Abstract: A switching core controller for controlling one or more Digital Cross-connect Systems (DCSs). A method for operating a switching core for pre-provisioning communication paths in anticipation of incoming calls. A method for routing a call to effect load balancing between mediation devices of a logical entity of at least two mediation devices.

Abstract: A disposable container for a pressurized fluid, comprises a fluid resistant bag, and a reinforcing network applied about the bag. A rigid drum structure preferably surrounds the bag. The container is useful for storing fluids to a pressure of around 6 bar and provides a disposable container for transporting beer.

Abstract: A moisture-responsive valve assembly includes a housing having a moisture-swellable body to swell in volume in response to soil moisture, and a bi-stable snap-action device for controlling the valve in response to the volume of the moisture-swellable body. The valve assembly further includes a damped delay mechanism effective to close the valve after it has been open for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A miniature sprinkler has a fixed vertically extending nozzle in communication with a supply pipe and includes a flow diverter having an axially extending inlet in register with the nozzle outlet. The diverter is rotatably mounted by an axially extending shaft loosely retained in a bushing at the top of the nozzle. The diverter inlcudes a the side outlet and an open arcuate channel between the inlet and side outlet from which the water is emitted in the form of a jet. The drive apparatus includes at least one blade affixed adjacent the periphery of the flow diverter and at least partially aligned with the diverter outlet so that at least part of the flow from the diverter outlet impinges on the blade to cause the rotation of the diverter. The blade is being shaped such as to change the direction of the flow of water impinging thereupon. The diverter is axially movable relative to the nozzle to close the outlets and the nozzle in the absence of water flowing through the nozzle.

Abstract: A miniature sprinkler has a fixed, vertically extending nozzle having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being for communication with a supply pipe. A flow diverter has an axially extending inlet in register with the outlet of the nozzle, the diverter including bearing apparatus for rotatably engaging the nozzle to rotatably mount the diverter at the top of the nozzle. The inlet in the diverter merges into at least one side outlet which extends generally horizontally and from which the water is emitted in the form of a jet, and a drive apparatus is coupled to the diverter in such a position that at least part of the flow from the diverter outlet impinges on the driver apparatus to cause the rotation of the diverter, the drive apparatus including a turbine slideably and rotatably mounted above the diverter for impingement thereon of the flow to cause rapid rotation of the turbine with a sliding motion.

Abstract: A sprinkler comprising a spray nozzle adapted to be connected to a water supply pipe and having an axially extending jet outlet opposite which a flow distributor head is mounted coaxial with and rotatable relative to the nozzle, the distributor head having limited vertical movement and being provided with a flow divider in its central region facing the spray nozzle from which flow divider at least two outflow passages extend outwardly, a deflector wall at an angle to each outflow passage being provided at the exit of each of the outflow passages, the wall, when the flow impinges thereon, causing the rotation of the head, the flow divider includes a part on both sides of an imaginary plane which divides and is parallel to those parts of the outflow passages which lie in the region of the axis of the distributor head, the part of the divider on each side of the plane being more remote from the deflector wall of one outflow passage at the exit than the axis of the head and being oriented to force the flow toward