to the torsion spring, the movement of the circuit is constrained and that helps protect the circuit from damage.

Abstract: System and method for mounting front-loaded photographs, which are held in place in a recess with a smooth curvilinear sidewall by a flexible plastic retaining ring, which is precisely formed to frictionally engage the smooth sidewall. A variety of recess shapes and decorative retaining rings are useable to provide a variety of displays, either single or in an array. The preferred method of forming the recess is by routing, using a template set or computer-controlled router bit.

Abstract: The modular jack allows a RJ series connector plug to be attached to a communications card that conforms to the PCMCIA requirements for a Type III card. The modular jack includes a main body portion including a top surface, a bottom outer surface and a front surface. The receptacle is disposed entirely within the front surface of the modular jack such that no portion of the plug extends through either the top surface or the bottom surface of the main body portion of the modular jack. Thus, the modular jack allows the communications card to be connected to standard RJ series plugs without deviating from the Type III PCMCIA card height requirement, even when the plug is inserted into the jack. Desirably, the main body portion has a height measured from the top surface to the bottom surface that is generally equal to or less than about 10.5 mm.

Abstract: System for mounting a thin flat object such as a photograph into a curvilinear recess formed in the front of a substrate, using a curvilinear decorative flexible retaining ring. The retaining ring is retained either by interference or frictional engagement with a smooth sidewall portion of the recess wall. Optionally, a transparent protective cover may be included.

Abstract: A hinged or rotatable antenna working in conjunction with a ground plane element which discloses a coaxial cable connection that maintains electrical contact between the ground plane element and the coaxial cable shielding through the use of a compression retainer block or plate. Some embodiments of the present invention also disclose channel geometry for establishing and maintaining an electrical connection between cable shielding and a ground plate element.

Abstract: A media connector assembly with an extended electrical contact capable of non-destructive deflection when various media plugs are placed therein that do not accommodate each contact pin within the media connector. The media connector includes a platform with an arched mid-portion for enlarging the radius of deflection of the contact pins such that the contact pins deflect when a media connector is placed therein at a position further from the aperture receiving the media connector. The arch maintains curved support for the deflected contact pin and assists in the positive contact force applied by the contact pin to the contact of the media plug.