Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for adaptive channel hopping in a mesh network. An example embodiment is configured to divide a time period into a plurality of frames; subdivide each of the plurality of frames into a plurality of slots, each of the plurality of slots providing a time segment for local data communication between nodes in a mesh network; enable a first node to dynamically assign itself a first channel for local data communication, the first node using the first channel to receive data communications destined for the first node; and communicate to other nodes of the mesh network information indicative of the first node's dynamic assignment of the first channel.

Abstract: A topical composition with a sustained softness feel to the skin, comprising an effective amount of boron nitride suspended in a dermatologically acceptable carrier vehicle, wherein the composition suitably adheres to the skin, leaving a coating layer comprising boron nitride particles. The present invention also relates to a method of massaging by applying the composition of the present invention on the body part to be massaged, and massaging the part coated with the composition of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to enhanced compositions that facilitate the pulling of cables through conduits. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a sufficient amount of boron nitride, which, upon application onto the cable surface, allows the cable to be pulled faster and/or with less force through the conduit than without the boron nitride present. The invention further relates to a method for pulling cables through conduits by applying an effective amount of boron nitride composition onto the cable surface. Lastly, the invention relates to an apparatus for distributing a cable-pulling composition comprising a block of boron nitride onto a cable as it is being pulled through a conduit.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for adapting wireless sensor network device operation to ambient RF noise. An example embodiment includes: initializing a noise threshold value to a default value; detecting an ambient RF noise level on a plurality of channels of a wireless network device; if the ambient RF noise level detected on a pre-determined number of channels is above the noise threshold value, adjusting the noise threshold value by an increment and retesting the ambient RF noise level on the plurality of channels; if the noise threshold value exceeds a pre-determined maximum noise threshold value, suspending data communications by the wireless network device; and if the ambient RF noise level detected on a pre-determined number of channels is below the noise threshold value, retaining the noise threshold value and enabling data communications by the wireless network device.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for establishing data communication in a time-synchronized mesh wireless network during time synchronization failures. An example embodiment includes experiencing circumstances adversely affecting synchronization of data communications between wireless network nodes; transitioning to an alert mode wherein a radio of a wireless network node is activated for a longer period of time relative to a normal operating mode; sending a message to at least one neighbor node; listening for a response from the neighbor node; and establishing data communications with the neighbor node upon receiving the response.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for admitting new devices in a self-healing, self-organizing mesh network. An example embodiment is configured to listen on a dynamically-determined frequency for the network management message; to send jamming messages to neighbor nodes in the wireless mesh network, if the network management message is not received; to receive the network management message from a neighbor node in response to the jamming messages; to synchronize a node timer to the received network management message; and to begin data communications with neighbor sensors using the synchronized node timer.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for adaptive channel hopping in a mesh network. An example embodiment is configured to divide a time period into a plurality of frames; subdivide each of the plurality of frames into a plurality of slots, each of the plurality of slots providing a time segment for local data communication between nodes in a mesh network; enable a first node to dynamically assign itself a first channel for local data communication, the first node using the first channel to receive data communications destined for the first node; and communicate to other nodes of the mesh network information indicative of the first node's dynamic assignment of the first channel.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus and method for adaptive data packet scheduling in a mesh network. An example embodiment is configured to divide a time period into a plurality of frames; subdivide each of the plurality of frames into a plurality of slots, each of the plurality of slots providing a time segment for local data communication between nodes in a mesh network; enable a first node to dynamically assign itself a first slot of the plurality of slots for local data communication, the first node using the first slot to receive data communications destined for the first node; and communicate to other nodes of the mesh network information indicative of the first node's dynamic assignment of the first slot.

Abstract: The invention in one aspect relates to an anti-chafing composition with improved efficacy, in one embodiment, comprising an effective amount of boron nitride suspended in a dermatologically acceptable carrier vehicle. Another embodiment relates to an anti-chafing composition in the form of a powder or a stick containing boron nitride. The present invention also relates to a method of inhibiting or reducing chafing to the skin by topically applying an effective amount of such anti-chafing composition to the skin or to a surface to be in contact with the skin.

Abstract: An anti-seizing composition that facilitates securing fasteners in an assembly, e.g., a nail that is driven by a hammer or a threaded nail or screw that is screwed into a coupling, a nut, or a building block, etc. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a sufficient amount of boron nitride, which upon application on the contact surface of the fastener, allows the fastener to be quickly secured without seizing and/or galling. The invention further relates to a method for securing fasteners in an assembly by applying an effective amount of boron nitride powder composition onto the contact surface of the fasteners, i.e., the pointed end or the threaded surface of the shank.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to enhanced compositions that facilitate the pulling of cables through conduits. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a sufficient amount of boron nitride, which, upon application onto the cable surface, allows the cable to be pulled faster and/or with less force through the conduit than without the boron nitride present. The invention further relates to a method for pulling cables through conduits by applying an effective amount of boron nitride composition onto the cable surface. Lastly, the invention relates to an apparatus for distributing a cable-pulling composition comprising a block of boron nitride onto a cable as it is being pulled through a conduit.

Abstract: Thermally conductive compositions containing spherical boron nitride filler particles having an average aspect ration of less than 2.0 in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: A topical composition with a sustained softness feel to the skin, comprising an effective amount of boron nitride suspended in a dermatologically acceptable carrier vehicle, wherein the composition suitably adheres to the skin, leaving a coating layer comprising boron nitride particles. The present invention also relates to a method of massaging by applying the composition of the present invention on the body part to be massaged, and massaging the part coated with the composition of the invention.

Abstract: A boron nitride composition having its surface treated with a coating layer comprising at least one of a silane, a siloxane, a carboxylic derivative, and mixtures thereof, wherein the coating layer adheres to at least 10% of the surface of the boron nitride. The boron nitride powder surface is first treated by either a calcination process, or by coating with at least an inorganic compound for the surface to have a plurality of reactive sites containing at least a functional group that is reactive to at least one functional group of the final coating layer.

Abstract: A boron nitride composition having its surface treated with a coating layer comprising a zirconate coupling agent. The boron nitride composition can be used as fillers in polymeric compounds at levels of up to 90 wt. %, giving thermal conductivity of up to 35 W/mK.

Abstract: .Iadd.Antitumor active mono and poly N-Bis-(B-haloethyl)-carbamic acid esters of certain estrogenic steroid hormones, especially estradiol; such compounds wherein all hydroxyl groups of the steroid molecule are not thus esterified; and organic and inorganic acid esters of such latter compounds. .Iaddend.