Abstract: A user gains access to a private network by connecting to a network, either through a hardwired or wireless connection, and then initiates an Internet access request targeting any website. If the user is not already authorized for Internet access, then the user is sent to a first predetermined website that points the user to an authentication server accessible via the Internet. The authentication server sends the user an HTTP form pages requesting authentication information. When the user responds, a network monitoring device within the private network alters the form page to include the user's hardware address and an encoded ID based on the network's location. The authentication server forwards this data to a gate keeper server, which authenticates the new user and transmits an unblock message along with another encoded ID based on the network's location and the user's hardware address.

Abstract: An asymmetric network system manages bandwidth allocation and configuration of remote devices in a broadband network. A modular architecture of the system permits independent scalability of upstream and downstream capacity separately for each of the upstream and downstream physical paths. Allocation of downstream bandwidth to requesting devices is made according to bandwidth utilization by other devices, bandwidth demand by the requesting remote device, class or grade of service by the requesting remote device or bandwidth guaranteed to other remote devices. Configuration parameters remotely managed by the network include device addresses (global and local), transmission credit values, upstream channel assignment and upstream transmit power level. Further, management of device configuration profiles and bandwidth allocation occurs through control and response packets respectively generated by the network and the remote devices according to network operating software located at both ends.

Abstract: An asymmetric network system manages bandwidth allocation and configuration of remote devices in a broadband network. A modular architecture of the system permits independent scalability of upstream and downstream capacity separately for each of the upstream and downstream physical paths. Allocation of downstream bandwidth to requesting devices is made according to bandwidth utilization by other devices, bandwidth demand by the requesting remote device, class or grade of service by the requesting remote device or bandwidth guaranteed to other remote devices.

Abstract: An asymmetric network system manages bandwidth allocation and configuration of remote devices in a broadband network. A modular architecture of the system permits independent scalability of upstream and downstream capacity separately for each of the upstream and downstream physical paths. Allocation of downstream bandwidth to requesting devices is made according to bandwidth utilization by other devices, bandwidth demand by the requesting remote device, class or grade of service by the requesting remote device or bandwidth guaranteed to other remote devices. Configuration parameters remotely managed by the network include device addresses (global and local), transmission credit values, upstream channel assignment and upstream transmit power level. Further, management of device configuration profiles and bandwidth allocation occurs through control and response packets respectively generated by the network and the remote devices according to network operating software located at both ends.

Abstract: A nail clipper includes a clipper body having a front section and a rear section acting as a first handle, the front section including a top plate and a base plate defining a passageway therebetween. The top plate and the base plate each has an aperture substantially aligned to each other and adapted to receive a finger nail therewithin. A blade is slidably positioned in the passageway. The nail clipper further includes a second handle having a front end connected to the blade, and a flexible plate. The first end of the flexible plate is attached to the second handle and the opposing second end of the flexible plate is attached to the first handle. The flexible plate is adapted to normally bias the second handle and the blade in a retracted position rearward from the apertures.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a gate electrode having two polysilicon layers and a tungsten silicide layer to prevent fluorine gas diffusion along grain boundaries from penetrating into a gate oxide film.This method for forming a gate electrode is comprised of sequentially forming a gate oxide film and a first polysilicon layer on a silicon substrate, enlarging the grain size of the first polysilicon layer by heat treatment, introducing a reagent gas, either SiH.sub.4 or Si.sub.2 H.sub.6, to further adjust the grain size within said layer, forming a second polysilicon layer on the first polysilicon layer, enlarging the grain size of the second polysilicon layer by heat treatment, introducing a reagent gas, either Si.sub.2 H.sub.6 or SiH.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a substantially granular food composition which contains digestible starch having a substantially granular structure, whereby said starch is provided with coagulable protein and said protein is subsequently coagulated, and the ratio of starch to protein lies between 97-60: 3-40, and to a granular food composition characterized by digestible starch that is provided with coagulated protein, and that the ratio of starch to protein lies between 97-60: 3-40. In both cases the ratio of starch to protein lies between 97-70: 3-30, preferably 90:10. The food product may have the form of filled cake, other bakery products and dish, couscous, anko, snack and the like provided with a granular food composition.

Abstract: The products contain less than 10% by weight of digestible carbohydrate and are prepared in the conventional way from a dough or batter comprising egg in the form of whole egg or egg albumin, 2-30% by weight of flour substitute such as calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate, ammonium caseinate, acid caseinate, soy protein and the like, of which at least 50% by weight is supplied by calcium caseinate, 15% by weight of wheat flour which is present in an amount less than the amount of flour substitute, 3-40% by weight of minced nuts, 5-50% by weight of sugar alcohol selected from lactitol, sorbitol, and xylitol, and 0% by weight of sugar. The use of lactitol as the sugar alcohol provides crispy products which maintain their crispness for several months when protected from moisture.