Abstract: In one or more embodiments, an intelligent communications device is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for managing a network connection of the intelligent communications device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a communication module for monitoring the network connection through a first port that is independent of a network port. The first port is associated with a computer-executable application that is operative to detect failure of the network connection. The apparatus further includes a detection module for detecting a failure of the network connection at the network port and, in response to the failure, causing the intelligent communications device to reconnect to the network. The apparatus also includes a power supply module for iteratively power-cycling operation of the intelligent communications device in response to a failed network connection.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system is disclosed for development of computer-executable applications in a network having a central utility with one or more utility-level applications and a plurality of intelligent devices operatively connected to the central utility. Each of the intelligent devices has at least one computer-executable application for causing a computer to perform functions that include core functions for supporting active communication by the intelligent devices upstream to one or more of the utility-level applications at the central utility and/or supporting local communication by the intelligent devices with another one or more of the intelligent devices that are operatively connected via the network. At least one of the utility-level applications is executable at the central utility to communicate data downstream with at least one computer-executable application on the one or more intelligent devices via the network, and also to receive communication data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an intelligent communications device for operating in a network is disclosed. The device includes a storage device having a plurality of partitions storing images for performing boot operations. The device also includes a detection module that is operative to detect a boot failure, and a first restoration module that is operative to restore an active image with a first backup image, in response to a detected boot failure from an active image. The device further includes a second restoration module that is operative to restore a second backup image in response to a detected boot failure after restoration from a first backup image. The device also includes a programmable processor that is programmed to cause execution of boot operations and functions performed by the detection module, first restoration module, and second restoration module.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, an intelligent communications device is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for managing a network connection of the intelligent communications device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a communication module for monitoring the network connection through a first port that is independent of a network port. The first port is associated with a computer-executable application that is operative to detect failure of the network connection. The apparatus further includes a detection module for detecting a failure of the network connection at the network port and, in response to the failure, causing the intelligent communications device to reconnect to the network. The apparatus also includes a power supply module for iteratively power-cycling operation of the intelligent communications device in response to a failed network connection.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a network device having a plurality of hardware interfaces is disclosed. The network device includes a central processing unit and a main circuit board. The main circuit board has expansion slots that receivably connect corresponding secondary circuit boards to the main circuit board. The main circuit board also has sensors for detecting predetermined parameters. A voltage regulator is operative to regulate one or more particular expansion slots, in response to detection of a predetermined parameter associated with respective slots.

Abstract: The invention discloses a process for the desulfurization of petroleum products by contacting with acidic organic polymers. Preferably, highly fluorinated and, most preferably, perfluorinated acidic organic polymers are used.

Abstract: High-surface-area polyolefins grafted with certain fluoroalkylvinylether sulfonate or carboxylate monomers, and their method of preparation, are disclosed. Such materials are usefuli as catalysts and as membranes in electrochemical cells.

Abstract: Water-buoyant compositions comprising a source of micronutrients for photosynthetic phytoplankton growth are useful for stimulating photosynthetic phytoplankton growth in ocean areas devoid of such growth when deployed on ocean surfaces as floating particles. Iron is the preferred micronutrient.

Abstract: High-surface-area polyolefins grafted with certain fluoroalkylvinylether sulfonate or carboxylate monomers, and their method of preparation, are disclosed. Such materials are useful as catalysts and as membranes in electrochemical cells.

Abstract: Process for preparing an ultrahigh molecular weight linear polyethylene (UHMWLPE) by heating the material to above 280.degree. C. at atmospheric pressure in an inert environment. The treated polymer is then gradually cooled in this same atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention provides shaped, substantially unoriented, compositions of PTFE, having high notched Izod impact resistance, produced in a hot compression molding process wherein heat and pressure are applied simultaneously in a selected temperature range below the melting point of the virgin, as polymerized PTFE powder.

Abstract: Novel ultrahigh molecular weight linear polyethylene (UHMWLPE) in the form of a shaped article, exhibiting a unique combination of properties making the material useful as a bearing surface, in general, but particularly useful as a prosthetic hip joint cup and as other prosthetic shapes for replacement of other joints of the human body, A novel process for preparing this article is also disclosed.

Abstract: What is provided is an annealed, linear, high density polyethylene (LHDPE) and a process for the preparation of tough impact resistant articles made of such materials.

Abstract: Shaped PTFE compositions are disclosed having low creep which are produced by the application of pressure and elevated temperature. Also disclosed is a process for making shaped compositions with low creep by the application of pressure and elevated temperature.

Abstract: What is provided is an annealed, linear, high density polyethylene (LHDPE) and a process for the preparation of tough impact resistant articles made of such materials.

Abstract: A homogeneous composite is provided comprising (a) about 10 to 99.5% by weight of an ultrahigh molecular weight linear polyethylene having a molecular weight of at least about 400,000, a crystalline melting point of greater than 143.degree. C., the reduction of said melting point upon remelting being at least 3.degree. C., and a crystal morphology comprising a bimodal distribution of molecular chain fold spacings reflecting significant populations of both folded and very highly extended molecular chains, and (b) about 0.5 to 90% by weight of at least one filler compound having a neutral-to-acidic surface, said polyethylene being polymerized onto the surface of said filler, and said composite being substantially free of polymer-free filler and of filler-free polymer. Also provided are processes for the preparation of such composites.

Abstract: Homogeneous, particulate composites are provided, of about 75-99.5 weight percent ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and about 0.5-25 weight percent of at least one filler compound, and wherein the composites have a surface area of at least about 4 m.sup.2 /g. The particulate UHMWPE is also provided without the filler. Dense, load-bearing articles of these materials are formed by cold-pressing and free-sintering procedures. Cold-pressable, free-sinterable blends of commercial UHMWPE containing at least 25 weight percent of the composites or unfilled UHMWPE of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Ceramic compositions comprising a distillable binder, shaped articles formed therefrom and a method for making said compositions and for forming the shaped articles.

Abstract: Polyacrylonitrile is chemically modified with HX (Cl, Br, I, CF.sub.3 SO.sub.3 H) to produce a polymer with readily replaceable X groups. The modified polyacrylonitrile is useful as an immobilization substrate for, e.g.

Abstract: This invention relates to vessel for high pressure and optionally high temperature processes. More specifically it relates to a pressure vessel having a non-threaded plug, the vessel being useful as a chemical reactor and for polymer processing at high pressures and optionally elevated temperatures.