Abstract: Diamond-containing articles such as composite materials shaped as some specific article, can be engineered such that bodies that contact the article only contact diamond. In an embodiment, the article may be in the form of equipment for handling semiconductor wafers such as vacuum or electrostatic chucks. In one embodiment, the diamond-containing article can be a composite of diamond particulate reinforcing a Si/SiC body such as reaction-bonded SiC. Lapping the diamond-reinforced RBSC body with progressively finer diamond grit removes some of the SiC/Si matrix material, leaving diamond particles of uniform height “standing proud” above the rest of the surface of the formed article. Further, if the diamond-containing article is sufficiently electrically conductive, it may be machinable using electrical discharge machining.

Abstract: Diamond-containing articles such as composite materials shaped as some specific article, can be engineered such that bodies that contact the article only contact diamond. In an embodiment, the article may be in the form of equipment for handling semiconductor wafers such as vacuum or electrostatic chucks. In one embodiment, the diamond-containing article can be a composite of diamond particulate reinforcing a Si/SiC body such as reaction-bonded SiC. Lapping the diamond-reinforced RBSC body with progressively finer diamond grit removes some of the SiC/Si matrix material, leaving diamond particles of uniform height “standing proud” above the rest of the surface of the formed article. Further, if the diamond-containing article is sufficiently electrically conductive, it may be machinable using electrical discharge machining.

Abstract: This is a device that will securely store and hold a guitar slide while allowing the user to perform single-handed guitar slide transitions (installation or removal of a guitar slide) with minimal interruption.

Abstract: This is a device that will securely store and hold a guitar slide while allowing the user to perform single-handed guitar slide transitions (installation or removal of a guitar slide) with minimal interruption.

Abstract: The Federal Communications Commission Order 05-116, E911 Requirements for IP-Enabled Service Providers, (FCC Order) requires interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers to deliver all emergency service calls to a VoIP service user's local emergency service operator as a standard feature of the service. Under the FCC Order, VoIP service providers must supply emergency service if the VoIP service user accesses the VoIP service over broadband and if the VoIP service provider interconnects to and from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Embodiments of the present invention guarantee compliance with the FCC Order by routing a call as either a VoIP call over the Internet or as a conventional call over the PSTN, verifying that at least one of the VoIP or PSTN telephony connections supports emergency service and routing calls over that connection or, if there is no connection supplying emergency service, restricting calling over the VoIP connection.

Abstract: A method of managing a repeated surface comprising seismic data as one surface is disclosed where a plurality of horizons is analyzed and a determination made as to which of the plurality of horizons comprise a repeated surface. Those horizons which comprise the repeated surface may then be logically connected into a logically connected horizons data set which may then be assigned a common identifier and which may further respond similarly to a single event, e.g. a user action. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Authentication of a request for access to user specific information associated with a VoIP device is performed transparently, without any user identification or password required. A unique device identifier associated with the VoIP device is included in the request for access and used as an authentication token.

Abstract: A VoIP analog telephone adapter coupled to a telephone allows a telephone call to be made over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or over the Internet. Prior to dialing a phone number, with the telephone “off-hook”, a caller receives an audible indication as to whether the call will be made over the PSTN or the Internet through a standard dial tone generated by a Central Office or a distinctive dial tone generated by the adapter. The distinctive dial tone is different from the PSTN's dial tone.

Abstract: A method of managing a repeated surface comprising seismic data as one surface is disclosed where a plurality of horizons is analyzed and a determination made as to which of the plurality of horizons comprise a repeated surface. Those horizons which comprise the repeated surface may then be logically connected into a logically connected horizons data set which may then be assigned a common identifier and which may further respond similarly to a single event, e.g. a user action. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for auditing performance in a supply chain framework. Data is collected from a plurality of supply chain participants utilizing a network. This data relates to the sale of goods by the supply chain participants. Access to the data is allowed utilizing a network-based interface. Electronic order forms are generated based on the data for a supply chain participant. The generated electronic order forms are sent to the to the supply chain participant utilizing the network. A performance of the delivery of the goods by the supply chain participant is then tracked. The tracked performance of the delivery of the goods by the supply chain participant is subsequently audited.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for identifying goods in a network-based supply chain management framework. Data is generated at a plurality of stores of a supply chain utilizing a network. The generated data relates to an ordering of goods required by the stores. The generated data is tagged with a numeric goods identifier common to a plurality of different supply chain participants. The generated data and the numeric goods identifier are communicated via the network to one or more of the supply chain participants that are capable of using the data and the numeric goods identifier for fulfillment of the order.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for tracking the performance of suppliers and distributors in a plurality of marketplaces in a supply chain management framework. A plurality of distributors and suppliers are registered each in one of a plurality of marketplaces with each marketplace involving the supply and distribution of at least one of a plurality of goods used by a plurality of stores. Data is received utilizing a network that relates to the distribution and supply of goods to the stores by the registered distributors and suppliers in each of the marketplaces. The received data is parsed based on marketplaces and a performance of the registered distributors and suppliers is tracked in each of the marketplaces utilizing the data.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are disclosed for tracking a performance of suppliers. In general, a plurality of suppliers are registered. Data is then received utilizing a network. This data relates to the supply of goods to a plurality of distributors by the registered suppliers. A performance of the registered suppliers is tracked utilizing the data.

Abstract: A basketball free throw training apparatus has a frame having a top horizontal bar. The horizontal bar is adjustably mounted for vertical positioning on the frame, so that the bar can be raised in a horizontal position with respect to the frame and with respect to the floor upon which the frame is mounted. A pair of upstanding closely spaced guidebars extend upwardly from the bar and have a horizontal space therebetween sufficiently wide to permit a basketball to freely pass therebetween. The frame has an extended arm thereon which can be pivoted to a horizontal position and which can extend between the frame and the backboard of a basket so that the frame is accurately positioned from the basket based upon the stature and shooting technique of the user of the equipment. This arm is length adjustable so as to accommodate the spacing requirements of persons of different stature and skill.

Abstract: A recuperator which includes vertically extending outer tubes and respective inner tubes within the outer tubes. Hot waste gases flow around the outside of the outer tubes. Air to be preheated flows through the inner tubes and annular passages between tubes. The outer tubes are formed of relatively short length sections of ceramic joined end-to-end. The lowermost sections rest on solid base blocks which support the weight of the outer tubes.