Abstract: A system for automatically planning firmware card ports on multiplexors in a DSL network is disclosed. The system is operable to query element management systems (EMS's) in a DSL network to identify the multiplexor devices that each of the EMS's is dedicated to managing. Thereafter, the system queries the multiplexor devices identified as being managed by a particular EMS for the planning status of the multiplexor's ports. Upon identifying unplanned ports, and those that are inconsistent with the prescribed plan, the system plans the ports consistent with a prescribed planning arrangement.

Abstract: A system for automatically monitoring provisioning in a DSL network is disclosed. The system is operable to query network elements in the DSL network for information related to the provisioning of DSL services. Thereafter, the system analyzes the information to identify points of delay and/or failure in the provisioning process. If a delay exceeds a threshold value, an administrator is notified.

Abstract: A sheathing adapted to be fastened to at least one wall supporting structure comprises at least two layers. The first layer comprises a polymeric foam layer. The second layer comprises a polymeric scrim and is located adjacent to the first layer. The second layer has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is located near the periphery of the polymeric scrim layer. The first portion has a first machine direction (MD) scrim count number and a first transverse direction (TD) scrim count number, and the second portion has a second MD scrim count number and a second TD scrim count number. At least one of the second MD scrim count number and the second TD scrim count number is greater than the respective first MD scrim count number or the first TD scrim count number so as to inhibit failure of the scrim.

Abstract: A sheathing adapted to be fastened to at least one wall supporting structure comprises at least two layers. The first layer comprises a polymeric foam layer. The second layer comprises a polymeric scrim and is located adjacent to the first layer. The second layer has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is located near the periphery of the polymeric scrim layer. The first portion has a first machine direction (MD) scrim count number and a first transverse direction (TD) scrim count number, and the second portion has a second MD scrim count number and a second TD scrim count number. At least one of the second MD scrim count number and the second TD scrim count number is greater than the respective first MD scrim count number or the first TD scrim count number so as to inhibit failure of the scrim.

Abstract: A sheathing adapted to be fastened to at least one wall supporting structure comprises at least two layers. The first layer comprises a polymeric foam layer. The second layer comprises a polymeric scrim and is located adjacent to the first layer. The second layer has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is located near the periphery of the polymeric scrim layer. The first portion has a first machine direction (MD) scrim count number and a first transverse direction (TD) scrim count number, and the second portion has a second MD scrim count number and a second TD scrim count number. At least one of the second MD scrim count number and the second TD scrim count number is greater than the respective first MD scrim count number or the first TD scrim count number so as to inhibit failure of the scrim.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an icosahedral, quasicrystalline compound or compound present in the form of an approximant having the nominal composition: TivCrwAlxSiyOz, in which v=60-65; w=25-30; x=0-6; Y=8-15; z=8-20; and in which the atom percent of oxygen is in the range of between 8 and 15%, and that of aluminum in the range of between 2 to 5%. Due to their layered structure and ceramic intermediate layers, compounds of this type exhibit excellent properties, in particular for use as coatings for gas turbine components, such as for example, rotor blades or guide vanes.

Abstract: An insulated concrete form system and method of making the same that comprises a first generally flat insulating form panel, a second generally flat insulating form panel, a plurality of tying members, and an amount of concrete between the first and second panels. The first panel comprises at least a first layer comprising paperboard, a second layer comprising foam, and a third layer comprising paperboard. The second panel comprises at least a fourth layer comprising paperboard, a fifth layer comprising foam, and a sixth layer comprising paperboard. The panels are attached via a plurality of tying members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an icosahedral, quasicrystalline compound or compound present in the form of an approximant having the nominal composition: TivCrwAlxSiyOz, in which v=60-65; w=25-30; x=0-6; Y=8-15; z=8-20; and in which the atom percent of oxygen is in the range of between 8 and 15%, and that of aluminum in the range of between 2 to 5%. Due to their layered structure and ceramic intermediate layers, compounds of this type exhibit excellent properties, in particular for use as coatings for gas turbine components, such as for example, rotor blades or guide vanes.

Abstract: A sheathing adapted to be fastened to at least one wall supporting structure comprises at least two layers. The first layer comprises a polymeric foam layer. The second layer comprises a polymeric scrim and is located adjacent to the first layer. The second layer has a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is located near the periphery of the polymeric scrim layer. The first portion has a first machine direction (MD) scrim count number and a first transverse direction (TD) scrim count number, and the second portion has a second MD scrim count number and a second TD scrim count number. At least one of the second MD scrim count number and the second TD scrim count number is greater than the respective first MD scrim count number or the first TD scrim count number so as to inhibit failure of the scrim.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system including error detection, monitoring, and reporting. A controller (10) controls the operation of a camera (17) or a peripheral device, such as a video cassette recorder (20), or a modem (22). A user input device, such as a mouse (12) or a joystick (18), is connected to the controller to allow the user to control the camera or the peripheral device via the controller. The controller sends the user's commands and then monitors status signals to determine whether the commands were properly executed or errors occurred. The controller stores indications of the errors and the command signals associated with the errors and automatically provides notice of the errors associated with the operation of the camera and the peripheral devices. The controller also provides notice of any errors to remote locations via the modem. The user may print out a report listing the errors and the command signals associated with the errors.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system which readily accommodates new devices and new features. A plurality of devices ( 10, 12-18, 20-22) are connected to a network (23) by a plurality of network converters (11). A controller (10) contains software pertinent to each type of converter and the device to which it is connected. The controller (10) loads the appropriate software into each converter (11) so that each converter is then configured for the device (10, 12-18, 20-22) to which it is connected. User instructions are provided by a mouse (12), a control panel (13), or a joystick (18) to the controller (10). The controller (10) interprets the instructions to determine the action required and sends an appropriate command to the selected device. The present invention also provides a method for automatically positioning the camera, automatically zooming and focusing the camera, and for automatically adjusting the pan and tilt rates, and the zoom and focus during pan and tilt operations.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system for remotely controlling a peripheral device such as a VCR (20). A controller (10) controls the operation of the peripheral device by transmitting a conversion program to a converter (11G) via a network. The converter stores the conversion program in a memory and then uses the conversion program to convert subsequently transmitted network standard control signals into device specific control signals for controlling the peripheral device and also converts signals from the peripheral device into network standard control signals. The controller, or any other device in the network capable of using network standard control signals, may then remotely control and monitor the peripheral device by transmitting network standard control signals to the converter and receiving network standard control signals from the converter.

Abstract: A videoconferencing system which is easy to use. First and second video devices, such as a camera unit (17) or a videocassette recorder (20), provide first and second pictures, respectively. A video control unit (15) combines these pictures to provide a combined picture, such as a split screen display, which is displayed on a monitor (21A, 21B). A controller (10) controls the operation of the video devices and the video control unit, and also causes the video control unit to display a pointer or other indicator on the combined picture. A user input device, such as a mouse (12) or a joystick (18), is connected to the controller. The mouse or joystick is used to position the pointer at a desired location on the combined picture, and also to select the function which a video device is to perform. The controller automatically selects the video device which is to perform the selected function by determining which video device is providing the part of the combined picture in which the pointer is positioned.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to inhibit the formation of a paint-product skin on the interior surface of the lid of a closed upright vessel housing a paint composition wherein a portion of said composition is volatile. The method comprises delivering said paint composition to an upright, open vessel closeable at its top with a lid; delivering a sufficient quantity of a barrier material to the open vessel to provide a covering layer of the barrier material for the top of the paint composition; and closing the open vessel at its top with a lid. The barrier material is characterized as (1) less dense than the paint composition; (2) containing a volatile portion whose volatility is at least substantially equivalent to the volatility of the volatile portion of the paint composition; and (3) sufficiently compatible with the paint composition to become a mixed non-detrimental component thereof upon adequate mixing therewith.

Abstract: A hydronic heating system that includes a tube or series of tubes placed on modular composite panels. The panels are fabricated with a grooved surface to permit the flush embedment of the tubes on the panels.