All The Claims

1. A method of binding a business protocol to contract descriptors, comprising the steps of:
agreeing on a binding protocol for an e-contract;
downloading the binding protocol and associated business protocol descriptor to a business protocol repository from a business protocol provider;
analysing the structure of the e-contract using pre-assigned contract descriptors;
identifying commitments arising between contract parties from the e-contract;
associating the contract descriptors to the identified commitments according to the type of commitment; and
executing the business protocol descriptors on the analysed e-contract using a computerised system to create a binding descriptor that links the business protocol to the contract descriptors.
2. A method of binding a business protocol to contract descriptors, comprising the steps of:
agreeing on a binding protocol for an e-contract;
downloading the binding protocol and associated business protocol descriptor to a business protocol repository from a business protocol provider;
analysing the structure of the e-contract using pre-assigned contract descriptors;
identifying commitments arising between contract parties from the e-contract;
associating the contract descriptors to the identified commitments according to the type of commitment;
using a conversion tool made available by the business protocol provider to generate an alternative descriptor, if the business protocol descriptor cannot be directly executed by a computerised system;
executing the alternative descriptor to link business protocol data to the business protocol descriptor to create a binding descriptor;
the binding descriptor linking the business protocol to the contract descriptors.
3. A method of retrieving a contract clause for a given executable contract descriptor, comprising the step:
assigning a contract reference for a given executable contract descriptor to a textual contract record which contains the contract clause;
the contract reference being stored in a field held in a formal contract record.
4. A method of advising a mediator of contract fulfilment that is independent of the means of fulfilment, comprising the steps of:
sending all messages between contract parties in accordance with an agreed business protocol to a mediator messaging system;
monitoring the messages using a monitoring application in accordance with an advisal protocol to determine which parts of the data-stream making up the message represent a contract action; and
analysing the parts of the data-stream representing the contract action to determine contract fulfilment.
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the step of performing the auxiliary function comprises:
time-stamping a copy of a selected message; and
storing the time-stamped copy of the message in a message repository.
6. A method according to claim 4, further comprising the step:
forwarding the received messages to the destination contract party through a communication network using the mediator messaging system.
7. A method according to claim 4, further comprising the steps:
determining whether an auxiliary function should be performed for the message using the monitoring application; and
performing the auxiliary function if it is determined it should be performed.
8. A method according to claim 7, further comprising the step:
forwarding the received messages to the destination contract party through a communication network using the mediator messaging system.
9. A method according to claim 7, wherein the step of performing the auxiliary function comprises:
time-stamping a copy of a selected message; and
storing the time-stamped copy of the message in a message repository.
10. A method according to claim 9, further comprising the step:
forwarding the received messages to the destination contract party through a communication network using the mediator messaging system.
11. An apparatus for binding a business protocol to contract descriptors of a contract between contract parties, comprising:
a communication network for carrying messages between distributed entities;
a business protocol repository for storing a description of a binding protocol, business protocol descriptors, a description of an advisal protocol and a description of a contract fulfilment protocol;
a process engine for controlling the timing and sequence of messages on the basis of the description of the business protocol;
a messaging module adapted to interact with the process engine and for sending messages to and receiving messages from the contract parties according to the binding protocol;
a state repository for storing the persistency for a state machine and data received as part of the messages according to the binding protocol;
a binding application for binding the contract to the binding protocol and for accessing one or more of the business protocol descriptors from the business protocol repository to bind to a contract action;
a bindings repository for storing binding descriptors which are accessed once one of the contract parties has agreed to fulfil its commitment; and
a computer processor for executing the binding descriptor such that messages are exchanged between parties according to the business protocol.
12. A data structure for housing a binding descriptor in accordance with claim 1, comprising:
a business protocol name field for containing the name of the protocol, name of the provider and locator of the repository;
a performing role field for containing the name of the role in the protocol that is the principal performer;
a contract identity field for holding contract identity data;
a statement identity field for containing data for identifying each statement within the context of the contract;
an action name field for containing data for specifying the name of the contract action; and
a performing role field for containing data for listing the contract role responsible for action performance.
13. A data structure for housing an alternative descriptor in accordance with claim 2, comprising:
a business protocol name field for containing the name of the protocol, name of the provider and locator of the repository;
a performing role field for containing the name of the role in the protocol that is the principal performer; and
a business protocol implementation field for containing the descriptor of the implementation.
14. A computer readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method of binding a business protocol to contract descriptors according to claim 1 or 2.
15. A computer readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method of retrieving a contract clause for a given executable contract descriptor according to claim 3.
16. A computer readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method of advising a Mediator of contract fulfilment that is independent of the means of fulfilment according to any one of claims 4.
17. A method of retrieving the description of a business protocol and its instance that may be running for a given textual clause, comprising the steps:
retrieving the business protocol descriptor for the textual clause from a business protocol repository and a binding repository;
querying a process engine executing the instance for the business protocol by submitting the business protocol descriptor; and
retrieving all business process instances running on the process engine as a response to the step of querying the process engine.
18. A computer readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a method of retrieving the description of a business protocol and its instance that may be running for a given textual clause according to claim 17.
19. A method of binding a business protocol to contract descriptors, comprising the steps of:
agreeing on a binding protocol for an e-contract through a graphical user interface displayed on the screen of a display unit, said graphical user interface comprising an image formatted to show a plurality of selectable binding protocols;
downloading the binding protocol and associated business protocol descriptor to a business protocol repository from a business protocol provider;
analysing the structure of the e-contract using pre-assigned contract descriptors;
identifying commitments arising between contract parties from the e-contract;
associating contract descriptors to the identified commitments according to the type of commitment;
executing the business protocol descriptors on the analysed e-contract using a computerised system to create a binding descriptor;
the binding descriptor linking the business protocol to the contract descriptors.
20. A method of binding a business protocol to contract descriptors, comprising the steps of:
agreeing on a binding protocol for an e-contract through a graphical user interface displayed on the screen of a display unit, said graphical user interface comprising an image formatted to show a plurality of selectable binding protocols;
downloading the binding protocol and associated business protocol descriptor to a business protocol repository from a business protocol provider;
analysing the structure of the e-contract using pre-assigned contract descriptors;
identifying commitments arising between contract parties from the e-contract;
associating contract descriptors to the identified commitments according to the type of commitment;
using a conversion tool made available by the business protocol provider to generate an alternative descriptor, if the business protocol descriptor cannot be directly executed by a computerised system;
executing the alternative descriptor to link business protocol data to the business protocol descriptor to create a binding descriptor that links the business protocol to the contract descriptors.
21. An apparatus for binding a business protocol to contract descriptors of a contract between contract parties, comprising:
a communication network for carrying messages between distributed entities;
a business protocol repository for storing a description of a binding protocol, business protocol descriptors, a description of an advisal protocol and a description of a contract fulfilment protocol;
a process engine for controlling the timing and sequence of messages on the basis of the description of the business protocol;
a messaging module adapted to interact with the process engine and for sending messages to and receiving messages from the contract parties according to the binding protocol;
a state repository for storing the persistency for a state machine and data received as part of the messages according to the binding protocol;
a display unit for displaying a graphical user interface comprising an image formatted to show a plurality of selectable binding protocols;
a binding application for binding the contract to the binding protocol and for accessing one or more of the business protocol descriptors from the business protocol repository to bind to a contract action;
a bindings repository for storing binding descriptors which are accessed once one of the contract parties has agreed to fulfil its commitment; and
a computer processor for executing the binding descriptor such that messages are exchanged between parties according to the business protocol.
The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A flat X-ray detector, comprising:
a scintillator to convert incident X-rays into light;
a light converting layer with detector elements to pick up the light from the scintillator and to emit electrons for producing an image data value of the detector elements; and
at least one optical element to, instead of guiding a fraction of the light from the scintillator to the detector elements, guide the fraction of the light to a photosensitive component to measure the light quantity guided from the at least one optical element.
2. The flat X-ray detector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one optical element is a fiber optic element.
3. The flat X-ray detector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scintillator is fastened on the light converting layer with the aid of an adhesive, each of the at least one optical element being embedded in the adhesive.
4. The flat X-ray detector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one optical element is arranged in a transparent layer that is located between the scintillator and light converting layer.
5. The flat X-ray detector as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one optical element is embedded in the transparent layer.
6. The flat X-ray detector as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one optical element is fastened in a cutout in the transparent layer.
7. The flat X-ray detector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one optical element includes a plurality of optical elements, and wherein a detector surface is formed over which the plurality of optical elements are distributed.
8. The flat X-ray detector as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of optical elements are designed at least partially as strips.
9. The flat X-ray detector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one optical element includes a plurality of optical elements, and wherein all the optical elements guide light to a common photosensitive component.
10. The flat X-ray detector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one optical element includes a plurality of optical elements, and wherein at least two optical elements guide light to different photosensitive components.
11. The flat X-ray detector as claimed in claim 1, wherein the photosensitive component is a photocounter.
12. A method for controlling the image dose emitted by an X-ray tube to a flat X-ray detector when recording an X-ray image, that the method comprising:
using, for a period during a recording of an X-ray image, at least one photosensitive component of the flat X-ray detector to determine a measured value relating to a light quantity so far reaching at least one the photosensitive component; and
feeding the determined measured value to an evaluation unit to generate at least one of, as a function of the measured value as the X-ray image is being recorded, control signals for fixing the image recording period and control signals for changing an operating voltage of the X-ray tube.
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one optical element includes a plurality of optical elements, and wherein at least two optical elements guide light to different photosensitive components, and wherein the measured value is obtained, in each case, with the aid of each photosensitive component, and wherein the control signals are generated by the evaluation unit as a function of all the measured values.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the evaluation unit includes various modes corresponding to different weightings of the different measured values during the generation of the control signals.
15. The flat X-ray detector as claimed in claim 4, wherein the transparent layer comprises at least one of plastic and glass.
16. The flat X-ray detector as claimed in claim 5, wherein the optical element is cast into the transparent layer.
17. The flat X-ray detector as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plurality of optical elements are uniformly distributed.
18. A computer readable medium including program segments for, when executed on a computer device, causing the computer device to implement the method of claim 12.

1. An engraving and marking device, particularly for machine tools and the like, comprising a supporting member provided with a coupling which is engaged by a spindle of a machine tool, said supporting member supporting a toolbit by means of an elastic supporting means, said supporting member has an end abutting a surface to be worked by said toolbit, said abutting end being adjustable in order to set a selected distance between said abutting end and the working tip of said toolbit.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said supporting member comprises an external cylindrical body provided with a standardized shank.
3. The device according to claim 2, wherein said elastic supporting means comprises an internal cylindrical body, which is inserted within said external cylindrical body and accommodates said toolbit so that said toolbit can move axially within said internal cylindrical body without being able to rotate with respect to it.
4. The device according to claim 3, wherein said internal body is screwed into said external cylindrical body.
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein said toolbit can move axially within said internal cylindrical body in contrast with an elastic member.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein said elastic member is constituted by a helical spring.
7. The device according to claim 6, wherein said helical spring has one end inserted in a threaded spring guiding ring, which is screwed onto a threaded shank of said toolbit.
8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the other end of said helical spring is inserted in a spring guiding bush, which can slide within said internal cylindrical body.
9. The device according to claim 8, wherein said spring guiding bush abuts against the end of a threaded bar, which is screwed into said shank of the device and has a recessed hexagonal key portion, which can rotate in order to adjust the preloading of said elastic member.
10. The device according to claim 3, wherein it comprises a cap which is associated at an end of said internal cylindrical body and forms said abutting end setting said distance between said end and the working tip of said toolbit.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A portable mechanics lift comprising:
a platform;
a pair of wheel channels formed on the platform for allowing a vehicle to drive onto the platform;
a vehicle lift coupled to the platform for raising and lowering the vehicle; and
a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the platform for moving the portable mechanics lift.
2. A portable mechanics lift in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a plurality of support legs movably coupled to the platform, the support legs being lowered to prevent the vehicle lift from toppling over when the vehicle is raised up using the vehicle lift.
3. A portable mechanics lift in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a swing arm lift rotatably coupled to the platform form lifting and moving heavy objects.
4. A portable mechanics lift in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a front end alignment stand coupled to each wheel channel for analyzing wheel alignment on the vehicle.
5. A portable mechanics lift in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a trailer hitch coupled to a front end of the platform for coupling the portable mechanics lift to a truck to move the portable mechanics lift.
6. A portable mechanics lift in accordance with claim 1 wherein the pair of wheel channels comprises:
\u201cU\u201d shaped channeling coupled to a first side and a second side of the platform, the \u201cU\u201d shaped channeling keeping tires of the vehicle straight; and
a foldable ramp coupled to the \u201cU\u201d shaped channeling, the foldable ramp placed in a lowered position to allow the vehicle to drive up onto the platform, and a raised position to prevent the vehicle from moving on the platform.
7. A portable mechanics lift in accordance with claim 1 wherein the vehicle lift comprises:
a telescoping pole member;
a plurality of arms movably coupled to the telescoping pole; and
a holding device coupled to a distal end of each of the plurality of arms, the holding device securing the arm to the vehicle.
8. A portable mechanics lift in accordance with claim 1 wherein the telescoping pole is raised and lowered by a hydraulic device.
9. A portable mechanics lift in accordance with claim 3 wherein the swing arm lift comprises:
a base pole rotatably coupled to the platform;
an arm coupled to the base pole for raising and lowering objects; and
attachment mechanism coupled to the arm for coupling the objects to the swing arm lift.
10. A portable mechanics lift comprising:
a platform;
a pair of wheel channels formed on the platform for allowing a vehicle to drive onto the platform;
a vehicle lift coupled to the platform for raising and lowering the vehicle;
a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the platform for moving the portable mechanics lift;
a plurality of support legs movably coupled to the platform, the support legs being lowered to prevent the vehicle lift from toppling over when the vehicle is raised up using the vehicle lift;
a swing arm lift rotatably coupled to the platform form lifting and moving heavy objects; and
a front end alignment stand coupled to each wheel channel for analyzing wheel alignment on the vehicle.
11. A portable mechanics lift in accordance with claim 10 further comprising a trailer hitch coupled to a front end of the platform for coupling the portable mechanics lift to a truck to move the portable mechanics lift.
12. A portable mechanics lift in accordance with claim 10 wherein the pair of wheel channels comprises:
\u201cU\u201d shaped channeling coupled to a first side and a second side of the platform, the \u201cU\u201d shaped channeling keeping tires of the vehicle straight; and
a foldable ramp coupled to the \u201cU\u201d shaped channeling, the foldable ramp placed in a lowered position to allow the vehicle to drive up onto the platform, and a raised position to prevent the vehicle from moving on the platform.
11. A portable mechanics lift in accordance with claim 10 wherein the vehicle lift comprises:
a telescoping pole member;
a plurality of arms movably coupled to the telescoping pole; and
a holding device coupled to a distal end of each of the plurality of arms, the holding device securing the arm to the vehicle.
12. A portable mechanics lift in accordance with claim 10 wherein the telescoping pole is raised and lowered by a hydraulic device.
13. A portable mechanics lift in accordance with claim 10 wherein the swing arm lift comprises:
a base pole rotatably coupled to the platform;
an arm coupled to the base pole for raising and lowering objects; and
attachment mechanism coupled to the arm for coupling the objects to the swing arm lift.
14. A portable mechanics lift in accordance with claim 13 wherein the swing arm lift further comprises a hydraulic device for controlling the swing arm lift.
15. A portable mechanics lift in accordance with claim 13 wherein the plurality of wheels comprises:
a first pair of wheels rotatably coupled to a first side of the platform;
a second pair of wheels rotatably coupled to a second side of the platform; and
a directional wheel rotatably coupled to a front end of the platform.