Abstract: A method, apparatus, and electronic device for hierarchical communications are disclosed. A connection interface 1260 may receive a query. A processor 1210 may select an initial expert from the hierarchical expert tree based upon the query and direct the query towards the initial expert. A session initiation protocol server 418 may generate a hierarchical expert tree from an expert pool.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and electronic device for hierarchical communications are disclosed. A connection interface 1260 may receive a query. A processor 1210 may select an initial expert from the hierarchical expert tree based upon the query and direct the query towards the initial expert. A session initiation protocol server 418 may generate a hierarchical expert tree from an expert pool.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and electronic device for hierarchical communications are disclosed. A connection interface may send and receive a data task. A database may store a group of contact nodes. A processor may select a sub-group of contact nodes from the group of contact nodes based upon the data task and create a hierarchical communications tree from the sub-group of contacts based on the data task.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder having a gland that is rotatable relative to the cylinder tube, the pivotal connection provided by a pair of aligned annular grooves on the gland and the cylinder tube, a key slot located through the cylinder tube, and a key positionable through the key slot to be located within the annular grooves to rotatably attach the gland to the cylinder tube. The key includes one end configured to engage the gland for facilitating installation and another end configured in a wedge shape to facilitate removal of the key.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for applying road marking material to a pavement surface. The apparatus includes a vehicle having a holographic sight and at least one road marking material applicator mounted thereon. In accordance with the method, an operator of the vehicle steers the vehicle to a desired position on the pavement surface based upon aiming information observable through the holographic sight.

Abstract: A 2-oxo-5-methyl-5,6-dihalopiperidine is contacted in a high boiling solvent, preferably trichlorobenzene, with a stoichiometric excess, up to 70 mole % excess, of a chlorinating agent, preferably phosphorus oxychloride or phosgene, at an elevated temperature between 80.degree. and 130.degree. C. The solution of 2-chloro-5-methylpyridine so obtained may be used directly for further chlorination to form 2-chloro-5-trichloromethylpyridine with, for example, chlorine gas in the presence of a free radical initiator. This chemical intermediate is useful in the synthesis of certain herbicidal compounds.