Abstract: A composite mandrel includes a generally elongated mandrel body comprising a resilient mandrel core and an elastomeric mandrel outer layer disposed outside the mandrel core. A method for fabricating a contoured stiffened composite panel is also disclosed.

Abstract: A terminal compartment for installation in the hand hole of a utility pole. The compartment comprises a frame, such as an oval weldment ring with a cover. A terminal block support is movably mounted in the compartment for movement between an operating position and a deployed position. In the operating position, a terminal block fixed to the terminal block support is contained entirely inside the internal space of the utility pole. In the deployed position, the terminal block extends through the access opening at least partially outside the pole. The terminal block support may be an elongate rigid strip mounted vertically inside the compartment with a bottom end hingedly attached to the frame. In this way, once the cover is removed, the terminal block can be folded down to a horizontal position extending out through the access opening and affording easy access for repair and maintenance.

Abstract: An accessible pedestrian pushbutton station. The station includes an articulating rear mounting structure to facilitate accurate positioning of the station on either a curved or flat surface. Additionally, slots in the rear mounting structure allow for minor positional adjustments during installation. The crossing direction arrow is easily repositioned on the front of the station without disassembling the housing. After removing the screw-mounted arrow, the plunger can be turned clockwise or counter-clockwise using only a flat-head screw driver. The plunger is balanced between oppositely biased springs. The spring-balanced plunger indirectly actuates an offset piezo bender using a flexible spring actuator and a second, offset stem bumper. This protects the piezo bender from direct pressure and potential damage. The station includes an internal speaker and the housing includes bilateral sound vents to project the sound emitted by the speaker. Baffles may be inserted in one or both of the sound vents.

Abstract: A mobile communication device initiates display of a point of interest as being located at particular coordinates on a map. In response to receiving an input command from a user of the mobile communication device indicating that the particular location of the point of interest as specified by the map is incorrect, the mobile communication device forwards a communication (specifying a location of the mobile communication device and an identity of the point of interest) over a network to a map management resource. Based on feedback from the mobile communication device, the map management resource updates map data an actual location of the point of interest as opposed to an incorrect location as specified by the particular coordinates on the map. Subsequent distribution of the updated map information from the map management resource specifies the proper coordinates of the point of interest in the geographical region.

Abstract: A method of installing a bundle of optical fibers associated with a fiber network through hallways or corridors in a multi-dwelling unit (MDU) to service a number of premises in the MDU. The bundle is adhered along a wall or other supporting surface in a hall or corridor leading to the premises, by dispensing or activating an adhesive material or component over one or both of the bundle and a desired installation path along the supporting surface, and applying the bundle to the supporting surface over the installation path. A cover layer surrounding the fiber bundle is opened at locations along the length of the bundle corresponding to each premises for which a bundle fiber is designated. At each location, the designated fiber is cut and removed from the bundle, and retained to connect to a drop fiber originating from the premises. Installation tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile communication device initiates display of a point of interest as being located at particular coordinates on a map. In response to receiving an input command from a user of the mobile communication device indicating that the particular location of the point of interest as specified by the map is incorrect, the mobile communication device forwards a communication (specifying a location of the mobile communication device and an identity of the point of interest) over a network to a map management resource. Based on feedback from the mobile communication device, the map management resource updates map data an actual location of the point of interest as opposed to an incorrect location as specified by the particular coordinates on the map. Subsequent distribution of the updated map information from the map management resource specifies the proper coordinates of the point of interest in the geographical region.

Abstract: A first request, to access a web site associated with a domain name, is obtained at a gateway router interposed between a local area network and an internet service provider's infrastructure, from a host on the local area network. The gateway router has Domain Name Service (DNS) resolver capability. The first request is received while the gateway router has upstream connectivity to the internet service provider's infrastructure via IPv6 but not via IPv4. Further steps include sending, from the gateway router, the first request; obtaining, at the gateway router, an indication that an IPv4 address will imminently be required for the gateway router; and, responsive to obtaining the indication, sending, from the gateway router, into the internet service provider's infrastructure, a second request, for an IPv4 address for the gateway router.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for depolymerizing the polymer component of fiber reinforced polymers to facilitate the recovery of free fibers.

Abstract: An accessible pedestrian pushbutton station. The station includes an articulating rear mounting structure to facilitate accurate positioning of the station on either a curved or flat surface. Additionally, slots in the rear mounting structure allow for minor positional adjustments during installation. The crossing direction arrow is easily repositioned on the front of the station without disassembling the housing. After removing the screw-mounted arrow, the plunger can be turned clockwise or counter-clockwise using only a flat-head screw driver. The plunger is balanced between oppositely biased springs. The spring-balanced plunger indirectly actuates an offset piezo bender using a flexible spring actuator and a second, offset stem bumper. This protects the piezo bender from direct pressure and potential damage. The station includes an internal speaker and the housing includes bilateral sound vents to project the sound emitted by the speaker. Baffles may be inserted in one or both of the sound vents.

Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly for supporting a traffic control device on a mast arm or pole. The bracket includes a first clamp adapted to removably attach to the mast arm or pole or other elongate support, and is designed to be positioned vertically or horizontally. A second clamp is removably attachable to a strut member, such as a strut channel or tube.

Abstract: A pedestrian pushbutton for activating a traffic device. A plunger mounted in a housing impinges on a piezo element when pressed. O-rings between the bolts that secure the plunger to the housing and the housing bias the plunger inwardly. A foam disk under the piezo element, or a resilient stem bumper on the back of the plunger, or both, bias the plunger outwardly with a force about equal to the inwardly biasing force of the O-rings on the bolts. Thus, the opposing resilient members maintain the plunger at neutral buoyancy when at rest. An O-ring disposed between the edge of the plunger and the opening in the housing centers the plunger. The pushbutton may include light and sound assemblies to confirm to the pedestrian visually and audibly that the pushbutton has been engaged. The sound chamber may be tuned based on the Helmholtz formula to achieve an optimum frequency.

Abstract: An optical fiber-based cable is formed to include pre-manufactured wireless access nodes included at spaced-apart locations along a length of the optical fiber cable. Each wireless access node is formed to include an antenna, a wireless radio transceiver, and an optical transceiver. The cable is formed to include an optical transmission fiber (or fibers) and an electrical power conductor. The optical fiber(s) couples to the optical transceiver within each wireless access node, and a power conductor from the cable terminates at the node and is used to energize both the wireless transceiver and the optical transceiver. The antenna is preferably formed as a sheathing member around at least a portion of components forming the node. Upon deployment, the wireless node portion of the cable is able to provide communication between the cable and wireless devices in its vicinity.

Abstract: A first request, to access a web site associated with a domain name, is obtained at a gateway router interposed between a local area network and an internet service provider's infrastructure, from a host on the local area network. The gateway router has Domain Name Service (DNS) resolver capability. The first request is received while the gateway router has upstream connectivity to the internet service provider's infrastructure via IPv6 but not via IPv4. Further steps include sending, from the gateway router, the first request; obtaining, at the gateway router, an indication that an IPv4 address will imminently be required for the gateway router; and, responsive to obtaining the indication, sending, from the gateway router, into the internet service provider's infrastructure, a second request, for an IPv4 address for the gateway router.

Abstract: A reactor containing a heat exchanger is disclosed, which can be operated with co-current or counter-current flow. Also disclosed is a system that includes a reactor having a reformer and a vaporizer, a fuel supply, and a water supply. The reactor includes a source of combustion gas, a reformer operative to receive reformate, and a vaporizer operative to receive water. The reformer and vaporizer each include a stack assembly formed by a combination of separator shims and channel shims. The separator shims and channel shims are stacked in a regular pattern to form two sets of channels within the stack assembly. One set of channels will have vertical passageways at either end and a horizontal flowpath between them, while the other set of channels has only a horizontal flowpath.

Abstract: A traffic control assembly comprising a length of flexible cable as a cable dampener. The cable may be formed of wire rope, which comprises a bundle of twisted wire strands, with a fitting at each end. The cable section has the ability to resist torsional movement and the ability to bend to a limited extent along its vertical axis in response to wind forces and to return to its resting or straight configuration like a spring as the wind subsides. This provides a dampening function between the components of the traffic control assembly to absorb impacts imposed by winds or moving objects so as to reduce the likelihood that the connection will break and disconnect or dislocate the signal or other traffic control device.

Abstract: A sweep membrane separator includes a membrane that is selectively permeable to a selected gas, the membrane including a retentate side and a permeate side. A mixed gas stream including the selected gas enters the sweep membrane separator and contacts the retentate side of the membrane. At least part of the selected gas separates from the mixed gas stream and passes through the membrane to the permeate side of the membrane. The mixed gas stream, minus the separated gas, exits the sweep membrane separator. A sweep gas at high pressure enters the sweep membrane separator and sweeps the selected gas from the permeate side of the membrane. A mixture of the sweep gas and the selected gas exits the sweep membrane separator at high pressure. The sweep membrane separator thereby separates the selected gas from the gas mixture and pressurizes the selected gas.

Abstract: An optical fiber-based cable is formed to include pre-manufactured wireless access nodes included at spaced-apart locations along a length of the optical fiber cable. Each wireless access node is formed to include an antenna, a wireless radio transceiver, and an optical transceiver. The cable is formed to include a plurality of optical transmission fibers, as well as a plurality of separate electrical power conductors. An optical fiber is terminated at the optical transceiver within the wireless node, and a power conductor from the cable terminates at the node and is used to energize both the wireless transceiver and the optical transceiver. The antenna is preferably formed as a sheathing member around at least a portion of components forming the node. Upon deployment, the wireless node portion of the cable is able to provide communication between the cable and wireless devices in its vicinity.

Abstract: A reactor containing a heat exchanger is disclosed, which can be operated with co-current or counter-current flow. Also disclosed is a system that includes a reactor having a reformer and a vaporizer, a fuel supply, and a water supply. The reactor includes a source of combustion gas, a reformer operative to receive reformate, and a vaporizer operative to receive water. The reformer and vaporizer each include a stack assembly formed by a combination of separator shims and channel shims. The separator shims and channel shims are stacked in a regular pattern to form two sets of channels within the stack assembly. One set of channels will have vertical passageways at either end and a horizontal flowpath between them, while the other set of channels has only a horizontal flowpath.

Abstract: Scalable biomaterial-based bioreactors are described. In one embodiment, the bioreactor may comprise perforated plates stacked such that the assembled bioreactor has the necessary manifolds and chambers to transport gas and liquids to a biomaterial contained within the bioreactor, and to remove the reaction products. In another embodiment, single use bioreactors are described. Methods of operating the bioreactors are also described.

Abstract: A sweep membrane separator includes a membrane that is selectively permeable to a selected gas, the membrane including a retentate side and a permeate side. A mixed gas stream including the selected gas enters the sweep membrane separator and contacts the retentate side of the membrane. At least part of the selected gas separates from the mixed gas stream and passes through the membrane to the permeate side of the membrane. The mixed gas stream, minus the separated gas, exits the sweep membrane separator. A sweep gas at high pressure enters the sweep membrane separator and sweeps the selected gas from the permeate side of the membrane. A mixture of the sweep gas and the selected gas exits the sweep membrane separator at high pressure. The sweep membrane separator thereby separates the selected gas from the gas mixture and pressurizes the selected gas.