Abstract: Audio conferencing is carried out in stereo by centrally assigning a position in the stereo spectrum (either bipolar stereo or surround sound) and instructing each conference endpoint to transmit at the stereo position assigned to it. In this way signals from a number of endpoints can be simply added to one another in order to provide a composite broadcast signal. This method also facilitates multiple server conferences in which endpoints attached to additional conference servers can be instructed to change their virtual stereo position in the case of a conflict with the stereo position of an existing conferee.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for catheter input management. Certain embodiments provide a user interface system facilitating catheter monitoring. The system includes a virtual catheter input module (CIM) corresponding to and representing a physical CIM that is adapted to be connected to at least one catheter. The system also includes a configuration module establishing a catheter configuration for the virtual CIM based on a plurality of configuration settings for a catheter channel. At least one catheter channel is assigned to a virtual input port on the virtual CIM. The configuration module applies the catheter configuration for at least one catheter channel when a catheter is connected to a physical input port on the physical CIM corresponding to the virtual input port on the virtual CIM.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a catheter monitoring system including a catheter input module (CIM) adapted to be connected to at least one catheter, an amplifier base, and a host adapted to process data from the amplifier base. The CIM is adapted to be connected to an amplifier base during a study. The amplifier base is adapted to receive data from the CIM when the CIM is connected to the amplifier base.

Abstract: An electronic market for trading of securities includes a plurality of client stations for entering quotes for securities and a server process. The market has a facility, which receives quotes from the clients, aggregates the quotes and causes a total of all aggregated quotes to be displayed for a plurality of price levels on the client systems. The market uses a graphical user that depicts aggregated quotes in an aggregate window, and a plurality of price levels of a product traded in the market. The market also includes processes to handle odd-lot processing and provides a central quote/order collector that interfaces to disparate order delivery systems to minimize dual liability of market makers.

Abstract: An apparatus for the suspension of objects from stable and overhanging locations. A method for the installation and use of such an apparatus is also included. Apparatus is especially useful in the decorative display of lanterns created from pumpkins and other gourds and melons including cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon.

Abstract: A need exists to provide software support in a simple and effective manner over long periods of time. At the same time there is a need to allow contact centers to route calls appropriately when those calls relate to complex software support queries. This needs to be achieved without requiring complex call routing methods and apparatus at the contact center. The present invention addresses these problems by using software error codes or the like to route calls in a contact center.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, disclosed is an image analysis and conversion method and system, where digital ink images are converted to structured object representations of the digital ink images, capable of being edited by a structured text/graphics editor.

Abstract: A storage system for objects such as wafers or reticles has at least one storage module, in which the objects are stored one above the other in packets similar to a column. Located next to the storage module is an inserting and dispensing module which comprises a robot. The robot has an arm which is movable substantially in a horizontal plane and with which predetermined objects can be laterally removed from or inserted into a predetermined packet. The packets are arranged in the storage module on a conveyor that runs substantially in a horizontal plane. The predetermined packet can be brought by the conveyor into a transfer position, at which the predetermined object can be transferred between the arm and the predetermined packet.

Abstract: A communications management tool for a call center maintains a record of threads of communications of diverse media types (e.g. voice calls, emails and faxes) relating to particular issues, and analyses new communications to automatically identify possible matches with existing threads. In this way the efficiency of the agents at the center is increased and the management of the call center can be provided with data recording agent performance and efficiency in dealing with particular issues.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, disclosed is an image analysis and conversion method and system, where bitmapped ink images are converted to structured object representations of the bitmapped images, which may be read and edited by a structured text/graphics editor.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise device includes a frame having a first pivot axis and a longitudinal axis, at least one foot link and at least one swing arm. The foot link is coupled to the frame and is constrained to move in an orbital path approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis. The swing arm is also coupled to the frame and has a reciprocating movement whereby a natural “stride” movement of the arm of a user is replicated. The swing arm operates independently from the foot link. The natural “stride” movement of the arm of the user grasping the arm link follows a generally concave motion relative to the ground. The length of the movement of the arm of the user is defined by the user. A different resistive load can be applied on the arm apparatus than on the foot links.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for wrapping objects for liveness in a collaborative environment. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a method for enabling liveness for a non-live object can include the step of wrapping the non-live object to emulate liveness in a collaborative environment. Preferably, the wrapping step can include selecting at least one attribute of the non-live object, repeatedly updating a status of the at least one attribute for the non-live object, and, providing the repeatedly updated status to the collaborative environment in order to emulate liveness for the non-live object.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method serve for cleaning articles used in the production of semiconductors, such as wafers, containers for transporting wafers (known as FOUPs), LCD substrates and photomasks. The articles are cleaned in a treatment chamber by means of a liquid and subsequently dried. A drying gas, such as air, is circulated within the treatment chamber and a condensation dryer is provided for extracting moisture from the gas.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for live creating and managing shortcuts in a computing environment. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a method for managing live shortcuts can include selecting an underlying object from among one or more underlying objects and creating a live shortcut for the underlying object. The created live shortcut can be positioned in a user interface for a computing environment and liveness can be maintained for the created live shortcut based upon a changing state of the underlying object.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for creating and managing an activity in a collaborative environment. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a unified activity manager for use in a collaborative environment can include an activity list including a hierarchical listing of activities. Each of the activities can include at least one task. The unified activity manager further can include an activity view including a rendering of properties associated with a selected activity in the activity view. Finally, the unified activity manager yet further can include a persons and roles view including at least a listing of collaborators available for association with the selected activity in the activity view.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for placeholder management in a unified activity manager in a collaborative computing environment. A method for managing placeholders in a unified activity manager in a collaborative environment can include the step of inserting a placeholder in an activity in lieu of a specified collaborator, resource, or event. The inserting step can include describing a type of resource without specifying an identity of an actual resource; and, inserting the described type in the placeholder. The inserting step also can include describing a type of event without specifying an identity of an actual event; and, inserting the described type in the placeholder. The inserting step also can include describing a type of collaborator without specifying an identity of an actual collaborator; and, inserting the described type in the placeholder.

Abstract: A training device (10) is disclosed for use in guiding and coordinating a user's body position when executing a golf swing like motion. The training device has a first actuator (71) for monitoring the movement of the upper torso of the user during the motion, and for applying a resistance force to the upper torso to guide the user in moving the upper torso in a desired manner. The training device also has a second actuator (72) for monitoring the movement of the wrists and arms, and for applying a resistance force to the wrists to guide the user in moving the wrists and arms in a desired manner. A control unit (81) is connected to the first and second actuators for recording the movement monitored by the actuators and for operating the actuators to apply the resistance forces.

Abstract: A partially collapsing hierarchical display system aids information navigation by providing a dynamic mechanism for labeling items with one or more states. In one embodiment, states comprise “hidden”, “visible” and “unmarked”. An expanded list of items displays all items. A partially expanded list of items displays all visible and unmarked items, removing hidden items from the display. A further collapsed list of items displays all visible items. A completely collapsed list of items hides all items. Users customize the amount of detail displayed in a sub-tree, reducing the display size of the sub-tree. Expansion of a hierarchical structure is combined with filtering, allowing users to partially collapse or partially expand a sub-tree structure. Partially collapsed lists comprise one or more focus points, allowing users to view several relevant sections of a hierarchical structure concurrently.

Abstract: A simple device for showing the sun/shade exposure of a place at any given time which includes a convex mirror reflecting the sky and a transparent flat screen inscribed with the path of the sun, with the screen balanced horizontally on the mirror so that when one looks down through the screen the paths of the sun at various times of the year are superimposed on the image of the sky and any shadow-causing obstructions. Horizontality of the flat screen is accomplished by its balancing on the convex mirror. North orientation of the flat screen can be found, if the sun is visible, by rotating the screen till the sun's image matches its path position for that time, or by using a compass if the sun is not visible.

Abstract: A method of generating a context-inferenced search query and of sorting a result of the query is described. The method includes analyzing an event associated with the user to determine a contextual setting, dynamically generating a search query based on the contextual setting, and searching at least one information source using the search query to generate a search result. Additionally, the method includes calculating an importance value for each item of the search result, sorting the items of the search result according the importance value, and displaying the sorted search result to the user.