Abstract: A method halts transmission and/or reception of a desired signal on a channel in a communication network and samples an analog metric versus time on the channel at a predetermined sample rate. Successively sampled sets of data are stored first to a one dimensional array, each of which set is then stored to a two-dimensional array. The two dimensional array is analyzed in the time domain to determine the presence of impulse noise. Analog parameters represented by values contained in the samples can be analyzed to determine where, with respect to time, impulse noise occurs, and what is the amplitude of the impulse noise as well as AWGN.

Abstract: A method and system for synchronization of detection loops in a multilane environment. A plurality of loop sensors are arranged in a plurality of lanes such that loop sensors in adjacent lanes are mutually contiguous. A simultaneous synchronization signal is sent to each of the plurality of loop detector controllers, where each loop detector controller is in communication with a loop sensor. The signal causes a scheduling of sampling periods for each loop sensor, such that the sampling period of each loop sensor does not overlap with that of a contiguous loop in an adjacent lane.

Abstract: A Cable Access Module is periodically monitored to detect lock-up condition on an upstream channel. Traffic activity on an upstream channel of the CAM is compared to predetermined criteria to determine lock-up. If CMs are detected being coupled to the CAM, a PING message is sent to a group of CMs. If the PING is not acknowledged, a round robin counter is used to cycle through modems sending PINGs thereto. If no PINGs are acknowledged, the CAM is deemed satisfactory if upstream bytes over the upstream channel are detected. If not, an escalating maintenance subroutine implements corrective action of increasing magnitude during based on a recovery count variable that increments with each successive pass before returning to the monitor period parent routine. If CMs were detected as coupled to the CAM, but some data has been passed over the upstream channel being evaluated, the escalating maintenance subroutine is invoked.

Abstract: An intelligent vehicle identification system that uses inductive loop technology to profile and classify a vehicle. In a tolling industry application, classification of the vehicle is made prior to the vehicle arriving at a payment point in a toll lane in which the vehicle travels. A predetermined fare associated with the classification is then solicited from an operator of the vehicle without efforts from a toll attendant. In a preferred embodiment, the system also includes an intelligent queue loop that verifies the vehicle at the payment point to prevent misclassification due to a second vehicle, e.g., a motorcycle, that changes from a different lane to the toll lane in question.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic loop having a footprint characterized by a continuous wire shaped in a serpentine manner to form multiple contiguous polygons within the footprint for detection of moving vehicles. The footprint can be one of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, an ellipse, or a circle. Similarly, each of the multiple contiguous polygons can be one of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram. Different design configurations for the ferromagnetic loop and methods for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic loop having a footprint characterized by a continuous wire shaped in a serpentine manner to form multiple contiguous polygons within the footprint for detection of moving vehicles. The footprint can be one of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, an ellipse, or a circle. Similarly, each of the multiple contiguous polygons can be one of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram. Different design configurations for the ferromagnetic loop and methods for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic loop having a footprint characterized by a continuous wire shaped in a serpentine manner to form multiple contiguous polygons within the footprint for detection of moving vehicles. The footprint can be one of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, an ellipse, or a circle. Similarly, each of the multiple contiguous polygons can be one of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram. Different design configuration for the ferromagnetic loop and methods for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic loop having a footprint characterized by a continuous wire shaped in a serpentine manner to form multiple contiguous polygons within the footprint for detection of moving vehicles. The footprint can be one of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, an ellipse, or a circle. Similarly, each of the multiple contiguous polygons can be one of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram. Different design configurations for the ferromagnetic loop and methods for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A ferromagnetic loop having a footprint characterized by a continuous wire shaped in a serpentine manner to form multiple contiguous polygons within the footprint for detection of moving vehicles. The footprint can be one of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, an ellipse, or a circle. Similarly, each of the multiple contiguous polygons can be one of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram. Different design configuration for the ferromagnetic loop and methods for making and using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A directional coupler sensor is provided for measuring the moisture content of a substrate, such as hair. The sensor incorporates a high frequency directional coupler having a pair of generally parallel plates defining a coupling gap therebetween. A high frequency signal generator generates an electromagnetic field across the gap with the substrate placed across the coupling gap. The coupled power relates to the moisture content of the substrate. A pressure sensor is provided to ensure that the desired compactness of the substrate across the coupling gap is achieved to obtain accurate, reliable and consistent results.

Abstract: A device is provided for the measurement of the moisture content of a substrate. The device utilizes a high-Q LC circuit having a resonant frequency. The LC circuit utilizes a high-Q inductor and a capacitor. The device also utilizes a high frequency signal generator, operable to couple power to the capacitor, electrically coupled to the LC circuit and a fiber matrix modification unit. The resonant frequency of the LC circuit is changeable in response to the moisture content of the substrate placed within the fiber matrix modification unit and proximate to the capacitor.

Abstract: An automatic coin machine having a redundant coin processing system with at least two coin processing mechanisms. The first or the active coin processing mechanism is initially set up to receive coins from a coin diverter which is in communication with a coin collection device. While the active coin processing mechanism is processing the coins received from the coin diverter, the inactive or the second coin processing mechanism can be serviced without affecting operation of the active coin processing mechanism. When the first coin processing mechanism becomes disabled, in need of service, or is otherwise idle, the coin diverter is switched from the first coin processing mechanism to the second coin processing mechanism, thus making the first coin processing mechanism inactive, and at the same time, making the second processing mechanism active.

Abstract: A directional coupler sensor is provided for measuring the moisture content of a substrate, such as hair. The sensor incorporates a high frequency directional coupler having a pair of generally parallel plates defining a coupling gap therebetween. A high frequency signal generator generates an electromagnetic field across the gap with the substrate placed across the coupling gap. The coupled power relates to the moisture content of the substrate. A pressure sensor is provided to ensure that the desired compactness of the substrate across the coupling gap is achieved to obtain accurate, reliable and consistent results.

Abstract: A torque head for gripping tubular members, in at least some aspects, has a housing, grip mechanism secured within the housing, the grip mechanism for selectively gripping a tubular member, the grip mechanism including at least one jaw selectively movable toward and away from a portion of a tubular member within the housing, the at least one jaw having mounted thereon slip apparatus for engaging the portion of the tubular member, the slip apparatus including die apparatus movably mounted to the at least one jaw, the die apparatus movable with respect to the at least one jaw so that relative movement of the tubular with respect to the torque head is possible to the extent that the die apparatus is movable.

Abstract: A hand held massaging device comprised of a first and second handle, a cord perminantly fixed to the first handle and slidably fixed to the second handle. A resilient rubber ball having a hole axially through the center allowing the ball to be mounted on the cord between the two handles. Each handle and the ball have ball bearings where the cord passes through so that the ball can roll easily over the body part being massaged. A pair of snug fitting O rings hold the ball in place but the ball can be moved by rolling the O rings to a new position along the cord. A retaining ring assembly located on the cord just outside the slidable handle acts to retain the slidable handle in the desired position along the cord. In this way a user can space the handles and ball to the ideal location and can hold onto the handles and roll the massage ball over the desired body part in an easy way.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided involving at least one chamber, at least one capillary, and at least one reagent involved in a system providing for a detectable signal. As appropriate, the devices provide for measuring a sample, mixing the sample with reagents, defining a flow path, and reading the result. Of particular interest is the use of combinations of specific binding pair members which result in agglutination information, where the resulting agglutination particles may provide for changes in flow rate, light patterns of a flowing medium, or light absorption or scattering. A fabrication technique particularly suited for forming internal chambers in plastic devices is also described along with various control devices for use with the device.