Abstract: A method and apparatus for initialization and operation of cable modems comprising initializing the cable modems over management channels and transferring the cable modems to a data channel for operation. Initialization over a management channel overcomes certain prior art constraints associated with initialization over the data channel.

Abstract: A process for preparing calcined gypsum (stucco) which comprises treating a mass of calcined gypsum by adding, with thorough blending, small portions of water (about 1-10% by weight) to the calcined gypsum, allowing it to heal, and grinding the healed stucco to recapture the rate of strength development and the ultimate strength which are adversely affected by the water addition. The principal advantage provided by the addition of small portions of water is a reduction in water demand which is retained despite the grinding and optional drying of the healed stucco. If the treated calcined gypsum is not used shortly after the healing procedure, it should be dried to provide storage stability. The reduced water demand is particularly useful in gypsum board manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for preparing calcined gypsum which comprises continuously treating a mass of calcined gypsum by adding, with thorough blending, metered portions of water to the calcined gypsum. The water is incorporated into the calcined gypsum as a continuous, free-falling stream immediately after the gypsum enters the blender container near the top of its sidewall. The water must be added carefully so as not to contact either the side wall of the blender container or the propeller blade mounted in the center of the apparatus on a shaft projecting upwardly from the bottom and with the propeller spaced from the bottom of the container. The water is added in amounts ranging from about 1 to about 16% of free water by weight of the calcined gypsum fed to the blender apparatus.

Abstract: A T-shaped pipe whose base extends through a sidewall of a steam trap housing terminates internally of the housing in open ended upper and lower vertical arms. The lower arm is closed off by an axially movable valve disc mounted to a valve actuator rod extending axially through the arms and coupled at its upper end to a pressure balancing plate sealably connected at its periphery by a non-ferrous metal bellows to the upper end of the T-pipe arm. A float ball fixed to a float arm is pivotably coupled at the opposite end of the arm to the valve actuator rod and to the T-pipe with the pressure on balancing plate balancing the pressures acting on the movable valve disc.