Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing ultrashort optical pulses are described. A high-power, solid-state, passively mode-locked laser can be manufactured in a compact module that can be incorporated into a portable instrument. The mode-locked laser can produce sub-50-ps optical pulses at a repetition rates between 200 MHz and 50 MHz, rates suitable for massively parallel data-acquisition. The optical pulses can be used to generate a reference clock signal for synchronizing data-acquisition and signal-processing electronics of the portable instrument.

Abstract: An improved table look-up method for dynamic control applications, wherein a previous index value is used as a starting point for quickly and efficiently identifying the independent variable values that bracket the input value. At each table look-up request, the input is compared to the independent variable value associated with the last index value from the previous look-up request, and the index is then incremented or decremented from that point to identify the pair of independent variable data points that bracket the input value. In most dynamic control applications, the table is used to update the dependent variable at a fast rate relative to the rate of change of the input value, and the subject look-up method provides a significant speed improvement.

Abstract: An improved bicycle rack which is affixed to a square trailer hitch channel affixed to the rear of a motor vehicle. The bicycle rack has a channel for holding the bicycle rear wheel and a pair of threaded studs for holding the front fork of the bicycle. A pair of yokes hold the bicycle front wheel and the assembly is supported on a support bar which has a clamp assembly thereon. The trailer hitch has a square supported channel, removably held to the hitch channel affixed to the rear of the automobile. At least one clamp assembly is affixed to the support bar and one or more support bars with associated bicycle holding assemblies may be affixed to the square supported channel of the trailer hitch wherein up to four bicycles can be held at one time on the rack. The number may be reduced as desired so that there is no unnecessary weight or drag caused by an empty bicycle support assembly.