Abstract: A sequential mail sorting system for generating sort sequence codes, interpreting them for the sequential sorting of mail into a mail carrier walk sequence and providing for holdout mail types, which includes reading a sort plan text file for a selected postal delivery zone and determining the number of bins required in the sorting machine, selecting the carriers whose routes are located in such zone, generating sort sequence codes for sorting the mail in a sequential order, and generating sequence codes for holdouts and regular mail types and placing them into a sort plan binary file. The generating of sort sequence codes includes generating and interpreting sort sequence codes for holdout mail types to allow for sorting and removal of holdout mail from the mail sorting stream in the initial sorting pass of a multiple pass sequential mail sort. It also includes such a step which is performed in the final sorting pass.

Abstract: A laser system for use in medical, industrial, commercial or research applications in which the location and energy and power density of a nonvisible (e.g., infrared or ultraviolet) laser beam is defined by a plurality of visible beams. Collimating optics are used to direct both the nonvisible and visible beams on the target, such that when the visible beam is in focus on the target, the nonvisible beam has the optimum energy and power density. One implementation of the invention is a self-contained hand-held surgical laser that provides surgeons with the optimal laser beam parameters for laser tissue soldering.

Abstract: A traffic characterization system and method of use for executing a traffic characterization protocol over an ad hoc communications network. Conventional in-vehicle computers and conventional wireless local area network (LAN) transceivers host the traffic characterization system and the messages generated by the system. As a traffic jam occurs, the mobile units send out traffic characterization data in a sequence activated by the content of the messages and traffic characterization protocol of the present invention. All vehicles participating in the traffic characterization system and approaching the traffic jammed area receive the characterization data and have the opportunity to route around the jam.

Abstract: A method of inducing a fault within the boundary of an on-card reprogrammable logic device (RLD) by interactive injection of subtle candidate faults and comparison of expected error message from software diagnostics until all faults are tested. Upon completion of fault injection, the RLD is reprogrammed to its proper functional faultless state.

Abstract: A printed circuit board has two layers of printed circuit board dielectric material; a core made of ferromagnetic material between the two layers; and conductive leads on the opposite side of each dielectric layer from the core connected by via holes through both dielectric layers to form a conducting coil around the core. The conductive leads can form two separate coils around the core to form a transformer. A planar conducing sheet can be placed on or between one or more of the printed circuit board's dielectric layers to shield other circuitry on the printed circuit board from magnetic fields generated around the core. The core can be formed at least in part by electroless plating. Electroplating can be used to add a thicker layer of less conductive ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a miniature lighting system which is durable, inexpensive and yet versatile. The lighting system has a light source and electrical component assembly located within a housing. The electrical component assembly is surrounded by a sealant in order to prevent any water or moisture from reaching the electrical connections and to permanently seal and unitize the circuitry with the housing. The housing is shaped so as to surround and protect the light source without allowing the sealant to reach or coat the light source.

Abstract: A system and method reorients flat articles in a serial stream, by receiving a horizontally moving, serial input stream of substantially vertically oriented flat articles each having a downwardly oriented primary edge, laterally diverting the flat articles in the serial input stream alternately between a pair of separate paths, impeding horizontal movement of each flat article in each separate path, accelerating each flat article with impeded horizontal movement in the direction of its primary edge, and delivering substantially horizontally oriented flat articles from each separate path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing a series of optical components and systems which effectively detect and locate electromagnetic imaging or detection systems or devices, such as cameras and passive infrared detectors. A light source is arranged in a specially-prescribed manner, and is used in conjunction with imaging optics to illuminate an area. Any electromagnetic imaging or detection system in the illuminated area is detected with either the user's eye directly, or with detection optics to determine the existence of such electromagnetic imaging or detection system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the adhesion of a diamond-like carbon (DLC) film to a substrate and for producing a strongly adhered DLC film on a substrate. The adhesion is enhanced by ion beam pre-processing of the substrate prior to DLC film formation.

Abstract: In order to conduct an electronic reverse auction, a computer system has a post means for posting product description information across a network, a bidding means for submitting a plurality of bids, proposals, and means for transmitting other information about goods and bidders. A means for evaluating the bids by a select criteria and a security means is also provided.

Abstract: The sequences for both the sigX-dependent autoregulatory promoter, PX, and the sig W-dependent autoregulatory promoter, PW, are described. The protein products controlled and expressed by the &sgr;X and &sgr;W holoenzymes are identified, indicating that these &sgr; factors affect responses to antimicrobial agents.

Abstract: Incorporating the use of a permanent magnet within a GCIB apparatus to separate undesirable monomer ions from a gas cluster ion beam to facilitate improved processing of workpieces. In an alternate embodiment, the effect of the permanent magnet may be controlled by the use of an electrical coil. The above system eliminates problems related to power consumption and heat generation.

Abstract: An optical interconnect system having a GRIN rod lens, the GRIN rod lens having a first end and a second end, and further having a preselected length, a preselected width and a preselected index of refraction. Means are fixedly secured to the first end of the GRIN rod lens for emitting electromagnetic radiation and means are fixedly secured to said second end of said GRIN rod lens for receiving the emitted electromagnetic radiation. The GRIN rod lens forms an image of the emitting means onto the receiving means and overcomes problems associated with misalignment.

Abstract: A desmodromic valve actuation system for opening and closing at least one valve of an engine having a cam assemblage and a driving mechanism for reciprocal movement operably connected to said cam assemblage. The cam assemblage includes a cam mechanism for rotational movement and the driving mechanism also being operably connected to the at least one valve of the engine to move the at least one valve between a valve closed position and a valve open position and between the open position and the closed position in a manner directly related to the rotational movement of the cam mechanism. In addition, a mechanism is provided for adjustably controlling the movement of the at least one valve in order to provide a variable amount of opening of the at least one valve in the open position. The opening and closing of the at least one valve takes place without the intervention of a spring action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed that provided for the successful and precise smoothing of conductive films on insulating films or substrates. The smoothing technique provides a smooth surface that is substantially free of scratches. By supplying a source of electrons, harmful charging of the films and damage to the films are avoided.

Abstract: A cascadable beamformer with the capability to cooperate with one or more cascadable beamformers to build a customized beamforming apparatus. The architecture supports a cascadable beamformer with a covariance estimate logic that supports cascading multiple devices together to support different numbers of input channels, a weighted sum logic that supports cascading multiple devices together to support different numbers of input channels, and a weighted sum logic that supports cascading multiple devices together to support different numbers of output beams.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the reduction of particulate material generation by workpiece handling components. Reduced levels of scratching, abrasion, wear and particulate generation are achieved by improved smoothing and flattening of the surface and, in a preferred embodiment, through the application of an ion beam assisted diamond-like-carbon film coating deposition.

Abstract: A non-rigid object holder unit for use in examination of an object, the unit having a base support, a member movably mounted with respect to the base support to accommodate various sized object. A removable resilient membrane is attached to the first member forming an inflatable component for holding the object to be examined between the inflatable component and the base support. A pressure system operably connected to the inflatable component for controllably inflating the inflatable component. A source of electromagnetic radiation optically associated with the base support and inflatable component for providing a beam of light to the object and an optical detecting system optically aligned with the source of electromagnetic radiation for receiving the electromagnetic radiation passing through and/or being backscattered from the object. In addition, both the base support and member containing the inflatable component are movable together to accommodate various sized patients.

Abstract: A dynamic variable geometry fitting system with fluid-filled bladders and automatically regulating their volumes to provide a continuously secure fit. This system can vary volume continuously to accommodate natural variation in an amputee's residuum. It makes reliable suction retention of a prosthesis easier for the prosthetist to achieve while reducing the potential for tissue lesions. By maintaining a continuous, secure fit, the amputee's sense of confidence and willingness to use the prosthesis increases.

Abstract: An audible warning system which reduces the number of land vehicle traffic accidents where there are already traffic control devices installed such as at stop signs, intersection control lights and on vehicles in conjunction with side lights, tail lights and brake lights. The accident reduction results from the monitoring of approaching traffic with a radar-type range sensing system. Sound generators, based on parametric-array technology, permit the focusing of sound into waves of a few degrees width and aiming them at a particular vehicle or pedestrian located at a particular range from the sound projector.