Abstract: Two private networks are connected to each other through a public network. A first of the private networks has a firewall which prevents unsolicited messages from the public network into the first private network. The firewall does allow messages from the first private network on to the public network, and then on to the second network. The firewall also allows messages from the public network into the first network, if the message is in response to a message originating within the one network. The first network periodically sends status messages to the second network. The second network can respond to the status messages, and requested that the first network establish a directed circuit with the second network. However, the time period between status messages can be excessively long. Therefore, a wedge message, which is smaller and more frequent, is sent from the first network to the second network. The second network sends a response message to the first network.

Abstract: A process for the production of acetic acid, which process comprises contacting ethane and/or ethylene with a molecular oxygen-containing gas in a fluid bed reactor in the presence of a microspheroidal fluidised particulate solid oxidation catalyst, wherein at least 90% of said catalyst particles are less than 300 microns.

Abstract: A fluid flow control system for an electromagnetic pump having an electromagnetic drive (11) and a compressor (6). The control system established a required current in the compressor coils (10) to control the position and movement of the actuator (11), the actuator deflecting a diaphragm within the pump to provide the required flow. The control system includes a command signal generator (1) to create a signal representing the required flow. The signal is applied to a command processor (2) with any feedback signals (13) for example, coil current and/or actuator displacement. The command processor (2) calculates the appropriate drive signal defined by mark-space ratio, repetition rate, and amplitude. The drive signal controls the voltage supplied to the compressor coils (11) resulting in a required coil current to provide the desired flow. A dc power supply is used to avoid problems regarding main power supply and frequency.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I): wherein A? represents the benzenesulphonate (besylate) anion; R represents H or C1-6 alkyl; and n is a number from 0.8 to 2.2 are CCR3 antagonists and are therefore indictated to be useful in therapy are described.

Abstract: The invention comprises devices for mitigating the explosive reaction of a munition when it is subject to an external thermal hazard threat. The devices are based on the use of shape memory alloys. In one arrangement there is device which consists of a connector that is at least in part formed from a shape memory alloy, which typically undergoes large dimensional changes when heated or cooled through a particular transition temperature range. The connector in this invention is designed to form a locking engagement, between two components of a munitions casing at one temperature, but when subjected to external heating through the transition temperature range will deform to allow the connector to disengage and thus release the two joined components, allowing any build up of pressure to be released quickly. Advantageously if the co-operative parts of the connector and components are threaded portions, then the locking engagement will be capable of being dismantled during normal servicing of the munition.

Abstract: A programming framework is provided for designing and implementing software state machines. A state machine initializer may be created that defines the states, conditions, actions, triggers, and state transitions for the software state machines. A set of user interfaces, may also be provided for creating initializers. An abstract state machine object may then be created that creates an instance of a particular state machine initializer. The state machine initializer acts as a helper to the state machine object, which uses the initializer to create an array of state transition objects. A set of programming interfaces may also be provided to define the programming framework. Events generated by one state machine may be used as triggers by another state machine. Furthermore, state values of one state machine may be used as inputs by other state machines. State machines may also share triggers and inputs.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a composition and a process for forming a flexible polyurethane foam sealing device having improved compression set properties at increased temperatures. The sealing device is formed without the use of chemical blowing agents. The composition includes an isocyanate component for reaction with a resin component comprising an isocyanate-reactive component having a functionality of least four and a hydroxyl number of less than 40, a graft dispersion, and a physical blowing agent. The most preferred physical blowing agent is HFC-245 fa or 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane.

Abstract: A programming framework is provided for designing and implementing software state machines. A state machine initializer may be created that defines the states, conditions, actions, triggers, and state transitions for the software state machines. A set of user interfaces, such as graphical user interfaces, may also be provided for creating initializers. An abstract state machine object may then be created that creates an instance of a particular state machine initializer. The state machine initializer acts as a helper to the state machine object, which uses the initializer to create an array of state transition objects. Once the state machine objects creates the array of state transition objects, the state machine is ready to run. A set of programming interfaces may also be provided to define the programming framework.

Abstract: Creating directed circuits including encoding of policy and state information associated with directed circuits that may be established between two network entities on separate protected networks. The policies are maintained and implemented according to security methods that initially belong to network apparatus on either of the two protected networks; however the security methods may be relinquished to trusted third parties.

Abstract: Absorbent hygiene products comprising a core of an absorbent material and a top sheet through which fluid to be absorbed passes for absorption by the absorbent material are disclosed. The top sheet is porous and comprises a sheet having surfaces of a hydrophobic polymeric material modified by a graft copolymerization reaction between those surfaces and a vinyl monomer having a group capable of exhibiting hydrophilic properties. The graft polymerization reaction comprising exposure of the sheet to ultraviolet radiation while impregnated with a solution of the vinyl monomer. The grafted vinyl monomer comprises a substantially uniform coating of the sheet surface and having a mean thickness not more than about 3.0 ?m. Methods for producing this absorbent hygiene product are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated process (and system) for facilitating the creation of a frame based knowledge tree for use with a configuration system is provided. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a database induction module interacts with a user interface and a vendor provided database containing product information in the form of database files. The user sets induction preferences via a graphical user interface, and the induction module accesses product information from the client database files and automatically generates a frame based product knowledge tree in light of the user's preferences, where the frame based product knowledge tree is intended for use with a configuration system for configuring certain desired products, services, or other assemblages.

Abstract: A circuit and method is provided for determining the delay of an integrated circuit common associated with chip-to-chip variations in the manufacturing process, changes in operating voltage, and fluctuations in temperature. A clock signal is inverted, thus generating an inverted clock signal which is then delayed multiple times, resulting in several delayed versions of the inverted clock signal, with each version being delayed a different length of time. The logical state of each delayed version of the inverted clock signal is then stored. That stored logical state provides an indication as to the magnitude of the delay of the integrated circuit which may then be used to tune critical signals of the integrated circuit to avoid timing problems resulting from variations in IC propagation delay.

Abstract: A method of generating force between a structure and an additional member, particularly for reinforcing an existing structure so that an additional member can share existing load. Pre-cooled or pre-heated shims of shape memory alloy (SMA) are inserted between the additional member and the existing structure, or between different sub-units of the additional member, or between the additional member and shoes fixed for this purpose to the existing structure. On subsequent warming or cooling the SMA shims expand to apply compressive forces to the portions of the structure, additional member or shoe(s) with which they are in contact on their opposite sides. Further compressive, tensile, flexural or torsional forces will be developed within other parts of the structure and additional member as a result of the shim expansion depending on the particular arrangement.

Abstract: A method of providing an indication of pH levels in an animal can alternatively be used to provide an indication of stress in an animal. Since pH and temperature are related to ultimate meat quality, the method of the invention may also be used to provide an indication of ultimate meat quality. In the method, periodic measurements are obtained corresponding to the body temperature of the animal. An algorithm is applied to the measurements obtained. The algorithm cumulatively takes account of variations of body temperature over time. The results of the algorithm are compared to a per-determined threshold. Alternatively, the results of the algorithm may be compared with a standard to provide a quantitative indication of pH, stress or meat tenderness. A system for providing an indication of meat quality/stress levels or pH levels in an animal is also provided.

Abstract: A purge valve for an evaporative emission control system. The purge valve includes an actuator, a valve body, and a valve closure member disposed in the valve body. The actuator is disposed along a longitudinal axis, and includes an electromagnetic coil having a hollow core extending along the longitudinal axis, a stator disposed in the hollow core, and a permanent magnet armature disposed proximate the stator. The valve body is disposed proximate the actuator, and defines a flow passage extending along the longitudinal axis. When the coil is unenergized, the permanent magnet armature is magnetically attracted to the stator, and the valve closure member is spaced from the armature by a lost motion distance.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for promoting production gains in animals, and of enhancing the efficacy of therapeutic agents. The gains are achieved through reduction in stress, including through the use of antistress agents. Compositions comprising therapeutic agents such as anthelmintics, and antistress agents are provided.

Abstract: A hapten-linker-large group conjugate for use in a rapid assay, wherein the assay is kinetic-based not approaching equilibrium, the hapten-linker-large group conjugate being of the general formula: X—W—Y-Z wherein: X is a hapten; W is an optional thioether or ether group;Y is a linker of 10 or more atoms in length; and Z is a large group of sufficient size to provide steric hindrance with respect to the binding of X to a ligand in the absence of Y. Also provided are processes for the production of the conjugates, assay methods and kits. The assays of the invention utilising conjugates of the invention [(5)-OVA] provide a better sensitivity than the same assays with conjugates with shorter linkers [(2)-OVA and 3-OVA].

Abstract: A transudate extraction device (1) for non-invasive extraction of transudate through a target area of a skin barrier of an organism subjected to sufficient ultrasonic energy from a generator (2) to induce transudation therethrough, the device including at least: a contacting means (3) for contacting said target area to receive transudate therefrom, a transudate collection chamber (6) in open communication with said contacting means to receive transudate therefrom, circulating means for circulating transudate within said collection chamber by, for example having a fluid flow (12) through an inlet port (8) and out an outlet port (9) to thereby create and maintain a concentration gradient through the skin of a said test subject, said collection chamber having a discharge opening (9) through which exudate collected therein can be discharged.