Abstract: An architecture for providing high-speed access over frequency-division multiplexed (FDM) channels allows transmission of ethernet frames and/or other data across a cable transmission network or other form of FDM transport. The architecture involves downstream and upstream FDM multiplexing techniques to allow contemporaneous, parallel communications across a plurality of frequency channels. Also, the modulation indices of various upstream frequency channels may be different, but a plurality of upstream channels may be used to carry a single data flow generally in parallel. The upstream data flow is fragmented into blocks and formed into superframes to allow transmission over at least one upstream frequency channel. When a plurality of upstream frequency channels are utilized, the superframes facilitate the possibility of having different modulation indices on the plurality of frequency channels.

Abstract: A cable television system (100) includes forward and reverse paths. In the reverse path, an optical transmitter (405), which could be located in an optical node (115), receives an analog information signal from subscriber equipment (130) and transmits in accordance therewith a digital optical signal. The optical transmitter (405) digitizes its incoming signal, compresses the signal, and generates therefrom the digital optical signal. The cable television system (100) also includes an optical receiver (500) for receiving the digital optical signal, decompressing information included in digital optical signal, and recovering therefrom an analog signal representative of the analog information signal. The optical receiver (500) could be included in a hub or headend equipment (105) of the cable television system (100).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an additive concentrate for reducing octane requirement comprising a cyclic amide alkoxylate compound of the formula I: wherein x is from 3 to 11; y is from 1 to 50; R1 and R2 are each independently hydrogen, hydrocarbyl of 1 to 100 carbon atoms and substituted hydrocarbyl of 1 to 100 carbon atoms; R3 is hydrocarbyl of 1 to 100 carbon atoms or substituted hydrocarbyl of 1 to 100 carbon atoms; each R4 is independently hydrocarbyl of 2 to 100 carbon atoms or substituted hydrocarbyl of 2 to 100 carbon atoms; R5 is hydrogen, hydrocarbyl of 1 to 100 carbon atoms, substituted hydrocarbyl of 1 to 100 carbon atoms or acyl of 1 to 20 carbon atoms; a detergent selected from polyalkenylamines, Mannich amines, polyalkenylsuccinimides, poly(oxyalkylene) carbamates and poly(alkenyl)-N-substituted carbamates and an optional solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gasoline composition comprising a major amount of a gasoline suitable for use in spark-ignition engines, a minor amount of a polyalphaolefin having a viscosity at 100.degree. C. from about 2.times.10.sup.-6 m.sup.2 /s to about 2.times.10.sup.-5 m.sup.2 /s (2 to 20 centistokes), being a hydrogenated oligomer containing from 18 carbon atoms to 80 carbon atoms derived from at least one alphaolefinic monomer containing from 8 carbon atoms to 16 carbon atoms, and a minor amount of a polyoxyalkylene compound selected from glycols, mono- and diethers thereof, having number average molecular weight (M.sub.n) from about 400 to about 3000, the weight ratio of polyalphaolefin:polyoxyalkylene compound being from about 1:10 to about 10:1 and a concentrate for the preparation of such gasoline compositions.

Abstract: A granular material which includes an inorganic substrate has a ceramic coating which substantially reduces dust generation during processing of the granular material. The ceramic coating comprises the reaction product of an alkali metal silicate and an aluminosilicate, the ceramic coating further including a magnesium complex and an alkali metal chloride. The magnesium complex and alkali metal chloride are dispersed within the coating. It has been found that the use of magnesium chloride alone eliminates the use of oil in preventing dusting of the resultant granule material. Methods of producing such ceramic-coated granular materials are also disclosed, as well as methods of reducing dust generation using magnesium chloride.

Abstract: Roofing granules having surfaces treated with an oil and an elastomeric rubber. The elastomeric rubber can be an organic block copolymer having elastomeric and nonelastomeric repeating units. The oil and rubber are applied to the roofing granules' surfaces as a thin film. The thin film of oil and rubber impedes granule staining from oils in asphalt roofing materials, and reduces dust formation during granule handling. Also disclosed is a roofing shingle and a process for making the roofing granule composition.

Abstract: A cylindrical ceramic foam body that can be the sole buoyant member of an oil-containment boom is produced by firing a mixture of fine particles of ceramic precursor, a source of carbon such as silicon carbide, and a metallic oxide. In the boom, a stack of the ceramic foam bodies, each of which is a cylinder, can be held together by wire mesh to provide a buoyant log. A plurality of the buoyant logs can be inserted end-to-end into a 3-layer loop, viz., an inner layer of a ceramic textile fabric, a middle layer of knitted wire mesh, and an outer layer of polymer-coated fabric.

Abstract: Use of surface modification treatment on mineral fines to obtain higher filler loadings in asphalt used for roofing shingles. Mineral fines are coated with oil such as a petroleum oil at about the 0.25-1.0 percent level before they are incorporated into molten asphalt. This treatment makes minerals which otherwise would be uncompetitive with traditional fillers, such as limestone, sufficiently compatible with asphalt to be a viable alternative to limestone. Nepheline syenite mineral fines treated in this manner have been successfully incorporated into asphalt for shingles at a loading of 65-70%.

Abstract: Smoking articles, such as cigarettes and little cigars, having self-extinguishing properties when laid on a flat surface yet will not extinguish when held in the hand or placed in an ashtray, are disclosed. The tobacco filler composition of the smoking articles is modified by the addition thereto of a moisture stable alkali metal silicate, the preferred moisture stable alkali metal silicate being borate stabilized sodium silicate.

Abstract: A fire retardant, intumescent composition is provided which comprises a mixture of alkali metal silicate, represented by the formula M.sub.2 O:xSiO.sub.2 in which M is the alkali metal; an oxy boron compound selected from boric acid or salts of Group I and II elements; and water; in which the weight ratio x ranges from about 1.5 to about 4, the molar ratio of boron to M is between 0.2 and 0.9, and the water comprises about 5 to 15 weight percent of the total composition. These compositions are made by mixing an alkali metal silicate sol with a borate (e.g., boric acid) to form a gel which is dried in an oven. The resulting residue is crumbled to granules. A fire retardant which is relatively insoluble and has improved stability to long term exposure to water and humidity is formed. Various parameters (e.g.

Abstract: Asphaltic materials (e.g., asphalt, bitumen, or pitch) are increased in flame-resistance and improved in other useful properties by use of a latent catalyst mixture which reacts upon heating to catalyze oxidation of the asphaltic material. The catalyst comprises halogenated organic compound which decomposes and releases halogen upon heating and an iron-containing compound adapted to react with the released halogen to form iron halide.

Abstract: Fire- and heat-resistant sheet material comprises fibrous webs adhered together with asphalt which is filled with inorganic particles, intumescable granules, and a catalyst which catalyzes charring of the asphalt.

Abstract: Attenuated Moraxella bovis is applied directly to the eye of cattle to immunize the eye against the occurrence of pinkeye.

Abstract: Fire-retardant granules comprise (1) core particles of hydrated soluble silicate glass that intumesces in the presence of heat, and (2) a solid coating around the core particles that comprises a mixture of (a) halogenated organic compound that releases halogen when heated to a temperature less than about 250.degree. C.; and (b) an iron-containing compound adapted to react with said released halogen to form iron halide. The combined intumescence of the core particle and the catalytic effect of the coating on the particle achieves a unique fire-retarding action, especially in asphalt products such as asphalt shingles, but also in a range of other products.

Abstract: Asphalt roofing material is made fire-retardant by inclusion of a layer of intumescable hydrated soluble silicate particles. Preferred soluble silicate particles carry a protective moisture-resistant coating which increases the life of the roofing material, and also makes possible convenient manufacture of the particles. The protective coating includes a metal cation capable of reacting with the silicate ion of the core particle to form a reaction product that is less soluble than the core particle. The reaction is believed to seal any openings in the protective coating, thereby lengthening the effective life of the coating. Besides utility in roofing materials, the coated particles are useful as fire-retardant additives in many other products, including polymeric articles, sheet materials, coating compositions, etc.

Abstract: A satellite tracking antenna system for use on board ship as part of a maritime communications satellite terminal is disclosed. The system has a directional antenna which is continually trained in the direction of the satellite so as to receive signals therefrom and transmit thereto in spite of the continual rolling, pitching and turning movement of the ship as it travels along its course, even in heavy seas. The system includes a platform which is adapted to be mounted at the head of the mast of the ship. A servo control unit receives position and angular rate signals from roll and pitch sensors mounted on the platform, and serves to counteract pitch and roll without the need for gyroscopic stabilization means so that the platform always remains level regardless of the pitching and rolling of the ship. A structure including the antenna, is mounted on the platform for rotation in azimuth and elevation.

Abstract: Curable compositions comprising phenolic resin, polyisocyanate, catalyst, and petroleum oil. The phenolic resin is soluble in the petroleum oil, but during reaction of the ingredients the petroleum oil separates as a uniform dispersion of minute droplets entrapped within the reaction product. The compositions are insensitive to the presence of water and produce dimensionally stable cured products, making them especially useful as wood-patching compositions.

Abstract: A satellite tracking antenna system for use on board ship as part of a maritime communications satellite terminal is disclosed. The system has a directional antenna which is continually trained in the direction of the satellite so as to receive signals therefrom and transmit thereto in spite of the continual rolling, pitching and turning movement of the ship as it travels along its course, even in heavy seas. The system includes a platform which is adapted to be mounted at the head of the mast of the ship. A servo control unit receives position and angular rate signals from roll and pitch sensors mounted on the platform, and serves to drive stepper motors through drive units therefor which counteract pitch and roll without the need for gyroscopic stabilization means and without requiring tachometers or other feedback control in the drive units so that the platform always remains level regardless of the pitching and rolling of the ship.