Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for upgrading software represented as a graph, where the graph has a plurality of states and a plurality of state transitions and tokens traverse the graph executing functions. A method includes identifying a target region of the graph, obtaining a new region for the graph, determining a correspondence between states of the target region of the graph and states of the new region for the graph, and replacing the target region of the graph with the new region for the graph using the correspondence between states of the target region of the graph and states of the new region for the graph. The target region of the graph may be replaced by suspending the operation of the target region of the graph, or while the target region of the graph continues running.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for dynamically defining and instantiating an undefined portion of a graph, where the graph has a plurality of states and a plurality of state transitions. A method includes executing the graph where the graph comprises a defined portion and an undefined portion and a plurality of tokens traverse the graph executing functions, suspending the one of the tokens in response to the one of the tokens detecting the undefined portion of the graph, generating a new portion of the graph for the undefined portion of the graph, replacing the undefined portion of the graph with the new portion of the graph, and releasing the suspended token. The new portion of the graph is generated by generating at least one definition file for the undefined portion of the graph and executing the at least one definition file to form thereby the new portion of the graph.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for providing IMS service at the customer premises independent of the core IMS network. A method includes receiving, at a premises gateway to a core IMS network, a request for a service normally provided by the core IMS network, and, in response to a determination that the requested service is capable of being provided locally by the premises gateway, providing the requested service locally at the premises gateway independent of the core IMS network.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for exchanging messages between user devices served by a premises gateway and components of a core IMS network. A method for propagating messages toward a core IMS network includes receiving, at a premises gateway, a message from a user device that is intended for the core IMS network and is formatted according to a first protocol, identifying the first protocol according to which the received message is formatted, translating the message from being formatted according to the first protocol to being formatted according to a second protocol, and propagating the message formatted according to the second protocol toward the core IMS network.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for interfacing with a managed device. A method according to one embodiment includes receiving a message including an identifier indicative of a location at which interface information associated with the managed device is stored, obtaining the interface information, and initiating a request to perform a function on the managed device using the interface information. The interface information includes information adapted for use by a management system to interface with the managed device. The interface information includes one or more interface routines and one or more interface routine descriptions. The interface routine(s) is specified using an interpreted language, such as Java, Visual Basic, and the like. The interface routine description is specified using a descriptive language, such as XML, XHTML, and the like.

Abstract: A method and system of winding polymeric film includes printing an ink pattern onto a length of polymeric film (e.g., low modulus, optical grade film) prior to winding. The film and the ink pattern are simultaneously wound about a cylinder to form a wound roll, with ink pattern being interposed between successively wound layers of film. The ink pattern establishes a gap between the outermost and immediately underlying wound layers of film. The gap facilitates natural movement (e.g., relaxation) of the outermost wound layer relative to the immediately underlying wound layer, thereby compensating for any winding-related stress or tension.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing on a continuous web of linerless tape defined by a print side for subsequent application to an article. The apparatus includes a support, a rotatably driven platen roller, a print head, and a stripping apparatus. The support is configured to maintain a continuous web of linerless tape. The rotatably driven platen roller is located downstream of the support. The print head is associated with the platen roller. More particularly, the platen roller directs the continuous web of linerless tape past the print head for printing on the print side thereof. Finally, the stripping apparatus is positioned adjacent the platen roller and downstream of the print head for directing the web of linerless material from the platen roller. In this regard, the stripping apparatus includes a first roller and a second roller. The first roller is positioned to receive and contact the print side of the linerless tape.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing variable information on a tape to form a tape segment, cutting the tape segment to form a tag, and applying the tag onto an object includes a printer for printing information onto the tape segment. A controller controls the printer in response to input to vary the information printed onto the tape. The printed tape segment is transported to a location for application onto the object and is cut.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing variable information on a tape to form a tape segment, cutting the tape segment to form a tag, and applying the tag onto an object includes a printer for printing information onto the tape segment. A controller controls the printer in response to input to vary the information printed onto the tape. The printed tape segment is transported to a location for application onto the object and is cut. An adhesive tape can have variable information printed on it and can be applied onto an object. The tape includes a backing layer and an adhesive layer on the first side of the backing layer. At least one of the backing layer and the adhesive layer are colored to yield a tape opacity of greater than 60. The tape can have a scan rating of at least C when applied on a black background and an opacity of at least 65.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing on a continuous web of linerless tape defined by a print side for subsequent application to an article. The apparatus includes a support, a rotatably driven platen roller, a print head, and a stripping apparatus. The support is configured to maintain a continuous web of linerless tape. The rotatably driven platen roller is located downstream of the support. The print head is associated with the platen roller. More particularly, the platen roller directs the continuous web of linerless tape past the print head for printing on the print side thereof. Finally, the stripping apparatus is positioned adjacent the platen roller and downstream of the print head for directing the web of linerless material from the platen roller. In this regard, the stripping apparatus includes a first roller and a second roller. The first roller is positioned to receive and contact the print side of the linerless tape.

Abstract: An applicator for a lint removal device includes a handle portion connected to a tape-receiving portion. The tape-receiving portion includes a tape-receiving surface, an inner lip, an outer lip, and grooves adjacent the lips. The outer lip is tapered. After a roll of tape traverses over the outer lip it is locked in place on the tape-receiving surface and cannot be removed by sliding it back over the outer lip.

Abstract: A linerless, coreless roll of tape includes a backing layer having an adhesive layer formed on one side. The tape is formed into a roll having a plurality of wraps with the adhesive side facing outwardly. The tape is sufficiently stiff and self-supporting to obviate the need for support material, and the entire roll, including the last wrap, is completely usable for its intended purpose without wasting any tape. As lint removal tape, the tape is used while it is still on the roll, and the tape is removed from the roll only after use, to discard it. The roll can be sufficiently compressible to create a plane of contact during use to remove lint. The roll of tape can be mounted on an applicator.

Abstract: A tape includes a backing layer and an adhesive layer formed on the backing layer. A plurality of lines of perforations extend across the tape to separate the tape into sheets. The sheets have progressively increasing lengths such that, when the sheets are wound into a roll, each sheet is longer than the sheet underneath it. When in a roll, the outermost sheet covers all of the lines of perforations to reduce instances of the tape tearing in a downweb direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment of marine borer infestation. It has been found that wood can be effectively protected from marine borer infestation by impregnating the wood with a pesticidally effective amount of chlorothalonil. In general, the quantity of chlorothalonil employed is in the range of from about 0.3 to about 3.0 pounds per cubic foot, although higher concentrations can be employed.

Abstract: This invention permits a wearer of this footwear to measure the number and the force of steps that have been taken by the user during a predetermined interval. The wearer can subsequently transfer the step information into a computer for further analysis. In a particular embodiment, the information transfer is accomplished using an inductively coupled data link between the footwear and the computer.

Abstract: Method of preparing a tape having a backing bearing on at least one major surface thereof a plurality of ribs disposed substantially longitudinally thereon, and further bearing on at least one major surface thereof a layer of adhesive. The ribs are joined to the backing such that the contact angle between the ribs and the surface of the backing ranges from about 10.degree. to about 160.degree.. At least 50% of the cross-section of the ribs must project from the rib-bearing surface of the tape. It is preferred that the adhesive be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The tape of this invention can be prepared by means of coextrusion techniques.

Abstract: Method for preparing a tape having a backing bearing on at least one major surface thereof a plurality of ribs disposed substantially longitudinally thereon, and further bearing on at least one major surface thereof a layer of adhesive. The ribs are joined to the backing such that there exists a notch-like separation between each end of the rib and the surface of the backing. No more than 50% of the cross-section of the ribs should project from the rib-bearing surface of the tape. It is preferred that the adhesive be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The tape of this invention can be prepared by means of coextrusion techniques.

Abstract: Tape comprising a backing bearing on at least one major surface thereof a plurality of ribs disposed substantially longitudinally thereon, and further bearing on at least one major surface thereof a layer of adhesive. The ribs are joined to the backing such that there exists a notch-like separation between each end of the rib and the surface of the backing. No more than 50% of the cross-section of the ribs should project from the rib-bearing surface of the tape. It is preferred that the adhesive be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The tape of this invention can be prepared by means of coextrusion techniques.

Abstract: Tape comprising a backing bearing on at least one major surface thereof a plurality of ribs disposed substantially longitudinally thereon, and further bearing on at least one major surface thereof a layer of adhesive. The ribs are joined to the backing such that the contact angle between the ribs and the surface of the backing ranges from about 10.degree. to about 160.degree.. At least 50% of the cross-section of the ribs must project from the rib-bearing surface of the tape. It is preferred that the adhesive be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The tape of this invention can be prepared by means of coextrusion techniques.