Abstract: Apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture for handling messages in a client-server environment. In general, computers of a client-server environment are configured with sockets to facilitate network communications. A socket of at least one of the computers is configured to recognize a format of a message to be received from another computer, whereby the socket is configured to handle receiving the message without invoking the application until the message is completely received. In general, the message may be formatted with a length field or terminating characters. In one embodiment, the socket utilizes a record definition to recognize the message format.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and article of manufacture for acquiring a buffer after data from a remote sender (e.g., client) has been received by a local machine (e.g., server). Because the client data has already been received when the buffer is acquired, the buffer may be sized exactly to the size of the client data. In general, the buffer may be caller supplied or system supplied.

Abstract: Methods, systems and articles of manufacture are provided for making system-supplied storage available to socket server applications to be used when sending data. In one embodiment, sockets interfaces for controlling socket attributes are configured with an attribute that specifies that all storage to be used on send operations will be system-supplied. Once such system-supplied storage is used on a send operation, it is considered to be “given back” to the system. The system-supplied storage can be managed and cached on behalf of any or all server applications to reduce paging rates and storage demand.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking and controlling mailpiece processing utilize one or more postal service mailpiece codes. The postal service mailpiece codes can include a United States Postal Service POSTNET code and a PLANET code. Using the same code or codes for mailpiece processing that the postal service uses to track mailpieces in a mail stream simplifies reader design and decreases the number of codes required to be printed on a mailpiece. In addition, the number of different types of readers for reading the codes is reduced.

Abstract: A wheel balancing device mounts to a wheel containing a flange having generally opposing sides. The device comprises a pair of weighted bodies and a spring element connected to and interposed between the pair of weighted bodies. The device is mounted to the wheel by positioning the flange thereof between the weighted bodies. The spring element is biased to apply an interference spring force to the weighted bodies, where the force on the weighted bodies causes such bodies to grip the flange positioned therebetween.

Abstract: Compositions and method of improving inhibition of calcium salt scale formation under the conditions found in chemical pulp processes in which an effective amount of selected phosphonates or phosphonate blends is admixed with the black liquor composition recovered from the digester in a chemical pulping process. The compositions and method are especially well suited for use in the Kraft pulping process.

Abstract: An internet-based system and method are provided for allowing component parts to be tracked by internal users and external users. A database is configured with component parts data, for housing part information. The database further operates with a repository for tracking part location through each step within the work in process, and positively affecting the total time required for a work in process.

Abstract: In a process for making prefastened and refastenable garments, a discrete article is transported in a primary direction of movement. The discrete article can define a leading half comprising first fastening components, a trailing half comprising second fastening components releasably engageable with the first fastening components, and an interconnecting region disposed between and interconnecting the leading and trailing halves. The leading half can be temporarily diverted from the primary direction of movement, while continuing to transport the interconnecting region and the trailing half in the primary direction. After reestablishing movement of the leading half in the primary direction, the leading half can contact a contoured surface, such as a contoured plate or roll. The contact can cause the first fastening components to be transversely displaced toward one another, whereupon the first and second fastening components can be engaged.

Abstract: There is provided a roll of wet wipes that may be used in a system and apparatus for dispensing wet wipes. The system may include a housing, a tray and a cartridge. The cartridge has the ability to be inserted into the dispenser in a pre-selected manner based on the desired orientation of the wipes contained therein.

Abstract: A process for coating a perforated substrate with a gel (e.g. a polymerised acrylate hydrogel or a xerogel) without substantial occlusion of the perforations comprises (i) forming a layer of a liquid pregel mixture, comprising one or more monomers, on a web coated with a silicone, polyethylene, Teflon (R) or other coating having a surface energy less than the surface energy of the liquid pregel mixture. Preferably at least part of the curing takes place while the liquid pregel mixture is in contact with both the perforated substrate and the web. The process is especially applicable to the manufacture of attachment tabs for wigs and toupees, wound dressings, patches for transdermal drug delivery, therapeutic patches or biomedical electrodes.

Abstract: A locking hinge especially used in a folding shoulder rest for paintball guns. The locking hinge comprises a first hinge plate and a second hinge plate in relative rotation. The first hinge plate has a hinge joint axis, a plurality of symmetric mounting holes, and a counter bore for receiving the locking mechanism. The counter bore in the first hinge plate contains a spring and a locking cylinder. The locking cylinder has a taper on the end directed toward the second hinge plate. The second hinge plate has a relative hinge joint axis, a plurality of tapered circular cavities or notches, and a means for symmetric mounting. The locking mechanism sufficiently aligns with the tapered circular cavities or notches at plurality of predetermined positions thereby preventing rotation of the hinge plates. A minor misalignment between the locking mechanism and tapered circular cavities further provide rigid locking of the hinge plates.

Abstract: A process is provided for the manufacture of liquid polysulfide polymers. In particular, the process allows for making the liquid form of the polysulfide polymer directly and eliminates the need to first make a solid polysulfide polymer and then convert it to a liquid.

Abstract: A laser driver, e.g., a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) driver, with low duty cycle distortion is provided. An fT doubler circuit, used as the driver input, has two current sources, and reduces parasitic capacitance which can cause duty cycle distortion. The current sources may be analog or digital sources, the latter being digitally adjustable to provide for digital modulation adjustment. A current mirror circuit with a reference current source is provided for the two current sources.

Abstract: A floor surface conditioning machine, typically a floor scrubbing machine comprising a support structure and supporting wheels, powered scrub brushes beneath the support structure, a brush carriage connecting the scrub brushes to the support structure, and a frictional motion dampener between the brush carriage and the support structure to dampen vibration of the brush carriage caused by the scrub brushes, this frictional motion dampener having a pair of friction members spaced from each other and astraddle a fixed member, and a pair of biasing springs biasing the pair of friction members against opposite sides of the fixed member. The fixed member includes a cam track and the friction members have a cam follower therebetween to follow the cam track during vertical movement of the brush carriage.

Abstract: An optical transceiver with a transimpedance amplifier generates a dynamic common mode voltage of the peak-to-peak output current of the photodetector for use as an in-situ optical power meter. Peak-to-peak voltage signal are imposed on the common mode voltage so optical power measurements are obtained using preexisting electrical contacts. An nfet and a capacitor of the transimpedance amplifier smooths the peak-to-peak voltage to create the control signal for the common mode voltage. The common mode current is mirrored into a bank of pfets at the output stage to create a current sink. Depending upon the potential of the common mode voltage, more or less current will be drawn from the peak-to-peak voltage signals output from a final differential amplifier stage of the transimpedance amplifier.

Abstract: Compositions and method for improving inhibition of calcium salt scale formation under the conditions found in chemical pulp processes in which an effective amount of selected phosphonates or phosphonate blends is admixed with the aqueous digester composition in a chemical pulping process during the digestion stage. The compositions and method are especially well suited for use in the Kraft pulping process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable presentation device (1) comprising a container having a lid (3) and a base (4), a first display device (7) and a controller (10) for driving the first display device (7). The portable presentation device is in the form of a briefcase, with the first display device (7) built into the lid (3) of the briefcase. With the lid (3) opened so that the first display device (7) is perpendicular to the base, presentations may be conveniently given to a small group of viewers with the first display device (7) being manipulable by means of the controller (10). The controller (10) may also have its own display (11) so that the operator may easily view and control the presentation himself.

Abstract: In a process for making prefastened and refastenable garments, a discrete article is transported in a primary direction of movement. The discrete article can define a leading half comprising first fastening components, a trailing half comprising second fastening components releasably engageable with the first fastening components, and an interconnecting region disposed between and interconnecting the leading and trailing halves. The leading half can be temporarily diverted from the primary direction of movement, while continuing to transport the interconnecting region and the trailing half in the primary direction. After reestablishing movement of the leading half in the primary direction, the leading half can contact a contoured surface, such as a contoured plate or roll. The contact can cause the first fastening components to be transversely displaced toward one another, whereupon the first and second fastening components can be engaged.

Abstract: An optical displacement sensor is used to measure the rotary displacement between two shafts which rotate together. By connecting the shafts together by means of a torsion bar, the sensor may be used to measure transmitted torque. The sensor comprises first and second coaxial discs mounted on the shafts and having slots formed therein. A light source directs light through the slots onto an array of photodetectors and a data processor determines the displacement or torque from the positions on the array of images of the slot edges.