Abstract: An improved TIG welding torch with a gas nozzle surrounding the fixed electrode and using a high frequency generator remote from the torch to selectively create a short burst of high frequency, high voltage to start or sustain an arc wherein a conductive layer is affixed to the gas nozzle and a conductor grounds the layer and provides shielding that drastically reduces high frequency radiation.

Abstract: A communication system assigns a combination of values of multiple combinations of values to a first control channel parameter and a second control channel parameter. Based on the values assigned to the first and/or second control channel parameters, repeat periods corresponding to each of a first, second, and third control messages are determined. New combinations of values of the multiple combinations of values are then assigned to the first and second control channel parameters and new repeat periods corresponding to each of the first, second, and third control messages are determined in association with each new combination. Optimal repeat periods corresponding to each of the first, second, and third control messages are then selected from among the repeat periods determined with respect to each combination of values. Based on the selected repeat periods, an optimal combination of values is selected for each of the first and second control channel parameters.

Abstract: A communication system assigns a combination of values of multiple combinations of values to a first control channel parameter and a second control channel parameter. Based on the values assigned to the first and/or second control channel parameters, repeat periods corresponding to each of a first, second, and third control messages are determined. New combinations of values of the multiple combinations of values are then assigned to the first and second control channel parameters and new repeat periods corresponding to each of the first, second, and third control messages are determined in association with each new combination. Optimal repeat periods corresponding to each of the first, second, and third control messages are then selected from among the repeat periods determined with respect to each combination of values. Based on the selected repeat periods, an optimal combination of values is selected for each of the first and second control channel parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring communication within a communications system. A target cell is identified to which to transfer communication from the RU. A cell reselection request to the target cell is then initiated for requesting transfer of RU communication from the source cell to the target cell. The RU disconnects from the serving cell and any data from the SGSN to the RU is buffered by the serving PCU. The serving PCU and the target PCU detect the occurrence of the cell change prior to the SGSN detecting the cell change. As a result, the buffered data is transferred from the serving PCU to the target PCU prior to the network detecting the cell change and prior to a FLUSH-LL message being transmitted from the SGSN to the serving PCU.

Abstract: An interface of a network management system for managing network elements of a communication network is described. The interface comprises a list of assignments of names of the network elements as provided e.g. by the vendors of the network elements, and names as used by the network management system. The names as used by the network management system are unique.

Abstract: A method of extending a template of a network management system for operating a communication network is describe. Data is received by the network management system from the communication network relating to a network object or a network device or the like of a specific type. The network management system adapts a pre-configured information of a template corresponding to this type of network object or network device or the like depending on the received data.

Abstract: A method of operating a communication network with a network management system is described. Said communication network comprises a number of objects being stored in a database on a server. Said network management system is located on the server which can be accessed by a client. Said method of operating the communication network comprises the transmission of data between the server and the client under the use of the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA). Said method comprises the step of using a single definition for creating a number of objects.

Abstract: This invention features methods and kits for identifying human urine samples for forensic purposes.