Abstract: A switch proxy comprising a controller, a translations database and a switching fabric are connected to a trunk group between a remote terminal and its controlling local switching system. The switch proxy monitors control signals to and from the switching system on the trunk. In the event of loss of control signals from the host switching system, the switch proxy intercepts requests for service, etc. from a calling telephone connected to the remote terminal and performs a look up in the translation database. If the call can be completed without the controlling switching system the call is looped back to the remote terminal. The translation database is maintained by a switch proxy management system that receives change orders from the local exchange carrier. The switch proxy management system forwards relevant changes to the switch proxy's translation database in the field.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a seismic wavelet using seismic data in a deviated well includes the steps of: (a) extracting seismic data along the well path; (b) calculating the well path in the time domain; (c) extracting a window of seismic data in the time domain along the well path in the time domain; (d) combining the extracted window of seismic data to obtain a composite seismic trace; and (e) extracting a seismic wavelet using the composite seismic trace.

Abstract: A folding feed for a mobile satellite system having a reflector antenna, a feed, and a feed arm. The feed arm carries the feed at its distal end. A pivot is provided between the distal end and the feed. A feed stop block, connected at the distal end, has first and second surfaces. When the mobile satellite system stows the antenna, the feed pivots to abut the first surface against the feed to hold the feed at a first set angle. When said mobile satellite system deploys the antenna, the feed pivots to abut the second surface against the feed to hold the feed at the second set angle. A spring connected between the feed arm and feed holds the second surface against the feed. The first angle is greater than the second angle to provide a low profile to the stowed antenna.

Abstract: A sample conditioning system removes selenium from a flue gas sample to provide more accurate measure of mercury in the gas stream. Ammonia or another basic reagent is added to the sampled gas stream to increase the pH of the condensate, and thereby ensuring the removal of hydrogen selenide.

Abstract: An animal caging system has a plurality of stackable support trays with integral water supply conduits to supply water sequentially to each cage and eliminate any channels of stagnant water. Each support tray includes a vertical support member that engages the vertical support members of adjacent support trays in a stacked relationship, and a number of cage docking stations arranged around the vertical support member. The vertical support member includes a water supply conduit that extends to each cage docking station of the support tray and has openings in fluid communication with corresponding openings in the water supply conduits of adjacent support trays. In this manner, the water supply conduits of the stacked vertical support members combine to supply water in a single flow path to the cage docking stations on each support tray.

Abstract: Steels having a pearlitic structure and containing 0.65 to 0.80 weight percent carbon, 0.90 to 1.10 weight percent silicon, 0.85 to 1.15 weight percent manganese, 0.001 to 0.030 weight percent phosphorus, 0.009 to 0.013 weight percent niobium, 0.05 to 0.15 nickel, 0.20 to 0.30 weight percent molybdenum, 0.10 to 0.30 weight percent vanadium and 0.005 to 0.040 weight percent sulfur with the remainder of said steel being iron and incidental impurities, can be used to make railway wheels that are particularly resistant to rolling contact fatigue and, hence, shelling.

Abstract: Steels having a pearlitic structure and containing 0.65 to 0.80 weight percent carbon, 0.90 to 1.10 weight percent silicon, 0.85 to 1.15 weight percent manganese, 0.001 to 0.030 weight percent phosphorus, 0.009 to 0.013 weight percent niobium, 0.05 to 0.15 nickel, 0.20 to 0.30 weight percent molybdenum, 0.10 to 0.30 weight percent vanadium and 0.005 to 0.040 weight percent sulfur with the remainder of said steel being iron and incidental impurities, can be used to make railway wheels that are particularly resistant to rolling contact fatigue and, hence, shelling.

Abstract: A cable protector includes a base with a number of channels for carrying cables extending along its upper surface, and a raised barrier lid removably covering the channels and extending above the base to a sufficient height to provide a visual indicator to passersby. The barrier lid may include an upper portion forming a wall or bearing visual graphics providing information to passersby. The upper portion of the barrier lid may also include a connector to removably securing an attachment, such as a light, sign, alarm, or a flexible member for marking a traffic pathway.

Abstract: A soccer kicking practice apparatus is provided with a domed bolt shaft receiver for mounting a soccer ball having a protruding threaded bolt to a soccer ball holder. In the alternative the soccer kicking practice may employ a soccer ball having a nut to receive a threaded bolt mounted to a knob.

Abstract: A method is used to convert seismic data between bounding upper and lower surfaces in the time domain to the depth domain. An upper depth surface corresponding to the upper time surface is determined, either from well data or by time-depth conversion of the upper time surface. An interval velocity value is determined for each seismic sample between the bounding time surfaces from velocity data generated from well logs. The seismic times between the bounding time surfaces are then converted to the depth domain by adding the thickness of each seismic sample to the upper depth surface, wherein the thickness of each seismic sample is a function of the seismic sample rate and interval velocity value for each seismic sample. The seismic attribute values from the converted seismic data can be interpolated to a linear depth sampling.

Abstract: A stabilizing mechanism and method for a deployed reflector antenna in a mobile satellite system. The stabilizing mechanism has a pair of stabilizing devices with a first end of each stabilizing device connected on a rear support of the reflector antenna. The first ends are positioned on opposite sides of the rear support. A second end of each stabilizing device is connected to a tilt mechanism in the mobile satellite system. The pair of stabilizing devices forms a support angle about the centerline of the reflector antenna and with the tilt mechanism. The pair of stabilizer devices pushes against the opposite sides with a pre-load force when the reflector antenna is deployed to minimize deflection of the reflector antenna due to environmental forces.

Abstract: An apparatus for fracturing a well has a propellant charge held by a carrier, and upper and lower restrictor plugs secured to the carrier above and below the propellant charge, respectively. The restrictor plugs allow a restricted flow of combustion gases generated by the propellant charge to pass the restrictor plugs, but maintain sufficient pressure in the well between the restrictor plugs to fracture the formation surrounding the well.