Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a home communications device. The home communications device is connected to an external network comprising external devices. The home communications device comprises a plurality of interfaces for connecting a plurality of internal devices to form one or more internal networks. The home communications device further comprises a communication manager configured to enable communication among one or more of the internal devices and the external devices, wherein one or more of the internal devices operate on separate or similar communication protocols.

Abstract: A dual beam system provides for operation of a focused ion beam in the presence of a magnetic field from an ultra-high resolution electron lens. The ion beam is deflected to compensate for the presence of the magnetic field.

Abstract: This invention provides a Wireless USB hub that includes a first port configured to communicate with a wired USB enabled device, a second port configured to communicate with a first wireless USB enabled device, and a controller that detects the wired USB enabled device and presents the wired USB enabled device as a native wireless USB enabled device to the first wireless USB enabled device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing quantitative transfer of analytes to an adsorptive substrate are provided. A preferred embodiment provides an improved transfer system and method that reduces “blow through” of low molecular weight analytes and increases the adsorption of low molecular weight, for example proteins of about 30 kDa or less compared to conventional transfer techniques. It has been discovered that using a secondary porous backing membrane in conjunction with an adsorptive membrane such as nitrocellulose or polvinylidene fluoride increases the efficiency of analyte interaction with the adsorption membrane compared to transfers techniques using the adsorption membrane without the secondary backing membrane. This improvement of quantitative analyte transfer efficiency facilitates a wider range of detection processes, such as direct analysis by MALDI mass spectrometry than in earlier applications of the process without the secondary backing membrane.

Abstract: Mechanisms are disclosed that allow for platform abstraction of a computing platform using a programming framework. The programming framework allows application programs to interact with different platforms in an identical manner by abstracting the platform. The application uses identical instructions to the programming framework across different platforms, with the programming framework modifying the instructions to fit platform specific requirements. The programming framework also emulates platform specific expected application behavior on behalf of the application. The programming framework may also provide an additional layer of security for the platform, limiting the access of the application program.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing data throughput for a wireless USB system that includes wire adapters that wirelessly transmit data between a host system and a USB enabled device.

Abstract: This invention provides a Wireless USB hub that includes a first port configured to communicate with a wired USB enabled device, a second port configured to communicate with a first wireless USB enabled device, and a controller that detects the wired USB enabled device and presents the wired USB enabled device as a native wireless USB enabled device to the first wireless USB enabled device.

Abstract: A stake for use with a concrete form is provided including an elongated V-shaped member formed of a first leg and a second leg joined along a longitudinal bend. Each of the legs has a series of nail holes formed therein. The nail holes in the first leg are offset longitudinally from the nail holes in the second leg.

Abstract: A method of casting a metal article comprising the steps of forming a mold having a mold cavity with a height, a thinwall portion and a base wall portion. The thinwall portion may be less than 0.05 inches thick and free of gating. The method comprises the steps of: positioning the mold in a preheated furnace so that the furnace substantially surrounds the mold and so that a longitudinal axis of the long thin portion of the mold cavity is in an upright orientation; heating the mold in the furnace to a temperature between 1045° C. and 1055° C.; and drawing a vacuum in the furnace. The metal is heated until it is molten and is then poured at a temperature between 1560° land 1570° C. into the mold cavity. The vacuum is then broken and the mold cavity withdrawn from the furnace. The molten metal is allowed to solidify in the mold cavity so that it will solidify with a equiaxed grain structure.

Abstract: A surge protection system having a plurality of surge protection devices for the protection of a power line. Each of the surge protection devices may be in either a ready state in which the surge protection device provides surge protection or an inoperable state in which the surge protection device does not provide surge protection. The surge protection devices provide a level of surge protection which is based upon how many of the surge protection devices are in the ready state and how many of the surge protection devices are in the inoperable state. The surge protection system includes means associated with the surge protection devices for generating a signal indicative of the level of surge protection, and means coupled to the generating means for displaying a visual indication of the level of surge protection. The surge protection system may also be provided with means for sensing a voltage on the power line and means for generating a visual display indicative of the voltage.

Abstract: Given simultaneous connection of the subscriber line circuits by way of a main distributor to a new switching center and to an existing or old switching center, the subscriber terminals are successively selected proceeding from the new switching center and the old switching center produces connections from a test terminal to these subscriber line circuits. A tone generator of the new switching center supplies a test code word by way of these connections that proceeds via a termination-associated test connection contact and via an external test bus to a code character receiver of the new switching center and is checked therein for coincidence with the test code word.