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: A method and an apparatus for monitoring a vehicle battery installed on a motor vehicle and indicating the condition of the battery is provided which does not require removal of the battery from the vehicle. Upon initial movement of the ignition key from off to on, open circuit voltage is measured and compared to an allowable range. If open circuit voltage is acceptable, the possibility that polarization is skewing the result is determined, and if the possibility is indicated, a load test is imposed on the engine. Results of testing are maintained as data records to provide updates of the comparison values used for subsequent tests.

Abstract: A lens generator device is provided with a dynamic electronic braking circuit for instantaneously interrupting operation of the lens generated under certain conditions to prevent injury to an operator. The lens generator includes a chamber structure having an access cover and having a power driven grinding tool therein. A photoelectric switch is mounted on the tailstock in confronting relation with the chamber structure cover and is operable when the cover is raised or when the tailstock is retracted to operate the dynamic braking circuit and instantaneously stop operation of the grinding tool.