Abstract: A glass planar waveguide structure, typically on a glass wafer or chip, has a core region, a contiguous narrow cladding region encompassing the core region, and an outer region practically extending over the rest of the wafer. The core region and the outer region are implanted with outside ions by ion diffusion, whereby the refractive index of the core and of the outer region are similar. The outer region forms an artificial waveguide to enhance the uniformity of physical properties of the wafer, e.g. stress, and reduce birefringence of the core.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a fault tolerant distributed computing framework. The fault tolerant system of the present invention provides inter-operability to applications and objects that operate in an existing distributed computing framework. The fault tolerant system includes a first layer including an application proxy operable to communicate with the applications as if the applications were communicating through the existing distributed computing framework and an object stub operable to communicate with the objects as if the objects were communicating through the existing distributed computing framework. The fault tolerant system further includes a second layer that includes a fault detection mechanism communicating through the first layer to determine whether any one of a plurality of objects has experienced a failure. The fault tolerant system further includes a fault recovery mechanism for recovering from the failure detected by the fault detection mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for attachment to drinking vessels, such as baby bottles, which is designed to absorb excess liquid beverage which is rejected by the drinker of such beverage (e.g. “spit up” by a baby) or spilled or dripped from the drinking vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting optical sights or other weapon accessories which locates the weapon accessories (e.g. optical sights, laser range finders, night scopes, etc.) at a reduced distance relative to the position of the barrel of a weapon.

Abstract: The system for broadband data payload conversion functions to efficiently convert broadband data between two sets of data formats. In particular, this software system converts between AUG/AU3/VC3 clear channel payloads and AU4/VC4/TU3/VC3 clear channel payloads in an efficient manner, which also complies with the industry standard data formatting requirements. The present system implements an efficient data format conversion process that uses existing circuitry and can effect the data format conversion with only a few bytes of delay instead of an entire frame of delay as is typically found in existing systems. This is accomplished by manipulating the format conversion to simplify the format conversion process.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a rolled fabric across the width of at least two longitudinal structural supports. In some embodiments, apparatus which is capable of forming a fall protection system which conforms to OSHA standards when constructing metal insulated roof systems.

Abstract: A carburetor spacer for installation between a carburetor and an intake manifold which effects increased horsepower in engine operation. More specifically, this invention relates to a carburetor spacer having a particular shape such that improved air/fuel flow to the intake manifold is achieved.

Abstract: Device for controlling a clutch, which is connected to an actuator, which can activate the clutch itself; the control device comprises a position sensor, which can detect the position of the clutch, in order to supply a measuring position signal to a main control device, which receives as input information signals, and generates as output a control signal to control the actuator, a monitoring circuit, which can detect a state of malfunctioning of the position sensor, in order to supply a malfunctioning signal, and an auxiliary control device, which can be activated in the presence of a malfunctioning signal, in order to transfer control of the actuator from the main control device to the auxiliary control device.

Abstract: An improved design of beam splitting device is described that is formed by cutting a birefringent material to predetermined dimensions. The beam splitting device resolves input light into mutually orthogonal linearly polarised beams. The mutually orthogonal linearly polarised beams propagate on either side of an axis as defined by the propagation axis of the input light. Such beam splitting devices lends themselves to a reduction in the overall dimensions of an optical system. In particular an optical circulator is described that employs such beam splitting devices so as to allow the transfer of light from a first optical port to a second optical port, and from the second port to a third. Not only does the employment of such beam splitting devices significantly reducing the dimensions of the optical system it also renders the device simpler to align.

Abstract: A sheet of glass having impressed therein a grid pattern which simulates a stacked series of glass blocks joined by mortar at their joints, in which the grid pattern is confined to certain tolerances so that the sheet is temperable and at the same time creates the desired glass block appearance.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing underground pipe. The apparatus has a fracturing or cutting element to fracture or cut underground pipe as it is drawn through the underground pipe. The apparatus additionally has an expanding element to expand the cavity of the underground pipe and a pipe guide to guide replacement pipe into the cavity of the underground pipe. The apparatus incorporates a longitudinal bore running the length thereof. A pulling line is passed through the longitudinal bore and connected to a block. The pulling line and block are operative to draw the apparatus through the underground pipe. A retaining line is connected to the block and trails the apparatus through the underground pipe. The retaining line permits retrieval of the apparatus in the event of an obstruction of the underground pipe. In addition, a plate connected to the retaining line is used to push replacement pipe into the cavity of the underground pipe behind the apparatus.

Abstract: Bi-directional wavelength interleaving optical isolators provide the ability to pass a first set of optical signals (e.g., ITU even channels) from a first port to a second port, while preventing a second set of optical signals from passing thereto. The bi-directional wavelength interleaving optical isolators also pass the second set of optical signals (e.g., ITU odd channels) from the second port to the first port, while preventing the first set of optical signals from passing thereto. Thus, the bi-directional wavelength interleaving optical isolator can provide bi-directional communications by passing a first set of signals in a first direction and a second set of signals in a second direction.

Abstract: A scaleable bandwidth interconnect (SBI) for interconnection of physical layer devices with link layer devices which includes an ADD BUS interface operative to receive data from one of the link layer devices and direct it to one of the physical layer devices and a DROP BUS interface operative to receive data from one of the physical layer devices and direct it to one of the link layer devices. By utilizing buses to access each of the physical layer devices and the link layer devices permits interfacing between a high density of physical layer devices and a high density of link layer devices.

Abstract: A method of installing a valve seal at the base of a valve stem of an automotive internal combustion engine is disclosed. A two-piece tool consisting of first and second tool parts is employed for carrying out the method. The first tool part is used to push upon the valve seal while the second tool part is engaged over the free end of the valve stem and guides the movement of the first tool part as it pushes upon the valve seal. The method employs a coaxial assembly to keep square the pushing upon the valve seal by the first tool part consisting both of the slidable engagement between the two tool parts and of the fixed engagement between the second tool part and the valve stem.

Abstract: A transmitter pre-driver utilizing discrete-time charge sharing between multiple capacitors to create intermediate voltages. The intermediate voltages are fed into an output driver to produce Class AB and Class A output current flow.

Abstract: A dual acting underbody truck bed hoist is provided which exhibits increased lifting efficiency and safety. The hoist, in some embodiments, further includes an alignment of its various pivots and booster arm so as to maximize the height achieved during initial lifting to the breakaway point with the dump bed.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting baitfish employing a non-symmetrically arcuate biasing member for angularly articulating a baitfish against a plurality of blade surfaces. In certain embodiments, apparatus having an improved lever arm with increased mechanical advantage.

Abstract: A planar optical attenuator designed as a MEMS structure has a mirror opposite an input and an output waveguide, and a TAB actuator for lateral displacement of the mirror relative to the input port and/or output port. The effective reflectivity of the mirror is variable as a function of the lateral location on the mirror. The optical attenuation is varied by varying the location on the mirror at which the optical beam is reflected.

Abstract: A tool for replacing pipe, in which the existing underground pipe is fractured or cut into fragments, which are forced inward so that they pass through the tool. The tool has breaking members that extend radially outwards and backwards from a nose such that, when the tool is pulled through an existing underground pipe, the breaking members are forced against the inside of the existing underground pipe, thereby breaking it. The fragments are forced inwards by the leading edge of the cylindrical base of the tool and pass through a bore in the cylindrical base. In this way the replacement of existing underground pipe is made possible without expanding the cavity of the existing underground pipe. The tool may additionally include a pipe guide for guiding replacement pipe into place behind the tool as the tool is pulled through the existing underground pipe. The fragments pass through the pipe guide and into the replacement pipe.

Abstract: A mixed mode transceiver digital control network system is disclosed as including at least two nodes/transceivers connected with a DC power source and a cored inductor via a bus, in which each transceiver includes a current mode transmitter and a voltage mode receiver. A bi-directional voltage clamp is connected in parallel to the cored inductor. Electric current from the DC power source flows through the cored inductor and the bi-directional clamp into the bus. By reason of the flow of the electric current through the voltage clamp, a electric voltage pulse is generated and transmitted into the bus. The electric voltage pulse so transmitted into the bus is received by the voltage mode receiver and subsequently inputted into a micro-controller or processor of the node. There is also disclosed a method of setting one of a plurality of priority levels to each node forming the system, so that a node to which a higher priority level has a higher chance of transmitting its data packets.