Abstract: A method of forming pieces of plastic and welding them together to form large plastic objects by heating plastic sheets until they soften, heating the inner surfaces until they reach their melting point, and pressing them together with a mold to form them to a given and weld them together to form a single object.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus having a two chamber disposable cartridge that has fresh water in one chamber and brew ingredients in the other chamber. The cartridge fits into a cavity formed in a housing that includes a water heating system and expansion chamber. The water heating system is energized when the disposable cartage is nested in the housing. The system produces a pre-measured volume of a brewed beverage or hot liquid automatically.

Abstract: A method for making a forming structure for use in an apparatus for making formed polymeric film. The method comprises a multiple step process of applying a photoresist polymer to a metal base sheet, curing the polymer, acid etching the portions of the metal base sheet not covered by cured polymer to form a protrusion having an upper surface and a side wall (or walls), washing the base sheet with caustic and repeating the process as necessary, each time covering the upper surface and side wall of the protrusion with cured polymer.

Abstract: A method for making a forming structure. The method comprises the steps of applying a coating of a liquid photosensitive resin to a foraminous element and juxtaposing thereto a first mask comprising both opaque and transparent regions. The photosensitive resin is exposed to light having an activating wavelength to induce partial curing of the photosensitive resin in those regions which are in register with the transparent regions of the first mask. After removal of uncured resin, the process is repeated with a second mask. After removal again of uncured resin, the foraminous element and partially cured resin is immersed in an oxygen-free environment and exposed to light having an activating wavelength to fully cure the partially cured resin to form an apertured forming structure having a plurality of protrusions thereon.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods and apparatus of changing from manufacture of pant-type refastenable articles of a first size to manufacture of articles of a second different size in a process for manufacturing pant-type refastenable personal care articles. A respective such personal care article has a front portion, rear portion, and crotch portion. The personal care article also has a fastener-receptive area at the front portion for receiving fasteners thereon, first and second fasteners on opposing sides of the fastener-receptive area, and first and second lines of weakness on opposing sides of the fastener-receptive area and between the fastener-receptive area and the respective first and second fasteners. The method comprises changing spacing between the fastener-receptive area and at least one of the first and second fasteners while maintaining the first and second lines of weakness between the fastener-receptive area and the respective first and second fasteners.

Abstract: A method for making a polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof. The method comprises the steps of providing a forming structure being moveable upon a forming drum and comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from the forming structure, the protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1. The forming structure is disposed adjacent a vacuum chamber and vacuum is applied at a sufficient level to induce a sufficient partial pressure to conform a precursor web to the forming structure, thereby forming the polymeric web. The precursor web can be cast directly onto the forming structure, or it can be re-heated by re-heat means to elevate its temperature sufficiently to permit vacuum formation.

Abstract: A polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof is disclosed. The silky feeling side of the web exhibits a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils, each of the hair-like fibrils being a protruded extension of the web surface and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion. The hair-like fibrils exhibit a maximum lateral cross-sectional diameter of between 2 and 5 mils, and an aspect ratio from 1 to 3. Methods and apparatus for making the polymeric web utilize a three-dimensional forming structure having a plurality of protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1.

Abstract: A polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof is disclosed. The silky feeling side of the web exhibits a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils each of the hair-like fibrils being a protruded extension of the web surface and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion. The hair-like fibrils exhibit a maximum lateral cross-sectional diameter of between 2 and 5 mils, and an aspect ratio from 1 to 3. Methods and apparatus for making the polymeric web utilize a three-dimensional forming structure having a plurality of protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1.

Abstract: A method for making a forming structure. In one embodiment the method comprises the steps of (a) providing a base material having a thickness; (b) providing a laser source; (c) laser etching a plurality of spaced-apart apertures, each aperture extending through the entire thickness of the base material, such that the non-laser-etched portions of the base material define a continuous network; and (d) laser etching the continuous network to remove material in a pattern that defines a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion being generally columnar and pillar-like. The plurality of protrusions can be laser etched first, before laser etching the plurality of spaced-apart apertures. The base material can be cylindrical-shaped and the laser etching can be accomplished in a continuous process by rotating the cylindrical-shaped base material as a laser source is operatively translated while laser etching a path similar to “threads” of a screw.

Abstract: A polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof is disclosed. The silky feeling side of the web exhibits a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils, each of the hair-like fibrils being a protruded extension of the web surface and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion. The hair-like fibrils exhibit a maximum lateral cross-sectional diameter of between 2 and 5 mils, and an aspect ratio from 1 to 3. Methods and apparatus for making the polymeric web utilize a three-dimensional forming structure having a plurality of protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1.

Abstract: A system and method establish an Internet protocol (IP) connection between an originating end-system and a limited access destination end-system through a switched transport network. An originating interworking function (IWF) device inserts its switched transport network address into a data field of an RSVP path message, which is forwarded through routers in an IP network by default routing, without modifying the data field. A destination IWF device retrieves the switched transport network address from the path message, which is forwarded to the destination end-system. The destination IWF device receives a new IP address assigned to the originating end-system by the destination end-system. The destination IWF device forwards a setup message to the originating IWF device, through switches in the switched transport network, based on the switched transport network address from the path message and the newly assigned IP address. The IP connection is established in response to the setup message.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing a guaranteed quality of service (QoS) Internet protocol (IP) connection between an first bridging device and a second bridging device through a switched transport network. The second bridging device receives a first signaling message from the first bridging device through an IP network, the first signaling message containing at least one parameter defining a predefined quality of service. In response, the second bridging device associates the first bridging device's switched transport network address and IP address, without communicating with an address server. The second bridging device directs a second signaling message to the switched transport network of address of the first bridging device, which establishes the IP connection between the first bridging device and the second bridging device through the switched transport network. The IP connection is in accordance with the at least one quality of service parameter contained in the second signaling message.

Abstract: A method and system provide an Internet protocol (IP) session between an originating end-system and a destination end-system through a switched virtual circuit (SVC) short-cut across an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network. A first interworking function (IWF) device inserts its ATM address into a transport network hop (THOP) extension object of a resource reservation protocol (RSVP) path message, which may also contain quality of service (QoS) and reverse charging extension objects. IP routers forward the path message through an IP network, without modifying the objects, to a second IWF device, which retrieves the ATM address of the first IWF device. The second IWF device initiates an ATM setup message, including a responsive RSVP reservation request message. The setup message is sent through the ATM network to the first IWF device, which establishes the SVC with the second IWF device, according to the QoS parameter.

Abstract: A system and method establish an Internet protocol (IP) connection between an originating end-system and a destination end-system, incapable of resource reservation protocol (RSVP) signaling, through a switched transport network. A first interworking function (IWF) device inserts its switched transport network address into a first data field of an RSVP path message, received from an RSVP capable proxy signaling device that interfaces with the destination end-system. The first IWF device forwards the path message, through routers in an IP network, which is passed without modification to the first data field. A second IWF device receives the path message and forwards a setup message to the first IWF device through switching devices in the switched transport network, based on the first IWF device's address retrieved from the first data field of the path message. The IP connection is established through the proxy signaling device in response to the setup message.

Abstract: A subscriber dynamically selects an Internet protocol (IP) service provider. In response to the selection, a digital subscriber line (DSL) modem establishes a switched virtual circuit (SVC) connection from the subscriber to the selected service provider across an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network. After the SVC has been established, the modem formats IP data, received from the subscriber, into ATM cells. The ATM cells are forwarded from the DSL modem, via the SVC, to a router associated with the selected service provider. The router formats the ATM cells into IP packets and forwards the IP packets to the selected service provider. Thus, the subscriber has a dynamically established connection to the selected service provider that can be used for IP traffic.

Abstract: A dynamic series voltage compensator (10) for compensating voltage dips in an ac electric power system is described. The compensator (10) has a controller (11) coupled to control a respective series injection inverter (12a, 12b, 12c). The controller (11) monitors a supply voltage with/on a respective phase. Inputs from monitoring the supply voltage are processed by the controller (11) to generate control signals. These control signals are based on comparing voltage magnitude of a present voltage cycle period with voltage magnitude of a preceding voltage cycle period of the supply voltage. When difference between the present and the preceding voltage cycle periods exceeds a predetermined value for a corresponding time period, and inverter control signal is provided to the respective series injection inverter (12a, 12b, 12c) to thereby provide a compensation voltage. The compensation voltage is injected directly to the respective conductor.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus having a two chamber disposable cartridge that has fresh water in one chamber and brew ingredients in the other chamber. The cartridge fits into a cavity formed in a housing that includes a water heating system. The water heating system is energized when the disposable cartage is nested in the housing. The system produces a pre-measured volume of a brewed beverage or hot liquid automatically.

Abstract: A beverage brewing apparatus having a two chamber disposable cartridge that has fresh water in one chamber and brew ingredients in the other chamber. The cartridge fits into a cavity formed in a housing that includes a water heating system. The water heating system is energized when the disposable cartage is nested in the housing. The system produces a pre-measured volume of a brewed beverage or hot liquid automatically.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to establish a communication link over a high speed communications network. A unique E.164 predetermined address assigned to a switching and access node of each network node of the high speed communications network is examined. In addition, a service address associated with a request to establish a communication link is examined. The service address indicates at least one of a type of service being requested, a network service detail, and a name of a desired service provider. Thereafter, an end-to-end communication link is established between the calling party and a destination party by routing a connection request through plural switching nodes in accordance with the calling party E.164 address, an E.164 address associated with the destination party, and the service address.

Abstract: A communications network and method enable broadband service subscribers to dynamically select broadband service destinations they wish to access from subscriber customer premises equipment. The communications network is an ATM network including a plurality of ATM switches. The network also includes at least one directory server connected to the ATM network, at least one fiber terminating device connected to the at least one directory server, and at least one broadband destination connected to the ATM network. Furthermore, the subscribers' customer premise equipment is connected to the at least one fiber terminating device. The method includes receiving a session request, which identifies a destination, in the at least one service gateway, wherein the session request is transmitted over a broadband connection using an Internet protocol. Next, using the at least one service gateway, an ATM network address of the destination from the at least one directory server is retrieved.