Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a dispersion compensation module for compensating dispersion in a communications network. The dispersion compensation module includes dispersion compensating fiber having a dispersion coefficient that varies with wavelength. A thermal regulator adjusts the temperature of the dispersion compensating fiber to adjust the dispersion characteristic of the dispersion compensating fiber. Alternate embodiments of the invention include a communications system using the dispersion compensation module and a method for compensating dispersion.

Abstract: A repeater system for receiving a modulated input signal and for transmitting a modulated output signal comprising a clock oscillator for providing a repeater system clock, a demodulator for demodulating an input signal and a modulator for modulating the demodulated signal to obtain a modulated signal. The demodulator comprises a first mixer, a first controllable oscillator and a feedback circuit, the first controllable oscillator being controlled by a first control value such that the frequency of the demodulated signal approaches a desired value. The modulator comprises a second mixer and a second controllable oscillator, the second controllable oscillator being controlled by a second control value such that the modulated output signal has a predetermined output frequency. A controller derives the second control value.

Abstract: A water treatment device for purifying process water by filtration comprising a housing containing a filter media, having a bottom gravel bed and an upper silica bed, and a fluidizer for backwashing the filter media. Process water is tangentially introduced and caused to swirl in the housing above a filter media, before passing downwards through silica and gravel beds. The swirling increases the through capacity of the treatment device and reduces the amount of particles that would otherwise become imbedded in the filter media. Backwashing is accomplished by forcing fluid, through first and second components of the fluidizer, into the filter media. The first component is a channel formed in the manifold which provides backwash fluid to the bottom of the gravel bed. The second component provides backwash fluid at the gravel bed—silica bed interface by a series of radially spaced fluidizer arms.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing multi-dimensional tissue characterization images are described. By combining colorized MRI images composited from multiple gray tone MRI images, riffle stacks can be formed and combined to render multidimensional reconstruction of anatomical, physiological and pathological features. Biophysical parameters are therefore automatically segmented, characterized, tagged, mapped and otherwise labeled. In another embodiment, gray tone images are collected by acquiring orthogonally opposed pulse sequences, the images of which are color masked and uniquely rendered in three dimensions to obtain voxels in which the color is determined by the summative color masks applied to original gray tone pixels. This method can be embodied as specific applications designed for the brain, abdomen, breast, pelvis, musculoskeletal and other organs and biophysical systems to facilitate diagnosis, surgical planning and virtual exploration.

Abstract: The device for positioning a tool (1) in relation to a workpiece (6) controls drives (2, 3, 4) in relation to three spatial axes (x, y, z) through two cameras (10, 11), the first (1) of which takes an image essentially along a spatial axis (y), the other (11) being oriented essentially vertically with respect to a surface (8) of the workpiece.

Abstract: The medical regulating valve for adjusting the flow in an infusion or transfusion procedure has a housing (2), and a valve chamber (21) into which an inlet connecting piece and an outlet connecting piece (22, 23) open. A rotating piece has a cylindrical valve plug (41) which can be inserted in the valve chamber (21) to form a seal between the plug and the chamber. The valve plug, has, on its outer periphery, at least one groove (42, 43) opposite the connecting pieces (22, 23) connecting the connecting pieces with one another in terms of flow and having a cross-section changing in the peripheral direction. An insert (3) having the shape of an annular disc overlaps the valve chamber (21) and has, on its side facing the rotating piece (4), a number of markings (35, 36, 37) lying on concentric circles. Provided on the rotating piece (4) are a number of windows (45, 46, 47) which are offset with respect to each other in the peripheral and radial directions, each being opposite one of the markings (35, 36, 37).

Abstract: The invention is a method for producing a cast ceramic anode for metal oxide electrolytic reduction by feeding metallic iron and metallic nickel in solid form to an oxidizing reactor; melting and oxidizing the iron and nickel and forming molten nickel ferrite; mixing the molten nickel ferrite with dopant in a holding vessel such as ladle or tundish to increase electrical conductivity of the mixture, and casting the mixture into a mold to form a near net shape of the desired anode. Apparatus for carrying out the method, and the resulting product are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying solder balls to a substrate and for remelting the solder balls on soldering points of the substrate has a capillary for supplying a solder ball to the soldering points and for placing the solder ball at the free end of the capillary opposite the soldering point, a means for supplying heat to the solder ball to remelt it, and a pressing apparatus for holding down the substrate to prevent the substrate from being resilient when placing and remelting the solder ball.

Abstract: A metal backed printing blanket for mounting on a blanket cylinder that includes a gap, the printing blanket having a thin metal base plate with top and bottom surfaces and ends which include leading and trailing edges adapted for engaging the gap in the cylinder; a compressible, elastomeric printing blanket secured to the top surface of the base plate but not the ends and having an upper face adapted for contact transfer of ink to a printable substrate; and a specialized coating applied to the bottom surface to prevent deformation of the printing blanket and to prevent delamination of the printing blanket from a blanket cylinder. The method for making a metal backed printing blanket for mounting on such a cylinder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A laminated composite fabric material used for example in the manufacture of automobile air bags has at least one thermoplastic coating layer that is pressure laminated to a pre-treated fabric using an adhesive. The fabric, pre-treated with a curing agent such as an alkyl ether amine, resists penetration by the adhesive, resulting in a softer, more pliable composite fabric. The composite fabric also optionally includes a layer comprising a silicone polyurethane copolymer or acrylic cross-linked with a blocked isocyanate, which functions as a non-stick coating. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a laminated composite fabric.

Abstract: A mountable cylindrical printing blanket apparatus for use with an off-set printing press is provided. The printing blanket has an inner carrier sleeve layer; a printing blanket affixed to the sleeve with at least one compressible layer having a first porosity, at least one printing face layer, a gap extending axially along the mountable printing blanket and having between about 0.2 millimeters and about 2 millimeters in width and a depth substantially extending through at least one layer; and a compressible sealant therein in an amount sufficient to substantially fill the gap. The compressible sealant has a second porosity and a compressibility in both the radial and the tangential direction such that the compressible sealant has a compressibility greater than the compressibility of the compressible layer.

Abstract: A system for protecting a driver's cab of a commercial vehicle or mobile equipment having a driver's seat, including a driver-protection roof open laterally at least on one side, having front and rear members connected by cross-members, and having an ellipsoidal bar-type frame comprising a top ellipse bar and a bottom ellipse bar.

Abstract: A printing blanket is constructed by electrostatically spraying one or more solvated elastomers onto a sleeve structure. A printing blanket can therefore having a sleeve and at least one layer, said layer comprising first and second compositions that are distinct from one another, wherein the boundary between the compositions is a gradient extending at least 0.002 inches. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of electrostatically spraying elastomeric material onto printing blankets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a digital image on photographic paper and subsequent correction of color. The method and apparatus provides a digital image printer that is capable of rapidly producing digital images on photographic paper having good clarity and sharpness and correct color content. Further, the method and apparatus provides a digital image printer having a controllable lamp house that is easily removable and may be coupled with conventional photographic printers.