Abstract: The present invention is a tissue product. The tissue product comprises at least one ply. Each ply comprises a first side and an opposing second side. At least one ply comprises a polysiloxane distributed non-uniformly in the z-direction within the ply such that the ply has a % z-directional polysiloxane gradient between the first side of the ply and the second side of the ply of about 20% or greater.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a modem line in a data processing system, wherein the data processing system includes a modem having an input for a modem line. The input is tested to determine an electrical connection network is present.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a modem line in a data processing system, wherein the data processing system includes a modem having an input for a modem line. The input is tested to determine an electrical connection network is present.

Abstract: A method of managing connection requests from an application supported on a client. The client has a modem connectable to at least one server via a dialup computer network. According to the method, a list is maintained of the local Internet Protocol (IP) addresses assigned as modem connections are established to the dialup computer network during a session. The list is preferably in Last In, First Out (LIFO) order and includes a latest IP address as the last entry and one or more stale IP addresses. In response to a connection request associated with a stale IP address, the stale IP address is mapped to the latest IP address. The connection request is then redirected using the latest IP address. Preferably, client supports a proxy server which services the connection request locally if possible to avoid network traffic.

Abstract: A method of managing a plurality of client machine "Web agents" vying for a resource in a computer network having a central authority. The resource may be a limited number of telephone connections in a dialup telephone network. At each client machine, a map of available agent start times is generated based on resource usage statistics and given scheduling criteria distributed by the central authority. Using this information, an available agent start time is selected at random from the map. This start time is then set as a "regular" start time at which the particular agent initiates some agent activity on behalf of a user of the client machine. If, however, the client machine is unable to obtain access to the resource according to a given criteria, the map of available agent start times is then regenerated to enable the agent associated with the client machine to reschedule itself to a new start time for the agent activity.

Abstract: A method of retrieving Web content from a plurality of Web servers for delivery to a Web client connectable to the World Wide Web via a communication link. The Web client is preferably a data processing system connectable to a television or other conventional monitor to provide low cost Internet access. The method begins by having the user define a set of one or more servers from which content is desired to be retrieved and stored in the cache. These servers are preferably identified by a "list" of favorite Web sites. A test is then made to determine whether a given download period has terminated. Typically, this download period occurs during an "off" period, such as in the middle of the night, to avoid traffic congestion at the Web server sites. If the given download period has not terminated, a determination is then made of an activity level for the communication link as content is being downloaded to the cache from the one or more servers.

Abstract: A brick dehacking apparatus. The dehacking apparatus is operable to blend the upper and lower courses of brick from a kiln car with each other and further blend these brick with brick from the middle courses of the stack in preparation for stacking and strapping.

Abstract: Bone china is produced by including a boron-containing substance in the composition in water-insoluble form. Use of the boron-containing compound results in a lowering of the firing temperature and widening of the firing temperature range.