Abstract: A method for enhancing the bit rate and/or margin at which quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) communication is performed over multiple bands of a communication link includes the steps of varying a spectral allocation and constellation size with which communication is performed, so as to define a combination of spectral allocation and constellation size at which the bit rate and/or margin are enhanced. The rate adaptation method identifies the spectral allocation and constellation size to use on each of the multiple bands that results in a total bit rate greater than or equal to the target bit rate, subject to specified constraints on SNR margin and/or BER limits. If more than one parameter set has this property, the rate adaptation method may for example select the spectral allocation and constellation size combination that maximizes the minimum SNR margin across the multiple bands.

Abstract: A nonwoven bulky composite sheet material has first and second vapor permeable layers on opposite sides of a third layer of a bulky, flexible material. The third layer has a thickness in the range of 0.3 to 3.0 mm before being bonded between said first and second layers. The first layer, the second layer and the third layer are bonded together to form a flexible composite sheet with a thickness of at least 0.3 3 mm and a moisture vapor transmission of at least 100 g/m.sup.2 in 24 hours.

Abstract: A motor vehicle transport cover is made of a vapor permeable, water impermeable, synthetic nonwoven sheet. The transport cover is includes a mechanism for firmly attaching the nonwoven sheet in a position on a motor vehicle that covers substantially all of the roof, hood, and front bumper fascia of the vehicle and remains attached at air speeds along the major axis of the vehicle of at least 50 mph. The attachment mechanism is readily releasable and it leaves no visible adhesive residue on the vehicle at the moment the nonwoven sheet is removed from the vehicle. The transport cover does not significantly inhibit access to the covered vehicle and it does not obstruct the view of a driver of the covered vehicle. The transport cover has a front sheet piece made to cover the hood of the covered vehicle and a top sheet piece made to cover the roof of the covered vehicle. Where the covered vehicle is a sedan, the transport cover may also cover the trunk and rear bumper of the vehicle.

Abstract: A nonwoven bulky composite sheet material as first and second vapor permeable layers on opposite sides of a third layer of a bulky, flexible material. The third layer has a thickness in the range of 0.3 to 3.0 mm before being bonded between said first and second layers. The first layer, the second layer and the third layer are bonded together to form a flexible composite sheet with a thickness of at least 0.3 3 mm and a moisture vapor transmission of at least 100 g/m.sup.2 in 24 hours.