Abstract: The present invention presents a method and system for providing an intelligent data concentrator communicatively coupled to a network by a wireless mode. Specifically, the present invention comprises a portable intelligent device, communicatively connected to a network by a wireless mode, which may, for example, be placed in the center of a conference table to facilitate a number of client devices connecting for simultaneous access to the network and, at the same time, allowing for ease in moving about the room. In one embodiment, the portable intelligent data concentrator is communicatively coupled by a wireless mode to an access point. In one embodiment, the intelligent data concentrator is battery powered. In one embodiment, the access point through which the intelligent data concentrator is connected to the network is another intelligent data concentrator. In another embodiment, the access point is a Bluetooth access point.

Abstract: A secure network outlet for supporting IP device address assigning functionality. A network access request is received from an electronic device communicatively coupled to intelligent hardware. In one embodiment, a device address request is transmitted to a network server. A first device address is received at the intelligent hardware from the network server. The intelligent hardware then assigns a second device address to the electronic device. In another embodiment, the intelligent hardware has a pre-assigned first device address and assigns a second device address to the electronic device, such that the intelligent hardware eliminates the need for a separate device address assigning server. The present invention reduces the consumption of global device addresses within a network, and also provides protection to electronic devices by hiding their device addresses from the external network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for managing fault detection and isolation in voice and data networks. Specifically, the present invention is a device and method for fault detection and fault isolation that can be used to validate connectivity of a central site to a number of connected client devices. The present invention operates stage by stage, working from the central site back to a connected client device. The present invention can be controlled from a central maintenance station and as such does not require direct user enabling. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an intelligent device (e.g., an intelligent data concentrator) for coupling an electronic device to a network comprising a first interface for communicatively coupling the intelligent device to the network and a second interface for communicatively coupling the intelligent device to a plurality of client devices such that the client devices are communicatively coupled to the network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for managing access to a wireless personal area network in an intelligent concentrator. The method manages wireless access to a network by providing wireless communication in the network, providing firewall protection between the network and a wireless access device, receiving an identification code from the wireless access device to the network, determining whether the identification code is valid, granting network access to the wireless access device when the identification code is valid, denying network access to the wireless access device when the identification code is not valid, and issuing an alert to a network manager when the identification code is not valid. The identification code can be the unique media access code of the wireless access device or any other unique identification code previously registered with the network manager.

Abstract: A method and device for power management of intelligent hardware (e.g., an intelligent data concentrator) for providing access to voice and data networks. Power use data of the intelligent hardware is obtained, wherein the intelligent hardware is coupled to a power source and communicatively coupled to a voice or data network. The intelligent hardware is configured to communicatively couple a plurality of electronic devices to the network. Using the power use data, a power mode of the intelligent hardware is determined. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a first interface for communicatively coupling the intelligent hardware to the network and a power source and a second interface for communicatively coupling the intelligent device to the plurality of client devices. The intelligent device also comprises means for processing and interpreting data coupled to the first interface, and power mode control means coupled to the means for processing and interpreting data.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible wireless communication network connection point that provides convenient and effective connection of network devices to a network. In one embodiment the present invention is a multi-configuration network connection point device comprising a first connection interface, a second connection interface, a means for intelligently concentrating data and a communication bus. The first connection interface includes a primary connection port for communicatively coupling to an upstream network device. The second connection interface including a secondary connection port for communicatively coupling to a downstream network device via a wireless technology. In one exemplary implementation the second connection interface is adapted to be secured in a fixed location while conveniently providing the communicative coupling to a downstream network device via a wireless technology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer network and a method for using the network The network and method employ powered multiplexing connection devices which electronically couple two or more network devices to the network. The signals from the network devices to the network are multiplexed at the powered multiplexing connection devices and the signals from the network to the network devices are demultiplexed at the powered multiplexing connection devices. The multiplexing enables the various work-center devices to communicate with the network and, in some cases, to receive power over the network connection. The intelligent electronic circuitry is also capable of aiding in network security and management and in monitoring the status of the network infrastructure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for managing access to a wireless personal area network in an intelligent concentrator. The method manages wireless access to a network by providing wireless communication in the network, providing firewall protection between the network and a wireless access device, receiving an identification code from the wireless access device to the network, determining whether the identification code is valid, granting network access to the wireless access device when the identification code is valid, denying network access to the wireless access device when the identification code is not valid, and issuing an alert to a network manager when the identification code is not valid. The identification code can be the unique media access code of the wireless access device or any other unique identification code previously registered with the network manager.

Abstract: A method and system for maintaining coherence of location information in a database of a distributed network of network jack units are disclosed. The method includes initially configuring the location information accurately, upon which the distributed network is monitored. Upon detecting a change in the distributed network, the significance of that change on the coherence of the location information is assessed. Upon determining that the change is significant, an action is initiated to update the database and/or take other corrective action.

Abstract: A method for selectively providing access to voice and data networks by use of intelligent hardware. The present invention provides security measures for controlling access to a network connection. An electronic device communicatively coupled to intelligent hardware initiates a request to access a network. The request is received at the intelligent hardware communicatively coupled to the network and configured to allow access to the network according to predetermined criteria. Provided the request satisfies the predetermined criteria, the electronic device is provided access to the network. The predetermined criteria may include placing geographic restrictions (e.g., the room the port is located in), temporal restrictions (e.g., weekend or nighttime restrictions), and user class restrictions (e.g., visitor restrictions or low-level employee restrictions) on specific ports of the intelligent hardware. In one embodiment, a central control site manages the predetermined criteria.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention facilitate coupling electronic devices to an intelligent data concentrator. The intelligent data concentrator is operable for multiplexing data signals from a plurality of client devices to a network interface using client interfaces. Embodiments of the present invention include a faceplate which can hold interface adapters. The interface adapters hold the client interfaces in a substantially fixed position relative to the faceplate.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a data packet from a computer system to an external device, where the computer system and the external device communicatively coupled by an external connector. Various types of external connectors may be used depending, for example, on whether the connection is a remote connection to a network or a direct network connection. The type of external connector is recognized. An application being used by the computer system to generate the data packet is identified. The data packet is automatically configured depending on the type of external connector. The present invention thus reduces or eliminates the need for user intervention when different types of external connectors are used.

Abstract: A bone marrow biopsy needle includes an outer tube having a lumen extending therethrough which narrows at the distal end of the outer tube. An inner tube is slidable through the lumen of the outer tube and includes a pair of pincers at its distal end. As the inner tube is slid through the lumen of the outer tube, the pincers will encounter the narrowed portion of the lumen and as the pincers extend beyond an opening at the distal end of the outer tube, the pincers close upon themselves, and in this manner the pincers can grasp a biopsy core from bone marrow of a patient. The pincers may have sharpened edges and/or have their edges bent radially inwardly so as to enhance the cutting of the biopsy core from the bone marrow.

Abstract: The invention is directed to Factor VIII concentrate which has been heated in the lyophilized state at a temperature of at least 60.degree. C. for at least 10 hours to rid the factor of undesirable microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention herein describes the heat treatment of lyophilized Factor VIII to rid it of viral infectiveness.

Abstract: The invention is directed to treating blood clotting Factor VIII products to minimize the presence of undesirable microorganisms involving process steps of drying and heating of the product. In addition the invention is directed to products obtained by the process.

Abstract: A method for treating blood products to eliminate hepatitis virus present therein is disclosed. Blood products treated according to the method are first lyophilized and then subjected to heat for a period of time sufficient to inactivate the hepatitis virus. At the conclusion of the heating step the blood product can be reconstituted using sterile water or a like diluent. No adverse effects on blood product activity following treatment have been observed. The method has special applicability to blood plasma fractions such as Factor VIII, Factor IX and fibrinogen.