Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring viscous heating/heat build-up of viscoelastic materials, such as rubber and polymer compounds. Temperature changes in the viscoelastic material are measured during application of a shearing force to the viscoelastic material. The shearing force is applied by rotating a second die plate relative to a first die plate, which remains stationary. Temperature changes in the viscoelastic material attributable to friction between the first die and an adjacent sealing ring are accounted for, and subtracted out of the final temperature values. The present invention provides an accurate, quantifiable, and repeatable measure of viscous heating/heat build-up of a viscoelastic material.

Abstract: A broadband communications network having an uninterruptible power supply. The power supply has one input connection to AC line voltage and another input connected to a gas powered electrical generator. The power supply contains an uninterruptible power supply module having a controlled ferroresonant transformer and a battery. The power supply also contains a bypass module having a controlled ferroresonant transformer. Switches are provided to allow either of the inputs to be connected to either the UPS module or the bypass module for the generation of power signals for supplying power to the broadband communications network.

Abstract: A cable TV distribution system in which an AC power signal is generated according to the following steps: (a) generating an AC power signal having at least a positive half-cycle, where the positive half-cycle comprises a rising portion, a falling portion, and a central portion; and (b) limiting the slew rate of the AC power signal within the rising portion to a range of 30 V/ms and 50 V/ms inclusive. Preferably, the slew rate of the AC power signal within the falling portion is limited to the range of -30 V/ms and -50 V/ms inclusive.