Abstract: The present invention provides for network taps capable of connecting to a plurality of communication cables. The network taps provide one or more levels of multiplexers which allow network data signals from a particular communication cable to be delivered to an attached device in order to monitor the activity of the communication cable. The network taps also include integrated circuitry which control the various functions and components of the network tap.

Abstract: An optical signal return path system includes a transmitter having a sample clock generator for generating a sample clock and an RF signal receiver for receiving and converting an analog RF data signal into a first data stream of digitized RF data samples at a rate determined by the sample clock. Supplemental channel circuitry provides a second data stream. A multiplexor receives and combines the first data stream and second data stream, and an optical transmitter converting the combined data stream into a serialized optical data signal for transmission over an optical fiber. The second data stream may contain maintenance data reflecting an operational state of the transmitter. A receiver receives the optical data signal and recovers therefrom a digital data stream and an associated first clock having an associated first clock rate. The data stream is stored in a memory device at the first clock rate.

Abstract: A fastening member has inboard and outboard ends, a panel region, an end region, and a stiffening element. The panel region is disposed adjacent to the inboard end and has first and second layers. The first and second layers are joined in a face-to-face orientation. The end region is disposed adjacent to the outboard end and has a fastening element zone and an intermediate zone. The intermediate zone is disposed between the fastening element zone and the panel region adjacent an interface between the panel and end regions. The stiffening element is disposed in the end region and has a stiffness of greater than about 200 N/m. A portion of the stiffening element is disposed between the first layer and the second layer and is joined to the first layer and the second layer. The portion is disposed adjacent to the interface between the panel region and the end region.

Abstract: A Cable Television (CATV) digital return link system that provides dedicated, high-speed, full-duplex and point-to-point connections between users and the head end system is disclosed. The CATV digital return link system includes return path transmitters, intermediate hubs and a head end hub coupled to each other via a network of fiber optics cables. The return path transmitters are each coupled to a relatively large number of users via a local CATV-subtree. Signals from cable modems are transmitted via the local CATV-subtree to the return path transmitters for transmission to the head end. A number of users are individually and directly connected to the return path transmitters. Data from these directly connected users is transmitted to the head end via the network of fiber optics cables in conjunction with the RF data from the subtree. Likewise, data from the head end to these directly connected users is transmitted in the forward path direction using the digital return link system.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine rotor blade containment assembly (38) comprises a generally cylindrical, or frustoconical, metal casing (40). The metal casing (40) has at least one arched portion (62,64,66) and each arched portion (62,64,66) extends circumferentially around the metal casing (40). Each arched portion (62,64,66) comprises a radially inwardly extending arch (68) in which the trough (74) of the arch (68) is radially inwardly of a straight line (76) interconnecting the axial ends (70,72) of the arch (68). The trough (74) of the arch (68) is radially inwardly of the at least one of the axial ends (70,72) of the at least one arch (68). The arched portions (62,64,66) introduce compressive stresses into the metal casing (40) during a fan blade 34 impact and enable the metal casing (40) to withstand the impact. The fan blade containment assembly (38) is lighter for large diameter turbofan gas turbine engine (10).

Abstract: A programmable data filtering/searching system for use with a data network. The primary programmable hardware-based filtering and searching portions of the system are integrated onto the same printed circuit board as the data storage device to facilitate efficient filtering and searching of data from a data stream coming from a memory storage device after being captured. In addition, the actual hardware and software used to perform the filtering and searching routines is programmable such that various filter and search criteria can be entered and utilized. The data filtering/searching system also uses metadata in addition to the captured data to minimize the time required to perform certain processes on the data from the data stream.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may comprise a chassis and an ear. The chassis comprises a liquid permeable topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet. The ear comprises an elastomeric material and a first substrate joined to the elastomeric material. The ear has a first void region adjacent the proximal edge of the ear. The ear is joined to the chassis by at least one mechanical bond that engages the elastomeric material.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine rotor blade containment assembly (38) comprises a generally cylindrical, or frustoconical, metal casing (40). The metal casing (40) has at least one arched portion (62, 64, 66) and each arched portion (62, 64, 66) extends circumferentially around the metal casing (40). Each arched portion (62, 64, 66) comprises a radially inwardly extending arch (68) in which the trough (74) of the arch (68) is radially inwardly of a straight line (76) interconnecting the axial ends (70, 72) of the arch (68). The trough (74) of the arch (68) is radially inwardly of the at least one of the axial ends (70, 72) of the at least one arch (68). The arched portions (62, 64, 66) introduce compressive stresses into the metal casing (40) during a fan blade 34 impact and enable the metal casing (40) to withstand the impact. The fan blade containment assembly (38) is lighter for large diameter turbofan gas turbine engine (10).

Abstract: The present invention provides for network taps capable of connecting to a plurality of communication cables. The network taps provide one or more levels of multiplexers which allow network data signals from a particular communication cable to be delivered to an attached device in order to monitor the activity of the communication cable. The network taps also include integrated circuitry which control the various functions and components of the network tap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Cable Television (CATV) that includes a head end with a radio-frequency hub and an Ethernet hub to separately process data transmitted within the CATV. Specifically, the radio-frequency hub receives the data, extracts radio-frequency data therefrom, outputs the extracted radio-frequency data, and transmits the data to the Ethernet hub, which is external to the radio-frequency hub. The Ethernet hub receives the data from the radio-frequency hub, extracts Ethernet data from the data, outputs the extracted Ethernet data to an Ethernet data port, inputs additional Ethernet data from the Ethernet data port, incorporates the additional Ethernet data into the data, and transmits the data, with the additional Ethernet data incorporated therein, to a receiver.

Abstract: A Cable Television (CATV) digital return link system that provides dedicated, high-speed, full-duplex and point-to-point connections between users and the head end system is disclosed. The CATV digital return link system includes return path transmitters, intermediate hubs and a head end hub coupled to each other via a network of fiber optics cables. The return path transmitters are each coupled to a relatively large number of users via a local CATV-subtree. Signals from cable modems are transmitted via the local CATV-subtree to the return path transmitters for transmission to the head end. A number of users are individually and directly connected to the return path transmitters. Data from these directly connected users is transmitted to the head end via the network of fiber optics cables in conjunction with the RF data from the subtree. Likewise, data from the head end to these directly connected users is transmitted in the forward path direction using the digital return link system.

Abstract: A universal drain tool for use with shower and sink drains is provided. A representative drain tool includes a head containing a shaped aperture configured to engage the lock nuts of common shower and sink drains. The tool includes a handle attached to a head part. The handle allows the user to rotate the head part when the head part is engaged with the shower or sink drain. The head part can include an edge piece configured to insert into the internal lock nut slots of commonly available drop-in shower drains.

Abstract: A universal drain tool for use with shower and sink drains is provided. A representative drain tool includes a head containing a shaped aperture configured to engage the lock nuts of common shower and sink drains. The tool includes a handle attached to a head part. The handle allows the user to rotate the head part when the head part is engaged with the shower or sink drain. The head part can include an edge piece configured to insert into the internal lock nut slots of commonly available drop-in shower drains.

Abstract: An optical signal return path system includes a transmitter having a sample clock generator for generating a sample clock and an RF signal receiver for receiving and converting an analog RF data signal into a first data stream of digitized RF data samples at a rate determined by the sample clock. Supplemental channel circuitry provides a second data stream. A multiplexor receives and combines the first data stream and second data stream, and an optical transmitter converting the combined data stream into a serialized optical data signal for transmission over an optical fiber. The second data stream may contain maintenance data reflecting an operational state of the transmitter. A receiver receives the optical data signal and recovers therefrom a digital data stream and an associated first clock having an associated first clock rate. The data stream is stored in a memory device at the first clock rate.

Abstract: A polymer suitable for the preparation of liquid toners for developing electrostatic images and liquid toners incorporating such a polymer. The polymer is a reaction product of an epoxy resin and carrier soluble nitrogen bearing polymeric compound. The epoxy resin may be a reaction product of bisphenol A and epichlorhydrin and the carrier soluble nitrogen bearing polymeric compound may be an alkylated polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: An intracranial bolt, for installation in an opening in the skull to provide access to the brain for a medical device, has a bore therethrough for the passage of the medical device, and an inflatable member in the bore which when inflated engages a medical device in the bore, releasably anchoring the device. The inflatable member comprises a cylinder of flexible sheet material inside the bore and secured to the wall of the bore defining an annular pocket therebetween. A passage extends through the bolt to the pocket for the introduction of fluid into the pocket to expanding radially inwardly. The bolt in a medical procedure on the brain by forming an opening in the skull; installing the intracranial bolt in the opening in the skull; and securing the cap on the bolt. When it is time to conduct the procedure, the cap is removed and a medical device can be inserted into the brain through the bolt. The inflatable member can be inflated to temporarily hold the medical device in place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ramping current in an electromagnet in which a coil is used to generate the magnetic field provides rapid changes in the generated magnetic field. The method allows a change in current in the coil to be accomplished more rapidly than by applying a step change in voltage, when superconducting coils subject to quenching are used or when nonsuperconducting coils subject to other physical limitations are used. The method requires that both the current I(t) through the coil and the first derivative of the current vary with respect to time t during the ramping period, so that magnitude of the derivative of the current is higher when the magnitude of applied current is lower, lower when the magnitude of the applied current is higher. One variation of this method supplies (or removes) a constant amount of power from the magnetic field of the magnet, while another variation compensates for both self-generated eddy current losses and self-generated high field effects.

Abstract: An array of elongated needles for penetrating skin is assembled in single or multiple tiers with the tips or points thereof substantially aligned along an axis or plane that is skewed in non-perpendicular orientation relative to the axes of elongation of the needles. The needles are rigidly confined in the assembly within a common base portion that extends to a boundary limit remote from the tips which is oriented along an axis or plane that is skewed in non-perpendicular orientation relative to axes of elongation of the needles. The axis or plane of the needle tips may be substantially parallel or non-parallel to the axis or plane of the boundary limit to promote selected resilient flexure characteristics of the needles in the portions thereof between the boundary limit of the base and the needle tips.

Abstract: A solid ink jet ink composition which is suitable for hot melt applications having a carrier having an electrical resistivity of at least 10.sup.8 Ohm.cm, insoluble marking particles and a particle charging agent dispersed in it. The marking particle may be a pigment, an insoluble dyestuff, a polymer or mixture thereof. The particle charging agent may be a metal soap, a fatty acid, lecithin, an organic phosphorous compound, a succinimide, a sulphosuccinate, petroleum sulphonates, a soluble or partially soluble resin such as a modified rosin ester, an acrylic, a vinyl a hydrocarbon or a mixture thereof. The solid ink jet ink composition may further include a viscosity controller. The ink may be capable of being heated to 155.degree. C. and have at that temperature a viscosity of between 5 to 150 cps.

Abstract: A control method permits the operation of multiple superconducting magnetic coils so as to move a magnetic object to precisely specified locations within the body under command of a physician-operator observing the motion with live fluoroscopic imaging fused with more detailed preoperative imaging of some other kind. A computer contains the preoperative images and the fluoroscopic images, as well as the means to effect changes in the coil currents so as to accomplish the desired magnetic object motion and positioning. The control method operates the coils in pairs on opposite sides of the body in a manner to minimize the necessary current changes, thus avoiding the quenching of the superconducting coils. Combinations of these pairs can execute motion of the magnetic object in any direction in an impulsive manner and with high precision. The method should function well and provide advantages with coils which are not superconducting as well.