Abstract: A preform is joined to converging surfaces of a structure, such as an airfoil, to form a structural edge. The preform has a body having an acute-angle edge at one end and connecting areas extending from the opposing end for connecting the preform to converging planar elements of a wing or other similar structure. In several embodiments, the acute angle of the preform generally matches the angle relative to converging ends of the planar elements, the preform forming the outer end of smooth, continuous outer surfaces after assembly. The connecting areas may be connected to interior or exterior surfaces of the elements, depending on the orientation of the preform and elements. In another embodiment, the entire preform is placed between the outer ends of the elements for aligning and supporting the elements at the desired location and angle relative to each other.

Abstract: A method of asset control and workstation computer deployment that utilizes a dual port electronic memory identification RFID tag to hold serial number and hardware and software configuration profiles as well as user information. The RFID tag is mapped into the workstation computer memory space and can also be read and written by wireless radio frequency signalling. Serial numbers and MAC address is stored on the tag by the manufacturer. User information, workstation profile and software image information is stored onto the tag while the computer is being received for forwarding to the final workstation destination without the need to unpack and power up the computer. The information stored on the tag is used to allow automated system configuration and software downloading to the computer.

Abstract: A process for producing solid, porous graphites which provides a more uniform density gradient throughout the ultimate product. The process utilizes a pressure drop during processing in order to induce boiling and varies the processing pressure between an initial pressure which exceeds 1000 psig and a final processing pressure which generally exceeds the initial pressure. The particular processing techniques employed allow additional viscosity manipulation as well as improved density gradient characteristics in the ultimate product. The final products have bulk thermal conductivities in the range from 90-300 W/mK with apparent densities ranging from about 0.678 g/cc-1.

Abstract: A method of determining a biased leading-zero count for a floating-point operation is disclosed. First, a binary vector is divided into subvectors. Then, multiple subvector leading-zero counts are generated. The subvector leading-zero counts are biased by a constant amount. Next, one or more prefix bits are calculated. Finally, at least a portion of a selected subvector leading-zero count is concatenated to the prefix bits to yield a total leading-zero count for the binary vector.

Abstract: A set of customized orthodontic brackets are provided with slots that are arranged substantially parallel to the tooth surface. The archwire, in an as-manufactured condition, has a portion of substantial arcuate extent, which is canted relative to the occlusal plane. The brackets are designed on a computer as a combination of three-dimensional virtual objects comprising the virtual bracket bonding pad and a separate virtual bracket body retrieved from a library of virtual bracket bodies. The virtual brackets can be represented as a file containing digital shape data and exported to a rapid prototype fabrication device for fabrication of the bracket in wax or other material and casting the wax prototype in a suitable alloy. Other manufacturing techniques are also contemplated, including milling and laser sintering.

Abstract: There is a disclosed a conduit supporting structure that imposes, maintains and/or reinforces a flow guiding formation of a conduit, whereby to effect a desired flow configuration in the conduit.

Abstract: Available bandwidth utilization during transfer of large files over a TCP/IP network, is improved by segmenting the file and concurrently transmitting portions in an optimal number of logical distinct data streams which may all utilize a single physical medium and communications path. An initial number of data streams, is used to begin transmission of segments, each on a different data stream. During the first seconds of the transfer, individual and aggregate transmission bandwidths are determined, together with a backbone limit computed from the sliding window and round trip times. If the individual transmission bandwidths are approximately equal to the backbone limit, additional data stream(s) and segment(s) are started. Individual and aggregate transmission bandwidths are again determined, and the process is repeated until no substantial increase in aggregate bandwidth is achieved by adding an additional data stream.

Abstract: A method and system for balancing deferred procedure queues in multiprocessor computer systems provides a greater use of multiprocessing power for the handling of hardware requests in a device driver. By creating a number of DPC (deferred procedure call) objects and work lists greater than or equal to the number of processors, a device driver can queue work items to the work lists in a round-robin fashion and maintain a queued DPC object for each work list containing work items. This balances processor assignment to DPC execution, providing enough work lists and associated DPC objects to the device driver so that each processor may concurrently perform DPC tasks for the device, or so that the DPC tasks are balanced with other system or application tasks each processor is assigned.

Abstract: A system and method for freezing a processing unit to facilitate on-line debugging of a protocol engine within a switching node of a data transmission network. In accordance with the system of the present invention, the protocol engine includes a plurality of processing units such as an identification unit, a lookup unit, a traffic management and congestion unit, an enqueue unit, a dequeue unit, a traffic management scheduling unit, a frame transmission unit, a control unit, and a control block unit. The control block unit includes a freeze register containing multiple freeze bits, wherein each freeze bit is associated with one processing unit. In response to setting a freeze bit, resources and settings of a processing unit associated with the set freeze bit are prevented from being changed by the processing unit.

Abstract: A hardfacing material is applied to cutting elements formed on the surface of cutters of an earth-boring bit. The hardfacing material forms the outer surface of the teeth, and also substantially forms scrapers on the shell of each of the cutters. The adding of the hardfacing material to the outer surface of the teeth and the forming of the scrapers is accomplished through welding. The hardfacing material is machined from its “as-welded” state to have a smoother surface finish.

Abstract: A millimeter wave beacon includes a millimeter wave transmitter that produces at least one signal and plurality of antennas, coupled to the millimeter wave transmitter, that each emit millimeter wave radiation in response to the at least one signal. In one embodiment, the antennas are constructed and oriented to produce an overlapping signal field in which millimeter wave radiation emitted from multiple of the antennas can be detected. The millimeter wave radiation can be pulsed to encode various information of interest. Determination of the direction of approach to the beacon is facilitated by multiple antennas transmitting signals having different pulse encodings and/or different frequencies.

Abstract: A subsea production system and method includes a wellhead field having multiple wellheads and utilizes a stackable guide funnel system for sequential tying back of those wellheads. A storage frame retains several guide funnels that are nestably stacked one upon the other. The frame is made up of a plurality of guide members that are secured to the exposed tubular conductor of a wellhead. A pair of annular rings surrounds portions of each of the guide members. A riser having a riser connector is lowered to the central location. The riser connector latches onto the uppermost guide funnel within the frame. The riser, together with the affixed funnel, is then lifted upwardly, removing the affixed funnel from the frame. The riser is then moved laterally through the sea until the funnel and riser are proximate a second wellhead within the wellhead field.

Abstract: The wellhead assembly has a production tree with multiple safety barriers. A tubing hanger lands and seals in the bore of the tree. The tubing hanger has a lateral production flow passage that registers with a lateral passage in the tree. A tubing annulus passage extends upward from the tubing annulus to an exterior port. A second portion of the tubing annulus passage extends upward from the exterior port into the bore above the tubing hanger seal. The external port may be used for gas injection. If so, two closure members are located in the upper portion of the tubing annulus above the seal. The upper closure member may be either a check valve or a removable plug.

Abstract: A system and methods of the present invention advantageously provide efficient mail processing and handling that, as compared to existing procedures, enhances detection within the mail being processed or handled of biological, germ, chemical, or other harmful agents. A system and methods provide additionally a higher level of quality and consistency for processing and handling mail so that concerns over contamination of postal workers and potential mail recipients are reduced. A system and methods further provide enhanced disabling of contaminated mail contents, mail, mail equipment, mail containers, and mail personnel due to exposure or contact with harmful agents associated with mail.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling uplink transmission power in a satellite communication system is disclosed. The satellite communication system includes a satellite and one or more earth stations, one of which serving as a control station. The satellite can receive uplink signals from any one of the earth stations and retransmits the uplink signals as downlink signals, along with a beacon signal. The control station measures the power of the downlink signals and the beacon signal received from the satellite, and also measures the noise power near the beacon signal. From these measurements, the control station determines an appropriate gain value of the power for uplink transmissions for each of the earth stations.

Abstract: A torch cutter exhaust system has a torch and an exhaust shroud at least partially encircling a discharge tip of the torch and mounted to the torch for movement therewith. The shroud is a crescent-shaped enclosure having an intake port and an output port. A table is located beneath the torch to support a material while the material is being cut by the torch. A gantry, movably mounted to the table, supports the torch and exhaust shroud. A duct, mounted to the gantry, connects the exhaust shroud with a flexible exhaust hose located alongside the table. The output end of the hose connects to a vacuum source to create low pressure near the discharge tip of the torch. The input end of the exhaust hose moves in unison with the gantry. The exhaust hose is supported by a wheel assembly that moves in response to the motion of the gantry.

Abstract: Packers are expandable sealing devices used to seal off zones in a well. Packers are expanded to seal the bore of the well by means of expansion fluid supplied via individual pipelines. However, packers near the top of the well have to accommodate all of the pipelines for packers below. The invention provides a packer system comprising a plurality of packers (22-28) and fluid delivery means arranged to supply fluid to the packers, to expand them in use. The fluid delivery means includes a common fluid pipeline (36) for the packers. Thus, only one expansion fluid pipeline has to pass through the upper packers (22, 23), irrespective of the overall number of packers in the system.

Abstract: A call center system and method of routing calls to individual agents within a call center is disclosed. Skills data, including a listing of skills and proficiency levels for each skill, are input via an automatic call distributor (ACD) manager having graphical user interface (GUI), to establish skills that will be available within the call center. Agents are set up that are used within the call center by listing each agent within the ACD manager and selectively mapping skills to each individual agent via the ACD manager and corresponding to what types of skills the agent possesses. A call is received within the call center and a requested type of service is determined and also what skills are required for answering the call are determined. The call is routed to an agent that has the highest efficiency level for the skills required for answering the call based on the requested type of service.

Abstract: A method of drilling and a drill motor are provided for use with a stationary template attached to a material to be drilled. The drill motor has a frame having a handgrip and surrounding a movable carriage or motor assembly. The motor assembly contains an air-powered motor for rotating a drill bit. At least two air cylinders are located in the motor assembly on opposite sides of the drilling axis and are used to move the motor assembly within the frame. The force that can be applied to move the motor assembly is adjusted by adjusting the airflow to the cylinders. Hydraulic restrictions control the maximum speed at which the motor assembly moves. An auto-return valve and adjustable pin provide means for automatically returning the motor assembly to its rearward position once a desired drilling depth has been reached. Controls are provided at the grip for operating the feed system and manually retracting the motor assembly.

Abstract: A computer system includes a processing unit, a system memory, and a memory controller coupled to the processing unit and the system memory. According to the present invention, the memory controller accesses the system memory to obtain prefetch data and transmits the prefetch data to the processing unit in a prefetch write operation specifying the processing unit in a destination field. In one embodiment, the memory controller transmits the prefetch write operation in response to receipt of a prefetch hint from the processing unit, which may accompany a read-type request by the processing unit. This prefetch methodology may advantageously be implemented imprecisely, with the memory controller responding to the prefetch hint only if a prefetch queue is available and ignoring the prefetch hint otherwise. The processing unit may similarly ignore the prefetch write operation if no snoop queue is available.