Abstract: A method and apparatus enables a Network Access Server in association with a telecommunications switch to route incoming calls only to devices that have an actual connection to the Internet. A set of devices, RPG-Is, reformat incoming data from subscribers to a desired Internet Protocol. Initially, the expected network topology is recorded in memory for later comparison. During operation, each RPG-I attempts to detect the presence of every other expected RPG-I. If the presence of another RPG-I is not detected within a predetermined threshold period, then an alarm is issued. Error alarms are forwarded to application logic of the telecommunications switch so that the switch can avoid connecting a subscriber's call to an inoperable RPG-I. An alarm can also be forwarded to a network operator's terminal.

Abstract: A system for providing a seal between a housing and a shaft is formed of at least two ring members connected to each other by relative diametrical expansion with reduced or eliminated axial resilient deformation. The ring members may be held together by an annular protrusion located within a recess. To eliminate play between the protrusion and the recess, the device may be assembled by heating the recess and inserting the protrusion into the recess while the recess is expanded. The improved system can be accurately assembled, with the ring members located very close to each other. The system has improved oil retention and water exclusion properties.

Abstract: A Virtual Soft Handover (VSHO) process for high data rate (HDR) applications is disclosed that considers the total number packets remaining to be transmitted prior to initiating the VSHO. An HDR mobile terminal maintains data transmission information relating to an amount of data to be transmitted during a data transfer in progress during a data session. The data transmission information may include, for example, the total packet size of a data transmission and the data transmission status (i.e., the number of packets remaining to be transmitted). The decision of whether to perform a VSHO is made according to the data transmission information. In one embodiment, a VSHO may be deactivated when the number of packets remaining to be transmitted is less than a certain threshold. In other embodiments, a VSHO may not be performed if the total packet size is smaller than a certain threshold.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improved measurement of the thermal expansion and/or chemical reactivity of aggregates used in concrete and for similar substances. Aggregate is placed into the chamber of a metallic container having an enlarged opening. The aggregate is placed in a water bath, and a tightly sealable lid is placed onto the container. The lid carries a linear variable differential transducer (LVDT). A thermocouple for sensing temperature is also retained within the lid so that a sensor on the thermocouple contacts the water bath when the lid is secured onto the container. The LVDT is operationally interconnected with a storage or recording device. In a preferred construction the lid retains a tower member having a float that is freely moveably mounted upon a guide rod. Movement of the float is indicative of a volumetric change in the aggregate and water.

Abstract: A flavored filling having a low water activity. The filling includes a flavoring agent, an edible oil, and humectant. The edible oil can include a high and a low melting temperature oil. The high melting point oil, when used, can act as a crystal seeding agent during the formation of the filling.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a cartridge case having a cartridge base; a projectile having a rearward portion received by the cartridge case; a propellant primer disposed in the cartridge case and extending along the longitudinal cartridge axis; an electrically programmable projectile fuze disposed in the projectile; an electrode disposed at the cartridge base; a plug mounted on the propellant primer at a frontal end thereof; a first contact carried by the plug; a first conductor extending in the propellant primer and connecting the first contact with the electrode; a socket, formed on the rearward portion of the projectile, receives and surrounds the plug; a second contact carried by the socket and being in electric contact with the first contact; and a second conductor extending in the projectile and connecting the second contact with the projectile fuze.

Abstract: One or more brush bodies fabricated from an incompressible material, for example, from high density polyurethane, high density polyethylene, high density polypropylene, nylon, ORLON—synthetic forming polymers and copolymers of acrylic acid or its derivatives, high density plastics, phenolic resin-based materials hard rubber, wood, aluminum, or other easily drillable metals, are connected to, or integrally fabricated with one or more elastomeric, conventional cement plugs, and are pumped down within the interior of oilfield casing situated within an earth borehole, to minimize or eliminate the need to run a workstring of drillpipe and drill bit to clean out the interior of the string of casing.

Abstract: The invention provides process and apparatus for conducting an endothermic reaction of an organic compound in the presence of molecular hydrogen and of multicomponent solids. The process comprises contacting the compound with a solid catalyst for the endothermic reaction and a hydrogen oxidizing solid reagent intermixed with the solid catalyst. Organic products of the endothermic reaction are produced, with evolution of molecular hydrogen. The solid catalyst becomes gradually deactivated by formation of carbonaceous deposits thereon. The evolved hydrogen undergoes an exothermic reaction with the hydrogen oxidizing solid reagent to form a reduction product which comprises deactivated hydrogen oxidizing solid reagent.

Abstract: A process for preparing diced or sliced sausage, e.g. pepperoni, includes the steps of preparing the meat mixture by grinding and mixing to specification. The sausage is stuffed into casings or is extruded into sheet form for fermentation and cooking, following which the cooled meat mixture is chilled to 35° F. or lower and sliced or sliced and diced. The product is thereafter conveyed to a spiral dryer where it is exposed to relatively warm (about 50° F. to 120° F.) air at an initial relative humidity of 50% or less, preferably 30% or less, under turbulent air flow. The dried sausage is then conveyed to a chiller or freezer. Pepperoni prepared in this process has desirable flow characteristics when compared to product made using known pepperoni manufacturing processes. In the most preferred embodiment the conditioned air enters the lower portion of the spiral dryer along with the meat pieces and the resulting product is more consistent than if conventional top/down air flow was used in the dryer.

Abstract: An outlet tube comprising a unitary material sheet folding into a rectangular shape and having overlapping ends secured with rivets, the outlet further including flanges extending outwardly from one end of the walls of the rectangular shape, and slots at the upper and lower fold lines to accommodate irregular shaped holes via bending of the sides of the outlet tube. Three sizes of flat blanks handle all gutter common hole sizes, and these blanks are made by one die assembly, which include holes on flange to allow riveting to the floor or the gutter.

Abstract: An inductive path sensor for determining the position of the influencing element (2) is described, with several coils (4) arranged in succession, with one capacitor (5), with an amplifier element (6), with at least one changeover switch (7) and with an evaluation unit (8), one coil (4) at a time and a capacitor (5) forming an oscillating circuit, and one oscillating circuit and the amplifier element (6) forming an oscillator (9), the individual coils (4) being chosen in succession by the changeover switch or switches (7) and the evaluation unit (8) measuring the change of impedance of the coil (4) chosen by the changeover switch (7) or of the oscillating circuit chosen by the changeover switch (7) depending on the position of the influencing element (2) relative to the respective coil (4).

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention, accordingly, is directed to a tensioning device for tensioning a screen relative to a wall of a separator in a manner so that the proper tension can be applied to the screen in a relatively quick manner and yet the screen can be easily removed and a new one installed.

Abstract: This relates to methods to minimize the growth of cells until such time as cells are needed for the nuclear transfer. This method can be used for processes in which cells need to be preserved by cryopreservation.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for determining the locations of a plurality of actual objects based on the output of a plurality of range sensors. A multiplicity of range measurements are obtained from a plurality of sensors, each sensor capable of providing a multiplicity of range measurements. The range measurements from the plurality of sensors are correlated with each other to generate a list of potential objects and to order that list of potential objects from highest to lowest likelihood of being an actual object. The order may be based upon a cumulative error of the individual sensor measurements upon which the potential object is based. The ordered list of potential objects is then pared down to a smaller list of actual objects by assuming that the potential object highest in the ordered list as an actual object, and then removing from the list all other lower-ordered potential objects that are based on any of the range measurements upon which the selected object is based.

Abstract: A hydraulic system manifold having a body, a counterbalancer in the body and a flow controller in the body is disclosed. The body has first and second pump ports, first and second cylinder ports, first and second compensator ports and first and second supply conduits in communication with the first and second pump ports, the counterbalancer and the flow controller. The counterbalancer is in communication with the first and second supply conduits and the cylinder ports, to communicate hydraulic fluid between the first and second supply conduits and the first and second cylinder ports while counterbalancing hydraulic fluid pressure in the first and second supply conduits. The flow controller is in communication with the first and second supply conduits and the compensator ports, to control the flow of hydraulic fluid between the compensator ports and the first and second supply conduits to supply and store hydraulic fluid in a volumetric compensator in communication with the compensator ports.

Abstract: A filter assembly (20) for a drainage basin (22) is disclosed. The filter assembly includes a filter (28), a liquid director (32) adapted to guide liquid into the filter. The filter assembly also includes an attachment assembly (30) fastened to the filter. The attachment assembly adapted to selectively attach the filter to the drainage basin.

Abstract: A cable raceway for carrying cables, e.g., fiber optic cables, across interior or exterior spaces is disclosed. The cable raceway includes a series of support channels and a plurality of main channels, each main channel being disposed in an overlaying relationship between successive pairs of support channels. An elongated slot is formed through end portions of the main channels, and bolts pass through spacers attached to the support channels and disposed in the elongated slots. The cable raceway also includes a plurality of covers set over respective channel members. Each cover includes a top portion; a pair of opposing sides extending downward perpendicularly from the top portion; and, a pair of steps formed on inner surfaces of respective sides adjacent to the top portion, thereby extending longitudinally along the length of the cover.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for analysing a sample comprising: immobilising a polypeptide to a physical support; contacting the immobilised polypeptide with a test sample which may contain an agent capable of modifying the immobilised polypeptide; contacting the immobilised polypeptide with a binding partner polypeptide, wherein the binding of this partner polypeptide to the immobilised polypeptide is at least partly dependent on the modification state of the immobilised polypeptide; and measuring the association of the binding partner polypeptide to the immobilised polypeptide.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided to secure a suture relative to body tissue. When a predetermined minimum force is being transmitted between a suture retainer and the body tissue, the suture is gripped with the suture retainer by plastically deforming material of the suture retainer. One or more bends may be formed in suture by the suture retainer to increase the holding action between the suture retainer and the suture. The bends in the suture may be formed by wrapping the suture around a portion of the suture retainer. During movement of the suture retainer toward the body tissue, the bends may be moved along the suture. One or more bends may be formed in the suture by bending a tubular member through which the suture extends. The tubular member may be maintained in a bent condition by a C-shaped holder member. Alternatively, the tubular member may be maintained in a bent condition by members which are latched together.

Abstract: Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, expresses on its surface a decorin binding protein, DbpA and DbpB. Lysine residues necessary for DbpA binding to decorin and DbpA peptides containing these critical residues essential for decorin binding are disclosed. It is further disclosed that vaccination using peptides incorporating these critical binding domains of DbpA can confer a delayed-type hypersensitivity response to DbpA and reduce the number of B. burgdorferi organisms present in infected animals.