Abstract: A method of determining end points for an optical channel in an optical network to off-load traffic from a target optical link is provided. The method includes the steps of identifying ingress network nodes sourcing traffic through the target optical link, and determining an average ingress bandwidth sourced by the ingress network nodes. Thereafter, the method includes the steps of identifying egress network nodes sinking traffic from the target optical link, and determining an average egress bandwidth sunk by the egress network nodes. The optical channel start point candidates are identified to include ingress network nodes sourcing more traffic than the average ingress bandwidth, and the optical channel end point candidates are identified to include egress network nodes sinking more traffic than the average egress bandwidth.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the time for charging a filter in a liquid dispensing system, such as one utilizing a positive displacement pump, is disclosed. The filter is located at the input side of the pump between the source of the liquid and the pump. In order to prevent air from the filter from entering the pump a reservoir is provided between the filter and the source of the fluid. Air from the filter is vented into the reservoir through a vent tube. A vacuum is used to draw air from the filter and, through the reservoir.

Abstract: A trencher with a rock saw wheel has a foldable section that may be pivoted to one side during transport of the trencher on a truck or trailer, in order to decrease the overall height of the trencher during transport, or can be removed to reduce transport weight.

Abstract: A spool for carrying continuous pipe or coiled tubing for a coiled tubing injector is dropped into a stand at a site and coupled to a rotary power source. The stand includes two axles, on either side of the spool, and a drive plate. The spool includes on each side a supporting hub with slot that allows the axle to slide into the hub and the slot to be closed. At the same time, a coupling member on the drive plate slides into a mating contact with a complementary coupling member on the spool. Thus, the spool is mounted and coupled to a rotary power source with comparative ease and quickness, facilitating use of multiple spools for both transportation and operation at the well site.

Abstract: This disclosure features a process of making a two part drill bit insert, namely, a body portion of hard particles such as tungsten carbide particles mixed in an alloy binding the particles. The alloy preferably comprises 6% cobalt with amounts up to about 10% permitted. The body is sintered into a solid member, and also joined to a PDC crown covering the end. The crown is essentially free of cobalt. The process sinters the crown and body while preserving the body and crown cobalt differences.

Abstract: A gift tag is disclosed. The gift tag includes a flexible material having a first portion, a second portion, and an elongated portion formed between the first and second portions. The gift tag also includes a second formed in the tag operable to release the first portion from the elongated portion. The first portion is operable to be released from the elongated portion and secured to a gift package, and the first portion, second portion, and elongated portion and secured to a gift package, and the first portion, second portion, and elongated portion and secure to a gift package, and the first portion, second portion, and elongated portion are operable to enclose at least a portion of the gift package when the first portion is secured to the second portion.

Abstract: Electronic devices (16, 17) can be controlled by a control unit (11), which in turn is responsive to infrared commands (33) received from a remote (12) utilized by an operator. The remote has a touch-panel display (49), on which images can be displayed. The images are part of a user interface created by a program (86) running in a personal computer (13). An operator enters into the computer an identification of the devices (16, 17) which are to be controlled, and the computer then takes predefined images and automatically customizes them for the these devices. Some of the images have a size which is less than the overall size of the display, so that when one of these images is displayed, a portion of at least one other image will also be visible.

Abstract: An assembly for propping a golf club so that its grip remains elevated above the ground is installed in the end of a golf club. The assembly telescopes in and out of a retainer that fits within a vent hole in a golf club grip. The assembly is stowed during play and is extended and pivoted to elevate the grip-end of the club. The prop and retainer are keyed to prevent relative rotation.

Abstract: A method and system for dispensing a precise amount of a fluid utilizing a rolling membrane pumping system is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the method comprises calculating an amount by which to change a dispense based at least in part on a predicted membrane flex if a particular dispense is other than a first dispense, wherein said predicted membrane flex is based at least in part on a maximum pump chamber pressure during the first dispense; calculating an amount by which to change a dispense based at least in part on a shape of the membrane if a particular dispense is a first dispense; moving a piston in the pumping system based at least in part on the calculated amount; opening an output valve of the pumping system; monitoring the pump chamber pressure to detect a sudden decrease in said pump chamber pressure to signal a mechanical failure in the pumping system; and determining a maximum pressure in the pump chamber during the movement of the piston.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an internal negative pressure of an ink container used in an ink-jet printing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hollow tube located in an interior of the ink container, and a containing member connected to the hollow tube for containing therein an ink of the container to prevent an atmospheric air from entering the interior of the ink container while the ink container is placed upside down. Thus, upon the ink container is black to the normal placement and in the working status, the ink will not leak from the ink-jet head.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing infant formula from powdered formula dispenses water at a temperature substantially in a range around body temperature into a baby bottle containing powdered infant formula for mixing and immediate feeding to a baby, thereby avoiding unnecessary inconvenience to the baby's caregiver associated with typical methods of preparing infant formula for feeding. The water is filtered, disinfected and heated to the appropriate temperature for dispensing on demand.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining a minimum amount of ink in an ink fountain (10) of a printing press includes an ink fountain level sensor (28) and ink dispenser (26) mounted on a carriage (30) for lateral movement on a track (32) across the ink fountain. The carriage traverses the ink fountain. When the ink in the fountain develops a spot below a preset minimum level, a preset amount of ink is immediately dispensed upon detection of the low spot by the sensor.

Abstract: An ink management system for an offset printing press includes a cartridge of offset printing press ink, wherein the cartridge has an exit opening in one end through which ink is dispensed and an open end opposite said exit opening. A movable member is disposed within said ink cartridge for dispensing ink from said ink cartridge. Movement of the movable member dispenses ink into an ink fountain through the exit opening. The displacement of the movable member is determined in order to track an amount of ink dispensed during, for example, a printing run.

Abstract: A thin vacuum valve for particle accelerator beam lines comprising of a frame, a slide, a shaft, a first clamp, and preferably a second clamp, which is easily constructed from highly electrically conductive material and presents substantially smooth, flat surfaces towards adjacent particle accelerator component. The frame has first and second surfaces respectively facing toward the two adjacent particle accelerator system components, the first surface including a slide slot. A frame orifice extends through the frame between the first and second surfaces, preferably at the slide slot, and is positioned and sized on the frame to permit passage of a particle beam generated by the particle accelerator system along a beam line The slide is housed substantially within the slide slot and is movable between a first position and a second position along a slide axis. In the first position, the slide permits a particle beam to pass through the slide orifice and through the frame orifice along the beam line.

Abstract: The present disclosure sets out a method and apparatus for forming an insert body. The insert body is preferably made of hard particles of tungsten carbide commingled with particles of a binding metal alloy primarily made of cobalt. The finished component typically is a right cylinder of tungsten carbide and cobalt based alloy. It incorporates in it a diamond region which is formed of diamond particles and cobalt also. The geometry of the diamond region is preferably a sphere or a cylinder and has a curvilinear bottom face to distribute stress for structural integrity.