Abstract: The present invention is a system for establishing a plurality of collaboration connections between a customer and a seller. Each of the collaboration connections uses a different media for communication between the customer and the seller. The system includes an option for the customer to initiate contact with a representative of the seller, on a web page associated with the seller. The system further includes, a signal received at a web server of the seller indicating that the customer viewing the web page has opted to initiate contact with the representative of the seller. The signal also includes a network address and a telephone number of the customer.

Abstract: A system for synchronizing one or more decoders with a network sync signal at a headend of a television communication network. The system allows decoders to transmit upstream messages synchronously in time slots which are defined according to the network sync signal, thereby improving system throughput. Identifying data is provided in a blanking interval (VBI or HBI) of one or more television signals to designate a horizontal scan line of the respective television signal which follows a reference point in the network sync signal by a predetermined delay. At each decoder, the identifying data is recovered, and the onset of the designated scan line can be used to signal the start of a transmission for the decoder. Preferably, the identifying data is provided in each television signal so the user is not forced to tune to a particular television channel to transmit a message. Various channel access protocols may be used, such as a session oriented protocol, or a synchronized ALOHA protocol.

Abstract: A corrosion probe assembly for use in measuring corrosion and deposition rates for test specimens in corrodant electrolyte solutions is disclosed. The probe is designed for versatility, simplicity of construction, and serviceability and comprises a heated (hot) test specimen and, preferably, an unheated (cold) test specimen. Thus, the effects of heat load on the corrosion rates and on the deposition rates on various metallic surfaces can be readily determined. By sensing the inside temperature of the hot test specimen and the corrodant temperature, the heat transfer coefficient across the hot test specimen can readily be measured.

Abstract: A corrosion probe assembly for use in measuring corrosion and deposition rates for test specimens in corrodant electrolyte solutions is disclosed. The probe is designed for versatility, simplicity of construction, and serviceability and comprises a heated (hot) test specimen and, preferably, an unheated (cold) test specimen. Thus, the effects of heat load on the corrosion rates and on the deposition rates on various metallic surfaces can be readily determined. By sensing the inside temperature of the hot test specimen and the corrodant temperature, the heat transfer coefficient across the hot test specimen can readily be measured.