Abstract: At least one network device that moves storage blocks based upon a session layer or higher protocol set is employed to facilitate communication between at least one host and at least one target storage device. The at least one network device may include a server and a switch. Transactions related to data storage access are expressed in a non-network protocol and transmitted via a network protocol data unit across at least a portion of the network by employing encapsulation. An adapter card associated with the data storage unit is employed to extract the non-network protocol transaction. Multiple, mirrored data storage units that are separated by relatively large physical distance may be employed to reduce the likelihood of catastrophic data loss due to an event such as a fire. Further, READ transactions may be facilitated by preloading data storage units with READ metadata for subsequent transmission to a client device to enable expedited access to data stored on the data storage units.

Abstract: In methods and apparatus for controlling multi-layer communications networks, data characterizing activity and state of the network and external demands made on the network by customer requests at at least two Layers is collected. The collected data are processed in accordance with a dynamic policy to determine that a reconfiguration of at least one Layer of the at least two Layers is favourable, and to determine a favoured reconfiguration of the at least one Layer. The collected data are processed in accordance with a dynamic policy to determine a favoured selection of customer demands on the network to be accepted. Implementation of the favoured reconfiguration and favoured admission is initiated. The resulting network behaviour is observed and the dynamic policy is adjusted to increase its ability to find favourable reconfiguration and call admission actions.

Abstract: A wireless communication with a receiver subsystem capable of supporting communications operating on two or three distinct frequency bands while incorporating only one or two oscillating devices, respectively. For example, such a subsystem could be integrated in a wireless communication hand-held device configured to operate within three frequency ranges in order to support Cellular, PCS, and GPS services. The receiver subsystem includes a receiver subsystem front end configured to receive first, second, and third receive signals operating under three different frequency bands. The three receive signals are subjected to front-stage filtering, low-noise amplifier, and bandpass filtering in order to remove any unwanted radio frequency components. The first signal is subsequently down-converted into an IF signal by mixing it with a first reference signal generated by a first voltage controlled oscillator (VCO).

Abstract: A heated traction belt usable by a user in traction on a bed and including a heater disposed internally in the rear portion of the belt and connected by a wire to a controller that is attached to the belt by VELCRO, VELCRO is also used to keep the belt closed when worn by the user, a heat control switch is disposed in the belt and connected to a weight strap so that when a weight is applied to the traction the weight strap pulls taunt and closes the heat control switch and operates the heater.

Abstract: A method for reducing broken fibers on the surface of a carbon fiber bundle involves passing the yarn through a passage in a fluid jet which in turn is supplied with a rimming flow of liquid. When the fiber bundle contacts the liquid, some of the broken fibers snap off and others are twisted and unidirectionally cabled back into the fiber bundle.

Abstract: In combination with a structural component, an improved self-retaining, non-metallic, molded bushing suitable for use in close tolerance applications--viz., applications where the inside and/or the outside diameters of the bushing must be maintained within .+-.0.005" and, in many instances, within .+-.0.002". More particularly, a self-retaining, non-metallic, close tolerance molded bushing having: (i) a tubular body portion with an outside diameter D.sub.1 ; (ii) an integral, enlarged, premolded first retaining head at one end of the tubular body portion; (iii) the tubular body portion having an axially extending area of reduced wall thickness at its opposite end terminating in an outwardly flared extremity having an outside diameter D.sub.2 (where D.sub.2 is greater than D.sub.

Abstract: There is described a medicament in pellet form characterized in that the pellet is soft, is from 10 to 1,000, preferably 30 to 500 microns, in diameter and comprises an agglomeration of individual medicament particles at least 90%, and preferably at least 95%, by weight of which have a diameter of less than 10 microns. Processes for making the soft pellets are also described.