Abstract: A system for automatically planning firmware card ports on multiplexors in a DSL network is disclosed. The system is operable to query element management systems (EMS's) in a DSL network to identify the multiplexor devices that each of the EMS's is dedicated to managing. Thereafter, the system queries the multiplexor devices identified as being managed by a particular EMS for the planning status of the multiplexor's ports. Upon identifying unplanned ports, and those that are inconsistent with the prescribed plan, the system plans the ports consistent with a prescribed planning arrangement.

Abstract: A system for automatically monitoring provisioning in a DSL network is disclosed. The system is operable to query network elements in the DSL network for information related to the provisioning of DSL services. Thereafter, the system analyzes the information to identify points of delay and/or failure in the provisioning process. If a delay exceeds a threshold value, an administrator is notified.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated mechanism for technicians located remotely from a network operations center to query a communications system for the status of communications paths. An automated capability is also provided for the remote management and testing of network components along a communications path in order to more efficiently diagnose network anomalies.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus is described as having an upper mandrel shearably connected to a lower mandrel by a first set of shear pins. Each of the mandrels has an elastomeric cement plug formed around the mandrels. A sleeve is shearably connected within the lower mandrel. The operation of the apparatus, which includes a method for controlling the flow of fluid out of the end of a tubular string, involves dropping a first small diameter ball from the earth3 s surface. The ball is sized such that it travels through the upper mandrel and settles into the sleeve which is connected within the lower mandrel. By increasing pump pressure at the earth's surface, the lower mandrel is separated from the upper mandrel by shearing the first set of shear pins.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of sizing paper comprising use of a sizing composition comprising: (a) at least one thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic rosins having an acid number less than 50, thermoplastic hydrocarbon resins, thermoplastic polyamides and thermoplastic amide waxes; (b) starch; and (c) surfactant. The sizing takes place substantially in the absence of alum or other aluminum based fixing agents.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sizing composition comprising (a) thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic rosins having an acid number less than 50, thermoplastic hydrocarbon resins, thermoplastic polyamides and thermoplastic amide waxes; (b) starch selected from the group consisting of natural, anionic, oxidized, amphoteric and modified starch; and (c) surfactant.

Abstract: Process for making polyamine-epihalohydrin resin products having very low levels of epihalohydrin or epihalohydrin hydrolyzates, particularly useful in papermaking, which includes, amongst other features, producing a polyamine-epihalohydrin polymer in aqueous solution, terminating the reaction by cooling, adjusting the pH of the polyamine-epihalohydrin solution to from about 7.5 to about 11 and concurrently heating the solution to about 35 to about 50.degree. C., and contacting the aqueous solution with selected microorganisms or an enzyme, and deactivating or removing the enzymes or microbes, cooling to about 20.degree. C. and stabilizing the composition by adjusting the pH to about 2.0 to 5.0 by the addition of acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sizing composition comprising a thermoplastic resin selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic rosins having an acid number less than 50, thermoplastic hydrocarbon resins, thermoplastic polyamides and thermoplastic amide waxes, its use in sizing paper and paper sized with the sizing agent. The invention also relates to a method of sizing paper comprising use of a composition comprising a thermoplastic rosin, wherein the sizing takes place substantially in the absence of alum, and paper so sized.