Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein providing systems and methods for modeling and visualizing interconnection relationships between a first provider network and a partner. In one implementation, a partner of a provider network is defined by at least one interconnection point where network traffic may be exchanged between the provider network and the partner. An interconnection relationship is generated based on the at least one interconnection point. The interconnection relationship is modeled.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing non-intrusive network layer performance measurement in communication networks are disclosed. An example method to measure network layer performance between existing network nodes disclosed herein comprises coupling a first intelligent network interface (INI) to an available access port of a first existing network node providing access to a network, wherein the first INI obtains power and input information only from the access port after being coupled thereto, and exchanging test messages between the first INI and a second INI coupled to a second existing network node during normal operation of the first and second existing network nodes to measure network layer performance, wherein the test messages originate in the first INI and are routed through the first and second existing network nodes using a first network layer address associated with the first INI and a second network layer address associated with the second INI.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing non-intrusive network layer performance measurement in communication networks are disclosed. An example method to measure network layer performance between existing network nodes disclosed herein comprises coupling a first intelligent network interface (INI) to an available access port of a first existing network node providing access to a network, wherein the first INI obtains power and input information only from the access port after being coupled thereto, and exchanging test messages between the first INI and a second INI coupled to a second existing network node during normal operation of the first and second existing network nodes to measure network layer performance, wherein the test messages originate in the first INI and are routed through the first and second existing network nodes using a first network layer address associated with the first INI and a second network layer address associated with the second INI.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for performing non-intrusive network layer performance measurement in communication networks are disclosed. An example method to measure network layer performance between existing network nodes disclosed herein comprises coupling a first intelligent network interface (INI) to an available access port of a first existing network node providing access to a network, wherein the first INI obtains power and input information only from the access port after being coupled thereto, and exchanging test messages between the first INI and a second INI coupled to a second existing network node during normal operation of the first and second existing network nodes to measure network layer performance, wherein the test messages originate in the first INI and are routed through the first and second existing network nodes using a first network layer address associated with the first INI and a second network layer address associated with the second INI.

Abstract: Spill-resistant cups for consuming beverages with delivery systems for simultaneously dispensing one or more agents which can reduce the rate of beverage-induced tooth decay and/or enamel erosion are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the spill-resistant cup can include a hollow cup body defining a beverage holding chamber. The spill-resistant cup also includes a lid assembly with a drinking spout having one or more spaced-apart drinking holes. The drinking spout is configured to be engaged by a consumer's mouth. The lid assembly can positively engage the cup body to enclose the beverage holding chamber. The spill-resistant cup can also include an agent delivery system for controlled delivery of the active ingredient to the consumer's mouth. Further, the spill-resistant cup can include a flow control element configured to limit a flow rate of the beverage from the beverage holding chamber to the drinking holes disposed in the drinking spout.

Abstract: A System and method for reducing and surviving failures in a voice trunking over ATM (VTOA) environment includes a CS-IWF complex having a plurality of interconnected CS-IWF units, each unit having a plurality of processors. An end office building may also be provided for interaction with the VTOA system. The end office building includes multiple T-IWFs, and a switch that distributes calls among the T-IWFs in a load sharing manner. Each T-IWF has a plurality of processors and is part of the VTOA system. A switch management system is also provided in the VTOA system. In order to reduce and survive failures, the switch management system includes a plurality of switch management system units. At least one of the switch management system units is a backup unit for a primary switch management system unit. Each switch management system unit provides application redundancy within itself.

Abstract: A synchronous optical network (SONET) demarcation device can be placed on a customer premises to enable remote testing and trouble shooting of customer premises equipment. The device includes a SONET signal analyzer that extracts SONET data, such as section, line and path overhead. The SONET demarcation device also includes a SONET fault condition, performance statistics, and alarm generator that generates fault conditions, performance statistics, and alarms based upon the extracted SONET data. The device also includes a transmitter that transmits the alarm and/or performance data to a remote site. The SONET demarcation device does not include ring functionality and/or multiplexing functionality, thus being lower in cost than a SONET multiplexer.

Abstract: A real-time, cost-per-unit-time billing rate is determined for an in-progress telephone call of a wireless telephone. The real-time, cost-per-unit-time billing rate is displayed on a display of the wireless telephone during the in-progress telephone call.

Abstract: A method separating for small molecules from an aqueous solution is presented. The method can be used selectively separate small molecules from a solution while leaving untargeted molecules dissolved in the solution. The method uses polymer filtration to selectively remove the small molecules from the aqueous solution. An aqueous solution containing the dissolved small molecule is contacted with a polymer which is capable of forming a complex with the small molecule. The aqueous solution is then subjected to ultrafiltration which creates a concentrated solution of the polymer-small molecule complex. The small molecule may be released from the polymer and the polymer recycled for another round of removal.

Abstract: A functionalized polymer for binding a dissolved molecule in an aqueous solution is presented. The polymer has a backbone polymer to which one or more functional groups are covalently linked. The backbone polymer can be such polymers as polyethylenimine, polyvinylamine, polyallylamine, and polypropylamine. These polymers are generally water-soluble, but can be insoluble when cross-linked.

Abstract: An advertising apparatus and method utilizing a sheet of pre-cut removable and repositionable page marking stickers insertable into a magazine or other publication. The individual page markers can selectively include advertisements printed on the bottom surfaces of the markers, which include adhesive, as well as on the sheet surfaces underlying the page markers. Advertisements printed on the underside of a page marker (including under the adhesive) and on the associated portion of underlying sheet may directly or indirectly relate to or correspond to one another, and are exposed when the marker is peeled from the underlying sheet to mark a page of interest in the magazine for later reference. The advertisement on the marker is highly visible when the marker is used to mark a page. The advertisement on the exposed underlying sheet is visible whenever that page is open.

Abstract: A sleeping bag or other sleeping apparatus having a rigid opening means or rigid expanded portion means for providing a rigid mechanical framework for supporting the top/upper layer of the sleeping apparatus or sleeping bag in order to extend and maintain the top/upper layer a predetermined distance away from the bottom layer of the sleeping apparatus or sleeping bag. The rigid opening or expansion portion extends for a predetermined longitudinal length into or through the sleeping apparatus/sleeping bag at any desired location. Such a rigid tunnel-like opening for disposed at the entrance of a sleeping bag would be desirable to provide a non-threatening, inviting entrance for a pet. Such a rigid tunnel-like opening, when disposed at a predetermined location any where along the longitudinal length of a sleeping bag or other sleeping apparatus would serve to prevent the sleeping bag cloth material from irritating a sensitive, injured or irritated body part or appendage of the human or pet occupant.

Abstract: Acid-stable and cationic-compatible reticulated bacterial cellulose compositions, containing co-agents and/or cationic surfactants, that are useful rheological modifying agents and stabilizing agents for suspensions, emulsions and foams, and their methods of preparation are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is a method of printing a replica of the natural iris on a contact lens. The printing is done using a rubber printing member having up raised rubber radial segments having a radius of substantially the same as the contact lens. The printing ink is applied to the radial printing segments and the rubber stamp is applied to the lens. Pressure is then applied to the rubber stamp forcing the edges of the radial printing segments to move outward moving an amount of printing ink ahead of the advancing edge. The lens is rotated and the process is repeated forming a geometric pattern resembling the human iris.

Abstract: This application relates to a method for preparing specimens for viewing particles and/or fibers captured upon membrane filters with a TEM. The method comprises mounting a section of the membrane filter on a glass slide with a quick drying liquid applied between the filter membrane and the slide which liquid will not release the filter membrane when the slide is immersed in a selected solvent and such that the liquid will not render the filter membrane resistant to the selected solvent. Next, the filter section surface is coated with carbon to replicate the surface of the membrane filter and the particles and fibers thereupon. The coated membrane is then immersed in the selected solvent which will attack the filter material causing the carbon film squares to float off of the memberane filter.

Abstract: Data communications neworks may be composed of many different physical devices linked together in various layers and using various protocols for communication. The multiple physical elements that make up such communication networks or links are often supplied by diverse vendors. As a result, isolation and diagnosis of communication failures becomes an extremely difficult and cumbersome process. The present system and method simplify the process greatly by premitting a system control operator or control application program to issue generic, non-device-specific problem isolation, control or diagnostic commands to the communication neetwork by identifying the link and target node for which problem isolation and diagnosis is required.