Abstract: An optical spectrum analyzer and methods for its use for multiplexing and demultiplexing. The optical spectrum analyzer includes two reflectors in a fixed spatial relationship to a volume phase grating. Input light is reflected by the first reflector to the volume phase grating, diffracted by the volume phase grating towards the second reflector along a first optical path, reflected back to the volume phase grating by the second reflector along a second optical path distinct from the first optical path, diffracted again by the volume phase grating towards the first reflector, and reflected out of the optical spectrum analyzer by the first reflector. Preferably, the reflectors are surfaces of transparent blocks that are optically coupled to the volume phase grating. The reflectors are arranged so that light of a plurality of equally spaced wavelengths, that is input to the optical spectrum analyzer at a single entry point, is demultiplexed to a corresponding plurality of equally spaced exit points.

Abstract: A method for strengthening coordination between a person's hand muscles and muscles of the lower part of a person's body. The method comprises (a) the person jumping into the air while holding a hanging article; and (b) placing while in the air the hanging article on an elevated, substantially horizontal flexible support, so that the hanging article is retained on the support after the person releases the article from his hold. The support is positioned above the extended height of the person. Also disclosed is an exercise system for strengthening coordination between a person's hand muscles and muscles of the lower part of a person's body comprising (a) an elevated substantially horizontal flexible support; and (b) a hanging article, wherein the support is positioned above the extended height of the person.

Abstract: The invention relates to chimeric plasmids comprising at least one non-sttural potyvirus gene or fragment thereof, which gene is capable of being expressed in a plant transformed with the chimeric plasmid, the thus transformed plant being resistant to an infection by a plant potyvirus. The invention also relates to vectors comprising a chimeric plasmid according to the invention, particularly microorganisms transformed with the chimeric plasmids of the invention.Potyvirus-resistant plants having cells containing in their genomes the chimeric DNA sequences according to the invention, as well as seeds and cells of a potyvirus-resistant plant containing in their genome the said chimeric DNA sequences are also described and claimed, as well as methods of protecting plants against potyvirus infection wherein genomes of cells of the plant are provided with a chimeric DNA sequence according to the invention, whereby the calls become resistant to an infection by a potyvirus.

Abstract: A system for remote near infra red (NIR) spectral analysis of hydrocarbons using telecommunication optical fibers for real-time on-line transmission of NIR spectral information from an examined hydrocarbon sample to a remote analyzer comprising (a) a light source for generating near infra red radiation; (b) an optical probe head being at on-line contact with an analyzed hydrocarbon sample; (c) at least one telecommunication transmitting optical fiber for inputting the near infra red radiation into the optical probe head, such that the radiation passes at least once through the hydrocarbon sample, such that a spectrum of the sample is generated; (d) a detector for analyzing the spectrum, the detector and the light source being part of an analyzer; and (e) at least one telecommunication receiving optical fiber for receiving the radiation after the passing through the sample and inputting the radiation into the detector.

Abstract: An optical probe head for determining properties of the sample as a function of the depth of the sample, which is made up of a gradient index lens, at least one face of which is in contact with the sample, a number of transmitting optical fibers, preferably made up of a number of concentrically located sets, for inputting radiation into the gradient index lens in at least two optical locations, a mechanism for cycling the input radiation among the transmitting optical fibers, a receiving optical fiber, preferably centrally located, for receiving reflected radiation and a mechanism for processing the reflected radiation to obtain depth-related reflection information.

Abstract: An optical probe head for determining the index of refraction of a sample, which is made up of a gradient index lens in contact with the sample, a transmitting optical fiber for inputting radiation into said gradient index lens and a receiving optical fiber. The optical fibers and gradient index lens are aligned so that radiation from the transmitting optical fiber which is reflected from the interface of the gradient index lens and the sample is received by the receiving optical fiber. The probe can, with slight changes, also be used for determining the Raman or fluorescent spectra, for determining the absorption spectrum, and for determining the self-referencing transmission of a sample.

Abstract: A training device for training one player of a game, such as basketball, to closely follow another player of the game, comprises a body-worn member to be worn by the one player; a tether fixed at one end to the body-worn member; and a quickly attachable-detachable connector element carried at the opposite end of the tether for attachment to a mating connector element carried by another training device to be worn by another player.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of treating or preventing viral infections in plants wherein an animal interferon is applied to the plants.