Abstract: Remote analysis method and system for Home Phoneline Networks (HPNs), i.e., local area networks made up of telephone wiring in residential premises. In such a network connected to the Internet, a host computer collects measurements of the frequency response of the local network as well as values of addresses and other important network parameters of devices also located on the local network. The results of this data collection, having been sent via the Internet, may be displayed within a web browser on a remote computer external to the local network in a web. This data can then be monitored conveniently by a service technician or the like at any location.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing registers of a PHY device in a network including an extended protocol software layer between the protocol and application layers, on the one hand, and the MAC driver, on the other hand. The extended protocol layer generates the PHY device register read and write commands and embeds them within standardized Ethernet data packets. The extended PHY device is adapted to distinguish these register read and write command packets from normal data packets and intercept and parse them to retrieve the commands. Likewise, the extended PHY device embeds the read and write acknowledgments in standardized Ethernet data packets that the extended protocol layer, in turn, can distinguish from normal Ethernet data packets and intercept and parse them to retrieve the acknowledgments.

Abstract: A system and method for processing wake-up signals during a sleep mode of a computer in a communications network to wake up sleeping components of the computer. The system includes an extended PHY (physical layer) device for receiving wake-up signals from a network medium, converting the wake-up signals into an additionally-encoded data packet, and generating a standardized wake-up packet based on the additionally-encoded data packet. The system also includes a MAC (media access controller) device, coupled to the extended PHY device, for receiving the standardized wake-up packet and generating a wake-up notification signal in response to the standardized wake-up packet to wake up the sleeping to components of the computer.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for ensuring synchronization for digital communication between a transmitting and a receiving device, particularly when the clock and/or frame synchronization is sourced from a different location than the transmit data. In accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the transmitting device employs a look ahead algorithm to begin transmitting data before actual receipt of the frame synchronization signal.

Abstract: A translation system and related method for use with a communications device having a physical layer system and a data link layer system with a media access control layer subsystem and coupleable to a communications network. In one embodiment, the translation system includes a generator that constructs a piggyback packet containing characteristics associated with the physical layer system. The translation system also includes a correlator, coupled to the generator, that receives the piggyback packet and extracts information about the physical layer system. The generator and correlator transmit and receive the piggyback packet without substantially modifying the media access control layer subsystem.

Abstract: A data-based software type link integrity module is implemented separately in hardware (e.g., using physical gates, using a microcontroller, etc.) and separated from core CPU functionality in a network device, such that the link integrity module may remain powered in a cold power mode (e.g., when core functionality is powered down). The separately powered data-based link integrity module is powered by an auxiliary backup power source. Thus, when in a power down mode (e.g., when in an ACPI defined D3 type cold state) a minimal power source may be used to power the separate link integrity module separate from the power source to the core network device functionality. The separately powered data-based link integrity module may be redundant to a software driver type data-based link integrity module implemented in core memory and enabled or disabled as desired.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for heterodyne-generated, two-dimensional detector array using a single detector. Synthetic-array heterodyne detection, permits a single-element optical detector to behave as though it were divided into an array of separate heterodyne detector elements. A fifteen-element synthetic array has successfully been experimentally realized on a single-element detector, permitting all of the array elements to be read out continuously and in parallel from one electrical connection. A CO.sub.2 laser and a single-element HgCdTe photodiode are employed. A different heterodyne local oscillator frequency is incident upon the spatially resolvable regions of the detector surface. Thus, different regions are mapped to different heterodyne beat frequencies. One can determine where the photons were incident on the detector surface even though a single electrical connection to the detector is used.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the ammonia saturation of wood to impart flexibility thereto which includes the step of sealing the surfaces of ammonia-saturated wood with a polymeric film which has limited or no permeability to either or both ammonia and water vapor. Preferably, the polymeric film is flexible so the working of the wood product by bending, twisting, embossing, molding, etc. will not destroy the film. The polymeric film should also be soluble in a selected solvent, thereby permitting its removal after the wood has been formed in a final, desired shape to permit water vapor to re-establish crosslinking of the cellulose chains and restore its natural, rigid condition.

Abstract: A processor comprises a plurality of parallel channels having an upstream end and a downstream end, Each channel comprises a video data bus for continuously transferring video data from the upstream end to the downstream end, a plurality of modules serially connected along the video data bus and a host computer connected to the downstream end of the plurality of channels for receiving the video data. Each module comprises a crossbar switch, a pixel processing element connected to the crossbar switch, a delay resource connected across the crossbar switch and a microprocessor operably integrated within each module for controlling the operation thereof. The microprocessors of each module are serially connected together for transmitting and undertaking commands. The host computer is also connected to the microprocessor of each module for issuing commands for controlling the operation of the processor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the ammonia saturation of wood to impart flexibility thereto which includes the step of sealing the surfaces of ammonia-saturated wood with a polymeric film which has limited or no permeability to either or both ammonia and water vapor. Preferably, the polymeric film is flexible so the working of the wood product by bending, twisting, embossing, molding, etc. will not destroy the film. The polymeric film should also be soluble in a selected solvent, thereby permitting its removal after the wood has been formed in a final, desired shape to permit water vapor to re-establish crosslinking of the cellulose chains and restore its natural, rigid condition.

Abstract: An umbrella holder providing for a location for depositing of an umbrella within the interior of a vehicle during the time when it is not being utilized. The umbrella holder comprises a tray which has an open top providing access into a compartment. The umbrella, in a collapsed state, is to be deposited within the compartment. The tray may include a pair of bracket arms which are to be used to engage with specific structure located within the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention addresses problems with liquid absorbent pads having at least about 50% of their absorption capacity represented by water absorbent (including water-swellable) material capable of absorbing at least about 5 times its own dry weight of aqueous liquid. By openings of specified area, present in undulating layer(s) of such absorbent material in specified numbers and total area per unit area of said layer(s), and/or through forming such openings as hinges and displaced flap members for locking the layers of a moving composite together for bending into said undulating configuration, and/or through use of sheath members of material which substantially retain their structural integrity in contact with aqueous liquids, and have open or openable portion(s), pads are formed with both high absorption rate and capacity and/or ready disposability and/or rapid production characteristics, ideally suited for urinary incontinence care and other uses.

Abstract: A current responsive, gas-actuated bushing plug connector, for use with elbow connectors having a male electrode extending therefrom, is disclosed. The bushing plug includes an elastomeric housing in which a cylindrical, silver-plated insert body is coaxially mounted. The axially inner end of the insert body includes a threaded fastener for connection to an external circuit, and is thereby terminated to provide an enclosed chamber which opens at the other end of the insert body toward the mouth of the bushing plug. A removable and generally cylindrical piston assembly is slidably and coaxially mounted within the insert body. The removable assembly includes a metallic piston member having an annular piston head facing the inner end of the insert body and which encloses the chamber except at the axial bore of the piston member.

Abstract: A female attachment for a dental prosthetic device is made by embedding the precision male part of a precision core into a wax-up, leaving the anchor part thereof exposed; sculpting the wax at the boundary line between said precision male part and said anchor part; investing the wax-up and core with investment material; removing the wax, leaving the core and the investment material to form a mold cavity; casting the prosthetic part in the mold cavity to form a female attachment in the resulting prosthetic device; and thereafter removing the core and the investment material.