Abstract: Determining a predetermined number of paths from a source node to a destination node in a network with nodes interconnected by links having metric values. A path between the source node and a current node is determined and expanded using selected links connected to the current node. The expanded paths are evaluated based on a value for a selected metric to determine those expanded paths having desirable selected metric values. The expanded paths with desirable selected metric values are evaluated to determine the path having the highest available bandwidth for all distinct segments.

Abstract: Determining a predetermined number of paths from a source node to a destination node in a network with nodes interconnected by links having metric values. A path between the source node and a current node is determined and expanded using selected links connected to the current node. The expanded paths are evaluated based on a value for a selected metric to determine those expanded paths having desirable selected metric values. The expanded paths with desirable selected metric values are evaluated to determine the path having the highest available bandwidth for all distinct segments.

Abstract: A pumping assembly for use on an offshore drilling platform. The pumping assembly includes a vertical pump designed for mounting on the deck of an offshore drilling platform. The pump is a vertical pump that includes a fluid intake, a fluid discharge, a rotatable shaft, and a fluid driving mechanism to draw fluid into the fluid intake and to discharge fluid through the fluid discharge. A seal is mounted about the rotatable shaft to prevent leaking of the pumped fluid along the rotatable shaft. Additionally, a power source is coupled to the rotatable shaft to power the vertical pump. The fluid discharge is oriented to discharge fluid in a direction generally axially aligned with the rotatable axis to limit transverse forces on the seal.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a homogenous water-in-perfluorochemical stable liquid dispersion for acceptable therapeutic administration of a drug to the lung of an animal. The dispersion includes a perfluorochemical liquid, water, surfactant and drug, wherein the water is homogeneously dispersed in the perfluorochemical to form a stable water-in-perfluorochemical liquid dispersion. The perfluorochemical constitutes greater than 50% by volume of the dispersion, and the drug is contained in the dispersion in an effective therapeutic amount.The invention further includes a method of delivering a drug to the lung of an animal. This aspect of the invention includes administering a stable homogenous water-in-perfluorochemical liquid dispersion to the animal lung or a section thereof. If desired, the method may further include delivering a breathable gas to the lung with a mechanical ventilator during the administration.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming long lengths of laminated superconducting tape by passing three foils over idler pulleys, through a solder bath and between pinch rollers having a portion which extend above the solder bath to enable cleaning of the pinch rollers during the formation of the superconducting tape with means to adjust the pressure applied by the pinch rollers, and to adjust the laminated tape takeup tension independently from the foil process tension.