Abstract: Systems for supporting communication between networks are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, a meter processing communication system includes: a utility meter; and a central processor integrated with the utility meter, the central processor including a single communications stack, the single communications stack and central processor being configured to process communications between a plurality of different networks.

Abstract: A convected-air cabinet (10) for storage of food has fans (62, 84) for directing air from a lower part of the apparatus to an upper part. In particular there is an upper fan (84) mounted above an apertured partition (86) so that air entering through an aperture (88) in this partition (86) is directed laterally and then downwardly to provide air curtains adjacent food access means (20) at a front (16) and rear (18) of the cabinet.

Abstract: A support system for mounting building facade elements 1 to a framework 2 comprises a plurality of spacer elements or fixings 6. An insulation body is attached to the framework 2 and a plurality of brackets 5 are used to interconnect the framework 2 and the facade elements 1. The fixings 6 are used to mount the brackets 5 to the support framework 2. In-line brackets 5 are interconnected by a linear support element 7. Loading L is applied downwardly on the brackets 5 due to gravity. The load is transmitted to a screw 11 which acts in a shear direction S. Rotational moments M1, M2 are resisted by the bracket connection element 7.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the purification of glyphosate (PMG) comprising: 1) dissolving or suspending a material comprising PMG in water, in the presence of a base, to produce a composition comprising a PMG salt in an aqueous base, 2) contacting the composition with an acid, such that the PMG salt is neutralized, forming a precipitate of PMG, and 3) isolating the precipitate of PMG, with the proviso that the composition of step 1) is not concentrated or filtered using a nanofiltration membrane.

Abstract: A process for forming a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) in a semiconductor substrate and a BJT formed according to the process. A buried isolation region is formed underlying BJT structures to isolate the BJT structures from the p-type semi-conductor substrate. To reduce capacitance between a BJT subcollector and the buried isolation region, prior to implanting the subcollector spaced-apart structures are formed on a surface of the substrate. The subcollector is formed by implanting ions through the spaced-apart structures and through a region intermediate the spaced-apart structures. The formed BJT subcollector therefore comprises a body portion and end portions extending therefrom, with the end portions disposed at a shallower depth than the body portion, since the ions implanting the end portions must pass through the spaced-apart structures. The shallower depth of the end portions reduces the capacitance.

Abstract: A process for forming an improved tensile strength deformed reinforcing bar splice for use in concrete construction by radially compressing or cold forming the bar end with dies literally to flatten any ribs or deformations on the bar end to cold work a section of the bar end which will extend beyond any threaded section and the mouth of a coupler thereon. The splice formed has superior tensile qualities. The process is inexpensive and may be accomplished at or near a construction site.

Abstract: Security paper adapted to resist fraudulent alteration of toner-printed information thereon and to make such alteration or attempts at alteration evident has a maximum Scott-Bond strength of 150 J m?2; a Bendtsen roughness of not more than about 150 ml min?1; and is size press or otherwise treated with a thermally-softenable polymer composition, for example acrylic polymer or copolymer, a polyvinyl acetate polymer, a vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer, or a vinyl acetate/vinyl chloride/ethylene terpolymer. Preferably the paper has filler content of about 15% to about 20% by weight.

Abstract: A semiconductor device is described that operates as an improved junction field effect transistor (JFET). A bipolar transistor with a collector region, a base region, an emitter region, a first base contact, and a second base contact insulated from the first base contact, has the base region lightly doped to about a 1E16 to 5E17 atoms/cm3 doping level. A connection is provided between the emitter region and the collector region to act as a JFET gate contact for the bipolar transistor. The semiconductor device operates as an improved JFET with the first base contact being a drain contact and the second base contact being a source contact. A method for manufacture of an improved JFET on a chip containing conventional bipolar devices is also described. The improved JFET is shown being used with a write head in a disk drive system for providing electrostatic discharge protection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to apply a selected material to the intramedullary canal of a selected bone. The apparatus generally includes a reservoir area from which the selected material can be expressed. The apparatus further includes an outlet or nozzle which allows for directing of the material as it is being expressed from the reservoir. Further, the apparatus allows the material to be expressed into the intramedullary canal during a procedure involving the intramedullary canal. The apparatus obviates forming an additional incision to apply the material.

Abstract: A ladder support attachment having a support member, a stop member, and a pair of spaced legs therebetween. The legs terminate at one end in hooks or brackets that are placed over the rungs of a ladder. The attachment quickly and easily attaches to a ladder with no tools and spaces and stabilizes the ladder a predetermined distance from a structure.

Abstract: Ink jet printing paper carries a pigment coating comprising (a) a major proportion of a finely divided precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) having a surface area of at least 60 m2g?1, preferably 80 to 90 m2g?1 (b) a minor proportion of a gel-type silica and (c) binder. The silica is preferably present in an amount of 15 to 30% by weight of the total dry weight of silica and PCC. The pigment coating is preferably made up as an aqueous composition having a solids content of 25 to 35% and a Brookfield viscosity of 150 to 2000 mPa s and applied by a blade coating technique.

Abstract: A poly(arylene ether)-polyolefin composition is prepared by melt-blending a poly(arylene ether), a poly(alkenyl aromatic) resin, a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene, and an unhydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene to form a first blend, and melt-blending the first blend and a polyolefin and additional hydrogenated block copolymer to form a second blend. A reinforcing filler and/or an ethylene/alpha-olefin elastomeric copolymer may, optionally, be added during formation of the second blend or in an additional step. Multiple mixing elements, low throughput, and high extruder rotations per minute may be used to achieve high energy mixing of the first and second blends. Compositions prepared by the method exhibit an improved balance of impact strength, stiffness, and heat resistance, as well as reduced variability of physical properties.

Abstract: A process for forming an improved tensile strength deformed reinforcing bar splice for use in concrete construction by radially compressing or cold forming the bar end with dies literally to flatten any ribs or deformations on the bar end to cold work a section of the bar end which will extend beyond any threaded section and the mouth of a coupler thereon. The splice formed has superior tensile qualities. The process is inexpensive and may be accomplished at or near a construction site.

Abstract: A process for forming an improved tensile strength deformed reinforcing bar splice for use in concrete construction by radially compressing or cold forming the bar end with dies literally to flatten any ribs or deformations on the bar end to cold work a section of the bar end which will extend beyond any threaded section and the mouth of a coupler thereon. The splice formed has superior tensile qualities. The process is inexpensive and may be accomplished at or near a construction site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to apply a selected material to the intramedullary canal of a selected bone. The apparatus generally includes a reservoir area from which the selected material can be expressed. The apparatus further includes an outlet or nozzle which allows for directing of the material as it is being expressed from the reservoir. Further, the apparatus allows the material to be expressed into the intramedullary canal during a procedure involving the intramedullary canal. The apparatus obviates forming an additional incision to apply the material.

Abstract: The instant invention is a ladder support attachment having a support member, a stop member, and a pair of spaced legs therebetween. The legs terminate at one end in hooks or brackets that are placed over the rungs of a ladder. The invention quickly and easily attaches to a ladder with no tools and spaces and stabilizes the ladder a predetermined distance from a structure.

Abstract: A poly(arylene ether)-polyolefin composition is prepared by melt-blending a poly(arylene ether), a poly(alkenyl aromatic) resin, a hydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene, and an unhydrogenated block copolymer of an alkenyl aromatic compound and a conjugated diene to form a first blend, and melt-blending the first blend and a polyolefin and additional hydrogenated block copolymer to form a second blend. A reinforcing filler and/or an ethylene/alpha-olefin elastomeric copolymer may, optionally, be added during formation of the second blend or in an additional step. Multiple mixing elements, low throughput, and high extruder rotations per minute may be used to achieve high energy mixing of the first and second blends. Compositions prepared by the method exhibit an improved balance of impact strength, stiffness, and heat resistance, as well as reduced variability of physical properties.