Abstract:
A crib is provided having a plurality of sides, at least one side being made of a flexible material. One or more sides may be retractable. The retractable side may have a first edge and a second edge each being captured in a track. The crib also includes at least one locking mechanism and an actuating mechanism for releasing the locking mechanism. When the actuating mechanism is actuated, the retractable side moves along the track from a locked first position where the retractable side is fully extended into a second position where the retractable side curves under the base or rolls up into a spool.
Abstract:
A mobile payment platform and service provides a fast, easy way to make payments by users of mobile devices. The platform also interfaces with nonmobile channels and devices such as e-mail, instant messenger, and Web. In an implementation, funds are accessed from an account holder's mobile device such as a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant to make or receive payments. Financial transactions can be conducted on a person-to-person (P2P) or person-to-merchant (P2M) basis where each party is identified by a unique indicator such as a telephone number or bar code. Transactions can be requested through any number of means including SMS messaging, Web, e-mail, instant messenger, a mobile client application, an instant messaging plug-in application or “widget.” The mobile client application, resident on the mobile device, simplifies access and performing financial transactions in a fast, secure manner.
Abstract:
A method for telephony includes receiving at a facility of a telephone service provider a first subscriber request to place a first call to a specified telephone number. A provider request is sent to a remote server (26), which maintains a database (28) of records associating telephone numbers with respective packet network addresses, for a record (72) indicating a packet network address to which calls to the specified telephone number should be placed. Upon receiving the record from the remote server, the record is stored in a local cache (42) at the facility of the telephone service provider. After storing the record, upon receiving at the facility of the telephone service provider a second subscriber request to place a second call to the specified telephone number, the record is read from the local cache and is used in placing the second call to the packet network address.
Abstract:
A sizing center for and a method of sizing different styles of window coverings includes at least two sizing mechanisms disposed on a sizing center in which each sizing mechanism is adapted to size a different style of window covering. Each window covering includes a color marking. At least two measuring scales are disposed on the sizing center, each measuring scale being associated with a sizing mechanism and having a different color, and each color associated with a sizing center being associated with a color marking of a window covering.
Abstract:
A system for handling files containing digitized images, such as digitized bank checks. Four digitized image-files are obtained for each check: front and back at the beginning of a process, and front and back at the end of the process. Four digital signatures are generated, one for each image-file. The four image-files are to be consolidated into a single composite file. However, for technical reasons, the content of the image-files must be altered somewhat. Thus, if the image-files are later extracted from the composite file, the extracted files will not correspond to the original image-files, and will produce different digital signatures. The invention allows the original image-files to be accurately extracted from the composite file.
Abstract:
The invention provides methods to identify polymorphisms at the human TLR4 locus, as well as methods to identify individuals at risk of indications that increase their morbidity and mortality.
Abstract:
Gas containing particles or droplets flowing continuously through a microphone is perturbed by sound waves. Sound-induced localized pressure changes in the gas are measured by detecting variations in gas opacity with an optical transducer disposed transverse to the flow direction.
Abstract:
A method and an apparatus are presented for selectively locking controls from operators operating equipment. The invention actively detects when an operator accesses a control for which lockout is desired. After detection, the invention locks the control to prevent the operator from operating the control. Thus, operators are permitted selective access to controls. The active detection of when an operator is accessing a control is performed by first generating a signal, which is passed to a plate, where it is then coupled through the operator to a receiver. The signal is detected at a signal detector attached with a control so the control can react to the signal. In an automotive situation, the plate may be in a vehicle seat, with the signal coupling through a driver or passenger upon actuation of a control. Based on the signal received, the function of the control may be eliminated, altered, or reduced.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to methods for immobilizing natural or synthetic biomolecules to surfaces. The methods comprise covalently linking the natural or synthetic biomolecule to a mono- or bifunctional polymer covalently and/or electrostatically immobilizing the biomolecule/polymer conjugate to an unmodified or modified surface. The biomolecule is an oligonucleotide, a polynucleotide, a protein, a glycoprotein, a peptide or a carbohydrate that has been modified to incorporate a single or plurality of nucleophilic groups. These groups comprise an aliphatic or aromatic amino, thiol, hydrazine, thiosemicarbazide, hydrazide, thiocarbazide, carbazide, aminooxy, a derivative of 2-hydrazinopyridine or aminoxyacetic acid or a single or plurality of electrophilic groups. The electrophilic groups comprise an aliphatic or aromatic aldehyde, ketone, epoxide, isocyanate, isothiocyanate, succinimidyl ester or cyanuric chloride or a linkable aromatic aldehyde or ketone. The surface has been modified to possess either neutral, cationic or anionic groups or a combination neutral, anionic and/or cationic moieties.”
Abstract:
There is provided a high throughput automated single molecule image collection and processing system that requires minimal initial user input. The unique features embodied in the present disclosure allow automated collection and initial processing of optical images of single molecules and their assemblies. Correct focus may be automatically maintained while images are collected. Uneven illumination in fluorescence microscopy is accounted for, and an overall robust imaging operation is provided yielding individual images prepared for further processing in external systems. Embodiments described herein are useful in studies of any macromolecules such as DNA, RNA, peptides and proteins. The automated image collection and processing system and method of same may be implemented and deployed over a computer network, and may be ergonomically optimized to facilitate user interaction.