Abstract: Clamp device (10) for attaching scaffolding or the like apparatus to a large-girth structure (LDP). An elongated base (18) is positioned transversely across the girth. It carries stand-offs (22a, 22b) for spacing the base from the girth. Attachments (46a, 46b) for the scaffolding are at opposite ends of the base. Length-adjustable securement members (24a, 24b) are carried near opposite ends of the base. A flexible elongated girth-encircling member (44), such as a high-strength chain, is extended around the girth, with length adequate for connection to the second securement members which are selectively adjustable in length from the base to cinch the girth-encircling member into tensile condition securely gripping to the girth by tightening adjustment. These adjustable members swing relative to the base so that during their tightening, portions of the length of the girth-encircling member become tangent to points on the girth.

Abstract: A method of providing a number approximating a total number of ink drops fired by an imaging device, including the steps of incrementing a COUNT variable associated with a color of ink if an ink drop of that color is fired by a printhead in the imaging device, evaluating the value of the COUNT variable and incrementing a TOTAL INK CONSUMED variable associated with the color, dependent upon the evaluating step.

Abstract: A method of providing a number approximating a total number of ink drops fired by an imaging device, including the steps of incrementing a COUNT variable associated with a color of ink if an ink drop of that color is fired by a printhead in the imaging device, evaluating the value of the COUNT variable and incrementing a TOTAL INK CONSUMED variable associated with the color, dependent upon the evaluating step.

Abstract: A method for determining a printhead misalignment of a printer. One step includes printing a printhead alignment test pattern including spaced-apart images at least partially aligned substantially along a printhead scan axis. A sensor is moved along the printhead scan axis at a known speed over the plurality of images. Sampled data points are obtained from the sensor at a known sampling rate. Another step includes determining the locations along the printhead scan axis of the edges of the images using the sampled data points, the known speed of the sensor, and the known sampling rate. An additional step includes calculating the printhead misalignment from the determined locations of the edges of the images.

Abstract: A method for determining a printhead misalignment of a printer. One step includes printing a printhead alignment test pattern including spaced-apart images at least partially aligned substantially along a printhead scan axis. A sensor is moved along the printhead scan axis at a known speed over the plurality of images. Sampled data points are obtained from the sensor at a known sampling rate. Another step includes determining the locations along the printhead scan axis of the edges of the images using the sampled data points, the known speed of the sensor, and the known sampling rate. An additional step includes calculating the printhead misalignment from the determined locations of the edges of the images.

Abstract: Improved techniques for manipulation and management of fiber optic light. An improved fiber optic probe assembly for low light spectrographic analysis improves response to subtle light-matter interactions of high analytical importance and reduces sensitivity to otherwise dominant effects. This is accomplished by adjusting the illumination and collection fields of view in order to optimize the probe's sensitivity. Light manipulation is applied internal to the fiber so that the probe's delivery pattern and field of view do not require external manipulation and are not adversely affected by investigated media. This allows the light delivery pattern or field of view or both to be aggressively steered off-axis to achieve significant increased performance levels. Aggressive beam steering is accomplished by employing internally reflective surfaces in the fiber. A reflective metal coating or low refractive index coatings or encapsulants can be used to ensure total internal reflection.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a computerize method of modeling a layout for a circuit design comprising receiving a plurality of circuit elements and receiving a plurality of design rules for a layout comprising the plurality of circuit elements. The computerized method further includes generating a layout model through computer automated operations wherein one or more constraints corresponding to the design rules effective at each point in a search space of the layout model are indicated by a color associated with the point.

Abstract: Manufacturing couplers for optical fibers having thin precision dimensions for precision alignment and low-loss coupling of optical fiber segments. The couplers can be formed by depositing material on a precision mandrel, removing the mandrel, and then further machining the couplers if necessary. Design variations include simple sleeves and sleeves having ends that are flanged outward so that the ends taper to the correct diameter.

Abstract: Fiber optic probe assemblies for monitoring light-matter interactions in a medium of interest. The distal end of the probe assemblies can be immersed in the medium for in-situ light delivery and collection. The probe assemblies are particularly useful for indwelling biomedical applications. Design variations include paired fiber configurations and center/ring fiber configurations.

Abstract: Improved techniques for manipulation and management of fiber optic light. An improved fiber optic probe assembly for low light spectrographic analysis improves response to subtle light-matter interactions of high analytical importance and reduces sensitivity to otherwise dominant effects. This is accomplished by adjusting the illumination and collection fields of view in order to optimize the probe's sensitivity. Light manipulation is applied internal to the fiber so that the probe's delivery pattern and field of view do not require external manipulation and are not adversely affected by investigated media. This allows the light delivery pattern or field of view or both to be aggressively steered off-axis to achieve significant increased performance levels. Aggressive beam steering is accomplished by employing internally reflective surfaces in the fiber. A reflective metal coating or low refractive index coatings or encapsulants can be used to ensure total internal reflection.

Abstract: Filtering of optical fibers and other related devices. High-energy methods for depositing thin films directly onto the ends of optical fibers can be used to produce high-quality, high-performance filters in quantity at a reasonable cost. These high-quality filters provide the high performance needed for many demanding applications and often eliminate the need for filters applied to wafers or expanded-beam filtering techniques. Having high-quality filters applied directly to optical fiber and faces permits production of high-performance, micro-sized devices that incorporate optical filters. Devices in which these filters may be used include spectroscopic applications including those using fiber optic probes, wavelength division multiplexing, telecommunications, general fiber optic sensor usage, photonic computing, photonic amplifiers, pump blocking and a variety of laser devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substantially rigid to semi-rigid, lightweight bodyboard, having a durable, slick outer skin on the lower surface, a conventional upper surface and a specially shaped lower surface for maximized speed, maneuverability, and performance. The lower surface of the bodyboard at the nose has a slightly rounded or elliptical shape that is almost a flat surface which changes to a shallow trimaran hull shape in the rear two thirds of the bodyboard. The shallow trimaran includes a center hull and two sidehulls each separated by a channel and is characterized by inverse sharp edged chines at the inside edges of the side hulls to provide grip, tracking and maneuverability. The shallow trimaran is also modified by edge skegs termed infins that end abruptly before the tail to provide the bodyboard incredible hold and eliminate slide out.

Abstract: Manufacturing couplers for optical fibers having thin precision dimensions for precision alignment and low-loss coupling of optical fiber segments are disclosed. The couplers can be formed by depositing material on a precision mandrel, removing the mandrel, and then further machining the couplers if necessary. Design variations include simple sleeves and sleeves having ends that are flanged outward so that the ends taper to the correct diameter.

Abstract: Manipulation and management of fiber optic light at the optical fiber level. Use of beam steering techniques on optical fibers that are part of fiber optic probes results in an improved fiber optic probe assembly for low light spectrographic analysis that exhibits improved response to subtle light-matter interactions of high analytical importance and reduced sensitivity to otherwise dominant effects. This is accomplished by adjusting the illumination and collection fields of view in order to optimize the probe's sensitivity. Light manipulation is applied at the optical fiber level so that the probe's delivery pattern and field of view do not require external manipulation and are not adversely affected by investigated media. This allows the light delivery pattern or field of view or both to be aggressively steered off-axis to achieve significantly increased performance levels. Aggressive beam steering is accomplished by employing internally reflective surfaces in the fiber.

Abstract: Improved techniques for manipulation and management of fiber optic light. An improved fiber optic probe assembly for low light spectrographic analysis improves response to subtle light-matter interactions of high analytical importance and reduces sensitivity to otherwise dominant effects. This is accomplished by adjusting the illumination and collection fields of view in order to optimize the probe's sensitivity. Light manipulation is applied internal to the fiber so that the probe's delivery pattern and field of view do not require external manipulation and are not adversely affected by investigated media. This allows the light delivery pattern or field of view or both to be aggressively steered off-axis to achieve significant increased performance levels. Aggressive beam steering is accomplished by employing internally reflective surfaces in the fiber. A reflective metal coating or low refractive index coatings or encapsulants can be used to ensure total internal reflection.

Abstract: A snowboard rider wears boots that fit into manually releasable bindings which are attached to the top surface of the snowboard, analogous to bindings on alpine skis. Generally, the snowboard bindings are aligned at approximately right angles to the longitudinal axis of the board, with one foot nearer to the front of the board, and the other foot nearer to the tail of the board. In a typical binding design, each boot is rigidly held in a fixed position with respect to the snowboard with no movement of the foot being possible absent corresponding movement of the snowboard. The snowboard binding described herein permits the rider to enjoy the flexibility of toe-to-heel movement, while providing for a simple method of restraining that method for terrains in which flexibility would be detrimental. Each binding consists of a footplate onto which the boot is strapped, a fulcrum attached to the bottom of the footplate, and a fulcrum receptacle mounted on top of the snowboard.

Abstract: The present invention is a ceramic matrix composite/organic matrix composite hybrid fire shield and the methods and processes for fabricating such a hybrid fire shield. The hybrid fire shield is comprised of an organic matrix composite substrate co-bonded with a cured-ceramic matrix composite layer made of a plurality of cured-ceramic matrix composite plies. First, the surface of the organic matrix composite is appropriately prepared to prevent delamination and enable proper bonding between the surface and the ceramic matrix composite layer. Second, the ceramic matrix composite layer is applied to the surface of the organic matrix composite. Next, the organic matrix composite with the applied ceramic matrix composite layer is processed to produce a co-bonded hybrid structure. The ceramic matrix composite layer is intended to be in direct contact with heat and flames. During impingement of the flames and heat, the cured-CMC layer pyrolyzes and converts from a polymeric to a ceramic composite material.

Abstract: An automated activity-based management system and method (10) for making thereof are provided. A business organization has costs associated with its employees, facilities, equipment, and overhead to produce products or provide services. Such a business organization typically generates traditional general ledger accounting information (152) and human resources information (150). This traditional accounting information (150, 152, 154) is used along with information directed to activities, equipment usage and facilities utilization to generate costs associated with activities performed by the organization. A computer workstation (40) with a graphical user interface (42) is used to accept entries of activity information (74). The activity information and traditional accounting information are fed to a relational database (12). The information is processed and costs associated with the employee, facilities, equipment, and overhead components (20, 22, 24, 26) of activities are computed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for emulating a circuit having at least one multiport RAM that requires at least two programmable device to be emulated. The multiport RAM has an array of storage elements, a read multiplexer, and a write multiplexer and is partitioned into a number of slices, each of which is capable of being programmed into one of an array of programmable devices. In one embodiment, each slice is another multiport RAM having the same depth, number of read ports, and number of write ports as the multiport RAM being emulated, but having a narrower width than the multiport RAM being emulated. In another embodiment, the multiport RAM is partitioned into read slices and write slices, which will typically be of different widths. The read slices comprise the read multiplexers. The write slices comprise the array of storage elements and the write multiplexers.

Abstract: An optimized multiplexer structure reduces the cost in emulation gates in an emulator test system. Extra encoding and decoding logic is added to form a selector with multiple separate subblocks so that the data flow subblock has a reduced input/output (I/O) control path. The circuit reduces the number of control bits from N bits to log.sub.2 N bits.