Abstract: Disclosed herein are new tunnel forming shanks and methods of using the same that are configured to lessen the damage done to soil and crops, and to overcome underground obstacles in comparison to prior art tunnel forming shanks.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for scheduling time division multiple access (TDMA) communications among a plurality of peer nodes arranged to form a wireless ad hoc mobile network. The peer nodes communicate with each other using directional antennas and a TDMA process. The method includes a scheduling process for scheduling at least one transmit time slot during which a first one of the plurality of peer nodes transmits wireless data to a second one of the plurality of peer nodes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for scheduling time division multiple access (TDMA) communications among a plurality of peer nodes arranged to form a wireless ad hoc mobile network. The peer nodes communicate with each other using directional antennas and a TDMA process. The method includes a scheduling process for scheduling at least one transmit time slot during which a first one of the plurality of peer nodes transmits wireless data to a second one of the plurality of peer nodes.

Abstract: An adaptive link assignment scheme for dynamically changing communication node topologies such as satellite networks, fleets of ships or aircraft, etc. Periodically each node in the network transmits topology information to all the nodes in the network. Then each node determines the degree of connectivity of the network. It is preferred that the network be at least triconnected, and if the network is less than that each node determines what connections it can make to improve the network connectivity. If more than one alternative is available, a choice is made based on line of sight endurance and then on traffic delay. The identification of the selected connection is then broadcast to all the nodes in the network. Each node thus receives the proposed changes from all the network nodes, and each node then resolves conflicts between the broadcast selections and determines what change it should make. Finally, the changes are implemented.

Abstract: A mechanism for establishing at least one transmission route between a source node and a destination node in a multinode communications network comprises monitoring transmission characteristics of each of the transmission paths among the respective nodes of the network so as to derive a plurality of path metrics representative of the ability of the respective transmission paths of the network to transmit communication signals. Then, feasible transmission routes to be used for the transmission of communication signals from the source node to the destination node are selected as those routes which extend from the source node to the destination node and each of which is comprised of one or more transmission paths among the nodes of the network and the sum of path metrics of transmission paths from neighboring nodes to the destination node is less than the path metric of a transmission path the end nodes of which correspond to the source and destination nodes.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided wherein web material is unwound from successive rolls of web material by imparting a constant draw in the web material. The web is then forwarded through a constant tension zone to downstream equipment such as a converter for manufacturing disposable absorbent products. The constant tension zone is provided to isolate the web being forwarded under constant tension from tension fluctuations which may occur in the constant draw unwind portion of the apparatus: such tension fluctuations being relatively large in magnitude and random in nature especially with net-like webs, and blocking prone web marterials. A splicer is provided in the constant tension zone in close proximity to the constant-draw unwind to effect splices near the tail end of a just depleted roll of web but prior to the tail end passing out of the constant-draw unwind portion of the apparatus.