Abstract: A multilayer laminate having improved peel strength and containing a first and third layer comprising various plastic, metal, or glass materials, and a second layer containing an addition-curable silicone composition curable to form an adhesive having good physical properties and improved peel adhesion properties, the second layer comprising (A) a vinyl-containing polydiorganosiloxane composition, (B) a hydrogen-terminated polysiloxane, preferably in an amount sufficient to provide an adhesion-promoting molar ratio of silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in (B) to olefinically unsaturated radicals in (A); (C) a catalytic amount of a platinum-containing hydrosilation catalyst; (D) an effective amount of an adhesion promoter selected from the group consisting of (i) bis[3-(trimethoxysilyl)alkyl]-fumarates; (ii) bis[3-(trimethoxysilyl)alkyl]maleates; (iii) allyl-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)alkyl]maleates; (iv) allyl-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)alkyl]fumarates; and (v) N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl) alkyl]maleimides, wherein R.sup.2, R.sup.

Abstract: The invention provide a method for optimal use of print resource during the preparation a print job for printing. During the creation of a spool file, or similar intermediate file, the invention logs data on print resource usage in a print job in an accounting file. Upon review of this data, it modifies the print resource usage data in the accounting file as necessary to optimize print resource usage. The spool file and the accounting file are then sent to a printer driver. The printer driver knows how to use the print resource data in the accounting file to optimize the print resource usage.

Abstract: A strong, compact, rugged and inexpensive support system to solidly stabilize a conventional rectangular polyethylene foam archery target. System includes a right support (30) and a left support (20), each manufactured from a single piece of elongated material. Each support includes an upper member (21), a base member (22), a radiused intersection (23) and insertion fingers (24) which are pressed into the target to form the target and supports assembly. The supports system utilizes the target itself for structural rigidity without requiring that the supports (20 and 30) be joined to the ground (or surface upon which the target rests). Additional embodiments include ground anchors (51, 52, 60, 70) for use outdoors and protective bumpers (80) for use indoors. Support system includes means for providing a multiplicity of possible target angles to archer. Supports may be assembled such that they form carrying handles for transportation.

Abstract: An interconnected block system including a plurality of staggered rows of block members formed of concrete or the like secured to the upper surface only of an underlying, interconnecting, grid-like, matrix sheet. In one embodiment, a plurality of connector elements are connected to the matrix material preferably by bodkin connections to form one or a multiplicity of openings or apertures above the upper surface of the matrix sheet for reception of the block-forming material. The block members are cast on top of the matrix sheet material to capture the connector elements which provides a mechanical interlock between the block member and the matrix. The matrix sheet material preferably includes a layer of geotextile bonded on an opposite side from the block members. An alternate embodiment provides a strip or mat to underly the matrix sheet with a plurality of projections upstanding therefrom and passing through the matrix sheet.

Abstract: To verify that a communications path restored in response to a failure to a telecommunications network is a validly restored path, each of the end nodes terminating the restored communications path sends out a message containing data that identifies that node and the ID of the access/egress port to which the STS-1 circuit forming the communications path is connected. Once the respective path verification messages are exchanged between the two end nodes of the communications path, the Operations Support System (OSS) that oversees the topology of the network retrieves those messages and compares the data contained therein with the data of the same type of messages from the same ends nodes that were stored just prior to the occurrence of the disruption to the communications path. The restored communications path is deemed to be verified if there are no differences between the path verification messages retrieved after the failure event and the path verification messages stored just prior to the failure event.

Abstract: An interconnected block system including a plurality of staggered rows of block members formed of concrete or the like secured to the upper surface only of an underlying, interconnecting, grid-like, matrix sheet. In one embodiment, a plurality of connector elements are connected to the matrix material preferably by bodkin connections to form one or a multiplicity of openings or apertures above the upper surface of the matrix sheet for reception of the block-forming material. The block members are cast on top of the matrix sheet material to capture the connector elements which provides a mechanical interlock between the block member and the matrix. The matrix sheet material preferably includes a layer of geotextile bonded on an opposite side from the block members. An alternate embodiment provides a strip or mat to underly the matrix sheet with a plurality of projections upstanding therefrom and passing through the matrix sheet.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a condition, such as the presence of electrical power, at a remote location and for generating a telephone call on to a telephone line that delivers to a central control unit notification of a change in the monitored condition in the form of a set of unique identifying signals. According to the method, the condition is monitored at the remote location and is sensed for changes in the condition from a first state to a second state. Responsive to a change in the condition to the second state, the telephone line is tested and a line availability signal generated. Responsive to indicia of line availability, the line is selectively seized.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information, such as power consumption, to a subscriber over an electronic network in response to commands provided by the subscriber. The apparatus includes a remote unit which detects and stores the power consumption information, a subscriber device, i.e., a telephone, for generating request commands and a control device which tracks the information. The subscriber using the subscriber device, feeds the request commands via the network to the control device. The control device responds to the commands by directing the remote unit to feed its stored power consumption information onto the network to the control device. The control device then processes the information and indicates the result back to the subscriber.

Abstract: A brake lock system is used in a vehicle having a brake line which feeds brake fluid to at least one brake member. The system comprises a brake line fittable housing having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet. A flow control which controls the flow of brake fluid from each inlet to each outlet is provided within the housing. The flow control is movable from a first position which allows two way flow between the inlet and the outlet to a second position only allowing one way flow from the inlet to the outlet. Also provided within the housing is an operating member for moving the flow control. A controller which controls the operating member is provided remotely of the housing and a flexible drive shaft connects the controller to the operating member. The use of the flexible drive shaft permits a mounting position for the controller at a location different from that of the housing within the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container for the transportation and storage of grain testing equipment. The storage container encloses the grain testing equipment and comprises: a box, a first plurality of spaced apart raised projections to hold a grain moisture meter in place on the bottom of the box, a second plurality of spaced apart raised projections to hold a grain scale in place on the bottom of the box, a third plurality of spaced raised projections to hold a grain moisture meter load cell in place on the bottom of the box, and a raised elongate projection for holding grain moisture charts in place between the raised elongate projection and the rear wall. The container includes handles in the end walls for easy lifting and carrying.

Abstract: To estimate an optimal amount of spare capacity for a network so that efficient distributed restoration of the network can take place in the event of a network failure, parameter assumptions and network design guidelines are provided to a network modeling tool to generate a desirable amount of spare links for the network. The spare links are allocated to the different nodes of the network. After a failure in the network, the result of the restoration of the network due to the failure is reported to the controller of the system. If necessary, the parameter assumptions and network design guidelines are updated and fed back to the network modeling tool for further refining the spare capacity of the network. An optimal amount of spare capacity is thus achieved by a continuous redeployment of the spare capacity output provided by the network modeling tool. Simulated failures and subsequent restorations of the network are provided to an exerciser periodically.

Abstract: The present invention provides to a distributed restoration scheme a set of timers so that multiple senders and choosers can more fairly contend for the spare capacity of a telecommunications network. In particular, a preactivation timer would force a sender that had reserved excess spare capacity of the network for restoring its own failed links to release any unused spare capacity prior to the time that it terminates its operation, provided that it has found an alt-route or alt-routes for its failed link. An alarm validation timer and a hold off timer in the invention scheme further provide for respective validation and detection that a detected fault is not transient or intermittent in nature and that a restoration process is needed to find the alt-routes.

Abstract: A package-retaining accessory for the cargo area of vehicle includes a package-retaining closure that is attachable to a wall or a divider of the cargo area. The accessory is comprised of a collapsible fabric material or a rigid material. The top portion in the fabric embodiment is supported in an upright position either by a pair of extension lines or by a plurality of brackets. The brackets may be fixedly attached to the wall or may be pivotably attached so that the bracket may be moved from an extended, closure supporting position to a folded position where the closure is relaxed. A retractable, foldable top is provided with fasteners to tie it in either an open position or a closed position.

Abstract: A parachute game includes a hand-tossable parachute assembly that is held by a player and is tossed at a target hoop. The parachute assembly comprises at least one hemispherical canopy attached to a body portion by a number of conically arrayed cords. The body portion includes at least one ring at its top end for cord attachment. In one embodiment, the body portion includes axially-placed stabilizing vanes. At its bottom side, the body portion may have defined therein a concave depression to assist in retarding the free fall of the body as it travels through the air. The target may either be a single marker or may be a series of concentric markers. Alternatively, the target may be a sheet that appears to be a view of land and may include miniature vehicles, buildings, monuments, pools of water, natural elevations and the like. An announcing system may be provided to alert the player as to the scoring of points. The body of the assembly may have the shape of a space craft, a human or an imaginary alien.

Abstract: A truck bed divider system for placement within the bed of a truck includes at least one primary divider and at least one secondary divider. The primary dividers include brackets at each end that provide a frictional fit against the interior side of the walls of the bed of the truck. By a slotted interrelationship, the primary dividers are situated within the bed at their preferred positions and are thereafter adjusted by extending the brackets outward relative to the divider body to their maximum extent whereby they are pressed against the side of the bed and held thereto by tension, thus eliminating the need for fasteners. The secondary dividers are provided with hooks at their ends and are interfittable between the primary dividers by being hooked into slots perpendicularly defined in the body of the primary dividers. Both primary and secondary dividers are preferably provided with shelf extensions for the placement of shelves thereupon.

Abstract: A divider system for the cargo area of a vehicle is provided comprising one or more dividers and inserts for bracing the dividers. The inserts are of two embodiments. In the first embodiment, a tapered, V-shaped insert is provided for attachment to the slots conventionally provided in a vehicle bed liner. In the second embodiment, an insert is provided that is attachable to the inner wall of a vehicle's cargo area which does not necessarily attach to a liner. The second embodiment is held in place by either an adhesive or a clamping assembly.

Abstract: A hoodscoop assembly for fixed or removable attachment to a golf cart. The hoodscoop assembly may have a rear facing surface visible to the driver. The hoodscoop may have situated thereon, either alone or in combination, a mobile telephone, a paging unit, a computer for score keeping, a two-way radio, and a clip for holding papers or score cards. The hoodscoop is made removable by hook and loop fasteners. Clips may be employed for permanent attachment. When the cart is stored, the hoodscoop is preferably removed. When the cart is rented for use, the hoodscoop may also be rented and is attached.