Abstract: A method for monitoring a GTP communication path in an UMTS/GPRS network as well as a corresponding monitoring system that is connected to the UMTS/GPRS network. The monitoring system comprises means for generating a GTP-C message in the form of a GTP echo request message containing an IP address of the monitoring system as an originating address and an IP address of a node of the UMTS/GPRS network or an external network as a destination address. The system also includes means for transmitting the GTP echo request message to the addressed network node and storing the message transmission time, means of receiving a GTP echo response message sent by the addressed network node as a reply to a successfully transmitted GTP echo request message, and means for determining a round trip time of the GTP echo request/response messages by forming the difference between the time the GTP echo response message is received and the time the GTP echo request message is sent.

Abstract: Apparatus for attachment to an inflatable surfboard, which apparatus has a shape and configuration to provide a rigid edge that enables improved surfing performance. The apparatus may be attached to a non-inflatable board to provide an improved rigid edge.

Abstract: A sundial for telling apparent solar time and clock time across a range of latitudes and longitudes. A solar dial is formed with an index point and a noon hour point. A plurality of concentric latitude indicia are centered at the index point and at least one map indicium is overlaid by the concentric latitude indicia where the map indicium has geographic latitudes corresponding with the concentric latitude indicia on the solar dial. The solar dial also includes a plurality of solar time indicia radiating generally outward from the index point drawn with respect to the noon hour point according to the hour line equation at each concentric latitude indicia intercept. An elongated gnomon projects from the index point, whereby the sun's shadow cast by the gnomon intersects the solar time indicia in relation to the concentric latitude indicia to provide a reading of apparent solar time for the user's location on the map indicium.

Abstract: A vacuum valve with a seating ring having a generally rectangular cross section. With respect to rectangular edges lying diametrically opposite one another, radii of curvature are arranged in these edges, which radii of curvature come into sealing engagement with sealing seats arranged lying opposite one another on the housing side and the disk side. The sealing surfaces on the sealing seats have approximately the same cone angle. The sealing ring is easy to produce, has a small rolling path and there is no danger of damage to the valve seats by the sealing ring.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having the dual functions of gripping a suture needle and cutting a suture. The instrument performs one function when the handles are pivoted together and the other function when the handles are pivoted apart. The instrument also provides for a precise suture tail length when the suture is cut.

Abstract: A practical solid-state battery composed primarily of ceramic or glass materials and containing no liquid, gel or polymeric electrolytes. The invention utilizes solid-state electrolyte materials with solid-state anode and cathode materials along with construction concepts utilized in the multi layered ceramic capacitor (MLCC) industry to result in a compact primary or secondary battery.

Abstract: A drywall sealing tape which includes a substrate layer and a mesh layer made of mesh filament. The mesh layer is an array of filaments formed together which, when adjacent the substrate, create an inter-filament cavity for receiving and retaining joint compound between the substrate and the drywall panel. In use, the drywall sealing tape of the present invention may be coated with joint compound and applied to a drywall panel. The inter-filament cavities retain a volume of joint compound corresponding to the approximate thickness of the mesh filament. The joint compound retained within the cavities serves to bond the drywall sealing tape of the present invention to the drywall panels, and provides a seamless, crack-resistant surface.

Abstract: A method of and a program for providing coherence between instances of data objects residing on distributed nodes of a non-memory-coupled network. To provide a method of and a program for providing coherence in accordance with the features set forth in the opening part of this specification, which allows coherence between, in principle, any data objects or instances of data objects, in that respect is substantially freely scalable and also does not require a central memory or server for the data objects. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, for each instance of a data object that is processed by a node, platform-independent unique metadata are generated and by means of the metadata and a coherence protocol which operates on that metadata, the metadata and thus the data objects are kept coherent.

Abstract: A flexible reusable thermal pack for therapeutic purposes. A flexible, insulative sealed pouch is partially filled with hollow balls containing freezable or heatable liquid and metal balls of substantial mass. The thermal pack slowly returns to ambient temperature while it conforms to be a body part needing therapeutic thermal treatment.

Abstract: A machine tool having a carrier device for workpieces or tools or tool spindles. A console supports the carrier and can be pivoted about a first axis (X) from the horizontal into the vertical position and beyond. The console is pivotably housed on carriages guided in the machine body. The carrier for a workpiece, a tool, or a tool spindle is arranged on the console, and a drive device is provided for the synchronous displacement of the carriages on guide rails fixed on the machine tool. The console is hinged via two crank-like arms to the stationary machine body in addition to being supported on both carriages to form a kniematic coupling.

Abstract: A method and a device for power-saving operation of RFID data carriers, whereby the RFID data carrier has a transmission and reception antenna, by way of which data are sent to or received from a transmission/read unit, by means of a radio signal, within a transmission field, whereby the data carrier is configured for a power-saving sleep mode, and switches over to the reception mode by means of a wake-up signal. With the transmission of the wake-up signal, at the same time, a time datum is transmitted to the data carrier, whereby the time datum shows the time that indicates how much time must still elapse until transmission of a command. The data carrier configured with the sleep mode switches over to a reception mode by means of a wake-up signal, whereby the wake-up signal additionally has a time datum that forms a countdown time, and switches the data carrier into the reception mode briefly, after this time has elapsed, thereby causing the data carrier to receive a command.

Abstract: A method and a device for power-saving operation of a plurality of RFID data carriers, whereby the RFID data carrier has a transmission and reception antenna, by way of which data are sent to and received from a read/write unit, by means of a radio signal, and the data carrier is configured for reception of an energy-saving signal that puts the data carrier into a so-called sleep mode. The read/write unit sends a so-called conditional sleep command to all the RFID data carriers, and the RFID data carriers receiving these data in the transmission field compare the transmitted condition with a status/data detected in the RFID data carrier, whereby the condition detected in the RFID data carrier depends on a sensor input that is connected with the RFID data carrier.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the load distribution between one mobile radio network, for example using the UMTS standard, and another mobile radio network, for example using the GSM standard, by optimizing the signalling sequence when establishing a connection in such a mobile radio system. It enables efficient cooperation when establishing a connection, for example a voice connection, between a UMTS and a GSM network. In addition to the efficient use of resources in a UMTS system, the method also enables direct establishment of a connection, for example of a voice connection that was initiated in a UMTS network, in a GSM network.

Abstract: A method and a system for transmitting data on the location of a mobile radio terminal to a receiver by means of a mobile radio network. An area that lies within the service range of the mobile radio network is defined and is subdivided into several subareas. A plurality of different call numbers are assigned to the receiver, who can be called at each of the call numbers. One respective call number is injectively allocated to the subareas. The location of the mobile radio terminal is determined and is made available to the mobile radio system when a call request is addressed to the receiver by the mobile radio terminal. The determined location is associated with a subarea and thus with a call number of the receiver. A connection between the mobile radio terminal and the receiver is established based on said call number.

Abstract: A magnet system for generating a magnetic field may include a superconducting magnet, a switch, and a heater element thermally coupled to the switch. The superconducting magnet is structured to generate magnetic fields, and the switch includes a non-inductive superconducting current carrying path connected in parallel to the superconducting magnet. In general, the switch is structured to only carry a level of current that is a portion of the current required to obtain a full field by the superconducting magnet.