Abstract: A network communications node includes a local processor, a first remote physical device (RPD), and at least a second RPD all contained in a node housing. The local processor receives a first signal on a logical link control layer and transforms it to a second signal on a medium access control (MAC) layer. The first and second RPDs receive the second signal and respectively convert it to third and fourth signals on a physical layer. The two RPDs implement different communication protocols. Amplification for the RPDs occurs mostly outside the node housing. The node is upgraded by software patching the local processor or by physically swapping one or more of the RPDs.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for browser based polling of jobs used to build a web page of a web application. A web browser builds the web page of the web application and connects with one or more web services for jobs used to build the web page of the web application. A reusable service from a library is downloaded and is used at the web browser to poll the jobs as they are received from the web services. Polling the jobs is performed until download is complete. The web page application is updated when the download is complete.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for browser based polling of jobs used to build a web page of a web application. A web browser builds the web page of the web application and connects with one or more web services for jobs used to build the web page of the web application. A reusable service from a library is downloaded and is used at the web browser to poll the jobs as they are received from the web services. Polling the jobs is performed until download is complete. The web page application is updated when the download is complete.

Abstract: A network communications node includes a local processor, a first remote physical device (RPD), and at least a second RPD all contained in a node housing. The local processor receives a first signal on a logical link control layer and transforms it to a second signal on a medium access control (MAC) layer. The first and second RPDs receive the second signal and respectively convert it to third and fourth signals on a physical layer. The two RPDs implement different communication protocols. Amplification for the RPDs occurs mostly outside the node housing. The node is upgraded by software patching the local processor or by physically swapping one or more of the RPDs.

Abstract: An elastically deformable support for an expandable seal element of a downhole tool, an expandable seal assembly incorporating such a seal element and support, and a downhole tool, such as a packer, incorporating the expandable seal assembly are disclosed. The elastically deformable support may be one-piece. The support is deformable between an unexpanded configuration and a radially expanded configuration and includes a plurality of base portions, each base portion having a surface which, in use, faces towards the seal element; and a plurality of overlap portions, each overlap portion extending from a respective base portion so that it overlaps the surface of an adjacent base portion and having a surface which, in use, faces towards the seal element. The base portions and the overlap portions are arranged to define a generally ring-shaped seal support structure which forms a continuous circumferentially extending support surface for abutting and supporting the seal element.

Abstract: A pencil adapter for attaching a new eraser to a pencil. The pencil adapter may include a hollow body forming a first cavity on a first end and a second cavity on a second end, with a divider in between. The first end may be attached to the eraser end of a pencil and a new eraser may fit in the second end.

Abstract: An optical integrated circuit (IC) is provided that includes a waveguide to propagate light in the IC. A diffractive element, such as a grating, couples light between the waveguide and an external optical connector. At least one alignment feature is lithographically formed in the optical IC to facilitate precise positioning of the optical connector on the optical IC. Since the alignment feature is lithographically formed in a precise relation to the diffractive element, the optical connector can be accurately positioned and optically coupled to the optical IC. Complex optical-feedback-based alignment equipment and operations to achieve optical coupling of the optical connector with the waveguide in the optical IC are not necessary.

Abstract: A pencil adapter for attaching a new eraser to a pencil. The pencil adapter may include a hollow body forming a first cavity on a first end and a second cavity on a second end, with a divider in between. The first end may be attached to the eraser end of a pencil and a new eraser may fit in the second end.

Abstract: A pressure regulator assembly for a fluid system includes a housing having at least one cavity therein and a valve seat disposed in the at least one cavity and having an aperture extending therethrough. The pressure regulator assembly also includes a movable valve member disposed in the at least one cavity of the housing. The valve member has a closed position to engage the valve seat to prevent fluid from flowing into the at least one cavity and an open position to disengage the valve seat to allow fluid to flow into the at least one cavity. The pressure regulator assembly further includes a biasing mechanism disposed in the at least one cavity to bias the valve member toward the valve seat to close the aperture. The valve seat and the valve member and the biasing mechanism are aligned linearly along an axis of the valve housing.

Abstract: The present invention revolutionizes a scale modelers ability to quickly and easily create realistic scale roads or paved surfaces by allowing the said user to create said road or road system in any size, shape or configuration. This work is to be performed on a work bench thus saving much back and muscle ache(s) from the necessity to lean over a layout or scale model scene to create a road or road system in place. The present invention will remain flexible in it's completed form allowing for placement onto varying ground elevations and hill grades.

Abstract: The present invention revolutionizes a scale modelers ability to quickly and easily create realistic scale roads or paved surfaces by allowing the said user to create said road or road system in any size, shape or configuration. This work is to be performed on a work bench thus saving much back and muscle ache(s) from the necessity to lean over a layout or scale model scene to create a road or road system in place. The present invention will remain flexible in it's completed form allowing for placement onto varying ground elevations and hill grades.

Abstract: Manually portable equipment for use at locations remote from a business promises or office for wireless credit card and/or check verification. The equipment includes a cell phone and/or wireless transceiver preferably capable of operation via direct satellite link, in addition to a terminal, interface, check reader, and printer, in various combinations. A rechargeable DC battery provides operating power to the components for a relatively long-time period.

Abstract: A mercury-free dissolution process for aluminum involves placing the aluminum in a dissolver vessel in contact with nitric acid-fluoboric acid mixture at an elevated temperature. By maintaining a continuous flow of the acid mixture through the dissolver vessel, an effluent containing aluminum nitrate, nitric acid, fluoboric acid and other dissolved components are removed.

Abstract: A microfibrous sorbent article is provided. The microfibrous sorbent article comprises an elongate boom having a substantially oval cross-section. The boom is formed of multiple adjacent microfibers layers, the layers being bonded to each other by entanglement of fibers between adjacent layers. Also provided is a method for making the microfibrous sorbent article.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising an engine block, a crankshaft rotatably supported by the block and including an axis, a first portion which is cylindrical in shape, which is concentric with the axis, and which has a uniform radius, and a second portion extending from the first portion in concentric relation thereto and having a radius less than the radius of the first portion to define a radially extending shoulder on the first portion, a flywheel including a surface engaging the shoulder, and a central aperture receiving the second portion of the crankshaft and having a radius less then the radius of the first portion, and bolts extending through the flywheel and into the first portion of the crankshaft for securing the flywheel to the crankshaft.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device includes an engine having an alternator for charging a storage battery. A voltage regulator and rectifier is connected in circuit between the alternator and the storage battery and is disposed within a housing in heat exchange relation with cooling liquid disposed in a water jacket of the engine. The regulator and rectifier are driven by the storage battery and a thermostatic switch is disposed in circuit between the battery and the regulator and rectifier for interrupting power thereto when the temperature of the regulator and rectifier exceeds a predetermined limit.