Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for automatically generating charts, preferably in Microsoft® Excel format, for the users to be able to better analyze the network data. All the functions needed to generate are performed at the network server without installing any additional components on user's server, thereby independent of any third party software. Furthermore, minimal user input is required using any kind of application without modifications.

Abstract: In a method for effecting rights transfer from a first entity to a second entity, a financial instrument is issued to the first entity in exchange for a right granted from the first entity. The financial instrument has a component that includes a cumulative royalty account representative of a cumulative royalty amount. A royalty amount to be credited the cumulative royalty account is calculated periodically and is based on a predetermined royalty schedule. On a conversion event, an average price per value unit for the second entity is determined. The financial instrument is converted into value units by dividing the cumulative royalty amount in the cumulative royalty account by the average price per value unit. The converted value units are issued to the first entity.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method is presented for displaying power and heat faults that occur in a network. A server initiates a variety of power alarm display methods. Each method is directed at receiving specific types of power alarm information and displaying or inhibiting the display of this information on a wallboard. The methods operate simultaneously and update the wallboard with power alarm information in near real time. Further, the methods continue to operate and update the display of the power alarm information when tickets associated with the alarms are received or when an operator acknowledges the alarm.

Abstract: An interlock device for measuring the sobriety of a potential vehicle operator is coupled to the starting mechanism of the vehicle. The interlock device includes a microprocessor controlled handset and base unit. The base unit encloses relays to preclude the starting mechanism from engaging if a predetermined acceptable threshold level of blood alcohol content has been exceeded. The relays receive a signal, through the base unit microprocessor, from the handset microprocessor which has calculated the blood alcohol content of a breath sample introduced into the handset by the vehicle operator. A breath sampling housing is enclosed within the handset in axial alignment with an intake port of the handset. A water filter and valve are positioned upstream from an electrochemical fuel cell. The fuel cell is coupled to the microprocessor. A pressure transducer measures the pressure of the breath sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a most efficient, automated, fast and least expensive method and apparatus for processing the dig ticket alerts to prevent damage of underground facilities. All the functions required to process the ticket alerts are handled by one system called the geolink (geographical link to data) fiber integrity, i.e. GFI. The processing includes checking the ticket alerts for a dig location, automatically closing the ticket alerts if the dig location is not touching a cable buffer and forwarding the ticket alerts to the technician responsible for the ticket alert if the dig location is touching the cable buffer. The GFI system will receive and process thousands of dig ticket alerts on a daily basis without depending on any other system.

Abstract: For each process a stack data structure that includes two stacks, which are joined at their bases, is created. The two stacks include a normal stack, which grows downward, and an inverse stack, which grows upward. Items on the stack data structure are segregated into protected and unprotected classes. Protected items include frame pointers and return addresses, which are stored on the normal stack. Unprotected items are function parameters and local variables. The unprotected items are stored on the inverse stack.

Abstract: A method and tool for managing network infrastructure is presented. The tool provides information related to infrastructure of international networks, including facilities and equipment, and enables the display of such information. The information can be displayed in both geographic and tabular form. The equipment includes international as well as proprietary equipment, and information describes the relationship between the two.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method of providing relevant information about a network problem is presented. In one embodiment of the present invention, methods are presented for acquiring, analyzing, and distributing relevant information to network operations personnel, which include both service provider personnel and clients. A network portal is presented. The network portal consolidates and intelligently distributes network operations information, such as alarm information in real time. As such, the information required to make informed decisions is communicated to network operations personnel in a format that facilitates the access and use of the information. In addition, as the network problem changes (i.e., resolves, escalates), the changes in the alarm information may also be communicated to network operations personnel.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method and apparatus is presented for accessing data using Web Services. A prototype object is defined which describes data. The prototype object is defined in a Web Services Description Language (WSDL) document using a class. In one embodiment of the present invention, the class is implemented with a struct data type. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the class is implemented with a class data type. The WSDL document is used to operate a Web Service, which accesses the data and generates objects compliant with the class.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for searching a large database of dig location tickets for tickets of particular interest. A user can locate an area of concern on an on-screen map and can view a list of tickets received for a given date range of the map. For example, when underground plant damage occurs in a particular region, users need not text-search in the database to locate a particular ticket that may have caused the damage, but can instead locate the ticket using the enhanced on-screen map of the invention.

Abstract: A method for preparing thin supported films by vacuum is disclosed. The method results in a substrate with windows. The windows are cutout (etched) areas that are covered by a thin film. The method for creating the substrate with thin film covering requires: masking off one surface of the metal substrate with a maskant; placing the metal substrate under a vacuum; treating the unmasked surface by plasma etching; coating the treated surface with a film while still under vacuum; removing substrate from vacuum; remove the masking; treating the previously masked side with photo resist; exposing the side treated with photo resist to artwork of a desired pattern; exposing the substrate to a suitable solution; chemically etching in areas selectively exposed by the artwork; neutralizing the substrate; and removing the etched parts from the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for automatically splitting carcass (10) of a slaughtered animal. The apparatus includes saw assembly (17) mounted on carriage (22) and ultrasonic scanner (30). Assembly (17) is moved by carriage (22) along support (16) so that saw blade (18) commences cutting at the base of the spine and progressively advances downwardly following the line of the spine. Scanner (30) scans carcass (10) and the data signals are processed to locate the spine and/or determine its conformation immediately ahead of the point where blade (18) is splitting carcass (10). The processed signals are used to control the degrees of movement of blade (18) including lateral movement, rolling movement, vertical movement, tilting movement and yawing movement. The apparatus can also follow a desired line of cut in other medical, veterinary or forensic applications, or for cutting manufactured products, artefacts or achaeological articles having an internal structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for consolidating troubleshooting information generated by a variety of troubleshooting systems is presented. A fault occurs in a network. At least one troubleshooting system notifies a network incident analyzer of the fault. A graphical user interface (GUI) is presented to a network operator. The network operator inputs information into the GUI. The information is used in conjunction with the original troubleshooting information to generate a query to a plurality of troubleshooting systems. Updated troubleshooting information is received in the network incident analyzer in response to the queries. The network incident analyzer uses the updated troubleshooting information to update the GUI and ultimately isolate the fault.

Abstract: A beam blade windshield wiper assembly having an elongated backbone defining a median line extending along its longitudinal beam length between its first and second ends. The backbone includes an upper surface and a lower mounting surface as well as first and second sides extending between the upper and lower surfaces and the first and second longitudinal ends. The first side of the backbone defines a leading edge and the second side of the backbone defines a trailing edge thereof. The assembly also includes a wiper element having a longitudinal centerline, said wiper element mounted to said backbone such that its longitudinal centerline is offset from said median line of said backbone in the direction of said leading edge.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for testing a fiber-optic cable. An Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) is presented. Test signals are generated from the OTDR and received by the OTDR for processing. The received test signals are sampled and analyzed. The received test signals include reflectance spikes and a slope. A first-order derivative is taken of the received signal. The first-order derivative is then filtered to remove the reflectance spikes and the slope. Discontinuities in the filtered first-order derivative denote a fault in the fiber-optic cable.

Abstract: To locate a buried conveyance (10), electromagnetic signaling information is collected at spaced intervals along the conveyance with the aid of a locating device (14). A processor (21) receives such information from the locating device (14) and then geographically orders the information in accordance with the geographic coordinates of the location at which it was obtained. Once geographically ordered, the information is then provided on a display (22) to provide a visual representation of the information as a function of the conveyance length.

Abstract: A beam blade windshield wiper assembly having an elongated backbone defining a longitudinal beam length which extends between first and second longitudinal ends so as to define a longitudinal axis with an intermediate portion therebetween. The backbone has an upper surface and an opposed mounting surface with first and second sides extending between the upper surface and the mounting surface. A wiper element is mounted to the mounting surface of the backbone and extends for a substantial portion of its longitudinal beam length. The assembly further includes a coupler which is adapted to interconnect the backbone to a wiper arm. The coupler includes a spring clip mounted to the backbone and a coupler housing adapted to be mounted to the wiper arm.

Abstract: A method for preparing thin supported films by vacuum is disclosed. The method results in a substrate with windows. The windows are cutout (etched) areas that are covered by a thin film. The method for creating the substrate with thin film covering requires: masking off one surface of the metal substrate with a maskant; placing the metal substrate under a vacuum; treating the unmasked surface by plasma etching; coating the treated surface with a film while still under vacuum; removing substrate from vacuum; remove the masking; treating the previously masked side with photo resist; exposing the side treated with photo resist to artwork of a desired pattern; exposing the substrate to a suitable solution; chemically etching in areas selectively exposed by the artwork; neutralizing the substrate; and removing the etched parts from the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved parylene deposition chamber wherein reactive monomer vapors enter the chamber tangentially so as to create a rotational flow of vapor within the interior of the chamber. A substrate support fixture is positioned within the chamber and rotated in a direction counter to the rotational flow of vapor. An annular space exists between the outer edge of the fixture and the inner wall of the chamber so as to allow the rotating vapor to descend freely within the chamber. Waste of parylene chemicals is minimized by eliminating the need for the positioning of baffles within the chamber.

Abstract: A parallelogram lift in which the deck rails are raised by lifting legs affixed to sliding members that slide within channels in the deck rails. Link arms pivotally connect to the deck rail to each leg, so that the deck rail lifts vertically. A single hydraulic actuator is used to actuate the legs supporting each deck rail, which ensures that the deck rail remains level during the lifting and lowering processes.