Abstract: A network processor used to route network packet to multiple analysis processors for analysis. A network processor is programmable and routes data by receiving the network packets and identifying a transaction of each packet. Each packet is assigned the same transaction identifier by the network processor. A path manager can then send all packets having the same transaction identifier to the same analysis processor. This analysis processors can more easily perform transactional analysis. The network processor also generates control signals that can select the appropriate path for the packets. Alternatively, the transaction identifier and timestamps can be interleaved with the packets for use in distributing the packets to the appropriate analysis processors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for directing data transferred in a network to multiple analysis processors for network analysis processing. A network processor is configured to receive network data transferred in a network link. The network processor is configured to transmit the network data and a path control signal to a distribution module coupled to the network processor. The distribution module is configured to receive the path control signal and receive the network data from the network processor. The distribution module is further configured to route the network data to multiple outputs based on the path control signal received. A plurality of analysis processors are coupled to the distribution module for receiving the network data from a different output of the distribution module.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for performing priority analysis on data transferred in a network. A network processor is connected with a distribution module that distributes network data to multiple memory buffers that are each connected with an analysis processor. Each analysis processor performs protocol analysis tests on the data it receives. When a status signal generated by each memory buffer indicates that the memory buffer is nearing capacity, the corresponding analysis processor may selecting exclude protocol analysis tests based on the priority of those tests. The protocol analyzer is also scalable to include multiple instances of network processors, distribution modules, memory buffers and analysis processors. Each instance is typically interconnected.

Abstract: The bichromal element spinner apparatus provides the forming of substantially spherical bichromal elements from pigmented molten, but hardenable material compounds which are delivered centrally to a spinning webbed disk through opposite ends of hollow shaft that also spins with the disk. The molten materials are injected into cavities formed between the shaft and the web portions of the disk such that the molten materials are spun outwardly on the opposite surfaces of the disk towards the tip of the disk, where the hardenable materials adhere to each other without mixing, thereby spinning off to bichromal elements. Shrouds attached to the shaft and having no intervening support members over the spinning disk provide quiescent air mass between the disk and the shrouds so as to yield bichromal elements with substantial hemispherical integrity.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method and apparatus for time domain equalization in an XDSL modem. A received communication channel is analyzed to determine the highest frequency component thereof. Typically, there is an inverse relationship between the length of a subscriber line and the highest frequency component over which communications can be supported. In response to the frequency determination, the sampling rate for the channel is reduced to the lowest sample rate consistent with maintaining signal integrity on the highest frequency component of the channel. The sampling rate reduction may accomplished in the analog portion of the receive path, e.g. the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) or in a digital decimator coupled thereto. Concurrently the demodulator complexity is also scaled back. Where the XDSL protocol is digital multi-tone (DMT) the input sample size to the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) engine is reduced accordingly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating multi-tone modulated upstream and downstream channels of communication data between a pair of communication devices utilizing a common set of tones for the upstream and downstream channels. The pair of communication devices each include a digital stage configured to assign mutually orthogonal code sequences for encoding and decoding the upstream and downstream channel respectively. The transmit path of the digital stage of each communication device is configured to generate redundancy in the associated communication data in either the time or frequency domain and to encode the redundant communication data with the mutually orthogonal code sequence prior to transmission thereby allowing the communication devices to share a common frequency spectrum of a communication medium for the upstream and downstream communication channels.

Abstract: The apparatus for symbol boundary synchronization in one embodiment includes on the receive path of a multi-tone modem a window synchronizer, a converter and a symbol boundary component. The window synchronizer obtains windowed portions of the received datastream which includes symbols each expressed with a corresponding set of tones in a time domain. The windowed portions obtained in the training phase exhibit varying degrees of misalignment with the corresponding symbol boundaries. The window synchronizer is responsive to an alignment signal to obtain succeeding windowed portions of the incoming datastream aligned with the corresponding symbol boundaries therein. The converter couples to the window synchronizer to convert the set of tones from each windowed portion from the time domain to a frequency domain.

Abstract: A temperature controlled hydraulic fluid supply circuit (12) includes a first hydraulic fluid reservoir (18), that has an initial hydraulic fluid (20), and a temperature controlled housing (45). A second hydraulic fluid reservoir (26) is fluidically coupled to the first hydraulic fluid reservoir (18), resides within the temperature controlled housing (45), and has a controlled hydraulic fluid (14) that is supplied to a test device (16). A circulation device (60) circulates a temperature altering fluid (62) through the temperature controlled housing (45) and adjusts the temperature of the controlled hydraulic fluid (14).

Abstract: A high efficiency line driver is disclosed. The line driver may be applied with equal advantage in wired and wireless communication media to amplify data signals with a minimum of power consumption. In an embodiment of the invention a line driver is disclosed which includes: at least one amplifier, a delay element, a control signal generator and a generator. The at least one amplifier includes at least one bias supply, a signal input and a signal output. The delay element accepts as an input the data signal and delays delivery of the data signal to the at least one line amplifier for amplification. The generator is responsive to a control signal to generate varying voltage levels corresponding thereto on the at least one bias supply of the at least one amplifier. The control signal generator is responsive to the input data signal to detect peaks therein and to generate the control signal corresponding thereto in advance of delivery of the data signal to the amplifier.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for channel estimation in an X-DSL communication device. The communication device may include physical or logical modems. The modems may implement one or more of a group of X-DSL protocols including: G.Lite, ADSL, VDSL, and HDSL. The apparatus may be used for determining the location and magnitude of discontinuities or faults within the communication medium to which the X-DSL communication device is coupled. The information provided by the device may be used for line qualification or repair. No additional equipment is required for channel estimation. Instead the apparatus may be located within a single modem or shared between a group of modems. An N bit pseudo random codeword injected into the transmit path is used to generate both a leakage signal and a plurality of reflected signals on the receive path. No timing information is needed from the transmit path.

Abstract: Disclosed are several preferred embodiments of hydrogen peroxide which are packaged with ease of use and extended shelf-life in mind. The embodiments include foam, mist, gel, and disposable towelette forms of H2O2. Optional ingredients of topical pain relievers and skin protectants are also disclosed, as are their methods of use.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for minimizing frequency distortion in the transmit path of an XDSL modem implementing digital multi-tone (DMT) line code. The current invention provides a means for both determining and correcting for distortion in the frequency domain. The apparatus may be incorporated in an existing X-DSL architecture without additional circuitry. In an embodiment of the invention the apparatus may include a calibration phase which may be implemented using the existing analog-to-digital (ADC) conversion and demodulation capabilities on the receive path of the modem. This calibration phase takes place before the training phase associated with establishing communications with a remote site. During the calibration phase a calibration sequence with known spectral characteristics in the frequency domain is injected digitally at the beginning of the transmit path into each of the tone bins of the inverse Fourier Transform engine (IFFT).

Abstract: An X-DSL modem supporting multiple X-DSL line codes including discrete multi-tone (DMT) and carrierless phase and amplitude (CAP). The modem includes: components coupled to one another to form a transmit path and a receive path. The components include an encoder component and a Fourier transform component. The encoder component encodes data associated with a CAP communication channel into QAM symbols and encodes data associated with a DMT communication channel into DMT sub-symbols. The Fourier transform component couples to the encoder component on the transmit path for transforming DMT sub-symbols from a frequency-to-time domain and for transforming QAM symbols from the time-to-frequency domain followed by a filtering in the frequency domain and a subsequent transformation back from the frequency-to-time domain to effect a pulse shaping function without requiring a discrete pulse shaping component in the transmit path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for minimizing in channel distortion in an X-DSL line driver is disclosed. The apparatus may be incorporated in an existing X-DSL architecture without additional circuitry. Out of band monitoring of a channel is implemented to adaptively minimize out of band interference and in band distortion. A unique training sequence, suitable for DMT line codes is set forth. The training sequence allows a full spectral characterization of the downstream signal space with a single upstream monitoring tone. The invention may be used with multi-channel X-DSL line drivers interfacing with any of a number of multi-channel supply architectures. The apparatus may be applied with equal advantage to communication protocols other than X-DSL. The apparatus may be applied with equal advantage in wired and wireless media.

Abstract: A reactor for producing carbon black comprising, in the following order from upstream to downstream, a) a combination combustion/reaction section, wherein the combustion/reaction section comprises at least one inlet for introducing a combustion feed and at least one inlet for introducing a carbonaceous feedstock, b) a choke section, wherein the choke section comprises at least one inlet for introducing a carbonaceous feedstock and wherein the choke section converges to a downstream end, c) a quench section, wherein the cross section of the quench section is equal to or larger than the downstream end of the choke section and smaller than the cross section of the combustion/reaction section, and d) a breeching section. Also disclosed is a method for producing carbon black. Further disclosed is a simplified carbon black plant for producing tread and/or carcass type carbon black.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for generating data graphical displays. The data is indicative of a plurality of variables. The system and method receive data that is to be displayed in a non-textual format. Graph style data items are retrieved that contain display characteristics for displaying the data in the non-textual format. The data is displayed in accordance with the graph style data items.

Abstract: The invention discloses a natural treatment for ecto-parasitic infestation, particularly effective against lice be it head, body or pubic. A preferred gel composition includes a salt, a plant essence, and a pharmaceutically acceptable gelling agent. Besides gel, the composition designed for use on scalp hair may be formulated as a shampoo, a detangling spray conditioner, mousse, hair spray, or hair styling emulsion. The composition may be formulated as an ointment or lotion for topical use in areas with sparse hair. The invention also discloses a method of use of the composition, which is especially suited for treatment of the hair of infested children. The composition and method benefit from the soothing effects of aroma therapy. An additional benefit is that ecto-parasites do not develop resistance to the composition, which may be used repeatedly with no ill effects to the host.

Abstract: A device and method for storing toner within an image forming apparatus having an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir. A sensor paddle is positioned within the lower reservoir for determining a toner level within the lower reservoir. The sensor paddle rotates within an angular displacement from a fall point to a toner rest point. The device and method further includes a drive gear for rotating the sensor paddle, and a cam mechanism positioned adjacent to the drive gear. The cam mechanism is connected to the sensor paddle and has a cam angular displacement relative to the drive gear about equal to the sensor paddle angular displacement. A pawl having at least one opening is mounted on at least one post extending axially outward from the drive gear and includes a boss positioned within the cam track.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for minimizing in band distortion in the transmit path of an XDSL modem. The transmit path of an XDSL modem introduces various non-linearities into transmissions in both the frequency and time domains. The current invention provides a means for both determining and correcting for distortion in the time domain. In an embodiment of the invention the apparatus may include a calibrator which may be implemented using the existing analog-to-digital (ADC) conversion and demodulation capabilities on the receive path of the modem or alternately, a dedicated module. During a calibration phase a training signal is injected digitally into the digital-to-analog converter of the transmit path. The analog portion of the transmit path is coupled to a calibrator which measures the corresponding analog response. The correlation between input and response is stored in an analog model.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing power requirements in X-DSL and other communication protocols is disclosed. The apparatus may be applied with equal advantage in wired and wireless media Power is supplied selectively to input lines in which input signals exceed selected threshold levels. The apparatus is configured to support statistical multiplexing of the input signal lines across a plurality of amplification means which support amplification at up to either of at least two power levels. This reduces overall power requirements for the combined input lines. In an embodiment of the invention an apparatus for providing amplification of input signals on corresponding ones of a plurality of input signal lines is disclosed. The apparatus includes primary amplifiers and at least one secondary amplifier with higher output levels than the primary amplifier which can be statistical multiplexed to whichever of the input signal lines requires additional amplification.