Abstract: In accordance with the invention, cookies are automatically synchronized across multiple client machines on a network. A user registers all of the client machines for which he desires cookie synchronization under a single account with a cookie synchronization server. Each of the client machines is equipped with software that monitors all changes made to cookies at that machine and sends notifications of the changes to the cookie synchronization server. The cookie synchronization server stores the cookie change information in a log and sends it out to the other client machine in the account, which then update their cookies accordingly.

Abstract: A fuel oil composition comprising: (A) a major proportion of a middle distillate petroleum fuel having a wax content of less than 2 wt % at 10.degree. C. below the wax appearance point of the fuel, and either: (i) a final boiling point of greater than 355.degree. C. and either a (90-20%) distillation range of greater than 115 .degree. C. or a (FBP-90%) distillation range of 30.degree. C. or greater; or (ii) a final boiling point of greater than 360.degree. C. and either a (90-20%) distillation range of greater than 110.degree. C. or a (FBP-90%) distillation range of 25.degree. C. or greater; or (iii) a final boiling point of greater than 370.degree. C. and either a (90-20%) distillation range of greater than 100.degree. C. or a (FBP-90%) distillation range of 250.degree. C.

Abstract: A server and method allocates access to a digital video movie to clients for viewing upon demand. The server receives requests to view the movie and in response, compares a number of requests to concurrently view the movie to a threshold. If the number is less than the threshold, the server allocates access for a current request to an existing copy of the movie stored on one or more disks, using bandwidth previously reserved from the one or more disks for the movie. However, if the number exceeds the threshold, the server automatically reserves additional bandwidth for future viewers if available from the one or more disks for the movie. But, if the number exceeds the threshold but such additional bandwidth is not available, the server makes another copy of the movie on another disk provided the copy can be made before the most advanced viewer completes its viewing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture for supporting an elongated specimen for crush testing. The fixture comprises a base plate, four guiding rods, a sliding plate, four support rods and two collars. The guiding rods connect to the base plate and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base plate. The sliding plate has linear bearings which encircle the guiding rods and enable translation of the sliding plate along the axis of each guiding rod. The four supporting rods mount to the base plate and also extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base plate. Each support rod has a keyway for a wedge which contacts the elongated specimen and holds the specimen in place during crushing. Each collar lies above the sliding plate and holds a pair of support rods on their ends opposite the ends connected to the base plate. A spherical bearing sits on top of the sliding plate and transfers an applied load to the sliding plate, which moves downward and crushes the elongated specimen.

Abstract: A pulse controller for controlling the energization and regenerative braking of a DC electric motor. An electronic switch connects the motor to a power source during motor driving and controls motor current during regenerative braking, the switch being rendered alternately conductive and non-conductive during both driving and braking and the ratio of conductive to non-conductive periods being controlled. The conductive and non-conductive periods are interrelated such that, regardless of the ratio between the periods, during regenerative braking the switch alternates between its conductive and non-conductive states at a rate sufficient to automatically maintain the generated motor current within desired maximum and minimum limits.

Abstract: To control the energization of an electric motor pulses of current are supplied to the motor from a power source, and the pulse mark/space ratio and the motor field strength are controlled to determine the output speed and torque of the motor. Means are provided for deriving information representative of the speed of the motor and the torque required to be developed by the motor at that speed, and means are provided for determining information representative of the pulse mark/space ratio and the motor field strength necessary to provide the required torque at the said derived speed such that power losses are minimized. This makes it possible to control the motor field strength and mark/space ratio in accordance with the determined information to achieve optimum efficiency.

Abstract: A field weakening circuit for an electric motor comprises a switching circuit the impedance of which is variable connected in parallel with a field winding of the motor. The switching circuit impedance is variable in dependence upon motor speed and current, either continuously or in a plurality of discrete steps, to control the current through the field winding.

Abstract: A control arrangement is described for dynamically braking a vehicle driven by an electric motor having a single field winding. The control arrangement comprises means for controlling the supply of power to the motor, a permanent magnet generator for mechanically coupling to the motor, and circuit closure means arranged to complete a circuit between the output of the generator and the field winding to dynamically brake the motor when the motor is de-energized by the controlling means.

Abstract: A temporary platform encircling a concrete pressure vessel carries endless rails on which a mobile unit runs. The unit has a supply drum from which is drawn pre-stressing wire anchored at its free end in one of many channels in the outside wall of the vessel. The wire leaves the unit via a tensioning unit and a payout sheave both carried by the mobile unit. Hoist ropes fixed at intervals around the platform and connected to winches lift and lower the platform to locate the sheave at the level of each channel in turn.

Abstract: A controller for a series electric motor is described of the type comprising means for applying D.C. pulses to the motor and means for controlling the mark/space ratio of the pulses applied to the motor. The current through the motor is sensed and the maximum mark/space ratio which may be applied to the motor is reduced when the motor current is below a predetermined limit to avoid overspeed in light load conditions.

Abstract: A liquid composition comprising a solution of a water-soluble metal compound convertible to metal oxide and a smaller amount of a hydrolytically stable water-soluble organic silicone which may be used to prepare binders, coatings and shaped bodies, especially fibres, of intimate mixtures of metal oxide and silica. Preferred silicones are polysiloxane, polyoxyalkylene copolymers and preferred metal compounds are salts of aluminium and zirconium. Phase-stabilised alumina, especially in the form of fibres, is a particularly important embodiment; transitional alumina can be stabilised up to 1400.degree. C without the appearance of separate phases of mullite and crystalline silica.

Abstract: A liquid composition comprising a solution of a water-soluble metal compound convertible to metal oxide and a smaller amount of a hydrolytically stable water-soluble organic silicone which may be used to prepare binders, coatings and shaped bodies, especially fibres, of intimate mixtures of metal oxide and silica. Preferred silicones are polysiloxane, polyoxyalkylene copolymers and preferred metal compounds are salts of aluminium and zirconium. Phase-stabilized alumina, especially in the form of fibres, is a particularly important embodiment; transitional alumina can be stabilized up to 1400.degree. C without the appearance of separate phases of mullite and crystalline silica.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of refractory fibers wherein a composition comprised of a polar solvent solution of a metal compound and an organic polymer is extruded into converging gas streams which contain vapor of said solvent therein so as to yield a relative humidity of at least 80%, and subsequently removing at least a portion of the solvent from the fiber formed.

Abstract: Alumina fibre is prepared by spinning a solution containing an aluminium compound and an organic polymer, removing solvent and contacting the fibre with ammonia or an amine before conversion of the fibre to alumina.