Abstract: A reaction column comprises a plurality of cells each of which has a lower cell portion and an upper cell portion. The cells are arranged sequentially, from an uppermost cell to a lowermost cell. The fuel inlet is configured to direct fluid through the reaction column from a lower cell portion of the lowermost cell to an upper cell portion of the uppermost cell, and out of the fuel outlet. The reagent inlet is configured to direct reagent through the reaction column from the upper cell portion of the uppermost cell to the lower cell portion of the lowermost cell. The plurality of cells may be vertically or horizontally positioned, as well as inclined and the like. Systems and methods are likewise disclosed.

Abstract: An adapter card for managing connections between clients and a network server off-loads the connection management burden from the server. The adapter card includes a memory with an embedded proxy application and a communication protocol stack, a processing unit for executing the application code, a network controller for interfacing with an internetwork, and a bus protocol bridge for interfacing with the internal bus of the network server. The proxy application receives client requests on behalf of the server over relatively slow and unreliable network connections, and submits the requests to the server over fast, reliable bus connections.

Abstract: An adapter card for managing connections between clients and a network server off-loads the connection management burden from the server. The adapter card includes a memory with an embedded proxy application and a communication protocol stack, a processing unit for executing the application code, a network controller for interfacing with an internetwork, and a bus protocol bridge for interfacing with the internal bus of the network server. The proxy application receives client requests on behalf of the server over relatively slow and unreliable network connections, and submits the requests to the server over fast, reliable bus connections.

Abstract: An adapter card for managing connections between clients and a network server off-loads the connection management burden from the server. The adapter card includes a memory with an embedded proxy application and a communication protocol stack, a processing unit for executing the application code, a network controller for interfacing with an internetwork, and a bus protocol bridge for interfacing with the internal bus of the network server. The proxy application receives client requests on behalf of the server over relatively slow and unreliable network connections, and submits the requests to the server over fast, reliable bus connections.

Abstract: An adapter card for managing connections between clients and a network server off-loads the connection management burden from the server. The adapter card includes a memory with an embedded proxy application and a communication protocol stack, a processing unit for executing the application code, a network controller for interfacing with an internetwork, and a bus protocol bridge for interfacing with the internal bus of the network server. The proxy application receives client requests on behalf of the server over relatively slow and unreliable network connections, and submits the requests to the server over fast, reliable bus connections.

Abstract: An adapter card for managing connections between clients and a network server off-loads the connection management burden from the server. The adapter card includes a memory with an embedded proxy application and a communication protocol stack, a processing unit for executing the application code, a network controller for interfacing with an internetwork, and a bus protocol bridge for interfacing with the internal bus of the network server. The proxy application receives client requests on behalf of the server over relatively slow and unreliable network connections, and submits the requests to the server over fast, reliable bus connections. A proxy cache provides storage for server responses, so that the proxy application can provide the stored responses to clients without re-accessing the server. Buffers are allocated to a particular client connection only after it is determined that data will be exchanged between the server and the client.

Abstract: An adapter card for managing connections between clients and a network server off-loads the connection management burden from the server. The adapter card includes a memory with an embedded proxy application and a communication protocol stack, a processing unit for executing the application code, a network controller for interfacing with an internetwork, and a bus protocol bridge for interfacing with the internal bus of the network server. The proxy application receives client requests on behalf of the server over relatively slow and unreliable network connections, and submits the requests to the server over fast, reliable bus connections. Buffers are allocated to a particular client connection only after it is determined that data will be exchanged between the server and the client.

Abstract: Laser beam welding apparatus for effecting a weld along a part-circular path, the apparatus is intended for use in welding end flanges to semicylindrical shells to form semi-cylindrical journal bearings, particularly those having a flange at each end. The apparatus includes a laser source (11) and pair of rotatably mounted housings (17) each supporting a laser nozzle (18), one on each side of a center line (32). Either nozzle (18) can be selected for operation by moving a mirror (13) in and out of the laser beam as is necessary when welding a flange at each end of the shell. Workpieces are held in jigs (39) in jig means (38) and are accommodated by moving the housings (17) towards and away from the center line (32). Welds of different radii may be achieved by moving the nozzle (18) radially with respect to the axis of rotation of the housings (17).

Abstract: A device for supporting separate parts of a flanged plain bearing so that they can be welded together. The device comprises a main body part having an arcuate seating across its upper surface and a planar side surface adjoining such seating.There are provided means to clamp an arcuate shell in the seating and means to clamp a separate flange against the side surface with the edges of shell and the flange, to be joined together, in abutment and exposed for welding. The latter clamping means includes a clamping element movable to a position in which it engages the face of the flange remote from the side surface to hold it firmly against such surface.