Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and dynamic range of an optical fiber system. An optical fiber system (10) includes a laser(12) that produces a coherent light signal conveyed over an optical fiber (14) to a Mach-Zehnder modulator (16). An input signal modulates the coherent light, producing modulated side bands, which together with the carrier comprise a modulated light signal. The modulated light signal is filtered using an integrated optical filter (24) that substantially attenuates the carrier frequency, while passing light at the frequency of the modulated side bands. A detector (28) demodulates the filtered light with a substantially greater SNR than would otherwise have been possible. In one preferred form of the invention, the integrated optical filter comprises an imbalanced interferometer (40), and in another embodiment, tile interferometer produces imperfect nulls aligned with the carrier frequency.

Abstract: A portable hyperbaric chamber that allows a person to perform endurance exercise at barometric pressures of from 0 to 10 lbs/square inch greater than ambient. The chamber is portable, semi-spherical and inexpensively constructed of an essentially air-impermeable, flexible material. The chamber is used for endurance conditioning, to improve the athletic performance of people who live at altitudes above sea level.

Abstract: A composition and method for treating the surface of a metal structure adapted to be used for such purposes as a cornerbead and to have a cementitious material such as a joint compound applied to the surface thereto, the compound and composition and method resulting in the improvement of the adhesion between the surface of the metal structure and the cementitious compound applied thereto, which comprises preparing a composition such as that comprising a forming lubricant for processing the metal structure and a minor proportion of a polyfunctional aziridine incorporated therein. The presence of the aziridine enhances the adhesion properties between the surface of the metal and the cementitious compound even when less highly processed metals and less expensive compounds are utilized.