Abstract: The invention provides an Ethernet bridge or router comprising a network fabric adapted to provide interconnectivity to a plurality of Ethernet ports, each of the Ethernet ports being adapted to receive and/or transmit Ethernet frames, and wherein the Ethernet bridge or router further comprises an encapsulator connected to receive Ethernet Protocol Data Units from the Ethernet ports, wherein the encapsulator is operable to generate a Fabric Protocol Data Unit from a received Ethernet Protocol Data Unit, the Fabric Protocol Data Unit comprising a header portion, and a payload portion which comprises the Ethernet Protocol Data Unit concerned, and wherein the encapsulator is operable to transform Ethernet destination address information from the Ethernet Protocol Data Unit into a routing definition for the network fabric, and to include this routing definition in the header portion of the Fabric Protocol Data Unit. Also provided is a method of data delivery across a network.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of limiting the frequency of floods within a data network, the floods arising as a data frame is routed to an unknown destination, the method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving (42) on an ingress port a data frame intended for a destination station and containing a MAC address of that station; (b) checking (50) the destination MAC address with the contents of a MAC table; and thereby (c) determining (50, 54, 58, 62) whether the data frame is to be routed (56), discarded (60, 66) or flooded (52, 64) to all ports except the ingress port; and (d) respectively routing (56), discarding (60, 66) or flooding (52, 64) the data frame to all ports except the ingress port, as determined in Step (c).

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-path network for use in a bridge, switch, router, hub or the like, comprising a plurality of network ports adapted for connection with one or more devices, each device having a different identifying address data; a plurality of network elements; and a plurality of network links interconnecting the network elements and connecting the network elements to the network ports, wherein the multi-path network further comprises separately addressable memory elements each adapted for storing device address data and the multi-path network is adapted to distribute a plurality of device address data amongst the plurality of memory elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oral fluid rapid immunochromatography test. More particularly, the present invention relates to an oral fluid collection swab separate from a lateral flow immunochromatography strip for detecting an analyte in oral fluid, consisting essentially of a sample pad, a conjugate pad, a test zone and control zone pad made of at least one matrix material, wherein the conjugate pad lies downstream of the sample pad, and is striped with a conjugate; the test and control zone pad lies downstream of the conjugate pad, wherein the test zone is immobilized with an specific binding reagent that specifically binding to the target analyte; and the control zone, downstream of the test zone, is immobilized with a second capture reagent. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the strip, a lateral flow immunochromatography method for detecting an analyte in oral fluid by using the strip, and kits containing the strip.

Abstract: A product and method of manufacture is described for a highly filled activated carbon material with a polymer surface layer for strength.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a selective culture medium for detecting MRSA and selective drug or multidrug resistant microorganisms where the expression of said (multi)drug resistance is by virtue of the production by said microorganisms of ?-lactamase enzymes. The medium comprises: (i) a broad spectrum antibiotic capable of selectively inhibiting growth/replication of (a) organisms that do not produce ?-lactamase enzymes, (b) organisms that while producing ?-lactamase do not exhibit an ESBL or AmpC phenotype and (c) Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus, and (ii) a compound capable of inducing production of ?-lactamases in an organism, and which compound is included at a concentration that is subinhibitory for growth of said microorganism. Also provided are a method and kit for selectively isolating any MRSA and/or ESBL, or AmpC ?-lactamase producing microorganisms present in a sample using the selective culture medium.

Abstract: A method is described by which an electrical path is created between layers on a printed circuit board (PCB) without the use of plated through holes (PTH). Through the use of a liquid solder or conductive epoxy injection fixture, a conductive path is created in pre-drilled holes forming an electrical connection between internal PCB metal layers and surface mounted components without the creation of parasitic stubs on the signal nets.

Abstract: Leakage current from a circuit for handling data is reduced using leakage control circuit operable in a leakage reduction mode. The data handling circuit comprises data handling logic operable to receive an input data value and to output and output data value. The data handling circuit also comprises a latch operable to latch the output data value in response to a clock signal having a clock period. Both the leakage control circuitry and the latch are controlled dependent upon the same clock signal and the leakage control circuitry is controlled such that it is in a leakage reduction mode for a time less than the clock period. This approach enables leakage reduction to be provided in circuits which are still operational and is particularly suited to data handling circuits that employ frequency scaling.

Abstract: There is provided a seat assembly for use in a downhole oil pump ball valve. The assembly includes a seat, a seat rest, and a ball. The seat is used for seating the ball of the ball valve. The seat has an outer wall and a top surface and a curved shoulder surface between the outer wall and the top surface. The seat rest receives the seat, and the seat rest has a curved corner surface so that when the seat is assembled with the seat rest the seat and seat rest are in substantial contact at all points of the curved shoulder surface and the curved corner surface.

Abstract: A compact check valve is described for use in a spray nozzle.

Abstract: A desiccant material is provided in a honeycomb structure suitable for warming by electric resistive heating to promote regeneration of the desiccant.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for constructing electronic package structures using LGA (land grid array) module-to-board connectors that are designed to provide higher count I/O interconnections by expanding LGA area, but without having to increase chip module footprint or reduce the pitch of area array I/O contacts of an LGA interposer or circuit board beyond practical limits.

Abstract: A system for mounting an accessory to an automotive vehicle includes at least one shoulder fastener having a shank and a head extending above the vehicle surface. A mounting base for an accessory has an aperture permitting the mounting base to lock upon the shoulder fastener. A retainer prevents the mounting base from slidably disengaging from shoulder fastener once the base has been locked upon the shoulder fastener.

Abstract: A composition of matter having the following structure: where X is S or Se; and Y is NH, O, S, or Se; and R is an H, a C1-8F3-17 primary, secondary, or tertiary fluoroalkyl, a C1-20 primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl, or a halogen atom, and a composition of matter comprising polymerized units having the following structure: where X is S or Se; and Y is NH, O, S, or Se; and R is an H, a C1-8F3-17 primary, secondary, or tertiary fluoroalkyl, a C1-20 primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl, or a halogen atom.

Abstract: Compounds according to formula (I) wherein Z is S, SO, or SO2, may be prepared by a process that includes charging to a reactor hydrogen sulfide and an alkyl glycidyl ether according to formula (III), in the presence of a base. The compounds may also be prepared by contacting an alkoxychlorohydrin according to formula (II) with a sulfide source.

Abstract: A system and method utilizes an image analysis approach for controlling the probe-to-surface distance of a liquid junction-based surface sampling system for use with mass spectrometric detection. Such an approach enables a hands-free formation of the liquid microjunction used to sample solution composition from the surface and for re-optimization, as necessary, of the microjunction thickness during a surface scan to achieve a fully automated surface sampling system.

Abstract: Certain substituted amines, alkylenediamines or polyamines, and derivatives of these, are suitable for use in preventing, inhibiting, or otherwise modifying crystalline gas hydrate formation. These inhibitors include compounds from any of the following groups. The substituents R1-R5 may be hydrocarbyl groups or, in some cases, polyhydroxyalkyl groups or (CH2)P—COO— in which p is either 1 or 2.

Abstract: An refrigerant accumulator (18) comprises a first chamber (30), a second chamber (32), a pre-evaporator line (34), a post-evaporator-inlet line (36), and a post-evaporator-outlet line (38). The chambers (30, 32) are in a pressure-isolated arrangement and a heat-transfer relationship. The pre-evaporator line (34) passes through and communicates with the first chamber (30). In a steady state, the pressure of fluid in the first chamber (30) is greater than the pressure of fluid in the second chamber (32), but their temperatures are the same, and the pressure of fluid within the first chamber is balanced with the pressure of fluid within the pre-evaporator line. In a starved or flooded state, temperature differentials between the chamber (30) and chamber (32), and pressure imbalances between the chamber (30) and the pre-evaporator line (34), adjust the charge of refrigerant fluid to return the system to a steady state.

Abstract: Compounds having N-oxide, quaternary ammonium, and/or betaine functionality according to formulas (1)-(4) are effective corrosion inhibitors, suitable for use in any of a variety of applications such as automotive cooling systems, heating boilers, drilling of oil wells, and the handling, transportation and storage of crude petroleum and various petroleum fractions. The groups R1-R5 may be certain hydrocarbyl groups. In formulas (1) and (3), R3 may also be (CH2)p—COO? in which p is either 1 or 2, and R2 may also be (CH2)p—COO? in formulas (3) and (4). In the compounds of formulas (1) and (2), R2 may also be a polyhydroxyalkyl group of formula (A), shown below.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a powered running board on an automotive vehicle, such as a sport utility vehicle, utilizes the memory function of the vehicle to store therein established operating positions for the running board. The user or occupant of the vehicle can manually position the powered running board to a convenient operating position within a range of available operating positions on the vehicle. By storing the selected position of the running board in the memory function of the vehicle, the control mechanism can return to that same operating height each time the occupant seeks to use the running board for entry or exit of the vehicle. The control mechanism is operable with different configurations of running boards and with different power devices for effecting the movement of the running board.