Abstract: The present invention is a capillary rheometer cleaning and packing device comprising: (a) a linear motion device for creating controlled linear motion in a linear motion rod, wherein the linear motion rod is adapted to receive a cleaning/packing rod; (b) a housing securing means wherein the securing means is adapted to secure an existing capillary rheometer housing to the cleaning and packing device such that a barrel mounted concentrically within the capillary rheometer housing is positioned coaxially below the linear motion rod; and (c) a means of attaching the capillary rheometer cleaning and packing apparatus to an existing capillary rheometer.

Abstract: A distributed multiprocessor server system and a set of steps performed by the server system are disclosed that facilitate efficient handling of a potentially large workload arising from request messages received from users via a communicatively coupled network link. Workload requests are initially received by a default processor. The default processor redirects at least a portion of the workload request, based upon the type of request, to a specialized processor in a set of special purpose handle processors. Once delegated by a default processor, the request (or a portion thereof) is completed by the specialized handler processor to which the request was delegated. Communications thereafter proceed between the handler processor and a network interface without passing through the default processor.

Abstract: An information distribution system with an architecture that facilitates efficient distribution of a plurality of information asset data to a plurality of different requesting users substantially simultaneously. Fundamental components of the system include a plurality of mass storage devices that store information assets, mass storage device interface units, a switching unit, a centralized control unit and a gateway to the users. Information transfer between various components of the system is accomplished through a plurality of communication channels according to a circuit switching protocol. According to one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of communication channels are provided between the mass storage devices and the switching unit such that information asset data may be transferred, in substantially a single format and according to substantially a single protocol, from the mass storage devices directly through the switch and to the requesting user.

Abstract: An information distribution system with an architecture that facilitates efficient distribution of a plurality of information asset data to a plurality of different requesting users substantially simultaneously. Fundamental components of the system include a plurality of mass storage devices that store information assets, mass storage device interface units, a switching unit, a centralized control unit and a gateway to the users. Information transfer between various components of the system is accomplished through a plurality of communication channels according to a circuit switching protocol. According to one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of communication channels are provided between the mass storage devices and the switching unit such that information asset data may be transferred, in substantially a single format and according to substantially a single protocol, from the mass storage devices directly through the switch and to the requesting user.

Abstract: A non-volatile data storage interface unit and method for receiving/transmitting data via the interface unit are disclosed. The non-volatile data storage interface unit is generally incorporated into an information distribution system that is arranged to distribute information assets stored upon a non-volatile data storage such as movies or songs digitally stored upon a hard drive. The distribution system is also generally arranged to transmit the information assets on demand to users via a dynamic data transmission path. Therefore, once selected, the path (i.e., connection) transmits the information asset as a set of cells over a cell-based switching fabric.

Abstract: An information asset (e.g., audio/video data) server system and a set of steps performed by the data server system are disclosed that facilitate efficient handling of a potentially large workload arising from request messages received from users via a communicatively coupled network link. The network data server system comprises content transfer node including an external network interface and a set of event engines. A workload request received by the interface is delegated to one of the set of event engines. The delegated event engine executes the request (or a portion thereof) based upon the request type. In an embodiment of the invention further requests that are part of the same logically related group of communications are identified explicitly or implicitly by header fields and associated with a single set of context data and state tracking maintained by the content transfer node.

Abstract: A flare burner comprises a stack conduit, a plurality of gas distributing conduit extending radially from the stack conduit, and a plurality of gas supersonic gas nozzles connected to the gas distributing conduit. The stack conduit supplies flare gas to each of the gas distributing conduits, with gas communication therebetween. In one embodiment, the nozzles are directly connected to gas distributing conduit and in another embodiment the nozzles are connected to the gas distributing conduits via vertically extending burner conduits. The gas discharged through the supersonic nozzle flows at a supersonic velocity. The length of the burner conduits attached to the same gas distributing conduit becomes progressively shorter as the burner conduits are positioned further away from the stack conduit.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing multiple broadcasts of audio information to spectators attending a sporting event. The system comprises radio receivers for picking up broadcasts of local and non-local events, a transmitter and antenna for transmitting the broadcasts within a predetermined frequency range to a limited area surrounding the local event. Radios provided to spectators attending the event are a FM narrow-band receiver for accessing the multiple broadcasts transmitted within the predetermined frequency range.

Abstract: A motorcycle handlebar safety grip has a stopper (1) which has two main functions in preventing the rider from injury. Through the shape of both the clutch and brake levers on off-road motorcycles, and the positioning of the stopper (1) to the rear of the grip, it is not possible for these levers to come fully into the handlebars and crush a rider's fingers. This incident is most common when a rider falls to the ground and his hands are still in contact with the handlebars, resulting in the finger tips of the rider being squashed between the lever and the handlebars. Through the stopper (1) surrounding the circumference to the rear of the grips, a slope is created, therefore preventing the riders hands in wet weather conditions from sliding off either end of the grips and enabling the rider to gain greater control of the motorcycle.

Abstract: An automatic dialer adapted to efficiently blend the capabilities of an automatic answering machine and a central paging system wherein the automatic dialer detects messages left with the answering machine and in response thereto dials the central paging system, gains access thereto, dials the pre-programmed number of a pager, causing the central paging system to immediately page the user. The automatic dialer page assures that the proper information is conveyed to the central paging system, continuing to recycle internal calling circuitry until the call has been properly completed.

Abstract: An electronic hold circuit for a telephone. A single sensing and latching module is connected across the telephone lines, and is adapted to sense the voltage present on the telephone lines to distinguish between on-hook, off-hook and hold conditions. The hold feature is engagable by one or more hold signaling modules disposed, for example, near each telephone and extension telephone in the system. Each hold signaling module comprises a switch associated with a level establishing device, for establishing a voltage on the telephone lines at a level intermediate the relatively high on-hook voltage and the relatively low off-hook voltage. The sensing and latching module responds to this intermediate level by latching the telephone lines at a voltage sufficiently low to maintain the connection with the called or calling party.

Abstract: A device for enabling an artist to achieve correct proportions when drawing to a different scale than that of the object being reproduced. The device employs a flat transparent elongated plate having two parallel sides of unequal length, one straight and interconnecting these sides and being perpendicular to both sides, the opposite end being curved and interconnecting the two sides while being perpendicular to neither side. An elongated rectangular flat transparent arm lies in a plane parallel to the plate and adjacent to the plate and adjacent one major surface of the plate, one end of the arm being pivotally secured to the plate adjacent the straight end and longer side, the other end of the arm extending past the curved end of the plate. The curved end defines the arc of a circle centered at the point of pivot of the arm. Clamping means on the other end of the plate can be manually operated to clamp the arm to the curved edge of the plate in any desired position thereacross.