Abstract: A plier-like tool of appropriate design allows expeditious manipulation of articles in confined areas. For example, the tool is particularly useful in removing fish hooks; the hook is cut and grasped for removal in such limited spatial environment. The tool includes a non-planar arcuate cutter as well as a grasping region.

Abstract: An electrical conduit connector particularly suited for connecting angled or elbowed conduit in a constrained space.

Abstract: A tracking system includes a target unit having a GPS receiver, a signal transmitter to send a signal including a position of the target unit; and a processor to calculate an optimal time interval for transmission of the signal. A locating unit has a GPS signal receiver, a compass to provide a reference direction of the locating unit, a signal receiver to receive the signal sent by the transmitter of the target unit, a processor to calculate a range and bearing from the locating unit to the target unit, and an indicator to display the range and bearing. In certain preferred embodiments, the processor calculates a confidence level indicating the reliability of the signal being sent.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data packets, grouped as data octets, over a LAN having a central hub linked to each of a plurality of network nodes via a physical medium consisting of four pairs of unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable. The transmission method sequentially divides the data into data quintets. The quintets are then arranged into blocks of data quintets and sequentially distributed into four individual serial code streams. The four serial code streams are sequentially scrambled to produce four streams of randomized quintets. The randomized data streams are sequentially block encoded into 6-bit symbol data which are then transmitted using NRZ modulation across the network by transmitting each data stream over one of said pairs of cable.

Abstract: A method provides for a first network node in a plurality of network nodes to transmit a data packet to a hub. The hub and the network nodes are interconnected within a local network system. Control signals are exchanged between the first network node and the hub. The exchange of control signals is done in a first signal frequency range. A data packet is sent from the first network node to the hub. The data packet is sent using data signals within a second signal frequency range. The first signal frequency range and the second signal frequency range do not overlap.

Abstract: A method provides for a first network node in a plurality of network nodes to transmit a data packet to a hub. The hub and the network nodes are interconnected within a local network system. Control signals are exchanged between the first network node and the hub. The exchange of control signals is done in a first signal frequency range. A data packet is sent from the first network node to the hub. The data packet is sent using data signals within a second signal frequency range. The first signal frequency range and the second signal frequency range do not overlap.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data packets, grouped as data octets, over a LAN having a central hub linked to each of a plurality of network nodes via a physical medium consisting of four pairs of unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable. The transmission method sequentially divides the data into data quintets. The quintets are then arranged into blocks of data quintets and sequentially distributed into four individual serial code streams. The four serial code streams are sequentially scrambled to produce four streams of randomized quintets. The randomized data streams are sequentially block encoded into 6-bit symbol data which are then transmitted using NRZ modulation across the network by transmitting each data stream over one of said pairs of cable.