Abstract: A method and system for use in synchronizing at least two clocks in a downhole network are disclosed. The method comprises determining a total signal latency between a controlling processing element and at least one downhole processing element in a downhole network and sending a synchronizing time over the downhole network to the at least one downhole processing element adjusted for the signal latency. Electronic time stamps may be used to measure latency between processing elements. A system for electrically synchronizing at least two clocks connected to a downhole network comprises a controlling processing element connected to a synchronizing clock in communication over a downhole network with at least one downhole processing element comprising at least one downhole clock. Preferably, the downhole network is integrated into a downhole tool string.

Abstract: A method for triggering an action of at least one downhole device on a downhole network integrated into a downhole tool string synchronized to an event comprises determining latency, sending a latency adjusted signal, and performing the action. The latency is determined between a control device and the at least one downhole device. The latency adjusted signal for triggering an action is sent to the downhole device. The action is performed downhole synchronized to the event. A preferred method for determining latency comprises the steps: a control device sends a first signal to the downhole device; after receiving the signal, the downhole device sends a response signal to the control device; and the control device analyzes the time from sending the signal to receiving the response signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing computational latency within a deterministic region on a network comprises a network interface modem, a high priority module and at least one deterministic peripheral device. The network interface modem is in communication with the network. The high priority module is in communication with the network interface modem. The at least one deterministic peripheral device is connected to the high priority module. The high priority module comprises a packet assembler/disassembler, and hardware for performing at least one operation. Also disclosed is an apparatus for executing at least one instruction on a downhole device within a deterministic region, the apparatus comprising a control device, a downhole network, and a downhole device. The control device is near the surface of a downhole tool string. The downhole network is integrated into the tool string. The downhole device is in communication with the downhole network.

Abstract: A shipping container for transporting small vehicles such as garden tractors includes a plastic pallet constructed fiber-reinforced recycled materials and a framework constructed of metal and plastic parts. The framework is structured to reinforce the load at orthogonal angled and therefore to limit swaying of the load during shipping. Furthermore, components of the shipping container can be folded and shipped flat for assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides fungicidal compounds of formula (I) or stereoisomers thereof: wherein X is CH2O; A is hydrogen; E is hydrogen; q is 1; any two of K, L and M are nitrogen and the other is CH; T is oxygen or sulfur; and Z is an optionally substituted phenyl group or an optionally substituted heterocylyl group.

Abstract: The invention provides fungicidal compounds of formula (I) or stereoisomers thereof: 1

Abstract: An optimizer optimizes the configuration of a computer system, such as a web farm. The optimizer makes use of a performance simulator that simulates a cluster of machines running a given workload. A modular architecture allows different optimization modules to be plugged into the optimization system. In addition, the modular architecture also interfaces with different simulators through a simulator interface module. The simulator is decoupled from the optimization module. Simulation data may be filtered to provide and store only relevant objective and parameter values. A unique comparison module also guides the optimization module towards the optimum solution, even if no solutions have yet satisfied the objective completely. By caching simulation and/or optimization results (i.e. as opposed to raw simulation output data from the simulator), the simulations from previous simulation runs and different designers may be reused to reduce the time required for each optimization.

Abstract: The invention provides fungicidal compounds of formula (I) or stereoisomers thereof: wherein X is CH2O; A is hydrogen; E is hydrogen; q is 1; any two of K, L and M are nitrogen and the other is CH; T is oxygen or sulfur; and Z is an optionally substituted phenyl group or an optionally substituted heterocyclyl group.

Abstract: The invention provides fungicidal compounds of formula (I) or stereoisomers thereof: 1

Abstract: A wireless telephone link for set top box communication between the set top box and a central office is provided. This invention makes use of the AC power line to provide the communication channel between the set top box and the central office. An extension unit, connected to the set top box provides the interface, including coupling and modulation, between the set top box and the AC power line. A base unit, connected to the central office provides the interface, including the coupling and modulation of signals between the central office and the AC power line.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting power line null frequencies and for adjusting the transmit frequency and transmit power to maximize the reliability and efficiency of the AC power line transmission link is described. This invention uses a programmable logic device in the transmitter, which transmits multiple frequencies to a receiver. The receiver detects and records the bit error rate and/or the received noise per frequency and communicates this information to the transmitter. When all desired frequencies have been transmitted and tested, the optimal frequency is identified or selected. Generally, the optimal frequency is the frequency requiring the lowest transmit power while maintaining an acceptable bit error rate or an acceptable noise level.

Abstract: A wireless power line carrier data communication device is provided. The device is specifically adapted to meet the requirements of high-speed modem data transmission, such as is typically required by digital computer networks and similar devices. The device employs an improved power line transmitter power output which reduces the effect of harmonic distortion and also employs a bit-stream sine wave generator with a digital to analog converter to producing a sine wave for the sub-audio carrier signal, which also reduces the effects of harmonic distortion. The device is specifically designed for data transfer over the AC power lines and is compatible with standard AC power signals as well as standard modem equipment and standard telephone connections.

Abstract: Compounds of having the general formula (I): ##STR1## and stereoisomers thereof, wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen, halogen, C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, C.sub.2-4 alkenyl, C.sub.2-4 alkynyl, C.sub.1-4 haloalkyl, C.sub.1-4 haloalkoxy, COR or cyano; R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are independently hydrogen, halogen or methyl, provided that R.sup.2, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are not all hydrogen and provided that when one of them is methyl then at least one of the other two is not hydrogen; ##STR2## wherein R.sup.5 is hydrogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl (optionally substituted by hydrogen or cyano), optionally substituted benzyl, C.sub.2-4 alkenyl, C.sub.2-4 alkynyl, cyano, COR, C.sub.1-4 thioalkoxy, C.sub.1-4 thiohaloalkoxy or SNR.sup.7 R.sup.8 ; R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 are independently C.sub.1-4 alkyl or CO.sub.2 R; Y is oxygen or sulphur; R.sup.6 is C.sub.1-4 alkoxy, C.sub.1-4 thioalkoxy or --NR.sup.9 R.sup.10 ; and R.sup.9 and R.sup.10 are independently hydrogen, C.sub.1-4 alkyl, aryl or aralkyl or R.sup.9 and R.sup.

Abstract: Herbicidal and fungicidal benzamide derivatives of the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, heterocyclyl, benzyl, or heterocyclylmethyl radical;R.sup.2 is hydrogen, or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, benzyl, or heterocyclylmethyl, radical;X is oxygen, sulphur, or an --NH-- group;R.sup.3 is an optionally substituted alkyl or alkenyl radical when X is oxygen or sulphur, or is an optionally substituted alkanoyl radical when X is --NH--;and E is a --CN, --CONH.sub.2, --CSNH.sub.2, or --CONR.sup.4 R.sup.5 group wherein each R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 is an optionally substituted alkyl or alkenyl group.

Abstract: Amide derivatives of the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is phenyl optionally substituted with halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halo-lower alkoxy, methylenedioxy, lower alkylthio or cyano;R.sup.2 is hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or C.sub.3 -C.sub.5 alkenyl;X is oxygen or sulfurR.sup.3 is lower alkyl, lower haloalkyl or lower alkenyl; andE is --CN.These amides possess fungicidal and herbicidal properties.