Abstract: A system and method for increasing the effective bandwidth of a communications network is provided by overlaying a “super” transport and caching structure over the conventional TCP/IP communications network, for example, the Internet, which increases the transfer rate of information in the communications network. The “super” transport and caching structure includes software or hardware or both added to at least two modules separated by a communications link in the communications network. The net result is that the users of the communications network have their time to access and/or retrieve information significantly reduced, and the communications network, particularly a large network, e.g., the Internet, becomes an efficient means of performing commercial transactions by both businesses and individuals.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing the effective bandwidth of a communications network is provided by overlaying a “super” transport and caching structure over the conventional TCP/IP communications network, for example, the Internet, which increases the transfer rate of information in the communications network. The “super” transport and caching structure includes software or hardware or both added to at least two modules separated by a communications link in the communications network. The net result is that the users of the communications network have their time to access and/or retrieve information significantly reduced, and the communications network, particularly a large network, e.g., the Internet, becomes an efficient means of performing commercial transactions by both businesses and individuals.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for reducing the time a user needs to wait for information requested from a remote server on a communications network, for example, a Web server on the Internet. In an exemplary embodiment the system is user centric and the goal is to keep all data the user needs as the close to the user as practical. The user's characteristics and usage patterns are used to determine what to cache and for how long, what to pre-fetch, what to refresh, and what to retrieve. In addition, by segmenting information and utilizing parallel communication channels, data transfer across the last mile can be significantly increased.

Abstract: A ribbon tensioning assembly includes a knob having a top wall, an internal raised portion attached to the top wall having a first helical camming surface and a second helical camming surface out of phase and disposed about a center point. A compression helix has a first end portion forming a first helical camming surface and a second helical camming surface for engaging first and second helical camming surfaces of the knob, compression helix having a second end portion for receiving a spring. A clutch engages a surface and connects to a spring. A spindle, attaching to a ribbon supply roll, secures the knob, the compression helix, the spring and the clutch in relative position such that turning the spindle causes frictional resistance between the clutch and the surface for creating increased tension in a ribbon dispensed from the supply roll.

Abstract: A ribbon tensioning assembly includes a knob having a top wall, an internal raised portion attached to the top wall having a first helical camming surface and a second helical camming surface out of phase and disposed about a center point. A compression helix has a first end portion forming a first helical camming surface and a second helical camming surface for engaging first and second helical camming surfaces of the knob, compression helix having a second end portion for receiving a spring. A clutch engages a surface and connects to a spring. A spindle, attaching to a ribbon supply roll, secures the knob, the compression helix, the spring and the clutch in relative position such that turning the spindle causes frictional resistance between the clutch and the surface for creating increased tension in a ribbon dispensed from the supply roll.

Abstract: A ribbon tensioning assembly includes a knob having a top wall, an internal raised portion attached to the top wall having a first helical camming surface and a second helical camming surface out of phase and disposed about a center point. A compression helix has a first end portion forming a first helical camming surface and a second helical camming surface for engaging first and second helical camming surfaces of the knob, compression helix having a second end portion for receiving a spring. A clutch engages a surface and connects to a spring. A spindle, attaching to a ribbon supply roll, secures the knob, the compression helix, the spring and the clutch in relative position such that turning the spindle causes frictional resistance between the clutch and the surface for creating increased tension in a ribbon dispensed from the supply roll.