Abstract: This invention includes methods of stimulating anaerobic degradation of subsurface contaminants. The methods include vaporizing a liquid electron donor to form a treating gas. The treating gas or hydrogen is directed to a subsurface site that includes one or more contaminants, thereby stimulating anaerobic degradation of the subsurface contaminants.

Abstract: A shielding enclosure for electronic components, comprises a hollow body, having a sheet metal wall portion and an opening closed by a readily-removable sheet metal panel, with interdigitation between an edge zone of the wall portion and an adjacent, edge zone of the panel, the interdigitation constituting a U-section channel on the wall portion and an interdigitating flange on the panel.

Abstract: A communications switching module (CSM) serving as common switching equipment for work stations in a star-topology Ethernet local area network. Both voice and data are incorporated in master Ethernet packets which are transmitted at a constant rate. The CSM switches the voice signals synchronously over a time domain multiplexed highway and separately switches the data signals asynchronously over a high speed packet bus.

Abstract: A local area network of devices connected to a Communication Switching Module (CSM) carry both delay-sensitive information and non-delay sensitive user data in master Ethernet packets transmitted over the LAN at a constant rate. Signaling and control information from the devices initialize a permanent virtual connection (PVC) between devices and the CSM. The signaling and control information is contained in standard Ethernet packets which are encapsulated along with non-delay sensitive data in the master Ethernet packets and performs various control functions for the LAN devices and the CSM.

Abstract: Delay-sensitive information (e.g., voice, video) and non-delay-sensitive user data are combined and transmitted over a single UTP cable forming part of a star-connected Ethernet local area network. Master Ethernet packets of fixed length are formatted with fixed length portions assigned to the two types of information and transmitted at a constant fixed rate. The delay sensitive information is extracted, switched and transmitted at a constant bit rate. The non-delay sensitive information is segmented and transmitted asynchronously in a user data portion of the Master Ethernet Packet.

Abstract: A permanent virtual connection (PVC) is automatically set up over an Ethernet local area network (LAN) link between a work station device having a digital telephone and a Communications Switching Module (CSM) when the device is first connected to the LAN. The PVC is established by exchange of information in standard Ethernet packets between the device and the CSM. Automatic reservation of a full duplex PVC for digital telephone signaling and control information enables set up and break down of voice channels within the same PVC by exchange of signaling information in standard Ethernet packets.

Abstract: An Ethernet Local Area Network uses a star topology connecting user stations to a Communications Switching Module (CSM) with 10Base-T or 100 Base-TX UTP cable. Each user station typically has a digital telephone and a data communication device, such as a PC communicating with the CSM through a common UTE adapter. Delay-sensitive digital voice signals and non-delay sensitive user data are transported in master Ethernet packets of fixed length transmitted at a fixed rate. Segmentation and re-assembly of data is performed in the UTE adapters and in the CSM.

Abstract: An automatic detection and selection circuit resident in a DCE is provided. The circuit is coupled to the DCE interface connector and detects receipt by the DCE of V.35 and RS-232 transmit data signals, distinguishes between those signals, and selects circuitry for passing the data therethrough. The circuit comprises a switch coupled to a first TX data terminal (pin 2 or P) of the DCE interface connector, first and second line receiving circuits, a microprocessor, and a relay. The first line receiving circuit is coupled to a first pole of the switch and to the second TX data terminal (pin S) of the DCE interface connector and provides indications as to whether or not an input signal is present at at least one of pins P and S. The second line receiving circuit is coupled to the second pole of the switch and provides indications as to whether or not a valid RS-232 transmit data signal is detected.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically determining the bit rate of an incoming signal are provided. The apparatus includes a counter, a logic circuit, and a histogram generating circuit. The counter counts the number of fast reference clock cycles which fit within each pulse of the incoming signal for a statistically significant number of pulses and provides indications thereof to the logic circuit. The logic circuit associates each of the indications with one of a plurality of allowable bit rates. The histogram generating circuit tracks the numbers of times the counts are associated with each allowable bit rate. In one embodiment, the allowable bit rate most often chosen is determined to be the bit rate of the incoming signal. In another embodiment, if a DDS1 line rate is determined to be the bit rate most often chosen, the DDS2 rate associated with the DDS1 line rate is provisionally selected.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved silver/silver-chloride reference electrode adapted for use in aqueous corrodent solutions at high temperatures and high pressures. The reference electrode provides a useful standard for measuring electrochemical phenomena related to the corrosion process so that metals can be compared on a thermodynamically useful scale. The formation of bubbles within the reference electrode, which can cause open circuit conditions, is substantially avoided by equalization of internal and external pressure through the use of a heat sealing vent means within the electrode body. Ionic conduction between the electrolyte contained within the reference electrode and the corrodent solution is controlled by a bridge containing tightly gripped fibers which are subjected to additional compression during heating and subsequent pressurization.