Abstract: Content is received within a network by a content receiver based upon fetch requests by the content receiver to a content source, where the fetch requests for content are based upon a first adaptation logic scheme to fill a buffer of the content receiver at a selected rate and to download segments of content at selected encoding rates. A network priority is detected at the content receiver that includes an observed download rate at the content receiver that is greater than a fair share rate for other content receivers in the network. Fetch requests for content are revised in response to detection of the network priority, where the revised fetch requests are based upon a priority adaptation scheme that results in at least one of filling the buffer at a faster rate and downloading segments of content at higher encoding rates compared with the first adaptation logic scheme.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly includes an optical cable supporting a plurality of optical fibers and a furcation integrated with the optical cable. The furcation separates optical fibers of the plurality into a first set and a second set. The first set includes a loopback channel that enters the furcation, loops around within the furcation, and then returns to the optical cable such that optical transmissions passing along the loopback channel pass twice through the optical cable in opposing directions. The second set passes through the furcation without looping back into the optical cable.

Abstract: A method is given for reducing fluid loss in downhole operations such as drilling and completion. A composition containing a fusing solid is injected into the fluid loss flow path; the fusing solid fuses at formation temperature when the injection pressure is released and the formation matrix surfaces forming the flow path close on the composition. The fusing solid is gilsonite, or a similar material, or resin coated particles. The composition may optionally contain one or more of fibers, flakes, an activator, and a dispersant.

Abstract: A method is given for reducing fluid loss in downhole operations such as drilling and completion. A composition containing a fusing solid is injected into the fluid loss flow path; the fusing solid fuses at formation temperature when the injection pressure is released and the formation matrix surfaces forming the flow path close on the composition. The fusing solid is gilsonite, or a similar material, or resin coated particles. The composition may optionally contain one or more of fibers, flakes, an activator, and a dispersant.

Abstract: A method for producing a dental restoration wherein a tooth preparation area is scanned either directly or indirectly. The scanned data is used by a computer controlled milling machine to create two or more investment blocks (50, 52, 54) for preparing a suitable dental restoration, the investment blocks being of a material which may be used in ovens operating in a 800° to 1,200° C. range. A suitable dental restorative material (18) and the blocks are place in an oven, and after being clamped together, the material (18) is pressed or injected into the investment blocks to form the desired dental restoration. Subsequently, after cooling, the dental restoration is divested from the investment mold and finished.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plural compartment assemblies in which materials are stored in at least two separate compartments until the compartments are opened for use. More particularly, the invention relates to a dispensing tube whereby the utilization of a novel insert, a conventional dispensing tube can be divided into separate and discrete compartments at a low capital cost. The resulting dispensing assembly provides for dispensing more than one material from the same tube and even more particularly co-dispensing predetermined proportions of incompatible materials simultaneously and effectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plural compartment assemblies in which materials are stored in at least two separate compartments until the compartments are opened for use. More particularly, the invention relates to a dispensing tube whereby the utilization of a novel insert, a conventional dispensing tube can be divided into separate and discrete compartments at a low capital cost. The resulting dispensing assembly provides for dispensing more than one material from the same tube and even more particularly co-dispensing predetermined proportions of incompatible materials simultaneously and effectively.

Abstract: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for customized intelligent contact routing is provided. The customized intelligent contact routing system includes an intelligent contact manager and a classification engine coupled with the intelligent contact manager. The classification engine is operable to determine a classification to be used in handling a contact by applying a set of classification rules. The intelligent contact manager is operable to select an appropriate service and an appropriate target to deliver that service for the contact given the classification determined by the classification engine.

Abstract: A method for producing a dental restoration wherein a tooth preparation area is scanned either directly or indirectly. The scanned data is used by a computer controlled milling machine to create two or more investment blocks (50, 52, 54) for preparing a suitable dental restoration, the investment blocks being of a material which may be used in ovens operating in a 800° to 1,200° C. range. A suitable dental restorative material (18) and the blocks are place in an oven, and after being clamped together, the material (18) is pressed or injected into the investment blocks to form the desired dental restoration. Subsequently, after cooling, the dental restoration is divested from the investment mold and finished.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, the detection of particles or organisms, particularly faecal coliform, in which the fluid under test is dispensed drop-by-drop onto a moving absorbent surface. The surface is of such a nature, and/or is so treated that the organisms form discrete visible colonies which can be counted photo-electrically after incubation.