Abstract: A release agent and method of use for preventing the adhesion of materials to equipment in various industries including construction, mining, and asphalt. The release agent can include oil, surfactant, and in increased level of free fatty acids that can combine with alkali and/or alkaline earth metals in the materials to form a metal/fatty acid salt that prevents adhesion and material build up.

Abstract: The method of placing regenerators along a trail connecting a source network node with a destination network node of an automatically switched optical network first identifies N tentative regeneration sites and n+1 optical paths along the trail. Wavelengths are assigned to each optical path, and the performance of the trail is assessed based on regenerator placement data and wavelength assignment data.

Abstract: The method of placing regenerators along a trail connecting a source network node with a destination network node of an automatically switched optical network first identifies N tentative regeneration sites and n+1 optical paths along the trail. Wavelengths are assigned to each optical path, and the performance of the trail is assessed based on regenerator placement data and wavelength assignment data.

Abstract: In an automatically switched optical network, the wavelengths are assigned to optical path based on their intrinsic physical performance and on the current network operating parameters. The wavelength performance information is organized in binning tables, based primarily on the wavelength reach capabilities. A network topology database provides the distance between the nodes of the network, which is used to determine the length of the optical path. Other network operating parameters needed for wavelength selection are also available in this database. Once a bin corresponding to the path length is identified in the binning table, the wavelength for that path is selected based on length only, or based on the length and one or more additional parameters. The optical path performance is estimated for the selected wavelength, and the search continues if the estimated path performance is not satisfactory.

Abstract: The method of placing regenerators along a trail connecting a source network node with a destination network node of an automatically switched optical network first identifies N tentative regeneration sites and n+1 optical paths along the trail. Wavelengths are assigned to each optical path; and the performance of the trail is assessed based on regenerator placement data and wavelength assignment data. The data identifying this regenerator path, namely regenerator placement data, the wavelength assignment data and the performance parameter of the trail are stored in a list, if the performance parameter is over a threshold. Selection of the tentative sites is revised whenever the initial placement fails due to a reach problem, a wavelength-blocking problem or a path quality problem. If the time for revising the initial placement, or the cost of a regenerator path is unacceptable, the regenerator path is abandoned and a further placement is initiated.

Abstract: A projecting structure is integrally formed with a neck of a bottle or preform, or with a closure. The projecting structure comprises a ring-like element that extends around the neck or closure body and is supported therefrom by a plurality of discrete web formations. Adjacent web formations define in the projecting structure an optionally elongate aperture therebetween.

Abstract: In an automatically switched optical network, the wavelengths are assigned to optical path based on their intrinsic physical performance and on the current network operating parameters. The wavelength performance information is organized in binning tables, based primarily on the wavelength reach capabilities. A network topology database provides the distance between the nodes of the network, which is used to determine the length of the optical path. Other network operating parameters needed for wavelength selection are also available in this database. Once a bin corresponding to the path length is identified in the binning table, the wavelength for that path is selected based on length only, or based on the length and one or more additional parameters. The optical path performance is estimated for the selected wavelength, and the search continues if the estimated path performance is not satisfactory.

Abstract: A closure for closing over the opening of a bottle comprises a body attachable to the bottle and at least one projection that projects out from the body. An in-use underside surface of the projection has an ergonomic curvature whereby a user's finger F can be closely received against the underside surface in use. A plurality of discrete apertures extend through the one or more projections and are located around the closure. Alternatively, the one or more projections with optional discrete apertures are located to projects out from the bottle.

Abstract: The routing cycles method establishes a connection between a source network node and a destination network node based on a cycles graph. For each connection request, the network identifies ‘k’ valid solution cycles on the cycles graph, taking into account any constraints imposed by the type of routing requested. Each valid solution cycle is then split into a pair of routes, which are validated against explicit constraints received with the request, if any. The performance of each pair is then estimated and the pairs are ordered in a list based on their performance. The pair ordering is carried out based on the cost of the routes and on the chance of a successful set-up, which is given by an estimated Q factor. The network attempts to set up the connection according to the class of service for the respective request, first along the best route(s) from the list. Failing this, it will try the second best route(s), etc.

Abstract: A connection between a source node and a destination node is automatically routed and switched in a WDM photonic network, on receipt of a connection request. A switching and routing mechanism selects a plurality of valid link paths using a path tree, where invalid branches are eliminated based on constraints received in the connection request, and on a link and path cost functions. A regenerator placement tree is used for determining a plurality of viable regenerator paths for each valid link path. On the regenerator placement tree, non-viable branches are eliminated based on constraints received with the request and on regenerator availability at the intermediate nodes along the respective path, and on the specification of these available regenerators. Next, the switching and routing mechanism assigns a set of wavelengths to each viable regenerator path, and estimates the performance of the path using a Q estimator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for at least one of stiffening a rotor blade of a gas turbine engine and raising a natural vibration frequency of the blade. The blade has a recess extending radially and inwardly into the blade. A reinforcing element is provided in the recess at a selected position to thereby allow a large blade chord at the tip end of the blade.

Abstract: A connection between a source node and a destination node is automatically routed and switched in a WDM photonic network, on receipt of a connection request. A switching and routing mechanism selects a plurality of valid link paths using a path tree, where invalid branches are eliminated based on constraints received in the connection request, and on a link and path cost functions. A regenerator placement tree is used for determining a plurality of viable regenerator paths for each valid link path. On the regenerator placement tree, non-viable branches are eliminated based on constraints received with the request and on regenerator availability at the intermediate nodes along the respective path, and on the specification of these available regenerators. Next, the switching and routing mechanism assigns a set of wavelengths to each viable regenerator path, and estimates the performance of the path using a Q estimator.

Abstract: Noise problems in processing small images or large-granularity images are reduced by representing hand images as rotational vectors calculated using a real-valued centroid. The hand region is therefore sectored independently of pixel quantization. Color segmentation is used to identify hand-color regions, followed by region labelling to filter out noise regions based on region size. Principal component analysis is used to plot gesture models.

Abstract: A handle assembly, especially useful on power line trimmers, includes a fore arm rest or fore arm "contacting element" which retains the user's arm, a first handle positioned directly in line with a trough in said fore arm rest, and a second handle positioned to a side of the fore arm rest and first handle. In operation, the user's first hand and fore arm act in concert to direct the power tool, while the user's second hand acts to sweep the power tool from side to side, whereby the user's fore arm acts as a fulcrum at the fore arm rest of the handle assembly. By providing three points of contact with the user, the handle assembly allows the user to engage in a sweeping motion that is less strenuous and more easily controlled. In addition, the handle assembly provides better balancing of the power tool, and assists in maneuvering the power tool.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical device used to remove the head and anterior exoskeleton from the posterior exoskeleton and musculature of crustaceans belonging to the genus peneus, commonly called prawns or shrimp.The apparatus comprises a holding tank for storing crustaceans, means for transporting, gueueing up and selectively aligning individual animals; and gripping means selectively capable of gripping and removing the flexible anterior portion of the animal from its relatively tough meaty posterior.